最新美国发明专利第2013-03-26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
US08404719B2	Substituted piperidinylcarbonylbenzenesulfonamides as calcium channel blockers The present application relates to calcium channel inhibitors comprising compounds of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV), wherein L1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and Rc are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08404713B2	Quinolinone derivatives as PARP inhibitors Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Z and n have defined meanings, the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary ammonium salts and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, and their use for the treatment of PARP-mediated disorders.
US08404712B2	Quinuclidine carbonate salts and medicinal composition thereof Quinuclidine carbonate derivatives act as muscarinic receptor antagonists and are effective for the prevention and/or treatment of a broncho-obstructive or inflammatory diseases.
US08404711B2	5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds for treatment of cognitive disorders The invention provides methods for the treatment of cognitive disorders utilizing specific 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds, in particular, methods utilizing these compounds in combination with other agents, specifically acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.
US08404710B2	Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor A phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor serving as an effective prophylactic or therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.The PDE10A inhibitor contains as an active ingredient a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivative represented by the following general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons; and R3 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons, or a lower alkoxyl group having 1 to 3 carbons.
US08404709B2	Substituted 4-aryl-1,4-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridines and use thereof The present application relates to novel substituted 4-aryl-1,4-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridines, a process for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially cardiovascular disorders.
US08404707B2	Imidazo [1, 2-a] pyrrolo [3, 2-c] pyridine compounds useful as pestivirus inhibitors The present invention relates to a series of novel imidazo[1,2-α]pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridines (or also named 6H-1,3a,6-Tri-aza-αy-indacenes) and derivatives thereof, according to formula: (I); The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-α]pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridines, their use as. a, medicine, their use to treat or prevent viral infections and their use to manufacture a medicine to treat or prevent viral infections, particularly infections with viruses belonging to the family of the Flaviviridae and more preferably infections with Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV).
US08404705B2	Naphthalene amidine imides Disclosed are naphthalinamidinimide of formula wherein the substituents R1-R8 are defined herein.
US08404695B2	Pyrimidinyl pyridone inhibitors of JNK This application discloses novel pyrimidinyl pyridone derivatives according to Formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined as described herein, which inhibit JNK. The compounds disclosed herein are useful to modulate the activity of JNK and treat diseases associated with excessive JNK activity. The compounds are useful to treat autoimmune, inflammatory, metabolic, and neurological diseases as well as cancer. Also disclosed are compositions comprising the compound of Formula I and methods of treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula I to a subject in need thereof.
US08404691B2	Imidazothiazole derivatives having proline ring structure There is provided compounds that inhibit interaction between murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) protein and p53 protein and exhibits anti-tumor activity. Compounds include imidazothiazole derivatives that can inhibit interaction between Mdm2 protein and p53 protein and exhibits anti-tumor activity.
US08404683B2	Inhibitors of the interaction between MDM2 and P53 The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as an inhibitor of a p53-MDM2 interaction as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, p, s, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X, Y, Q and Z have defined meanings.
US08404682B2	Di-substituted amides for enhancing glutamatergic synaptic responses This invention relates to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in the prevention and treatment of cerebral insufficiency, including enhancement of receptor functioning in synapses in brain networks responsible for basic and higher order behaviors. These brain networks, which are involved in regulation of breathing, and cognitive abilities related to memory impairment, such as is observed in a variety of dementias, in imbalances in neuronal activity between different brain regions, as is suggested in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, respiratory depression, sleep apneas, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and affective or mood disorders, and in disorders wherein a deficiency in neurotrophic factors is implicated, as well as in disorders of respiration such as overdose of an alcohol, an opiate, an opioid, a barbiturate, an anesthetic, or a nerve toxin, or where the respiratory depression results form a medical condition such as central sleep apnea, stroke-induced central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital hypoventilation syndrome, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, Rett syndrome, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Cheney-Stokes respiration, Ondines curse, Prader-Willi's syndrome and drowning. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to compounds useful for treatment of such conditions, and methods of using these compounds for such treatment.
US08404677B2	Kinase inhibitors The present invention provides a new group of protein kinase inhibitors, pyrido[4,3,-d]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are useful for intreating cell proliferative disease and disorder such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, infection, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease and disorder. The present invention provides methods for synthesizing and administering the protein kinase inhibitor compounds. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising at least one of the protein kinase inhibitor compounds together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient therefor. The invention also provides useful intermediates generated during the syntheses of the pyrido[4,3,-d]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives.
US08404674B2	Substituted 9H-purin-2-YL compounds, compositions thereof and uses thereof The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, and their use for preparing a pharmaceutical composition having the above-mentioned properties.
US08404672B2	Substituted heterocyclic compounds Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein Q is R1 is cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl, each optionally substituted with one to five substituents independently selected from C1 to C6 alkyl, C1 to C4 haloalkyl, —OR4, and/or halogen; and R2, R3, R4, and n are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds as selective agonists for G protein-coupled receptor S1P1, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as vascular disease and autoimmune diseases.
US08404671B2	Heterosubstituted N-thiolated beta-lactam compounds and methods of use The invention relates to heterosubstituted N-thiolated beta-lactams, compositions comprising these compounds, methods for their production, and methods of use as antibiotics to inhibit the growth of bacteria. In one embodiment, the compounds have the structure shown in formula (A) or formula (B) or formula (C): wherein the R groups are as defined in the specification. The antibacterial agents of the invention can be administered to a human or animal to treat or inhibit bacterial infection, such as that of Staphylococcus species, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
US08404668B2	Method of treating gaucher disease Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US08404665B2	In vivo use of glutathione S-transferase activated nitric oxide donors The present invention provides for a method of simultaneously treating both cancer and the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype via inhibition of cellular thiols, such as Glutathione S-Transferase (GST). This enzyme is overproduced in leukemia and solid tumor cells and is one of the main pathways involved in the Multidrug Resistance phenotype. The treatment provides for the administration of a chemically inert pro-drug, designed to be a specific substrate for the GST enzyme that, once cleaved, liberates the bioactive toxin Nitric Oxide (NO) intracellularly at the site of a malignant growth. NO then acts to inhibit the growth of the malignant cells and to induce cellular differentiation and apoptosis therein, effectively treating an existing cancerous condition. Additionally, once NO is liberated from the pro-drug, the remaining structure acts to inhibit further GST activity, providing a treatment for the Multidrug Resistant phenotype.
US08404657B2	Means and methods for treating or preventing brain tumors based on the nuclear receptor tailless (Tlx) The present invention relates to the use of an inhibitor of tailless gene expression or tailless protein activity for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing the brain tumor in a subject. Preferably an inhibitor of tailless expression is a single or double stranded RNA. An inhibitor of tailless protein activity is preferably an antibody which specifically binds thereto. Finally, the invention includes methods for identifying anti-brain tumor drugs.
US08404652B2	DNA-binding protein YB-1-containing collagen accumulation inhibitors The present invention provides a collagen accumulation inhibitor, a collagen accumulation-inhibiting method, a method for searching for a substance which regulates the type-I collagen gene transcription regulating ability and the like, said matters being useful in a medical field for a prophylaxis or the treatment of a disease caused by an excessive accumulation for a collagen (for example fibrosis).
US08404651B2	Compositions and methods for treating viral infections The present invention provides compositions methods for treating susceptible viral infections, especially hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections as well as co infections of HCV with other viruses such as HBV and/or HIV. In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions having the formula (I) and their use in treating viral infections: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, stereoisomer, tautomers, solvate, prodrug, or combination thereof.
US08404650B2	Methods of treating cancer with doxazolidine and prodrugs thereof The invention provides therapeutically effective compounds for the prevention and treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds as well as methods of using and administering these compounds. The invention also includes methods of activating a prodrug of these therapeutically effective compounds by the administration of a peptide-directed targeting construct that delivers a prodrug-activating enzyme to a target activation site.
US08404646B2	Methods for preventing or treating mitochondrial permeability transition The invention provides a method of reducing or preventing mitochondrial permeability transitioning. The method comprises administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2 a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.
US08404639B2	Methods and kits for treating disease by administering insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 The present invention is directed to methods of treating Type 1-diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods treating Type 2 diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is further directed to methods treating insulin resistance by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is directed to methods of treating hepatic steatosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods lowering blood glucose and serum insulin in non-diabetic subjects by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2.
US08404637B2	GIP analog and hybrid polypeptides with selectable properties The present invention relates generally to novel GIP analogs and GIP hybrid polypeptides with selectable properties, useful as agents for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and disorders, for example those which can be alleviated by control plasma glucose levels, insulin levels, and/or insulin secretion, positive inotropic effects, reduction of catabolic effects, slowing of gastric emptying. Such conditions and disorders include, but are not limited to, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, critical care, insulin-resistance, obesity, and diabetes mellitus of any kind, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
US08404636B2	Targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents A cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) conjugate is disclosed. The CAMP conjugate may be made by identifying a suitable carrier peptide; identifying a suitable antimicrobial agent; creating a conjugate by conjugating the peptide with the antimicrobial agent; and evaluating and refining the conjugate. The peptide may be short peptide based on the sequence of a CAMP, such as human β-defensin-3. The peptide can be directly connected to the antimicrobial agent or through a linker segment. The antimicrobial agent may be connected to the peptide or the linker segment through stable or cleavable bonding. The peptide may carry and facilitate the delivery of the conjugated antimicrobial agent to a microbe.
US08404633B2	CD5 pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes of fungal origin The present invention refers to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the soluble CD5 ectodomain and its use for the prevention and/or treatment of fungal infections and/or fungal sepsis, as well as inflammatory disorders of fungal origin.
US08404632B2	Compositions and methods for the delivery of nitric oxide H-NOX proteins are mutated to exhibit improved or optimal kinetic and thermodynamic properties for blood gas NO delivery. The engineered H-NOX proteins comprise mutations that impart altered NO or O2 ligand-binding relative to the corresponding wild-type H-NOX domain, and are operative as physiologically compatible mammalian blood NO gas carriers. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods that use wild-type or mutant H-NOX proteins for the treatment of any condition for which delivery of NO is beneficial.
US08404631B2	Compositions and methods for the delivery of oxygen H-NOX proteins are mutated to exhibit improved or optimal kinetic and thermodynamic properties for blood gas O2 delivery. The engineered H-NOX proteins comprise mutations that impart altered O2 or NO ligand-binding relative to the corresponding wild-type H-NOX domain, and are operative as physiologically compatible mammalian blood O2 gas carriers. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods that use wild-type or mutant H-NOX proteins for the treatment of any condition for which delivery of O2 is beneficial.
US08404630B2	Fragrance compositions that reduce or eliminate malodor, related methods and related cleaning compositions A fragrance composition for control of kitchen malodor, kitchen cleaning and deodorizing products comprising them, and methods for the reduction of malodor utilizing them, the fragrance composition comprising a decyl aldehyde; an allyl amyl glycolate; cis-3-hexenyl acetate; a rose oxide; a terpinolene; and 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde.
US08404626B2	Post-deposition cleaning methods and formulations for substrates with cap layers One embodiment of the present invention is a method of fabricating an integrated circuit. The method includes providing a substrate having a metal and dielectric damascene metallization layer and depositing substantially on the metal a cap. After deposition of the cap, the substrate is cleaned with a solution comprising an amine to provide a pH for the cleaning solution of 7 to about 13. Another embodiment of the presented invention is a method of cleaning substrates. Still another embodiment of the present invention is a formulation for a cleaning solution.
US08404625B2	Lubricating composition containing an antiwear agent The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a compound obtained/obtainable by a process comprising reacting a glycolic acid, a 2-halo-acetic acid, or a lactic acid, or an alkali or alkaline metal salts thereof, (typically glycolic acid or a 2-halo-acetic acid) with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an amine, an alcohol, and an aminoalcohol. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine.
US08404623B2	Stabilization of emulsions containing resinous material for use in the field of oil or gas well treatments According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation. Methods according to this aspect include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion according to the composition described above; and (b) introducing the emulsion into a portion of a subterranean formation.
US08404622B2	Lost circulation material for oilfield use A composition for reducing lost circulation in a well, while drilling the well with a drilling mud, which is composed of a base fluid, a mixture of particles, and a blend of fibers. The composition is used by stopping drilling with the mud, injecting a spacer, injecting the water-based composition, injecting a spacer, and resuming drilling with the oil-based mud.
US08404620B2	Extremely low resistance compositions and methods for creating same The invention pertains to creating new extremely low resistance (“ELR”) materials, which may include high temperature superconducting (“HTS”) materials. In some implementations of the invention, an ELR material may be modified by depositing a layer of modifying material unto the ELR material to form a modified ELR material. The modified ELR material has improved operational characteristics over the ELR material alone. Such operational characteristics may include operating at increased temperatures or carrying additional electrical charge or other operational characteristics. In some implementations of the invention, the ELR material is a cuprate-perovskite, such as, but not limited to BSSCO. In some implementations of the invention, the modifying material is a conductive material that bonds easily to oxygen, such as, but not limited to, chromium.
US08404617B2	Photocatalyst material, photocatalyst composition using the same and photocatalyst product An object of the invention is to provide a photocatalyst material having a higher catalyst effect than conventional photocatalyst materials. The photocatalyst material of the invention contains, as its major component, a tungsten oxide powder excited by a light source which emits light having a wavelength of 430 to 500 nm, the photocatalyst material having a decomposition ability of 50% or more wherein the decomposition ability is given by the following equation based on the following test: [Test for decomposition ability]: 1 g of a tungsten oxide powder and 20 ppm of acetaldehyde (amount A) are poured into a 3-liter glass container, and acetaldehyde (amount B) is measured after light having a peak wavelength of 460 nm±10 nm is irradiated to the mixture for 2 hours to measure the decomposition ability (%): Decomposition ability (%)=[(acetaldehyde amount A−acetaldehyde amount B)/acetaldehyde amount A]×100.
US08404615B2	Catalyst for a cathode of a mixed reactant fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for a mixed reactant fuel cell including the same, and mixed reactant fuel cell system including the same The cathode catalyst for a mixed reactant fuel cell includes a mixed catalyst that includes a first catalyst including a Ru—Ch1 compound where Ch1 is a chalcogens selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof, and a second catalyst including a Pt—Ch2 compound where Ch2 is a chalcogens selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. The cathode catalyst can improve excellent power characteristics of a fuel cell due to excellent catalyst activity and selectivity.
US08404613B2	Platinum-based electrocatalysts synthesized by depositing contiguous adlayers on carbon nanostructures High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The preferred manufacturing process involves the initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means and the nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. Subsequent film growth may be performed via the initial quasi-underpotential deposition of a non-noble metal followed by immersion in a solution comprising a more noble metal. The resulting coated nanostructures may be used, for example, as high-performance electrodes in supercapacitors, batteries, or other electric storage devices.
US08404612B2	Catalyst compositions and methods of making and using the same Catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins having improved flowability properties are provided.
US08404610B2	Process for producing fuel cell catalyst, fuel cell catalyst obtained by production process, and uses thereof It is an object of the present invention to provide a production process which can produce a fuel cell catalyst having excellent durability and high oxygen reducing activity.The process for producing a fuel cell catalyst including a metal-containing oxycarbonitride of the present invention includes a grinding step for grinding the oxycarbonitride using a ball mill, wherein the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is represented by a specific compositional formula; balls in the ball mill have a diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 mm; the grinding time using the ball mill is 1 to 45 minutes; the rotating centrifugal acceleration in grinding using the ball mill is 2 to 20 G; the grinding using the ball mill is carried out in such a state that the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is mixed with a solvent containing no oxygen atom in the molecule; and when the ball mill is a planetary ball mill, the orbital centrifugal acceleration mill is 5 to 50 G.
US08404606B2	Optical glass, optical elements made therefrom, method of making the optical elements from the glass, and optical components comprising one or more optical elements The lead-free and arsenic-free optical glasses have a refractive index of 1.83≦nd≦1.95 and an Abbé number of 24≦νd≦35, good chemical resistance, excellent crystallization stability and a composition, in wt. % based on oxide content, of SiO2, 2-8; B2O3, 15-22; La2O3, 35-42; ZnO, 10-18; TiO2, 9-15; ZrO2, 3-10; Nb2O5, 4-10; and WO3, >0.5-3. Besides containing at most 5 wt. % of each of GeO2, Ag2O and BaO and conventional fining agents, they may also contain at most in total 5 wt. % of Al2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, P2O5 and up to at most in total 5 wt. % of the components F, Ta2O5. The glasses are preferably free of alkali metal oxides, Bi2O3, Y2O3, Gd2O3 and/or Yb2O3. Optical elements made from the optical glass are also described.
US08404604B2	Optical glass A P2O5—BaO—ZnO—Nb2O5 type optical glass contains 25-50 wt. % P2O5, 15-35 wt. % BaO, 1-25 wt. ZnO, and 3-10 wt. % Nb2O5. The optical glass has a high refractive index (particularly preferably the refractive index nd of 1.6 or more), low dispersion (an Abbe number υd of 42 or more), a low deformation point, and improved resistance to devitrification upon molding, and is suitable for precision-mold press molding or other molding processes and also suitable for transfer of a fine structure.
US08404601B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes the steps of: (a) introducing hydrogen and oxygen on a SiC substrate; and (b) subjecting the hydrogen and the oxygen to a combustion reaction on the SiC substrate to form a gate oxide film being a silicon oxide film on a surface of the SiC substrate by the combustion reaction.
US08404596B2	Plasma ashing method A plasma ashing method is used for removing a patterned resist film in a processing chamber after etching a portion of a low-k film from an object to be processed in the processing chamber by using the patterned resist film as a mask. The method includes a first step of supplying a reaction product removal gas including at least CO2 gas into the processing chamber, generating plasma of the reaction product removal gas by applying a high frequency power for the plasma generation, and removing reaction products deposited on an inner wall of the processing chamber; and a second step of supplying an ashing gas into the processing chamber, generating plasma of the ashing gas by applying a high frequency power for the plasma generation, and removing the resist film.
US08404594B2	Reverse ALD A semiconductor process and apparatus includes forming first and second gate electrodes (151, 161) by forming the first gate electrode (151) over a first high-k gate dielectric (121) and forming the second gate electrode (161) over at least a second high-k gate dielectric (122) different from the first gate dielectric (121). Either or both of the high-k gate dielectric layers (121, 122) may be formed by depositing and selectively etching an initial layer of high-k dielectric material (e.g., 14). As deposited, the initial layer (14) has an exposed surface (18) and an initial predetermined crystalline structure. An exposed thin surface layer (20) of the initial layer (14) is prepared for etching by modifying the initial crystalline structure in the exposed thin surface layer. The modified crystalline structure in the exposed thin surface layer may be removed by applying a selective etch, such as HF or HCl.
US08404592B2	Methods for fabricating FinFET semiconductor devices using L-shaped spacers Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures, such as fin structures of FinFET transistors, are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a plurality of mandrels overlying the semiconductor substrate. Each of the mandrels has sidewalls. L-shaped spacers are formed about the sidewalls of the mandrels. Each L-shaped spacer comprises a rectangular portion disposed at a base of a mandrel and an orthogonal portion extending from the rectangular portion. Each L-shaped spacer also has a spacer width. The orthogonal portions are removed from each of the L-shaped spacers leaving at least a portion of the rectangular portions. The semiconductor substrate is etched to form fin structures, each fin structure having a width substantially equal to the spacer width.
US08404587B2	Semiconductor with through-substrate interconnect Semiconductor devices are described that have a metal interconnect extending vertically through a portion of the device to the back side of a semiconductor substrate. A top region of the metal interconnect is located vertically below a horizontal plane containing a metal routing layer. Method of fabricating the semiconductor device can include etching a via into a semiconductor substrate, filling the via with a metal material, forming a metal routing layer subsequent to filling the via, and removing a portion of a bottom of the semiconductor substrate to expose a bottom region of the metal filled via.
US08404585B2	Preventing breakage of long metal signal conductors on semiconductor substrates An apparatus includes a volume of insulator disposed over a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, a tube of soft dielectric, and a metal conductor. The insulator has a hardness of more than approximately three gigaPascals (gPa) and the soft dielectric has a hardness of less than three gPa. The tube of soft dielectric and the metal conductor are both embedded within the volume of insulator. The tube defines a central volume and the metal conductor extends in a direction through the central volume for a distance of at least one inch. The metal conductor is encircled by the soft dielectric when the apparatus is viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the direction. The metal conductor may include a plurality of bend portions. The metal conductor does not break when the apparatus is temperature cycled over a range from zero to eighty five degrees Celsius.
US08404584B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film above a semiconductor substrate, forming an opening in the insulating film, forming a conductive film above the insulating film with the opening formed, removing the conductive film above the insulating film to bury the conductive film in the opening, and processing a surface of the insulating film with a silicon compound including Si—N or Si—Cl.
US08404582B2	Structure and method for manufacturing interconnect structures having self-aligned dielectric caps Interconnect structures having self-aligned dielectric caps are provided. At least one metallization level is formed on a substrate. A dielectric cap is selectively deposited on the metallization level.
US08404580B2	Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device is provided including an interlayer dielectric film and first and second hard mask patterns sequentially stacked thereon. A first trench is provided in the interlayer dielectric film through the second hard mask pattern and the first hard mask pattern. A filler material is provided on the interlayer dielectric film and the first and second hard mask patterns to fill the first trench. First and second hard mask trimming patterns are formed by trimming sidewalls of the first and second hard mask patterns and removing the filler material to expose the first trench. A damascene wire is formed by filling the first trench with a conductive material.
US08404578B2	Methods of forming nonvolatile memory devices having electromagnetically shielding source plates Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a cell array region, memory cell transistors disposed at the cell array region, bitlines disposed on the memory cell transistors, and a source plate disposed between the memory cell transistors and the bitlines to veil the memory cell transistors thereunder.
US08404572B2	Multi-zone temperature control for semiconductor wafer An apparatus includes a process chamber configured to perform an ion implantation process. A cooling platen or electrostatic chuck is provided within the process chamber. The cooling platen or electrostatic chuck is configured to support a semiconductor wafer. The cooling platen or electrostatic chuck has a plurality of temperature zones. Each temperature zone includes at least one fluid conduit within or adjacent to the cooling platen or electrostatic chuck. At least two coolant sources are provided, each fluidly coupled to a respective one of the fluid conduits and configured to supply a respectively different coolant to a respective one of the plurality of temperature zones during the ion implantation process. The coolant sources include respectively different chilling or refrigeration units.
US08404570B2	Graded core/shell semiconductor nanorods and nanorod barcodes Graded core/shell semiconductor nanorods and shapped nanorods are disclosed comprising Group II-VI, Group III-V and Group IV semiconductors and methods of making the same. Also disclosed are nanorod barcodes using core/shell nanorods where the core is a semiconductor or metal material, and with or without a shell. Methods of labeling analytes using the nanorod barcodes are also disclosed.
US08404569B2	Fabrication method and fabrication apparatus of group III nitride crystal substance A fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance includes the steps of cleaning the interior of a reaction chamber by introducing HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and vapor deposition of a group III nitride crystal substance in the cleaned reaction chamber. A fabrication apparatus of a group III nitride crystal substance includes a configuration to introduce HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and a configuration to grow a group III nitride crystal substance by HVPE. Thus, a fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance including the method of effectively cleaning deposits adhering inside the reaction chamber during crystal growth, and a fabrication apparatus employed in the fabrication method are provided.
US08404567B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, includes: forming grooves from a first surface side of a semiconductor wafer; separating plural chip areas into pieces by grinding a second surface of the semiconductor wafer after a protection sheet is attached to the first surface of the semiconductor wafer; attaching a laminated film in which a dicing film and an adhesive film are sequentially laminated on a supporting film composed of a resin film with high modulus of elasticity to the second surface of the semiconductor wafer; and cutting the adhesive film.
US08404557B2	Method for forming a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a main horizontal surface, an opposite surface and a completely embedded dielectric region. A deep vertical trench is etched from the main horizontal surface into the semiconductor substrate using the dielectric region as an etch stop. A vertical transistor structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate. A first metallization in ohmic contact with the transistor structure is formed on the main horizontal surface. The semiconductor substrate is thinned at the opposite surface at least close to the dielectric region. Further, a semiconductor device is provided.
US08404556B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device In forming a ferro-electric capacitor structure of an FeRAM, a lower electrode film is formed (step S1), a first ferro-electric film is formed (step S2), the first ferro-electric film is crystallized by a first heat treatment (step S3), a second ferro-electric film in an amorphous state is formed on the first ferro-electric film (step S4), an SRO film in an amorphous state is formed on the second ferro-electric film (step S5), a first upper electrode film is formed on the SRO film (step S6), and the second ferro-electric film and the SRO film are crystallized by a second heat treatment (step S7).
US08404555B2	Fabricating method of semiconductor device A fabricating method of a semiconductor device is provided. Pillars are formed on a substrate. A first oxide layer is continuously formed on upper surfaces and side walls of the pillars by non-conformal liner atomic layer deposition. The first oxide layer continuously covers the pillars and has at least one first opening. The first oxide layer is partially removed to expose the upper surfaces of the pillars, and a first supporting element is formed on the side wall of each of the pillars. The first supporting element is located at a first height on the side wall of the corresponding pillar and surrounds the periphery of the corresponding pillar. The first supporting elements around two adjacent pillars are connected and the first supporting elements around two opposite pillars do not mutually come into contact and have a second opening therebetween.
