最新美国发明专利第2012-09-11期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08263027B2	Apparatus, systems and methods for the production of hydrogen Apparatus and methods for the production of hydrogen using a reformer including a housing, a first plate having a first plurality of fin structures and a second plate having a second plurality of fin structures assembled such that the first plurality of fin structures is interleaved with the second plurality of fin structures. At least one inlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one outlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The fin structures may be coated with a catalytic material to enhance or stimulate reactions taking place within the apparatus. A heat exchange device may also be integrated into one or both plates of the reformer.
US08263025B2	Flow cell Ends (134a-1) of projections (134a) do not contact a first substrate (11), forming a gap between the ends (134a-1) and the first substrate (11). The internal capacity of a suction pump (17) can be increased by an amount by which the projections (134a) are shortened, compared to a conventional structure in which pillars are formed to connect the ceiling and bottom of the cavity of a capillary pump. The capacity of the suction pump (17) can be increased without enlarging the planar shape. Further, the ends (134a-1) of the projections (134a) do not contact the first substrate (11), forming a gap between them. An impurity can pass through the gap, and clogging of the inside of the suction pump (17) with the impurity can be prevented, realizing a stable operation.
US08263024B2	Analytical cartridge with fluid flow control Analytical cartridges, systems and methods of processing a sample for analysis using capillary flows. Vertical gradient sample filtration provides filtrate to an incubation chamber for a time controlled by a flow modulator at the outlet of the incubation chamber. The flow modulator can include a serpentine capillary flow path without side walls. Incubated filtrate can flow from the incubation chamber to a detection channel after a predetermined time. The detection chamber can include one or more analytical regions in a porous substrate for detection of two or more analytes on the same cartridge from the same sample.
US08263022B2	Microfluidic detection of analytes An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.
US08263019B2	Analysis device with exchangeable test element magazine A measurement system is provided which comprises an analysis device with at least one of a measurement function and a sample collection function, and also at least one magazine configured to receive at least one consumer element therein. The magazine comprises a magazine housing having a pair of openings. The magazine is designed as an exchangeable magazine that can be selectively operatively connected to the analysis device. The analysis device further comprises a closure mechanism having at least one sealing element which is designed to convey at least one consumer element from one of the openings. The sealing element is further configured to sealingly close the openings of the magazine when the sealing element is disposed therein.
US08263018B2	Environment sensor and conjugated polyene for manufacturing environment sensors The present invention relates to devices for detecting the presence or absence of a target molecule or substance, compounds which may be employed in such devices and methods of using such compounds. In some embodiments, the compounds are conjugated polyenes.
US08263006B2	Reactor with upper and lower manifold structures A reactor is provided comprising a reactor substrate and upper and lower manifold structures. The upper manifold structure and the lower manifold structure each comprise at least one flow directing cavity that reverses a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the relatively short open-ended channels of the substrate between the upper and lower manifold structures. The flow directing cavities of the upper and lower manifold structures are configured to direct fluid from the inlet region of the upper manifold structure to the outlet region of the lower manifold structure in an additional serpentine path defined by the flow direction reversals introduced by the upper and lower manifold structures. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08263001B2	Integrated bio-chip, method of fabricating the integrated bio-chip, and apparatus for detecting bio-material An integrated bio-chip includes a substrate and one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides disposed in the substrate. The substrate includes one or more reaction regions on which samples are disposed. An end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at an upper surface thereof, another end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at a lower surface thereof, and the one or more reaction regions are disposed at a upper surface of the substrate. The one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides absorbs excitation light incident to the samples, and transmits fluorescent light emitted from the samples.
US08262999B2	Process for putting into operation and for operating a measuring device Tempering of sample (58) in test strip (37) is carried out by temperature regulating unit (40) and heating/cooling unit (92). The sample is fed to the test strip by a developer fluid (57) and a metering unit (55). The result of the detection reaction becomes visible by a change in color (36), which is detected optically and analyzed. The data of a control chart (52) with the measured values of first and second temperature sensors (41, 42) are used to set the control parameters for tempering. Code (86) on the test sample holder (35) is read in a sequence of steps. Parameters for phases of the measurement are determined from measured values of first and second temperature sensors, values of the control chart and the code of the test sample holder. These parameters are used by the temperature regulating unit during the measurement.
US08262996B2	Small volume in vitro sensor and methods of making A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08262991B2	Apparatus for analysing fluid taken from a body The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for analysing fluid taken from a body, and more in particularly for analysing body fluids from mammals. The analysis apparatus is coupled to a dairy system for milking of cows, wherein it may be useful to analyse the status of the milk. The apparatus is preferably located as early as possible in the production chain in order to obtain results as close as possible to the cows. Hence the environment in which the apparatus is to be used may be harsh towards internal apparatus modules or consumables, therefore the apparatus is isolated and the internal environment is conditioned regarding humidity, temperature as well as the amount of ammonium. Furthermore the steps for analysing milk is automated inside the apparatus in order to avoid influence from the external environment.
US08262987B2	Sterilizing method and sterilizing apparatus for retorted products A sterilizing apparatus for retorted products is provided, which can transfer the retorted products unidirectionally to and from a retort and which can heat and sterilize the retorted products homogeneously for a short time, while sliding a carriage carrying the retorted products reciprocally in the retort. The rotating motions of a rotating drive source (16) disposed on the outside portion of the retort (3) are transmitted through a shaft sealing mechanism (13) to a cam mechanism in the retort, and are converted into reciprocal motions by the cam mechanism and transmitted to the carriage (7) carrying the retorted products (4), so that the retorted products can be heated and sterilized while the carriage (7) being slid forward and backward or rightward and leftward of the retort.
US08262983B2	Tilting rotary furnace system and methods of aluminum recovery A tilting rotary furnace with a door assembly that seals against a furnace vessel. The seal between the door and the furnace vessel allows for regulation of the internal environment of the furnace and control over thermitting of the aluminum. As a result, aluminum recovery may be carried out without the use of salt. A portion of the door may rotate with the furnace vessel and a portion of the door may remain rotationally stationary with respect to the furnace vessel and the rotating portion of the door.
US08262981B2	Ceramic material product and method of manufacture A method for producing a ceramic material product. A filler material is provided. The filler material is divided into filler granules collectively having a median diameter approximately 10 microns or less. An amount of carbon is provided. The carbon is divided into carbon particles and the carbon particles are allowed to coat the filler granules. The mixture of carbon-coated filler granules is formed into a selected shape. The formed mixture is placed in a substantial vacuum. The mixture is introduced to a pre-selected amount of silicon and the mixture of carbon-coated filler granules and silicon is heated to a temperature at or above the melting point of the silicon.
US08262980B2	Sol-gel composition for fabricating conductive fibers Disclosed herein are sol-gel compositions for fabricating conductive fibers in an electrospinning process and methods for producing the same.
US08262978B1	Microtubes with axially variable geometries and method of manufacturing same In the present invention, a technique is described for manufacturing microtube devices which have peripheral geometries that are not uniform along the tube or device axis. These geometries may exist in only one location on the periphery of the microtube device or geometries may be repeated either uniformly or non-uniformly with micron or sub-micron precision along the tube or device axis. The preferred manufacturing process involves forming a complex mandrel, ie., (one, for example, that can not be formed by extrusion or pultrusion under constant processing conditions) and giving it at least one metallic and/or nonmetallic coating by any of a variety of techniques. The complex mandrel can then be removed by appropriate chemical or physical means that do not adversely affect the coating(s) desired for the wall. The result is a microtube structure having an axial profile duplicating that on the mandrel from which it was formed.
US08262976B2	Solid state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric materials Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a desirable combination of physical and chemical properties. Crosslinked bulk materials are heated to a compression deformable temperature, and pressure is applied to change a transverse dimension of the material. After cooling and stress relieving, a treated bulk material is obtained that has enhanced tensile strength in the axial direction orthogonal to the dimension change. In preferred embodiments, medical implant bearing materials are machined from the treated bulk material with the in vivo load bearing axis substantially parallel or coincident with the axial direction of the treated bulk material.
US08262975B2	Self-releasing resist material for nano-imprint processes Nanoimprint lithography using resist material with the addition of a surfactant is described. A template release layer is formed on a pattern of a template. A non-ionic surfactant is added to a resist material to form a mixed resist material. The resist material may comprise a hydrocarbon material having an unsaturated bond, such as an acrylate material. The surfactant may comprise polyalkylene glycol or an organically modified polysiloxane. A resist layer is then formed on a substrate from the mixed resist material. The surfactant added to the resist material forms a resist release layer on the surface of the resist layer. The template is then pressed into the resist layer, where the template release layer and the resist release layer are between the pattern of the template and the resist layer.
US08262974B2	Method for manufacturing display element and manufacturing apparatus of display element A manufacturing apparatus of display element is provided in which the position of a drive circuit or thin-film transistor on a flexible substrate roll can be confirmed easily. The manufacturing apparatus of display element (100) is provided with a supply roll (RL) that feeds a flexible, elongated substrate (FB) which has been wound into a roll shape in a first direction; a mold (10) that, by pressing onto the fed elongated substrate, forms at least one first index mark (AM) for one row of display elements and partition walls (BA) for a plurality of display elements (50) that are lined up in a second direction which intersects the first direction; and a droplet applying section (20) that applies droplets onto a groove portion formed between the partition walls.
US08262973B2	Microporous polyolefin film with improved meltdown property and preparing method thereof The present invention is related to microporous polyolefin films that may be used for battery separators and the methods of manufacturing the same. These microporous polyolefin films are characterized by being manufactured in a method comprising the steps of melt-extruding a composition, comprised of 20-50 weight % of a resin composition, comprised of 90-98 weight % of polyethylene (Component I) having a weight average molecular weight of 2×105˜4×105 and less than 5 weight % of molecules of which molecular weight is less than 1×104 and less than 5 weight % of molecules of which molecular weight is greater than 1×106, and 2-10 weight % of polypropylene (Component II) of which weight average molecular weight is 3.0×104˜8.0×105 and the peak of the melting point is higher than 145° C., and 80-50 weight % of a diluent (Component III), to mold in the form of sheets; stretching the above sheets to the form of films; extracting the diluent from the above films; and heat-setting the above films. They are also characterized by having a puncture strength of greater than 0.14 N/μm, Darcy's permeability constant of greater than 1.5×10−5 Darcy, shut-down temperature of microporous films of lower than 140° C., and melt-down temperature of higher than 160° C. They can enhance the performance and stability of batteries using them as well as the productivity of microporous films owing to their high thermal stability and superior extrusion compoundability and physical properties.
US08262972B2	Thermoplastic core having a hardness gradient formed from a gradient-initiating solution A golf ball including a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer between the core and the outer cover layer. The thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a solvent, free radical initiator, and a reactive co-agent comprising a metal salt of an acrylic or methacrylic acid, a mono- or multi-functional acrylate or methacrylate, or having the chemical structure where R=linear, branched, or aromatic C1-C14 and n=1-5, such that the hardness of the outer surface is different than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive or negative hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater.
US08262970B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device sealed in a cured silicone body by placing an unsealed semiconductor device into a mold and subjecting a curable liquid silicone composition that fills the spaces between the mold and the unsealed semiconductor device to compression molding under a predetermined molding temperature, wherein said curable liquid silicone composition has viscosity of 90 Pa·s or less at room temperature, a time interval from the moment directly after measurement of a torque with a curometer at the molding temperature to the moment when the torque reached 1 kgf·cm is not less than 1 min., while the time interval during which the torque grows from 1 kgf·cm to 5 kgf·cm is not more than 1 min.
US08262967B2	Gasket molding system for membrane electrode assemblies The present invention is a system for molding a gasket to a membrane electrode assembly. The system comprises a cavity defined at least in part by closable mold blocks, at least one injection gate for injecting gasket material into the cavity, a mount for retaining the membrane electrode assembly adjacent to the cavity, and a mold insert independently movable relative to the closable mold blocks for applying pressure to the membrane electrode assembly retained on the mount.
US08262957B2	Ceramic porous body with communication macropores and process for producing the ceramic porous body The present invention is a method for producing a ceramic porous body with high porosity and continuous macropores, which comprises mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution of a gelable water-soluble polymer to form a slurry, gelling for a while to fix the tissue structure, freezing it to produce ice crystals in the gel tissue and creating structures that become continuous pores, thawing the ice by controlled atmospheric substitution-type drying method with the resulting water being replaced without damaging the gel, and then sintering it to produce a ceramic porous body having various porosities, pore diameters and pore shapes, while conventionally cracks and contraction were likely to occur during drying when the solids concentration of the slurry is less than 20 vol %, with the method of the present invention it is possible to control these problems even at a solids concentration of 10 vol % or less, manufacture and provide a ceramic porous body with a porosity of 72% to 99% and a compression strength of 0.4 MPa or more.
US08262956B2	Thin container production method The present invention provides a thin container production method capable of forming a thin container having a thickness of about 0.7 mm by injecting a molten resin of a polylactic acid into a narrow cavity. The production method according to the present invention produces a thin container W having a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.7 mm by injection molding of a polylactic acid resin. The molten resin of the polylactic acid impregnated with supercritical carbon dioxide in a range of 0.5 to 2.5 percent by mass relative to the total amount is injected into a cavity 29 corresponding to the thin container W.
US08262948B2	Intraocular lenses with combinations of UV absorbers and blue light chromophores Disclosed are ophthalmic device materials having improved light transmission characteristics. The materials contain a combination of certain UV absorbers and blue-light absorbing chromophores.
US08262944B2	Glass compositions used in conductors for photovoltaic cells The invention relates to zinc-containing glass compositions useful in conductive pastes for silicon semiconductor devices and photovoltaic cells.
US08262941B2	Reaction accelerator for synthesizing a conductive polymer, a conductive polymer, and a solid electrolytic capacitor There is provided a reaction accelerator for polymerizing a conductive polymer, comprising: a salt of an anion derived from a sulfonic acid having a skeleton of benzene or naphthalene having at least one OH group, and at least one divalent or more cation other than a transition metal cation. There is also provided a conductive polymer including the salt concerning the reaction accelerator. There is also provided a solid electrolyte capacitor including the conductive polymer as a solid electrolyte. The conductive polymer has a high electric conductivity and good heat-resistance. The solid electrolyte capacitor is reliable for an extended period of time.
US08262938B2	Active aluminum rich coatings Chromate-free corrosion-inhibiting coating compositions comprising film-forming binders and galvanic aluminum alloy powders prepared in an oxygen (oxidizing), nitrogen (inert) or nitrogen-hydrogen (reducing) atmosphere having particle sizes ranging up to 100 microns. The aluminum alloy powders having the formula: aluminum-zinc-X (AlZnX) wherein X is an element selected from the group consisting of indium, gallium, tin and bismuth. Improvement in corrosion protection is obtained by the addition of chemical inhibitors such as an azole or talcite clay to the coating which further inhibits the self-corrosion of the aluminum alloy and extends the corrosion protection of the metal substrate being protected.
US08262935B2	Phosphor and light emitting device A phosphor includes a composition represented by the formula: (M2x, M3y, M4z)mM1O3X(2/n), wherein M1 is Si and may include at least one element selected Ge, Ti, Zr, and Sn; M2 is Ca and may include at least one element selected Mg, Ba, and Zn; M3 is Sr and may include at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ba, and Zn; X is at least one kind of halogen element; M4 is Eu2+ and may includes at least one element rare-earth elements and Mn, wherein m is in a range of 6/6≦m≦8/6; n is in a range of 5≦n≦7; and x, y, and z satisfies x+y+z=1, where 0
US08262934B2	Silicate phosphor and white light emitting device including the same Disclosed is a silicate phosphor represented by Formula: Lia-xAxSrb-y-z-lByEuzClSic-mDmOd-nEn where A includes at least one ion selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb, and Cs. B includes at least one ion selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ba and Zn. C includes at least one ion selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Gd, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Bi. D includes at least one ion selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In and Tl. E includes at least one ion selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I. Further disclosed is a white light emitting device including the silicate phosphor.
US08262932B2	Polymerizable liquid crystal compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, polymer and film A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (I) is disclosed. R0 and R1 represent a hydrogen atom, or a C1-4 alkyl group, provided that at least one of R0 and R1 represent a C1-4 alkyl group; A0, A1, B0 and B1 represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group having a cyclic structure; X0, X1, Y0 and Y1 represent a single bond, —O—, —S—, —OCO—, —COO—, —OCOO—, —NR2CO—, —CONR2—, —OCONR2—, —NR2COO—, —NR2CONR2—, —C═N— or —N═C—; Q0 and Q1 a single bond or a divalent aliphatic group; Z0 and Z1 represent a hydrogen atom, cyano, halogen atom or polymerizable group; and n and m each independently represent an integer of from 0 to 2.
US08262931B2	Polymerizable liquid crystal compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, polymer and film A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (I) is disclosed. R0 and R1 represent a hydrogen atom, or C1-4 alkyl; L0 and L1 represent a hydrogen atom, or C1-4 alkyl group; A0 and A1 represent a divalent linking group having a 5- to 12-membered cyclic structure; B0 and B1 represent a single bond or a divalent linking group having a 5- to 12-membered cyclic structure; D0 and D1 represent —O—, —S—, or —NR2—; X0 and X1 represent a hydrogen atom, acyl group or cyano; Y0 and Y1 represent a single bond or a divalent group; Q0 and Q1 represent a C1-20 divalent aliphatic group; Z0 and Z1 represent a hydrogen atom, cyano, halogen atom or polymerizable group; and n and m each independently represent an integer of from 0 to 2.
US08262929B2	Massive bodies containing free halogen source for producing highly converted solutions of chlorine dioxide A massive body, e.g., a tablet, for producing a thickened solution of chlorine dioxide when the massive body is added to liquid water is disclosed. The massive body comprises a metal chlorite, an acid source and a thickener (incorporated directly into the massive body or added as a component separate from the massive body) and optionally a source of free halogen. The concentration of free chlorine in the solution will be: (a) less than the concentration of chlorine dioxide in said solution on a weight basis and the ratio of the concentration of chlorine dioxide to the sum of the concentrations of chlorine dioxide and chlorite anion in said solution is at least 0.25:1 by weight; or (b) equal to or greater than the concentration of chlorine dioxide in said solution on a weight basis and the ratio of the concentration of chlorine dioxide to the sum of the concentrations of chlorine dioxide and chlorite anion in said solution is at least 0.50:1 by weight.
US08262927B2	Process for workup of glycol-containing aircraft deicers The invention provides a process for working up glycol-containing aircraft deicers, by (1) removing the suspended impurities from the used aircraft deicer, (2) treating the product thus obtained in such a way that the thickeners present therein are no longer capable of gel formation, (3) before or after step (2) establishing a pH of >7, (4) and then fractionally distilling off the glycols.
US08262925B2	Method for producing a phase-change material composition The invention relates to a method for producing a low-exuding preferably non-exuding polymer-bonded phase-change material composition containing phase-change material, characterized in that the phase-change material is liquefied, the liquid phase-change material is introduced into an extruder at a temperature of between 50° C. and 130° C., however at least 20° C. to 70° C. above the melting point of the phase-change material into which the polymer is also introduced, wherein the extruder comprises mixing transport and holder elements and the introduction of the phase-change material into the extruder in the extrusion direction is performed after the polymer.
US08262920B2	Minimization of mask undercut on deep silicon etch A method for forming features in a silicon layer is provided. A mask is formed with a plurality of mask openings over the silicon layer. A polymer layer is deposited over the mask by flowing a hydrogen free deposition gas comprising C4F8, forming a plasma from the deposition gas, depositing a polymer from the plasma for at least 20 seconds, and stopping the depositing the polymer after the at least 20 seconds. The deposited polymer layer is opened by flowing an opening gas, forming a plasma from the opening gas which selectively removes the deposited polymer on bottoms of the plurality of mask openings with respect to deposited polymer on sides of the plurality of mask openings, and stopping the opening when at least some of the plurality of mask features are opened. The silicon layer is etched through the mask and deposited polymer layer.
US08262908B2	Rotary cartridge filter A rotary filter is provided with greatly expanded filter media area within the flow stream of material to be filtered due to use of a series of cylindrical filter cartridges consisting of a core and cylindrical filter media that are attached to and within a rotary disc, thus providing much greater filter area within the size constraints of the rotary disc and the flow channel. This allows removal of contaminating material in the flow stream. The retaining methods used for these cartridges restrains their movement within the flow stream thus allowing backflushing by reversing flow direction and venting the backflush material. The attachment and construction further allows easy removal and replacement of filter media and cartridges.
US08262904B2	Molecular sieve composition (EMM-10-P), its method of making, and use for hydrocarbon conversions This invention relates to a crystalline molecular sieve having, in its as-synthesized form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 13.18±0.25 and 12.33±0.23 Angstroms, wherein the peak intensity of the d-spacing maximum at 13.18±0.25 Angstroms is at least as great as 90% of the peak intensity of the d-spacing maximum at 12.33±0.23 Angstroms. This invention also relates to a method of making thereof.
US08262903B2	Process, reactor and facility for thermally cracking heavy petroleum oil The suppression of coke adherence in a reaction vessel and cracked gas pipelines at the outlet of the reaction vessel and the prevention of plugging are designed by improving the dispersion of superheated steam inside the reaction vessel to preferable conditions, and pitch having more uniform and higher quality can be produced.A cracking process in which superheated steam is directly contacted with the heavy petroleum oil by blowing the superheated steam into the reaction vessel to be thermally cracked to oil fractions and pitch, wherein the superheated steam is blown into the reaction vessel from the bottom portion thereof so that the superheated steam generates rotational flow around the central axis of the shell of the reaction vessel.
US08262902B2	Magnetic removal of material from a mixture based on sulfided diluent in the mixture Methods and apparatus relate to processing of petroleum with a bed having a sorbent based diluent that the petroleum contacts upon passing through the bed. Magnetic properties of the sorbent and any other material, such as zeolite, used in the bed enable separation of such bed constituents based on a sulfided form of the sorbent being magnetic in contrast to a non-sulfided form of the sorbent being non-magnetic. Dividing the bed constituents into first and second portions by magnetic separation facilitates in selective replacing and/or regenerating the first portion independent of the second portion.
US08262899B2	Systems and methods including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles A sensor system including devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles of excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed system may reduce analysis errors, thus improving measurement performance, by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The disclosed system also may determine the concentration of more than one ionizable species in the sample by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The multiple, determined concentrations may be used to determine the concentration of multiple analytes or to correct the concentration determined for an analyte, thus improving the measurement performance of the system.
US08262896B2	Steam electrolysis The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam 20 with a proton conducting membrane 7 supported on a porous redox stable substrate 8, through said substrate 8. The membrane 7 is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode 15 coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode 9,11 coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam 20, into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode 15. The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen 23 at the cathode 9, 11.
US08262892B2	Method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams A method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which utilizes an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system that manipulates cathode particulates motion. A separate system circulates the liquid undergoing modification through the electrolytic cell. An unidirectional current driving system drives unidirectional electric current supported by the liquid streams from the anode through the anolyte and the separator and into the catholyte and to the cathode particulates and to the current feeder device during the contact between the cathode particulates and the current feeder device.
US08262891B2	Leveler compounds Leveling agents for metal plating baths are provided. Plating baths containing such leveling agents provide metal deposits having substantially level surfaces. Such leveling agents may be selected to selectively incorporate desired levels of impurities into the metal deposit.
US08262888B2	Capillary electrophoresis apparatus There is provided a capillary electrophoresis apparatus wherein coupling efficiency of exciting irradiation light to a capillary array does not decline even if any one capillary array of two capillary arrays is removed.Light emission generated by capillaries of each capillary array of 2n (n is a positive integer) capillary arrays radiating exciting light from one side is detected by one optical detection system.
US08262885B2	Dielectrophoretic tweezers apparatus and methods Dielectrophoretic (DEP) tweezers apparatus and methods for various applications, including particle trapping. Two electrodes are disposed on or otherwise constitute an elongated object forming a tip. A voltage is applied across these electrodes to produce a non-uniform electromagnetic field proximate to the tip thereby creating a dielectrophoretic trap. Once trapped, a particle may be moved to desired locations via manipulation of the elongated object or the medium in which the particle is located. Multiple DEP tweezers apparatus may be arranged to form arrays of tips capable of respectively generating local electromagnetic fields confined to the tips. Such DEP arrays may be employed in nanofabrication processes involving nanolithography or nano-manipulation, as well as data storage and retrieval applications.
US08262883B2	Methods and devices for separating particles in a liquid flow Methods and devices for the separation of particles (20, 21, 22) in a compartment (30) of a fluidic microsystem (100) are described, in which the movement of a liquid (10) in which particles (20, 21, 22) are suspended with a predetermined direction of flow through the compartment (30), and the generation of a deflecting potential in which at least a part of the particles (20, 21, 22) is moved relative to the liquid in a direction of deflection are envisaged, whereby further at least one focusing potential is generated, so that at least a part of the particles is moved opposite to the direction of deflection relative to the liquid by dielectrophoresis under the effect of high-frequency electrical fields, and guiding of particles with different electrical, magnetic or geometric properties into different flow areas (11, 12) in the liquid takes place.
US08262881B2	Method for finger-printing heparins Methods to generate a distinctive fingerprint (pattern of migration) for a sample of complex, polydisperse heparins are provided. The methods involve adding resolving agents such as polyamines to a heparin sample and then analyzing the sample with a technique that separates macromolecules according to charge to mass ratio (e.g. capillary electrophoresis). The resulting electropherogram is unique to and characteristic of the heparin sample. The methods may be used, for example, to monitor the quality and consistency of various heparin preparations.
US08262880B2	Electrokinetic pumping of nonpolar solvents using ionic fluid Techniques are generally described that include electrokinetic pumping an emulsion comprising an ionic fluid and a nonpolar fluid to promote flow of the ionic fluid by electro-osmotic flow and drag the nonpolar fluid by viscous drag forces. In some examples, the electrokinetic pump may be utilized to deliver one or more reagents within a fluidic reactor system, such as a micro-scale reactor system. In some additional examples, a reagent may be dissolved in the nonpolar fluid of a first emulsion and pumped through the electrokinetic pump to a mixing channel to allow the reagent of the first emulsion to react with a reagent of second emulsion to form a reactive product.
US08262876B2	Test piece for measuring biological sample and biological sample measurement apparatus A blood glucose measurement device (50) comprises a test piece insertion unit (10) for inserting, holding, and electrically connecting a test piece on which an electrode pattern has been formed, a measurement circuit (16) for electrochemically measuring a biological sample that has been placed in the form of a spot on the test piece, a communication circuit (15) for transmitting the result of measurement with the measurement circuit (16) by wireless communication using an antenna electrode (2C) equipped with the test piece, and a switch (14) that is connected to the test piece insertion unit (10) for switching between the measurement circuit (16) and the communication circuit (15).
US08262875B2	Sensor arrangement and method for detecting a sensor event A sensor arrangement including a control circuit is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, at least one sensor electrode can be charged and/or discharged therewith and a comparator unit for the comparison of a provided voltage for the at least one electrode with a reference voltage. A duration necessary for the charging/discharging of the at least one sensor electrode is determined, whereby, from the determined duration, it is determined whether a sensor event, in the form of a hybridization between trap molecules and the particles for recording, has occurred.
US08262869B2	Work piece processing by pulsed electric discharges in solid-gas plasma Work piece processing is performed by pulsed discharges between an anode (2) and a magnetron sputtering cathode (1) in solid-gas plasmas using a chamber (2) containing the work piece (7). A system (12) maintains a vacuum in the chamber and another system (14) provides sputtering and reactive gases. The pulses are produced in a plasma pulser circuit including the anode and the cathode, the discharges creating gas and partially ionized solid plasma blobs (3) moving or spreading from a region at a surface of the cathode towards the work piece and the anode. A potential is applied to the work piece so that a pulsed current comprising biasing pulses arises between the second electrodes. In particular biasing discharges are produced between the anode and the work piece when said plasma blobs have spread to regions at the anode and at the work piece so that the pulsed current is the current of these biasing discharges. The method is efficient for processing or modifying surface regions of work pieces of various kinds and configurations and can be employed for achieving efficient work piece etching, interface mixing, surface and balk diffusion, gas absorption and desorption, initial and further stages of thin film condensation, and for performing ion plating.
US08262868B2	Spectral chemistry The invention relates to controlling the formation of water in a reaction system comprising hydrogen, oxygen and atomic hydrogen by irradiating the reaction system with electromagnetic emissions from a platinum lamp such that the atomic hydrogen is direct resonance targeted. Physical platinum may also be present in the reaction system.
US08262867B2	Metal alkoxides, apparatus for manufacturing metal alkoxides, related methods and uses thereof Compounds, synthesis of, and methods for synthesizing metal alkoxide derivatives; and metal alkoxide derivatives for use as flame retardants are described. Group 13 metal alkoxides having flame retardant properties may be prepared by reacting the periodic table group 13 metalloid or metal trihydroxide with an alcohol.
US08262866B2	Apparatus for the recovery of hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil shale and sands via multi-stage condensation A system for recovering products from a gas stream comprises a cooled chamber having an inlet that feeds the gas stream to a plurality of sequential conduit loops within the chamber. A critical orifice follows each loop, and each loop includes an output port. Based upon the physical characteristics of each loop, the sizing of the critical orifice following the loop, and the temperature within the chamber, different products are condensed from the gas stream through the output ports. The system may be configured to condense hydrocarbonaceous products such as ethane, propane, butane or methane, as well as fundamental products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen. Gaseous products may be stored in gas or liquid form or vented to atmosphere depending upon amount, purity, and so forth.
US08262864B2	Paper making shoe press belt This aims to provide a paper making machine belt (a shoe press belt) having excellent wet squeezability but less damages (such as cracks or wear) of the outer periphery of a belt being used. The paper making shoe press belt includes drainage conduits extended in the felt-side surface thereof. The drainage conduits are discontinuous grooves, and are made semi-arcuate on at least one of the belt ends in a belt running direction (an MD direction).
US08262862B2	Felt for papermaking The papermaking felt 10 of the present invention comprises a base body 20, a wet paper web side batt fiber layer 31, and a backside batt fiber layer 32, in which the wet paper web side batt fiber layer 31 is contained in high molecular weight elastic material and the backside batt fiber layer 32 includes a melting fiber.
US08262857B2	Process for producing tissue products Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web as the web is being formed. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web in a post processing operation. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation.
US08262856B2	Processes and systems for the bleaching of lignocellulosic pulps following cooking with soda and anthraquinone Process for bleaching of pulps following cooking of the lignocellulosic material with soda and anthraquinone. The process may produce a whiteness on par with the bleaching of kraft pulp when using a similar bleaching sequence. In some instances, the bleaching sequence may be O-A-Do-Eop-D, O-A-ZDo-Eop-D, A-Do, or A-ZDo.
US08262847B2	Plasma-enhanced substrate processing method and apparatus A method and apparatus for processing a substrate in a capacitively-coupled plasma processing system having a plasma processing chamber and at least an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The substrate is disposed on the lower electrode during plasma processing. The method includes providing at least a first RF signal, which has a first RF frequency, to the lower electrode. The first RF signal couples with a plasma in the plasma processing chamber, thereby inducing an induced RF signal on the upper electrode. The method also includes providing a second RF signal to the upper electrode. The second RF signal also has the first RF frequency. A phase of the second RF signal is offset from a phase of the first RF signal by a value that is less than 10%. The method further includes processing the substrate while the second RF signal is provided to the upper electrode.