US08404551B2	Source/drain extension control for advanced transistors A planar transistor with improved performance has a source and a drain on a semiconductor substrate that includes a substantially undoped channel extending between the source and the drain. A gate is positioned over the substantially undoped channel on the substrate. Implanted source/drain extensions contact the source and the drain, with the implanted source/drain extensions having a dopant concentration of less than about 1×1019 atoms/cm3, or alternatively, less than one-quarter the dopant concentration of the source and the drain.
US08404542B2	Semiconductor device having transistor with vertical gate electrode and method of fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes transistors with a vertical gate electrode. In a transistor structure, a semiconductor pattern has first and second sides facing in a transverse direction, and third and fourth sides facing in a longitudinal direction. Gate patterns are disposed adjacent to the first and second sides of the semiconductor pattern. Impurity patterns directly contact the third and fourth sides of the semiconductor pattern. A gate insulating pattern is interposed between the gate patterns and the semiconductor pattern.
US08404539B2	Self-aligned contacts in carbon devices A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a carbon material on a substrate, forming a gate stack on the carbon material, removing a portion of the substrate to form at least one cavity defined by a portion of the carbon material and the substrate, and forming a conductive contact in the at least one cavity.
US08404536B2	Method for fabricating stacked non-volatile memory with silicon carbide-based amorphous silicon thin film transistors A stacked non-volatile memory device uses amorphous silicon based thin film transistors stacked vertically. Each layer of transistors or cells is formed from a deposited a-Si channel region layer having a predetermined concentration of carbon to form a carbon rich silicon film or silicon carbide film, depending on the carbon content. The dielectric stack is formed over the channel region layer. In one embodiment, the dielectric stack is an ONO structure. The control gate is formed over the dielectric stack. This structure is repeated vertically to form the stacked structure. In one embodiment, the carbon content of the channel region layer is reduced for each subsequently formed layer.
US08404533B2	Metal gate transistor and method for fabricating the same A method for fabricating metal gate transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a transistor region defined thereon; forming a gate insulating layer on the substrate; forming a stacked film on the gate insulating layer, wherein the stacked film comprises at least one etching stop layer, a polysilicon layer, and a hard mask; patterning the gate insulating layer and the stacked film for forming a dummy gate on the substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the dummy gate; performing a planarizing process for partially removing the dielectric layer until reaching the top of the dummy gate; removing the polysilicon layer of the dummy gate; removing the etching stop layer of the dummy gate for forming an opening; and forming a conductive layer in the opening for forming a gate.
US08404532B2	Transferred thin film transistor and method for manufacturing the same Provided are a transferred thin film transistor and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: forming a source region and a drain region that extend in a first direction in a first substrate and a channel region between the source region and the drain region; forming trenches that extend in a second direction in the first substrate to define an active layer between the trenches, the second direction intersecting the first direction; separating the active layer between the trenches from the first substrate by performing an anisotropic etching process on the first substrate inside the trenches; attaching the active layer on a second substrate; and forming a gate electrode in the first direction on the channel region of the active layer.
US08404531B2	Method for fabricating a power transistor A method for fabricating a power transistor includes: (a) forming a trench in a substrate with a first electrical type; (b) diffusing second electrical type carriers into the substrate from the trench such that the substrate is formed into a first part and a second part that is diffused with the second electrical type carriers and that adjoins the trench, the first and second parts being crystal lattice continuous to each other; (c) forming a filling portion in the trench, the filling portion adjoining the second part; (d) performing a carrier-implanting process in the second part and the filling portion; and (e) forming over the substrate a gate structure that has a dielectric layer and a conductive layer.
US08404528B2	Fabricating method of pixel structure A fabricating method of a pixel structure is provided. A substrate has an array of pixel areas. The common electrode wire is positioned only in a portion of the pixel area. A first capacitance storage electrode is formed in each of the pixel areas and electrically connected between two adjacent common electrode wires. A gate insulation layer covers the scan line, the gate electrode, the common electrode wire and the first capacitance storage electrode. A semiconductor layer is formed on the gate insulation layer above the gate electrode. The source and the drain is formed on two sides of the semiconductor layer. A passivation layer is formed on the substrate to cover the data line, the source and the drain. A pixel electrode is formed in each of the pixel areas, and the pixel electrode is electrically connected with the drain through the contact window.
US08404527B2	Electronic textiles with electronic devices on ribbons Ribbons containing e.g. inorganic NMOS devices are assembled in electrical contact with ribbons containing e.g. PMOS devices (preferably organic) to enable flexible electronic textile circuits to be inexpensive and practical for a wide variety of functions. The use of ribbons provides flexibility, reduces costs, and allows testing during assembly and different processes to be efficiently used for different components. This is apparently the first time that ribbons (especially inorganic-device-containing ribbons) have been interconnected to form a flexible CMOS electronic textile.
US08404526B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method for the same A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, and a second conductive type lateral RESURF region. The first semiconductor region is arranged on a first electrode side. The second semiconductor region includes first conductive type first pillar regions and a terminal part. The second pillar regions are alternately arranged on an element part. The terminal part is formed around the element part along a surface of the first semiconductor region on a second electrode side opposite to the first electrode side of the first semiconductor region. Furthermore, the second conductive type lateral RESURF region is formed in the second semiconductor region on the terminal part.
US08404524B2	Integrated circuit packaging system with paddle molding and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package paddle having a hole, a recess, and a pad, the hole over the recess; mounting an integrated circuit to the package paddle; forming a lead having a bottom surface coplanar with a bottom surface of the pad, the lead isolated from the package paddle; attaching connectors directly on the integrated circuit, the lead, and the package paddle; and forming an encapsulation covering the integrated circuit and within the hole and the recess.
US08404522B2	Dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface, and process for producing semiconductor device The present invention relates to a dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface including: a dicing tape including a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated in this order, and a film for semiconductor back surface provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the dicing tape, where the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness of from 20 μm to 40 μm.
US08404515B2	Formation of conjugated polymers for solid-state devices Disclosed herein is a facile process for the formation of conjugated polymers inside or outside assembled solid-state devices. One process generally involves applying a voltage to a device comprising at least two electrodes, a combination of an electrolyte composition and a electroactive monomer disposed between the electrodes, and a potential source in electrical connection with the at least two electrodes; wherein the applying voltage polymerizes the electroactive monomer into a conjugated polymer. Also disclosed are electrochromic articles prepared from the process and solid-state devices comprising a composite of an electrolyte composition and a conjugated polymer.
US08404513B2	Solar cell A method for generating electric power including the steps of: (a) preparing a solar cell having a condensing lens and a solar cell element, wherein the solar cell element includes an n-type GaAs layer, a p-type GaAs layer, a quantum tunneling layer, an n-type InGaP layer, a p-type InGaP layer, a p-type window layer, an n-side electrode, and a p-side electrode, and satisfies the following equation (I): d2
US08404509B2	Organic electroluminescent display device and method for fabricating the same A method for fabricating an organic electroluminescent display device is provided. The organic electroluminescent display device includes a light-emitting cell having a cathode electrode, an anode electrode and an organic layer interposed therebetween; wherein the cathode electrode is electrically connected to a contact electrode via a contact hole; wherein the contact electrode has acid-resistance with respect to an etchant used in patterning the cathode electrode.
US08404507B2	TFT-LCD array substrate and manufacturing method thereof A TFT-LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The array substrate comprises a gate line, a data line, and a pixel electrode, and the pixel electrode is disposed in a pixel region defined by the intersection between the gate line and the data line. In the pixel region, a partition groove for forming a pixel electrode pattern is provided at the periphery of the pixel electrode. This structure is helpful to form a pixel electrode pattern by a lift-off process, which significantly reduces the production cost and improves the production yield.
US08404506B2	Single-photon source and method for the production and operation thereof In a method for the production of a single photon source with a given operational performance, the given operational performance for the individual photon source may be fixed by a directed setting of the fine structure gap of the excitonic energy level for at least one quantum dot. The at least one quantum dot is produced with a quantum dot size corresponding to the fine structure gap for setting.
US08404504B1	Method for making light emitting diode A method for making light emitting diode is provided. The method includes following steps. A light emitting diode chip is provided, the light emitting diode includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layers stacked on a surface of a substrate in that order. A patterned mask layer is located on the second semiconductor layer, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures aligned side by side. The second semiconductor layer is etched to form a number of three-dimensional nano-structures preform. The mask layer is removed to form a number of M-shaped three-dimensional nano-structures. The second semiconductor layer and the active layer are etched to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer.
US08404500B2	Method for manufacturing light-emitting element, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, lighting device, and electronic appliance One object is to provide a light-emitting element which overcomes the problems of electrical characteristics and a light reflectivity have been solved. The light-emitting element is manufactured by forming a first electrode including aluminum and nickel over a substrate; by forming a layer including a composite material in which a metal oxide is contained in an organic compound so as to be in contact with the first electrode after heat treatment is performed with respect to the first electrode; by forming a light-emitting layer over the layer including a composite material; and by forming a second electrode which has a light-transmitting property over the light-emitting layer. Further, the first electrode is preferably formed to include the nickel equal to or greater than 0.1 atomic % and equal to or less than 4.0 atomic %.
US08404495B2	Device and method for analyte sensing In one aspect, the present invention is a system, a device and a method for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix. The analyte may be glucose or any other chemical of interest. The fluid or matrix may be, for example, the fluid in a bioreactor, a food or agricultural product, any fluid or matrix in the body of an animal, or any other fluid or matrix whose concentration of an analyte is under investigation. In one embodiment, the analyte sensing device includes a housing having an interior space. Contained within the housing and in the interior space is one or more analyte sensing component(s). The analyte sensing component, in one embodiment, includes one or more radiation converting element(s), for example, converting chromophores. The radiation converting element(s) are capable of converting or modifying radiation of one or more wavelengths into radiation of one or more different wavelengths. The conversion efficiency of the radiation converting element(s) is at least partially dependent on the local concentration of an analyte within the analyte sensing component.
US08404492B2	Method and machine for manipulating toxic substances In a machine for manipulating toxic substances, an anthropomorphic robot transfers a container, which has a mouth closed by a cap made of perforable material, from a magazine for containers to a dosage station, set in which is a syringe provided with a needle, axially aligns the mouth with the needle, correcting the position of the mouth according to the position of the tip of the needle obtained from processing a number of images of the needle acquired from at least two distinct observation points, and finally approaches the container to the syringe in such a way that the needle perforates the cap and penetrates into the container to be able to inject or extract a substance into or out of the container.
US08404491B2	Luminescent chemical sensor integrated with at least one molecular trap A luminescent chemical sensor integrated with at least one molecular trap. The luminescent chemical sensor includes at least one molecular trap and at least one metallic-nanofinger device integrated with at least one molecular trap. The molecular trap includes a plurality of electrodes that trap at least one analyte molecule. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the luminescent chemical sensor are also provided.
US08404489B2	Nucleic acid extraction kit, nucleic acid extraction method, and nucleic acid extraction apparatus A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.
US08404487B2	Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of breast biopsy to determine pathology, vascularization and nodal involvement Robust classification methods analyse magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data (spectra) of fine needle aspirates taken from breast tumors. The resultant data when compared with the histopathology and clinical criteria provide computerized classification-based diagnosis and prognosis with a very high degree of accuracy and reliability. Diagnostic correlation performed between the spectra and standard synoptic pathology findings contain detail regarding the pathology (malignant versus benign), vascular invasion by the primary cancer and lymph node involvement of the excised axillary lymph nodes. The classification strategy consisted of three stages: pre-processing of MR magnitude spectra to identify optimal spectral regions, cross-validated Linear Discriminant Analysis, and classification aggregation via Computerised Consensus Diagnosis. Malignant tissue was distinguished from benign lesions with an overall accuracy of 93%. From the same spectrum, lymph node involvement was predicted with an accuracy of 95% and tumor vascularization with an overall accuracy of 92%.
US08404482B2	Methods for in vitro differentiation of Th-17+ cells The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for promoting differentiation and proliferation of human T helper lymphocytes that express IL17 (Th-IL17+ cells). The instant method may be used to generate a population of human T helper lymphocytes that express IL17 (Th-IL17+ cells) in vitro. Methods for screening to identify agents capable of modulating Th-IL17+ cell differentiation are also encompassed by the present invention. Isolated, pure populations of homogeneous Th-IL17+ cells that do not express cellular markers characteristic of Th1, Th2, or Treg cells are also encompassed herein.
US08404480B2	Microorganism testing device and microorganism testing chip Provided are a microorganism testing chip capable of suppressing self-fluorescence and enhancing mass productivity, and a microorganism testing device using the same. The microorganism testing chip includes a main body and a fungus body detection unit mounted on the main body. The main body has a detection window frame portion which is a through-hole or a pass-through groove. The fungus body detection unit is disposed to cover the detection window frame portion and has a fungus body detection flow path connected to flow paths provided in the main body. The fungus body detection unit includes a cover member and a flow path member, and is formed by attaching these two members to each other. The flow path member has a groove. By attaching the two members to each other, the groove of the flow path member serves as the fungus body detection flow path.
US08404475B2	Isolation of novel bacteria contributing to soilborne disease suppression Embodiments relate to plant disease suppressive microorganisms and compositions including the same, methods for isolating disease suppressive microorganisms, and methods for controlling plant disease using disclosed compositions and methods.
US08404474B2	Use of phosphoketolase for producing useful metabolites The present invention provides a bacterium which has an ability to produce a useful metabolite derived from acetyl-coenzyme A, such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-proline, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-cysteine, succinate, and polyhydroxybutyrate, wherein said bacterium is modified so that activities of D-xylulose-5-phosphate phosphoketolase and/or fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase are enhanced. The present invention also provides a method for producing the useful metabolite using the bacterium.
US08404472B2	System for producing aromatic molecules by bioconversion Yeast comprising at least one gene encoding vanillyl alcohol oxidase, the sequence of which is the sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or any sequence at least 70%, preferably 80%, very preferably 90% homologous to the sequence SEQ ID No. 1, and methods for producing coniferyl alcohol, ferulic acid and vanillin.
US08404470B2	Enzyme preparations for use as biocatalysts The invention is directed to enzyme preparations which are obtainable by enzyme immobilizates which comprise enzymes or microorganisms containing enzymes immobilized on an inert carrier being provided with a silicone coating obtained by hydrosilylation, to a process for producing such enzyme preparations and to the use of enzyme preparations as an industrial biocatalyst.
US08404469B2	Embedded enzymes in polymers to regulate their degradation rate A biodegradable material, capable of carrying a bioactive agent, comprising a polymer matrix and an enzyme capable of degrading the polymer matrix to enable the release of the bioactive agent.
US08404463B2	DNA assays using amplicon probes on encoded particles Encoded bead multiplex assays for chromosomal gains and losses are provided that provide the benefits of complex, large template DNA sources, such as BAC DNA, as the probe material without bead networking or other assay performance problems. Reagents for assaying DNA are described herein which include a plurality of encoded particles having attached amplicons amplified from a template DNA sequence. Each individual attached amplicon includes a nucleic acid sequence identical to a random portion of the template DNA sequence, wherein the amplicons together represent substantially the entire template DNA and wherein the nucleic acid sequence identical to a random portion of the template DNA sequence of each individual amplicon is shorter than the entire template DNA.
US08404461B2	Method for preparation of carbamic acid (R)-1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl ester Disclosed is a method for the preparation of carbamic acid (R)-1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl esters, comprising the enantioselective enzyme reduction of a 1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl ketone to form a (R)-1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl alcohol and the carbamation of said alcohol.
US08404445B2	Antibody libraries The present invention features improved in vitro RNA display libraries to allow reliable expression and selection of scFv antibody molecules from expression libraries. The scFv antibody libraries of the invention contain an optimized, shortened inter-domain linker that improves expression scFv antibody expression. The scFv antibody libraries also include short nucleic acid barcodes that allow for identification of individual library clones, libraries or subsets thereof. Primers for generating, amplifying and spectratyping the scFv antibody libraries of the invention are also provided.
US08404443B2	Hot start nucleic acid amplification Methods and compositions for performing nucleic acid duplication and amplification reactions are provided. A single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein is selected and provided in the reaction mixture which is assembled at a low, nonstringent temperature to include all of the necessary reagents for successful nucleic acid duplication or amplification reactions. By incorporating a single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein into the reaction mixture at low temperature, the generation of nonspecific products such as amplification products is improved despite the reaction mixture having been fully assembled at a nonstringent temperature.
US08404439B2	Methods and compositions for isolating small RNA molecules The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of small RNA molecules (100 nucleotides or fewer), such as microRNA and siRNA molecules. Such molecules are routinely lost in commonly used isolation procedures and therefore the present invention allows for a much higher level of enrichment or isolation of these small RNA molecules.
US08404438B2	Probes for detection of SULT1A1 gene, reagent containing the same, and the uses thereof A primer set for amplifying a region including sites to be detected of SULT1A12 and SULT1A13 in the SULT1A1 gene by a gene amplification method is provided, wherein the primer set can amplify the region specifically. A pair of primer set is used including a forward primer consisting of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 as well as a reverse primer consisting of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. The use of this primer set makes it possible to specifically and efficiently amplify, a region including both sites where two types of polymorphisms (SULT1A12 and SULT1A13) of the SULT1A1 gene are generated.
US08404431B1	Method for manufacturing thin-film magnetic head A method for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head includes processes of forming a polishing position sensor and a recording head portion alongside on one side of a wafer. The process of forming the recording head portion has a step of performing a photolithography process after applying an alkali soluble resin film and a photoresist film in the named order. The process of forming the polishing position sensor has a step of performing a photolithography process on the photoresist film while having only the photoresist film out of the alkali soluble resin film and the photoresist film.
US08404428B2	Positive resist composition, method of forming resist pattern using the same, and fluorine-containing polymeric compound A fluorine-containing polymeric compound which contains a structural unit (f1) that is decomposable in an alkali developing solution as a block copolymer portion, a base component (A) that exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure.
US08404423B2	Photoreceptor outer layer and methods of making the same The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member used in customer replaceable units (CRU) comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises healing materials that act as a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced wear and deletions in high humidity conditions.
US08404421B2	Toner particle for liquid development and method for manufacturing the same, liquid developer, liquid developer cartridge, process cartridge, and image-forming apparatus A toner particle for liquid development is provided, the toner particle having a plurality of projections and a coat above at least a part of a surface of the toner particle, the toner particle further containing a crystal that forms at least one of the plurality of projections.
US08404420B2	Electrophotographic toner A decolorable electrophotographic toner, containing a color former compound, a color developing agent, a binder resin, and a release agent, wherein the toner has a pH of from 6 to 9 when dispersed in water with a pH of from 5.5 to 7 at a mass ratio of toner/water of 1/10.
US08404416B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus The invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a surface protection layer that satisfies the following requirements: (1) including a crosslinked substance of at least one selected from a guanamine compound or a melamine compound, and at least one charge transporting material having at least one substituent selected from —OH, —OCH3, —NH2, —SH or —COOH; (2) including the at least one of a guanamine compound or a melamine compound in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight; and (3) having a universal hardness of from about 180 to about 220 N/mm2 and a creep ratio of from about 5% to about 8%, the universal hardness and the creep ratio being obtained by performing a hardness test by pushing a Vickers quadrangular pyramid diamond indenter against the surface protection layer at a maximum load of 20 mN, in an environment of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 50%.
US08404415B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same Disclosed is an electrophotographic photoreceptor including: an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer arranged on or above the electroconductive substrate; and a surface layer arranged on or above the photosensitive layer, and containing about 90% or more by atom of gallium (Ga), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H), and having an atomic number density of about 7.8×1022 cm−3 or more.
US08404412B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, and image forming apparatus The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor having an electroconductive substrate, and a charge transport layer and a charge generation layer formed on the substrate, characterized in that the charge transport layer contains a charge transport material represented by formula (1) and a binder resin, and the mass ratio of the charge transport material to the binder resin is from 5/100 to 45/100: wherein Ar1 is an arylene group which may have a substituent; each of Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 and Ar5 is an aryl group which may have a substituent; and n is an integer of from 3 to 6.
US08404411B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image-forming apparatus, and electrophotographic cartridge An electrophotographic photoreceptor having high sensitivity and hardly affected by the transfer in an electrophotographic process is provided. The electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an undercoat layer containing metal oxide particles and a binder resin and a photosensitive layer disposed on the undercoat layer, wherein the metal oxide particles have a volume average particle diameter of 0.1 μm or less and a 90% cumulative particle diameter of 0.3 μm or less which are measured by a dynamic light-scattering method in a liquid of the undercoat layer dispersed in a solvent mixture of methanol and 1-propanol at a weight ratio of 7:3, and the photosensitive layer contains a binder resin having an ester bond.
US08404407B2	Mask blank, mask blank manufacturing method, transfer mask, and transfer mask manufacturing method According to certain embodiments, a mask blank for an electron beam writing is provided, capable of forming a resist pattern of a 3-dimensional topology through an one-time writing. The mask blank includes a substrate, a thin film formed on the substrate, and an electron beam resist film formed on the thin film. The electron beam resist film is made of a laminated film including at least a lower resist film and an upper resist film. The lower resist film and the upper resist film have different resist sensitivities with respect to an electron beam.
US08404398B2	Hermetic high temperature dielectric with groove and thermal expansion compensator According to an embodiment, a gas delivery device for a fuel cell system includes a hollow ceramic element comprising a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element and a first metal tube, wherein an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element. According to an embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack or column, a gas delivery line fluidly connected to the stack or column, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator located in the gas delivery line, where the coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator includes a hollow ceramic element made of a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element, a first metal tube, where an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element, and a hollow flexible element which compensates for differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between components of the fuel cell system.
US08404397B2	Joining device for fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack provided with the same The present invention features a fuel cell stack that preferably includes an electricity generating assembly having a plurality of unit cells that are suitably disposed one after another; a pair of end plates pressedly disposed respectively at upper and lower ends of the electricity generating assembly; and a joining device suitably engaging the end plates by a rope, where pressure is applied to the electricity generating assembly by means of tension of the rope, and the length and tension of the rope is suitably controlled.
US08404395B2	Ring of fuel cells with a hydrogen generator A power generator comprises a hydrogen producing fuel, multiple fuel cells arranged in a ring, and a rotatable ring valve. Each fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane and an opening separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. The rotatable ring valve has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the fuels cells such that ambient water is controllably prevented from entering the fuel cell by rotation of the ring valve.
US08404394B2	Fuel cell system and method of operating the fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a first heating mechanism and a second heating mechanism. The first heating mechanism supplies a reformer with some of an exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack as a heat source for directly heating the reformer. The second heating mechanism supplies the remaining exhaust gas to the heat exchanger and utilizes the heat generated in the heat exchanger as a heat source for indirectly heating the reformer. Temperature sensors are attached to the reformer. An open/close valve is adjusted based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors to control the ratio between the amount of heat supplied from the first heating mechanism to the reformer and the amount of heat supplied from the second heating mechanism to the reformer.
US08404393B2	Liquid fuel cell system and boosting unit of the same A liquid fuel cell unit which outputs a first voltage, a boosting circuit which boosts the first voltage output from the liquid fuel cell unit, and outputs a boosted second voltage to an electronic apparatus, and a first control circuit are included. The first control circuit compares the first voltage output from the liquid fuel cell unit with a preset first threshold voltage, and controls the boosting circuit in accordance with the comparison result such that the first voltage does not fall below the first threshold voltage, or the first voltage holds the first threshold voltage or more.
US08404392B2	Method of entering and exiting a regenerative/stand-by mode on a fuel cell system where the fuel cell is separated from the regenerative source by a blocking power diode A method for operating a fuel cell stack where electrical energy from regenerative braking is used to operate system loads instead of using fuel cell stack power to conserve hydrogen. A fuel cell stack and an ultracapacitor are electrically coupled to a high voltage electrical bus. A by-pass line is provided around a blocking diode including a by-pass contactor. A stack contactor is provided to disconnect the fuel cell stack from the electrical bus. A stand-by mode request is made if the voltage at a node proximate to the blocking diode closest to the ultracapacitor is higher than the voltage at a node proximate to the blocking diode closest to the fuel cell stack. Steps are then made to electrically prepare the high voltage electrical bus. Then, the stack contactor is opened and the by-pass contactor is closed to allow the regenerate braking energy to power the system loads.
US08404391B2	Method of operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the cathode and the anode. A plurality of projections each having a height of 5 to 15 μm or a plurality of depressions each having a depth of 5 to 15 μm are formed on a surface of the electrolyte membrane, the surface being opposed to the cathode. The cathode is constituted by a catalyst layer formed to tightly contact the surface of the electrolyte membrane and having a maximum thickness that is one to three times the height of the projection or the depth of the depression. An oxygen-containing gas having a relative humidity of 10% or less is supplied to the cathode, and electric power is generated by using the polymer electrolyte fuel cell.
US08404381B2	Optimised positive electrode material for lithium cell batteries, method for the production thereof, electrode, and battery for implementing said method A material or compound is provided having a spinel structure and corresponding to the formula LiyNi0.5Mn1.5−xIVMnxIIIAzO4−d, where: 0.02≦x≦0.35; d>0; A is selected from the group comprising Na, K, Mg, Nb, Al, Ni, Co, Zr, Cr, Fe, Cu, Ti, Zn, Si and Mo; 0.8≦y≦1.2; 0≦z≦0.1; and has a mesh parameter of between 8.174 and 8.179 Å.
US08404380B2	Inter-connector between unit cells and serial cell An inter-connector interposed between two serially connected unit cells provides mechanical strength and conductivity to the serial connection between the unit cells. Embodiments of the inter-connector comprise a supporting frame providing mechanical support for the two unit cells; a welding projection for welding the interconnector to a unit cell; and a welding projection surrounding area located between the welding projection and the supporting frame, wherein the supporting frame is thicker than the welding projection surrounding area, and the welding projection is thicker than the welding projection surrounding area.
US08404377B2	Separator for use in non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A separator for use in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a first porous layer (layer A) having a shutdown function which becomes substantially a non-porous layer at a high temperature, and a second porous layer (layer B) including an aramid resin and an inorganic material, wherein a ratio (TA/TB) of a thickness (TA) of the layer A relative to a thickness (TB) of the layer B is 2.5 or more and 13 or less.
US08404375B2	Electrical battery comprising flexible generating elements and a system for the mechanical and thermal conditioning of said elements An electrical battery includes a plurality of electrical energy generating elements formed by at least one electrochemical cell that is packaged in a flexible sealed envelope, and a system for the mechanical and thermal conditioning of the elements. The conditioning system forms a structural body made from thermally conductive material. The body has two longitudinal members and a plurality of cross-members connecting the longitudinal members so as to form between the cross-members housings in which respectively a generating element is disposed. The body includes a circulation path for a thermal conditioning fluid. The path has two channels, respectively upstream and downstream, that are formed respectively in a longitudinal member and passages formed in each of the cross-members. The passages are in fluid communication on each side with respectively the upstream channel and the downstream channel.
US08404373B2	Battery cover assembly for portable electronic device A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device includes a base body, a battery cover, a rotatable member. The base body forms two hooks. The battery cover forms two catches for latching with the hooks. The rotatable member is rotatably disposed between the base body and the battery cover. The rotatable member includes two resisting portions for abutting against the catches. When the rotatable member is rotated, the catches are forced to be separate from the hooks to allow the battery cover to releasably latch to the base body.
US08404367B2	Low switching current dual spin filter (DSF) element for STT-RAM and a method for making the same A dual spin filter that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) while achieving a high dR/R in STT-RAM devices is disclosed. The bottom spin valve has a MgO tunnel barrier layer formed with a natural oxidation process to achieve low RA, a CoFe/Ru/CoFeB—CoFe pinned layer, and a CoFeB/FeSiO/CoFeB composite free layer with a middle nanocurrent channel (NCC) layer to minimize Jc0. The NCC layer may have be a composite wherein conductive M(Si) grains are magnetically coupled with adjacent ferromagnetic layers and are formed in an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride insulator matrix. The upper spin valve has a Cu spacer to lower the free layer damping constant. A high annealing temperature of 360° C. is used to increase the MR ratio above 100%. A Jc0 of less than 1×106 A/cm2 is expected based on quasistatic measurements of a MTJ with a similar MgO tunnel barrier and composite free layer.
US08404364B2	Organic electroluminescent element, display device and lighting device Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device having high external quantum efficiency and long life. Also disclosed are an illuminating device and a display device. The organic electroluminescent device is characterized by containing at least one compound having a partial structure represented by the following general formula (1). [chemical formula 1] (1) In the formula, R1 represents a group (preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic heterocyclic group, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group) having 4-20 carbon atoms in total and a substituent having a formula weight of 70-350 (preferably an alkyl group or an alkoxy group); R2-R4 independently represent a substituent; n2 represents a number of 0-4; n3 represents a number of 0-2; n4 represents a number of 0-8; and Q represents an atomic group necessary for forming an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring.
US08404360B2	Side material and method for producing the same and method for producing clad member for heat exchanger Provided are a side member from which a clad member for heat exchanger exhibiting excellent productivity and corrosion resistance while preventing poor adhesion can be produced in production of a clad member for heat exchanger by controlling the surface state and flatness, a method for producing the side member, and a method for producing a clad member for a heat exchanger by using the side member. A side member (A) consists of a core material and one or more layers of side member (A) applied onto one side or both sides thereof and being used in a clad member for a heat exchanger, wherein a plurality of periodic forms (B) of fine groove which become arcuate toward one direction of the side member (A) is formed on the surface of the side member (A). The periodic form (B) of fine groove extends up to the outer circumferential edge of the side member (A) with a radius of curvature of 800-1500 mm and has a period (D) of 1-8 mm in the above-mentioned direction of the side member (A) and surface roughness of the side member (A) in the above-mentioned direction of 1-15 μm 10-point average roughness (Rz).
US08404359B2	Solder layer and electronic device bonding substrate and submount using the same A solder layer and an electronic device bonding substrate using the layer are provided which avoid deteriorating qualities of the electronic device to be bonded. In a solder layer 14 free from lead and formed on a substrate 11 or an electronic device bonding substrate 10 having such a solder layer, the solder layer 14 has a specific resistance of not more than 0.4 Ω·μm. The electronic device bonding substrate 10 can have a thermal resistance of not more than 0.5 K/W and a thickness of not more than 10 μm. Then, voids contained in the solder layer 14 have a maximum diameter of not more than 0.5 μm and the substrate can be a submount substrate.
US08404356B2	Contact material, composite sintered contact component and method of producing same A contact material which provides improved wear resistance as well as reduced adhesion utilizing the features of an intermetallic compound having an ordered phase, with the intention of (i) improving the seizure resistance and/or wear resistance of an implement bearing which slides under low-speed, high-surface-pressure conditions and is susceptible to lubricant starvation; (ii) preventing abnormal noises; and (iii) achieving prolonged greasing intervals. The contact material contains 10% by volume or more a metallic alloy phase having such a composition range that causes an order-disorder transition. The metallic alloy phase is a Fe base alloy phase containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Co and Ni.
US08404353B2	Barrier laminate and device sealed with it, and method of sealing device Disclosed is a barrier laminate comprising at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer, wherein the organic layer is formed by vacuum vapor deposition of a composition containing a radical-polymerizing monomer and a polymerization initiator, followed by curing the composition, and the polymerization initiator is liquid at 30° C. under one atmosphere and/or has a melting point of not higher than 30° C.
US08404352B2	Polyolefin-metal laminate A laminate and a process for making it are disclosed. The laminate comprises a metal substrate and a polymer layer that adheres to at least one plasma-treated surface of the metal substrate. The polymer layer comprises a blend of a first polyolefin and a grafted polyolefin. The laminate can be prepared by plasma-treating at least one surface of a metal substrate and extruding onto the plasma-treated surface a polymer layer comprising a blend of a first polyolefin and a grafted polyolefin.
US08404344B2	Pressure sensitive adhesive composition, pressure sensitive adhesive sheet and surface protective film A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition characterized by comprising a water-dispersible (meth)acryl-based polymer containing, as a monomer component, 50 to 99.9% by weight of a (meth)acrylate having an alkyl group with a carbon number of 1 to 14, and an ionic liquid. There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition that attains static charge prevention at peeling between pressure sensitive adhesive layer and adherend not rendered antistatic, thereby reducing contamination of the adherend. Also, there are provided, making use of the same, an antistatic pressure sensitive adhesive sheet and surface protective film.
US08404342B2	Chitosan films with reduced shrinkage and laminates made therefrom Inclusion of a needle structured sepiolite clay in a chitosan film in an amount of about 0.5 weight percent to about 8 weight percent was found to reduce shrinkage of the film. The clay is processed into a substantially dispersed form. Laminates fabricated from this chitosan film including dispersed sepiolite clay can be used in making a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.
US08404337B2	Diffuse reflector, diffuse reflective article, optical display, and method for producing a diffuse reflector Disclosed is a diffuse reflector comprising a consolidated nonwoven sheet having a thickness standard deviation of about 15 μm or less and a photopic reflectance of at least about 94% over the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. Further disclosed is a diffuse reflective article and optical display utilizing such a diffuse reflector, a method for producing such a diffuse reflector, and a method of improving light reflectivity utilizing such a diffuse reflector.
US08404334B2	Continuous web of optical film laminate with predefined slit lines, and method and system for manufacturing the same An optical film laminate that has predefined slit lines for enhancing both product accuracy and manufacturing speed in liquid-crystal display element manufacturing to radically improve manufacturing yield. The optical film laminate formed as a continuous web with the predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate having defect-free regions having a predefined length corresponding to the dimension of a liquid-crystal panel and defective regions having a predefined length different from the defect-free region, based on the detected position of defects. The optical film laminate having a carrier film releasably laminated to an adhesive layer, wherein defect-free normal polarizing sheets and a defective polarizing sheets are formed on the carrier film by forming slit lines corresponding to above regions along the transverse direction of the optical film laminate.
US08404332B2	Image receiver elements with aqueous dye receiving layer A thermal, non-silver halide-containing image receiver element includes a support and an aqueous-coated image receiving layer. This receiving layer comprises a water-dispersible polymer having a polyurea or polyurethane backbone and up to 25 weight % of the water-dispersible polymer comprising polysiloxane side chains that are covalently attached to the backbone, each of the side chains having a molecular weight of at least 500. Aqueous dispersions of polyester ionomers and crosslinking agents can also be present.
US08404331B2	Building material and method for manufacturing thereof The present invention provides a building material in which a coating is applied to a front surface and a side surface is sufficiently adhered to a sealing and method for manufacturing thereof. In a building material in which a coating is applied to a front surface, a coating film on a side surface is removed or reduced by laser irradiation. The part of the side surface in which the coating film has been removed or reduced by laser irradiation has a width of at least 5 mm from a front surface side toward a rear surface side of the building material, or extends over the entire side surface from the front surface side toward the rear surface side of the building material, or is formed more than a part in which coating film is formed.
US08404330B2	Breathable low-emissivity metallized sheets A durable metallized moisture vapor permeable sheet is formed by coating a moisture vapor permeable sheet with at least one metal coating comprising a layer of a corrosion resistant metal or a plurality of metal layers having differing compositions. The metallized moisture vapor permeable sheet material is suitable for use as a building construction wrap such as roof lining and house wrap, and as EMF radiation shielding material.
US08404328B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure 1 includes: a periphery-ground article obtained by grinding an outer peripheral portion of a cell structure 3 where a plurality of honeycomb segments 11 are bonded by means of a bonding layer 12 at an outer wall 10 of each of them, and an outer peripheral coat layer 9 disposed on an outer peripheral face 8 of the periphery-ground article; wherein at least one of the bonding layer 12 and the outer peripheral coat layer 9 is formed by the use of honeycomb-forming slurry containing: biologically soluble fibers containing a metal oxide capable of extricating a metal ion, an inorganic binder containing a colloidal oxide having silica sol, and a chelate compound capable of multi-coordinating with the metal ion or an additive containing a first buffer solution or acid.
US08404325B2	Soft mat A soft mat of the present invention includes a soft and non-water-absorbent base cushion, a soft and water-absorbent cover cushion and two sheaths. The sheaths are firmly disposed on the cover cushion respectively. Each of the sheaths and the cover cushion defines a pouch. Each of the pouches has an opening. One of the openings is opposite to the other one. Two sides of the base cushion are detachably inserted into the pouches, so that the base cushion is clad beneath the cover cushion. As such, the soft mat of the present invention is soft and supportive. Further, the cover cushion is able to be detached from the base cushion so as to be cleaned or washed easily.
US08404324B2	Polypropylene compositions A mineral-filled, polypropylene composition comprises (i) a coupled, impact propylene polymer, and (ii) at least 0.5 weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the composition of at least one of calcium carbonate and talc. The compositions are useful in the manufacture of three-layer pipe comprising (A) a first or outer non-foam layer; (B) a second or middle foam layer; and (C) a third or inner non-foam layer.
US08404322B2	Method for creating ornamental structures A method to create a hollow ornamental structure utilizing an inflatable balloon, the ornamental structure features an inner shell layer created by inflating the inflatable balloon to the predetermined size and shape with a filler material, allowing said filler material to harden and pouring out access filler material when a desirable thickness of hardened filler material is attained; and a textured and colored outer shell layer. The basic form of the hollow ornamental structure can be further modified to form a container such as a vase and other decorative pieces.
US08404319B2	Transparent substrate with low birefringence The invention relates to a transparent substrate with low birefringence. The transparent substrate comprises polyimide having a repeat unit of formula (I) and has a birefringence below 0.005: wherein each A of the repeat unit, being the same or different, represents an aromatic or aliphatic group, and at least one A is an aromatic or aliphatic group containing sulfonyl functionality; each B of the repeated unit, being the same or different, represents an aromatic or cycloaliphatic group; and n is an integer greater than one.
US08404316B2	Polymerizable liquid crystal compound and its polymer A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1): wherein Al and A2 are each a cyclic-structure group; Z1 is a bonding group; m is an integer from 0 to 5; P1 is a polymerizable group represented by formula (2-1); Q1 is alkylene having 1 to 20 carbons; P2 is a polymerizable group represented by any one of formula (2-1) to formula (2-4), hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, —CN, —CF3, —OCF3, alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons or alkoxy having 1 to 20 carbons; Q2 is a group defined in Q1 when P2 is a polymerizable group and, and Q2 is a single bond when P2 is not a polymerizable group; and in formula (2-2) to formula (2-4), Ra is hydrogen, halogen or alkyl having 1 to 5 carbons.
US08404315B2	Process for manufacturing permeable dielectric films A process for manufacturing a permeable dielectric film, includes the deposition on a substrate of a film constituted of a material comprising silicon, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and, possibly, nitrogen and/or fluorine, a majority of Si—C bonds and a proportion of Si—O bonds such that the oxygen present in said material represents less than 30 atom %; and the selective destruction with a chemical agent of the Si—O bonds present in the film. Applications include microelectronics and microtechnology, in any manufacturing process that involves the degradation of a sacrificial material by diffusion of a chemical agent through a film that is permeable to this agent, for the production of air gaps, in particular the manufacture of air-gap interconnects for integrated circuits.
US08404314B2	Plasma CVD apparatus, method for forming thin film and semiconductor device A plasma CVD apparatus including a reaction chamber including an inlet for supplying a compound including a borazine skeleton, a feeding electrode, arranged within the reaction chamber, for supporting a substrate and being applied with a negative charge, and a plasma generating mechanism, arranged opposite to the feeding electrode via the substrate, for generating a plasma within the reaction chamber. A method forms a thin film wherein a thin film is formed by using a compound including a borazine skeleton as a raw material, and a semiconductor device includes a thin film formed by such a method as an insulating film. The apparatus and method enable to produce a thin film wherein low dielectric constant and high mechanical strength are stably maintained for a long time and insulating characteristics are secured.
US08404311B2	Gelator-stabilized crystalline resins A resin composition that is storable at ambient temperatures. The resin composition forms a cured resin when exposed to a curing agent and heated to a curing temperature that is relatively close to ambient temperature. The resin composition includes a resin component that is composed of a liquid part that is made up of one or more liquid thermosetting resins and a solid part that includes particles of one or more solid thermosetting resins. The liquid part further includes a gelation agent that is present in a sufficient amount to maintain the particles in suspension within the liquid part at ambient temperatures. The viscosity of the resin component changes from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state when the temperature is increased from ambient temperature to the curing temperature. The high viscosity state is substantially more viscous than the low viscosity state.
US08404310B2	Thermoset dampener material Thermoset compositions useful for dampening vibrations at elevated temperatures are disclosed. The thermoset compositions may have a glass transition temperature of 1500 C. or greater, a tan δ peak of 0.2 or greater, and a tan δ peak width measured at half-height larger than about 400 C., each as measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) at a frequency of 1 Hz. The thermoset compositions may be used to dampen vibrations at temperatures in excess of 100° C.
US08404306B2	Method for the deposition of a ruthenium containing film The invention concerns the use of the ruthenium containing precursor having the formula (Rn-chd)Ru(CO)3, wherein: (Rn-chd) represents a cyclohexadiene (chd) ligand substituted with n substituents R, any R being in any position on the chd ligand; n is an integer comprised between 1 and 8 (1≦n≦8) and represents the number of substituents on the chd ligand; R is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 linear or branched alkyls, alkylamides, alkoxides, alkylsilylamides, amidinates, carbonyl and/or fluoroalkyl for R being located in any of the eight available position on the chd ligand, while R can also be oxygen O for substitution on the C positions in the chd cycle which are not involved in a double bond for the deposition of a Ru containing film on a substrate.
US08404302B2	Solution process for fabricating a textured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) A solution process is provided for forming a textured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film. The process provides a substrate, and forms a first layer on the substrate of metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO, In2O3, or SnO2. The metal oxide nanoparticles have a faceted structure with an average size greater than 100 nanometers (nm). Voids between the metal oxide nanoparticles have a size about equal to the size of the metal oxide nanoparticles. Then, a second layer is formed overlaying the first layer, filling the voids between the nanoparticles of the first layer, and completely covering the substrate. The result is a continuous TCO film having an average surface roughness that is created by the combination of first and second layers.
US08404301B2	Control method for producing ground markings, and reference beam generator The invention relates to a control method for producing ground markings (M), with a reference beam generator (4) for determining a reference plane, a reception of the reference beams by means of an optical detector (3), wherein the position of an application unit (2) for the marking substance can be derived relative to the reference plane by using the received reference beams, a derivation of the orientation relative to the reference plane, and a control of an application of the marking substance to produce ground markings (M) according to the orientation. According to the method, the intensity in the solid angle covered by the reference beam is varied in time during the production of the marking.
US08404297B2	Process for co-crystallizing sucrose and a natural sweetener and the product thereof The invention relates to a preparation process of a co-crystal made of sugar and a natural sweetener and, eventually, another aggregate and with said product. The process is further related with co-crystallizing sucrose and a natural sweetener in a vacuum pan under controlled pressure and temperature conditions and separating the crystal from the sugar juice.At the end of the process, the co-crystallized sub-products are used for producing a low calorie content liquid sweetener such that in a high percentage all the stock material is used.
US08404294B2	Disposable brewing device The invention relates to a disposable brewing device including at least one inner compartment formed by a liquid-permeable material and containing aroma material, at least one outer compartment forming a brewing container where the brewing container is formed by a liquid-impermeable material, the at least one liquid-permeable inner compartment being integrated within the brewing container.
US08404288B2	Microbially-stable vitamin E solutions The present application discloses microbially-stable solutions of water-solubilized lipophilic vitamins, such as Vitamin E. These solutions contain from about 0.5% to about 30% of a salt selected from potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate, potassium sulfate, calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, potassium iodide, and mixtures of these salts. The method of providing microbially-stable solutions of such water-solubilized lipophilic vitamins, as well as food and beverage products containing those microbially-stabilized water-solubilized lipophilic vitamins, are also disclosed.
US08404272B2	Fiber-reinforced composite rings for intravaginal controlled drug delivery A fiber-reinforced composite ring for the controlled release of at least one bioactive agent includes a biocompatible matrix reinforced with absorbable/biodegradable fibers capable of providing the mechanical properties needed for inserting and maintaining the ring in a body cavity for a desired period of time. Such ring system as can be used for the intravaginal, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous delivery of at least one bioactive agent, including those used as contraceptives, antimicrobial agents, and/or antiviral agents, as well as those for the treatment of cancer.
US08404270B2	Method of reducing incidence of intraocular pressure associated with intraocular use of corticosteroids A method of treating an ocular disease in a subject using a corticosteroid with reduced incidence of intraocular pressure lowering surgery comprises injecting an intravitreal insert capable of providing a therapeutic effect for an extended period of time. The intravitreal insert delivers sustained sub-microgram levels of corticosteroid.
US08404268B2	Locally targeted anti-fibrotic agents and methods of use Effective devices and methods using an antifibrotic agent are provided for treating fibrosis or treating normal fibrous tissue. The devices and methods comprise an antifibrotic agent to degrade shrink, relax or stretch at least a portion of the fibrotic tissue. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the antifibrotic agent within 24 hours. In some embodiments, when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator, the antifibrotic agent will be immediately released from the depot. In some embodiments, the depot provides sustained release of the antifibrotic agent over a period of up to one year to treat fibrous tissue.
US08404263B2	Agrochemical formulations comprising a pesticide, an organic UV-photoprotective filter and coated metal-oxide nanoparticles The resent invention relates to an agrochemical formulation comprising a pesticide, an organic UV photoprotective filter and coated metal oxide nanoparticles. It also relates to a method for preparing said formulation. Further on, it also relates to the use of a mixture of an organic UV photoprotective filter and coated metal oxide nanoparticles in agrochemical formulations and the use of a agrochemical formulation according to the invention for stabilizing a pesticide against UV irradiation. Further on, it relates to a method of combating harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi, which comprises contacting plants, soil or habitat of plants in or on which the harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi are growing or may grow, plants or soil to be protected from attack or infestation by said harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi with an effective amount of the formulation according to the invention, to a method of controlling undesired vegetation, which comprises allowing a herbicidal effective amount of said formulation to act on plants, their habitat.
US08404262B2	Compositions for control of malicious marine anemones The present invention relates to improved compositions for controlling marine pest anemones, to methods of application of same, and to kits for the convenient dispensing of such compositions.
US08404261B2	Antimicrobially active composition having a content of bispyridium alkane (octenidine dihydrochloride) A description is given according to the invention of a composition on an aqueous basis which comprises a) 0.001 to 10% by weight bispyridinium alkane, b) 0.1 to 30% by weight nonionic surfactant, c) 0 to 40% by weight aromatic alcohol and d) 0.01 to 10% by weight polyol selected from alkanediols and alkanetriols. The compositions, as mouthwash solutions, are more active than current commercial products and are distinguished by a pleasant taste and low tendency to foaming.
US08404254B2	Micro-organisms controlling plant pathogens The invention relates to control of pathogen caused diseases on leaves, fruits and ears in plants, such as apple scab (Venturia inaequalis by treatment of plant with an isolate of Cladosporium cladosporioides. The treatment is effective in both prevention and treatment of the fungal infection.
US08404253B2	Modified live (JMSO strain) Haemophilus parasuis vaccine The present invention is a culture of cells of Haemophilus parasuis exhibiting attenuated pathogenicity and capable of triggering a protective immune response when administered to pigs as a live vaccine. The present invention is also a method of preparing the cell culture, a method of preparing a vaccine from the cell culture, and a live vaccine based on the cell culture. The cell culture was modified from a pathogenic parent strain by MNNG mutagenesis and was selected by complete dependence on streptomycin for growth.
US08404251B2	LprG as a chaperone of immune adjuvants An adjuvant combination that stimulates immune activation or response includes a hydrophobic immune adjuvant and a pathogen derived lipoprotein that chaperones the hydrophobic immune adjuvant to an immune receptor.
US08404248B2	Reassortant influenza B viruses Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.
US08404247B2	Antitoxin and vaccine platform based on nodavirus VLPS Antitoxin and vaccine compositions based on nodavirus VLPs are provided. Anthrax antitoxin and vaccine compositions are provided. Methods of treating toxins with VLP-based antitoxins are provided. Methods of raising an immune response with immunogen decorated VLPs are provided.
US08404238B2	huTNFR1 selective antagonists The present invention relates to a ligand, which specifically binds to human tumor necrosis factor type 1 receptor (huTNFR1). The ligand includes one or more amino acid sequences of human origin capable of reducing the immunogenic response of the ligand in humans and one or more amino acid sequences capable of selectively binding to huTNFR1. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the ligand and to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of disorders related to huTNFR1.
US08404236B2	Method of identifying membrane Ig specific antibodies and use thereof for targeting immunoglobulin-producing precursor cells The present invention relates to the discovery of antibodies that bind to novel epitopes present on membrane-anchored immunoglobulins and which bind to these novel epitopes on the surface of B cells and plasma cells. In addition, the antibodies of the present invention can mediate ADCC and can be useful to deplete those B cells and plasma cells expressing the novel epitopes of the invention. The antibodies of the present invention can be useful for the treatment of B cell-mediated diseases and diseases caused by monoclonal expansion of B cells. Accordingly the present invention also provides compositions and methods for the prevention, management, treatment or amelioration of B cell-mediated diseases and diseases caused by monoclonal expansion of B cells.
US08404233B2	Neutralizing monoclonal antibody against human DLL4 The present invention provides a binding protein capable of binding to delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) as well as methods and uses thereof in therapy, diagnosis or imaging. Also provided are fusion proteins and protein conjugates, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding proteins and methods of preparing binding proteins capable of binding to DLL4.
US08404231B2	Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) and elastogenesis Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.