US08262846B2	Plasma processing apparatus and method thereof A blow-off part 152 is provided with a blow-off port 1a′ which is dimensioned small enough so as not to allow a blow-off stream to be blown off directly to a part of a wafer W which part is located at the more internal side of the wafer than the outer edge of the wafer W and not to be subjected to plasmatizing process. A suction part 151 is provided with a suction port 81A in associating with the blow-off part 152. The suction port 81A is disposed proximate to the blow-off port 1a′ and forms a suction stream oriented generally in the reverse direction with respect to the blow-off stream.
US08262844B2	Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method and storage medium Provided is a plasma processing apparatus including a processing vessel accommodating a target object; a microwave generator configured to generate a microwave; a waveguide configured to induce the microwave to the processing vessel; a planar antenna having a plurality of microwave radiation holes through which the microwave induced to the waveguide is radiated toward the processing vessel; a microwave transmission plate configured to serve as a ceiling wall of the processing vessel and transmit the microwave passed from the microwave radiation holes of the planar antenna; a processing gas inlet unit configured to introduce a processing gas into the processing vessel; and a magnetic field generating unit positioned above the planar antenna and configured to generate a magnetic field within the processing vessel and control a property of plasma of the processing gas by the magnetic field, the plasma being generated by the microwave within the processing vessel.
US08262841B2	Methods for void-free debulking of adhesive bonded joints Methods and apparatus for fabricating adhesive bonded joints while minimizing the voids and/or porosity found in the cured bondline. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises an evacuation chamber combined with a pressure inducing device to produce bonded joints that are both void free and thoroughly compacted. The surfaces to be bonded are continuously evacuated throughout the bonding process (pre-mating, mating, debulking and cure). Continuous evacuation is provided via standard vacuum, while the induced pressure can be pneumatically or mechanically provided.
US08262836B2	Welding of biodegradable polymer parts A microwave processing device/system can create strong temperature gradients in biodegradable polymer material. Novel physical phenomena caused by the heated particles cause local changes in viscosity and flow, leading to high mass transport and current densities in activated polymer matrix materials and to dramatically shorter reaction times and solvent-free reaction conditions. Advancements in the process speed and quality of packaging films in general can be achieved by increasing the polymeric amorphous to crystalline ratio, especially with regard to the claimed methods for manufacturing and sealing biodegradable packaging films. Micron-size particles or nanoparticles in the processed materials can interact with microwaves of different frequencies and intensities to create intentionally varied local material property changes to create an tunable flexible packaging product that is sustainable and “green.” Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08262835B2	Method of bonding carbon nanotubes A method to bond carbon nanotubes to a surface. The mechanism of this bonding is studied, and shows that intercalation of alkali ions is possibly the central mechanism. Bonding pull-off forces of 4-5 N/cm2 were measured. This bonding also provides improved interfacial properties for other phenomenon, including improved thermal conductivity.
US08262834B2	Method for manufacturing lens An exemplary a method for manufacturing a lens is provided. In the method, a first lens preform and a second lens preform is formed. The first lens preform includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The second lens preform includes a third surface and an opposite fourth surface. An oxygen plasma is applied to the second and fourth surfaces so as to form a number of groups capable of being irreversibly bonded. The second surface is contacted with the fourth surface. The groups capable of being irreversibly bonded take place an irreversible bonding reaction to chemically combine the second and fourth surfaces, thereby obtaining a double sided lens preform. The double sided lens preform is diced into a number of double side lenses.
US08262832B2	Method for making a flexible packaging structure with a built-in opening and reclose feature A flexible packaging laminate is formed to have a built-in opening and reclose feature by forming the laminate as a two-part structure having an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation with an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting an opening portion (e.g., a flap or the like) of the two structures out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate.
US08262829B2	Method for manufacturing divided waveplate filter An adhesive layer is formed on a substrate by printing such that the adhesive layer has a predetermined pattern. A film having a phase-difference characteristic is bonded thereon to form a divided waveplate material layer. The divided waveplate material layer is divided all at once with cutter blades disposed in a row such that the divided waveplate material layer has the predetermined pattern. Then the divided waveplate material layer remaining on portions to be removed is removed, thereby forming divided waveplates on the substrate such that the divided waveplates have the predetermined pattern.
US08262827B2	Leather laminated decorative panel A heat and pressure consolidated laminate, and method for producing the same, is provided that includes in superimposed relationship a decorative layer consisting essentially of a leather material, an underlay layer, a substrate, and an optional backer layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite one another. The underlay layer includes one or more cellulosic sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, and is disposed between the decorative layer and the first layer of the substrate. The backer layer includes one or more cellulosic sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, and is disposed contiguous with the second surface of the substrate.
US08262823B2	Window skin panel and method of making same A lightweight, structurally strong skin panel having one or more transparent areas forming see-through windows, and a method of making same. A pre-impregnated resin tape comprised of a plurality of fibers impressed into a resin is provided. A metal sheet is provided. The pre-impregnated resin tape and the metal sheet are layered onto a molding tool such that the metal sheet and the pre-impregnated resin tape are aligned one atop the other. The tool, metal sheet, and pre-impregnated resin tape are heated such that the resin flows and at least partially covers the metal sheet and the fibers. The resin and fibers are substantially transparent to form a see-through window portion in the skin panel. The transparent window skin panel eliminates the bulky and heavy frame structure traditionally employed on aircraft, and which has heretofore limited the size of aircraft windows.
US08262821B2	Jig for mounting multi-layer paper products A jig is used in the assembly of a laminated end product. The jig includes a generally flat sheet of rigid material that has a first step configured in the surface of that flat sheet. A laminated product such as an invitation is mounted on the jig. A second leaf is then mounted on the jig at the larger line of the step to perfectly align the first and second leafs on the jig.
US08262820B2	Method of water dispersing pregelatinized starch in making gypsum products The invention provides in one embodiment a gypsum-containing slurry including stucco and an aqueous pre-dispersion of a pregelatinized starch. Also provided is a method of making gypsum wallboard by providing a pre-dispersion of the pregelatinized starch in water, and adding the pregelatinized starch pre-dispersion to the gypsum-containing slurry. The pregelatinized starch can have a particle size distribution within the following range: d (0.1)=about 20μ-35μ, d (0.5)=about 60μ-110μ, d (0.9)=about 100μ-220μ.
US08262818B2	Method for producing high strength steel sheet excellent in formability A high strength steel sheet excellent in formability which has a chemical composition in mass %: C: 0.03 to 0.20%, Si: 0.005 to 0.3%, Mn: 1.0 to 3.1%, P: 0.001 to 0.06%, S: 0.001 to 0.01%, N: 0.0005 to 0.01%, Al: 0.2 to 1.2%, Mo≦0.5%, and the balance: Fe and inevitable impurities, with the proviso that the values of mass % for Si and Al satisfy the following formula (1): (0.0012×[objective value of TS]−0.29−[Si])/2.45
US08262817B2	First stage dual-alloy turbine wheel A first-stage turbine that is adapted for receiving high energy air directly from a combustion chamber in a gas turbine engine auxiliary power unit includes a disk formed from a first alloy and having an outer surface, and a unitary blade wheel formed from a second alloy that is different than the first alloy. The unitary blade wheel includes an annular member having an inner surface that is joined to the disk, and blades that are integrally formed with the annular member.
US08262816B2	Hafnium alloy target A hafnium alloy target containing either or both of Zr and Ti in a gross amount of 100 wtppm-10 wt % in Hf, wherein the average crystal grain size is 1-100 μm, the impurities of Fe, Cr and Ni are respectively 1 wtppm or less, and the habit plane ratio of the plane {002} and three planes {103}, {014} and {015} lying within 35° from {002} is 55% or greater, and the variation in the total sum of the intensity ratios of these four planes depending on locations is 20% or less. As a result, obtained is a hafnium alloy target having favorable deposition property and deposition speed, which generates few particles, and which is suitable for forming a high dielectric gate insulation film such as HfO or HfON film, and the manufacturing method thereof.
US08262815B2	High-purity ferritic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and workability and method of production of same The present invention provides high purity ferrite stainless steel able to reduce deterioration in surface conditions due to pitting corrosion or rusting or other corrosion to an extent no different from SUS304 or better without inviting a drop in manufacturability or workability and without relying on the addition of rare elements, and a method of production of the same, that is, ferritic stainless steel containing, by mass %, C: 0.01% or less, Si: 0.01 to 0.20%, Mn: 0.01 to 0.30%, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Cr: 13 to 22%, N: 0.001 to 0.020%, Ti: 0.05 to 0.35%, Al: 0.005 to 0.050%, Sn: 0.001 to 1%, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities to which Sn is added to modify the passive film and improve the corrosion resistance. To improve the effect of modification of the passive film by the addition of Sn, after the final annealing, the steel is held in the 200 to 700° C. temperature range for 1 minute or more.
US08262809B2	Composition for metal surface treatment, metal surface treatment method and metal material An easily handleable composition for metal surface treatment is provided which achieves foundation surface concealment, coating adhesion and corrosion resistance equal to or higher than those obtained by the conventional metal surface treatment compositions. This composition for metal surface treatment places no burden on the environment. A method for treating the surface of a metal material in which such a composition for metal surface treatment is used, and a metal material treated by such a metal surface treatment method, are also provided. Specifically disclosed is a metal surface treatment composition used for a treatment of a metal surface, which composition contains a zirconium compound and/or titanium compound substantially not containing fluorine, and an inorganic acid and/or a salt thereof. This metal surface treatment composition has a pH of not less than 1.5 but not more than 6.5.
US08262808B2	Permanent magnet and method of manufacturing same There is provided a method of manufacturing a permanent magnet which has an extremely high coercive force and high magnetic properties is manufactured at high productivity. There are executed: a first step of causing at least one of Dy and Tb to adhere to at least part of a surface of iron-boron-rare-earth based sintered magnet; and a second step of diffusing, through heat-treatment at a predetermined temperature, at least one of Dy and Tb adhered to the surface of the sintered magnet into grain boundary phase of the sintered magnet. As the sintered magnet, there is used one which is manufactured by: mixing each powder of principal phase alloy (constituted primarily by R2T14B phase, where R is at least one rare earth element primarily including Nd and where T is a transition metal primarily including Fe), and a liquid phase alloy (having a higher content of R than R2T14B phase and primarily constituted by R-rich phase) in a predetermined mixing ratio; press-forming in magnetic field a mixed powder thus obtained; and sintering a press-formed body in vacuum or inert gas atmosphere.
US08262807B2	Dish washing machine A dish washing machine, which is capable of preventing wet vapor from flowing to a control panel provided to a door when the air in the door which opens and closes a washing tub is changed into the wet vapor due to a change in temperature during operation. The dish washing machine includes a main body having a washing tub, a door hinged with the main body, and opening and closing the washing tub, a control panel provided to the door, and a partition provided between the door and the control panel so as to block wet vapor in the door from flowing to the control panel.
US08262804B2	Dishwasher detergent formulations comprising a mixture of hydrophobically modified polycarboxylates and hydrophilically modified polycarboxylates A phosphate-free detergent formulation for machine dishwashing, having from 1 to 20% by weight of a mixture of from 5 to 95% by weight of hydrophobically modified polycarboxylates I formed from 20 to 80 mol % of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C10-mono- or -dicarboxylic acid or anhydrides thereof, from 0 to 80 mol % of at least one monomer of the general formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 are each independently H, CH3 or C2H5, and R4 is a linear, branched or cyclic radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and from 0 to 20 mol % of at least one further monomer, from 5 to 95% by weight of hydrophilically modified polycarboxylates II, where the sum of a1) and a2) adds up to 100% by weight.
US08262793B2	Dust free powdery building material composition The invention relates to a pulverulent building material composition, preferably a factory dry mortar and in particular a tile adhesive, joint grout, knifing filler, sealing slurry, repair mortar, equalization mortar, basecoat adhesive, adhesive for composite thermal insulation systems (CTISs), mineral plaster or render, fine knifing filler or screed system, containing an ester of A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol, 2-methyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol and pentaerythritol with B) a carboxylic acid component.
US08262792B2	Natural adhesive using garlic and fabricating method of the same The present invention relates to a natural adhesive using garlic and a fabricating method thereof, and, more particularly to a very preservative, adhesive, nonpoisonous and high-performance natural adhesive, which is a chemical-free natural adhesive using garlic with high antibiosis as a major ingredient, capable of efficiently preventing a variety of damages due to volatile organic compounds by employing no chemicals throughout the whole fabricating procedures, and a fabricating method thereof. In detail, the present invention provides a natural adhesive using garlic fabricated by filtering and concentrating an extracted liquid obtained from a mixture of pulverized garlic and water. In addition, the present invention provides a method of fabricating a natural adhesive using garlic, including: (a) preparing and pulverizing garlic; (b) adding a solvent into the pulverized garlic; (c) extracting an extracted liquid from a mixture of the pulverized garlic and water; (d) filtering the extracted liquid; and (e) concentrating the filtered extracted liquid.
US08262791B2	Coloring particles The present invention provides coloring particles containing a dye and a water-insoluble low-molecular-weight dispersant, wherein the average particle size of the coloring particles is 10 nm or more and 80 nm or less; the solubility parameter of the dye in water with a pH of 6.0 to 10.0 is 9.20 or more, the solubility parameter being represented by formula (1); and the content of the dye and the content of the water-insoluble low-molecular-weight dispersant satisfy a relationship of formula (2).
US08262790B2	Colored particles The present invention relates to colored particles containing a dye and a dispersant, wherein the average particle diameter of the colored particles is 10 nm or more, and 80 nm or less, the solubility index represented by Formula (1) of the dye is 9.20 or more, and the dye content and the dispersant content in the colored particles satisfy the relationship represented by Formula (2).
US08262789B2	Coloring matter, ink, ink for ink jet, ink jet recording method, color toner, and color filter A coloring matter which has a good hue, and is capable of forming an image high in fastness property under various use conditions and environmental conditions, and particularly suitable for an ink. The coloring matter is represented by the following formula (I): wherein in the formula, G represents a heterocyclic group, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3; when n is 1, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent group; when n is 2, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent or divalent substituent, provided that at least one represents a divalent substituent; and when n is 3, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent, divalent or trivalent substituent, provided that at least two each represents a divalent substituent, or at least one represents a trivalent substituent.
US08262788B2	Air filter housing for a compact air filter element An air filter housing (10) for at least one compact air filter element (20) has at least one filter chamber (1) that at the ends has at least one hose connector socket (2, 3), respectively. The compact air filter element (20) is insertable chamber into the filter chamber between the hose connector sockets (2, 3) with sealing of the cross-section of the filter. At least one resonator chamber element (5, 6) is attached to the air filter housing (10) and is connected with the filter chamber (1) by at least one air-conducting channel (7, 8, 9) or slot.
US08262780B2	High performance gas turbine inlet filter (HEPA) using membrane media A composite filter media structure and an associated method of making are provided. The structure includes a base substrate that includes a nonwoven fabric substrate formed from a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers using a spunbond process. The composite filter media structure includes a surface layer deposited on one side of the base substrate where a thermal lamination process can be used to combine the base substrate and the surface layer. The surface layer is formed from a microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. In one aspect, the base substrate and the surface layer are configured to provide greater than 95% and equal to or less than 99.5% filtration efficiency measured in accordance with an EN 1822 test method. In another aspect, the filter media includes an embossing pattern or a plurality of corrugations formed using opposing rollers at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 140° C.
US08262779B2	Microporous aluminophosphate molecular sieve membranes for highly selective separations The present invention discloses microporous aluminophosphate (AlPO4) molecular sieve membranes and methods for making and using the same. The microporous AlPO4 molecular sieve membranes, particularly small pore microporous AlPO-14 and AlPO-18 molecular sieve membranes, are prepared by three different methods, including in-situ crystallization of a layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, coating a layer of polymer-bound AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a seed layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals supported on a porous membrane support. The microporous AlPO4 molecular sieve membranes have superior thermal and chemical stability, good erosion resistance, high CO2 plasticization resistance, and significantly improved selectivity over polymer membranes for gas and liquid separations, including carbon dioxide/methane (CO2/CH4), carbon dioxide/nitrogen (CO2/N2), and hydrogen/methane (H2/CH4) separations.
US08262778B2	Membrane post treatment The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.
US08262776B2	Photosynthetic carbon dioxide sequestration and pollution abatement A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.
US08262774B2	Air collector with functionalized ion exchange membrane for capturing ambient CO2 Disclosed is a process for forming a CO2 capture element comprises providing a mixture of a monomer or monomer blend or a polymer binder, a miscible liquid carrier for the binder and a CO2 sorbent or getter in particle form, forming the mixture into a wet film or membrane, evaporating the liquid carrier to form a film or membrane, and treating the wet film or membrane to form pores in the body of the film or membrane. Also disclosed is a process of forming a CO2 capture element which comprises the steps of applying a mixture including a sorbent material and a polymer to an underlying material; polymerizing the mixture in place on the material; and aminating the polymer-coated material.
US08262773B2	Method of purifying hydrocarbons and regeneration of adsorbents used therein An improved method is provided for removing contaminants from a hydrocarbon stream, such as a stream of raw natural gas. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream is passed through a first adsorbent bed containing molecular sieves to adsorb contaminants on the molecular sieves, thereby removing at least some of the contaminants from the hydrocarbon stream. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream may optionally be passed through a second adsorbent bed containing a desiccant material other than molecular sieves. The molecular sieves are regenerated using a wet regeneration process in which both the water content and temperature of the regeneration fluid stream are staged. The molecular sieves and the desiccant material can also be regenerated by contacting the desiccant material with a regeneration fluid stream comprising water to adsorb at least a portion of the water onto the desiccant material, thereby forming a regeneration fluid stream that is at least partially dried and in contact with a desiccant material that is at least partially hydrated. The hydrated desiccant material is heated to release adsorbed water into the partially dried regeneration fluid stream while such regeneration fluid stream is passed through the molecular sieves to desorb and remove at least a portion of the contaminants adsorbed on the molecular sieves. A method for producing liquefied natural gas employing such improved method is also disclosed.
US08262771B2	Flammable gas concentration device and flammable gas concentration method A flammable gas concentration device comprises an adsorption tower filled by an adsorbent for adsorbing a flammable gas. Raw gas containing air and a flammable gas is fed to the adsorption tower via a feeding path and an exhaust gas in the raw gas which has not been adsorbed to the adsorbent is discharged to an outside of the adsorption tower via a discharge path. Pressure in the adsorption tower is reduced lower than an atmospheric pressure, and the flammable gas adsorbed by the adsorbent is desorbed and collected through a collection path. A flammable gas adsorption step of feeding the raw gas to the adsorption tower and discharging the exhaust gas from the adsorption tower, and a flammable gas desorption step of collecting the desorbed flammable gas are sequentially executed.
US08262770B2	Process for controlling acid in sulfide pressure oxidation processes The present invention is directed to flotation of refractory gold sulfide ores and to pressure oxidized residue neutralization using flotation tailings that have been contacted with an off gas of pressure oxidation.
US08262764B2	Sheet member, forming method of the same, exhaust gas treatmenet apparatus, and muffling apparatus A sheet member including inorganic fibers includes a first outer layer; a center layer; and a second outer layer. The first outer layer, the center layer, and the second outer layer are laminated with each other such that both the first and the second outer layers are outermost layers; the center layer includes inorganic fibers having diameters equal to or less than approximately 3 micrometers; and the first and the second outer layers include inorganic fibers having diameters greater than approximately 3 micrometers.
US08262762B2	Evacuation valve arrangements; pulse jet air cleaner systems using same; and, methods Methods, techniques, and constructions are provided for use to apply an evacuation valve arrangement on an air cleaner assembly that is configured for pulse jet operation. An example evacuation valve arrangement is provided which comprises a valve member in the form of a sleeve that extends completely around a sidewall portion of an air cleaner housing of a pulse jet air cleaner. Examples are depicted in which the sidewall portion can comprise: a portion of a housing sidewall section that surrounds an installed filter cartridge, in use; a portion of an access cover; or, a drop tube secured to a portion of the housing, for example either on an access cover or on another portion of a housing. Specific features and alternatives are described. Also, methods of assembly and operation are described.
US08262760B2	Process flowstream collection system A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.
US08262759B2	Filter device, particularly for filtering gaseous fluids A filter device for filtration of gaseous fluids has a filter housing provided with a receptacle. A first filter element and a second filter element are arranged in the receptacle of the filter housing behind one another in an axial direction of the filter housing. A first bypass that bypasses the first filter element is provided. An inflow side of the second filter element is arranged axially behind the first filter element and is fluidically connected to the first bypass. Fluid to be filtered passes in a flow direction of the fluid through the first bypass to the inflow side of the second filter element.
US08262756B2	Hydrogen generator, method of operating hydrogen generator, and fuel cell system A hydrogen generator that is able to maintain an ability to supply a reformed gas containing less CO for a long time period while dealing with degradation of a catalytic activity of a shift reaction by a reliable and simple method, an operation method thereof, and a fuel cell system are provided. In a hydrogen generator (50) comprising a reformer (1), a shift converter (6), a water supply device (3A), a material feed device (2A), and a controller (12), the controller (12) is configured to count the number of times of start-up and/or stop of said hydrogen generator (50) and to increase a temperature or a S/C ratio of the reformed gas flowing in said shift converter (6) according to the counted number of times of start-up and/or stop.
US08262749B2	No-sulfur fuel lubricity additive Reacting an alkylene carbonate, such as ethylene carbonate, with dimer acid in the presence of a catalyst, such as a tertiary amine catalyst, gives a dimer acid diester having essentially no sulfur, and thus may be added to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel downstream of a refinery. The diester enhances the lubricity properties of hydrocarbon fuels, increases their service life and fuel efficiency. The manufacturing process time may be decreased significantly compared with a process using ethylene glycol instead of ethylene carbonate, and much less ethylene glycol by-product results.
US08262746B2	Method of producing electrode plate filled with active material, method of producing battery using thereof A production method for producing an electrode plate that can hold well the active material and producing a battery using the electrode plate. A production method for an electrode plate of a battery includes the steps of: forming at least one electrode plate prototype by forming a layer filled with an active material on a main surface of a plate-shaped core body; and infiltrating a liquid containing a resin and an organic solvent into at least part of a circumference of the layer filled with the active material. The applied liquid infiltrates into the circumferential region of the active material filling area, namely an outer edge of the layer and an area in its vicinity including the outer edge. The resin contained in the liquid enhances the bonding force between the conductive core body and the active material particles and between the active material particles.
US08262738B2	Vertebral implant containment device and methods of use A containment device is inserted between vertebral members in a patient and provides a rapid implant solution adapted for use in different applications. The device includes an interior volume to contain a curable substance at substantially atmospheric pressure. Upon filling the enclosure member with a curable substance, the enclosure member is able to conform to and maintain a space between vertebral members. The containment device may include an enclosure member constructed of an impermeable material adapted to constrain migration of the curable substance. The enclosure member may include an exterior wall surrounding the interior volume and an opening in the exterior wall that exposes the interior volume. The containment device may include end members that may be distracted to establish a desired vertebral spacing. Spacer members may be included to further maintain the desired spacing. Upon hardening of the curable substance, the device is capable of maintaining the desired spacing.
US08262736B2	Radially expanding implants Orthopedic implants being at least in part radially expandable at one of the leading or trailing ends to expand both the height and at least a portion of the width of the implant, and instruments and methods for inserting the implants into an implantation space are disclosed.
US08262731B2	Artificial disc device Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member therebetween.
US08262730B2	Methods of bonding or modifying hydrogels using irradiation This invention provides methods and processes to attach or bond hydrogels to suitable surfaces using irradiation techniques and also provides methods and processes to create crosslinked regions in hydrogel articles using these irradiation techniques. Specifically, lasers at wavelengths tuned to the irradiation absorption bands of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups or water may be used to attach or bond hydrogels to surfaces such as soft tissue and hydrogel surfaces or to crosslink regions in hydrogel articles.
US08262723B2	Implantable medical devices fabricated from polymer blends with star-block copolymers Implantable medical devices are fabricated from polymer blends with star-block copolymers. The polymer blends include a biodegradable matrix polymer blended with a biodegradable star-block copolymer. The copolymer has at least three arms and the arms include inner segments and outer segments. The inner segments form a discrete phase within a continuous phase, the continuous phase including the matrix polymer and the outer segments. The segments can include units having acidic degradation products that enhance the degradation rate of the blend.
US08262718B2	Assembly for controlled sequential stent graft deployment A stent graft introducer (1) which includes a handle arrangement which by telescopic movement of a slide or slide portions (104, 106) into a handle portion (100) causes controlled sequential deployment of a stent graft (14). Stops (218, 217, 218, 219) ensure actions are carried out in a selected order. A sheath (116) of the introducer is fixed to a slide portion such that with retraction of the slide portion the sheath is withdrawn from a stent graft retained on the introducer and at a selected position trigger wires retaining the stent graft onto the introducer are also released. Interconnections between the slides and the handle are provided to prevent relative rotation and re-extension after full retraction.
US08262709B1	Device and method for femoral neck fracture fixation A device and method for the stabilization of the shafts of threaded hip pins in the treatment of intracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur, using an intertrochanteric hip pin stabilizing rod, a cortical side plate with a releasably attached drill and insertion tool jig, said jig comprising a means for accurately inserting said rod and a plurality of parallel threaded hip pins through openings in the jig, the cortical side plate, and the intertrochanteric pin stabilizing rod, across the fracture and into the head of the femur.
US08262708B2	Single-lock plating system The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.
US08262705B2	Slidable bone plate system The invention is directed to a bone plate system. The bone plate system comprises a base plate having two generally parallel elongated screw slots extending therethrough. Two bone screws are provided that are capable of securing the base plate to a bone by insertion through the screw slots into the bone. Each bone screw has a screw head and a threaded portion extending therefrom. An interference device is attached to the base plate and retains the bone screws while permitting the bone screws to toggle and to controllably slide in the screw slots of the base plate. This design is particularly useful for joining adjacent vertebral bodies, as it permits controlled settling of the vertebral bodies, thereby enhancing the healing process.
US08262702B2	Osteosynthetic clamp for attaching a bone anchor to a support rod An osteosynthetic clamp is provided for use in attaching a bone anchor to a support rod. The clamp comprises a carrier with a first portion adapted for connection to the anchor and with a second portion for connection to the rod. A clamping hook defines a bight in which the rod can be located and a head that passes through an aperture defined by the second portion of the carrier. The head of the hook passes through a collar, which is attached to the second portion of the carrier by engaging, complementarily shaped parts. These parts are defined respectively by the second portion of the carrier and by the collar and together form a joint permitting sliding translational movement of the collar relative to the carrier. A fastener can be secured to the head of the clamping hook and tightened in order to clamp the rod within the bight.
US08262695B2	Structures for permanent occlusion of a hollow anatomical structure An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure comprises an implant sized for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure. The implant comprises a plurality of loose, bulked fibers. The fibers are formed from one or more bioabsorbable materials.
US08262691B2	Distal protective device A distal protection device comprising a catheter having a first strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a first dimension and a second strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. Movement of the first strut deploys filter material to a first position having a first deployed dimension and movement of the second strut to a first position deploys filter material to a second deployed dimension larger than the first expanded dimension.
US08262689B2	Embolic filtering devices A self-expanding basket for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device has a proximal set of struts which are connected to a distal set of struts by a bending region which provides enhanced bending characteristics to the basket. The bending region can be formed by intermediate links which are extremely flexible and bendable to allow the basket to be delivered through tortuous anatomy. The intermediate links are extremely flexible and create a mechanical hinge-like connection between the proximal and distal strut assemblies. The basket thus is capable of substantial bending when being delivered through the patient's vasculature and will bend and conform to the patient's anatomy once positioned for filtering purposes. The intermediate links can also lengthen, when needed, when positioned in a curved vessel in the patient's vasculature, when needed. As a result, the basket will easily conform to a curved body vessel to maintain proper wall apposition of the filtering element with the wall of the body vessel.
US08262688B2	Nasal inserts A device for nasal insertion may include an open-ended tubular element. The tubular element may extend along a central tube axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being larger than the second end. The tubular element may define at least one groove along a lateral wall of the tubular element.
US08262681B1	Device and method for performing endoluminal proximal anastomosis The present invention is of a method for performing an anastomosis and in particular, to such a method in which an end-to-side vessel endoluminal proximal anastomosis is performed in a minimally invasive CABG procedure.
US08262679B2	Clip advancer A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with opposed jaws thereon, a guide member disposed within the shaft and configured to guide a clip into the opposed jaws, the guide member having a channel formed in a surface thereof, and an advancer movably disposed within the shaft and configured to advance a clip over the guide member and into the opposed jaws, the advancer having a distal tip that slidably engages the channel for maintaining contact with a surgical clip as it is advanced into the opposed jaws. In other embodiments, the guide member can also include a proximal channel formed in a superior surface thereof. The advancer can be configured to deflect downward into the proximal channel to move proximally beneath an inferior surface of the apex of the clip to position itself proximally to the clip to advance the clip into the opposed jaws.
US08262677B2	Ligation tool for endoscope and endoscopic ligation system A ligation tool for endoscope includes an overtube having an insertion lumen 21a made of a flexible material, which permits an insertion portion 11 of the endoscope to be inserted therethrough so as to advance and retreat, an O-ring 22 for ligation attached to a distal end of the overtube, and a operation wire 24 which is locked to the O-ring for ligation, has a distal portion extending to the proximal side of the overtube, and is operated to be pulled or pushed at its proximal side, thereby separating the O-ring for ligation from the tip of the overtube. According to this ligation tool for endoscope, time and effort taken to set the ligation tool for endoscope in the endoscope becomes unnecessary, a sufficient field of vision of the endoscope can be secured, and the curving performance of the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope does not deteriorate. Furthermore, this ligation tool is also advantageous when endoscopic sclerotherapy is performed together.
US08262676B2	Apparatus and methods for forming gastrointestinal tissue approximations Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.
US08262672B2	Medical delivery device construction A delivery device includes an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall extending therein. An outer surface of the inner sidewall defines a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves, each of which interlock with a corresponding inward protruding member of a plurality of longitudinally extending inward protruding members defined by an inner surface of the outer sidewall. A longitudinally extending lumen of the device, which may accommodate delivery of an implantable medical device, is defined, at least in part, by the inner surface of the inner sidewall. A slitting zone of the device, for example, provided by one of the sidewalls extending less than 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the device, enables removal of the delivery device from around the delivered device.
US08262669B2	Method for using an automatic feed medical screwdriver A method of placing screws into bone or tissue structure during a medical procedure uses a power driven screw driver, a fastener carrier with a series of fasteners temporarily attached thereto and an elongated band structure carried by the fastener carrier system for positioning and advancing the individual fasteners of the series of medical fasteners in a controlled manner to a position to receive a driving tip on the powered screw driver. Activating a trigger mechanism causes the tip of the screw driver to extend and interlock with the head of the fastener temporarily held in the band, removing the fastener from the band, rotating the driver tip and fastener for driving the fastener into a tissue or bone structure, and releasing the trigger following positioning of the fastener in the bone or tissue disconnects the screw driver tip from the fastener head, retracts the screw driver tip from the band and causes the fastener carrier system to advance forward to position a subsequent fastener in a location for grasping by the screw driver tip.
US08262663B2	Endplate preparation instrument An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques.
US08262661B2	Spinal reamer Spinal reamer apparatus including a reference base with mounting provisions for mounting in a region of posterior lumbar spinal structure, a non-straight track fixed to the reference base, and at least one reaming cutter element arranged to move along the track.
US08262658B2	Intramedullary nail An intramedullary nail, particular for use with a tibia, may have a proximal end part, a distal end part adapted to be introduced into a medullary space, and a central section. The central section includes a first curved section having a first length with a first radius of curvature, and a second curved section having a second length shorter than the first length and a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature may be less than the first radius of curvature. The intramedullary nail also includes a central axis. Tangents at two end points of the central section, including the first and second curved sections, enclose an angle gamma between about 9° and about 12°. The intramedullary nail may have a total length ranging from 200 to 500 mm.
US08262655B2	Bipolar forceps A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.
US08262654B2	High-frequency treatment instrument The high-frequency treatment instrument is a high-frequency treatment instrument for performing a high-frequency treatment on a pathological lesion portion (subject tissue) not shown and includes a sheath (elongated extension member), a treatment electrode which is rotatably disposed at a distal end of the sheath and which extends in a direction substantially parallel to a diameter direction of the rotation, an operating wire (axial member) for allowing the treatment electrode to rotate around the distal end of the sheath, and an operating portion to which proximal ends of the sheath and the operating wire are connected. According to a high-frequency treatment instrument, by enabling a treatment on a subject tissue without using a curving operation of an endoscope it is possible to facilitate a procedure.
US08262650B2	Method of removing and preventing regrowth of hair Hair is permanently removed from a patient's skin by transcutaneously focusing high intensity acoustic energy at hair follicles and at dermal papilla regions during a telogen phase of hair growth and applying sufficient energy to destroy said follicles and said dermal papilla regions, so that hair is removed and regrowth is prevented. Typically, a region of a patient's skin is first ultrasonically imaged to show the location of a plurality of individual hair follicles and dermal papilla regions. The imaged hair follicles and dermal papilla regions are then treated using a system which automatically directs high intensity acoustic energy at each follicle and dermal papilla region.
US08262646B2	System and method for providing the shaped structural weakening of the human lens with a laser A system and method for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power of lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, there is provided methods and systems for delivering a laser beam to a lens of an eye in a plurality of sectional patterns results in the shaped structural weakening of the lens. There is also provided a method and system for determining adjustments to refractive errors in the lens of an eye relating to the treatment of presbyopia. The change to refractive error can be a predicted error or an actual error that has been determined.
US08262645B2	Devices for clearing blockages in in-situ artificial lumens Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.
US08262644B2	Disposable front loadable syringe and injector A syringe for an injector that has at its nozzle end a connection to the fluid delivery tubing that prevents, reduces, or eliminates fluid leaks, by virtue of a ridge on the external surfaces of the connector which engage to tubing. Furthermore, the syringe and injector are configured to permit the syringe to be oriented in more than one manner on the injector.
US08262643B2	Intravascular line and port cleaning methods, methods of administering an agent intravascularly, methods of obtaining/testing blood, and devices for performing such methods An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.
US08262642B2	IV fluid infusion assembly Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefor, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference. A non-MRI-compatible liquid infusion apparatus is temporarily replaced with MRI-compatible, non-magnetic liquid infusion apparatus without disconnecting patient from an installed intravenous infusion set to continue infusing liquid within the MRI environment.
US08262631B1	Therapeutic device A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.
US08262627B2	Infusion device The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.
US08262623B2	Access port valve assembly The invention relates to a valve assembly (20) for use in an access port, in particular a medical access port. The valve assembly comprises a first sealing valve (1) and a second sealing valve (2). The second sealing valve (2) is provided with an annular base (21) and a central member (23) with a central bore (24). The central member (23) is at the outer circumference movably suspended to the annular base (21) by means of a flexible diaphragm (22), which diaphragm (22) is more flexible than the central member (23).The invention also relates to a medical access port provided with such a valve assembly.
US08262621B2	Systems and methods for treating a vessel using focused force A device for introduction into a vessel including a main elongated element having a main elongated element proximal end and a main elongated element distal end, a balloon positioned at the main elongated element distal end, and a core wire attached to the device at a core wire attachment point and including an internal core wire portion positioned in the main elongated element and an external core wire portion positioned distally with respect to the internal core wire portion and positioned in parallel relation and external to the balloon.
US08262620B2	Multi-lumen access port An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
US08262619B2	Introducer sheath for catheters An introducer sheath includes a tubular body portion having a proximal region and a distal region, and defines an internal lumen configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a catheter. A penetrating portion at a distal end of the tubular body has a first tapered configuration to enlarge an opening in a body tissue during distal advancement of the introducer sheath through the body tissue and a second expanded configuration to enable the passage of a distal end portion of a catheter through the penetrating portion.
US08262614B2	Method and apparatus for fluid injection A device is provided for fluid delivery. The device comprises a cartridge having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of penetrating members. The plurality of penetrating members are each at least partially contained in cavities of the cartridge wherein the penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from openings on said cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each of the penetrating members comprises a needle with a lumen coupled to a canister containing a material to be injected.
US08262611B2	Occlusion perfusion catheter Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen.
US08262610B2	Catheter fluid control system A system and method is provided including a fluid communications network that sends priming and waste fluid to a waste bag, obviating the presence of open fluid containers in an operating room or catheter lab. The fluid communications network is constructed and arranged to allow nearly automated priming and bubble removal, thereby reducing the possibility of operator caused errors in set-up and reducing the time required for set-up. The fluid communications network is useable for attachment to a balloon catheter for inflation thereof. In order to provide greater control and automation of the inflation of the balloon catheter, a conversion kit is provided that can be used to convert an existing automatic injector into an injector useable for automatically controlling the small amount of injection fluid typically associated with balloon catheters.
US08262609B2	Anterior inflation balloon An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an inflatable structure that exhibits an outwardly tapering expansion profile. The outward taper can beneficially allow the inflatable bone tamp to exert greater targeted force in difficult environments. For example, in a vertebra with a compression fracture, the outwardly tapering expansion profile of the inflatable bone tamp can result in greater lifting force being applied to the endplates of the vertebra, thereby increasing the likelihood of restoring the height lost due to the compression fracture.
US08262608B2	Applicators for multiple component formulations and the like, and methods of use thereof One aspect of the invention relates to an applicator system, and methods of use thereof, that can be used to house separately one or more liquids and one or more solids (e.g., components of a polymerizable hydrogel). In certain embodiments, the applicator systems are further designed to facilitate the mixing of the solids and liquids inside the applicator. In addition, in certain embodiments, the applicator systems are also designed to facilitate the application of the mixture to a surface.
US08262599B2	Splint composition and method for using same Disclosed herein is a splint for splinting a digit, preferably a finger, thumb or toe, rings for use in a splint, dorsal bars for use in the splint, a method for splinting a digit using the splint described herein, and a kit comprising components of the splint and, optionally, related items such as one or more ring sizers, cutting tools, adhesive, etc.
US08262598B2	Frame for a hyperextension brace A hyperextension brace with a frame construction has adjustable upper and lower supports as well as adjustable side members. The frame comprises a sub-clavicula support and a pelvic and pubic support connected by side members. The height of the side members and the width of the sub-clavicula support and the pubic support are adjustable by using non-rotational telescopic and lockable connections. The sub-clavicula support may be connected by a turnbuckle screw arrangement to the side members. The frame may be made of composite material, suitably a polymer reinforced by glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. All adjustments may be made without requiring any tools.
US08262597B2	Cervical immobilization collar with arterial cooling elements and method of using the same A kit and method for cooling the carotid arteries includes cervical immobilization collar includes a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, a chin rest, at least two cheek support structures having an extended vertical length, and an anterior opening that may be covered with an anterior removable door. The door has a body-facing surface and an outward-facing surface, the body-facing surface on which the pressure member is secured. The kit and method also includes a cooling element that may be disposed within the anterior opening and can be secured to the substantially annular support structure by placing the cooling element between the anterior portion of a patient's neck and the pressure member located on the door.
US08262595B2	Musculoskeletal support system A removable air bladder, juxtaposed between support materials, expands or contracts within special voids of orthosis devices. An orthosis system comprise one or more removable air bladders placed on one support material or juxtaposed between two support materials, each of the air bladders being disposed to inflate and deflate by storing and releasing a gas through an airline having a release valve. A pump may be operatively connected to the air line for pumping gas into the air bladder. A pressure sensor may be disposed adjacent to the air bladder to measure pressure of the air bladder against one of the support materials to determine when the pump should be powered on or off. At least one expansion limiter straps may be disposed to control a maximum distance the support materials can be moved apart when the air bladder is inflated.
US08262591B2	External ultrasound lipoplasty This invention relates to a non-invasive, safer alternative to current lipoplasty procedures. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a multi-channel system that focuses the low mega Hertz ultrasound at user selectable depths, where fat cells are to be emulsified. The system offers independent user control of the main emulsifying property, cavitation, and thermal heating, which can independently be used for skin tightening. One part of the system is a handheld transducer, in shape similar to a typical small diagnostic ultrasound transducer. The other part of the system includes a transmitter with, for example, internal tracking of procedure time and with a disabling feature.
US08262587B2	Multiple biopsy apparatus and related method of use An endoluminal biopsy device is provided with a proximal actuation mechanism attached to a distal sampler by at least one elongate member. The distal sampler includes a distal inner portion defining a plurality of chambers, each configured to receive a tissue sample, and a distal outer portion defining a cutting mechanism opening having a cutting edge adjacent the cutting mechanism opening. The distal outer portion is configured so that, when the cutting mechanism opening aligns with one of the plurality of chambers, the distal outer portion covers the remaining chambers. A related method for the use of such an endoluminal biopsy device also is provided.
US08262584B2	System for processing of continuous pressure-related signals derivable from a human or animal body or body cavity This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes a system for sensing continuous pressures signals and displaying output of processing according to the inventive methods.
US08262581B2	Solid tissue impedance estimating method, cardiac output calculating method, pulmonary artery wedge pressure calculating method, cardiac output monitoring device, cardiac output monitoring system, pulmonary artery wedge pressure monitoring device, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure monitoring system A practical method for estimating cardiac output and pulmonary artery wedge pressure with good accuracy is provided. A method is provided for estimating the impedance arising from solid tissue by determining the impedance at the intersection between the line of identity and the extrapolated regression line, where the regression line is obtained by linearly regressing the maximum value to the minimum value of the impedance signal of each of multiple data sets, where each data set contains the maximum value and the minimum value of the impedance signal during one cardiac cycle, where impedance signal is obtained between a can electrode implanted in the left thoracic wall and an electrode inserted into the coronary vein, over a specific period of time following the infusion of hypertonic saline into the pulmonary circulation.
US08262580B2	Method and device for the intermittent occlusion of the coronary sinus In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.
US08262579B2	System and method for prediction and detection of circulatory shock Systems and methods for prediction and detection of circulatory shock using estimates or measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, cardiac ejection fraction, cardiac contractility and ventricular end-diastolic volume are provided. These estimates and measurements are used to determine a type of circulatory shock. In some embodiments, the type of circulatory shock is determined to be one of septic shock, hypovolemic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiogenic shock.
US08262577B2	Methods and systems for controlled deployment of needles in tissue Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.
US08262573B2	Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, radiofrequency wave cautery treatment device, ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system, and ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment apparatus An ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and for receiving ultrasonic waves; an image generator unit for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe; a display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator unit; and a biopsy needle for radiating radiofrequency waves. The ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system includes a display controller unit for displaying on the display unit an ultrasonic image at the time of non-radiation of the radiofrequency waves generated based on the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe at the time when the radiofrequency waves are not radiated from the biopsy needle, in place of the ultrasonic image at the time of radiation of the radiofrequency waves generated based on the echo signals received by the biopsy needle at the time of radiating the radiofrequency wave from the biopsy needle.
US08262570B2	Retraction apparatus and method of use A retraction apparatus and method are provided including slider assemblies for being slidably connected to a retractor body with end portions of the slider assemblies disposed within a central retractor opening. A retractor blade is slidably connected to one of the slider assembly end portions such that the depth of the retractor blade can be readily adjusted. Once the retractor blade is at the desired depth within the incision, a handle is pivoted to a locked position to fix the blade relative to the slider assembly. A cantilever lock between the blade and the slider assembly pivots the blade relative to the slider assembly to fix the blade thereto. In one form, the retractor body has a substantially flat surface configured to be placed adjacent a bone and slide connections which position slider assemblies such that the connected blades avoid contact with the bone during retraction.
US08262569B2	Surgical access system and method of using the same A surgical access system includes retractor for creating an access path between an incision site and a surgical site. The retractor includes a frame having a base member and a pair of generally curved rails extending therefrom. A tubular member is coupled to the frame and includes first and second blade portions that are capable of relative movement with respect to each other by movement on the curved rails. A method of inserting the retractor into a patient includes inserting a guide rod over a guide wire, locating an obturator in the retractor, inserting the obturator and retractor over the guide rod, and removing both the guide rod and obturator to leave the retractor in the body to provide the access path.
US08262568B2	Single port access system Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
US08262566B2	Device and method for uniform in vivo illumination An in vivo imaging device comprises a viewing window, an illumination unit, a lens holder and a light guide. The light guide may be positioned to create uniformly dispersed illumination and to eliminate backscatter from the viewing window. The light guide may guide light from the illumination unit to a desired position within the in vivo device. In one embodiment, the light guide may be embedded into the lens holder.
US08262565B2	Endoscope system In the endoscope system 1, a tissue recovery device 3 that recovers tissue is directly mounted on an endoscope 2. The tissue recovery device 3 has a filter portion, and the filter portion is inserted so as to traverse the conduit of the suction conduit 20 that passes inside the endoscope operation portion 10. The suction conduit 20 opens to the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion 11, and the working channel 23 branches off from the branch portion 22 that is provided further on the distal end side than the insertion location of the tissue recovery device 3. With this endoscope system, it is possible to reduce operational burden of the operator with regard to the endoscope system that includes the tissue recovery device that recovers tissue.
US08262562B2	Bending portion of insertion part of endoscope and endoscope provided with insertion part including bending portion An insertion part of an endoscope includes at least a bending portion and two portions connected to one and the other ends of the bending portion. A bending structure of the bending portion is connected at its other end adjoining area overlapping with an adjoining area of at least one of the two portions to the adjoining area of the at least one of the two portions by a fixing member. A thread member wound on an end portion of a flexible covering member covering the bending structure, the end portion corresponding to the fixing member, has a pulled-in part arranged between the outer peripheral surface of that end portion of the cover member and a winding portion formed by the wound thread member, and the pulled-in part is arranged in a side of the fixing member. The winding portion of the thread member is covered by a resin layer.
US08262561B2	Hygiene protection for endoscopes An endoscope provided with hygiene protection includes a cover, which is closed at its distal end and which is transparent for optical information, at least on the front side thereof, and which can be rolled thereon in the direction of the axis of the endoscope. The endoscope further includes one or more working channels extending in a parallel position in relation to the endoscope and terminating in an open manner on the distal end of the cover. The working channels are only connected to the distal end of the cover. There are also one or more vacuum channels having one or several openings, which terminate on the side facing away from the patient and are in addition to the one or more working channels. The working channels are positioned in between the outer side of the endoscope and the inner side of the cover. A method for adding hygiene protection to an endoscope, which includes the application of sub-atmospheric pressure between the endoscope and the cover, is also disclosed.
US08262559B2	Apparatus and method for endoscopic 3D data collection An endoscopic apparatus includes a light-generating mechanism for generating at least one modulated measuring beam, a light-transmitting mechanism for conducting the measuring beam onto an area to be observed, where the light-transmitting mechanism includes an illuminating lens, in addition to a light-imaging mechanism for imaging a signal beam from the area to be observed at least onto a phase-sensitive image sensor, which includes a number of pixels, where the light-imaging mechanism includes an imaging lens. At least one additional image sensor is provided and the light-imaging mechanism includes a beam-splitter and/or an optical switch, where at least one adaptive lens is provided for adapting the fields of vision of the image sensors. As a result, an apparatus is created for endoscopic 3D data collection that is suitable for various types of image sensors.
US08262558B2	Treatment tool This treatment tool having: an inserted part that can be inserted and passed through an endoscope, in which a treatment part for carrying out a specific treatment on a tissue is provided to the distal end of the inserted part which is passed through the endoscope and disposed inside the body. The treatment part being provided to the inserted part so as to be freely projecting and retracting; and provided with: an operator portion at the base end portion of the inserted part which is pulled out from the endoscope, for manipulating the projection and retraction of the treatment part.
US08262555B2	Method for adaptive radiation treatment of breast tissue surrounding a cancer resection cavity of arbitrary shape Radiation treatment methods for breast cancer following resection, both intraoperative and post operative, involve mapping preferably using an electronic x-ray source, and can include rotation of a direction source. By using a very rapid, near-instantaneous method of pathology of tissue margins following resection, the invention carries out intraoperative radiation treatment, preferably with the patient remaining anesthetized. Whether or not radiation is intraoperative, the invention preferably includes a mapping procedure using an electronic source that is progressed through the resection cavity while radiation dose is sensed at one or more points, to determine the shape of the resection cavity.
US08262554B2	Apparatus and method for determining an optimized path traversal for radiation treatment delivery system An apparatus and method for determining optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system is described. In one embodiment, determining an optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system involves providing a plurality of spatial nodes used in a treatment plan, where each of the plurality of spatial nodes represents a position of a radiation source made available to the treatment plan for delivering radiation to a target, identifying a number of unused spatial nodes, from among the plurality of spatial nodes, at which radiation is not delivered according to the treatment plan, and skipping travel to one or more of the unused nodes by the radiation source when administering the treatment plan. Other embodiments are also described.
US08262552B2	Securing mechanism, particularly for blood separation centrifuges and the like A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.
US08262550B2	Apparatus for inserting objects into a filter component of a smoking article An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.
US08262549B2	Rolling bearing device and roll apparatus for continuous casting installation A tapered roller thrust bearing is disposed in each of both sides in an axial direction of a cylindrical roller bearing with aligning housing ring which is provided with an inner ring, an outer ring, cylindrical rollers and an aligning housing ring. The tapered roller thrust bearing is constituted by disposing tapered rollers between a first raceway surface which is an outer side face in the axial direction of the outer ring and a second raceway surface of a side raceway ring disposed in an outer side in the axial direction of the outer ring. An intersection of lines extended from generatrices of each of the tapered rollers which are in contact with the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface, and an intersection of lines extended from the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface are disposed on a curvature center of the aligning sliding surface.
US08262548B1	Air management for enhancing pneumatic rebound training An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.
US08262547B2	Pneumatic exercise foot pad device A pneumatic exercise foot pad device includes two primary tubes and a secondary tube disposed between left and right foot pads having air chambers. The primary tubes intercommunicate fluidly the foot pads in proximity to front and rear ends of the foot pads. The secondary tube intercommunicates fluidly central portions of the foot pads. A shell is disposed between the left and right foot pads to cover the primary and secondary tubes. Two adjustment screw rods extend respectively through screw holes formed in the shell to press or unpress the primary tubes so that the primary tubes block or unblock an air flow between the foot pads.
US08262545B1	Weighted athletic training vest A weighted vest includes a pair of mirror image front panels joined to a back panel to form a sleeveless weight supporting vest. A plurality of pliable easily conformed weight packets are secured within the vest interior by fabric attachment pads together with a combination of elastic bands and belts. The vest provides weight distribution particularly suited to activities of substantial acceleration such as sprint starting, American football or the like. A porous liner and mesh outer layer over certain areas of the vest allow heat to be vented from the vest interior. A pair of variable spring rate expansion joints are coupled between the front panels and the back panel passing over the shoulder, neck and collar bone region of the athlete's body to provide reduction of localized stress upon the athlete.
US08262538B2	Transmission device and method for operating a transmission device A transmission device with at least two multi-gear transmission groups. Torque is introduced via a input shaft into the transmission groups and into the other transmission group via a main shaft. The input shaft is directly connected with the main shaft via a shifting element during a gearshift to achieve an intermediate gear. When the intermediate gear is engaged, torque passes to the shafts connected to each other via the shifting element. A method for operating transmission, during the gearshift, includes introducing torque from the electric machine to the shafts connected via the shifting element and adjusting the rotational speed of the input shaft to the rotational speed of the target gear. A further shifting element is engaged in the first transmission group, the shifting element is disengaged, and torque of the electric machine is reduced, once the rotational speeds of the input shaft and the target gear match one another.
US08262535B2	Planetary gear A planetary gear train is described which includes a sun gear, three or more planet gears, an annulus as well as a planet gear carrier, whereby the input is provided via the sun gear and the output is provided via the annulus or via the planet gear carrier, whereby each planet gear is mounted on both sides in a roller bearing, and whereby the planet gear carrier includes two axially spaced bearing washers as well as at least three webs that connect the bearing washers. Each roller bearing is configured as a single-row or multi-row cylindrical roller bearing, each planet gear has a flexurally elastic axis projecting axially on both sides beyond the gear body of the planet gear, and the connection between each roller bearing and the appertaining axis is configured to be spherically moveable.
US08262532B2	Low-ratio reducer-multiplier transmission system A low-ratio transmission system configured to obtain the multiplication or reduction of speed, and the reduction or multiplication of stress between an input shaft and an output shaft with at least four different values, such that the input-output ratio can be close to one and furthermore that the four values form a geometric progression close to one.
US08262530B2	Power-branched transmission A power-branched transmission for an agricultural vehicle is configured as a power-branched transmission having a secondary coupling. The transmission comprises a summation planetary gear set (5), the planetary gear of which are configured as a double planetary gear (8).
US08262527B2	Transmission apparatus and vehicle having the same A transmission apparatus including an automatic transmission that is mounted in a vehicle and is capable of engaging a first engagement element and a second engagement element among a plurality of engagement elements when shift-operated to a reverse position, and engaging the first engagement element when shift-operated to a neutral position.
US08262521B2	Tensioner assembly comprising a displaceable tensioning rail The invention relates to a tensioner assembly for a traction medium drive, specifically a chain drive, with at least two traction medium wheels and a flexible traction medium, comprising a tensioning rail which can be pressed against the traction medium by means of a tensioning device, wherein the tensioning rail is applied against at least one sliding guide and can be displaced along the at least one sliding guide by means of the tensioning device.
US08262517B2	Sensor based tennis serve training apparatus A sensor based tennis serve training apparatus includes a stand, a ball tosser coupled to said stand, an optical marker coupled to said stand and in electronic communications with said ball tosser, the optical marker to mark a ball strike zone, an ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser to detect arm movement, and a selectively timed ball discharging magazine attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser. Said apparatus can further include an electronic communication control box coupled to said stand and mediating electronic communication between said magazine, ball tosser, ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector, and optical marker.
US08262516B2	Sport training apparatus A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
US08262509B2	Golf ball incorporating peptizers and method of manufacture A golf ball including a composition having an unsaturated polymer, a cross-linking agent, a peptizer, and an accelerator. The composition can be incorporated into the golf ball's core, intermediate layers, and cover layers, and can provide optimal performance and durability properties. The golf balls incorporating the composition are easy to manufacture.
US08262508B2	Golf ball A golf ball 2 has a hollow center 8, a mid layer 10, an inner cover 12 and an outer cover 14. The center 8 is formed by crosslinking a rubber composition. The rubber composition contains a natural rubber as a base polymer. The rubber composition contains sulfur. The mid layer 10 is formed by crosslinking a rubber composition. This rubber composition includes butadiene as a principal component of the base polymer. The center 8 has an inside diameter of 2 mm or greater and 13 mm or less. The center 8 has an outside diameter of 5 mm or greater and 15 mm or less. The center 8 has a surface JIS-C hardness H2 of 25 or greater and 55 or less. A difference (H4−H3) between a surface JIS-C hardness H4 of the mid layer 10 and a JIS-C hardness H3 of an innermost part of the mid layer is equal to or greater than 10.
US08262504B2	Method for surface treating a golf club head A method for surface treating a golf club head, includes: (a) forming a depression unit in the golf club head, the depression unit being indented inwardly from an outer surface of the golf club head, the outer surface being divided into a working area and a non-working area, the depression unit being formed in the working area; (b) filling the depression unit with a shielding material and covering the non-working area with a covering material; and (c) sandblasting the golf club head after step (b) and removing subsequently the shielding material from the depression unit and the covering material from the non-working area so as to form the working area into sandblasted and non-sandblasted regions that differ in gloss intensity.
US08262499B2	Golf club with adjustable hosel angle A golf club head with an adjustable hosel that sits within a cavity loaded with filler material. The cavity may generally extend from crown to sole or, in the alternative, extend only a partial amount of the distance from the crown to the sole.
US08262498B2	Golf club A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US08262495B2	Visual indicator golf club head and golf clubs A golf club head, golf club and a set of golf heads and clubs is provided with a center of gravity indicator mechanism housed on the rear side that may include a latitudinal strip and a center of gravity locator structure positioned on an axis transverse to the rear side and extending through the center of gravity of the body. The center of gravity locator structure may be fixed on a golf club head or may be variable. Additionally, a set of golf club heads is provided in which the center of gravity indicator mechanism is varied for each club in the set as the position of the center of gravity locator structure is varied for each of the golf club heads. The golf club heads may be coupled to shafts and grips and other features to form a golf club or golf club set.
US08262494B2	Reducing radius slide feature A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.
US08262492B2	Spacer nut manufacturing method A spacer nut manufacturing method which does not use a NC lathe and which allows machining using existing press working equipment, involves a low parts supply cost, and which helps to achieve a high production efficiency at a low production cost is disclosed. The method of manufacturing a spacer nut arranged between a casing and a board arranged inside the casing and serving to fix the board in position while keeping the board spaced apart from the casing by a predetermined distance dimension is presented.
US08262491B2	Driveshaft assembly and method for assembling driveshaft assembly A driveshaft assembly for a vehicle includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The driveshaft assembly also includes a first member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the first member is provided within the first end of the tube and is coupled to an inner surface of the tube by a weld. The driveshaft assembly also includes a second member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the second member is provided within the second end tube and is coupled to the inner surface of the tube by a weld. The first and second members are configured to have axes of rotation that are collinear with an axis of rotation of the tube such that when the first and second members are coupled to the tube, no further alignment between the tube, the first member, and the second member is required.
US08262488B2	Silicone boot for constant velocity universal joint and constant velocity universal joint A silicone boot for a constant velocity universal joint includes a larger diameter portion attached to an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint, a smaller diameter portion attached to a shaft coupled with an inner joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, and a bellows portion, which is arranged between the larger diameter portion and the smaller diameter portion, and has peak portions and valley portions formed alternately with each other. The smaller diameter portion includes a shaft attachment portion having a radially outer surface in which a fitting groove for attachment of a boot band is formed, and a thin portion extending from the shaft attachment portion so as to be coupled with the bellows portion through intermediation of a thick portion and allowing buckling deformation with respect to the shaft attachment portion and the bellows portion.
US08262487B2	Ball joint A ball joint having an inner hub which has an inner hub axis and an outer surface, in which inner races and cage guide surfaces are arranged in the inner hub; an outer hub which has an outer hub axis and an inner surface, in which outer races and cage guide surfaces are arranged in the outer hub, and a cage which is ring-shaped and has a cage axis. The inner surface of the cage extends in the direction of the cage axis, the outer surface of the cage extends away from the direction of the cage axis, an inner race is constructed to extend straight and/or parallel to the inner hub axis, and an outer race is constructed to extend straight and/or parallel to the outer hub axis.
US08262485B2	Vibration damper for a drive train A vibration damper (2) that is effective in the direction of rotation of a drive shaft and has a small radial extension. For this purpose, a first shaft part (6) is provided as a sleeve (8) and a second shaft part (7) is provided as an inner part extending axially into the sleeve (8). The two shaft parts (6, 7) engage via rotary drivers in complementary negative profiles (15, 16) of an interposed elastic damper part (10) in the direction of rotation. In addition to the negative profiles, the damper part may be provided with recesses (40) which modify its damping characteristics.
US08262483B2	Game terminal, play-difficulty-level setting apparatus, computer program, and storage medium A processor of a game terminal estimates energy consumption of a hypothetical player, assuming that the hypothetical player performs at least one reference dance for a play period, on the basis of a step-sequence data element describing the reference dance. The processor of the game terminal generates a data item describing a value corresponding to the estimated energy consumption, and writes, into an in-terminal memory unit, the data item as a difficulty-level data item describing the difficulty level of the reference dance.
US08262480B2	Touch screen displays with physical buttons for gaming devices Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for providing input for playing a game of chance. A gaming machine includes a touch screen display. The touch screen display is configured to display input selections, auxiliary input selections, and auxiliary data. The touch screen display is further configured to receive game input corresponding to the input selections and auxiliary input corresponding to the auxiliary input selections. The received game input and auxiliary input are transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine.
US08262479B2	Rotational joint assembly and method for constructing the same A rotational joint assembly and a method for constructing a rotational joint assembly are provided. The rotational joint assembly includes a first rotational component, a second rotational component coupled to the first rotational component such that the second rotational component is rotatable relative to the first rotational component in first and second rotational directions about an axis, and a flexure member, being deflectable in first and second deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the first and second rotational components such that when the second rotational component is rotated relative to the first rotational component in each of the first and second rotational directions about the axis, the flexure member is deflected in the first deflection direction and exerts a force on the second rotational component opposing the rotation.
US08262478B2	Gaming device with attached audio-capable chair A gaming system includes a chair communicably coupled to a gaming device. The chair includes an audio playback device operable to receive audio playback commands. The audio playback commands may be received from a gaming device physically attached to the chair, a remote gaming device, or from a network interface communicably coupling the chair to a gaming establishment audio system, a player tracking system, or other gaming establishment system. Additionally, the chair may include an audio data storage device. Audio data from the storage device may be played through speakers on the chair, audio output devices on a gaming device, or audio output devices on a peripheral attached to the gaming device such as a top box or signage peripheral.
US08262468B1	Viral dynamic rewards in a multiuser online game network The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for operating a multiuser online game with viral dynamic rewards.
US08262465B2	Products and processes for a point exchange Methods of tracking points among participants in various wagers. An indication of a wager may be received, including point distributions, participants, an event, etc. An indication of an outcome of the wager may be received. Points may be allocated among participants in accordance with a desired point distribution based on the outcome of the wager. An indication of a point adjustment may be received, and points may be adjusted accordingly. The point adjustment may be associated with an external exchange between participants in a wager. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08262463B2	Game system, communication apparatus therefor, game terminal therefor, game apparatus therefor, and computer program therefor The present invention provides a game system (10) having a game terminal (20) and a communication apparatus (30). A processor (29) of the game terminal (20) receives a command from a participant player during a play of a game, counts the number of inputs for each command, and transmits count result data indicating the result to a communication apparatus (30). A processor (33) of the communication apparatus (30) receives and aggregates the data, identifies, based on the result, a command for which the number of inputs exceeds a predetermined standard value, and transmits to game terminal (20) setting data in association with the identified command, the setting data indicating a weighting factor that has smaller effect on a play result than a weighting factor set to the command. The processor (29) receives this and updates weighting factor data indicating a weighting factor set to a corresponding command so as to indicate the weighting factor by the received setting data.