US08404230B2	Therapeutic combination comprising a pulmonary surfactant and antioxidant enzymes Administration of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant in combination with antioxidant enzymes is effective for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and decreases the markers of pulmonary oxidative stress.
US08404229B2	Methods of using adipose derived stem cells to treat acute tubular necrosis Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with renal conditions, diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in processed lipoaspirate are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic renal benefit.
US08404226B2	Tissue protective cytokines for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of responsive cells, tissues and organs Methods and compositions are provided for treating a mammal having inflammation by protecting or enhancing a responsive cell, tissue, organ or body part exhibiting or associated with the inflammation, by systemic or local administration of a composition comprising a tissue protective cytokine. The invention also encompasses combination treatments comprising administering a composition comprising a tissue protective cytokine of the invention and administering at least one anti-inflammatory or least one immunomodulatory agent.
US08404224B2	Cationic betaine precursors to zwitterionic betaines having controlled biological properties Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, therapeutic agent delivery systems that include the cationic polymers, methods for administering a therapeutic agent using the delivery systems, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers, monomers, surfaces, and therapeutic agent delivery systems.
US08404223B2	Polymer The invention provides compositions comprising a polyamidoamine (PAA) polymer comprising a pendant disulphide, sulphydryl, or activated sulphydryl moiety, and methods for their manufacture. The invention extends to the use of such polyamidoamine polymers to form cross-linked compositions, and hydrogels comprising the same, and the use of such compositions in various biological and non-biological applications, such as the delivery of biomolecules to target sites, and for tracking fluid flows. The invention also provides carrier particles, which may be used to deliver biomolecules, and to methods of treatment. The invention also provides a fluid tracking system for monitoring fluid flow.
US08404216B2	Dendritic chelated compounds, methods for making the same and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same The invention relates to dendritic chelated compounds, to methods for producing the same and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The dendritic chelated complexes of the present invention have the following formula (I): [[MC]En-[D]m-X1p1X2p2X3p3X4p4]z−zB+ (I), where m is a magnetic or scintigraphic marker, C is a chelating agent of the marker M, E is a spacer, n=0 or 1, D is compound capable of forming a dendritic structure, m is an integer equal to 1 or 2 or 4, X1 is a group increasing the complex lipophily, p1 is an integer from 0 to 12, X2 is a group increasing the complex specificity for a particular organ, p2 is an integer equal to 1 or 2 or 4, X3 is a group having a therapeutic activity, p3 is an integer equal to 0, 1, 2 or 4, X4 is a CH3 group, p4 is an integer from 0 to 12, B is a counter-ion, z is an integer equal to 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. The invention can be used in the field of pharmacy, more precisely in medical imaging.
US08404215B1	Methods of therapeutic monitoring of nitrogen scavenging The present disclosure provides methods for evaluating daily ammonia exposure based on a single fasting ammonia blood level measurement, as well as methods that utilize this technique to adjust the dosage of a nitrogen scavenging drug, determine whether to administer a nitrogen scavenging drug, and treat nitrogen retention disorders.
US08404214B2	PMMA binding peptides Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.
US08404213B2	Thioflavin derivatives for use in antemortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in vivo imaging and prevention of amyloid deposition This invention relates to novel thioflavin derivatives, methods of using the derivatives in, for example, in vivo imaging of patients having neuritic plaques, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the thioflavin derivatives and method of synthesizing the compounds. The compounds find particular use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients having diseases where accumulation of neuritic plaques are prevalent. The disease states or maladies include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, familial Alzheimer's disease, Down's Syndrome and homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E4 allele.
US08404212B2	Apparatus with high surface area nanostructures for hydrogen storage, and methods of storing hydrogen Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen. One embodiment of such a method comprises providing a storage apparatus having a substrate and a nanostructure mat on at least a portion of a side of the substrate. The nanostructure mat comprises a plurality of nanostructures having a surface ionization state which causes more than one layer of hydrogen to adsorb onto the nanostructures. The method can also include exposing the nanostructure mat to hydrogen such that more than one layer of hydrogen adsorbs onto the nanostructures.
US08404209B2	Double-walled carbon nanotubes and methods for production and application The present invention relates to fullerene carbon nanotubes having a cylindrical wall comprising a double layer of carbon atoms and methods for the production and application of these double-wall carbon nanotubes; and, more particularly, to nanotubes with controlled number of carbon layers and methods for the production of macroscopic amounts of these nanotubes and there application as cathode materials in the cold field electron emission devices, notable such devices comprising light emitting CRT's.
US08404201B2	Mn, Ce and Zr mixed oxides oxidation catalyst The oxidation of nitrogen oxide (NO) in an oxygen-containing exhaust gas flow from a diesel or other lean-burn engine may be catalyzed using particles of co-precipitated and calcined manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce) and zirconium (Zr) mixed oxides. In preferred embodiments, the molar ratios of Mn, Ce and Zr to the total amount of base metals in the ternary mixed oxide catalyst are in the range of 0.25-0.35, 0.40-0.50 and 0.20-0.25, respectively. Further, this ternary mixed oxide catalyst is less susceptible to sulfur poisoning than previously-disclosed binary mixed oxide catalysts. The ternary mixed oxide catalyst may also be regenerated—and the inhibiting effect of SO2 reversed—by briefly exposing the catalyst to a reducing exhaust gas environment.
US08404200B2	Cold selective catalytic reduction A system to control the emissions of a fluid stream in a cyclical fashion utilizing an up-flow cycle and a down-flow cycle. The system may include a first inlet and a first outlet at a first end of the system and a second inlet and a second outlet at a second end of the system, a catalyst zone between the first end and second end, two heat transfer zones, at least one heat transfer zone positioned between the catalyst zone and the first end of the system and between the catalyst zone and the second end of the system, and two heating zones, at least one heating zone positioned between the catalyst zone and each of the at least one heat transfer zones. The symmetrical arrangement permits a bi-directional fluid cycle to recover a portion of the energy supplied to the system during each cycle.
US08404195B2	Receiving and transferring station for coverslipped specimen slides A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2′, 2″) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).
US08404190B2	Hydrocarbon/oxygen industrial gas mixer with water mist A hydrocarbon-containing gas is mixed with an oxygen-containing gas in a gas mixer in the presence of a water mist. The water mist surrounds and contacts entrained particles in either the oxygen-containing gas stream or the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream. The water acts to suppress and prevent ignition of the hydrocarbon gas in the mixer by serving as a sink for heat created by energetic collisions between such particles and structures within the gas mixer. The water mist also acts to quench ignition caused by such collisions. The water mist can be introduced into the gas mixer in a number of different configurations, including via nozzles injecting a mist into a hydrocarbon gas manifold or an oxygen gas manifold, nozzles placed within the gas mixer adjacent to ends of the oxygen supply pipes, and nozzles placed coaxially within the oxygen supply pipes in the gas mixer.
US08404189B2	Oxygen/hydrocarbon rapid (high shear) gas mixer, particularly for the production of ethylene oxide A gas mixer is disclosed which includes a vessel (10) (e.g., pipe) containing a stream (12) of a first hydrocarbon-containing gas. The mixer includes a hollow pipe (14) located internal to the vessel containing a stream of a second gas, e.g., an oxygen-containing gas stream such as a stream of pure oxygen gas or air enriched with oxygen. The internal pipe further includes a mixer tip (30) at the peripheral end thereof. The mixer tip includes a body having an internal passage for conducting the second gas out of the pipe and an opening introducing the second gas stream into the first gas stream in a radial plane at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The pipe further includes a deflector (20) on its external surface in longitudinal alignment with the opening of the mixer tip. The deflector serves to deflect any entrained particles within the first gas stream away from the mixing zone where the two streams mix, minimizing the risk of ignition of the hydrocarbon-containing gas.
US08404187B1	Support element for fragile structures such as catalytic converters A support element is disposed between a housing and a fragile structure resiliently mounted within the housing. The support element includes an integral, substantially non-expanding ply or layer of melt-formed ceramic fibers containing at least alumina and silica. The fibers have an average diameter ranging from about 1 micron to about 14 microns and have been prepared by a process of heat treating under a time-temperature regimen of one of (i) heat treating said fibers at a temperature of 990° C. to at least 1050° C. for greater than 1 hour such that the treated fibers have about 5 to about 50 percent crystallinity as detected by x-ray diffraction, and a crystallite size of about 50 Å to about 500 Å, or (ii) heat treating said fibers at a temperature of greater than 1050° C. for an effective time such that the treated fibers have about 5 to about 50 percent crystallinity as detected by x-ray diffraction, and a crystallite size of about 50 Å to about 500 Å. The resultant support element provides a minimum residual pressure for holding the fragile structure within the housing of one of at least 4 psi after at least 200 cycles of testing at 900° C. or at least 10 psi after at least 1000 cycles of testing at 750° C. Such a support element may be used in devices for the treatment of exhaust gases such as catalytic converters, diesel particulate traps and the like. A method of mounting a fragile structure in such a device is also provided.
US08404186B2	UV flux multiplication system for sterilizing air, medical devices and other materials An ultraviolet flux multiplying air sterilization chamber comprises inner surfaces having a diffuse reflective behavior. The sterilization chamber includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for air to flow through said chamber and a light source emitting an ultraviolet light. Due to the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the chamber, a flux of the ultraviolet light is multiplied by reflecting multiple times from the inner surfaces of the chamber. The inlet and outlet apertures are advantageously configured to reduce the amount of light that escapes from the chamber and increase the amount of photons available in the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, perforated end panels having diffuse, reflective interior surfaces may be provided over at least a portion of the inlet and outlet apertures.
US08404171B2	Use and provision of an amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer for forming a structure A process for three-dimensional modeling in which water soluble thermoplastic material is used in an additive deposition process to form a soluble support structure for a three-dimensional model formed via layer-by-layer deposition of the model's geometry. The water-soluble thermoplastic material includes a base of vinyl alcohol. Following the completion of the model, the model is placed in a cold water bath to dissolve the support structure. The water-soluble material can also be used to form soluble model directly.
US08404170B2	Imprint lithography apparatus and method An imprint lithography method is disclosed for forming a patterned layer from a UV-curable, imprintable liquid medium on a substrate by means of an imprint template with a patterned surface. The method involves bringing together the patterned surface and the UV-curable medium for a filling period, illuminating the UV-curable medium with UV-radiation for an illumination period, holding the patterned surface and the UV-curable imprintable liquid medium together for a holding period such that the UV-curable medium has formed a self-supporting patterned layer, and separating the patterned surface and the patterned layer at the end of the holding period. The start time of the illumination period is earlier than the end time of the filling period by a pre-cure period. Also, a method is disclosed where the end time of the illumination period is earlier than the end time of the holding period.
US08404169B2	Imprint apparatus and method of manufacturing article An imprint apparatus for pressing resin and a mold to each other in a Z-axis direction to form a resin pattern on a shot region includes: a mold chuck; an X-Y stage; a reference mark formed on the stage; a first scope configured to measure a positional deviation in an x-y plane between a mold mark and the reference mark; a second scope configured to measure a position of a substrate mark in the plane not via the mold mark; and a dispenser configured to dispense resin. In the plane, the dispenser center is deviated in position from the mold chuck center by a first distance in a first direction, and the second scope center is deviated in position from the dispenser center by a distance smaller than twice the first distance in the first direction or a second direction opposite thereto.
US08404166B2	Method for the production of integrated sealing elements on plastic articles by overmoulding with silicone films Method for the production of sealing elements on plastics articles. Said method includes the step of producing a film of silicone rubber on the sealing surface of the article. Advantageously, this film is formed by co-moulding or co-extrusion with the plastics article itself. The thickness of the said film may vary from a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters. In the case of cylindrical elements, such as the pistons of the delivery cocks of ice cream machines, this film preferably covers only the side wall or the sealing part of the side wall of the cylindrical element, while in the case of flat elements, this film covers only the sealing surface of this element.
US08404164B2	Composition for pelletized bitumen and method for preparing the same A composition for pelletized bitumen and a method for preparing the same is disclosed. The composition is comprised of: between approximately 30% to approximately 40% by weight of bitumen; between approximately 15% to approximately 30% by weight of stiffening compound; between approximately 35% to approximately 45% by weight of setting compound; and approximately 0.05% by weight of water. The stiffening compound is comprised of between approximately 10% to approximately 20% by weight of ground asphalt shingles; between approximately 5% to approximately 10% by weight of vulcanized rubber; between approximately 1% to approximately 2% by weight of uintahite; and up to approximately 0.5% by weight of zeolite. And the stiffening compound may be Type II Portland cement.
US08404161B2	Hydroxyphenyl phosphine oxide mixtures and their use as flame retardant's for epoxy resins A hydroxyphenyl or alkoxyphenyl phosphine oxide composition comprising (i) a first mixture of mono-(hydroxyphenyl) or (alkoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide isomers, (ii) a second mixture of bis-(hydroxyphenyl) or (alkoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide isomers, (iii) a third mixture of tris-(hydroxyphenyl) or (alkoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide isomers, and optionally iv) a minority amount of non-hydroxy or non-alkoxy tris-phenyl phosphine oxides is provided. Also provided are epoxy resins compositions with excellent flame retardancy and physical properties, which resins comprise the phosphine oxide composition.
US08404158B2	System and method for liquid delivery evaluation using solutions with multiple light absorbance spectral features A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest. The concentrations of the dyes may be chosen so that a large volume delivery device is calibrated using a spectral feature in the solution with a low absorbance per unit pathlength, while a small volume delivery device is calibrated with the same sample solution but using a different spectral feature with a high absorbance per unit pathlength.
US08404156B2	Process for operating HTS reactor Process for enriching a synthesis gas in hydrogen by conversion of carbon monoxide and steam over a catalyst containing oxides of zinc and aluminum together with one or more promoters.
US08404154B2	Blue emitting semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions and devices including same A semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting blue light upon excitation. Also disclosed are devices, populations of semiconductor nanocrystals, and compositions including a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting blue light upon excitation. In one embodiment, a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting blue light including a maximum peak emission at a wavelength not greater than about 470 nm with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 65% upon excitation. In another embodiment, a semiconductor nanocrystal includes a core comprising a first semiconductor material comprising at least three chemical elements and a shell disposed over at least a portion of the core, the shell comprising a second semiconductor material, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting blue light with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 65% upon excitation. In a further embodiment, a semiconductor nanocrystal includes a core comprising a first semiconductor material comprising at least three chemical elements and a shell disposed over at least a portion of the core, the shell comprising a second semiconductor material comprising at least three chemical elements, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting light including a maximum peak emission in the blue region of the spectrum upon excitation.
US08404152B2	Fluorescent substance and production method thereof, and light emitting device Offered is a fluorescent substance consisting of Eu-activated β-sialon and capable of enhancing the brightness of a light emitting device such as a white LED using blue or ultraviolet light as a light source. The fluorescent substance has as its main constituent a β-sialon represented by the general formula Si6-zAlzOzN8-z and containing Eu, wherein the spin density is 2.0×1017/g or less as measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy corresponding to an absorption of g=2.00±0.02 at 25° C. In the above fluorescent substance, it is preferable that lattice constant a of the β-sialon be 0.7608-0.7620 nm, the lattice constant c be 0.2908-0.2920 nm, and the Eu content be 0.1-3 mass %.
US08404150B2	Liquid-crystalline medium and liquid-crystal display The present invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid-crystalline media comprising one or more compounds of the formula I in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in the specification, and optionally one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II and III in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in the specification, and optionally one or more compounds of the formula IV in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in the specification, and to liquid-crystal displays containing these media, especially to active-matrix displays and in particular to TN, IPS and FFS displays.
US08404147B2	Process for producing lithium iron phosphate particles and method for producing secondary cell The present invention relates to a process for producing lithium iron phosphate particles, wherein the process has a step of obtaining a melt containing, as represented by mol % based on oxides, from 1 to 50% of Li2O, from 20 to 50% of Fe2O3 and from 30 to 60% of P2O5; a step of cooling and solidifying the melt; a step of pulverizing the solidified product into a desired particle shape; and a step of heating the pulverized product in the air or under oxidizing conditions (0.21
US08404146B2	Polishing liquid and polishing method A polishing liquid is provided which has good storage stability and is capable of inhibiting generation of scratching caused by aggregation of solid abrasive grains or the like during use. A polishing method using the polishing liquid is also provided. The polishing liquid includes: (a) an aqueous solution A including colloidal silica particles in an amount of from 5 mass % to 40 mass % with respect to the total mass of the aqueous solution A, and having a pH of from 1 to 7; and (b) an aqueous solution B including a quaternary ammonium cation, wherein the aqueous solution A and the aqueous solution B are separately prepared and mixed to provide the polishing liquid immediately before used in polishing.
US08404143B2	Highly dilutable polishing concentrates and slurries The present disclosure provides a concentrate for use in chemical mechanical polishing slurries, and a method of diluting that concentrate to a point of use slurry. The concentrate comprises abrasive, complexing agent, and corrosion inhibitor, and the concentrate is diluted with water and oxidizer. These components are present in amounts such that the concentrate can be diluted at very high dilution ratios, without affecting the polishing performance.
US08404139B2	Conducting fluid containing micrometric magnetic particles The invention relates to a composite material formed by microparticles of magnetic material A and a conductive liquid B. The material is characterized in that the material A is chosen from magnetic compounds and magnetic alloys and is in the form of particles, the mean size of which is between 1 and 10 μm, and in that the support fluid B is a conductive fluid chosen from metals, metal alloys and salts that are liquid at temperatures below the Curie temperature of the material A, or from mixtures thereof.
US08404135B2	Plasma cleaning for process chamber component refurbishment A method for cleaning and refurbishing a chamber component includes placing a chamber component having process deposits on an exterior surface in a plasma vapor deposition chamber. The chamber component is bombarded with a plasma comprising Argon for a period of time sufficient to remove the process deposits from the exterior surface of the chamber component.
US08404134B2	Method for manufacturing electrode foil A method of manufacturing a electrode foil composed of a valve metal layer of a first valve metal and a metal foil of a second valve metal supporting the valve metal layer, the method includes coating fine particles of the first valve metal with a resin to form composite fine particles, forming the composite fine particles into an aerosol, jetting the aerosol to the metal foil in an atmosphere under a reduced pressure, depositing the composite fine particles onto the metal foil to form a aerosol deposition layer, and removing selectively the resin from the aerosol deposition layer to form the valve metal layer.
US08404133B2	Manufacturing method of planar optical waveguide device with grating structure A method for manufacturing a planar optical waveguide device of which a core includes a plurality of alternatively arranged fin portions and valley portions to form a grating structure, in which the core widths of the valley portions vary along the longitudinal direction, the method including: a high refractive index material layer forming step of forming a high refractive index material layer; a photoresist layer forming step of forming a photoresist layer on the high refractive index material layer; a first exposure step of forming shaded portions on the photoresist layer using a phase-shifting photomask; a second exposure step of forming shaded portions on the photoresist layer using a binary photomask; a development step of developing the photoresist layer; and an etching step of etching the high refractive index material layer using the photoresist pattern resulted from the development step.
US08404125B2	Metal processing method, manfacturing method of metal mask and manufacturing method of organic light emitting display device In a metal processing method, a photoresist liquid is applied to both surfaces of a metal plate (210) to form photoresist films (220, 230), respectively (Step S102). Subsequently, the photoresist films (220, 230) are exposed and developed so that the photoresist films (220, 230) is removed while leaving the photoresist films (220, 230) corresponding to portions in which a hole is to be formed (Step S103). Next, metal thin films (240, 250) are formed on both the surfaces of the metal plate (210), respectively, on which the photoresist films (220, 230) are formed (Step S104). Subsequently, the photoresist films (220, 230) are removed, and metal thin films (245, 255) are also removed, which are formed on the photoresist films (220, 230), respectively (Step S105). Finally, the metal plate (210) is immersed in an etchant to be etched, to thereby form a high-precision hole in the metal plate (210) (Step S106).
US08404115B2	Sealed filter element A filter element has filter media supported by a filter frame having differential channel depth receiving initially flowable sealing material. The filter frame has a widened mouth for receiving and funneling sealing material. A filter frame is provided with leading and trailing edge construction ensuring proper installation orientation. A filter frame is provided with removal assist construction for service personnel.
US08404109B2	Sucrose inversion process A method of inverting sucrose, including (i) determining an initial solids concentration of an aqueous sucrose solution, an initial bed volume of a sucrose inversion resin system, a minimum target inversion percentage, a maximum target inversion percentage, a target maximum hydroxymethylfuran (HMF) concentration, a minimum target pH, or a maximum target pH; (ii) contacting the sucrose inversion resin system with the aqueous sucrose solution under conditions of aqueous solution flow rate and aqueous solution temperature to produce an inverted sucrose solution having an inversion percentage, an HMF concentration, and a pH; (iii) observing an instantaneous inversion percentage, an instantaneous HMF concentration, or an instantaneous pH of the inverted sucrose solution; and, if appropriate; (iv) changing at least one of the aqueous solution flow rate or the aqueous solution temperature to yield a product having a desired inversion percentage, HMF concentration, and/or pH. An apparatus capable of performing the method.
US08404108B2	Extraction of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing materials and/or processing of hydrocarbon-containing materials A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.
US08404107B2	Extraction of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing materials A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.
US08404106B2	Regeneration of alkali metal reagent After desulfurizing a hydrocarbon feedstream using an alkali metal reagent, the hydrocarbon feedstream can include particles of spent alkali metal salts. The spent alkali metal salts can be separated from the hydrocarbon feedstream and regenerated to form an alkali metal reagent, such as a alkali hydroxide or alkali sulfide. The regeneration process can pass through an intermediate stage of forming an alkali carbonate by successive reactions with carbon dioxide and calcium oxide. The calcium oxide can also be regenerated.
US08404100B2	Gated voltammetry A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Gated voltammetric pulse sequences including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed pulse sequences may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, variance in cap-gap volumes, non-steady-state conditions, mediator background, a single set of calibration constants, under-fill, and changes in the active ionizing agent content of the sensor strip.
US08404097B2	Process for plating a metal object with a wear-resistant coating and method of coating Cobalt-phosphorous-boron coated objects and processes for production of the same. The coatings are wear resistant and may have several characteristics that render them suitable for applications in certain industries, such as the aerospace industry. The manufacturing process for the coated objects is free of hexavalent chromium fumes generation. The process of manufacture includes the steps of at least partially submerging a metal object as a cathodic element into a plating bath. The plating bath includes an aqueous solution of cobalt ions, chloride ions, phosphate ions, phosphite ions and boron-containing ions. The plating bath may have a pH in the range from about 1.0 to about 1.8. Current flows between an anode in the plating bath and the cathodic element in contact with an object to be coated for a time sufficient to deposit a cobalt-phosphorous-boron coating on the object. The current continues to flow until a coating of desired thickness is obtained.
US08404096B2	Methods for producing highly sensitive potentiometric sensors The invention relates to methods of preparation of highly sensitive potentiometric sensors with an electroconductive polymer film as a sensing element.
US08404090B2	Multi-layer cathode block A multi-layer cathode block (30) for an electrolytic cell (10) has at least a surface layer (32) with a surface expansion index and a second layer (34) with a second expansion index. The surface layer (32) includes a surface wetting agent in a first total amount. The second layer (34) includes a wetting agent in a second total amount. The surface layer (32) is directly superposed to the second layer (34). The second wetting agent in the second layer (34) includes metal boride precursors that react together to generate a metal boride component in situ when the cathode block (30) is exposed to start-up and operation conditions of the electrolytic cell (10). The second total amount is lower than the first total amount and is selected so as to minimize the difference between the expansion indexes of the surface layer (32) and the second layer (34).
US08404087B2	Process for producing electret coarse powder The subject invention provides a process for efficiently producing electret coarse powder useful as electrophoretic particles for a large-screen display.The process for producing electret coarse powder comprises irradiating a fluorine-containing resin sheet with an electron beam or a radial ray to convert the fluorine-containing resin sheet into an electret sheet, and pulverizing the electret sheet.
US08404084B2	Latex-treated filler slurries for use in papermaking A filler treatment process enhances the fixation of anionic latex on filler in a short time. Anionic polymer dispersions (latex) are added to papermaking filler slurries at ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. The anionic latexes applied by this process are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the treated filler particle agglomerate to form an aggregated filler slurry which is stable over time. The latex-treated filler slurry can be added to papermaking furnishes at any point prior to the headbox of the paper machine or stored for later use. The latex-treated filler slurry improves filler retention, only slightly reduces sheet strength and improves sizing performance.
US08404082B2	Polyareneazole/wood pulp and methods of making same The present invention relates to wood pulp and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example friction materials, fluid sealing materials, and papers. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, wood pulp fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures, and (c) water, whereby wood pulp fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such wood pulp and polyareneazole pulp.
US08404080B2	Apparatus to treat a substrate An apparatus to treat a substrate includes a processing chamber including a reaction space where a substrate to be treated is placed and a plasma is formed, a ferrite core having a plurality of poles disposed outside the reaction space and a connector facing the reaction space across the plurality of poles and connecting the plurality of the poles each other, a coil winding around the plurality of poles, and an electric power unit supplying electric power to the coil.