US08262462B2	Systems and methods for facilitating participation in card games A gaming system for facilitating participation in a card game by a player located remotely from a dealer of the card game is disclosed. The gaming system may include a dealer system, which may include a scanner for capturing electronic information representing a remote playing card dealt by the dealer. Additionally, the dealer system may include a first communications module for transmitting the information to one or more player systems. The gaming system may also include a player system, which may include a second communications module for receiving the information. Additionally, the player system may include a printing mechanism for (i) printing the information to a face of a local playing card and (ii) outputting the printed local playing card to a flipping mechanism. The player system may also include a flipping mechanism for selectively dealing the printed local playing card to the player either face up or face down.
US08262461B2	Configuration for a hybrid game A process generates, with a wager slip generation apparatus, a plurality of wager slips corresponding to a hybrid game such that each wager slip indicates a plurality of parallel matrices that each has a set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers. Further, the process generates, with a prize category display module, a display that indicates a spot prize that is won by a player having a predetermined number of matched parallel matrices. Each matched parallel matrix having a match between a spot quantity of numbers selected by the player from the set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers and a quantity of randomly drawn numbers from the set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers. In addition, the process receives, from each player, a selection of the spot quantity of numbers corresponding to each parallel matrix generated on one of the plurality of wager slips.
US08262460B2	Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.
US08262459B2	Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.
US08262458B2	Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event A gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method including a symbol generator, where a number of awards available to the player in a single activation of the symbol generator and/or which awards are available to a player in a single activation of the symbol generator are based on an occurrence of one or more triggering events.
US08262457B2	Wagering game apparatus and method to provide a trusted gaming environment A method of configuring a wagering game system to provide a trusted gaming environment includes the acts of randomly selecting at least one simulated physical imperfection from a plurality of available simulated physical imperfections to associate with at least one element of a video image output to a wagering game machine video display and associating the selected simulated physical imperfection with at least one element of the video image.
US08262454B2	Gaming system, machine and method with user selectable game interactive mode A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which provide a player selectable option to manually interact by selecting game elements or initiate an automated mode whereby the gaming apparatus selects game elements in accordance with the rules of the game being played. An example disclosed embodiment includes a player being assigned a bingo card representation and a game designation set is associated with the bingo card representation, such that daubing the bingo card representation may be performed manually by the player at the player's respective player station using a suitable interface at the player station. Alternatively to manual daubing, the present invention includes automatically daubing one or more bingo card representations in response to an automatic daub input made by the player at the player station using a suitable input device.
US08262447B2	System and method for implementing a game for financial data extraction A system and method of implementing a financial data extraction process including receiving information associated with a user, providing the user a game to play, the game being associated with a financial service environment, acquiring one or more responses from the user during game play, and determining one or more characteristics associated with the user based on the one or more responses acquired from the user during game play.
US08262446B2	Gaming device and method of use A gaming apparatus allows a player to play a memory game. The gaming apparatus includes a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A player input device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming device, the display device and the player input device. The controller causes the display device to display a first set of indicia and then display a plurality of sets of indicia. The plurality of sets of indicia includes the first set of indicia. A player is allowed to choose one of the plurality of sets of indicia using the player input device. A prize is awarded, if the set of indicia chosen is the first set of indicia.
US08262435B2	Chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion, chemical mechanical polishing method, and chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion preparation kit A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes: (A) an amino acid, (B) abrasive grains, (C) a surfactant, (D) an oxidizing agent, and (E) ammonia, the ratio (WA/WD) of the content (WA) of the amino acid to the content (WD) of the oxidizing agent being 1.5 to 6.0, and the ratio (WE/WD) of the content (WE) of the ammonia to the content (WD) of the oxidizing agent being 0.05 to 0.6.
US08262434B2	Method of molding a breast-receiving cup for a garment A method is provided for molding a breast-receiving cup for a garment, comprising laminating a support fabric to a lofted material to form a lofted assembly, positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having a first mold with a projecting element and a second mold having a recessed element, and closing together the first mold and the second mold while maintaining a uniform preset gap between the projecting element and the recessed element to form a molded lofted assembly in the shape of a breast-receiving cup.
US08262428B2	Method for manufacturing a double tube discharge lamp A method for manufacturing a discharge lamp comprising at least two tubes or bulbs is disclosed. The lamp is especially a high intensity discharge lamp for use for example in a head lamp of a vehicle, and comprises an inner tube or bulb for enclosing an arc discharge chamber and an outer tube or bulb (30) for sealingly enclosing the inner tube or bulb, wherein the inner volume of the outer tube or bulb (30) is evacuated or filled with a gas in an easy and reliable way by using at least one two-step pinching and/or roll-on process for fixation of both tubes at least at one of their axial ends, wherein in a first step the fixation is carried out in such a way that a passage (20) remains that runs in an at least substantially axial direction of the lamp between the inner volume of the outer tube (30) and the outside of the axial end (8) of the inner tube or bulb through which passage the inner volume is evacuated and/or filled with a gas, and wherein in a second step the passage is sealingly closed by carrying out a second pinching or roll-on process.
US08262427B2	Defect correcting apparatus and defect correcting method The present disclosure provides a defect correcting apparatus including a defect detecting device configured to detect a defect within a repetitive pattern in a multilayer substrate a defect correcting device configured to correct the defect in the multilayer substrate by a specified defect correcting method, and a control device configured to, when the defect detected by the defect detecting device is detected overlapping a region in which occurrence of an interlayer short-circuit defect is assumed, generate an object corresponding to the defect correcting method for the interlayer short-circuit defect, and controlling the defect correcting device for correcting the defect using the generated object.
US08262424B1	System and related methods for marine transportation A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.
US08262422B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having a protrusion with a pivot pillar at a top thereof. A connecting terminal is positioned in the insulating housing and has a base plate, a connecting plate, a side plate and a clipping piece slantwise extending inward from a rear edge of the connecting plate. A clipping terminal has a resisting board against the side plate, a clipping board inclined towards the clipping piece and a bend portion connecting the resisting board and the clipping board to be put around the protrusion. A rear edge of the clipping board slantwise extends inward to form a resisting arm having a buckling block at a top thereof. A whirling element is pivoted to the pivot pillar and defining a buckling hole for buckling the buckling block. The rotation of the whirling element drives the clipping board to secure or set free a cable.
US08262413B2	Shield connector A shield connector (30) has a housing (40) with a terminal mounting portion (41), a receptacle (55) and a mounting flange (61). Male terminals (31) are mounted in the terminal mounting portion (41) and have tabs that project into the receptacle (55). A shield shell (100) including a shell main body (110) and resilient contact pieces (120) for grounding the shell main body (110) to a mounting member. The resilient contact pieces (120) have leading ends (121) accommodated in accommodating portions (67) formed in the mounting flange (61), and the housing (40) includes protection walls (70) located lateral to the resilient contact pieces (120).
US08262412B1	Electrical connector having compensation for air pockets An electrical connector includes a contact module that has a lead frame and a dielectric frame that encases the lead frame. The dielectric frame includes opposite sides and a mating edge and a mounting edge. The dielectric frame has voids that extend from the sides to expose the lead frame. The lead frame has a plurality of contacts that have transition portions that extend between mating portions that extend from the mating edge and mounting portions that extend from the mounting edge. The transition portions have compensation segments and intermediate segments between the compensation segments. The intermediate segments are encased in the dielectric frame. The compensation segments are exposed by the voids. The compensation segments have a geometry that differs from a geometry of the intermediate segments.
US08262410B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector sub-assembly including a housing having at least one electrical contact receiving area configured to receive an electrical contact; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member located on a front section of the housing. The TPA member is laterally movable on the front section between an unlocked position and a locked position. The TPA member comprises two spaced sections configured to lock the electrical contact in the electrical contact receiving area at two spaced locations when the TPA member is moved to the locked position. This prevents unintentional withdrawal of the electrical contact from the electrical contact receiving area.
US08262409B2	Connection terminal with a base with two upwardly extending sections with angled and oblique edges to clamp an internal conductor of a coaxial cable A coaxial cable connector includes: a connection terminal having a base section, a first extension section upward extending from a first edge of the base section, a second extension section upward extending from a second edge of the base section and spaced from the first extension section; an insulating member having an insulating main body for supporting the base section of the connection terminal; and a case for supporting the insulating main body of the insulating member. The first and second extension sections are bendable by means of a bending force applied to the insulating member and the case, whereby the first and second extension sections are urged to securely clamp an internal conductor of a coaxial cable at multiple points so as to electrically connect the connection terminal with the internal conductor of the coaxial cable.
US08262406B2	Connector housing with angled strain relief element A connector housing with an angled strain relief element is separably fixed thereon in different directions. The housing includes an insulating body with a square collar around an opening, wherein the collar features a peripheral recess with interlocking recesses. The angled strain relief element features a connection opening that is consistent with this opening, as well as a U-Shaped rail that surrounds the connection openings on three sides. The rail features interlocking tabs and interlocking hooks and can be completely inserted into the recess of the insulating body until it interlocks.
US08262404B2	Terminal block and contact element for telecommunications and data systems The invention relates to a terminal block (1) for telecommunications and data systems, comprising a housing, in which first and second contacts (10, 12) for connecting leads are arranged, the first contacts (10) being accessible from the upper side (13) of the housing and the second contacts (12) being accessible from the lower side (14) of the housing, each first and second contact forming a contact pair. Each of said contact pairs has at least one interface, which is accessible from the exterior and is used to connect plugs or magazines, said interface being designed as a bifurcated contact (15) and the first contact (10), second contact (12) and the bifurcated contact (15) forming a one-piece contact element (18). The invention also relates to an associated contact element (18).
US08262401B1	Four-way raceway connector A raceway connector (300) includes a first vertical terminal set (302) and a second vertical terminal set (310). Each vertical terminal set (302, 310) includes double end terminals (304) with first and second female connectors (306, 308). The vertical terminal sets (302, 310) are held in position by a left-outside housing (314), a center connector (328) and a right-side housing (324). The raceway connector (300) is adapted to be interconnected to four junction blocks (344).
US08262400B1	Card connector A card connector includes an insulating housing defining a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber. A fool-proofing member has a pivot pillar vertically pivoted in one side of the insulating housing, a first fool-proofing portion and a second fool-proofing portion protruded on an outside face of the pivot pillar and apart designed at an upper position and a lower position of the pivot pillar at an angle. An elastic element is put around a top of the pivot pillar to make the first fool-proofing portion hidden in the insulating housing and the second fool-proofing portion stretched in the second receiving chamber for receiving one card in the first receiving chamber. The first fool-proofing portion stretches into the first receiving chamber under the rotation drive of the fool-proofing member realized by another card being inserted into the second receiving chamber to push the second fool-proofing portion rearward.
US08262397B1	Card ejector having a slider and a spring engaging a stopper on a metallic shell An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2) assembled in the insulative housing, an ejector (4) assembled at a side of the insulative housing, and a metallic shell (3) comprising a stopper portion (313). The ejector includes a slider (41) moveable along a mating direction and an ejection direction opposite to the mating direction, a spring member (43) for urging the slider to move along the ejection direction, and a pin member (42) having one end (421) secured on the insulative housing and the other one end (422) moveably guided by the slider. The stopper portion (313) stops the spring member (43) from urging the slider (41) during movement of the slider along the ejection direction.
US08262394B2	Systems and methods for improved health care compliance According to some embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may provide for improved health care compliance. Embodiments may comprise, for example, identifying an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, determining output information associated with a game, and providing the output information to the patient. Some embodiments may comprise receiving a code associated with a patient, wherein the code includes encoded information that is indicative of an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, decoding the code to determine the information, determining whether the occurrence of the event is compliant with a condition associated with the taking of the substance, and providing, in the case that compliance with the condition is determined, one or more rewards to the patient.
US08262392B2	Hair dressing and beauty technique training device and model for hair dressing and beauty technique training It is an object to provide a hair dressing and beauty technique training device by which the presence or absence of twist or angle shift in a horizontal direction when drawn by sandwiching between the fingers is easily found, thus a proper posture for haircutting and winding etc., may be determined by oneself, furthermore the proper posture and stance and positions of hands and scissors etc., so as not to cause twist or angle shift may be acquired and one's habits and what techniques he/she lacks may be determined objectively, thus basic techniques for proper haircutting and winding may be acquired in a short period of time, and moreover when artificial hair runs out, if hair is exchanged for new hair, the head model may be used repeatedly, and thus running costs may be reduced.The hair dressing and beauty technique training device includes a securing portion 2 secured to a head model 100, a joint portion 3 formed in the securing portion 2, an attaching portion 6 formed detachably in the joint portion 3, and one or a plurality of strip-shaped portions 8 whose one end is connected to the attaching portion 6.
US08262386B2	Gas burning hand tool Burner (5) for a gas burning hand tool (1), of the type comprising an elongated burner body (21), associated at opposite ends of the body with a gas injection zone (17) and a gas combustion zone (19). The gas injection zone (17) comprises at least one outlet orifice (35) terminating flush on the outside of the periphery (25) of the burner body (21), this periphery (25) promoting the circulation of the gas outside the burner body (21) to the combustion zone (19). Gas burning hand tool equipped with a burner of this type.
US08262385B2	Aqueous dispersions of heavy oil residues A description follows of an aqueous dispersion of heavy oil residues, suitable for undergoing combustion with a low emission of SOx, comprising: (a) a heavy oil residue; (b) a dispersing agent; (c) a desulfurizing agent selected from CaCO3, MgCO3, dolomite and relative mixtures; (d) a desulfurizing agent with stabilizing and anti-corrosive properties selected from MgO, Mg(OH)2, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and relative mixtures; (e) water; the weight percentage of (e) with respect of the sum of (a)+(e) being at least 15%.
US08262383B2	Twisted panel and apparatus for making or mounting same A twisted resin panel of typically several feet in length can be twisted after being subject to heat, pressure, and a rotation assembly. In one implementation, a manufacturer can clamp opposing ends of a heated resin panel, such as a panel comprising a one or more layers (e.g., tie/EVA layer, image layer(s), etc.) thermoformed within opposing resin sheet layers. The manufacturer can then elevate the resin panel, and then twist at least one end of the resin panel to a specified degree to achieve a desired aesthetic. Upper securing means (e.g., vertical clamps, rig hardware) at the upper end of the resin panel can be configured to move up or down during the twist of the resin panel in order to accommodate length variations thereof. Upon twisting, the resin panel will then cool into the desired position, and thus be used for any number of decorative architectural purposes.
US08262382B2	Antireflective member, optical element, display device, method of making stamper and method of making antireflective member using the stamper A stamper, used for fabricating an antireflective member, has an uneven surface pattern, which includes a plurality of very small recessed portions, each having a stepped side surface.
US08262379B2	Device and method for producing a tread Device for manufacturing the tread of a tire, said tread comprising a plurality of relief tread elements of height h whose radially outer surface is designed to be in contact with the ground when the tire is rolling on the road surface, comprising a rotary support suitable for supporting a base strip (MB) forming a receiving surface (S), an extrusion die (1) comprising a plurality of extrusion nozzles whose outlet channels are oriented radially approximately perpendicular to the receiving surface (S), at least two compound supply means, each feeding into one or more separate extrusion nozzles, and means for positioning and moving the extrusion die relative to the receiving surface (S).
US08262377B2	Injection molded scroll form Scrolls made from injection molding processes are disclosed. The scroll components have a tip seal groove defined within an involute portion of the scroll. Bearing and tip seal engaging plates are integrally molded within base members of the scroll.
US08262376B2	High-pressure pump An extended passage of a press-side passage is supposed in a fuel gallery. This supposed extended passage of the press-side passage extends toward a lid member. The press-side passage is opened at the side wall of the fuel gallery. A center axis of the press-side passage is inclined in such a manner that a fuel returning from the press-side passage to the fuel gallery flows toward the lid member. A bottom-side fringe of a damper unit does not exist in the supposed extended passage.
US08262374B2	Motor pump for headlamp cleaner A motor pump for a headlamp cleaner includes a motor, a control circuit board for driving the motor, an impeller rotatable by the motor, a plurality of terminal pieces adapted to be coupled to an outside connector, and a casing. The casing includes a pump chamber having a washer fluid suction port and a discharge port and inside which the impeller is accommodated, a motor housing chamber disposed above the pump chamber and inside which the motor is accommodated, a board housing chamber inside which the control circuit board is accommodated, and a connector portion extending outwardly in a cylindrical shape and inside which the plurality of terminal pieces extends. The connector portion is provided such that one of the terminal pieces is directly coupled to the motor.
US08262372B2	Compressor hermetic terminal A compressor including a shell having an aperture. A drive mechanism is disposed within the shell, and a compression mechanism is driven by the drive mechanism. A hermetic terminal assembly is provided in the aperture including a cup-shaped housing surrounded by an annular flange. The annular flange is secured to an inner surface of the shell a distance away from the aperture.
US08262368B2	Hydraulic piston machine A hydraulic piston machine includes a plurality of pistons (12, 14) which are driven by a drive/output shaft (40), guided in an axially displaceable manner in a piston barrel (4) of a housing (2), and, in each case, bound one working chamber (44) into which the pressure medium may be fed via a suction valve (46), and from which the pressure medium may be discharged via a pressure valve (48). The housing (2) includes at least one further housing part (6) which is connected to the piston barrel (4) on the front side. The suction valves (46) and pressure valves (48) are situated in the region of a parting plane (50) between the housing parts (4, 6), in housing receptacles (52, 54), approximately axially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piston machine.
US08262363B2	Blade having a damping element and method of fabricating same A blade for a wind turbine includes a body adapted for movement in response to wind flow past the blade body. The body has an inner surface defining an interior chamber and an opposite outer surface. At least one damping element extends from the inner surface of the body. The at least one damping element is configured to facilitate reducing an amount of noise generated by and propagating through the blade.
US08262362B2	Wind turbine blade shear web with spring flanges A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade. A connection assembly is configured between the transverse ends of the shear web and the spar caps. The connection assembly includes spring flange members that extend distally beyond the transverse ends of the shear web at opposite sides of the shear web so as to define a laterally extending float section. A bond paste layer is between the float sections and the spar cap and between the transverse end of the shear web and the spar cap as a result of compression of the spring flanges against the spar cap.
US08262358B1	Ultra-light weight self-lubricating propeller hub A propeller assembly includes a rotatable hub having a center metal hub portion and an outer composite hub portion. A set of composite propeller blades are mounted for pitch control rotation on the hub by a set of dry bearings.
US08262357B2	Extended length holes for tip film and tip floor cooling The tip cooling arrangement of the present application reduces large cooling flow requirements which can compromise turbine performance. The tip cooling arrangement of the present application provides convective cooling of a turbine blade tip end, whether a flat tip or a squealer, by extending holes that provide fluid for film cooling the tip end. The holes are thus lengthened and extend from the relatively cooler suction side of the blade to the pressure side of the blade in close proximity to the floor of the tip end.
US08262356B2	Rotor chamber cover member having aperture for dirt separation and related turbine A cover member defining a rotor chamber adjacent to a rotor wheel that supports a rotating blade in a turbine includes a first aperture for introducing a cooling gas stream into the rotor chamber, and a second aperture positioned in a radially outward portion of the cover member for allowing a portion of the cooling gas stream to exit the rotor chamber. The portion of the cooling gas stream exiting the rotor chamber carries dirt particles to purge the rotor chamber.
US08262355B2	Cooled component A component, such as a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine, has an internal cooling system which includes a passage (28) having a passage inlet (22) and a passage exit (30), which may be in the form of passageways at or adjacent to the trailing edge of the component. The passage (28) is divided into chambers (52, 54, 56, 58) by partitions (40, 42, 44) which extend from one wall (34) of the component and terminate short of the opposite wall (36) to provide gaps (46, 48, 50) to permit chord-wise cooling air flow from the passage inlet (22) to the passage exit (30). The gaps (46, 48, 50) force the cooling air to pass adjacent the hot walls (34, 36), so increasing the heat transfer coefficient between the cooling air and the material of the component.
US08262352B2	Blade pitch control A method of controlling blade pitch angle, including comparing demanded and measured blade pitch angle and calculating any difference therebetween, in a primary electrical control system, where there is a difference, applying torque to a blade pitch regulator to reduce the magnitude of the difference to zero, and in a secondary electrical control system, where the difference is greater than a pre-determined threshold, applying torque to a blade pitch regulator to reduce the magnitude of the difference to the threshold. Also an electrical system of blade pitch angle control for a set of blades including primary and secondary electrical control systems, means for comparing demanded and measured blade pitch angle and calculating any difference therebetween, a look-up function having the difference as its input and outputting a required torque, and a torque regulator to apply the required torque to the set of blades.
US08262348B2	Turbine blade tip gap reduction system A turbine blade sealing system for reducing a gap between a tip of a turbine blade and a stationary shroud of a turbine engine. The sealing system includes a plurality of flexible seal strips extending from a pressure side of a turbine blade generally orthogonal to the turbine blade. During operation of the turbine engine, the flexible seal strips flex radially outward extending towards the stationary shroud of the turbine engine, thereby reducing the leakage of air past the turbine blades and increasing the efficiency of the turbine engine.
US08262347B2	Fluid catchment system for a wind turbine A fluid catchment system for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine has a nacelle mounted to a tower. The fluid catchment system includes at least one fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the interior of the nacelle and configured to receive fluid exiting from the nacelle. The fluid accumulator is configured to be positioned at least partially beneath the nacelle and to be attached to at least one of the tower and the nacelle. An oil absorbent material may be retained by the fluid accumulator. A fluid collector may be provided to collect fluid from the fluid accumulator. A fluid catchment system having a fluid accumulator located on a wind turbine blade is also provided. Further, a wind turbine including a fluid catchment system is provided.
US08262343B2	Wet compression apparatus and method This wet compression invention with a vaporizable fluid mist demonstrates major performance improvements over the relevant art in achieving a high degree of saturation, providing sensible cooling, strongly reducing the temperature increase due to compression work, reducing excess diluent air flow for downstream combustion, reducing compression noise, and increasing the achievable compressor pressure ratio. These improvements are obtained by one or more of: high mist or overspray from a) progressive axial injection of vaporizable fluid along the streamwise compression flow path, and b) transverse vaporizable fluid delivery from stators, rotors, perforated tubes, and/or duct walls, matching the gaseous fluid flow distribution across the compressor stream; c) reducing the compressor cross-sectional flow area of downstream compressor stages relative to up-stream stages, and d) increasing the rate of downstream vaporizable fluid injection relative to the rate of upstream injection, as a function of each compressor stage pressure ratio.
US08262339B2	Flow channel of a regenerative pump The present invention provides an improvement in a new structure of a regenerative pump, including a cross section structure of the flow channel of a pump casing and closed type impeller, whereby to improve a better flow model for pump performance to solve problems of noise, and to increase the outflow capacity and higher efficiency.
US08262335B2	Lifting platform with fork A lifting platform installed in a pit, especially for tracks, has at least two lifting devices. At least one of the lifting devices is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pit for adapting to the axle spacing of the vehicle to be lifted, and at least of one lifting devices has two laterally projecting wheel forks for holding the wheels of a vehicle axle. The lifting device with the laterally projecting wheel forks is combined with an axle lifter, which is allocated to the axle of the wheels in the wheel forks and which is vertically movable independently of the wheel forks.
US08262334B2	System for unloading or loading of cargo The present invention is a system (1) for unloading or loading cargo which for example is packed in boxes (16). The system includes first transport (5) with a handling apparatus (6) and a second longitudinally variable transport (8). The first transport (5) transports cargo (16) to and from the second transport (8). The handling apparatus (6) includes a conveyor (19) for transporting cargo (6) to or from the first transport (5). The handling apparatus (6) furthermore includes a movable handler (13) that interacts with the conveyor (19) and which engages the cargo (16).
US08262332B2	Connecting element, in particular a speed nut The invention relates to a connection element, in particular a plate nut, comprising a base body for attachment of an arbitrary component to a metallic planar object, in particular to a sheet metal.According to the invention, the base body comprises a securement portion the cross-sectional geometry of which deviates from a circular shape, the securement portion being at least partially positively receivable in a deformation in the sheet metal. The base body is, by means of a holding device, secured in the deformation against dropping out.In an alternative embodiment of the connection element, wherein unilateral accessibility to the sheet metal is sufficient, the holding device is formed by bead portions in a shaft area of the base body, which are plastically deformed into a bead by pull-out of a threaded bolt that is screwed into a thread portion.In accordance with a further embodiment the holding device is formed by a threaded nut engageable on the underside with the base body of the connection element or/and snappable onto the same, bilateral accessibility to the sheet metal however being required.
US08262328B2	Collapsible intermodal transport platform A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
US08262323B2	Cutting tool and clamping mechanism therefor A clamping mechanism clamps a cutting insert in a tool body. The clamping mechanism has a clamping arm seated within a clamping arm pocket. The clamping arm includes a clamping protrusion extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the clamping arm. The cutting insert has a bore having an insert retaining surface and is seated within an insert pocket. Upon tightening the clamping arm into the tool body, the clamping protrusion presses against the insert retaining surface and the cutting insert is securely abutted within the insert pocket.
US08262319B2	Freestanding hybrid riser system and method of installation This invention relates to an improved freestanding hybrid riser system (FHRS) with new component configurations at the interfaces at the top (3) and bottom (5) ends of the vertical section of the riser (1) in comparison with configurations already installed by the industry. This proposed invention also describes a method for installation of the proposed FHRS which makes it possible to use vessels which are more available on the world market and therefore to bring about improved technical and operational gains.
US08262318B2	Contaminant-reactive gabion cage or grid structure and method of manufacture and use Reactive gabion cage or grid structures, and their methods of manufacture, for controlling contaminants in soil, sediment or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The articles and methods described herein utilize gabions cages or grids, which are box shaped cages or grids (see FIG. 2) made of either steel wire mesh or plastic. In one embodiment, reactive geotextile mats are disposed on a top major surface of a gabion cage or grid. In other embodiments, the cages or grids surround a geocomposite containing reactive material. The gabion cage or grid structures can be constructed in-situ (at the site of deployment) or remotely (on land or barge) and set in place. They are typically placed side-by-side and, in a preferred embodiment, are configured to cover a target sediment area, underwater. The gabion cages or grids may be filled with clean sediment, silt, sand and/or concrete block or rock to hold the reactive geocomposite in place and for armoring.
US08262317B1	Juvenile fish bypass system A device to provide a bypass for fish from an upstream reservoir behind a dam, to a lower elevation downstream reservoir. The device employs a flow separation apparatus for separating aquatic life entering the device and communicated to the downstream reservoir, from a portion of fluid flow communicated to the dam intake. The moving fluid within the device creates turbulence to provide a cushioning effect to protect the fish from impacts, while directing water streams to urge fish to an upper portion of the device distant from the water being communicated to the dam in the lower portion.
US08262312B2	System for locking a first shaft with respect to a second shaft eliminating clearances between said shafts A system for locking, with respect to rotation and translation, the engagement of a first shaft with a second shaft, the first shaft being disposed in an axial bore in the second shaft. The system includes a locking device movable between a locking position and a release position, the first shaft having an end part which includes two walls inclined towards each other in a transverse direction, the axial bore having two corresponding walls opposite the inclined walls of the first shaft wherein changing the locking position of the locking device causes a transverse movement of the end part which puts the inclined walls of the first shaft in abutment against the corresponding walls of the axial bore.
US08262309B2	Clamp yoke and a method of forming a clamp yoke A clamp yoke for providing a pivotable connection between a pair of rotatable shafts, including a base portion and an ear portion at each end of the base portion, the yoke having a substantially symmetrical U-shaped profile. Each ear portion has a hole, the holes in the ear portions being substantially axially aligned on a first axis. The base portion has an aperture having an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The base portion has a bolt hole adjacent one side of the aperture, the bolt hole having an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the aperture axis and the first axis. The base portion has a slot extending from one end of the base portion, through the bolt hole and into the aperture, the slot extending beyond the aperture on the opposite side of the aperture to the bolt hole. Also a method of forming the clamp yoke.
US08262305B2	Package and applicator for liquid or semi-liquid composition The present disclosure provides a package for storing and applying a liquid or semi-liquid composition to an exposed surface. The package has a body having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity located between the first and second ends wherein the first and second sides connect the first end to the second end, and an opening at the first end. A liquid or semi-liquid composition, meant to be applied to the surface, is located and stored in the interior cavity of the body. A substrate is included over the opening of the package capable of transferring the liquid or semi-liquid composition onto the surface. In an exemplary aspect, the package further includes a cover portion positioned over the opening which encloses the substrate and seals the opening in the package.
US08262300B2	Coating and developing apparatus, developing method and non-transitory medium A coating and developing apparatus develops a substrate of which surface is coated with resist and exposed to lights. The coating and developing apparatus includes a developing module; a cleaning module; and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer a substrate developed by the developing module to the cleaning module. The developing module includes an airtightly sealed processing vessel configured to form a processing atmosphere; a temperature control plate provided in the processing vessel and mounts thereon the substrate and cools the substrate; and an atmosphere gas supply unit configured to supply an atmosphere gas including mist of a developing solution to a surface of the substrate within the processing vessel. The cleaning module includes a mounting table configured to mount thereon the substrate; and a cleaning solution supply unit configured to supply a cleaning solution to the substrate mounted on the mounting table.
US08262298B2	Method for repairing a damaged composite component having fibre optics The invention is directed to a method for repairing a damaged composite fiber component of an aircraft having at least one integrated fiber optic, the damaged area including both a damaged composite structure and a damaged optical fiber, comprising mechanically removing material from the damaged area, to form a removed area, exposing ends of the damaged composite fiber component in an edge area of the removed area, splicing-in a bridging fiber optic portion for restoring an optical connection, laying the bridging fiber optic along an edge area of the removed area, and pressing and gluing-in a repair patch into the removed area.
US08262294B2	Fiber optic dust cap and connector for terminating multi-fiber optical cables A dust cap is adapted to cover an end of a fiber optic connector that includes a release sleeve. The dust cap includes a sleeve with an open end and a closed end, at least one resilient latch with a retainer, and a sealing surface. The dust cap is installed on the fiber optic connector by placing the open end of the sleeve over the end of the fiber optic connector. The dust cap is retained on the fiber optic connector by capturing the retainer of the resilient latch between an interior portion of the release sleeve and a retaining pocket of the fiber optic connector. The sealing surface of the dust cap is adapted to sealingly engage a perimeter of the release sleeve when the dust cap is fully installed.
US08262292B2	Bicycle headset A bicycle headset includes a lower cup, a bearing, a pressed ring, and an upper cup. The lower cup includes a first surface and a block extended on the first surface. The bearing is engaged in the lower cup. The pressed ring is rotatably engaged in the bearing. The upper cup is rotatably engaged with the lower cup and includes a second surface facing the first surface, and a channel extended in the second surface and having an arc shape. The channel includes first and second stop walls. The channel receives the block and includes the first and second stop walls selectively abutted against the block. The first and second stop walls are distanced from each other with an arc length. The arc length has an angle not greater than 180 degrees.
US08262287B2	Thermocouple A thermocouple for use in a semiconductor processing reaction is described. The thermocouple includes a sheath having a measuring tip and an opening at the opposing end. A support member that receives a portion of a first wire and a second wire is received within the sheath. The first and second wires form a junction that contacts the inner surface of the sheath at the measuring tip. A spacing member is secured at the opening of the sheath and receives the support member. The spacing member allows the support member, first wire, and second wire to freely thermally expand relative to each other without introducing compression or tension stresses therein.
US08262283B2	Apparatus and method for determining the thermal stability of fluids A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements are recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made.
US08262282B2	Monitoring apparatus A timing apparatus on a container cap which is associated with a standard push pump. The timer is activated by pushing down on the standard pump that then moves a fluid that is held within a chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment. The compartments are in fluid communication with each other. The fluid is moved from one compartment to the other compartment when the pump is pushed and the timer works because the fluid returns to the first compartment over some known range of time when the pump is no longer being pushed.
US08262278B2	Concrete mixing system A mixing tool is provided for mixing, in a mixing container, plural materials including a first material and a second material. The mixing tool has a shaft and a first mixing member. The first mixing member has a visual reference for indicating when a predetermined volume of the first material is deposited in the mixing container.
US08262274B2	Light guides and backlight systems incorporating light redirectors at varying densities Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose density and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.
US08262273B2	Integrated light guide plate having enhanced axial luminosity An integrated light guide plate having axial directional luminance distribution has a substrate. The substrate has a light incident plane, a light emission plane and a bottom surface opposite to the light emission surface. The light incident plane has a plurality of V-cuts formed thereon to serve as prisms. The included angle of the V-cuts is between 85° and 105°. A plurality of pyramidal recesses is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate. Given the formation of the V-cuts and the pyramidal recesses, the integrated light guide plate of the present invention provides an enhanced axial luminous intensity without requiring additional diffuser sheets and prism sheets. Accordingly, the integrated light guide plate has a good directional axial luminance.
US08262271B2	Display A display comprises: a single-view image display panel (6); and a parallax optic (8) disposed over a display face of the image display panel for restricting the angular spread of light output from the display face of the image display panel. This enables light to be concentrated in a desired viewing angle range (66), and avoids a user (56) seeing unwanted reflections that may occur as a result of a greater viewing angle range (64) if the parallax optic (8) is not provided. The display may be used, as an example, in a motor vehicle to prevent unwanted reflections from the windscreen (62) of the vehicle.
US08262263B2	High reliability cooling system for LED lamps using dual mode heat transfer loops In one aspect, a cooling device for an LED chip mounted on a heat sink includes an enclosed tube in contact with the heat sink. The tube includes a vacuum section surrounded by a plurality of cooling fins and a liquid-filled section surrounded by a plurality of cooling fins. The liquid-filled section is in contact with the heat sink. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a heat sink, an LED chip mounted on the heat sink, and an enclosed tube in contact with the heat sink. The tube includes a vacuum section surrounded by a plurality of cooling fins and a liquid-filled section surrounded by a plurality of cooling fins. The liquid-filled section is in contact with the heat sink.
US08262259B2	Dissipation module for a light emitting device and light emitting diode device having the same A light emitting diode device is provided. The light emitting diode device comprises a composite substrate and a light emitting diode disposed on the composite substrate. The composite substrate comprises a first carbon fiber composite layer which is able to conduct heat rapidly in the direction of carbon fiber, such that the heat generated from the light emitting diode module can be dissipated rapidly.
US08262256B2	Semiconductor light module A semiconductor light module comprising: integrated drive electronics, a semiconductor light source applied to a disk-shaped module, the surface of which is electrically conductive, and wherein the module has good thermal conductivity. The drive electronics are positioned around the semiconductor light source, and the drive electronics comprise a circuit board having at least first and second conductor track levels. The first track level is oriented outward in the light emission direction in the installed state, and the second track level is enclosed by a closed cavity incorporated into the module. Ground-carrying lines of the circuit board are electrically connected to the surface of the module.
US08262253B2	Lighting method and system A lighting system including a light-emitting diode cradle securing at least one light-emitting diode and a modular unit comprising an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion comprising at least one diffusive reflective surface adapted to receive and reflect light from the at least one light-emitting diode. The lighting system further includes a diffusive transmissive element adapted to receive light reflected by the diffusive reflective surface and provide diffused light to an area requiring illumination.
US08262252B2	Illumination system The illumination system has an array of light sources (1, 1′, . . . ) such as an array of light emitting diodes arranged in a pre-determined manner in a first plane (11), wherein dsource is a characteristic dimension of the spatial arrangement of the light sources in the first plane. An array of associated lenses (2, 2′, . . . ) is arranged in substantially the same pre-determined manner in a second plane (12). Each lens has substantially the same focal distance flens. The array of lenses is provided at a plane distance dplane from the array of light sources. The plane distance dplane is substantially equal to the focal distance flens of the lenses. The illumination system has displacement means for displacing the array of lenses with respect to the array of light sources so as to obtain a plurality of directional light beams projecting spots on a projection plane arranged at a projection distance dprojection from the illumination system, wherein dprojection≧10×dsource and dprojection≧10×dplane.
US08262246B2	Clamping flashlight A flashlight includes a lamp head configured to emit light; a lamp head holder including a lower base, an upper base and a first pivot mount supported by the upper base, the upper base being rotatably connected to the lower base such that the upper base and the lower base are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis of rotation, and the lamp head being rotatably connected to the pivot mount such that the lamp head is rotatable relative to the upper base about a second axis of rotation defined by the pivot mount; and a clamp pivotably connected to the lower base of the lamp head holder.
US08262243B1	Christmas ornament with selectable illumination and motion mechanisms A Christmas ornament with selectable illuminating means comprises movable parts and an illumination system which changes color. The apparatus is illuminated with an RGB LED light string which changes color automatically. The color change operation is governed by a self-mounted PIC microcontroller with a customized programming, which directs the microcontroller to change the color of the RGB light string across a broad range of discrete colors. The color change can be controlled as a gradual transition and could be manually controlled to allow lights to remain a particular color as desired. The apparatus is powered by AC power and has a weatherproof construction to allow for outdoor use.
US08262237B2	Retroreflective sheeting including cube corner elements The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
US08262235B2	Laser projector and image projection method for projecting an image with reduced speckles on the projected laser light image A laser projector comprises an oscillation device for displacing at least one of a plurality of optical elements, which constitute the projection optical system of the laser projector, periodically along the direction of the optical axis of laser light. The laser projector reduces the speckle of a projection image on an arbitrary screen to such an extent as it cannot be recognized with human eyes, without having a significant effect on the image resolution, by periodically displacing the position of the smallest spot of laser light projected from the projection optical system. An image projection method is also provided.
US08262234B2	Image display device using variable-focus lens at conjugate image plane An image display device for optically displaying an image is disclosed. This device includes: a light source; an imaging-light generator converting light emitted from the light source, into imaging light representative of the image to be displayed, to thereby generate the imaging light; a relay optical system focusing the imaging light emitted from the imaging-light generator, on an image plane which is located at an optically conjugate position to the imaging-light generator, the relay optical system defining a pupil through which the imaging light passes, within the relay optical system; a variable-focus lens disposed at a position generally coincident with the pupil, the variable-focus lens having a varying focal length; and a wavefront-curvature adjuster configured to vary the focal length by operating the variable-focus lens, to thereby adjust a wavefront curvature of the imaging light emitted from the relay optical system.
US08262233B2	Light control device and illumination device for a projector including same In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a light control device includes a light blocking module to block a luminous flux passing through the light control device in a direction parallel to a system optical axis. The light blocking module includes a first and a second light blocking member. The first light blocking member includes a cutout portion at an end near a system optical axis, the first light blocking member configured so as to change a size of an area blocking the luminous flux in accordance with an opening and closing operation of the light blocking module. The second light blocking member is disposed in proximity to the first light blocking member and configured so as to increasingly block the luminous flux from passing through the cutout portion of the first light blocking member in accordance with the closing operation of the light blocking module.
US08262231B2	Light control device, lighting device, and projector for controlling transmission amount of light emitted from an emission area by use of curved light shielding members A light control device which controls the transmission amount of light emitted from a predetermined emission area includes a rotation member having a rotation axis extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the center axis of the light, and a light shielding member supported by the rotation member and shielding at least a part of the light by rotation of the rotation member. The light shielding member has a light shielding surface which shields received light. The light shielding surface is so processed as to reduce the amount of light reflected by the light shielding surface, and reaching the emission area.
US08262229B2	Multi-projector display system calibration A first Gray code technique and a second raster calibration technique can be combined to create a precise mapping between pixel locations of the camera and pixel locations of the projector(s). In one aspect the technique of using the raster calibration images is eliminated by interpolating the projector coordinate information decoded from the Gray code images. In another aspect camera images are processed to reduce errors caused by noise so that text can be displayed without any noticeable misalignment between projectors. In a third aspect, a scale factor is calculated based on the relative height/width of projector regions in the captured calibration images. Calibration images are recalculated using the scale factor to provide greater correspondence between the mapping of a low resolution camera to the high-resolution projectors.
US08262227B2	Laser display device employing blue laser diode Provided is a laser display device. The laser display device may include at least one light source configured to emit at least one laser beam, at least one scanning unit configured to perform a scanning with the at least one laser beam, and an image forming unit configured to generate excitation light and scattering light by receiving the at least one laser beam from the scanning unit to form an image.
US08262223B2	Devices and methods for defined orientation of an eye The present solution is directed to the orientation of an eye for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, wherein the line of sight need not coincide with the optical axis of the examination apparatus or treatment apparatus. The invention includes a fixating light source for generating a positionable fixating mark, a device for coupling this fixating mark into a beam path of an ophthalmological apparatus whose imaging optics project the fixating mark on the eye to be examined and/or treated, and a control unit by which the image of the fixating mark can be displayed at different distances and angular positions with respect to the optical axis of the ophthalmological apparatus so that the eye to be examined and/or treated is oriented to this fixating mark by foveal focusing and occupies a defined position with respect to the optical axis of the ophthalmological apparatus.
US08262222B2	Method and system for correcting aberrations of the eye for an ophthalmic instrument A method for correcting aberrations of the eye applied to an ophthalmic instrument operating with an analysis light beam, including: measurement of aberrations of the eye capable of interfering with the analysis beam, correction of the phase of the wave front of the analysis beam as a function of the measured values of the aberrations, measurement of eye movements carried out independently of the measurement of aberrations, and modification of the correction of the phase of the wave front of the analysis beam as a function of the measurement of eye movements.
US08262221B2	Ophthalmological diagnostic system The present invention is an ophthalmological diagnostic system adapted for use in urgent care facilities, physicians' offices, hospitals, mobile treatment facilities, and in remote areas. The ophthalmological diagnostic system includes a component for securely holding a digital camera in optical communication with an ophthalmoscope and in various embodiments may include hardware and software for analysis and storage of images or video captured using the ophthalmological diagnostic system. The ophthalmological diagnostic system facilitates viewing of images and video by a single diagnostician or multiple diagnosticians.
US08262220B2	Method of making high precision optics having a wavefront profile A method of generating a high precision optical surface profile includes obtaining a high precision optical surface profile which contains information of the optical path difference map of the profile. A substrate material has a known index of refraction, Ns, while a cover material has an index Nc that is more closely matched to the index Ns of the substrate material than the index of air Nair to Ns. An exaggerated surface profile is cut that is proportionally expanded from the high precision profile by a factor: (Ns−Nair) divided by (Ns−Nc). The cut surface profile is covered with the cover material.
US08262219B2	Eyewear earstem devices and methods An earstem for eyeglasses is provided that can incorporate an interchangeable elastomeric traction member disposed in a recessed seat which extends along a length of the earstem to provide a contact area between the earstem and the head. The traction member can be disposed along the bottom portion of the earstem and/or around the periphery of the earstem. The traction device can be detachably coupled to the earstem so that the traction device can be exchanged to accommodate different needs or situations.
US08262214B2	Ink jet printer An ink jet recording apparatus includes a guide rail extending in a first direction; an ink head that slidably engages with the guide rail and discharges an ultraviolet light curable ink toward a recording medium; an ultraviolet light irradiation device attached to the ink head to move together with the ink head and that irradiates ultraviolet light to the ink discharged on the recording medium; a second head that slidably engages with the guide rail; a carriage that moves along the guide rail; a first connection mechanism that detachably connects the carriage with the ink head; a second connection mechanism that detachably connects the carriage with the second head; and an irradiation prohibition mechanism that prohibits the irradiation by the ultraviolet light irradiation device based on a predetermined condition relating to a connection state between the carriage and the ink head caused by the first connection mechanism.
US08262209B2	Circulating type ink supply system A circulating type ink supply system includes an upstream ink tank, an upstream ink flow channel connected at one end thereof to the upstream ink tank, a nozzle branch portion connected to the other end of the upstream ink flow channel and being in communication with a nozzle configured to discharge ink, a downstream ink flow channel connected at one end thereof to the nozzle branch portion and a downstream ink tank connected to the other end of the downstream ink flow channel, wherein an energy per unit volume determined by a sum value of a static pressure and a potential energy of the ink in the upstream ink tank when the circulation of the ink is stopped does not exceed the energy per unit volume of the ink at an atmospheric pressure at a level of the nozzle.
US08262208B2	Liquid container, method of filling liquid into liquid container, and remanufacturing method of liquid container According to one aspect of the invention, a remanufacturing method of a liquid container forms an inlet in a certain area, for example, a buffer chamber, other than a specific section including liquid reservoirs and flow paths adjoining to and directly communicating with a bubble trap flow path in the liquid container. In the state of closing a liquid feeder and opening an air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects a liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the upstream of the inlet with the liquid. In the state of opening the liquid feeder and closing the air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the downstream of the inlet with the liquid. The remanufacturing process seals the inlet after completion of the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08262205B2	Liquid discharge device A liquid discharge device is provided with a discharge head, a sub tank, and a liquid replenishment device comprising a space for housing a main tank and a joint member to be connected to the main tank. The joint member is capable of being connected to and disconnected from the sub tank. The liquid within the main tank is supplied to the sub tank when the joint member is in a connected state with the sub tank. The joint member comprises a liquid path and a valve biased in a direction where the liquid path is closed. The joint member is configured to receive a force from the sub tank and open the liquid path in the case where the joint member is being connected to the sub tank. The joint member is configured to open the liquid path in the case where an inner space of the main tank has a negative pressure greater than a first value.
US08262204B2	Print head die slot ribs Methods and an apparatus are disclosed, wherein a print head die includes a slot and ribs across the slot. The ribs are recessed from one or both sides of the die.
US08262203B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head comprising: a pressure generating chamber substrate having pressure generating chambers; and a piezoelectric element including first conductive layer, piezoelectric layer, and a second conductive layer provided above the pressure generating chamber substrate, wherein the piezoelectric element includes overlapped areas where the pressure generating chamber and the piezoelectric element overlap one another in plan view, the first conductive layer has a longitudinal direction in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and are provided for each of the overlapped areas, the second conductive layer is provided continuously so as to overlap with a plurality of the pressure generating chambers and includes end areas on the side of the ends of the overlapped areas in the first direction, and the end areas are each reduced in width in the second direction as it goes toward the end in the first direction.
US08262201B2	Micro writing and reading In one embodiment, a printing device includes: a print engine configured to apply marking material to print media; a laser writer configured to expose the print media to a laser beam of sufficient energy to change the reflectivity of exposed portions of the print media; a media path along which the print engine may apply marking material to print media in a macro printing zone and along which the print media may be exposed to a beam of light emitted by the laser writer in a micro printing zone; and an electronic controller operatively connected to the print engine for selectively applying marking material to the print media and to the laser writer for selectively exposing the print media to a laser beam.
US08262200B2	Non-wetting coating on a fluid ejector A method of forming a non-wetting coating on a fluid ejector includes applying an oxygen plasma to a substrate to form an outer portion of the substrate having a density that is greater than a density of an interior portion of the substrate and depositing a non-wetting coating on an exterior surface of the outer portion. The outer portion is less than 80 Å thick.
US08262196B2	Methods and apparatus to provide user-customizable flush patterns in an ink-based printing system Methods and apparatus for user customization of flush patterns in an ink-based printing system. Features and aspects hereof provide for user input to define a flush pattern and to define a location at which the flush pattern is to be placed on sheetside images. By integrating the flush pattern as defined by the user into the sheetside images, the flush pattern may convey useful information or may at least be aesthetically acceptable as compared to prior flush pattern definitions. The user may select among a plurality of standard, pre-defined patterns and locations or may define a fully customized pattern to be placed at a fully customized location. Text or other potentially useful patterns may be defined by the user. Analysis of the sheetside images may permit the user to define placement of the pattern so as to avoid occluding information imprinted on the sheetside images.
US08262194B2	Inkjet printer with cleaning device An inkjet printer (10) comprising: an inkjet printing head (32); a service station (101) provided for the maintenance of the printing head (32) and having a protective cap (102), in turn adapted to be coupled in contact with a front surface (32b, 32c) of the printing head (32) to protect it; and a cleaning device (110), associated with the service station, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a receptacle (104) adapted to be moved between a first operative position (P5), in which the receptacle (104) is arranged between the protective cap (102) and the front surface of the printing head (32) to receive a determined amount of ink ejected, in the form of drops, by the printing head (32) during programmed cleaning cycles, and a second operative position (P6), in which the receptacle (104) is laterally displaced with respect to the protective cap (102), to allow the contact coupling between the printing head (32) and the protective cap (102). Thanks to this configuration of the cleaning device (110), the inkjet printing head (32) can both couple with the protective cap (102) and carry out the programmed cleaning cycles, while it is arranged in a single determined position (P4) to the side of the relative printing stroke.
US08262191B2	Printing apparatus and printing method A printing apparatus and a printing method in which an ejection failure state sensing process is sufficiently carried out while a decrease in printing throughput to be suppressed are provided. The print head includes at least two ejection ports through which different amounts of ink in the same color are ejected; both ejection amounts are equal to or smaller than 5 pl. The printing apparatus carries out a first ejection failure state sensing process for sensing a first ejection ports which have the smallest opening area in the ejection ports formed in the print head. The printing apparatus also carries out a second ejection failure state sensing process for sensing an ejection state in which ink is ejected through all the ejection ports in the print head. When any ejection port is determined to be in an inappropriate ejection state, the printing apparatus carries out compensation printing.
US08262188B2	Printing device and printing method A printing device includes a first nozzle column in which nozzles discharging liquid to a medium are arranged in a line in a predetermined direction, a second nozzle column in which nozzles discharging liquid to the medium are arranged in the predetermined direction, in which the first and second nozzle columns are arranged in a line in an intersecting direction with respect to the predetermined direction, a control portion which causes the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column to discharge the liquid to the medium while moving the first and second nozzle columns and the medium relatively to each other in a moving direction, in which the control portion forms a certain correction pattern composed of a first pattern formed by the first nozzle column and positioned on one side in the intersecting direction with respect to the moving direction and a second pattern formed by the second nozzle column and positioned on the other side in the intersecting direction with respect to the moving direction in parallel with the first pattern, and the correction pattern forms another correction pattern in which the distance between the second side end of the first pattern and the first side end of the second pattern in the intersecting direction with respect to the moving direction is different from that in the certain correction pattern.
US08262184B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method A mask of Y for a first pass is a mask in which a checker pattern having a high frequency characteristic is made to be the arrangement of the print permitting pixels, and a mask of C for the first pass is a mask in which a random image having a lower frequency characteristic is made to be the arrangement of the print permitting pixels. Further, each of the masks of Y and C for a second pass has an arrangement that mutually complements the arrangement of the print permitting pixels of the mask for the first pass. By using such masks, unevenness of the permeation speed caused by beading on a printing medium can be reduced. Further, high tolerance for interference to the mask of the prior pass and for influence of external disturbances can be achieved.
US08262182B2	Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a head that performs a fluid ejecting method by ejecting a fluid on a medium in response to a driving signal. A moving mechanism relatively moves the head and the medium in a predetermined direction. A driving signal generating unit generates the driving signal, which produces a plurality of driving waveforms during a cycle in accordance with a relative moving velocity of the head and the medium in a predetermined direction. The plurality of driving waveforms are repeatedly produced every cycle. A control unit ejects the fluid from the head while the head and the medium are relatively moved in the predetermined direction. The fluid ejecting apparatus causes the driving signal, of which a final driving waveform among the plurality of driving waveforms produced during the cycle is corrected based on the relative moving velocity, to be generated from the driving signal generating unit.
US08262181B2	Fluid ejection device and fluid ejecting recording device including an inverse filter circuit A fluid ejection device includes, a modulator, a digital power amplifier, a low pass filter, and an inverse filter circuit, including, a delay device, a subtracter that subtracts an output signal of the delay device from a drive waveform signal, an amplifier adapted to amplify an output signal of the subtracter, an adder that adds an output signal of the amplifier and another input signal, a first switch adapted to perform switching so as to set either one of the drive waveform signal and an output signal of the adder to be an input signal of the delay device, a second switch adapted to perform switching so as to set either one of the drive waveform signal and the output signal of the delay device to be the another input signal of the adder, and a switch connection control section that controls the first switch and the second switch.
US08262178B2	Apparatus for changing ink cartridges An apparatus for changing ink cartridges of a printing apparatus having a transport apparatus for flat goods, a pressing apparatus and a printing module. The transport apparatus is disposed in a stationary manner in the printing apparatus opposite a pressing apparatus which presses an item of mail onto a transport belt. The transport belt, in a transport region, acts with a predetermined adhesive friction on a part of a surface of the item of mail which is not printed but is close to a region to be printed. A change position for ink cartridges is located before the transport region on a front side of the printing apparatus or above the transport region of an appropriately constructed transport apparatus.
US08262174B2	Multi-latch release mechanism A drawer that includes a container and a slide assembly is described. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The slide assembly includes a slider to move laterally along a longest axis of the slider, and an actuator, coupled to the slider, having a detent contact area. When the slider is moved in a first direction along the axis, the actuator is placed into a first orientation, relative to a latch, in which the detent contact area of the actuator engages the detent of a latch. When the actuator is coupled with the detent of the latch and the slider is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation, relative to the latch, in which the actuator actuates the latch, thereby decoupling a fastener from the latch and placing a lid in an open position.
US08262172B2	Derailment control system Derailment control system for railway vehicles that, in addition to detecting and issuing a warning of said derailment, provides control over the brake of the derailed vehicle or vehicles and provides additional emergency braking and/or a warning to the driver's cab, said system having a main unit (1) to which are joined: an inertia sensor or detector (8) designed to detect derailments, an indicator (9) or device responsible for indicating that the derailment control system has been triggered and for keeping the system activated, a stopcock (10) that deactivates the derailment control, and a bottom connection point (11) for testing that makes it possible to simulate a triggering of the system via a threaded eyebolt, facilitating verification of proper operation both during bench testing and when the system is installed on the vehicle (7), and a device (39) situated at the exhaust outlet through which the automatic brake pipe (ABP)(5) is vented when said derailment is detected.
US08262170B2	Motor vehicle wheel structure A motor-vehicle wheel structure comprises a wheel rim and a wheel disk having a circumferential border bent and welded within the wheel rim, and a central portion bearing a circumferential series of holes for engagement of bolts for fixing the wheel to the wheel support. The central portion is radiused to the circumferential border of the disk by means of an intermediate annular portion having in cross section an arched configuration projecting outwards. The intermediate annular portion has a plurality of embossed portions projecting outwards, configured in such a way as to define a plurality of spokes set at the same angular distance apart from one another.
US08262169B2	Rack bar haulage system with an improved rackbar to line pan connection A rack bar haulage system forms part of a drive system for moving the mining machine along a conveyor including a plurality of conveyor pans. The pans are arranged end to end, and the rack bar haulage system includes a plurality of rack bars, each rack bar end including a pillar portion extending downwardly. One rack bar is adapted to be mounted adjacent an end of a line pan, and another rack bar is adapted to be mounted adjacent the adjacent end of the adjacent line pan. The haulage system also includes a chain-link, the chain-link surrounding and engaging the two adjacent pillar portions on the ends of the one rack bar and the adjacent other rack bar. The chain-link is adapted to extend over the adjacent ends of the line pans. The haulage system also includes a clog for receiving the rack bar, the clog including an extension that engages the chain-link and traps the chain link between the extension and the rack bar.
US08262166B2	Arm support, and sitting support with such arm support An arm support, comprising an arm supporting element, connected via a connecting device with a lift device, wherein the arm supporting element has a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end and is connected via a tilting axis (E) with the connecting device, which tilting axis (E), in top plan view, is situated between the front end and the rear end, wherein the lift device comprises compensation means for bearing the weight of the arm support and a load borne thereon, in particular an arm of a user.
US08262164B2	Seat apparatus and seat adjustment mechanism for the same A seat adjustment mechanism, which adjusts an angle formed between first and second seat members rotatably connected to each other, includes a first link member adapted to be connected to the first seat member and including a first end rotatably supported by the first seat member, a second link member adapted to be rotatably connected to the second seat member and including a first end rotatably supported by the second seat member and a second end rotatably connected to the first link member, a drive device, and an extending and retracting device driven by the drive device and extending and retracting linearly, wherein one of the drive device and the extending and retracting device is rotatably connected to a second end of the first link member and the other of the drive device and the extending and retracting device is rotatably connected to the second seat member.
US08262163B2	Upholstered recliner chair with an adjustable backrest padding An upholstered recliner chair includes a base, a seat unit disposed on the base, a backrest frame pivotably mounted on the base and hingedly mounted to the seat unit to be displaceable between upright and tilted positions, a sidewise fixed lever extending radially from the backrest frame to be movable with the backrest frame, a backrest padding disposed to be slidable relative to the backrest frame in a lengthwise direction, and a pulling unit coupled to the backrest padding, the backrest frame, the sidewise fixed lever, and the seat unit such that the backrest padding is moved with the sidewise fixed lever during displacement of the backrest frame between the upright and tilted position to thereby vary a distance between the backrest padding and the seat unit.
US08262160B2	Adjustable padded chair A padded seat is described that includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a compartment disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface, a closeable opening to fill the compartment with a fluid, a plurality of through holes which pass through the top surface, compartment, and bottom surface, and a non-slip element disposed on the top surface.
US08262157B2	Hinge collapsible portable slat seat A collapsible and foldable composite chair with back slats and seat slats held together by a fabric material. A fold line hinge into the fabric material which normally wears out over time is reinforced to prevent such early wear outs with a cell foam material, preferably a closed cell polyolefin strip. As a result the slats do not wear though the slat pockets in the material and the fold line hinge endures.
US08262152B2	Pillar structure for automobile A pillar structure that reduces bending deformation of the pillar toward the vehicle interior, during a vehicle side collision, by suppressing cross-sectional collapse of the pillar.In a pillar which is erected on a side face of a body of an automobile and in which an outer panel and an inner panel form a closed cross-section, at sites where a collision load is likely to act strongly and locally during a side collision such as a site opposing an end of an impact beam that is provided inside a front door and that extends in the front-rear direction, and a site where a hinge joint is formed, grooves having a substantially square C-shaped cross section are formed in a front face portion, of an outer panel having a hat-shaped cross section, that faces toward the front of the vehicle, and/or a rear face portion thereof that faces toward the rear of the vehicle. The grooves are formed over the entire width in the vehicle width direction of the front face portion and rear face portion in a substantially horizontal direction. According to this configuration, during a side collision, the collision load is received by ridge portions of the grooves, whereby collapse deformation of the pillar is reduced.
US08262150B2	Drive system for pivotal and/or slidable doors or for entry and exit facilities with improved position acquisition A drive system for an entry/exit facility with at least one pivotably and/or slidably mounted door, ramp, tread or the like of a passenger transport vehicle, the system including at least one actuator or drive motor and a mechanical system driven by it and/or a gear unit for effecting the pivoting or sliding movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, with an absolute value encoder for acquiring a momentary position during the pivoting or sliding movement, where an evaluation unit is configured to compare the momentary position with at least one reference position stored in a non-volatile memory of the evaluation unit in order to generate an output signal dependent thereon, and the absolute value encoder is flange-connected to a pin that fixes the pivoting movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, and the gear unit includes a first reduction gear unit, a second reduction gear unit, and a controllable coupling is provided between the reduction gear units.
US08262149B1	Fan and canopy assembly for riding vehicle A riding vehicle is provided with a downdraft fan assembly mounted on a vehicle roll bar for providing a flow of ambient air over the vehicle operator and a canopy carried by the fan assembly and providing solar and precipitation protection for the operator.
US08262145B2	Motion assisted sifting fork A rake having a handle, and a rake head. The rake head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of the handle; a plurality of tines, the plurality of tines comprising: a movable inner tine section, the movable inner tine section having a first movable inner tine section, a second movable inner tine section and at least one fixed inner tine between the first movable inner tine section and the second inner tine section; and a fixed outer tine section on each side of the inner section; a support member extending across the plurality of tines, the support member comprising a plurality of supports positioned between the tines; and at screening material, which separates a wanted material from an unwanted material.
US08262144B2	Tweezers A hand tool includes a main body, a pair of arms connected to the main body, first tips connected to the arms and configured to grasp an object, and second tips connected to the arms and configured to grasp an object. The first tips are connected to the second tips. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a hand tool including a main body, a pair of arms connected to the main body, and a scoop portion at one end of the main body.
US08262142B2	Securable fastening device A clampable fastening device for mounting fittings or other objects in an opening having opposite edges, such as a rectangular opening in a wall, including a head part which is arranged on the outer side of the thin wall and which covers the outer rim of the opening, and from which there proceeds in the mounted position a foot part which penetrates through the opening, holding elements which are displaceable relative to one another in a channel formed in the foot part project from the foot part in direction of its outer surface. The free end of the holding elements having an inclined surface or obliquely arranged points. Wherein the foot part and the holding element are separate parts. Wherein the holding elements are displaceable along the channel by a screw preferably having a conically shaped region.
US08262140B2	Threaded joint with improved resilient seal ring A threaded joint includes a first seal ring having a tapered shape in a cross section on an axial plane, this ring having an L-shaped metal reinforcement ring embedded in it. The threaded joint can also include a second seal ring positioned more internal to the first seal ring and located in a housing between the end of a threaded section and the nose of the box. The second seal ring has a first base, a second base axially opposite to the first base, and protruding annular ribs either on the external surface or on an internal surface.
US08262138B2	Transmission element for workpiece connections to be axially compressed and configuration for producing a nondetachable connection A transmission element, which has a permanent nondetachable connection, is producible employing an axial pressing technique using simple means. The transmission element for workpiece connections to be axially compressed includes a flange section and a transmission section. The transmission section exhibits a substantially cylindrical internal peripheral surface, and the wall thickness of the transmission section tapers from the end proximal to the flange section to the end distal to the flange section. The transmission element is manufactured from a heat-resistant plastic.