US08404073B2	Decorative sheet with different beads in different layers A durable decorative sheet high in the ability to follow a curved surface with small appearance change by heat or elongation. A decorative sheet comprising a transparent resin film having two main surfaces, a transparent resin layer formed on the first main surface of the transparent resin film, a pattern printed layer arranged on the transparent resin layer, and a colored base film arranged on the second main surface of the transparent resin film. The transparent resin layer includes first beads, the pattern printed layer include second beads. The first beads are different from the second beads in content, color and/or particle size. The first beads and the second beads are embedded in the transparent resin layer and the pattern printed layer.
US08404064B1	Applying polyester onto metal substrate The present invention is a laminating process which is directed toward economical production methods for scalable amounts of production which develop properties suitable for a broad based product line. In particular, the product is capable of important key components of commercial properties such as adhesion, scratch resistance, chemical inertness, and bending without failure.
US08404063B2	Process for production of inorganic fiber mats Provided is a method of producing an inorganic fiber mat, the method enabling efficient adhesion of an aldehyde scavenger to an inorganic fiber mat while preventing the aldehyde scavenger from scattering around. The method of producing an inorganic fiber mat includes a fiber collection step of applying a binder to inorganic fibers and accumulating in a mat-like shape on a conveyor line to form an inorganic fiber web, a binder-curing step of heat-curing the binder applied to the inorganic fiber web to form an inorganic fiber mat, and an aldehyde scavenger application step of applying an aldehyde scavenger to the inorganic fiber mat, in which the aldehyde scavenger application step involves spraying the aldehyde scavenger in a form of droplets having an average diameter of 1 to 50 μm on a front side of the inorganic fiber mat and sucking from a back side of the inorganic fiber mat.
US08404059B2	Aluminum alloy for anodizing having durability, contamination resistance and productivity, method for producing the same, aluminum alloy member having anodic oxide coating, and plasma processing apparatus The aluminum alloy for anodic oxidation treatment directed to the present invention comprises as alloy elements 0.1 to 2.0% Mg, 0.1 to 2.0% Si, and 0.1 to 2.0% Mn, wherein each content of Fe, Cr, and Cu is limited to 0.03 mass % or less, and wherein the remainder is composed of Al and inevitable impurities. An aluminum alloy more excellent in the durability can be obtained by subjecting the aluminum alloy ingot having the above element composition to a homogenization treatment at a temperature of more than 550° C. to 600° C. or less. An aluminum alloy member can be obtained by forming an anodic oxidation coating on the surface of the aluminum alloy.
US08404057B2	Soldering flux [Problems] Addition of an organic acid such as a dicarboxylic acid to a soldering flux in order to improve wettability causes a reaction with copper oxide to form a metallic soap of copper having a green color. Although this metallic soap of copper is not corrosive and does not decrease reliability, its external appearance is impossible to distinguish it from verdigris which is indicative of corrosion. There is need for a soldering flux which does not form a metallic soap of copper.[Means for Solving the Problems] Addition of a tetrazole or a tetrazole derivative to a soldering flux can prevent carboxyl groups from reacting exclusively with copper ions, thereby suppressing the formation of a metallic soap of copper having a green color. Among tetrazoles and tetrazole derivatives, 5-phenyl-1H-tetrazole and its derivatives which have hydrogen as a substituent in the 1-position and a phenyl, group which strongly attracts electron in the 5-position are effective at improving soldering since they result in an increased polarity in the solvent.
US08404055B2	Method and apparatus for touchless cleaning of a chandelier A chandelier cleaning apparatus includes a tent-like enclosure made of a transparent plastic. In a first embodiment, the enclosure includes a main body having a flat top panel and a flat, imperforate bottom panel. A central aperture is formed in the top panel and a zipper extends from the central aperture to an outer periphery of the top panel so that the central opening is enlarged when the zipper is open. The chandelier passes through the central aperture when the zipper is open and is enclosed within the enclosure when the zipper is closed. A mist of hot water is sprayed onto the chandelier with a wand that extends though a small opening in the enclosure. The time required to clean a typical chandelier drops from hours to minutes, no chemicals are used, and the chandelier is touched only by the hot mist.
US08404054B2	Dishwasher with multiple treating chambers A method of operating a dishwasher having multiple wash chambers, with each wash chamber executing a different cycle of operation, and liquid from one chamber may be reused in the other chamber.
US08404053B2	Device and method for removing particulates from a keyboard A method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboard with a cleaning device, wherein the keyboard includes a pair of keys spaced apart a distance S1 from each other, and wherein the cleaning device includes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d1 away from the handle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle and an engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area, the method comprising: inserting the engagement area in between the keys.
US08404052B2	Method for cleaning the surface of a silicon substrate A method for cleaning the surface of a silicon substrate, covered by a layer of silicon oxide includes: a) exposing the surface for 60 to 900 seconds to a radiofrequency plasma, generated from a fluorinated gas, to strip the silicon oxide layer and induce the adsorption of fluorinated elements on the substrate surface, the power density generated using the plasma being 10 mW/cm2 to 350 mW/cm2, the fluorinated gas pressure being 10 mTorrs to 200 mTorrs, and the substrate temperature being lower than or equal to 300° C.; and b) exposing the surface including the fluorinated elements for 5 to 120 seconds to a hydrogen radiofrequency plasma, to remove the fluorinated elements from the substrate surface, the power density generated using the plasma being 10 mW/cm2 to 350 mW/cm2, the hydrogen pressure being 10 mTorrs to 1 Torr, and the substrate temperature being lower than or equal to 300° C.
US08404050B2	Plasma processing apparatus and method There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including a plasma generating unit for generating a plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a particle moving unit for electrostatically driving particles in a region above the substrate to be removed out of the region above the substrate in the processing chamber while the processing on the substrate is performed by using the plasma. In addition, there is provided a plasma processing method of a plasma processing apparatus including the steps of generating plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed; and performing the processing on the substrate by the plasma.
US08404047B2	Electron beam vapor deposition apparatus and method An electron beam vapor deposition apparatus includes a coating chamber having a first chamber section with a first coating zone for depositing a first coating and a second chamber section with a second coating zone for depositing a second coating. At least one electron beam source is associated with the first chamber section and the second chamber section. A first crucible is adjacent to the first coating zone for presenting a first source coating material, and a second crucible is adjacent to the second coating zone for presenting a second source coating material. A transport is operative to move a work piece between the first coating zone of the first chamber section and the second coating zone of the second chamber section.
US08404039B2	Secondary synthetic method for calcium sulphoaluminate mineral in Portland cement clinker A method for secondarily synthesizing calcium sulphoaluminate mineral in Portland cement clinker is provided. The method includes adding gypsum into raw Portland cement, calcination, then heating twice to re-form calcium sulphoaluminate mineral that has decomposed at high temperature in the clinker. This method can increase the content of calcium sulphoaluminate mineral in the clinker. As a result, the advantages of the calcium sulphoaluminate mineral in the clinker may be obtained, such as improvement of the early stage performance and long-term performance of the cement clinker and increase in the quantity of mixture in the cement.
US08404035B2	Electroless copper plating solution An electroless copper plating solution that is favorable to improve the adhesion of a plating film and realizes uniform plating at a low temperature is characterized by containing a water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer in an electroless copper plating solution, and preferably the above-mentioned electroless copper plating solution contains glyoxylic acid and phosphinic acid as reducing agents. The water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer is preferably a polyacrylamide or a polyethyleneimine and, preferably, its weight average molecular weight (Mw) is at least 100,000 and Mw/Mn is 10.0 or less.
US08404033B2	Multi-target scrubber A gas scrubber is presented. The gas scrubber comprises a nozzle that atomizes a liquid to form droplets. The droplets are preferably expelled from the nozzle in substantially a hollow cone spray pattern with a velocity of at least 4000 feet per minute. A stream of gas containing particulates that requires scrubbing interacts with the droplets. After the interaction, the gas-droplet combination impinges on a target. Preferred targets include droplets from a second nozzle, a ducting surface, or a throated passage.
US08404027B2	Reabsorber for ammonia stripper offgas A method for removal of CO2 from a flue gas stream, comprising the steps of: a) contacting a flue gas stream comprising CO2 with a first absorption liquid comprising NH3 such that the flue gas stream is depleted in CO2; b) contacting the flue gas stream depleted in CO2 of step a) with a second absorption liquid such that NH3 from the flue gas stream is absorbed in said second absorption liquid to form a flue gas stream depleted in CO2 and NH3; c) separating NH3 from the second absorption liquid such that a gas stream comprising NH3 is obtained; d) contacting said gas stream comprising NH3 separated in step c) with a third absorption liquid such that NH3 is absorbed in said third absorption liquid. A system for removal of CO2 from a flue gas stream, the system comprising: a CO2 absorption stage; an NH3 absorption stage; and a reabsorption stage.
US08404026B2	Flow-through substrates and methods for making and using them Flow-through substrates, such as honeycombs, comprising certain zeolites. The flow-through substrates may be used, for example, in the removal of a heavy metal from a fluid such as a gas stream.
US08404020B2	Systems and methods for monitoring a rapping process A method for monitoring operation of a rapper in an electrostatic precipitator using a rapper control system is described. The method includes determining model electrical characteristics of the rapper. The model electrical characteristics of the rapper correspond to model mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper. The method also includes storing data corresponding to the model electrical characteristics and the model mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper, determining actual electrical characteristics of the rapper, and comparing the actual electrical characteristics of the rapper to the stored model electrical characteristics to determine actual mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper.
US08404018B2	Burner and method for processing oxidizable materials Burner assembly for use in industrial heating and melting applications of material susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures is comprised of a flow passage of oxidant surrounded by an annular flow passage of fuel whereby the oxidant is substantially contained inside the fuel layer up to at least 5 oxidant nozzle diameters downstream of the burner outlet in order to minimize contact between the oxidant and the furnace load.
US08404009B2	Polishing composition for hard disk substrate A polishing composition for a hard disk substrate includes alumina particles, silica particles, and water. The volume median diameter of secondary particles of the alumina particles measured by a laser beam diffraction method is 0.1 to 0.8 μm. The volume median diameter of primary particles of the silica particles measured by transmission electron microscope observation is 40 to 150 nm. The standard deviation in number-basis particle size of the primary particles of the silica particles measured by the transmission electron microscope observation is 11 to 35 nm. The polishing composition for a hard disk substrate can preferably reduce the embedding of alumina abrasive grains into the substrate without impairing the productivity.
US08404001B2	Method for manufacturing positive electrode and power storage device To suppress decomposition of lithium cobalt oxide and formation of a decomposition product. To suppress the reaction between oxygen in lithium cobalt oxide and a current collector. To obtain a power storage device having high charge and discharge capacity. In a method for manufacturing a power storage device, in forming a lithium cobalt oxide layer over a positive electrode current collector by a sputtering method using a target containing lithium cobalt oxide and a sputtering gas containing Ar, the positive electrode current collector is heated at a temperature at which c-axes of crystals of lithium cobalt oxide are aligned and cobalt oxide is not formed. The heating temperature of the positive electrode current collector is higher than or equal to 400° C. and lower than 600° C.
US08403991B2	Implant with critical ratio of load bearing surface area to central opening area An implant that has a predefined ratio of load bearing surface area to the overall size of the implant body and specifically to the surface area of a centrally located opening of a vertical aperture which connects to a center void area or passage defined by the implant body shape. This invention discloses a critical ratio or balance between loading of contained graft material through the hollow center or central passage of the implant and the implant's frictional load bearing or contact area with e.g., adjacent vertebral bones. Application of this invention to a spinal implant provides an improved integration and integration rate of the graft material or the fusion of the adjacent vertebral bone structures. The ratio between implant load bearing surface area and implant central opening area maximizes implant internal volume and allows a large passage disposed medial laterally to allow for radiographic verification of fusion growth.
US08403987B2	Prosthetic intervertebral discs having compressible core elements bounded by fiber-containing membranes This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core bounded by a fiber-containing or fiber-reinforced membrane.
US08403986B2	Push-in interbody spinal fusion implant with multi-lock for locking opposed screws and method for use thereof An apparatus including an interbody spinal fusion implant having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length therebetween, and opposed upper and lower portions adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Each of the upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one each of the adjacent vertebral bodies and to communicate with one another to permit for the growth of bone from vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through the implant. Each of the upper and lower portions has at least one screw hole passing therethrough proximate the trailing end. The apparatus further includes bone screws adapted for placement through the screw holes of the upper and lower portions and into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which the implant is adapted to be positioned. At least one lock may be used to prevent the bone screws from backing out of the vertebral bodies and implant.
US08403983B2	Heart valve A replacement heart valve can comprise a valve body and an elongate frame. The valve body can define a plurality of leaflets adapted to move between an open state and a coapted state. The elongate frame can be configured to move between a radially compacted state and a radially expanded state, the frame comprising a plurality of struts. Stitches attach the valve body to the plurality of struts. At least one of the stitches can be a loose stitch configured to freely slide over the corresponding strut when the frame is moved between the radially compacted and radially expanded states.
US08403978B2	Bend-capable tubular prosthesis Stent exhibiting a succession of turns around the axis, adjacent turns being connected by connector portions distributed around the circumference of the prosthesis, each of the turns being made up of struts that extend the length of the turn and are interspersed by inflection zones located at the axial ends of each of the turns. When the prosthesis expands radially, gaps open up between adjacent struts of each of the turns, the inflection zones being distributed regularly around the circumference so that the gaps are substantially the same size as each other around the circumference of the turn, characterized in that at least every second turn exhibits a stagger zone within which the said gap between adjacent said struts is of an individual size different from that common to the other gaps of that second turn.
US08403977B2	Self-orienting delivery system Delivery systems for delivering and deploying expandable intraluminal medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A portion of the delivery system that includes the expandable intraluminal medical device orients itself about an axis based on characteristics of the body vessel, such as the relative orientation of major and minor axes of the vessel. This allows the intraluminal medical device to be deployed in the vessel in a desired orientation relative to the vessel. Embodiments can be used with any suitable intraluminal medical device, including valve devices, stents, drug-coated stents, filters, and other suitable devices. Methods of delivering and deploying intraluminal medical devices are also described.
US08403976B2	Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device with integral embolic filter A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter is downstream from the blockage and is properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.
US08403973B2	Pedicle screw assembly having a retractable screw tip for facilitating the securement of the pedicle screw assembly to a spinal vertebra A pedicle screw assembly has a retractable screw tip that facilitates the securement of the pedicle screw assembly to a spinal vertebra in a minimally invasive fashion during an orthopedic surgical procedure. The pedicle screw assembly includes a body portion including a head and a shank. The shank includes an outer surface with a thread provided thereon, an end having a cutting tip provided thereon, and a bore extending inwardly from the end and having an internally threaded region provided therein. The pedicle screw assembly also includes a tip portion including a body having a cutting edge and a shank extending from the body. The shank has an externally threaded region provided thereon that cooperates with the internally threaded region of the bore to permit movement of the tip portion relative to the body portion between extended and retracted positions.
US08403969B2	Anterior vertebral plate with quick lock screw Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and quick lock screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the quick lock screw having an integral novel screw locking mechanism of a locking thread disposed on at least a portion of the side of the screw head, which engages an inwardly directed screw hole flange and thus attaches to the plate so as to lock the screw into the plate Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.
US08403968B2	Apparatus and methods for repairing craniomaxillofacial bones using customized bone plates Bone plates and methods of using the bone plates for adjoining bone fragments are disclosed herein. A device for adjoining at least two bone fragments includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one filling material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable bone plate releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable bone plate has a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end, and a distal end and at least one aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface for receiving a fastener; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and a delivery system housing the at least one filling material.
US08403961B2	Methods and devices for controlled flexion restriction of spinal segments A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain.
US08403958B2	System and method for correcting spinal deformity An anchor for attaching an elongate flexible member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a cam positioned for engaging the flexible member when the base is attached to bone. The cam is pivotable between an open position in which the flexible member may be moved relative to the connector and a closed position in which the cam engages the flexible member so the flexible member is fixed relative to the connector.
US08403957B2	Cannulated suture anchor system A system and associated method for arthroscopic repair is particularly adapted in reattaching a ligament and/or tendon to cortical bone of the shoulder. A suture anchor system includes a suture anchor, preferably, a screw anchor, and an installation tool for installing the suture anchor in tissue. The suture anchor defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal cannulation for reception and passage of a guide wire. The suture anchor has trailing and leading ends, and an anchor head adjacent the trailing end thereof. The anchor head includes at least one eyelet for reception of a suture and an internal bore therein. The installation tool includes a main body and a driver head extending from the main body. The main body includes an outer surface having a longitudinal recess therein to accommodate the suture. The driver head is correspondingly dimensioned to be received within the internal bore of the anchor head of the suture anchor whereby movement of the installation tool about a longitudinal axis, e.g., rotational movement, thereof causes corresponding movement, e.g., rotational, of the suture anchor. The installation tool may also define a longitudinal cannulation for reception and passage of the guide wire.
US08403956B1	Multiple-use surgical stapler A surgical apparatus may include an end effector comprising a staple holder including a housing therein, and an anvil connected to the staple holder, where the end effector is movable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration; a feeder belt having two lateral edges, at least part of which is held within the housing; a plurality of staples, where each staple has a first end frangibly connected to the feeder belt and a second, free end; where at least one staple is oriented relative to the corresponding feeder belt in a direction angled relative to the transverse direction; and wherein the staples form at least one row, each row including at least two staples; and an overtube movable relative to the staple holder and anvil.
US08403954B2	Nasal congestion, obstruction relief, and drug delivery A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end. The first end may define at least one break in the wall, so that the first end incompletely encircles the first orifice. The second end may completely encircle the second orifice.
US08403950B2	Cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device A disposable ultrasonic surgical handle connectable to an ultrasonic waveguide, a battery, and an ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly includes a first handle body portion defining therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment shaped to receive the battery therein, a second handle body portion connected to the first handle body portion, and an electrical couple. The second handle body portion has a waveguide attachment dock exposed to the environment and an ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly dock exposed to the environment and shaped to connect the ultrasonic waveguide in the waveguide attachment dock to the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly through the second handle body portion. The electrical couple is operable to connect a battery within the battery-holding compartment to the ultrasonic-movement-generator-assembly when the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly is docked at the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly dock.
US08403947B2	Method of suturing The invention relates to a method of suturing. Briefly, a portion of a needle having a continuous suture thread running through the eye is advanced through a first location on a first side of a tissue. When the needle is withdrawn from said tissue a suture loop is retained on a second side of said tissue. This can be repeated to obtain as many suture loops as desired on additional locations of the tissue. When all the desired suture loops are formed the needle is advanced all the way through the tissue and a single strand of suture thread is passed through each suture loop on the second side of the said tissue. Thus, one continuous suture forms the suture loop(s) and engages the sutured loops. In a preferred embodiment the needle eye, through which the suture thread runs, is located in the tip portion of said needle. It is also preferred that the needle is curved. The tissue may be, for example, a tendon (e.g., patellar), a ligament, or a graft. In yet another embodiment the suturing method of the present invention involves passing a suture through a tendon to achieve maximum suture fixation strength, as well as a method of securing the tendon to bone that allows for accelerated tendon healing to bone. The invention also relates to a construct prepared by the suture methods of the present invention.
US08403944B2	Apparatus for placing stitch turns resulting from a shape-memory metal thread The device comes in the form of a gun with a body, a grip handle and a control component. The body has coaxially a hollow protruding aiming rod equipped, at its free end, with a cylinder containing the threads. The rod is capable, under the action of the control component, of allowing a thread ejection needle to move so that a loop is formed on emergence from the cylinder. The cylinder is mounted at the end of a fixed translation axis and engaged inside the rod; the other end of said axis engaging with a mechanism capable of partially rotating it and the cylinder, when said control component is released, in order to position another thread opposite said ejection needle.
US08403939B2	Surgical drill guide A drill guide system is provided for forming a hole along a desired trajectory in the bone of a surgical patient. The drill guide system comprises a drill bit defining a drill bit axis and a drill guide comprising a frame having a proximal arm and a distal arm fixedly spaced apart. The drill guide further comprises a first guide portion extending from the proximal arm and including a first channel defining a first guide axis, and a pointer projecting proximally from the distal arm and aligned with the first guide axis. The drill bit is transversely insertable into the first channel into an operational position in which the drill bit is constrained to translate only along the first guide axis.
US08403936B2	Syringe and stand A stand for use with a syringe is disclosed. The stand includes a base and a clip affixed to the base. The clip engages a portion of the syringe so as to removably secure the syringe to the stand in a position such that the distal end of the syringe is spaced vertically away from the base. Preferably, the syringe includes a handle extending outwardly from a barrel of the syringe, and the feature which the clip engages includes the handle of the syringe.
US08403935B2	Adjustable revision guide An axial height adjustable, revision cutting in the shape of a final distal femur implant component. The revision guide includes a rod adapted for intimate contact within an intramedullary canal of a femur, and includes a threaded passageway. The revision cutting guide is adapted for removable attachment to a distal portion of the femur. A vernier-bolt is rotatably positioned through the shaped body of the revision cutting guide so as to be adjustably received within the threaded passageway thereby providing for movement of the shaped body of the revision cutting guide relative to the distal portion of the femur.
US08403933B2	Locking cap dispenser An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of locking caps including a barrel and a magazine. The barrel has a longitudinal passage extending through the barrel and a lateral passage extending through the barrel and intersecting the longitudinal passage. A second open end of the barrel is configured to engage a rod receiving head to which one of the locking caps is threadingly connectable. The magazine has a housing with a chamber for receiving a plate carrying a plurality of locking caps. The chamber of the housing is aligned with the lateral passage of the barrel so that the plate is movable from the chamber into the lateral passage so that one of the locking caps is positioned in the longitudinal passage so as to be matingly engageable with a drive tool insertable through the longitudinal passage.
US08403931B2	Modular tapered hollow reamer for medical applications An easy-to-assemble reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer sleeve and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, a central cone element with one or more slots and a distal threaded end. The tapered hollow reamer sleeve has integrally attached one or more torque transmitting tabs at the larger end and a collet taper at the smaller end and slides over the shaft distal end engaging tabs with the slots. The modular pilot has a threaded central aperture engaging shaft thread and a collet taper mating with the collet taper of the reamer sleeve substantially coinciding their centerlines. The disposable hollow cutter sleeve has a plurality of cutting elements and apertures that discharge bone and bone cement debris into the space between the reamer and the shaft. With this construction, the reamer transmits reliable, wobble free, reaming torque in a highly efficient manner.
US08403930B2	Fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and has a flexible strip and fastening mechanism, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening mechanism is provided with at least one opening provided with an interlocking mechanism allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.
US08403926B2	Manually articulating devices The device includes an elongate shaft having a distal end coupled to a proximal end of an articulation joint, and an actuation wire extending through the elongate shaft and the articulation joint. The device includes an end effector having a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the articulation joint and receiving therethrough a distal end of the actuation wire. The end effector includes a hook knife disposed adjacent the distal tip and having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the actuation wire. The actuation wire is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to extend and retract the distal end of the hook knife relative to the distal tip of the end effector, and the articulation joint is laterally articulatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to allow the end effector to be angularly oriented relative to the elongate shaft.
US08403925B2	System and method for assessing lesions in tissue A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.
US08403924B2	Shielding for an isolation apparatus used in a microwave generator A system for reducing radiated emissions the system including a microwave generator that supplies microwave energy at a fundamental frequency, a coaxial transmission cable that transmits microwave energy between the microwave generator and a microwave energy delivery device and an isolation apparatus connected between the microwave generator and the coaxial transmission cable. The isolation apparatus is configured to electrically isolate the coaxial transmission cable from the microwave generator and capacitively couple the microwave generator ground to the coaxial transmission cable.
US08403922B2	Non-contact handpiece for laser tissue cutting A non-contact laser handpiece contains optical components modified to provide a high-density uniform laser beam at a distance from the handpiece that minimizes effects of back reflection.
US08403921B2	Method and apparatus for patterned plasma-mediated laser trephination of the lens capsule and three dimensional phaco-segmentation System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.
US08403917B2	Pneumatic surgical instrument detection system A system detects whether a pneumatic surgical instrument is attached to a surgical system. A drive valve has an input for connection to a source of pressurized air, an output for connection to the surgical instrument, and an exhaust for exhausting pressurized air during operation of the surgical instrument. A pressure transducer in communication with the exhaust senses a pressure profile of air flow from the exhaust. A first sensed pressure profile indicates that the surgical instrument is connected to the output and a second sensed pressure profile indicates that the surgical instrument is not connected to the output. A detection circuit connected to an output of the pressure transducer detects whether the surgical instrument is attached to the surgical system based on the sensed pressure profile.
US08403916B2	Surgical instrument having a magnetically driven detachable tool assembly A medical instrument for use on a patient. The medical instrument includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an electric motor mounted to the housing having a drive shaft rotatable about a drive axis, a drive magnet fixed to the drive shaft of said motor which rotates with the drive shaft about the drive axis, and a tool assembly coupled to the housing via a tool mount. The tool mount orients the tool assembly relative to the housing whereby guided rotational, translational, and/or oscillary motion of a tool within the tool assembly is achieved via the structure of the tool mount in conjunction with a magnetic coupling between magnets attached to both the motor and the tool.