US08262136B2	Holding means for a hydraulic coupling A holding device to protect a movable connector part of a hydraulic system on work equipment, which mates with a fixed connector part of a hydraulic system on a work vehicle. The holding device is fixedly mounted on the work equipment and has recesses which receive and protect the hydraulic connections of the movable connector part when they are not engaged with the fixed connector part. The holding device may have a contact surface which mates with the hydraulic connectors of the movable part. The recess or recesses can receive a multipart hydraulic connector or a plurality of individual connectors. The holding device may include an electrical connector dummy for attachment to an electrical connector on the work equipment. A cover fits over the holding device when it is not engaged by a movable connector part; and it also mates with the fixed connector part when it is not engaged by the movable connector part.
US08262135B2	Duplex pipe fitting, exclusive tool for the duplex pipe fitting, refrigeration system employing the duplex pipe fitting, and separation type air conditioner A duplex pipe fitting includes a fitting main body 1 and a pair of coupling members 2 which are threaded to both ends of the fitting main body 1. The coupling members 2 are threaded to the fitting main body 1, so that two pipes P are connected to each other with the fitting main body 1. Each coupling member 2 includes a holding portion 24 including a holding surface consisting of a pair of or a plurality of pairs of planes facing each other so that it can be held with a general fastening tool. When a rotational torque for tightening the coupling member 2 to the fitting main body 1 reaches a value indicating the completion of fastening, at least a part of the holding portion including the holding surface is separated and the pipe connecting is complete.
US08262134B2	Value document This invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document. A second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance which is applied to the value document substrate in the form of a coding.
US08262133B2	Belt retractor utilizing active material actuation A seat belt retractor utilizing active material actuation for selectively modifying the tension in a seat belt.
US08262130B2	Air bag with improved tear stitch An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. Tear stitching (200) interconnects portions (220 and 230) of the protection device (14) and is rupturable to permit the interconnected portions to move relative to each other. The tear stitching (200) includes a break point (210) and first and second segments (212) that extend away from the break point. The tear stitching (200) is arranged on the protection device (14) such that tension forces acting to rupture the tear stitching act primarily on the break point (210) so that the tear stitching ruptures first at the break point and then along the first and second segments (212) of the tear stitching.
US08262129B2	Occupant protection device An occupant protection device includes a plurality of gas generators that actuate respective mechanisms, and a control portion that actuates the gas generators. If a condition for actuating at least one of the gas generators is fulfilled and a condition for actuating the other gas generators are unfulfilled, the other gas generators are controlled by the control portion at a timing that is uninfluential on an actuation state of one of the mechanism actuated by the one of the gas generators and that is different from a preset timing for actuating the other mechanisms actuated by the other gas generators.
US08262126B2	Air bag apparatus for a vehicle A casing 53 is coupled to an air bag door 40, and an air bag reaction force is loaded on the air bag door 40 via the casing 53. Since the general portion 42 of the air bag door 40 is fixed to the tear line outer portion 23 of the glove door outer member 20 at the cabin-side surface 42a and is fixed to the glove door inner member 30 at the opposite cabin-side surface 42b, the reaction force of the air bag loaded on the air bag door 40 can be borne by not only the fixing strength between the general portion 42 of the air bag door 40 and the tear line outer portion 23 of the glove door outer member 20 but also the glove door inner member 30 until the air bag 51 expands to break the tear portion 21. As a result, the fixing portion between the general portion 42 of the air bag door 40 and the tear line outer portion 23 of the glove door outer member 20 is prevented from being broken.
US08262125B2	Tandem wheel arrangement A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.
US08262123B2	Snow riding implement A ski in accordance with the invention increases in width from a tip or shovel portion to a mid-portion. The mid-portion includes at least a slight sidecut. The ski then decreases in width from the mid-portion to a tail portion. The ski also includes an undersurface with a substantial portion being rockered. A substantial portion of the mid-portion of the ski is not rockered.
US08262118B2	Vehicle power unit and body unit system A truck tractor and removable body unit system selectively configurable as a tractor and freight box or an articulated truck-trailer combination includes a truck tractor having a frame supporting a drive axle and a steer axle with a fifth wheel mounted on the frame, and a body unit having a body mounted on a frame, the frame supported by a wheeled axle and having a king pin for releasably engaging the fifth wheel on the truck tractor. The body unit includes a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the truck tractor frame to constrain lateral movement between the truck tractor and the body unit while allowing relative vertical pivoting movement between the truck tractor and body unit about the king pin and fifth wheel. An adjustable spring mounted to one of the truck tractor and body unit to act between the truck tractor frame and the body unit frame to adjust a loading between the truck tractor frame and body unit.
US08262117B2	Wheelchair comprising a foot support A wheelchair comprises a pair of spaced apart side frame tubes and a pair of foot support frames. Each of the foot support frames has a first end configured to connect to the side frame tubes and a second end configured to receive a cross member. The cross member interconnects the second ends of the foot support frames and supports a foot support assembly.
US08262097B2	Quick-release mechanism for hand tool A quick-release mechanism for a hand tool includes a center rod, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and an engaging member. The first sleeve is sleeved on the center rod. The second sleeve is sleeved on the center rod and the first sleeve for moving with the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a recess, a first pushing portion, and a second pushing portion. The engaging member has a protruding portion and an engaging end. The first pushing portion or the second pushing portion abuts against the protruding portion to push the engaging end such that the engaging end engages with a tool bit. When pulling or pushing the first sleeve, the second sleeve moves such that the protruding portion is received in the recess. Simultaneously the engaging end disengages with tool bit.
US08262093B2	Oil seal and power transmission apparatus An oil seal for sealing a hollow rotary shaft in a power transmission apparatus, wherein the rotary shaft is formed with an internal flow passage through which oil flows and constituted such that the oil flies out as the rotary shaft rotates, including: a fixed portion that is fixedly attached to a case of the power transmission apparatus; a seal portion that seals the rotary shaft at a position that is axially offset position from the fixed portion and allows the rotary shaft to rotate; and a radiator portion that is formed from a metallic material between the fixed portion and the seal portion, receives the oil that flies out as the rotary shaft rotates, and dissipates heat generated by the seal portion by exchanging heat with the oil.
US08262090B2	Method, apparatus and article for random sequence generation and playing card distribution A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according to the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.
US08262080B2	Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding apparatus includes a back end detecting sensor which detects a back end side in a conveying direction of the topmost sheet stacked on the sheet tray, a front end detecting sensor which detects a front end side in the conveying direction of the topmost sheet, and a CPU. The CPU disables start of a sheet feeding operation of a feeding unit in a case where the back end detecting sensor and the front end detecting sensor do not detect the sheet when the sheet tray is lifted toward the feeding unit and then stopped in a predetermined position. Accordingly, a state that a feeding failure is possibly caused is detected before feeding the sheets so as to eliminate the wasteful feeding operation.
US08262079B2	Image recording apparatus with sheet conveyance path An image recording apparatus including a recording portion for recording image on a top face of a sheet; a supplying roller which is to be in contact with a bottom face of the sheet held in a tray so as to supply the sheet toward a curved conveyance path, a drive roller which is to be in contact with the top face of the sheet so as to convey the sheet supplied from the supplying roller, and a controlling portion which is configured, upon receipt of a command requesting start of conveyance of the sheet, to cause the supplying roller to be rotated without causing the drive roller to be rotated, and is configured, upon judgment that a leading end portion of the sheet has reached a flat surface extending away from the drive roller toward the recording portion, to cause the drive roller to be rotated.
US08262075B2	Image forming system An image forming system includes a first supplying unit, a second supplying unit, an image forming unit, a stacking unit, first and second binding units, an obtaining unit, and a controller. The image forming unit forms images on recording materials supplied from the first or second supplying unit. The stacking unit is for stacking, as a bundle, the recording materials having the images formed thereon. The first binding unit binds, by a first binding operation, first edge portions of the bundle. The second binding unit binds, by a second binding operation, second edge portions of the bundle. The obtaining unit obtains an instruction regarding binding positions of the first and second binding operations with respect to the bundle. The controller performs control to supply the recording materials from the first or second supplying unit, on the basis of the binding positions of the first and second binding operations.
US08262072B2	Work piece carrier for exactly positioning a work piece on a chuck and clamping apparatus with a chuck and a work piece carrier A work piece carrier is provided with two reference systems for accurately positioning it with regard to a chuck member. The work piece carrier comprises a central aperture with the two opposite ends of the aperture surrounded by one of the reference systems. The two reference systems are independent from each other and allow the work piece carrier to be attached to the chuck member in two different positions. Assigned to each reference system is a protrusion surrounding the central aperture and extending substantially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the work piece carrier. The particular protrusion is provided with a shoulder serving as a clamping surface, adapted to be engaged by clamping elements provided in the chuck member. Preferably, also the centering elements for defining the position of the work piece carrier with regard to the chuck member are located on the particular protrusion.
US08262071B2	Positioning assembly for lens trimmer blades A positioning assembly using a pair of rollers elastically connected to a holding base for clamping two cutters received in the holding base. The cutters in the holding base can be adjusted to make different blades contact and align precisely.
US08262070B2	Clamping device with a linking member A clamping device with a linking member, the linking member is pivotally connected with a first and a second slide member, the slide members can be extended outwards and contracted inwards; wherein when deviation angles of two guide slits of the linking member are sharp angles, the first and the second slide members are at their initiate positions, and when deviation angles of two guide slits are obtuse angles, the first and the second slide members are at their extending positions.
US08262069B2	Use of magnets to provide resilience The clamp-unit is arranged in class-1 double-lever configuration. The levers carry a pair of jaws at one end, and magnets at the other end. The magnets are arranged in repulsive pairs, whereby the magnets urge the jaws together.
US08262062B2	Rotary valve In a rotary valve comprising a tubular housing (3) having, at the side part, a port (6) for communicating the inside and the outside thereof, and a tubular valve body (10) which is contained within the housing rotatably and has, at the side part, an orifice hole (11) capable of opposing to the port (6), the rotary valve of which the flow channel area formed by communicating the port (6) and the orifice hole (11) is changed by rotating the tubular valve body, at least one rotation stopping position with which the angle between the rotation stopping position at which the flow channel area is minimized and the rotation stopping position at which the flow channel area is maximized is equally divided, and the pressure loss differences between the adjacent rotation stopping positions are the same on condition that the passing flowing rate remains constant is provided.
US08262059B2	Handwheel torque limitor A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.
US08262057B2	Flow controlled actuator apparatus for use with self-closing stop valves An apparatus for operating a device such as a self-closing internal valve is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing assembly having an internal chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an actuator stem extending from the housing assembly. The actuator stem is moveable in response to the addition or removal of a fluid into or out of the internal chamber. To control the flow rate of a fluid into and out of the internal chamber, the apparatus includes a fluid control valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing assembly, wherein the fluid control valve is adapted to restrict the rate of fluid flow into the internal chamber of the housing assembly.
US08262054B2	Furnace mount A furnace mounting system to elevate the furnace above the floor. In one form the furnace mounting system includes a furnace mounting block including a vibration dampening feature to prevent the transmission of noise and vibration from the furnace to the mounting block. The furnace mounting block includes a locating feature and is adhered to the bottom surface of the furnace.
US08262053B1	Supporting apparatus for portable electronic device A supporting apparatus includes a U-shaped first bracket, a U-shaped second bracket pivotably attached to the first bracket through a connection mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a first gear mounted to the second bracket, and a second gear pivotably mounted to the first bracket and mating with the first gear. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member slidably attached to the first bracket, a resilient member arranged between the positioning member and the first bracket, and a positioning gear pivotably attached to the first bracket and linked with the second gear. The positioning member includes a positioning pole. When the second bracket is rotated to a desired position relative to the first bracket, the resilient member biases the positioning member, such that the positioning pole engages in the positioning gear to position the second bracket.
US08262050B2	Method and apparatus for mounting and dismounting an aircraft engine Apparatus and method for removing an aircraft engine. A method includes mounting a frame assembly in supported connection with a support member of an associated aircraft. The frame assembly includes a frame member, a movable assembly mounted in movable relationship to the frame member, and a plurality of engine winches mounted in supported connection with the movable member. Each engine winch has an associated engine cable operably connected thereto. The movable assembly is movable between forward and rearward positions. The method further includes supporting the weight of at least a portion of an aircraft engine with the engine cables and moving the movable member relative to the frame member to displace the portion of the aircraft engine.
US08262049B2	Portable stand A portable stand includes a shelf having a back plate with a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the back plate includes at least two attachment locations and at least one securing locations, a bottom flange forming an angle with the back plate, extending toward the front surface at a first angle from the plate, and a mounting element. The portable stand includes a shelf extension including two elongated flanges formed at an angle equal to the first angle configured to selectively couple to the shelf, and an arm pivotably attachable to the shelf extension.
US08262048B2	Display supports and electronic devices including such display supports A display support includes a display cover including a display cover surface and a guide groove; a display pivotally mounted by at least one support portion on the display cover, to pivot between a first position and a second position, at which second position the display forms an acute angle with the display cover surface; an input portion covered by the support portion, when the display is in the first position; and the guide groove configured to convey the at least one support portion from a first location to a second location as the display pivots on to the second position, such that at least one support portion uncovers the input portion when the at least one support portion is at the second location. An electronic device, such as a multifunction device includes a housing and a display support.
US08262046B1	Collapsible workpiece support apparatus The collapsible work piece support apparatus provides vertical workpiece support of cabinets drywall and other objects needing support prior to and during installation and removal. The apparatus provides adjustable height in supporting the workpiece by way of the telescoping legs. Horizontal support of the workpiece is provided by virtue of the stabilizing blocks that are hingedly stored within cutouts in the horizontal members. Importantly, the apparatus is collapsible and thereby easily transported and stored. The basic design and structure of the apparatus contributes to ease of use. The overall design and structural integrity, as well as basic structure, easily provide for a single worker to support needed workpieces.
US08262044B2	Device suitable for securing an object to a wall A device is suitable for securing an object to a wall. The device comprises a wall element to be fixed to a wall and a support element to be connected to the object. On a first side, the support element is provided with a first hook-shaped element, which, in use, can be attached to a receiving element provided in the wall element. On a second side remote from said first side, the support element is provided with a second hook-shaped element, which, in use, is in spring-loaded engagement with a second receiving element provided in the wall element. The device comprises a locking element for locking the second hook-shaped element in a locking position in a position in which it is disconnected from the wall element.
US08262042B2	Retaining split ring with clamp An embodiment of the invention provides for an assembly for securing equipment to a tank. The assembly comprises a base, a split ring, and a clamp. The base comprises a tank engagement portion, a base aperture, a lip positioned along a perimeter of the base aperture, and a first mating surface. The split ring is arranged to be at least partially positionable within the base. The split ring comprises a split ring aperture and a second mating surface in contact with the first mating surface when the split ring is partially positioned within the base. The clamp is positionable to hold the first mating surface in contact with the second mating surface. The clamp comprises a clamp aperture, a first contact surface, and a second contact surface. When the clamp is positioned to hold the mating surfaces in contact, the first contact surface contacts the base, and the second contact surface contacts the split ring.
US08262039B2	Tableware and table cover fastening systems and methods Paper or plastic cups, plates, and paper utensils are held in place on a table attaching a table cloth to a table, and then attaching by tableware holders to the table cloth. The table cloth and the tableware holders have mating fasteners that prevent the tableware holders from moving relative to the table cloth. Each tableware holder is sized and dimensioned to receive different types of tableware and each holder has stabilizers that prevent the tableware from blowing off of the table.
US08262028B2	Spacecraft and method for operating the spacecraft A spacecraft (P) has a propulsion system making it possible to exert a force of variable magnitude and orientation on the spacecraft, a control system designed to control the propulsion system in terms of magnitude and orientation so as to make the spacecraft approach a target around a planet, with the aid of a force having at least one component (fx, fy, fz), in the rotating reference frame tied to the target, which depends substantially linearly on the corresponding coordinate (x, y, z) of the craft in this reference frame.
US08262026B2	Releasable fastening of a component in an aircraft A device for the releasable fastening of a component in an aircraft includes a component carrier with a base plane, wherein the component carrier comprises an installation state in which the base plane of the component carrier comprises an angle relative to the horizontal base plane of the aircraft, and wherein the component carrier is equipped to accommodate a component in a releasably affixed manner.
US08262025B2	Aircraft structure An aircraft wing includes a rear spar, a first skin, a second skin overhanging and converging to an opening of width (A), a support structure including a bracket engaging the spar and skins and a rib engaging the bracket via a rib attachment portion with a dimension (C) less than dimension (A).
US08262021B2	Aircraft moveable structure obstruction detection sensor panel Technologies are described herein for detecting obstructions, utilizing an obstruction detection system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a moveable assembly that includes a moveable structure moveable between a stowed and operational configuration and has a leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed and operational configurations. A protective panel is attached to the moveable structure and has an outer surface separated from the leading surface by an over-travel distance. A proximity sensor detects a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface. A control module is responsive to at least one proximity sensor, such that when the proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly.
US08262016B2	Annular airborne vehicle An airborne vehicle having a wing-body which defines a wing-body axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the wing-body axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends. A propulsion system is provided comprising one or more pairs of propulsion devices, each pair comprising a first propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a first side of a plane including the wing-body axis, and a second propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a second side of the plane including the wing-body axis. A direction of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the direction of thrust of the second propulsion device and/or a magnitude of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the magnitude of thrust of the second propulsion device. In certain embodiments the wing-body appears swept forward when viewed from a first viewing angle, and swept backward when viewed from a second viewing position at right angles to the first viewing angle.
US08262015B2	Launching system and launching apparatus A flying object capable of being launched in air is detachably mounted on a wing body of a launching apparatus. The launching apparatus is towed by an aircraft through a cable so as to be run and taken off. After raising the launching apparatus to a launching height of the flying object by the aircraft, the flying object is released from the wing body in air and then the flying object is ignited and launched in air in a launching system. The system for launching in air can be developed without newly developing a platform as a mother ship so that a research cost can be remarkably reduced. In the case that a small artificial satellite is installed in a flying object, it is possible to develop an artificial satellite smoothly and quickly applicable to security matters and disaster observation.
US08262011B2	Center/surface rewinder and winder A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. The winder includes a web transport apparatus that is used for conveying the web. Also included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules are independently positioned to independently engage the web as the web is conveyed by the web transport apparatus. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and combinations of center and surface winding. The winding modules are structurally and operationally independent of one another where if one module is disabled, another may still operate to produce the rolled product without shutting down the winder.
US08262008B2	Pretensioner, seat belt retractor having the same, and seat belt apparatus provided therewith A seat belt pretension with improved piston sealing performance. A piston has an expanding section formed at one end thereof contacting a force transmission component. When gas pressure resulting from reactive gas generated by a gas generator causes the piston to exert a pressing force on the force transmission component in the event of an emergency, the expanding section expands toward the inner circumferential surface of a pipe due to the gas pressure. As a result, the outer circumferential surface of the expanding section in the piston comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pipe in a more efficient manner, resulting in enhanced sealing between the piston and the inner circumferential surface of the pipe. This prevents reactive gas from losing gas pressure, thereby allowing the gas pressure to more efficiently act on the piston.
US08262002B2	Pressure swirl atomizing nozzle for spraying a curable composition and associated method and use The pressure swirl atomizing nozzle for spraying a curable composition comprises an orifice piece (16), which defines a funnel-shaped cavity and an exit orifice (17), and an injector piece (18) which closing off the funnel-shaped cavity so that the funnel-shaped cavity forms a swirl chamber (19) between a front side of the injector piece (18) and the exit orifice (17). The injector piece (18) comprises at least two swirl ports (20) which end in the swirl chamber (19) for injecting the curable composition therein and for thereby imparting swirl to the curable composition. Compared to the sum of the smallest cross-sectional areas of the swirl ports (20), the side wall (24) of the swirl chamber (19) has a relatively small surface area which is however still large enough to distribute the curable composition so as to achieve a uniform spray pattern. By the reduced size of the swirl chamber (19), the curable composition can be atomized more efficiently. In this way, changes of the relatively low flow rate of the curable composition through the nozzle have less effect on the droplet size and on the stability of the spray pattern.
US08261998B2	Customizable transaction card A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.
US08261993B2	Method and apparatus for accessing electronic data via a familiar printed medium The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
US08261987B2	Card processing device and a card processing system To provide a card processing device that can accurately determine whether or not a normal card is inserted at a card insertion slot. A card processing device is equipped with a width-detecting mechanism that detects the width of a card inserted at a card insertion slot and outputs a width detection signal, a thickness-detecting mechanism that detects the thickness of the card inserted at the card insertion slot and outputs a thickness detection signal, an AND circuit to which the width-detecting mechanism and the thickness-detecting mechanism are connected and which outputs a card detection signal when the width detection signal and the thickness detection signal are input, and a computation circuit that outputs control signals to implement predetermined controls based on the card detection signal input from the AND circuit.
US08261986B2	System and method for decoding an optically readable markable sheet and markable sheet therefor An optically readable markable sheet has selection mark spaces and has voiding mark spaces associated with the selection mark spaces. An apparatus and a method for reading the optically readable sheet may comprise a processor decoding a sheet identifier and the mark spaces from an image of the sheet and determining the mark spaces that are marked. Marking a voiding mark space voids a selection marked in the selection mark space with which the voiding mark space is associated. Sheet images and a record of marked mark spaces are stored in a memory, preferably a non-volatile memory. Sheet images may be provided by an optical imager that images the sheet and/or by an optical mark reader that reads the sheet.
US08261977B2	Methods and systems for using an interface and protocol extensions to perform a financial transaction A method for communicating financial transaction data between a plurality of computer devices using an interface module and an enhanced protocol is provided. The transaction is initiated by a cardholder at an input terminal using a transaction card for completing a purchase from a merchant. The method includes receiving at the interface module initial identification (ID) data from a merchant computer wherein the interface module is a computer module separate from the merchant computer, generating a first verification enrollment request (VEReq) message based on the initial ID data that includes at least one of a merchant identifier and an account number, transmitting the first VEReq message, receiving a verification enrollment response (VERes) message affirmatively verifying enrollment of the merchant in an express check out program, and generating at the interface module a payer authentication request (PAReq) message using the enhanced protocol that defines a first set of data field extensions.
US08261969B2	Method and apparatus for configuring a survey controller Method and apparatus for configuring a controller for surveying equipment. In one embodiment, an identification tag associated with a surveying tool may be detected by a controller. An indicator related to the identification tag may be presented to a user of the controller. According to another embodiment, operation of the controller may be configured based, at least in part, on the identification tag.
US08261968B2	Paper sheet handling system, method of use thereof, and method of use of bar-code ticket handling machine A method of use of a paper-sheet handling system including the steps of: preparing a paper-sheet handling system configured to handle a bundle of paper-sheets including banknotes and bar-code tickets, the paper-sheet handling system including, a banknote handling machine configured to take in the paper-sheets from the exterior, one sheet at a time, discriminate the banknotes from the paper-sheets taken therein, and reject the paper-sheets when the paper-sheets other than the banknotes are taken therein, a bar-code ticket handling machine configured to take in paper-sheets from the exterior, one sheet at a time, read the bar-code information of each bar-code ticket included in the paper-sheets taken therein while obtaining an image of the bar-code ticket, and reject the paper-sheets when the paper-sheets other than the bar-code tickets are taken therein, and a host controller being communicatively connected both with the banknote handling machine and with the bar-code ticket handling machine.
US08261967B1	Techniques for interactively coupling electronic content with printed media A technique for interactively coupling electronic content to printed or written content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes use of a computing device and a pre-printed control panel. The control panel includes graphic representations overlaid on unique coded patterns. Each unique coded pattern is associated with a particular function or datum. The control panel is used to input an identifier of a written or printed content to the computing device. In response thereto, the computing device interactively delivers the electronic content related to the particular written or printed content.
US08261963B2	Flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of a permeable material, a fold protection panel, and at least one panel attachment means. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the barrier panel has a length that is the distance from the first end to the second end and a midpoint along the length generally delineating the barrier panel into a content receiving region and a content covering region. Panel attachment means are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel at a pre-determined position to identify the content receiving region. The fold protection panel is in juxtaposed communication with the barrier panel, and has a proximal end generally adjacent the barrier panel, a distal end generally opposite the proximal end, and a length that is the distance between these ends, such that, after the barrier panel has been folded at or near the barrier panel's midpoint so its second end is brought near its first end and its edges brought together and secured by the panel attachment means to form a package, the fold protection panel folds at or near the pre-determined fold line to cover at least a portion of the edges of the folded barrier panel.
US08261962B2	Method for brazing a metallic honeycomb body for exhaust gas treatment and apparatus for carrying out the method A method for brazing a metallic honeycomb body (1) for exhaust gas treatment, includes at least: a) pretreatment of a honeycomb body (1) at a temperature above 400° C.; b) cooling the honeycomb body (1); c) brazing the honeycomb body (1) at a temperature in a range of from 1050° C. to 1100° C. under atmospheric pressure; and d) cooling the honeycomb body (1). A suitable apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08261961B2	Metal matrix carbon nanotube composite material and method of making same A solid state method for the preparation of composite materials incorporating metal and nano materials is provided, wherein nano materials are deposited on a substrate and incorporated into the substrate structure by friction stir welding. Also provided are composite materials that include nano materials, which are prepared by friction stir welding.
US08261960B2	Single retainer mounted riser A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.
US08261958B1	Stapler cartridge with staples frangibly affixed thereto A surgical apparatus may include a cartridge, and surgical staples affixed to and frangibly separable from that cartridge. A method for surgical stapling utilizing that apparatus may include providing at least one wedge; and moving at least one wedge into the cartridge, where that moving deforms and then shears from the cartridge at least one staple. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for use with a surgical stapler may include fabricating a cartridge configured to be received by the surgical stapler; fabricating staples; and fixing the staples to the cartridge.
US08261954B2	Mount with anti-rotation feature A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.
US08261951B2	Metering and dispensing closure A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.
US08261950B2	Pumping dispenser A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.
US08261945B2	Soap dispensing apparatus A soap dispenser has a base and a cover attached to the base by two sets of hinges. A container of soap is housed between the cover and the base and is attached to a liquid or foam dispensing pump. The pump is housed within a mounting device which surrounds the pump and has several diameters and at least one shoulder. In at least one embodiment, the mounting device has a flexible arm that biases the cover to a non-actuated position. The portion of the mounting device farthest from the pump's dispensing orifice and located closest to the soap container is flat in at least one embodiment on two opposite surfaces, which assists in orienting the pump correctly. As the portion is not circular, it must be oriented correctly. In at least one embodiment, as the cover is depressed, the pump actuates to dispense foam or soap.
US08261938B2	Finger covers and devices for dispensing finger covers A finger covering system includes a finger cover dispensing device and a plurality of first and second finger covers. The finger cover dispensing device includes a dispenser body having a face and at least first and second openings disposed in the face, with the first and second openings each being sized to receive at least one finger inserted therethrough, and first and second cavities disposed in the dispenser body extending inward from the first and second openings. The plurality of first and second finger covers are disposed in the first and second cavities, with each of the plurality of first finger covers having an open first end facing the first opening of the dispenser body and a closed second end, and each of the plurality of second finger covers having an open first end facing the second opening of the dispenser body and a closed second end. The plurality of first and second finger covers are disposed in a stacked relationship within the corresponding first and second cavities.
US08261936B2	Device for dispensing vials useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.
US08261935B2	Hinged lid with retaining feature A hinged lid for a container receptacle is provided. The lid structure includes a top attached to a mount structure by a “living” hinge. The mount structure is designed for mounting the lid to an open free end of the receptacle. The lid is provided with a retaining mechanism adapted for maintaining the mount structure in a folded position with respect to the top of the lid thereby enabling the lid to be placed on a receptacle using an automatic lidding machine. The retaining feature includes a projection and a recess, wherein the projection is adapted for begin received within the recess. In one embodiment, the projection extends from the mount structure and is adapted to be received within a recess defined in the lid's top. In another embodiment, the projection extends from the lid's top and is adapted to be received within a recess defined in the mount structure.
US08261934B2	Box with retractable lid for cosmetic or toiletry products A box for cosmetic or toiletry products including a body having a bottom and a free edge and containing a cup containing a solid, paste or powder product, and a lid mounted to pivot on the body. The lid is connected to the body by at least one double hinge including an upper link articulated to the body and to the underside of the lid, and a lower link situated between the upper link and the bottom, more inclined than the first link relative to the bottom in the closed configuration of the lid, and articulated to the body and under the lid. In the closed configuration, the cover is retracted into the body and flush with the free edge, having at a distance from the double hinge an actuation area bearing at least indirectly against a bistable pushbutton elastically compressible toward the bottom of the body.
US08261933B2	Container A container for packaging food for transporting and selling to consumers is provided. The container includes a base having a pair of inwardly recessed pockets for capturing a pair of extending latching portions on a lid. The pair of extending latching portions has concave grooves allowing the extending latching portions to flex inwards from an initial position for insertion into the pair inwardly recessed pockets. When the pair of extending latching portions are inserted into the pair inwardly recessed pockets, the pair of extending latching portions expand back to their initial position and protrusions within the pair of inwardly recessed pockets retain the pair of extending latching portions creating a tight fit and preventing the lid of the container from being easily disengaged from the base of the container.
US08261932B2	Handle for container, handle-equipped container, and method for manufacturing handle and container The present invention provides a handle for a container, a handle-equipped container, and a method for manufacturing same. It is accordingly possible to provide a container that has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially quadrangular and allows for exceptional storability, has favorable blow-molding properties, presents none of a variety of anomalies in the container and the handle, and has adequate strength to withstand drop impact.The present invention is characterized in comprising a polyester container, which has a finish part, a shoulder part, a body part, and a base part in the stated order from a top part; which has a concavity provided to a portion of the body part; and which has a handle-attaching convexity provided to the concavity; and a polyester handle attached to the handle-attaching convexity of the container. A space is provided between the handle and a wall surface that surrounds the handle-attaching convexity in the concavity. A transverse cross-sectional shape of the body part has a substantially quadrangular shape. The concavity is in a corner part of an upper half part of the body part, and the handle-attaching convexity is positioned in a concavity along a diagonal line L of the upper half part.
US08261927B1	Conical hole plug A conical hole plug for sealing various types of holes and openings. The conical hole plug generally includes a first elongated portion having a first varying diameter that uniformly increases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, a second cavity extending within the first elongated portion, the second cavity having a second varying diameter that uniformly decreases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, a second elongated portion having a third varying diameter that uniformly increases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end, the second elongated portion linearly extends from the first elongated portion, a first cavity extending within the second elongated portion, the first cavity having a fourth varying diameter that uniformly decreases from a terminating outer end to a terminating inner end.
US08261924B2	Folding containers A collapsible air freight container (10) comprises a standard base (12), a side panel (16) slideably hinged to the base and a back panel (18) which is hinged to the base which interlocks with the side panel. There is a side extension (20) which is generally trapezoidal to roughly conform to the shape of a side wall of a plane's cargo hold. A lid is slideably mounted on top of the container so that it can be slid relative to the back panel. The lid is arranged so that when fully retracted to the back of the container relative to the back panel, it may pivot to overlay the back panel. The container may be collapsed by retracting and pivoting the lid to overlie the back panel (18), folding the side extension (20), folding and sliding the side panel (16) into the base (12) and lowering the folded side extension (20) and then the back panel (18) and lid (40) into the base.