US08403912B2	Catheter with a pre-shaped distal tip Catheters having a pre-shaped tip configuration are disclosed. A catheter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated tubular shaft equipped with a distal tip section having a pre-shaped tip configuration that can be used to facilitate tracking of the device through particular locations of the vasculature. The catheter may include a number of features that transition the stiffness and flexibility characteristics of the device and provide a means to radiographically visualize the catheter within the body.
US08403906B2	Integrated pharmaceutical production, quality, assurance, and safety system (IQS) A therapy module for providing a diagnostic or therapeutic substance combination, including at least two containers adapted to be interconnected for taking up at least one substance, and means or part of a means for supplying a quantity of the at least one substance from one of the containers into another container of the therapy module.
US08403905B2	Methods of venting a vial adapter with aerosol retention A method for retaining aerosols when accessing a sealed vial is disclosed. The method includes the steps of piercing the vial seal with a sharp cannula having a medicament lumen and a vent lumen, introducing a liquid through the medicament lumen into the vial, and conducting gas out of the vial through the vent lumen and a vent port to the atmosphere. The method also includes the steps of blocking the passage of non-dispersed liquid out the vent lumen at a first filter device comprising pores having a diameter in the range of 0.2-3.0 microns, absorbing liquid dispersed in gas at a second filter device, and inhibiting the passage of bacteria at a third filter device having a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns.
US08403902B2	Reduced-pressure medical systems and methods employing a moisture processing device Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.
US08403900B2	Liquid collection system and related methods Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
US08403894B2	Luer receiver and method for fluid transfer An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion. In an exemplary embodiment, the luer receiving septum is provided at a port of a stop cock.
US08403891B2	Method for centering a valve A vascular guidewire introducer device (10) having a needle (52), a bulb (16), and a valve subassembly (100) through which a guidewire (14) is insertable for vascular guidewire insertion into a blood vessel (12) of a patient. The valve subassembly (100) includes a proximal fitting (102), a proximal cap (106), and a valve arrangement (104) disposed within a valve seat (118) defined by one of the fitting and the cap. The valve arrangement includes distal and proximal disc-shaped valve members (122,126) having centered slits (124,128) therethrough, and a spacer (130) disposed between the valve members. A method is disclosed for precisely centering the slits of the valve members during assembly and for retaining the valve members in their precisely centered positions in the valve seat. The valve arrangement permits use with a wide range of guidewire diameters.
US08403890B2	Reduced friction catheter introducer and method of manufacturing and using the same Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.
US08403888B2	Device and electronic controller for syringe piston control A device for controlling displacement of a syringe piston comprises a handheld casing, first and second engagement means. The first engagement means is formed exteriorly of the casing to engage the syringe's finger flange. The second engagement means slides on a first axis relative to the casing and engages the thumb rest. The device comprises means within the casing to cause the second engagement means to move along the first axis, causing the piston to move outwardly. An electronic controller module for controlling outward movement of the piston comprises an input/output port and a processor module. The processor module determines a prescribed movement speed and sends a motor command via the port at an initial motor speed. The motor causes the outward movement. The port receives speed measurements. The processor module attempts to match the measurements to a prescribed speed by sending successive motor commands via the port.
US08403886B2	Needle guard clip with lip A needle guard includes a clip with a canting wall to grip the needle shaft and a distal wall to block the tip thereof, wherein the canting and distal walls may be interconnected by an angled strut, a spring member, such as a leaf spring, may have a portion extending past an edge of the strut to bias the clip to grip the needle shaft, and the distal wall may be or include a stylus and have an L-shape to define a lip to help block the needle tip. The clip may have a depending heel to help pivot the clip about a ledge to grip the needle shaft. A needle support may be provided to limit flexure of the needle which might otherwise allow the needle to come loose from the clip. Arrangements for limiting rotation of the needle hub and needle guard housing are provided, as is a protective shroud to reduce the risk of inadvertent activation of the needle guard. Further, the needle guard may be used with a catheter assembly. Also provided is an improved duckbill release mechanism.
US08403880B2	Peritoneal dialysis machine with variable voltage input control scheme A dialysis machine includes: (i) a source of peritoneal dialysis solution; (ii) a patient line for passing the peritoneal dialysis solution to the peritoneal cavity of a patient; (iii) a pump for pumping the peritoneal dialysis solution to the peritoneal cavity via the patient line; (iv) a heater for heating the peritoneal dialysis solution prior to the dialysis solution reaching the patient line, the heater including first and second heating elements; (v) a voltage input from a remote power source; and (vi) a control scheme responsive to the voltage input and configured to (a) automatically maintain a proper dialysis solution temperature for the patient via the first and second heating elements regardless of the voltage input wherein the control (b) account for an inlet temperature of the dialysis solution to the heater and (c) account for heater efficiency.
US08403879B2	Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon.
US08403874B2	Machine for extracorporeal blood treatment In a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment, a syringe pump (4) for infusion of an anticoagulant comprises a support (5) for the syringe, a pusher (6), a sensor of the pushing force of the pusher (6), and a control unit (8) for guiding the pusher (6) in accordance with the force measured by the sensor. The support comprises a series of interchangeable gripping elements (9), each of which defines a housing for a syringe having a different diameter, the housing having a longitudinal axis which, for all of the interchangeable gripping elements in the series, is always in the same position in relation to the pusher. The invention provides a dialysis machine with a pump that is easily and rapidly adaptable for syringes over a wide range of sizes.
US08403868B2	Sensor and guide wire assembly A guide wire assembly includes a proximal end portion, a distal portion comprising a coil, a hollow stranded wire extending towards the distal portion, and a core wire. The guide wire assembly is characterized in that a proximal tube is provided, which extends from the proximal end portion to a proximal end of the hollow stranded wire such that the hollow stranded wire is directly joined to the proximal tube. The core wire extends into the distal portion and does not extend into the proximal tube. An entire length of the hollow stranded wire is in a range of 7.5 to 22.5% of an entire length of the guide wire assembly.
US08403863B2	Modified biopsy device A biopsy device for excising tissue from skin and hair comprising a syringe for numbing the area to be excised coupled to a sleeve mounted on the exterior of the syringe with a blade attached to the distal edge of the sleeve. The sleeve is manually slidable from an extended position where the needle is retracted within to a retracted position where the needle is exposed.
US08403862B2	Time-based imaging A method includes directing toward a portion of a subject's body a first pulse of electromagnetic energy. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first pulse, a second pulse is directed toward the portion. At a second-pulse time, reflected energy due to the second pulse is detected. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first and second pulses, a third pulse is directed toward the portion. At a third-pulse time, energy of the third pulse, reflected from the portion, is detected. In response to detecting the pulses at the second-pulse time and the third-pulse time, a characteristic of the portion is quantified resulting from (a) the functional state due to the first pulse and (b) the functional state due to the first and second pulses. A clinical state of the subject is identified. Other embodiments are described.
US08403861B2	Detection of respiratory system lesions Humidity profiles of exhaled air of individuals obtained using a sensor to detect water vapor content or temperature versus time of exhalation may exhibit an irregularity indicative of a space-occupying respiratory system lesion. Detection of such irregularities provides an inexpensive and rapid means of pre-screening individuals for lung cancer diagnosis, and is applicable even to individuals with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD.
US08403860B2	Method and apparatus for detecting atrial filling pressure A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.
US08403859B2	Image guided catheters and methods of use An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single device. The medical device can be in the form of sheaths, catheters, and interventional devices, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive procedures in the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be permanently integrated into the device or integrated into an interchangeable ultrasound transducer that can be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device.
US08403857B2	Flexible oesophageal doppler monitoring probe An oesophageal Doppler monitoring probe is comprised of an elongated flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. In one embodiment, the elongated flexible shaft includes a pitched spring. The probe further includes a probe tip coupled to the distal end, wherein the probe tip includes an ultrasound transducer assembly, and a connector coupled to the proximal end, wherein the connector is configured to electrically couple the monitoring probe to a host processor. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly may be configured to detect blood flow characteristics based on the Doppler effect.
US08403856B2	Rotational intravascular ultrasound probe with an active spinning element An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits.
US08403848B2	Assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing based on cardiopulmonary coupling An assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing is determined from the cardiopulmonary coupling between two physiological data series. In an embodiment, an R-R interval series is derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The normal beats from the R-R interval series are extracted to produce a normal-to-normal (NN) interval series. The amplitude variations in the QRS complex are used to extract to a surrogate respiration signal (i.e., ECG-derived respiration (EDR)) that is associated with the NN interval series. The two series are corrected to remove outliers, and resampled. The cross-spectral power and coherence of the two resampled signals are calculated over a plurality of coherence windows. For each coherence window, the product of the coherence and cross-spectral power is used to calculate coherent cross power. Using the appropriate thresholds for the coherent cross power, the proportion of sleep spent in CAP, non-CAP, and wake and/or REM are determined.
US08403845B2	Wearable human physiological and environmental data sensors and reporting system therefor A method and apparatus is provided to detect the physiological and environmental status of an individual. The apparatus comprises a pod which is worn within a proximity zone of the body such that the mobility and flexibility of the body are not deleteriously affected by the presence of the apparatus. The system permits the dynamic monitoring of human physiological and environmental status data without substantial interference in human motion and flexibility. Sensors and processors are mounted within said pod.
US08403839B2	Remote tissue retraction device A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
US08403836B2	Light guide, light source apparatus and endoscope system A large diameter fiber is composed of a multimode optical fiber and provided with a fiber body having a constant diameter in an optical axis direction XA and a tapered section tapered in diameter toward a light exit surface. An adhesive member attaches the large diameter fiber inside a retaining hole of a tubular housing such that an outer circumferential surface of a tapered clad of the tapered section is entirely exposed to air to a predetermined depth from the light exit surface. A light passing space is a ring-like space formed between the exposed outer circumferential surface of the tapered clad and an inner circumferential surface of the tubular housing. Light in the tapered section is output from the light exit surface and partially leaked to the tapered clad. A part of the leaked light is released from the light passing space.
US08403833B2	Medical apparatus A medical apparatus includes a bending portion that is bent via a pulled wire, a drive section that pulls the wire, a detection section and a drive force amount detection section that detect an amount of drive of the drive section and an amount of drive force, a storage section that stores information on a correlation of the amount of drive force and the amount of drive of the drive section beforehand, a bending amount detection section that detects the amount of bending of the bending portion based on the amount of drive and the amount of drive force, and the information of the storage section, a judgment section that judges the presence or absence of looseness of the wire from a detection result of the drive force amount detection section and a correction section that corrects the amount of drive by the drive section based on a judgment result of the judgment section.
US08403827B2	Endoscopic insertion aid, endoscopic system, and method of inserting insertion portion of endoscope into body cavity by use of endoscopic insertion aid An endoscopic insertion aid includes a tube member, a pipeline and a plurality of balloons. The tube member allows an insertion section of an endoscope to be inserted therethrough, and guides the longitudinal movement of the insertion section. The pipeline is provided in the tube member, and communicates with a supply/discharge unit to supply a fluid to or discharge the fluid from the distal end of the tube member. The balloons are disposed on the outer periphery of the distal end of the tube member longitudinally along the tube member, communicate with the pipeline, and inflate/deflate in accordance with the supply/discharge of the fluid via the pipeline. The balloon disposed on the distal side of the tube member is inflated to have an outside diameter larger than that of the balloon disposed closer to the proximal side than the balloon disposed on the distal side when the balloons are inflated.
US08403823B2	Ventricular connector A ventricular apex connector for quick connection and disconnection of an inflow tube of a ventricular assist device, comprising a sewing ring, a cylindrical ring, gripping pins, a spring ring and a sealing O-ring is provided. The cylindrical ring defines two openings, diametrically opposed to each other, in its walls. Gripping pins, comprising rods with gripping pads, are placed in the openings in the cylindrical ring so that the gripping pads are at rest within the inner circumference of the cylindrical ring. The spring ring is placed around the cylindrical ring and the rods of the gripping pads, which extend out of the outer wall of the cylindrical ring, are welded to the spring ring. The gripping pins are thus biased towards each other by the force of the spring ring. When the spring ring is squeezed, at points away from the gripping pin connection points, the deformation of the spring ring causes the gripping pads to be pulled out towards the inner wall of the cylindrical ring. An inflow tube of a heart pump may then be inserted into the ventricular apex connector, and upon the release of the spring ring, the inflow tube is sealedly held within the ventricle of the heart. In an embodiment an adapter sleeve may be attached to the inflow tube. In a further embodiment, the inflow tube may include an inner sleeve that is slidably and rotatably mounted therein. The inflow tube may have a bend at an end.
US08403821B2	Radiotherapy apparatus controller and radiation irradiating method A radiotherapy apparatus controller includes: an imperfect three-dimensional data calculating unit configured to calculate an imperfect three-dimensional data based on a plurality of imperfect transmission images which is respectively imaged from a plurality of imperfect directions except a predetermined direction among a plurality of directions different from each other; an imaging unit configured to image an additional transmission image from the predetermined direction by using an imager system; a perfect three-dimensional data calculating unit configured to calculate a perfect three-dimensional data based on the additional transmission image and the imperfect three-dimensional data; and a position calculating unit configured to calculate a position of a part of a subject inside based on the perfect three-dimensional data. The radiotherapy apparatus controller can faster calculate the position with higher precision.
US08403819B2	Paperboard cartons with laminated reinforcing ribbons and transitioned scores and method of making same A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The fold lines may transition from non-reinforced to reinforced portions of the blank and a special transition zone is contemplated to accommodate the transition. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons. Multiple ribbons and multiple layers of ribbons may be laminated to the web in respective selected locations to provide reinforcement in more than one portion of the cartons. Reinforcing ribbons may be deformed or altered to exhibit, for instance, corrugations or perforations prior to being adhered to the base sheet. Reinforced cartons and carton blanks made by the method also are provided.
US08403812B2	Method and system for controlling a vehicle engine during a performance shifting maneuver An exemplary engine control system and method for controlling a vehicle engine during certain shifting maneuvers that involve a manual transmission, such as a ‘no-lift upshift’ where the driver does not release the accelerator pedal during manual shifting. The engine control method may be used to temporarily control the vehicle engine during a no-lift upshift maneuver so that the engine performs well without reaching excessively high engine speeds that could result in vehicle instability or damage. The engine control method described herein may be used with other performance driving maneuvers and techniques as well, such as a power shift maneuvers, etc.
US08403808B2	Individual-powered dual CVT differential system with stabilizing device A multi-motor differential system for driving a common load includes two or more individual motors and CVTs installed between the individual motors and wheel groups subject to individual loads to achieve differential speed drive operation through speed ratio variation by the CVTs. The differential system also includes stabilizing device constituted by a torque-limited coupling device with sliding damping installed between the loads individually driven by the two CVTs.
US08403805B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08403804B2	Multi-speed transaxle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having a transmission input member, a transmission output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08403803B2	Multi-ratio transmission A multi-stage transmission comprising planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples drive shaft (1). The carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3) which can couple housing (G) via brake (03), shaft (1) via clutch (13), which couples the carrier of gearset (P4), and shaft (6), via clutch (36). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gears of gearsets (P3, P4). Shaft (7) couples the ring gear of gearset (P1) and the carrier of gearset (P2). The sun gear of set (P2) couples shaft (4), which can couple housing (G) via brake (04). The ring gear of gearset (P3) couples shaft (5), which can couple housing (G) via brake (05) and output shaft (2) operatively couples the ring gear of gearset (P4), is connected to the carrier of gearset (P3).
US08403800B2	Shift mechanism for a planetary gear transmission A shift mechanism for a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a shift cam engaged with a planetary gear assembly in the planetary gear transmission, the shift cam having a shift cam stop, a rotatable cable ring connected to a moveable cable, the cable ring comprising a ramped portion, a rotatable ramped ring, the ramped ring comprising a ramped portion cooperatively engaged with the cable ring ramped portion, and further the ramped ring having a stop cooperatively engagable with the shift cam stop, a rotation of the cable ring urges the ramped ring a predetermined distance in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the cable ring, the shaft cam held against rotation by engagement with the ramped ring, and at which predetermined distance the ramped ring is allowed to rotate with the cable ring simultaneous with the axial movement of the ramped ring, and a spring connected between the cable ring and the shift cam, the shaft cam reacting to the spring force rotates upon rotation of the ramped ring by an amount of rotation that is limited by engagement of the shift cam stop with the ramped ring stop and during which rotation of the shift cam the transmission shifts gears.
US08403797B2	Gear train in multistage transmission for vehicles A gear train apparatus in a multistage transmission may include input and output shafts, a complex planetary gear device concentrically mounted with regard to the output shaft and having four rotary components including one rotary component coupled to the output shaft, first to third pairs of external gears, first to third clutches, a train of external gears, a fourth clutch and first and second brakes.
US08403795B2	Two-speed power take-off unit A two speed power take off unit adapted for installation in an all wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two speed power take off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high range and a low range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a rear differential driving the rear wheels.
US08403794B2	Decelerator An in-wheel motor drive unit (21) comprises a casing (22), a motor part (A), a deceleration part (B), a wheel hub (31), and a wheel hub bearing (33) rotatably supporting the wheel hub (31) with respect to the casing (22). The wheel hub bearing (33) includes first and second outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) provided on the inner diameter surface of the casing (22), a first inner track surface (33c) provided on the outer diameter surface of a wheel-side rotation member (30) and opposed to the first outer track surface (33a), a second inner track surface (33d) provided on the outer diameter surface of the wheel hub (31) and opposed to the second outer track surface (33b), and a plurality of rolling elements (33e) arranged between the outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) and the inner track surfaces (33c) and (33d).
US08403792B2	Hydraulic control systems for dual clutch transmissions The present invention comprehends a plurality of embodiments of a hydraulic control system for various configurations of dual clutch transmissions. The hydraulic control systems all include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios.
US08403783B2	Hydraulic tensioner with a band type check valve A hydraulic tensioner includes an inlet portion which defines a pressurized fluid inlet. The hydraulic tensioner also includes a housing defining a chamber which is coupled to the inlet portion. A band check valve separates the pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber, and a piston slideably engages the housing. A method of manufacturing the hydraulic tensioner is also disclosed.
US08403779B2	Belt type continuously variable transmission A belt type continuously variable transmission includes a primary shaft and a secondary shaft, wherein the primary shaft is supported on a case via a first rolling element bearing, and the secondary shaft is supported on the case via a second rolling element bearing, the case is formed with a bolt hole at each of an even number of locations in a region separate from a shaft center plane, which is a plane that passes through a shaft center of the primary shaft and a shaft center of the secondary shaft, and first and second stopper plates that each hold down outer races of the first and second rolling element bearings are fixed to the case by bolts mounted in the bolt holes.
US08403772B2	Quick release connection system for golf clubs The present invention is directed at a quick release connection system to facilitate customization of golf clubs. It can be used to interchange soleplates quickly and easily. Teeth are disposed on the inside of a frame so that a soleplate may be inserted with minimal resistance, but cannot be removed without specific steps which may require the use of a simple tool. Strengthening and interlock devices are provided to ensure performance quality akin to traditional golf clubs.
US08403770B1	Adjustable golf club shaft and hosel assembly An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve with a joint portion, a hosel portion, and a fitting piece, wherein the joint portion fits within the fitting piece and the fitting piece fits within the hosel portion.
US08403769B2	Golf club head or other ball striking device having stiffened face portion A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft thereto. The head may include one or more stiffening elements or other structures contacting an inner surface of the face, to provide locally increased stiffness to particular areas of the face. The stiffening element includes a chamber adapted to contain a viscous substance. The viscous substance can be selected and inserted into the chamber to create regions of increased stiffness in desired locations, leaving other regions of the face to have increased flexibility as compared to the stiffened regions.
US08403767B2	Infant swing apparatus An infant swing apparatus comprises a support structure and at least one swing arm pivotally coupled with the support structure, a seat, including a backrest support tube, and a recline assembly connecting the seat with the swing arm. The recline assembly comprises a first coupling shell fixedly coupled with the backrest support tube, a second coupling shell fixedly coupled with the swing arm and pivotally assembled with the first coupling shell, a latch member assembled between the first and second coupling shell, wherein the latch member is movable along an axle of rotation between the first and second coupling shell, and an actuator mechanism operable to cause the latch member to move from a first position locking the first and second coupling shell with each other, to a second position unlocking the first coupling shell from the second coupling shell.
US08403762B2	Single row series damper with input flange A damper for a torque converter includes an input flange with a first spring guiding portion and arranged for connection to a cover for the torque converter, an output flange with a second spring guiding portion and arranged for connection to an input shaft for a transmission, and an intermediate flange. The intermediate flange includes at least two plates. The first and second spring guiding portions are disposed axially between the plates. In some example embodiments, the first and second spring guiding portions are radially aligned and circumferentially offset.
US08403758B2	Wagering game with unilateral player selection for developing a group A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.
US08403749B2	Game apparatus, storage medium storing a game program, and game control method A game apparatus includes an LCD and is provided a touch panel in relation to the LCD. The LCD displays a game screen for making a player character hit a ball. For example, when touch-on is performed on the LCD (touch panel), the stance and shot power of the player character are decided according to coordinates of the touch-on position. With this, the path of the ball is decided to be a straight ball, draw ball or fade ball, and the carry of the ball is decided with regard to the shot power. Following the touch-on, when a slide operation is performed, an impact is decided according to the slide operation. For example, the path of the ball is changed by the decided impact.
US08403748B2	Presenting and controlling wagering game play A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects indicate information associated with wagering games. The network browser and the toolbar objects can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar objects can process and present wagering games using wagering game play elements (e.g., icons, graphics, etc.) on the toolbar. The toolbar can also have controls, configurations and settings associated with the toolbar, which the toolbar can communicate to a wagering game provider to determine game results. The toolbar can use the controls, configurations, and settings to affect the presentation of wagering game information on the toolbar, to control the presentation of game results using the wagering game play elements, etc.
US08403746B2	Method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to determine and/or update slot machine configurations using historical, and/or current, and/or predicted future data An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.
US08403743B2	Wagering game with simulated mechanical reels A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols.
US08403742B2	Lotto player's paperless terminal This application relates in general to methods and systems adapted for use in selling lotto game tickets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for selling the on-line Lotto game tickets, without marking the Lotto game cards and running them through the main lottery terminal located in the retail store, as is currently done. In order to achieve the final printing of the lotto ticket the player has to pick the numbers he/she wants to play and communicate the numbers to the machine through the medium, that medium is the “Lotto Player's Paperless Terminal” and the purpose of this invention is to do it “Paperless”, except for the final ticket. It is also an active “Interactive” Lotto games selling tool, that the State would like to have it in their armor.
US08403736B2	Rack enclosure An enclosure is provided for housing electronic equipment that accommodates the different cooling and ventilating requirements of different types of equipment. The enclosure is constructed and arranged to support cooling airflow in a front-to-back configuration through the enclosure and in a side-to-side configuration from one side to an opposite side of the enclosure. The enclosure can thereby provide within a single enclosure means cooling air for components using front-to-back airflow for cooling, such as information technology (IT) equipment, and for components using side-to-side airflow, such as certain types of telecommunications equipment. The enclosure can thereby support a mix of IT and telecommunications equipment, providing flexibility and adaptability in network room and data center configuration. The enclosure is further configured to separate intake air used by equipment for cooling from exhaust air vented by equipment into its interior during operation. As a result, the enclosure promotes sufficient equipment cooling and prevents/minimizes equipment overheating.
US08403731B2	Inclination angle adjusting device and workpiece attaching device The present invention facilitates with high accuracy the adjustment of a minute angle degree, and also is capable of sufficiently securing the rigidity of the whole device after the adjustment and provides good operability, accuracy, and rigidity. Provided are a workpiece attaching body having a workpiece attaching surface and a rotating body rotatably supporting the workpiece attaching body. The rotating body has an inclination angle adjusting surface inclined relative to an axis of the rotating body, the workpiece attaching body has opposite to the workpiece attaching surface an inclination angle adjusting surface which is inclined relative to the workpiece attaching surface and which comes in surface contact with the inclination angle adjusting surface of the rotating body, and spherical coupling means is arranged which is for rotatably adjustably coupling the workpiece attaching body and the rotating body about a spherical center on an axis of the rotating body along both inclination angle adjusting surfaces. Thereby, the rotating body and the workpiece attaching body are relatively rotated about the spherical center along both inclination angle adjusting surfaces so as to adjust the inclination angle of the workpiece attaching surface.
US08403729B1	Tool for renotching trowels The present invention is a tool for renotching a worn trowel. The invention consists of a grinding wheel adjustably mounted on an adjustable plate. The edge of the plate is provided with adjustable fingers for engaging the notches of a trowel to insure consistent spacing and depth of notches being formed in the trowel when grinding with the tool. The grinding wheel is attachable to an electric drill or similar motive device for rotating the wheel to thereby accomplish the grinding needed to renotch the worn trowel. The tool is provided with a handle for gripping the tool.