US08261917B2	Apparatus and method for processing articles of different dimensions An apparatus and a method stand up and process articles of different dimensions, in particular flat mail items. A conveying device transports articles to an up-ending apparatus. The up-ending apparatus transports the articles further and, in the process, up-ends the articles such that the up-ended articles stand on an edge. Up-ended articles are transported to a separating apparatus. The separating apparatus separates flat articles such that a stream of upright, spaced-apart articles leaves the separating apparatus. Up-ended and separated articles are transported to a format-separating device. The format-separating device divides the articles as a function of the dimensions thereof into article classes such that all of the articles of a set of articles belong to the same format class. All of the articles of a set of articles are transported as a stream of upright and spaced-apart articles to an appropriate processing device. The processing device processes the articles.
US08261915B2	Screening machine and associated screen panel A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a machine frame and a perforate screen panel mounted for movement relative to the machine frame during a screening operation. The screen panels are pre-tensioned mesh screen material mounted in a peripheral rim for separating various granular and particulate materials. The screen panel is slid into the side of the machine frame in a direction orthogonal to the direction particulate matter moves when the screening machine is operating. The screen panel peripheral rim has a shaped or other cross section adapted to hold a large seal member that provides a positive sealing surface for contact with the machine frame to prevent particulate matter from escaping off of the screen panel during use.
US08261910B2	Package housing for an elongate object Package housing for an elongate object (8), including a base element (2) having a housing wall (6) defining a receptacle (4) for the object (8), wherein the receptacle (4) has a longitudinal axis (L) which runs substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the object (8) in the packed state. The base element (2) comprises a head part (10) and a holding part (12) arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) next to the head part (10), which holding part is connected to the head part (10) by a weakening zone (30) and including at least one holding portion (34), which is intended to hold the object (8) in the holding part (12). According to the invention, the weakening zone (30) is a predetermined breaking point (32). The holding portion (34) includes at least one spacer (42a, 42b), which is configured such that the object (8), in the packed state, is held in a contact-free manner with respect to that part of the housing wall (6) of the holding part (12) which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).
US08261908B2	Container for precursors used in deposition processes Precursor source containers to hold precursor materials used in thin film deposition processes, such as ALD and MOCVD methods are described. In particular, the container holds both a liquid precursor or a dissolved precursor solution and a rinse solvent in separate chambers, and reduces the overall space requirement. In one embodiment, a cylinder within a cylinder arrangement provides two separate chambers, one for the precursor solution and the other for the rinse solvent.
US08261903B2	Media presenter A media presenter configurable for use in either a front access or a rear access dispenser is described. The media presenter comprises a chassis including a central track defining a central handle end and a central pick end. A nose is coupled to the chassis at the central pick end, and includes (i) a presenting end distal from the chassis and (ii) a nose track arranged to couple to the central track. A removable track is coupled to the chassis and extends from a handle end of the chassis to the central handle end. The nose track, the central track, and the removable track combine to provide a presenting track extending from the handle end to the presenting end. The presenter can present media items to a customer in a rear access dispenser, or can be reconfigured by exchanging the positions of the nose and removable track to present media items in a front access dispenser.
US08261898B2	Construction machine, as well as clutch for switching the power flow Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements.
US08261894B2	Rotary damper The present invention provides a rotary damper in which both yields and braking characteristics can be enhanced. The rotary damper of the invention includes a valve mechanism which comprises an operating chamber 7 through which fluid can pass, a valve body 8 which forwardly moves from a natural state position when the valve body 8 receives fluid pressure and which can forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7, and a first spring 9 capable of giving a resistance to the forward movement of the valve body 8. The valve mechanism can reduce a flow rate of fluid which passes through the operating chamber 7 by a flow path 14 formed between the valve body 8 and a peripheral wall 7a of the operating chamber 7. A reducing amount of fluid can be increased as a moving distance of the valve body 8 which forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7 is increased.
US08261892B2	Customizable strut assemblies and articles that employ the same Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a piston 3 in slideable communication with the housing 2; an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston 3, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material and is adapted to control the displacement of the piston. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in operative communication with a piston; and activating an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material.
US08261889B2	Opposed-piston disc brake An opposed-piston disc brake includes cylinder connection oil passages respectively connected to a cylinder of an inner caliper portion and a cylinder of an outer caliper portion, passage communication bores respectively formed at bridge portions to extend in an axial direction of a disc in a substantially straight manner. The cylinder connection oil passages are formed using a core at the time when a caliper body is cast. The cylinder connection oil passages extend in a radially outer direction of the disc. Ends of the cylinder connection oil passages in a longitudinal direction thereof are directly connected to the passage communication bores. In a state where the caliper body is mounted on a vehicle, a top portion of an inner wall surface of one of the passage communication bores is positioned higher than the ends of the cylinder connection oil passages.
US08261887B2	Safe braking apparatus A safe braking apparatus using in a two-wheel vehicle includes a left brake unit that drives the real brake unit and the front brake unit simultaneously, a right brake unit that drives the real brake unit and the front brake unit simultaneously, a front brake unit that actuates a front-wheel brake of said two-wheel vehicles, and a real brake unit that actuates a real-wheel brake of said two-wheel vehicles. Wherein, the front brake unit always works less than the real brake unit in movement.
US08261883B2	Vehicle power transmission device A vehicle power transmission device mounted on a vehicle for transmitting power from a power generating source to an axle through a gear train accommodated in a case, including: a lubricating pump that is driven by the power generating source and is capable of supplying a lubricating medium to an element to be lubricated; a lubricating medium storage portion that stores the lubricating medium; a lowermost gear that is located at a lowest position in the case; a topmost gear that is located at a highest position in the case; a lubrication flow path that guides the lubricating medium scooped up by the lowermost gear and carried by the gear train to a predetermined element to be lubricated; and a guide portion that guides the lubricating medium scooped up by the lowermost gear and carried by the gear train to an inlet of the lubrication flow path.
US08261882B2	Ladder leveler and method A leveler for a ladder having side rails and a rung comprises a metal housing fixed to one of the side rails. The housing has an opening. The leveler comprises a metal leg with slides in the housing and is adjustable in the housing. The leg has a top end and a bottom end. The leg has two rows of holes which are set side by side and extend through the leg. The leveler comprises a holder for holding a leg to the housing. The holder extending through the opening and one of the holes to hold a leg in place. The leveler comprises a cap disposed on the top end which acts as a stop for the leg when the cap contacts the housing. A method for setting a ladder in place.
US08261881B2	Multifunctional belay device for a rope A belay device for a rope, comprising a plate having at least one slot for a loop of the rope to pass through, a retaining element integral to the plate, and a carabiner connected to the retaining element by means of a securing part rendering it captive with respect to the plate. The carabiner is fitted with bidirectional sliding in the securing part to come up against the stop formed by the plate when blocking the rope or to move away from the latter when releasing is performed.
US08261878B2	Fall restraint system A fall restraint system includes a central support positioned over an apex of a container structure such as a domed roof storage tank. Cable receiving members are connected to the central support. Outer support members are secured to a side of the container structure. A structural support cable is connected to each of the outer support members. Each structural support cable is also connected to the central support. A tie-off structure including a cable and a harness is connected to the central support so that the harness may move around the central support. The system also may include support brackets that secure the outer support members to the side of the container structure. Each such support bracket may include a receptacle to receive one of the outer support members. The system is removably attached to the container structure, without any welding.
US08261875B2	Seismic transducers and baseplates having external dampeners and methods of use Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic vibrations into subterranean formations. Seismic transducers may comprise a frame, a reaction mass, a driver, and a baseplate. The driver actuates the reaction mass, imparting a vibratory energy to the baseplate. This vibratory energy is then imparted directly to the ground surface to propagate seismic waves into the formation. These seismic waves are then reflected by subsurface geological features. The reflected seismic waves may then be detected and interpreted by seismic detectors to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed region. An external dampener may be secured to the baseplate, which provide, among other benefits, a damping effect to the baseplate. Advantages include, reduced undesirable baseplate harmonic distortion or “ringing,” reduced baseplate decoupling, and reduced seismic noise due to flexure reduction and more uniform baseplate-to-ground conformance. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher formation resolution and reaching greater depths.
US08261874B2	Attenuating out of band energy emitted from seismic sources A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×106 cubic-meters per cubic-second.
US08261873B2	Electromagnetic linear drive source for logging-while-drilling/wireline acoustic applications An apparatus and method for providing a downhole acoustic source is disclosed. The acoustic source includes a piston configured to oscillate in an axial direction of the acoustic source and produce an acoustic signal in a medium in contact with an exterior surface of the piston, and an elastomer disposed on an interior side of the piston, an acoustic impedance of the elastomer selected to match an acoustic impedance of the piston. A permanent magnet is configured to provide a permanent magnetic field oriented in the axial direction, and a coil disposed on an interior side of the piston produces an alternating magnetic field in the region of the permanent magnetic field. The elastomer may be, for example, a silicon rubber, a silicone jelly, and a silicone oil. A plurality of acoustic sources may be arranged to produce an acoustic dipole configuration or an acoustic quadrupole configuration.
US08261871B2	Hydraulic transmission assembly The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic transmission assembly for a ground vehicle comprises a pump unit and a hydraulic motor assembly connected to the pump unit. The pump unit includes a driven shaft configured to operably connect to a motor of the ground vehicle. The hydraulic motor assembly includes a motor housing configured to rotatably mount to a wheel assembly of the ground vehicle. The housing has a central opening. A stationary output shaft has a first end section received in the central opening and a second end section configured to rigidly attach to a frame of the ground vehicle. The output shaft includes at least one internal fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid passage of the pump unit. Pressurization of the hydraulic motor assembly via the pump unit rotates the motor housing relative to the stationary output shaft which, in turn, rotates the wheel assembly in one of a first direction and second direction.
US08261870B2	Method for removing or installing endless power transmitting element on a motorcycle assembly A method for replacing an endless power transmitting element in a motorcycle having a rear axle assembly with a pair of driven wheels. The method includes: removing the bearing caps from the carrier structure; disengaging the shafts from the differential assembly; moving the differential assembly away from carrier structure; mounting the endless power transmitting element about the differential assembly and through an opening in the carrier housing; replacing the bearing caps to the carrier structure; and re-engaging the shafts to the differential assembly.
US08261869B2	Agricultural vehicle suspension An agricultural vehicle having a hydraulic system, a cab for the vehicle operator includes a self-levelling cab suspension system having a plurality of suspension units each having a spring, a damper and an accumulator. The accumulator comprises a hydraulic working chamber which is separated by a movable wall from a gas filled chamber serving as a spring. The working chamber is also connected to a working chamber of the damper in a closed hydraulic circuit. In the invention, there is no need for a dedicated oil pump since a hydraulic actuator powered by the vehicle hydraulic system is provided for causing hydraulic fluid to flow in the closed hydraulic circuit between the working chamber of the accumulator and the damper, to vary the height of the cab without fluid from the vehicle hydraulic system entering or leaving the closed hydraulic circuit of the damper and accumulator.
US08261865B2	Regenerative suspension with accumulator systems and methods In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.
US08261863B2	Operating process for a fuel cell system A process for operating a fuel cell system (2) arranged in a vehicle (1), in which process a foreseeable travel time duration and/or a foreseeable travel time end point are communicated to a control device (4) of the fuel cell system (2) at the beginning of a travel of the vehicle (1) or during the travel. The control device (4) operates the fuel cell system (2) such that a switch-off procedure for switching off the fuel cell system (2) is started so far ahead of the foreseeable end of the travel in time that the switch-off procedure will have been completed extensively simultaneously with the foreseeable end of the travel and the fuel cell system (2) is switched off.
US08261862B2	Drive apparatus for vehicle A drive apparatus for a vehicle, which supplies more electric power to a motor which supplements the drive power of an engine and collects energy from an exhaust to be able to improve fuel consumption and reduce the total amount of the exhaust, is realized by comprising an engine coupled to a drive wheel to generate drive power for the vehicle, a generator motor coupled to an output shaft of the engine and the drive wheel, a battery, a power control unit, and a power generation unit which generates electric power using an exhaust of the engine, and selects a charge mode when the vehicle is braked and when an engine output is equal to or greater than an output needed to drive the vehicle, wherein the electric power generated by the generator is stored in the battery, and energy is collected from the exhaust using the power generation unit.
US08261859B2	Motor powered bicycle trailer with integral hitch force metering A self-propelled trailer may be attached to a bicycle. The speed of the trailer is adjusted based on a signal from a force gauge which indicates whether the bicycle is pulling the trailer or the trailer is pushing the bicycle. In the former situation, the force gauge indicates a tensile load, and in the latter situation, the force gauge indicates a compressive load. Based on the feedback from the force gauge, the speed of the motor attached to the self-propelled trailer is adjusted so that the trailer and bicycle are moving at the same speed or the bicycle is pulling the trailer.
US08261852B2	Portable power tool A power tool is provided with a prime mover which causes the tool to rotate and a housing which houses the prime mover. In a back-end face that is positioned on an opposite side on the housing from a tool side, a back-end groove, into which a user can position his/her web between his/her thumb and forefinger, is formed. A pair of side-face grooves, into which the user can place the thumb and forefinger, are formed in both side faces of the housing. A depth changing portion is formed in at least one of the side-face grooves, such that the depth is reduced toward the back-end face of the housing. According to this structure, even when the housing is gripped directly from the back-end face, the user can easily draw up or raise the power tool.
US08261850B2	Hand-held rotary hammer power tool The invention relates to a striking mechanism of a handheld electric power tool, in particular a percussion drill and/or percussion hammer, having a hammer cylinder, a piston mounted with a guide section inside the hammer cylinder in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and a piston outer guide on which a guide area of the piston is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner. A piston end located outside the hammer cylinder comprises an overlap for overlapping an end area of the hammer cylinder, and the guide area at least partially belongs to the overlap or is affixed there.
US08261840B2	Alignment of BOP stack to facilitate use of a rotating control device An alignment system can include at least one alignment device positioned between two flanges, the alignment device having a greater thickness on one side of the alignment device than on an opposite side of the alignment device. A method of producing a relative angular offset between a first flange and a second flange can include positioning at least one alignment device between the first and second flanges, and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing the angular offset. A method of aligning an axis of a blowout preventer stack with a rig floor can include positioning at least one alignment device between a first flange, and a second flange of the blowout preventer stack; and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing an angular offset of the second flange relative to the first flange.
US08261839B2	Variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well A variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows in a well, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The fluid composition enters via the inlet in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system through which a fluid composition flows between a tubular string and a formation, the flow resistance system including a flow chamber through which the fluid composition flows, with only one chamber inlet. The fluid composition flows more directly from the inlet to an outlet as a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition increases. Another flow resistance system can include at least one structure which influences portions of the fluid composition which flow circuitously between the inlet and the outlet to maintain such circuitous flow.
US08261838B2	Artificial lift system An artificial lift system provides an artificial lift design specifically for the pumping of liquids from natural gas wells, but not limited to this application. In doing so, production rates and reserves recovered can be significantly increased. The artificial lift system uses small diameter continuous tubing to run the pump in the hole and deliver small volumes of high pressure dry gas as a power fluid to the pump. This power fluid forces liquid that has been drawn into the pump from the bottom of the wellbore to surface. By removing the liquids from the wellbore the natural gas can flow unrestricted to surface. The design and equipment allow for a cost effective artificial lift alternative.
US08261837B2	Adjustable hanger for inner production riser A string of conduit extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a surface wellhead assembly on a platform has a plurality of grooved profiles on an upper portion of the conduit. Each profile is spaced axially from another of the grooved profiles. After a lower end of the conduit is secured to the subsea wellhead assembly, the operator pulls on the conduit to apply a selected tension to the conduit. The operator attaches a support ring to the profile that was closest to and above a load shoulder in the surface wellhead assembly when the desired tension was reached. After landing the support ring on the load shoulder, the operator may cut off any excess portion of the upper portion of the conduit located above the support ring. A seal ring is set between the upper portion of the conduit and the surface wellhead housing.
US08261832B2	Heating subsurface formations with fluids A method of treating a hydrocarbon formation includes providing heat to the hydrocarbon formation from a plurality of heaters. The heat transfers from the heaters so that at least a section the formation reaches a selected temperature. The section includes hydrocarbons having an API gravity below 10°. A solution including water is provided to the section. A temperature of the solution is at least 250° C. A pressure of the formation is maintained such that the water remains a liquid at 250° C. At least a some of the hydrocarbons in the section having an API gravity below 10° are contacted to produce hydrocarbon fluids. The hydrocarbon fluids in the section are mobilized. The hydrocarbon fluids include hydrocarbons having an API gravity of at least 10°.
US08261831B2	Apparatus and methods for the recovery of hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands Apparatus and methods recover hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands. The method includes the steps of forming a hole in a body of oil or tar sand, positioning an apertured sleeve within the hole to minimize fill-in of the sand, positioning a gas inlet conduit into the apertured sleeve, and introducing a heated, pressurized processing gas into the sleeve through the gas inlet conduit, such that the heated, pressurized processing gas penetrates into the sand through the apertures, thereby converting bitumen within the sand into hydrocarbonaceous products. The processing gas and hydrocarbonaceous products are withdrawn as effluent gas through the hole under relative negative pressure. A mesh screen may be supported between the apertured sleeve and the body of oil or tar sand.
US08261828B2	Optimized machining process for cutting tubulars downhole The tubular cutting tool for severing downhole tubulars, the tool having a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, a cutting member, and a lubricant delivery system. Cutting may be accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor and extending the cutting member away from the cutting head. The lubricant delivery system lubricates the respective contacting surfaces of the cutting member and the tubular and is actuated when the cutting member extends from the cutting head.
US08261824B2	Methods for forming a permeable and stable mass in a subterranean formation Certain emulsions and masses produced using those emulsions exhibited improved permeability and stability. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a composition that comprises a plurality of inorganic particulates, an aqueous component, and an organic component comprising at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one surface active agent in an amount of up to about 10% by volume of the organic component; permitting the composition to form an emulsion that comprises an internal aqueous phase in an amount of at least about 50% by volume of the emulsion and a continuous organic phase; introducing the composition into at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and permitting the composition to form a porous polymer mass in at least a portion of the subterranean formation.
US08261821B2	Downhole multi-parallel hydrocyclone separator A hydrocyclone separator assembly includes a longitudinal housing configured for disposal in a wellbore, wherein the longitudinal housing comprises a discharge head disposed at one end of the longitudinal housing, wherein the discharge head includes at least one overflow port and at least one underflow port; a plurality of hydrocyclones disposed arranged in a same orientation in the longitudinal housing, wherein the plurality of hydrocyclone each comprise an overflow exit and an underflow exit, wherein at least two of the overflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to a common tubing that is connected to the at least one overflow port on the discharge head, wherein at least two of the underflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to separate tubings that are connected to the at least one underflow port on the discharge head.
US08261818B2	Self-inserting seal assembly A self-inserting seal assembly that sets a seal at a well component to allow for pressure testing of the well component. The seal assembly can be landed on a well component with an ROV. A seal is located on the lower portion of a lower body in the assembly. A set of outer dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the well component to lock the outer housing to provide a reaction point for setting the seal, which may require several thousand pounds of force. A set of inner dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the inner diameter of the outer housing. This locks the lower body to the outer housing to ensure the seal remains set in place. After the well component is pressure tested, the seal assembly can be unlocked and retrieved from the well via an ROV.
US08261816B2	Heat exchanger with flat tubes A heat exchanger with a plurality of stacked flat tubes and a collecting tank having a wall extending around the entire periphery of, and connected to, the end of the stacked flat tubes. A first medium may be distributed through the collecting tank and flat tubes. Internal inserts are in the flat tubes, with the inserts being bonded between the broad sides of the tubes and, in the region of connection of the tubes to the collecting tank, being configured to compensate for length changes in the stacking direction caused by temperature changes, as by recesses in connectors such as wave flanks or by corrugated wave flanks. The flat tubes with inserts such as described may be separately provided for use in manufacture of heat exchangers.
US08261815B2	Heat exchanger, in particular charge air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle and method for manufacturing it The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular a charge air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a first box (2), a second box (3) which is arranged spaced apart from this first box (2), and a plurality of pipes (12) by means of which the first box (2) and the second box (3) are fluidically connected. Furthermore, the heat exchanger has a chamber (6) through which a coolant can flow and which is arranged between the two boxes (2, 3) and through which a plurality or all of these pipes (12), by means of which the two boxes (2, 3) are fluidically connected, run. The base (10, 11) is provided with one or more through-openings (16) for receiving the pipes (12), and at least one base (10, 11) has a border (7) which points away from the pipes toward the outside and is provided with a first step (20) and a second step (21), wherein the border (7) is arranged essentially in the edge region of the base (10, 11), and the second step (22) is arranged in the region of the first step (20), radially offset from the first step (20).
US08261813B2	Electronic device cooling apparatus and electronic device including the same As an electronic device cooling apparatus which allows refrigerant liquid to circulate and flow in a cooling system by using a pump so as to cool a heat generating portion of an electronic device, a heat generating portion cooling unit which is connected to the pump, which receives heat from the heat generating portion of the electronic device, and which releases the heat to the refrigerant liquid through a fin portion so as to cool the heat generating portion includes independently therein a first flow channel through which the refrigerant liquid discharged from a discharging port of the pump is drawn in to be guided to the outside of the heat generating portion cooling unit through the fin portion, and a second flow channel through which the refrigerant liquid cooled at the outside is drawn in to be guided towards a sucking port of the pump.
US08261809B2	Method to move an upper mold in relation to a lower mold in a permanent mold casting machine and the permanent mold casting machine used for the method A method for moving an upper mold against a lower mold in a mold casting machine having a mold clamping mechanism attached to a lifting and lowering frame. The mechanism has an upper mold lifting and lowering device that assembles and separates the upper and lower molds by lifting and lowering the upper mold relative to the lower mold and the frame. A space for a setting a core and for taking out products is formed between the upper and lower molds by lifting the device relative to the frame, and by lifting the frame relative to the lower mold. Then the frame is lowered until the upper mold comes close to the lower mold. Thereafter the upper mold is lowered by the device to form an assembled mold, molten metal is introduced into the mold and after the metal has solidified the upper mold is lifted by the device, all while the frame is kept fixed relative to the lower mold.
US08261806B2	Control barrier for people A barrier for the control of people has a stand (10,11) supporting a housing (12) for a flexible band (14) extensible from the housing through a slot (15) in the side wall thereof. The spool and band are removable through the open upper end of the housing (12) and a tensioning cassette (16) for the spool is engaged with the housing and is drivingly coupled to the spool (13). A spring tensioner (29) acts between an outer wall (26) of the cassette and a drive shaft (30) for the spool. Tension may be applied to the spring (29) by freeing the cassette (16) from the housing (10) while leaving the drive shaft (30) connected to the spool (13) and then rotating the cassette, relative to the housing.
US08261800B2	Process and apparatus for manufacturing a pneumatic tyre A process and apparatus for turning up the carcass plies in a tire, the tire including a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply provided with at least one reinforcing element coated with at least one layer of elastomeric material, and at least one annular reinforcing structure. The apparatus is equipped with a support drum conveniently shaped for supporting at least one ply and with at least one turning up device provided with an annular continuous presser element. The latter is axially translatable along an axis of the support drum and radially expandable or contractible relative to the axis of the support drum between a contracted position and an expanded position to turn up the carcass ply around an annular reinforcing structure. The device is further provided with means of adjusting the contracted position of the annular element depending on the size of the tire to be manufactured.
US08261799B2	Linerless label printer Various modifications to a printer to allow the printer to print on linerless adhesive media are described. In one embodiment, a release block is attached to the printer superior to a rubber drive roller. The release block limits the linerless adhesive media from contacting and/or remaining on the rubber drive roller when the linerless adhesive media is fed past print head. The release block may be a guide label, a piece of tape, or fixture. A guide label is adhesively attached and comprises a substrate, an adhesive layer, and release layers so that the linerless adhesive media does not stick to the guide label. Tape may be adhesively attached with a release layer attached to the tape. The fixture may be mechanically attached, magnetically attached, or adhesively attached to the printer. The release block may be removed at any time to allow for standard operation of the printer.
US08261798B2	Polyurethaneurea system A polyurethaneurea system that includes in some embodiments Parts A and B reaction components for a polyurethaneurea, wherein an exemplary embodiment provides a Part A that comprises between 55 and 75 wt. % of an oligomeric polyol, between 3 and 7 wt. % of an aromatic diamine chain extender, and between 0.1 and 1.5% of a reactivity catalyst; Part B includes between 1 and 15 wt. % of a short aromatic diisocyanate and between 5 and 35 wt. % of an aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer that is the reaction product of a short aromatic diisocyanate and a diol. The polyurethaneurea system may further comprise an elastomer-surface activator comprising a second short aromatic diisocyanate and a second aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer, wherein at least one of the second diisocyanates may be the same as at least one of the diisocyanates of Part B.
US08261795B2	Pneumatic radial tire for heavy load There are provided a pneumatic radial tire of heavy load vehicles, in which durability of a belt is improved.A pneumatic radial tire for heavy load vehicles comprises a pair of bead portions in each of which a bead core is embedded, a radial carcass ply 1 extending from one bead portion to the other bead portion and turned around the bead core from an inner side to an outer side of the bead core in a width direction of the tire and at least six belt layers 2 disposed on an outer side of this radial carcass ply 1 in a radial direction of the tire, wherein the following relations are satisfied: W56>W34>W12, where W12 is a maximum width of first and second belts 2a f the belt layers 2, W34 is a maximum width of third and forth belts 2b of the belt layers 2 and W56 is a maximum width of fifth and sixth belts 2c of the belt layers 2; and 1>D12/D34>0.6, where D12 is a cord diameter of the first and second belts and D34 is a cord diameter of the third and forth belts. In addition, a steel cord of each belt layer has a double twist structure in which a plurality of steel filaments are twisted to form a cable and two to ten cables are further twisted.
US08261791B2	Pneumatic tire Provided is a low profile pneumatic tire for an SUV, which is capable of having its enhanced rut performance with its dry and wet performances being reconciled with each other. The pneumatic tire according to the present invention has a nominal width of not less than 255, an outside diameter of not less than 720 mm, and an aspect ratio of not more than 55%. The pneumatic tire has a designated direction of sides thereof for mounting the tire on a vehicle. In its tread portion, the pneumatic tire includes five main grooves extending in the tire's circumferential direction, and six land portions defined by the five main grooves. Each of the shoulder land portions located outermost in the tire's width direction is divided into a narrow rib portion with a width of not less than 10 mm but not more than 15 mm on a side closer to its neighboring main groove and a block portion on a side closer to a corresponding one of the shoulders by a narrow groove which extends in the tire's circumferential direction, and which has a depth less than 50% of that of its neighboring main grooves. The remaining four land portions interposed between the shoulder land portions each have a depth of not less than 20 mm but not more than 26 mm.
US08261790B2	Directional tread for a tire A tread for a pneumatic tire includes central tread elements and shoulder tread elements having leading and trailing tread edges. A pair of circumferentially continuous grooves, one on each half ol the tread, and a plurality of lateral grooves extending from each tread edge toward the center of the tread are provided. The lateral grooves adjacent the central tread elements are curved in shape extending along a line, the line extends toward the center of the tread to form an apex from the center extending outwardly across the tread pattern changing in an opposite direction at an intersection of the circumferential groove along a second line adjacent the shoulder tread element. Shoulder tread elements are arranged in two rows, one row adjacent each lateral edge, the leading edges of the shoulder tread elements being inclined relative to the direction of rotation of the tire.
US08261789B2	Tire tread having three different sipe types A pneumatic tire (10) has an inner shoulder (11), an outer shoulder (12) and a tread (13) therebetween. The tread includes a plurality of circumferential grooves 30, 32, 34, 36 38) dividing the tread into a plurality of ribs including inner and outer shoulder ribs (14, 14′), inner and outer intermediate ribs (18, 18′) between the shoulder ribs and a central rib (16) between the intermediate ribs. First sipes (20) are provided in the shoulder ribs and the central rib. Each first sipe has an interlocking shape. Second sipes (22) are provided in the intermediate ribs. Each second sipe has a shape different from that of the first sipes. Third sipes (24) are provided in the intermediate ribs. Each third sipe has a shape different from that of the first and second sipes.
US08261788B2	Mortise and tenon joinery of log members A method of joining a plurality of elongate log members using mortise and tenon joinery includes the step of forming mortise sockets in the log members at a controllable depth relative to a longitudinal central axis of the log members. Log members having tenons formed thereon for connection between two mortise bearing log members can thus be standardized and interchangeable with one another even when an outer surface of the log members is irregular in profile. A device for forming mortise sockets and tenons on log members in a reproducible manner includes a pair of work holders which define a longitudinal axis of the log member. A mortise cutter and a tenon cutter are supported for movement relative to the work holders for controllably forming the mortise sockets and tenons in a log member relative to the longitudinal central axis of the log member.
US08261784B2	Method and system for preventing a fuel dispensing system from dispensing inappropriate fuel to a vehicle A method and system for dispensing fuel to a vehicle includes a sensor generating a fuel identifier signal associated with the vehicle and a fuel dispenser having a fuel type a fuel type selector generating a fuel type selector signal. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and the fuel dispenser. The control module compares the fuel identifier with fuel type. When the fuel type corresponds to the fuel identifier, the control module enables a dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser. When the fuel type does not correspond to the fuel identifier, the control module prevents the dispensing of fuel.
US08261783B2	Filling machine provided with a cleaning device The invention relates to a container filling machine including at least one filling spout, and a cleaning device including a stationary collecting member with a passage opening, a sealing member that can be displaced between a retracted position and a service position in which said sealing member is capable of tightly sealing the passage opening of the collecting member for carrying out cleaning operations, and displacement means capable of displacing the sealing member from the retracted position to the service position thereof through at least one downward vertical translation displacement parallely to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, followed by a horizontal displacement, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, such that the sealing member is substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of the filling spout.
US08261779B2	Base cloth for air bag, raw yarn for air bag, and method for producing the raw yarn An air bag fabric includes a warp and a weft, each including polyamide multifilaments with a total fineness of 200 to 700 dtex and a single fiber fineness of 1 to 2 dtex and having a cover factor (CF) of 1,800 to 2,300, wherein a ratio ECw/Mtw between edgecomb resistance, EDw, and single fiber fineness, Mtw, in the warp direction, and a ratio ECf/Mtf between edgecomb resistance, ECf, and single fiber fineness, Mtf, in the weft direction are both in a range of 250 to 1,000 N/dtex.
US08261777B2	Duck beak valve A duck beak valve and/or pumps/pump systems that use such a valve are disclosed. The valve may include a flexible tube having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and a spigot having a spigot inlet portion and a spigot outlet portion. The inlet portion of the flexible tube is sealed relative to the spigot. Inner surfaces of the flexible tube outlet portion downstream of the spigot outlet portion close together when the valve is closed. At least one reinforcement engages the flexible tube and is adapted to pivot at an inlet end so that an outlet end of the reinforcement moves toward and away from a centerline of the flexible tube. The reinforcement reinforces the flexible tube against an externally applied backpressure when the outlet end of the reinforcement is disposed toward the centerline and the valve is closed.