US08403728B2	Coarse and fine grinding/polishing machine A grinding/polishing machine includes first and second grinding units. The first grinding unit is mounted slidably on a column on a base support to move along a Z-axis direction, and has a first grinding wheel. The second grinding unit is mounted slidably on the first grinding unit to move along a Y-axis direction and has a second grinding wheel aligned with the first grinding wheel. When the second grinding wheel is in a grinding position, the second grinding wheel is situated between the first grinding wheel and a platform mounted on the base support to hold a workpiece. When the second grinding wheel moves away from the first grinding wheel, the first grinding wheel is movable to the platform for a grinding operation. The first and second grinding wheels have different levels of coarseness/fineness.
US08403724B1	Pajamas incorporating a brassiere A garment provides a shirt having sleeve portions and a body portion. The body portion defines a body cavity. A bra is disposed within the body cavity of the shirt and is loosely coupled to the body portion of the shirt via at least one attachment point. The garment is wearable by a woman in a manner in which the bra provides breast support for the woman and the shirt covers the bra, and the attachment points are configured to allow the shirt to remain loose while being worn by the woman. The garment provides light soft cup breast support while sleeping and can be worn when awake before going to bed, or after waking up during daytime activities.
US08403721B2	Toy set and relay segments A linking toy segment for pivotal securement to another linking toy segment is disclosed herein, the linking toy segment having: a base structure; an actuatable device secured to the base structure, the actuatable device being capable of movement from a first position to a second position; a first coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a first direction, the first coupling member being configured to be pivotally received on top of another coupling member; a second coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction, the second coupling member being configured to be pivotally secured underneath another coupling member; a trigger moveably secured to the base structure proximate to either the first coupling member or the second coupling member, the trigger being pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a first position and a second position; and wherein the actuatable device is moved from the first position to the second position when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
US08403718B2	Method and system for a towed vessel suitable for transporting liquids A portable towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in navigation and storage of the device, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, and means for emptying and deflating a towed vessel. Aspects of the present invention further include the ability to quickly fill and evacuate a towed vessel and features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of fluid to be transported.
US08403714B2	Terminal fitting It is aimed not to increase contact resistance between a wire and a wire crimping portion even upon being subjected to a thermal cycle. A gold plating layer is formed on a base metal (20) via a nickel plating layer (21) in a terminal contact portion (11) to be held in contact with a mating terminal. A tin plating layer (23) is formed on the base metal (20) without via the nickel plating layer (21) in a wire crimping portion (12) to be crimped and connected to a core (15) of an insulated wire (14).
US08403713B2	Connector with dedicated locks and engaging portions A connector is provided with a frame (10) including housing accommodating recesses (11) and auxiliary housings (30) shaped in conformity with the corresponding housing accommodating recesses (11) and to be inserted into the corresponding housing accommodating recesses (11). Locks (34) are formed on outer surfaces of each auxiliary housing (30), and engaging portions (17) for holding the auxiliary housing (30) in the frame (10) by being engaged with the lock portions (34) are formed on inner surfaces of each housing accommodating recess (11). Locks (34A) are shaped so as not to engage the engaging portions (17) formed on the housing accommodating recess (11) when a non-corresponding auxiliary housing (30A) is accommodated into the housing accommodating recess (11).
US08403712B2	Barbed contact member for an electrical receptacle A contact member for an electrical receptacle includes a connecting member having first and second ends. A first contact is connected to the first end of the connecting member and a second contact is connected to the second end of the connecting member. A first tab is connected to the first contact and is received by a base of the electrical receptacle. A second tab is connected to the second contact and is received by the base of the electrical receptacle. A plurality of barbs are disposed on the first and second tabs to securely retain the contact member in the electrical receptacle.
US08403708B2	Terminating connector Provided is a terminating connector that can connect probes to a terminal connected with desired cable cores without removing the terminating connector. One aspect provides a terminating connector comprises a plurality of terminals having a contact portion and a lead wire contact portion, a housing having a plurality of probe insertion portions and receiving the terminals, and a resistor element received in the housing and electrically connected to the terminals, wherein at least a part of the terminals is positioned in the probe insertion portions.
US08403706B2	USB plug cable assembly A cable assembly includes a plurality of contacts, an insulation housing and a metal shell assembled on the insulation housing. The insulation housing is molded outside the contacts and includes a fastening portion protruding from a rear end of an upper surface of the housing, and a pair of side arms rearward extending from the two sides of a rear surface of the fastening portion. The metal shell is assembled on the insulation housing and located behind the fastening portion. The fastening portion is substantially of U-shaped configuration with a pair of L-shaped cutout located on the two sides thereof and the two cutouts faces toward the outside. The metal shell includes a pair of clasping portions respectively frontward extending from the front surface of two side walls of the rectangular frame. The clasping portions are respectively inserted into their corresponding cutouts.
US08403705B2	Electrical connector with a printed circuit board An electrical connector comprises: a housing defining a plurality of walls and a receiving room surrounded by the walls, a metal shell enclosing the housing, a PCB located under the metal shell, a terminal module received in the housing and defining a plurality of terminals passing through the PCB and extending out of the metal shell and an insulative outer cover having a receiving cavity enclosing the metal shell, a block wall limiting the PCB moving forwardly and at least one convex limiting the metal shell moving rearwardly.
US08403702B2	Releasable electrical connector adaptor and assembly Disclosed is an electrical connector adaptor, an electrical assembly, and a process of connecting an electrical assembly. The electrical connector adaptor includes a housing, a mechanical latch positioned on the housing, terminals arranged and disposed within the housing, and a terminal retention device configured to retain the terminals within the housing. The mechanical latch is configured to releasably secure the housing to a first electrical connector. The electrical connector adaptor permits electrical connection between the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector being otherwise incompatible.
US08403700B2	Electrical connector with alignment board slot An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals received in the housing. The insulative housing includes a longitudinal uninterrupted mating cavity extending in a first direction and through a front face thereof in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A plurality of terminals is retained at a first wall of the insulating housing and comprising contacting portions exposing in the mating cavity. The uninterrupted mating cavity comprises a horizontal main slot extending in the first direction, a first auxiliary slot located at the first wall and a pair of second auxiliary slot at two opposite ends of the horizontal main slot in the first direction.
US08403699B1	Strain relief electrical cable connector A strain relief electrical cable connector for facilitating ready connection and disconnection of non-metallic, sheath cables and capable of withstanding a 60 pound pull force for 5 minutes without the assistance of terminals or additional hardware. The connector includes a pair of identical, interlocking connector portions, each having a cover and pivotally connected housing. Each cover including a pair of integrally formed, spaced apart projections having inwardly directed, angularly disposed strain relief fingers and further including inwardly directed, angularly disposed wire support standoffs which are provided with a serrated cam exterior portion. The covers also provide wire guide means and a guide post intermediate the guide means and the serrated cam portion. Each housing is provided with terminal retention channels and terminals received therein for connection at one end with the cable wiring and at the other end with associated terminals of the interlocking connector portion. The cover and housing are provided with locking latches and associated ribs for securely locking the cover to the housing once the wiring in properly positioned.
US08403696B2	Connector with a conductive shell with a flange with an integral locking portion for engagement with a mating connector In a connector including a to-be-fitted portion for fitting to a mating connector in a first direction and a conductive shell covering the to-be-fitted portion, the shell is provided with a flange extending from a shell body in a second direction crossing the first direction and with a to-be-locked portion extending from the flange in the first direction. When attaching the connector to an attaching object, the flange is caused to face one surface of the attaching object in the first direction and the to-be-locked portion is caused to pass through the attaching object in the first direction so as to project from an opposite surface of the attaching object.
US08403691B1	Fan connector A fan connector for being connected to either a first fan header having a number of first pins or a second fan header having a number of second pins includes a main body, a number of first holes defined in the main body for electrically receiving the first pins, and a number second holes defined in the main body for electrically receiving the second pins.
US08403689B2	Card edge connector A card edge connector includes an elongated housing extending along a lengthwise direction thereof and having a pair of opposed side walls, and a central slot between the side walls. A plurality of contacts are retained in the housing and exposed to the central slot. A pair of ejector mechanisms are rotatable retained on two opposite ends of the housing. A pair of auxiliary insulators are attached to the ejector mechanisms, respectively. A tie wrap is located on the auxiliary insulators to urge the auxiliary insulators to prevent the ejector mechanisms from rotating.
US08403686B2	Conducting part An electrical conducting part including a body including a cross-section substantially in the form of an overturned “U” having a longitudinal base, wherein at least one end of the body includes a longitudinal extension with an upwards fold, and a vertical flank, wherein the body defines at least one first opening elongated in the transverse direction and at least first elastic lugs extending in the vertical direction and integral with the flanks of the “U” and arranged in the longitudinal direction opposite each opening in the base.
US08403685B2	Electrical signal connector An electrical signal connector which is interposed between an electronic device and an electrical signal cable, which is used for an electrical signal which is output from the electronic device or an electrical signal which is input into the electronic device, and which has an electrical signal cut-in terminal, an electrically conductive plate and at least one metal cable clamp. At the time of installation of the electrical signal connector, electric wire connectors in the electrical signal cable which communicate with the exterior are taken forwards along one surface of the conductive plate and extended together with conductive plate projecting terminals into accommodating electrical signal cut-in terminal ports of the electronic device, and, at the same time, the electrical signal cable and conductive plate are closely connected via the metal cable clamp, so fixing the electrical signal cable and conductive plate together, and ensuring that the cable connectors do not suffer damage. The electrical signal connector of the invention has a simple structure, and is easy to replace, and, at the same time, the cost of its manufacture is comparatively low.
US08403681B2	Electrical connector and assembly thereof An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector, a chip located and a printed circuit board located at opposite sides of the anisoptropic conductive film. The electrical connector has an anisoptropic conductive film and a loading mechanism. The anisoptropic conductive film includes an adhesive and a number of conductive particles dispersed in the adhesive. The anisoptropic conductive film has conductivity only in a thicknesswise direction by pressing. The loading mechanism can exert pressure on the anisoptropic conductive film so that the chip and the printed circuit board electrically couples with each other.
US08403679B2	High voltage swivel with stacked ring-shaped conductor assemblies A high voltage swivel including an inner and an outer body, each body having at least a first and a second ring-shaped conductor element, the conductor elements including two spaced-apart end faces and a curved contact surface, the elements being mutually interconnected at opposing end faces via insulating members at axially spaced-apart positions, the inner and outer bodies being coaxial around a longitudinal axis, the contact surface of each inner conductor element being adjacent to and in electrical contact with an opposed contact surface of a corresponding outer conductor element, the inner and outer bodies being rotatable relative to one another around the longitudinal axis, each conductor element of the inner and outer body connected to a voltage line extending to an input terminal or an output terminal, the insulator members interconnecting the conductor elements situated at a mutual distance in the circumferential direction of the conductor element, the interconnected conductor elements of the inner and the outer body each being supported by a respective support member to form integral units such that the inner and outer bodies are adapted to be mutually decoupled or attached by relative displacement of the integral units in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
US08403676B2	Anatomical model An anatomical model comprising: a lumen structure; a frame; and movable connections selectively supporting the lumen structure to the frame.
US08403675B2	Device and method for medical training and evaluation A training and/or evaluating device is provided particularly useful in performing laparoscopic procedures, radiological procedures, and precise surgeries that simulates the structure and dynamic motion of the corresponding anatomical structure on which the procedure takes place. The device includes an outer housing, which may be designed to mimic the body wall, in which one or more organs are located. Motion of the organ(s), as a result of respiration, pulmonary action, circulation, digestion and other factors present in a live body, is simulated in the device so as to provide accurate dynamic motion of the organs during a procedure.
US08403674B2	Vascular-access simulation system with ergonomic features The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system for practicing vascular-access procedures without using human subjects. The simulator includes a data-processing system and a haptics interface device. The haptics device provides the physical interface at which a user interacts with various mechanisms that are intended to enable the user to simulate various aspects of a vascular-access procedure. The haptics device is designed so that its physical form and manner of use are not inconsistent with the experience of performing an actual vascular access procedure.
US08403672B2	Training target for an electronically controlled weapon A training target is described for electronically controlled devices or weapons such as a Taser® gun. The target includes a front sheet having an electrically conductive sheet positioned at the back side thereof with the target being in the shape of a substantially life-size human being. The image of the human being is printed on the front face of the front sheet. The sheets may be reversed so that the image is printed on the electronically conductive sheet.
US08403666B2	Combination rotating dental cleaning brush and paste device The combination rotating dental cleaning brush and paste device. The device includes a housing having a rotating shaft therethrough. A compressible tube has two opposed ends, a first end which is rotated by the shaft and a second end having an opening therethrough. A brush is integral with, connected to, and rotated by the second end of the tube. Compression of the compressible tube forces dental paste inside of the tube out of an opening in the second end of the tube and onto the brush.
US08403665B2	Oral irrigator An oral irrigator has a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.
US08403664B2	Dental obturation system A dental obturation system, which is configured such that a power terminal unit is installed between a rotary unit and a cartridge unit such that a heating unit can heat a filling material and a needle member, mounted to the front end of a main body having a battery therein, can be rotated while applying the heated filling material to a root canal, so that an operator can easily and conveniently administer dental treatment without changing his/her posture or the orientation of the main body according to the location of a decayed tooth of a patient.
US08403662B2	Reactor employing high-temperature air combustion technology A combustion air supply apparatus 9 of alternating heat exchange type supplies combustion air and discharges combustion exhaust gas at a flow velocity of 80 to 200 m/sec. A burner assembly 4 is configured in such a manner that low-caloric fuel gas is pre-heated with heat of pre-combusting high-caloric fuel gas before the low-caloric fuel gas reaches a mixing starting space CA in the combustion chamber where the pre-combusting high-caloric fuel gas and the low-caloric fuel gas come to burn together in a full scale in the mixing starting space CA. When an air amount of the combustion air supplied through the high-temperature air supply ports of the plurality of fuel gas combustion apparatuses is defined as Q1 and an air amount of the pre-combustion air to be mixed with the high-caloric fuel gas, supplied from the fuel gas combustion apparatuses, is defined as Q2, a total air amount (Q1+Q2) is 1.02 to 1.10 times more than a theoretical air amount QS required for combustion, and a ratio of Q2/(Q1+Q2) is 0.011 to 0.047.
US08403659B2	Mold tooling with integrated thermal management fluid channels and method An electroformed tooling device is disclosed. The device includes an electroformed tool with electrodeposited metal which has been plated from a structured substrate on a molding side to function as a molding surface and an uneven contour on a non-molding side of the electroformed tool left as a by-product of electroforming. The device also includes a blank base comprising a top surface, a network of thermal management channels, and at least a first opening and a second opening communicating with the network of thermal management channels to allow fluid to flow into the first opening and flow through the network of thermal management channels and flow out the second opening. The top surface further includes an electro-discharge machined contoured surface to mate with the uneven contour on the non-molding side of the electroformed tool. Fluid flowing through the thermal management channels cools or alternately cools and heats the electroformed tool.
US08403656B2	Vane pump consisting of a two-part stator A rotary displacement pump includes a stator (42) fixed in a housing (20), a rotor including a shaft portion (8), a radially protruding web (12), a scraper (110) having an engagement slot (112) engaging the protruding web (12). A guide (92) retains the scraper (110) in a circumferential direction and allows the scraper (110) to move reciprocatingly in a substantially axial direction. The stator (42) includes first and second members that abut each other in abutment areas having a circular arc configuration.
US08403653B2	Axial flow fan In an axial fan including a motor, a substrate that connects the ends of a plurality of coils is disposed at a position axially under the bottom portion of a case with an axial gap therebetween. A spacer is interposed between the substrate and the bottom portion, and the substrate is fixed to the spacer. A plurality of through holes provided in the bottom portion are disposed in axial alignment with a plurality of through holes provided in the spacer. An air flow produced by rotation of an impeller at least partially passes through the interior of the case to be discharged to the outside of the case through the through holes in the bottom portion and in the spacer so that heat generated inside the motor can be efficiently transferred to the outside of the case.
US08403649B2	Digital control device A digital control system for monitoring and controlling a concrete pumping system. A microcontroller provides control signals and receives feedback from associated comparator switch subsystems. Feedback from the comparator switch subsystems is used by a microcontroller to determine whether short circuit or open circuit malfunctions are occurring on solenoids valves attached to the output of the comparator switch subsystems. Said control system exhibits an electronic control means to control the admittance or interruption of current through said solenoids. Individual solenoid status is sent to a graphical display where an operator views said display to diagnose failure modes. The microcontroller further monitors the establishment of temporal initial conditions and limits operational pump activity until said temporal conditions are met.
US08403645B2	Turbofan flow path trenches An integrally bladed disk includes a rim and blades. The blades are circumferentially spaced and extend integrally outward from the rim to define a flow path therebetween. The periphery of the rim forms a flow surface and includes a trench that is disposed adjacent the blades.
US08403635B2	Diffuser apparatus, centrifugal compressor, and turbo supercharger A diffuser apparatus includes a diffuser communicating radially outwardly with an exit of an impellor. The apparatus includes a housing with a plate that is rotatable about a rotational axis and forms a hub side wall. A side surface of the plate has a vane having one circumferential end fixed to the plate; the other end is movable in the direction of the axis. The housing includes an inclination path with one end opened to the hub side wall to bendably guide the vane so that the other end of the vane moves in the circumferential direction upon rotation of the plate and moves in the direction of the axis to a projected position to project into the diffuser. An actuator rotates the plate to drive the vane between the projected position and a retracted position where the other end is retracted into the hub side wall.
US08403634B2	Seal assembly for use with turbine nozzles A retaining seal assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The retaining seal assembly comprises an outer retaining ring coupled to an aft end of a gas turbine engine combustor. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring and comprises an outer band. The outer band comprises a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge that defines a slot. A retention seal comprises a first end positioned within the slot, a generally opposing second end that contacts the outer retaining ring, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body further comprises an insertion portion positioned within a passage formed in the outer band. The retention seal is fabricated from a resilient material and is configured to facilitate coupling the turbine nozzle to the outer retaining ring.
US08403633B2	Cooling fan A cooling fan includes a housing, a cover on the housing and an impeller received in a space between the housing and the cover. The housing includes a bottom wall and a sidewall projecting upwardly from an outer periphery of the bottom wall. The sidewall defines an air outlet therein. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of blades extending radially out from the hub. A porous layer extends into the space between the housing and the cover from the sidewall at a location adjacent to the air outlet.
US08403626B2	Arrangement for a gas turbine engine An inlet guide vane arrangement for a gas turbine is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of guide vane duct elements, the guide vane duct elements include a suction side wall and a pressure side wall, both walls facing each other, and are designed to be adjoinable to another of the guide vane duct elements, such that the pressure side wall of one guide vane duct element cooperates with the suction side wall of the adjacent guide vane duct element thereby forming a guide vane. The guide vane duct element includes features to accept a key element adapted to be arranged between the pressure side wall and the adjacent suction side wall, when two guide vane duct elements are adjoining to one another, and to attach together both adjoining guide vane duct elements.
US08403622B2	Radial-flow, horizontal-axis fluid turbine A rotary, fluid-flow-to-mechanical/electrical power-conversion device including a generally cup-shaped, squirrel-cage rotor having a rotational axis, and including plural, circumferentially spaced, elongate, transverse-cross-sectionally arcuate airfoil (fluid-foil) blades sized and disposed about the rotational axis of the rotor with their respective long axes substantially paralleling the mentioned rotational axis. Blade-related dimensions and spacings are chosen whereby the ratio of blade-to-blade circumferential spacing a to blade transverse chord length b is characterized as one which: (a) resides in the general range of about 0.24 to about 0.4; or (b) resides, more preferably, within the somewhat narrower subrange of about 0.25 to about 0.35 within the mentioned general range; or (c) has, even more preferably (for use in many if not most circumstances), a value of about 0.33.
US08403621B2	Blade variation in dependence of the degree of throttling on fluid-flow machine A method for the variation of at least one blade row of a fluid-flow machine, in which, in dependence of the actual operating point, in addition to an aerodynamic speed, at least one further quantity pertinent to the position of the operating point in the family of characteristics of the fluid-flow machine is employed for control.
US08403617B2	Bin handling apparatus In the figures there is provided a bin handling apparatus comprising a trailer (10) having a pair of spaced chassis members (14) defining a rear-opening space. A hoist assembly (16) includes spaced support beams (17) pivoted at pivots (20). The forward ends of the support beams (17) are interconnected and support a hoist tower (22) having a lift chain moving a tine carriage (24) from which is cantilevered a pair of spaced lifting tines (26). A tipping ram (27) serves to rotate the hoist assembly (16) about the pivots (20). A headstock (30) on the hoist tower (22) has apertured bin engaging lugs. An open-topped bin assembly (31) has a movable wall (35) hinged to the upper, rear edge and forming a closure which can be locked in the closed position by latches. The front wall of the bin has engagement lugs (37) with apertures adapted to align with the apertures in the bin engaging lugs, and be retained by an elongate steel pin (40).
US08403616B2	Movable debris apparatus for receiving and collecting debris The present invention provides for a movable debris apparatus for receiving and collecting debris, including a collector for receiving and collecting debris in the collector mounted in the front of the debris apparatus. A waste bin is provided for receiving and holding debris collected by the collector mounted in the rear of the debris apparatus. Two sets of gears are provided for pivotally connecting the collector to the debris apparatus. An operating handle has a U-shape with two legs having teeth thereon for engaging the two sets of gears by moving the handle up and down to turn the gears and pivot the collector between a first position for receiving and collecting the debris and a second position for transferring the debris in the collector to the waste bin.
US08403615B1	Vehicle lift barrier A vehicle lift barrier is adapted to be mounted to vehicle lifts and the like that assist in loading and unloading cargo and provide a storage environment in which cargo is less likely to migrate from a cargo area into a passenger seating area or compartment. A barrier composed of a barricade is mounted to a vehicle lift, in some cases example by mounting the barrier to a generally vertical post, mast or the like or mounting the barrier to a lift platform, allowing the lift to operate normally while the barricade obstructs all or a substantial portion of the passage between the motor vehicle storage/cargo area and the passenger area. Where the barrier is mounted to a vertical post or the like on a vehicle lift, cut-out bracketing can be used to mate with the outer cross-sectional shape of the post to inhibit pivoting of the barrier about the post. Other bracket profiles can be used to enhance the barrier's protective advantages. A wrap-around sheet metal bracket configuration creates two flanges per bracket to reinforce bracing and to provide securing belt mounting points for a given vehicle lift. Such barriers can be used in motor vehicles with rear and/or side access-ways where vehicle lifts typically are provided and do not require special tie-downs or other cargo securing means, making such devices especially useful in vehicles that might serve a number of different users and/or that might transport a variety of types of cargo and/or mobility devices.
US08403613B2	Bypass thermal adjuster for vacuum semiconductor processing A bypass thermal adjuster, which may be placed between two robots, provides a chamber for isolation and thermal control of wafers while permitting other wafers to be passed through the adjuster by the robots.
US08403609B1	Cargo restraint system with enhanced reinforcement filament break strength content A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement filaments each have a break strength of approximately fifteen point nine (15.9 grams to approximately twenty point seven (20.7) grams.
US08403608B1	Cargo restraint system with enhanced reinforcement filament content A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred twenty four ends of reinforcing material and each end of reinforcement material comprises approximately three hundred and twenty one to four hundred and seventeen filaments of reinforcement material and each filament comprises one or more monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately twenty four grams.
US08403604B2	Rotatable multi-operation tool for chip removing machining, and a basic body therefor Rotatable multi-operation tool including replaceable cutting inserts of different types, and a basic body rotatable around a center axis with rear and front ends from which there is extending rearward an envelope surface in which at least one chip space is countersunk, which opens in the envelope surface and in the front end. A first cutting insert type is mounted in a first insert seat formed in one side surface of the chip space in the immediate vicinity of the front end and included in a cavity opening in the front end for the cutting insert to partly protrude axially forward from the front end. A second cutting insert type is mounted in a second insert seat formed in the same side surface as the first insert seat and situated axially behind the first insert seat and included in a cavity opening in a part of the envelope surface.
US08403603B2	Insert seat adapter A tool holder as a carrier tool for a cutting tool for turning, milling or drilling applications for the machining of primarily metal materials, having an incorporated receiving recess with seat walls for receiving a cutting body, wherein the cutting body is fastened with fastening means.
US08403602B2	Coal flow splitters and distributor devices A flow splitter for distributing solid particles flowing in a fluid through a piping system includes a divider housing. The divider housing has an inlet configured to connect to an upstream pipe and has a plurality of outlets, each outlet being configured to connect to a respective downstream pipe. A divider body is mounted within the divider housing. A plurality of divider vanes are included, each extending from the divider body to the divider housing. The divider housing, divider body, and divider vanes are configured and adapted to reduce non-uniformity in particle concentration from the inlet and to supply a substantially equal particle flow to each outlet.
US08403601B2	Substrate transfer apparatus and substrate treatment system The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.