US08261772B2	Manifold with label plates A fluid distribution system including an elongated manifold defining fluid ports, lengthwise ridges, and radial ridges. Label plates couple to the manifold and have a planar body with a front side for indicating information related to the respective port. A finger extends from each label plate and has two inwardly turned prongs for coupling to a first lengthwise ridge. The prongs form a space for capturing a radial ridge. A collar also extends from the planar body for coupling to the port. The planar body also has three stiffening bars on a back side thereof. Each stiffening bar includes a feature for coupling to a second lengthwise ridge on the manifold body.
US08261769B1	Fluid level controller A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.
US08261766B1	Positioning structure for assembly of a water faucet plaquette A positioning structure for assembly of the water faucet plaquette has a plaquette having front face, a depressed back and a through-hole. The depressed back of the plaquette has a bent positioning claw. A wall permanent seat has a plaquette assembly surface, an abutting surface and a fixed portion. The fixed portion is positioned fixedly onto the wall. The plaquette assembly surface of the wall permanent seat is fitted with limit surfaces, which are aligned transversely with the positioning claw. A soft liner ring is fitted with at least two slots that are fitted onto the positioning claws. The limit surface has a pair of tabs and a vertical lug engaged with the position claw.
US08261764B2	Powerless air charging apparatus, system, and method The air charger system provided is configured to provide an air supply to a pressurized water storage system without the use of external power. The system includes a venturi vented to the ambient atmosphere, such that the venturi siphons air from the ambient atmosphere when the venturi reaches a choked flow condition, and the system stores the siphoned air in a charging tank to supply a water storage tank. In various embodiments, the air charger system conserves energy because the use of external power is eliminated. Instead of using a traditional air compressor, the air charger systems converts the potential energy of water in a storage tank to kinetic energy in order to pressurize air in a charging tank. In addition, the air charger system also achieves greater energy conservation with the elimination of an air compressor, such that the system requires less repair and maintenance than a traditional system.
US08261763B2	Tank valve unit The tank valve unit includes a support body, and a fuel cutoff valve installed on the support body. The support body includes a mounting plate having a support engaged portion. The fuel cutoff valve has a casing in which a valve chamber is defined by a tubular casing body and a bottom cover installed in the bottom part of the casing body; and a float mechanism housed inside the valve chamber. The bottom cover has a first engaging portion adapted to attach to the casing body by engaging the casing body, and a second engaging portion adapted to secure to the mounting plate by engaging the support engaged portion.
US08261762B2	Processing gas supplying system and processing gas supplying method A gas supplying system includes a processing gas supply pipe for supplying a processing gas from a gas cylinder 210 into a processing apparatus and a nonreactive gas supply source 230 for supplying a nonreactive gas into the gas supply pipe. While the system is in operation, the gas supply pipe is charged with the nonreactive gas and a control unit is in a standby state. If a processing gas use start signal is received from the processing apparatus, the system exhausts the nonreactive gas from the gas supply pipe to create a vacuum therein; charges the gas supply pipe with the processing gas; and starts a supply of the processing gas from the processing gas supply source. If a processing gas use finish signal is received from the processing apparatus, the system stops the supply of the processing gas from the processing gas supply source; exhausts the processing gas from the gas supply pipe to create a vacuum therein; and charges the gas supply pipe with the nonreactive gas. Accordingly, the gas pipe from the processing gas supply source to the processing apparatus can be kept charged with the nonreactive gas when the processing gas is not used in the processing apparatus. Therefore, a deposit generation inside the gas pipe can be prevented during that period.
US08261754B2	Nail file having a flexible filing strip A filing strip having a support portion, an abrasive portion, and at least two edge portions is provided. The support portion provides a groove that extends at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the support portion, and has a degree of flexibility sufficient to flexes under pressure applied with the insertion of an end of a human nail into the groove. The abrasive portion is positioned within the groove so as to file the end of the human nail inserted into the groove. The edge portions are positioned at least partially along an upper periphery and a lower periphery of the groove, respectively, to define a depth of the groove to limit the insertion of the human nail into the groove and to ensure only the end of the nail and not surrounding flesh to the human nail is filed by the abrasive portion.
US08261748B1	Oral device for treating sleep apnea A device for treating sleep apnea, the device comprising a tongue attachment member and a maxilla attachment subassembly. The tongue attachment member is fabricated having a sheath interlock member extending upward from a dorsal side of a sheath. The sheath is shaped to conform to a surface of an individual's tongue. A tongue receiving cavity is formed within the sheath, the cavity comprising an opening provided at a proximal end for receiving the individual's tongue. The sheath is referenced having a dorsal side and a ventral side. A sheath interlock member extends outward from the dorsal side. The maxilla tray is shaped to conform to and removably engage with an individual's upper dental arch. A tray interlock member extends from an interlock side of the maxilla tray and is positioned to interlock with the sheath interlock member, whereby the system extends an individual's tongue forward to treat sleep apnea.
US08261741B2	Method and apparatus for backspill prevention A backspill prevention apparatus prevents water from a humidifier portion of a positive airway pressure (PAP) device from reaching a blower motor of a PAP device. The backspill prevention apparatus can include a variety of different devices, and is placed somewhere along an air passageway between a blower motor and a humidifier portion of a PAP device.
US08261735B2	Flameless portable heating kit As indicated above, the present invention provides a flameless, portable heating kit. In a typical embodiment, the heat pack contains a liquid activated heating material (e.g., in pack form) and utilizes a recycled heat design. This design includes an opening between a heat chamber and a content chamber where the contents (materials to be heated such as food, or a packet containing food such as a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE)) are placed. The heat materials such as steam, air or liquid are transported through a controlled opening that transfers heat to the heat chamber. The present invention also provides a heat control method that uses a filter or filters that filter by-product materials such as moisture and channels the by-products outside, while keeping the heating liquid material inside of the heat space chamber. Optimal control of the heating (chemical) materials' temperature offers a safe heating experience.
US08261732B2	Cooking grill The invention is a cooking grill comprising a housing defining a cooking chamber and having a door therein hinged at a bottom thereof, a heating element disposed in the cooking chamber, a cooking surface slidably disposed to slide in and out of the housing through the door.
US08261724B2	Intake apparatus for internal combustion engine An exhaust gas guide member is provided to an airflow control valve varying an opening area of an intake passage. The exhaust gas guide member forms an exhaust gas passage which introduces the exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust gas introducing portion into the intake pipe toward an opposite end of the airflow control valve relative to the valve shaft. Thereby, the exhaust gas flows together with an intake air flow of high velocity generated by the airflow control valve so that a tumble flow can be generated in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
US08261717B2	Service pack power management A power management system, in certain aspects, may utilize direct load sensing feedback from the prime mover (e.g., engine), thereby reducing the possibility of overloading the prime mover. The use of direct load sense feedback from the prime mover can then be used with additional feedback, such as prime mover RPM feedback and individual output load sensing feedback, to directly control the output loads and set the primary power sources rpm set-point to better manage the power available and reduce the possibility of overloading the primary power source.
US08261710B2	Sealed lash adjuster and seal structure between first and second parts A sealed lash adjuster (100A) has a plunger (2), and a body (1A) accommodating the plunger. In addition, the sealed lash adjuster (100A) has a first seal member (5) on a sliding portion of the plunger (2), and has a second seal member (30) on a sliding portion of the body (1A) that faces the sliding portion. Specifically, the lash adjuster (100A) has the first seal member (5) on the sliding portion of the plunger (2) and the second seal member (30) on the opposing sliding portion of the body (1A), such that a space K formed between the first seal member (5) and the second seal member (30) expands when the plunger (2) is pressed inward, and the space K contacts when the plunger (2) protrudes outward.
US08261709B2	Internal-combustion engine of the type with at least one cylinder working in degraded mode The present invention relates to an internal-combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (10, 12, 14, 16) including intake means with an intake valve (22), exhaust means with an exhaust valve (32) and control means (40, 42) for controlling opening/closing of the valves, said control means comprising drive means (44) and means (56) intended for motion and load transmission between said control means and the valve to be controlled.According to the invention, motion and load transmission means (56) comprise a rocker arm (58) with at least two rockers (72, 74) disengageable from a pad (62) controlling the motion of said valve.
US08261708B2	Control valve mounting system A system for mounting a control valve on an engine includes an engine head operatively disposed on a cylinder block of the engine. The engine head has one or more open receptacles. A retainer is operatively configured to hold the control valve in the open receptacle. The retainer is further configured to be removeably engaged with the open receptacle. The retainer is co-axial with the open receptacle.
US08261707B2	Valve timing controller for internal combustion engine The valve timing controller for the internal combustion engine determines, based on a control parameter during phase angle feedback control, whether or not the valve timing variable mechanism is pressed against a limiting position defined by a stopper, sets a second target phase angle on a reference rotational phase angle value side of the camshaft by a first predetermined value from a detected real phase angle value of the camshaft when the stopper pressing determination means determines that the valve timing variable mechanism is pressed against the limiting position defined by the stopper, and switches a target phase angle during the phase angle feedback control from the first target phase angle to the second target phase angle.
US08261706B2	Timing adjustment device for an internal combustion engine A timing adjustment device with axially joined components, clamped by a camshaft central screw on a hub element which maintains the required peripheral position of these components relative to one another within a narrow tolerance range. On a disk element of the timing adjustment device an insert section is formed, which can be inserted into a recess formed in the hub element and, in the region of the insert section, at least one anchoring structure is formed, through which the insert section is anchored on a counter-structure, which is provided by the hub element.
US08261704B2	Variable valve timing control apparatus for internal combustion engine A variable valve timing control apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine that has a crankshaft, a camshaft, a hydraulic variable valve timing unit, a lock pin, and a hydraulic control valve. The hydraulic control valve is configured to control oil pressure that actuates the variable valve timing unit and the lock pin. The control apparatus switches a control, based on an operational state, between (a) a variable cam timing (VCT) phase control for controlling the VCT phase to a target phase and (b) a lock pin projection control for allowing the lock pin to project. The control apparatus executes, when an abnormality occurs, a foreign object release control for changing a control amount of the hydraulic control valve based on a predetermined pattern, wherein the control apparatus changes the predetermined pattern depending on the abnormality in the execution of the foreign object release control.
US08261703B2	Variable stroke engine In a variable stroke engine comprising a plurality of links (60, 61) connecting a piston (11) with a crankshaft (30), a control member (65) disposed on an engine main body so as to be moveable in two directions over a prescribed range relative to the engine main body, a control link (63) connecting one of the plurality of links with the control member and an actuator (AC) for displacing the control member, the actuator comprises a ratchet mechanism that utilizes a force transmitted from the piston to the control member as an actuating force for the control member. By providing a spring member (73, SP, 121) that applies a biasing force to the control member, an appropriate actuating force can be applied to the control member in either direction.
US08261699B2	Non-choking harness for pet A non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. A center portion of the body part substantially covers the chest area of the pet. The two neck ends are configured to wrap around a neck of the pet and the two torso ends are configured to wrap around a torso of the pet. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet.
US08261697B2	Cage net A cage net (3) includes a plurality of screen sheets (31) each having an upper section (311) and a tapered lower section (312). The upper sections (311) are interconnected side by side to form a surrounding wall (300), and the lower sections (312) are interconnected side by side to form a bottom wall (301). The lower sections (312) are folded inwardly from the respective upper sections (311) and have tapered ends extending to a substantially central part of the bottom wall (301). The case net (3) can be fabricated conveniently at low cost.
US08261693B2	Arc ion plating apparatus An arc ion plating apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, a rotary table for moving a substrate within the vacuum chamber vertically relative to its height direction, an arc evaporation source for bombardment for cleaning the surface of the substrate with metal ions, and an arc evaporation source for deposition group for depositing metal ions on the surface of the substrate. The arc evaporation source for deposition group is composed of a plurality of evaporation sources arranged so as to be opposite to the substrate set on the rotary table, and the arc evaporation source for bombardment is arranged so as to be opposite to the substrate, and formed so that its length in the height direction of the vacuum chamber is equal to the length between the upper and lower ends of the arc evaporation source for deposition group. According to such a structure, over temperature rise or abnormal discharge is hardly caused in the substrate at the time of bombardment, and process controllability is consequently enhanced.
US08261690B2	In-situ flux measurement devices, methods, and systems In-situ flux measurement methods, devices, and systems are provided. According to some embodiments, an in-situ molecular flux device generally comprises a electrically conductive container configured to hold a precursor material, a heat source proximate the electrically conductive container to heat the precursor material to release ions such that an ion current is produced; and a current-measuring device in electrical communication with the electrically conductive container to measure the ion current associated with the heated precursor material. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
US08261689B2	Stain preventing cover for coating machine The stain preventing cover is formed from a composite sheet 24 having a three layer structure as a raw material which is produced by laminating a first sheet material 21 having a low dielectric constant and having insulation performance, a second sheet material 22 having a dielectric constant higher than that of the first sheet material 21 or having semiconductivity and a third sheet material 23 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the second sheet material 22 and having insulation performance, in which an end of the second sheet material 22 is positioned together with an end of the first and third sheet materials 21 and 23 adjacent to a electrostatic high voltage part 10 of a coating machine and another end thereof is positioned distant from an earth part 11 of the coating machine to be electrically insulated. The influence of the disturbance of the electric potential distribution on the surface of a coating machine main body 5 is alleviated by the first and second sheet materials 21 and 22 to cause the electric potential distribution on the surface of the third sheet material 23 to be homogeneous to thereby preventing the attaching of atomized coating particles to the surface.
US08261683B2	Interchangeable seat system An interchangeable seat system for a water vehicle includes a front seat member, a common base member, at least two rear seat members, and at least two hand grips. One of the at least two rear seat members and one of the at least two hand grips are configured such that a combination of the front seat member, the common base member, the one of the at least two rear seat member and the one of the at least two hand grips provides a two-person seat configuration for the water vehicle, and another one of the at least two rear seat members and another one of the at least two hand grips are configured such that a combination of the front seat member, the common base member, the another one of the at least two rear seat member and the another one of the at least two hand grips provides a three-person seat configuration for the water vehicle.
US08261679B2	Sewing machine provided with needle bar rocking mechanism A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a needle is attached, a needle bar rocking mechanism which rocks the needle bar, a needle plate having a needle hole through which the needle is passed, an imaging device which images a lower part of the needle bar, a setting section which sets a range of rocking motion of the needle bar based on an image obtained by the imaging device, and a control device which controls the needle bar rocking mechanism based on the range of rocking motion set by the setting section.
US08261674B2	Apparatus for handling modules at sea A skidding pallet (200) for use on the skid rails (110, 115) of a vessel is disclosed, the pallet comprising a supporting means such as a frame (230), a mounting means for the mounting of an object thereon, and at least one actuation means, such as a cylinder (240), attached to one of the supporting means or mounting means. In use, the supporting means interfaces with the skid rails and the actuation means are actuatable to cause the mounting means to rotate in relation to said supporting means and the skid rails.
US08261672B2	Vehicle front-end module for mounting to the front end of a rail-borne vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle The invention relates to a vehicle front-end module having a vehicle front-end structure (100) for mounting to the front end of a rail-borne vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, wherein the vehicle front-end structure (100) is wholly composed of structural elements made from fiber composite or fiber composite sandwich material. The structural elements forming the vehicle front-end structure (100) comprise first structural elements (10, 10′, 11, 12, 12′, 14, 15, 16) which are configured and directly connected to one another so as to form a substantially deformation-resistant, self-supporting front-end structure designed to accommodate a vehicle driver's cab (101). The structural elements forming the vehicle front-end structure (100) further comprise second structural elements (20, 20′, 21, 21′, 22, 22′, 23, 24, 24′) connected to the first structural elements (10, 10′, 11, 12, 12′, 14, 15, 16) and designed such that at least a portion of the impact energy occurring due to the transmitting of impact force (collision energy) and introduced into the structure (100) upon a collision of the rail-borne vehicle is dissipated by at least partly irreversible deformation or at least partial destruction of the second structural elements (20, 20′, 21, 21′, 22, 22′, 23, 24, 24′).
US08261670B2	Suspended robot system A plurality of cables is unified into a parallel in a vertical direction state to constitute a flat cable, and the flat cable is pressed against an internal surface of a perimeter of the Cableveyor. Further, both ends of the flat cable are fixed such that the flat cable touches neither upper or lower inner surface of the Cableveyor by slanting up both ends of the accommodated portion of the flat cable.
US08261663B2	Detonator system with high precision delay An electrical delay detonator for use in blasting initiation systems energized by a non-electric impulse signal transmitted through a non-electrical conduit, such as a shock tube, with one end inserted inside a detonator housing having redundant sensors for detecting the presence of a non-electric impulse signal and a computerized control circuit for actuating the firing circuit. An elevated voltage is generated, stored in a capacitor assembly, and discharged when fired to an electrically operable igniter. The igniter, when activated, detonates an explosive mass. A battery is also contained within the detonator housing for powering the control circuit and one sensor, in low consumption mode, for several days. Upon detecting the presence of a signal the rest of the circuits are powered up. Periodic time windows generated by the control assembly provide corresponding enabled time periods for the sensors to become operational.
US08261662B1	Active pen nanolithography Improved actuated probes suitable for scanning probe lithography or microscopy, and especially direct-write nanolithography and method of fabrication thereof. In one embodiment, thermomechanically actuated cantilevers with oxide-sharpened microcast tips are inexpensively fabricated by a process that comprises low-temperature wafer bonding, such as (gold) thermocompressive bonding, eutectic or adhesive bonding. Also provided is a flexcircuit that electrically interconnects the actuated probes to external circuitry and mechanically couples them to the instrument actuator. An improved scanning probe lithography instrument, hardware and software, can be built around the actuated cantilevers and the flexcircuit. Finally, provided is an improved microfluidic circuit to deliver chemical compounds to the tips of (actuated) probes and a fabrication method for tall, high-aspect-ratio tips.
US08261661B2	Printing press having at least one power controlled actuator for adjusting a print-on position A printing unit is comprised of at least two cylinders which cooperate with each other in a printing group. At least one of these at least two cylinders is movably mounted so that it can be positioned against the other of the at least two cylinders by the use of at least one actuator, which is preferably configured as a power-controlled actuator. A control device is provided and in which several different preset values, which represent different levels of contact force between the two cylinders, are stored. Such data storage is in accordance with a criterion which concerns machine data and/or consumed material data and/or operational data. This data is usable to position the cylinder by operation of the actuator.
US08261660B2	Vacuum coupled tool apparatus for dry transfer printing semiconductor elements Provided are an optimized tool apparatus and methods for dry transfer printing of semiconductor elements with high yield and good placement accuracy. The tool apparatus comprises a vacuum coupled fast peel apparatus that provides high pickup yield of the semiconductor elements. In an aspect, this vacuum coupled apparatus provides high pickup rates during pickup of the semiconductor elements from a donor/source wafer. Provided is a tool apparatus for dry transfer printing with a reinforced composite stamp having a thin glass-backing. The tool apparatus also comprises a pressure regulated micro-chamber which provides precise control of a composite stamp lamination and de-lamination. In an aspect, the micro-chamber has an internal cavity volume that is variably controlled, thereby providing precise control of the force on the stamp, and corresponding separation velocity, and improved semiconductor element pick-up and/or placement.
US08261657B2	Press and grill There is provided a toaster grill having a lower housing that supports a lower cooking surface and an upper housing that supports an upper cooking surface. The upper housing pivots with respect to a “U” shaped frame that is hinged with respect to the lower cooking surface. A locking hinge allows the pivoting motion of the frame to be automatically arrested in an intermediate orientation between the fully closed and fully open grill orientations. The locking hinge automatically resets when the upper housing is rotated from the fully open grill orientation to the fully closed orientation.
US08261644B2	Window covering sizing method and apparatus A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.
US08261643B2	Pallet dismantler A method for dismantling pallets includes hanging a pallet on the upstream end of a cantilevered support having a substantially horizontal top surface with the bottom surfaces of the upper deck boards of the pallet resting on the top surface of the cantilevered support and with the stringer boards and lower deck boards extending downwardly from the top surface, advancing the hanging pallet in a downstream direction along the cantilevered support toward a band saw blade which lies directly on the top surface of the cantilevered support and defines a cutting plane aligned with the top surface of the cantilevered support, thereby automatically aligning the band saw blade with the pallet joints between the upper deck boards and the stringer boards; and advancing the pallet past the band saw blade to separate the upper deck boards from the stringer boards at the pallet joints.
US08261642B2	Power wrench with reaction bar controlling means A power wrench includes a housing divided into two parts which are rotatable relative to each other: a first part including a handle and a transverse section lodging a rotation motor, and a second part including a reduction gearing, an output shaft and a rigidly attached and laterally extending reaction bar. A swivel connection is provided between the housing parts and includes an angle sensor arranged to generate signals in response to relative angular movements between the housing parts, and a power control unit communicates with the angle sensor and is arranged to at least substantially reduce the motor power as a pre-set maximum angular movement between the housing parts is exceeded as the motor is started.
US08261640B2	Reversible open end wrench having retaining property A reversible open end wrench includes a handle, a head and a retainer. The head includes a first jaw, a second jaw and an extension section. The jaws and the extension section define a driving area therebetween. The first jaw has a first engaging surface and a distal end. The second jaw has a second engaging surface. The horizontal distance between the two engaging surfaces is s. The retainer is disposed on the distal end and has a retaining end extending toward the driving area. The retaining end is movable between a first position and a second position. As the retaining end locates at the first position, the horizontal distance between the retaining end and the second engaging surface is smaller than s. As the retaining end locates at the second position, the horizontal distance between the retaining end and the second engaging surface is no smaller than s.
US08261637B2	Redirection structure of ratchet wrench An improved redirection structure of a ratchet wrench is disclosed. A driving head accommodates a connector body that has a knob. The accommodating room of the connector body accommodates a brake block with a notch. The urging element of the knob urges against the brake block in the notch.
US08261633B2	Adjustable diameter pivot shaft for a hand tool A folding tool such as a knife has an implement such as a blade pivotally attached to the handle with a pivot shaft, allowing the implement to be rotated from a closed to an open position. The invention allows the diameter of the pivot shaft to be varied, thereby allowing the diameter of the shaft to be effectively increased in the area where the implement rotates about the shaft so that the shaft extends to and makes contact with the interior surface of the bore through the implement, without restricting the ability of the blade to freely rotate about the shaft, minimizing or eliminating any tendency of the implement to wiggle relative to the handle.
US08261630B2	Apparatus for electronically controllable transmission Provided is an apparatus for electronically controllable transmission, and more particularly, an apparatus for electronically controllable transmission, the apparatus capable of shifting gears by moving a shift lever and sensing the magnetic flux density of a magnet, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the shift lever, by using a three-dimensional (3D) hall sensor. The apparatus includes: a shift lever including one end which is connected to a magnet and shifting gears by moving the shift lever; a shift lever body which is connected to the shift lever and is allowing the shift lever to move around shift axis or select axis; and a sensor unit including a 3D sensor which is mounted fixedly in the place intersecting the shift axis and select axis within the shift lever body and can sense the movement of the magnet around an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis as the magnet moves, wherein the 3D sensor is mounted at a tilted angle for providing at least two of three output signals with linearity.
US08261629B2	Interchangable lever assemblies A lever assembly. The assembly may include a lever, a shaft coupled to the lever for supporting pivotal movement of the lever, a magnet coupled to the lever, the magnet being configured to rotate upon pivotal movement of the lever, and magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever.
US08261626B2	Ball screw A ball screw comprises a shaft, a nut, two return elements, plural rolling elements and a sleeve. When being rotated, the shaft will drive the nut to move and circulate the rolling elements within a circulation path defined by a loaded path and the return passages of the return elements. The nut is provided with a circular groove in an outer circumferential surface thereof, and the sleeve is disposed in the circular groove. The sleeve is provided with plural push grooves in an inner circumferential surface thereof, and there is an angular difference between a rolling passage in the nut and the respective push grooves, and the push grooves cooperate with the rolling elements which pass through the rolling passage. By such arrangements, the push grooves of the sleeve will be pushed by the rolling elements to convert the linear motion into rotary motion, thus making the sleeve rotate.
US08261623B2	Communication system for pipeline inspection An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along a pipe includes a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as it passes generally near the device. The detection and communication device is operable to generate a detection output, which includes data indicative of the detection of the tool and a geographical location of the device. A control is operable to wirelessly receive the detection output and to process the detection output. The control generates a control output responsive to the processing, and the control output is indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device. A display device receives an input indicative of the control output and displays the information indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device to a user of the display device.
US08261622B2	System for sampling sludge A device and method for sampling a fluid, especially a fluid of varying densities, are provided. The device includes a retention tube configured to receive a sample of the fluid, and can include a support jacket to support the retention tube. A control member is positioned within the retention tube with a plug attached to the distal end. The plug is movable away from the opening to facilitate laminar flow of the fluid into the retention tube. The plug can sealably engage the retention tube by affixing a portion of the control member. The device can be jolted to cause the control member to stretch, which disengages the plug temporarily, thereby releasing a lab sample portion from the retention tube. The rest of the sample of fluid can be released by completely releasing the plug from sealing contact.
US08261613B2	Fuel sender with reed switch and latching magnets The present invention relates to a fuel sensor adapted for sensing the level of fuel in a vehicle fuel tank and in particular to a fuel sensor adapted to sensing the level of fuel which would be accurate, compact and dragged. The fuel sensor of the invention is further adapted to be readily fitted in the vehicle fuel tank for measuring the fuel level efficiently and reliably. Importantly the fuel sensor is further adapted for operative connection to indicative instrument to facilitate ready and accurate reading of the fuel level in the tank.
US08261610B2	Aerodynamic measurement probe of an airstream along a wall The invention relates to an aerodynamic measurement probe of an airstream along a wall. The invention makes it possible notably to determine the attack of an airstream relative to an axial reference tangential to the wall. The invention is particularly useful in the aeronautical field. According to the invention, the probe comprises several emitters that can each emit a sound wave and a receiver sensitive to the different sound waves. Thus, there is forewarning of the receiver error that is common to all the measurements of travel time of a sound wave between one of the emitters and the receiver.
US08261604B2	Abnormality determination device and method for internal combustion engine An ECU executes a program including: a control to advance or retard the fuel injection timing by a prescribed value; determining whether the torque output variation of an engine exceeds a threshold torque output variation; and determining the fuel injection timing to be abnormal if the torque output variation of the engine is equal to or below the threshold torque output variation.
US08261601B2	Top of the line corrosion apparatus The described invention relates to a method for determining corrosion in wet gas pipelines comprising: a) using a portion of the liquid phase from a wet gas pipeline; b) placing said portion in a high pressure, high temperature autoclave to prepare a saturated vapor phase; c) transferring the saturated vapor to a corrosion test unit, said unit having a specimen holder section having external, temperature adjustable means, and specimens being arranged in one or more positions within the specimen holder; d) chilling said specimen holder section so as to cause condensation onto said corrosion testing specimens; and, e) calculating a value selected from the group consisting of corrosions rate, pitting of the specimen, weight loss of the specimen, and any combination thereof. The invention process can be practiced in a separate laboratory apparatus designed to accomplish the above method, or in a similar online apparatus set up in a semi-batch mode or continuous mode.
US08261600B2	Method for analyzing a scratch test A method for analyzing a scratch from a scratch test includes (a) locating the beginning of the scratch relative to a reference position, (b) making the scratch on a bulk with an indenter while recording the applied force and at least one measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter relative to the reference position, (c) acquiring and recording images of the scratch relative to the reference position, (d) synchronizing the recorded images, the applied force and the measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter, (e) displaying curves of the applied force and of the measurement parameter as a function of the displacement of the indenter, and (f) displaying in a synchronized way an image of the scratch reconstructed from the recorded images.
US08261599B2	Method and system for determining an imbalance of a wind turbine rotor The present disclosure provides a method and system of determining aerodynamic imbalances of a wind turbine rotor and optionally correcting such imbalances, as well as a method and system for determining mass imbalances of a wind turbine rotor and optionally correcting such imbalances. The aerodynamic imbalances may be detected and corrected using optical analysis of images of the wind turbine rotor. The mass imbalances may be detected and corrected using vibration analysis of the wind turbine rotor, typically using accelerometers or possibly other vibration sensors.
US08261591B2	Apparatus for hot-forming, press-quenching, and cutting semifinished hardenable-steel workpiece A semifinished hardenable-steel workpiece is introduced into a gap between a punch tool and a complementary die tool while the workpiece is heated above the AC3 point. Then one of the tools is vertically shifted toward the other tool so as to deform the workpiece to a predetermined shape. Subsequently the workpiece is gripped between the punch and the die tools while cooling at least one of the tools to press-quench the workpiece. Finally, but before the press-quenching is completed, an edge is cut off the still hot workpiece by relatively shifting an upper die and a lower die vertically past each other.
US08261583B2	High security, dual-mode padlock construction By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
US08261580B2	Apparatus to reinforce a drum washing machine A drum washing machine allows a plurality of electric wires to be easily secured in a cabinet, in addition to reinforcing strength of a top plate. The drum washing machine includes a cabinet having an opening at an upper portion thereof, a top plate to cover the opening, and a reinforcement placed at a predetermined position of the opening to support and reinforce the top plate. A wire holder is provided at a predetermined portion of the reinforcement to hold the electric wires arranged in the cabinet. The drum washing machine is provided with the reinforcement, which reinforces the strength of the top plate, and allows the electric wires to be easily arranged and held in the cabinet.
US08261579B2	Optical glass, precision press-molding preform and optical element Provided is an optically uniform and high-quality optical glass that is free from the occurrence of striae when a precision press-molding preform is produced therefrom, and that is a fluorine-containing glass having a refractive index nd(1) wherein the refractive index nd(1) and a refractive index nd(2) are substantially equivalent to each other, said refractive index nd(2) being a refractive index of the fluorine-containing glass after the fluorine-containing glass is re-melted in a nitrogen atmosphere at 900° C. for 1 hour, cooled to its glass transition temperature and then cooled to 25° C. at a temperature decrease rate of 30° C./hour.
US08261577B2	Method for making hollow microspheres There is provided a method for making hollow microspheres including heating a feed under conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the feed into hollow microspheres, where the heating is conducted under a vacuum. There is also provided hollow microspheres made using this method.
US08261572B2	Food heat-exchange device and refrigerator having the same Disclosed are a food heat-exchange device capable of rapidly freezing food stored in a refrigerator or thawing frozen food in the refrigerator, and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a body in which a storage compartment is defined, and the food heat-exchange device is mounted in the storage compartment, to enable thawing or rapid-freezing of food. The food heat-exchange device includes a heat-exchange plate, which is provided at a surface thereof with a contact portion to come into contact with food and at the other surface thereof with a pin to facilitate heat-exchange.
US08261571B2	Multifunctional ventilating fan A multifunctional ventilating fan comprises a machine body, a panel provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The machine body includes a first area, a second area, and a third area separated by several partition plates. The first area is provided with a first heat exchanger and a ventilating blower. A exhaust port of the ventilating blower is communicated with the outdoor. The second area is provided with a second heat exchanger and a circulating blower. The third area is provided with a compressor. The air inlet of the panel is communicated with the first area to form a first air path. The air inlet of the panel, the first area, the second area and the air outlet of the panel are communicated in turn to form a second air path. A first valve is provided in the second air path for isolating the first area so that a third air path is formed by the air inlet of the panel, the second area and the air outlet of the panel communicated in turn. The present invention can effect ventilating, dehumidifying, heating, cooling and the like functions.

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