US08403600B2	Drilling tool, a self-drilling rock bolt, a drill bit, an anchoring device for a self-drilling rock bolt, a shaft for a drilling tool and an end coupling for a drilling tool A drilling tool incorporating first and second ends, a shaft extending between the ends. The first end has a drill bit to penetrate rock. The drill bit and the shaft have complementary threads. The drill bit and the shaft comprise a relative rotation stop means that ensures that the drill bit remains loose during drilling in a first direction. The invention further relates to a self drilling rock bolt, a drill bit, drill shaft and shaft coupling, an anchoring device, and an end coupling per se.
US08403598B2	Pile saver A floating pile saver device that prevents substantial growth of marine life on a pile installed in a marine environment. The device is configurable to be associated with piles that have a plurality of pile shapes. The pile saver may also providing additional useful features and functions such as mooring functions and electronic monitoring and communications functions. The pile saver device is configured to be movably associated with a pile so that such pile saver can float and rub a section of the surface of said pile as the water level changes (e.g. due to tidal variations in water level). Such rubbing prevents marine growth attachment along the “rub area”. Alternative embodiments of the invention provide numerous additional features including: (a) mooring a vessel, (b) providing a mooring bumper to protect the boat moored to the invention, (c) a platform, and (d) electronic features.
US08403593B2	Rig mat system using panels of composite material A rig mat is formed by rectangular panels fastened end to end by cooperating connectors. In one arrangement the first connector is C-shaped shaped to form a slot and the second T-shaped shaped with a flange of the T wider than the mouth inserted through the mouth. In a second arrangement two L shaped connectors are interengaged with an additional flat plate which defines a slot with an end of one of the L-shaped connectors. The panels are composite and formed from a honeycomb core panel with a foam material filling the tubular cells and a fibrous reinforcing cover sheets extending over the top and bottom of the panel. The cover sheets are filled with a set resin material which extends into the porous fibrous material of the walls of the core panel so as to form an integral structure of the resin extending between the walls and the sheets.
US08403592B2	Grass protection mat The present invention provides a grass protection mat which can be used for protection of grass in a golf course, a grass field, and a park lawn, or be used for growth of the grass. The grass protection mat includes a body member constituting grass penetrating spaces, protruding pillars formed at upper portion of the body member, lug members formed at lower portion of the body member, and an outer frame provided at outer wall of the body member. The grass protection mat further includes sinking prevention means provided across the grass penetrating spaces formed at the lower portion of the mat, elastically deformable sinking prevention means, mat sliding prevention means provided to the sinking prevention means, and sliding prevention means. The invention may obtain improve effects that the grass protection mat prevents the mat from sinking into a ground after construction of the mat on the ground, enhances sinking prevention effect by elastically deforming the sinking prevention means, while preventing the mat sinking, restrains the mat from slipping through the mat sliding prevention means provided to the sinking prevention means under or after construction of the mat, and effectively prevents from sliding on the mat during passage of the mat.
US08403588B2	Connection assembly A connection assembly 10 usable for interconnecting two extruded square section aluminium elongate members 12. The assembly 10 includes a frame member 18 which locates in an end of the elongate member 12, with a pair of engagement members 28, 38 extending from the elongate member 12. A second engagement member 38 is movable relative to the first engagement member 28 so as to grip in a channel 14 on the other of the elongate members 12 to hold the elongate members 12 together. The second engagement member 38 is movable by a pivotally mounted handle 52 which extends outwardly from the elongate member 12 when the assembly 10 is in an unlocked condition, but locates substantially wholly within a channel 14 when the assembly 10 is in a locked condition.
US08403581B2	Condiment packet having a spreading apparatus, and method of use thereof A condiment packet having a spreading apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The condiment packet includes a substantially flat, sealed pouch containing a condiment. The condiment packet further includes a spreading apparatus being within the sealed pouch. The spreading apparatus may be used to spread the condiment over a food substance once the condiment is squeezed onto the food substance and once a portion of the spreading apparatus is exposed.
US08403580B2	Wringing-out member and device comprising such a member A wringing-out member configured to rid an applicator of the brush type of excess product, the said wringing-out member extending along a main axis of elongation and comprising an internal face provided with wringing-out elements, in which the said wringing-out elements comprise at least three protrusions, two protrusions between them defining a slot and a third protrusion anchored on the said internal face of the wringing-out member at a different axial height from the said two protrusions, the said third protrusion projecting at least partially opposite the said slot.
US08403573B2	Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is provided for displaying predetermined photographing information, including focus information, camera information, etc., on a display screen of a viewfinder. The DSLR camera includes: the viewfinder for observing an image of an object; a pentaprism outputting the image of the object to the viewfinder; and a display device disposed on a side of the pentaprism to display photographing information.
US08403572B2	Optical module An optical component of an optical module has a junction surface facing an optical connector and a pair of side surfaces apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a connection direction of the optical connector. A support member has a pair of sidewalls facing the side surfaces of the optical component respectively and concave/convex portions provided in the sidewalls and concave or convex toward the side surfaces of the optical component. The side surfaces of the optical component are fixed to the sidewalls of the support member via an adhesive, and the adhesive is also applied on surfaces of the concave/convex portions of the sidewalls.
US08403571B2	Apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating optical communication between electronic devices Active optical cable assemblies, and systems, methods, and adapter modules and integrated circuits for facilitating communication between a host and a client device over a fiber optic cable are disclosed. In one embodiment, an active optical cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable having at least one optical fiber, a host active circuit, a client active circuit, a host connector, and a client connector. Upon a connection between the host active circuit and a host device, the client termination switch closes to couple the client termination impedance to the ground reference potential. Upon a connection between the client active circuit and a client device, the host termination switch closes to the couple the host termination impedance to the ground reference potential. In another embodiment, a method includes enabling a host termination impedance upon a connection of an active optical cable to a client device.
US08403570B2	Plural fiber optic interconnect A fiber optic connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers comprising a plurality of fiber optic assemblies, each assembly including at least one optical fiber coupled to a ferrule, the ferrule being coupled to a spring. A connector housing is configured to support the plurality of optical fibers. The connector housing includes first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of channels support each of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies, respectfully, disposed between the first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of apertures are formed in at least one of end the housing. The plurality of fiber optic assemblies are supported between the first mating connector portion and the second mating connector portion by the channels such that the springs are disposed between the first and second mating connector portions and the ferrules of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies extend through the apertures at the one end of the connector housing in a spring loaded fashion.
US08403568B2	Connector system having electrical and optical links with optical link cleaner In a connector system, a first connector is mechanically and optically mateable with a second connector to form one or more optical signal communication links. A wiping cleaner is included on at least one of the first and second connectors for cleaning an optical port of the other of the first and second connectors when the connectors are plugged together. The first and second connectors can further be electrically mateable to provide both optical and electrical signal communication links.
US08403563B2	Linear motion guide unit with joints for smooth guide of axially opposite ends of rollers A linear motion guide unit is envisaged smooth transfer of a roller from a turnaround passage to a return passage and vice versa across a joint between the turnaround passage and the associated return passage. Protrusions extending stepwise from an end of the turnaround passage come into complementary fit joints with an associated end of a tubular member defining the return passage to make wall surfaces to guide axially opposite ends of the roller, in which the joints are staggered or different in their locations between wall surfaces. The return passage is defined with a fore-and-aft hole of rectangular shape in transverse section inside a tubular member that fits into a bore made in the carriage. The tubular member is joined at lengthwise opposite ends thereof together to the protrusions that are raised above end surfaces of the end caps to extend the turnaround passage into the bore. Edges of the protrusions come into complementary fit joints with the associated ends of the tubular member to provide wall surfaces to guide axially opposite ends of the roller.
US08403560B2	Computed tomography system with liquid cooling A computed tomography system has a gantry with a rotor side that can be rotated around a system axis during operation, at which at least one x-ray tube is mounted. To cool the at least one x-ray tube a liquid cooling system is equipped with a fluid volume filled with cooling liquid, the fluid volume extends over distances of different sizes from the system axis. The fluid volume is located on the rotor of the gantry and thus is exposed to centrifugal force during operation. To increase pressure in the cooling system, a flexible compensation volume and a movable mass element that rotate with the gantry are provided. The mass element is arranged such that the centrifugal force acting on the mass element during operation causes pressure to be exerted on the cooling liquid.
US08403548B2	Backlight assembly and display device having the same One or more embodiments of a backlight assembly include a light guide plate (LGP), a light source module and an optical sheet. The LGP includes a side surface and an upper surface. The light source module includes a power-transmitting member and a plurality of point light sources disposed on the power-transmitting member. A side portion of the power-transmitting member is disposed on a peripheral portion of the upper surface adjacent to the side surface and a light-exiting surface of the point light sources facing the side surface to be adjacent to the side surface. The optical sheet is disposed on the upper surface. A portion of the optical sheet is disposed between a corner portion of the upper surface and the power-transmitting member adjacent to the light-exiting surface. The amount of the light absorbed by a reflective member may be decreased to improve the efficiency of the light.
US08403547B2	Light module for a motor vehicle A light module (5, 6) for lighting equipment (1) of a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources (8, 9) for emitting light, a plurality of reflection areas (10, 11) for reflecting the light and assigned to separate reflector-element sections (10, 11), and a plate-shaped separation element (7) onto which the reflector-element sections (10, 11) are movably fixed separate from one another, arranged between the reflection areas (10, 11), and onto which the light sources (8, 9) are mounted such that an emitting direction of the light sources (8, 9) is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the light module (5, 6). The reflector-element sections (10, 11) are adjusted by moving the reflector-element sections (10, 11) in relation to the light sources (8, 9).
US08403544B1	Lamp and lamp cover latching structure A lamp includes a housing, a lamp cover with a hook, a light source, and a lamp cover latching structure. The light source is disposed between the housing and the lamp cover. The lamp cover latching structure includes a securing portion, a latching portion, and a pressing portion. The securing portion is fixed to the housing. The latching portion is capable of latching with the latching hook. The latching portion is capable of separating from the latching hook by pressing the pressing portion.
US08403538B2	Color homogenizing optical assembly An optical assembly includes a light source and an optical element. The light source generates light where the color of the light varies based on the direction the light is emitted from the light source. The optical element is positioned transverse to the optical axis and is configured to mix the light. The color of the light mixed by the optical element is substantially independent of the direction at which the light emanates from the optical element.
US08403534B2	Lighting system, light element and display The invention relates to a lighting system, a light element for use in such system, and a display comprising such a lighting system. The lighting system comprises light elements (5) such as LEDs or OLEDs, located between two preferably transparent substrates (2, 3) provided with an electrically conducting layers. The light element has sliding electrical contacts, enabling movement of the light element between the substrates while being lit. Such a system provides a relatively simple lighting system allowing for easy modification.
US08403531B2	Lighting device and method of lighting There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more luminescent material. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with a wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt.
US08403527B2	Light emitting diode projector The invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) light source comprising an LED die, or a closely packed die array or matrix of die arrays, substantially and efficiently coupled to non-imaging collection optics. The non-imaging collection optics operate to provide a homogenized LED output having a near field whose intensity is highly uniform and a reduced far field extent substantially preserving the étendue (area, solid angle, index squared product) of the LED output. The near field, in turn, is imaged by a downstream relay lens to an illumination plane a specific distance away.
US08403526B2	Optical apparatus for hand held lamps An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.
US08403521B2	Structurally improved flashlight A structurally improved flashlight includes a handle coupled to a main body at a bottom of the main body. The handle has a trigger assembled between a pair of housing parts. The trigger is formed with a zigzag room that is communicated with openings formed at two laterals of the trigger for accommodating a safety mechanism. A magnet provided at an upper surface of the trigger is to removably engage a reed switch installed on the flashlight main body. A spring is deposited between the trigger and the two housing parts, so as to enable the trigger to resiliently move to and fro. The trigger is for conveniently switching the flashlight among different illumination phases, such as light intensity, blinking and on/off status. The structurally improved flashlight is also designed to be held in a certain illumination phase temporarily, so as to prevent unintentional change of the set illumination phase.
US08403520B2	Fire nozzle quick-assembly light A fire nozzle quick-assembly light is provided, which comprises a frame, a luminous device and an electricity generation device. The luminous device and the electricity generation device are sited to the frame. The luminous device is for illuminating in the fire scene, and the electricity generation device is for providing electricity to the luminous device. The fire nozzle quick-assembly light could depend on fireman's needed to be assembled or removed from the fire equipment quickly and provide high illumination to help extinguish fire, evacuate and lower the possibility that fireman suffers injury in dark environment. When the fire accident happens in the place with sufficient light, fireman does not need the additional illumination at this time. The fire nozzle quick-assembly light could be removed from the fire equipment easily to lower the weight.
US08403518B2	Lighting apparatus Disclosed herein is a portable lighting apparatus. The portable lighting apparatus includes a main body, one or more color filters, and an input jack and an output jack. The main body includes a light source. The color filters are provided so as to be moved to the light emission region of the light source. The input and output jacks are connected to a charging unit, which is provided in the main body.
US08403517B1	Luminescent golf ball recharging apparatus A recharging apparatus for luminescent golf balls comprising an outer housing capable of containing and simultaneously recharging a plurality of luminescent golf balls is herein disclosed. The housing comprises an internal cavity, a lid, and a battery powered internal illumination source. The illumination source is provided in vertical rows disposed on inner surfaces of the inner cavity to provide a recharging light to the golf balls contained within. The illumination source preferably comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED's) positioned behind light-diffusing inner walls.
US08403511B2	Optical assembly, backlight unit and display apparatus thereof The present invention relates to an optical assembly, a backlight unit, and a display apparatus thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical assembly includes a first layer; a plurality of light sources disposed over the first layer; and a second layer that is disposed above the first layer and cover the plurality of light sources on the first layer, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed as a first light source array and a second light source array, the first light source array including first lines of light sources among the plurality of light sources, the second light source array including second lines of light sources among the plurality of light sources, the first and second lines being alternatively disposed.
US08403502B2	Collimated visual display with elliptical front projection screen A front-projection display system having a screen with improved brightness and/or resolution of an image displayed on outer portions thereof. The screen has a display surface that is generally a convex shape having a curvature of the display surface in the vertical direction of an image projected thereon that is less than a curvature of the display surface in the horizontal direction.
US08403500B2	Projector and method of controlling projector A projector includes a projection unit, an imaging unit, a correction control unit acquiring first correction information based on a first captured image acquired by capturing a distortion detection image projected onto a projection surface, and a distortion correction unit performing distortion correction based on the first correction information. The correction control unit, in a case where second distortion correction needs to be performed after the distortion correction unit, performs first distortion correction based on the first correction information, allows the projection unit to project the distortion detection image without transforming the distortion detection image by using the distortion correction unit allows the imaging unit to capture the projected distortion detection image so as to be acquired as a second captured image, acquires second correction information based on the second captured image, and allows the distortion correction unit to perform the second distortion correction based on the second correction information.
US08403499B2	Light source lamp cooling apparatus and projection display apparatus including detecting gas pressure to control light source A light source lamp cooling apparatus according to the present invention includes: diaphragm air compressor (31); an ejector which ejects cooling air directly onto a portion to be cooled of a light source lamp in lamp unit (10); pressure detector (43) which detects pressure of the cooling air by means of pressure sensor (42) inserted in piping; air piping which connects air compressor (31) and the ejector; and a lamp controller which controls turning off of the light source lamp according to the air pressure detected by pressure detector (43). Air compressor (31) is driven at a high control frequency and a hollow, flexible silicon tube is used as air piping to reduce pulsation of air.
US08403497B2	Projector The invention discloses a projector including a casing, an optical module, a light source module, a blowing fan, and an axial fan. The casing has a first air-outlet, a second air-outlet, and an air-inlet. The blowing fan and the axial fan are disposed corresponding to two sides of a light axis of the light source module respectively. When the blowing fan operates, an initial airflow into the casing from the air-inlet flows through the optical module and then a predetermined airflow generated by the blowing fan on a first air-outlet surface of the blowing fan cools the light source module. An angle is formed between the axial fan and one side of the casing. The axial fan directly sends the air around the light source module out of the casing through the first air-outlet and/or the second air-outlet.
US08403496B2	High efficiency micro projection optical engine A high efficiency micro projection optical engine includes a light source module, a lens assembly, a micro display panel and a projection lens. An image of the luminous surface of light emitting elements of the light source module is formed in the vicinity of the micro display panel. The micro display panel is arranged on the path of emission light of the lens assembly to modulate incident light and obtain image light with image information. The projection lens is used to project the image information on the micro display panel and form an image onto a screen. The optical engine enhances efficiency by means of critical illumination.
US08403492B2	Light source device, video projector and video projection method A light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit a first source light in a first wavelength range; a source light generator configured to generate, from the first light, a color-varying source light having time varying color; a second light source configured to emit a second source light in a second wavelength range that is different from the first wavelength range; and a light source controller configured to control driving timing for turning on and off each of the first light source and the second light source so as to cyclically select one of the color-varying source light and the second source light to be output as an output source light.
US08403490B2	Beam scanning-type display device, method, program and integrated circuit A beam scanning-type display device used as a head-mounted display (HMD) or a head-up display (HUD) includes a light source which emits a beam, a scanning unit which performs scanning using the beam emitted from the light source, a deflecting unit which deflects the beam used for the scanning by the scanning unit in the direction toward an eye of a user, and a wavefront shape changing unit which changes the wavefront shape of the beam from the light source so that the beam spot size falls within the predetermined allowable range, and emits the beam to the wavefront shape changing unit.
US08403487B2	Stereo-image displaying apparatus and method for reducing stereo-image cross-talk A stereo-image displaying apparatus including an adjustable light source module, a spatial modulator, and an image display panel is provided. The adjustable light source module is adapted for emitting a plurality of first illumination beams and a plurality of second illumination beams that are staggered along a first axis. The spatial modulator and the image display panel are sequentially disposed on the light path of the first and second illumination beams. The first illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a first view field image in a first frame period. The second illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a second view field image in a second frame period. Moreover, a method for reducing stereo-image cross-talk is also provided.
US08403486B2	Hydraulic shutoff control valve system for a camera crane A telescopically extendible camera crane arm includes a second section telescopically movable within a first section. A first actuator extends the second section and a second actuator retracts the second section. A control valve has first and second ports connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second actuators. An inlet port of the control valve is connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a pump or accumulator of a hydraulic system. The control valve has extend, off, and retract positions. The control valve provides a threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators when in the off position, and provides a greater than the threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators, when in the extend or retract positions. A stop valve may be connected to an outlet port of the control valve, with the stop valve having an open position wherein fluid can flow freely out of the outlet port, and a closed position wherein the stop valve stops fluid flow out of the outlet port. The threshold amount of fluid pressure maintains the cables and/or other linkages of the arm under tension or compression. This places the stationery arm in a balanced equilibrium which provides for very sensitive and rapid control of arm movements.
US08403485B2	System and method for vision evaluation A method for vision evaluation including displaying a sequence of frames on a display screen of a display device. Each frame may contain one or more symbols. The method may also include changing one or more viewing parameters between frames of said sequence of frames as the displaying of the sequence of frames progresses. The viewing parameters may be selected from the group of viewing parameters consisting of spatial and temporal parameters. The method may also include calculating a vision evaluation score for the subject whose response to the displayed sequence of frames is received through an input interface device. A system for vision evaluation is also disclosed.
US08403483B2	Implantable system for determining the accommodation requirement by optical measurement of the pupil diameter and the surrounding luminance An implantable system for determining the accommodation requirement in an artificial accommodation system by optical measurement of the pupil diameter and the surrounding luminance, including at least one optical system, at least one data acquisition system that does not contact the ciliary muscle and measures a diameter of the pupil and luminance around at least one eye as a physical control signal for the accommodation requirement, at least one data processing system for generating an actuating signal for the optical system from the detected physical control signals or for the purpose of switching to the standby mode, at least one energy supply system, and at least one fixing system. The system has one sensor or a plurality of sensors with sensor elements for measuring the pupil diameter and the surrounding luminance.
US08403481B2	Methods, systems and computer program products for distributed scanning for motion artifact reduction in optical coherence tomography Methods of reducing motion artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) include scanning a sample with a scan pattern to acquire OCT data at a plurality of data locations. The data locations are distributed in the scan pattern across the sample such that at least some spatially adjacent data locations are acquired non-sequentially in time. A profile of the sample corresponding to a sample surface or an aspect of an internal structure of the sample is estimated responsive the OCT data.
US08403479B2	Contact lens eye model A model for testing contact lens designs is used in applications such as methods for designing contact lenses in which one subjects a lens design to the model, determines whether the lens meets its design objectives by application of the model, keeps the lens design if it does, and modifies the lens design if it does not.
US08403477B2	Nosepad connector for eyewear The present disclosure generally relates to eyewear, and more particularly, to a nosepiece for an eyeglass frame configured to avoid entanglement or interference with external objects while raising or lowering the eyewear to or from a viewing position.
US08403475B2	Pigment dispersion and curable phase change inks containing the same A pigment dispersion includes a pigment and a dispersant, wherein an as formed curable phase change ink having the pigment dispersion added thereto, when filtered using a 1 micron filter at a temperature of 85° C., has a slope of ≧5 g/s and a T2/T1 of ≦1.6, wherein T2 represents a time to filter the last 25 g of a 100 g sample of the phase change ink through the 1 micron filter at 85° C., while T1 represents the time it takes to filter the first 25 g of the 100 g sample of the phase change ink through the 1 micron filter at 85° C.
US08403473B2	Inkjet recording method and inkjet print An inkjet recording method includes: a treatment liquid application process in which a treatment liquid containing an acidic compound is coated on a recording medium by roller coating at a coating speed of 300 mm/sec or higher; and an ink application process in which an ink composition containing self-dispersing polymer particles having an acid value of from 30 mgKOH/g to 80 mgKOH/g, a pigment, and an aqueous medium is ejected, by an inkjet process, onto the recording medium coated with the treatment liquid to record an image.
US08403470B2	Solid ink melter assembly A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine includes an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further includes a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink.
US08403465B2	Apparatus for reducing crosstalk in the supply and return channels during fluid droplet ejecting A fluid droplet ejection apparatus includes a substrate having a fluid inlet passage, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of flow paths each fluidically connecting the fluid inlet passage to an associated nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. Each flow path includes a pumping chamber connected to the associated nozzle and an ascender fluidically connected between the fluid inlet passage and the pumping chamber. The ascender is located proximate to an outside edge of the fluid inlet passage.
US08403464B2	Liquid ejecting head and manufacturing method thereof, and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes a first flow channel member that configures part of the wall surface of a liquid flow channel, a second flow channel member that configures a different part of the wall surface of the liquid flow channel than the part configured by the first flow channel member, and an integral molded member, formed around the liquid flow channel, that joins the first flow channel member with the second flow channel member through integral molding. An elastic member that is sandwiched between the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member and is more elastically deformable than the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member, is provided around the liquid flow channel, and the integral molded member is formed on the outside of the elastic member sandwiched between the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member.
US08403462B2	Injection head manufacturing method and injection head A flow path regulating member for regulating an ink flow path leading into the channels is formed on the rear side of the head chip by exposure and development through lamination of the photo masks having an opening of a predetermined pattern, after a photosensitive resin film has been bonded on the rear side of the head chip by heat and pressure without using an adhesive; this head chip being characterized in that the channels, and drive walls made up of piezoelectric elements are arranged alternately, the apertures of the channels are arranged on the front side and rear side, respectively, and drive electrodes are formed in channels.
US08403457B2	Waste ink reclamation apparatus for liquid ink recirculation system An ink reclamation receptacle receives ink purged from an inkjet printing apparatus. Ink in the reclamation receptacle wets a porous membrane positioned in the reclamation receptacle, and flows into a flow channel. Negative pressure applied to a port that is placed in fluid communication with the flow channel withdraws ink from the flow channel for use in the inkjet printing apparatus, while ink wetting the pores in the membrane resists a flow of air into the flow channel.
US08403453B2	Method for forming inkjet image while flowing the ink in an ink chamber The method for forming an inkjet image provides a high-resolution image with a stable ink ejection and the image exhibits excellent curability, The image is formed using an inkjet recording head comprising a plurality of pressure chambers, a plurality of nozzles in communication with the pressure chambers and positioned on one side of the pressure chamber, and an ink chamber in communication with the pressure chamber and positioned on an opposite side of the pressure chamber. The ink composition in the ink chamber has a photo-initiator, a polymerizable compound and a gelling agent. The temperature of the ink composition in the ink chamber is kept at 70° C.-140° C. during an image recording and during standing-by. The ink composition is forced to flow in the ink chamber.
US08403445B2	Method and apparatus for determining the density unevenness in an ink jet head An apparatus for determining the density unevenness of an ink jet head includes a characteristic data generation unit which calculates characteristic values about ink amounts ejected from all nozzles of the ink jet head, respectively. A decision parameter acquisition unit arranges the characteristic values in the order the nozzles are arranged and calculates a decision parameter from changes in the characteristic values about those of the nozzles, which exist in a predetermined section. A decision unit compares the decision parameter with a predetermined threshold value, thereby determining the density unevenness of the ink jet head.
US08403444B2	Recording apparatus and method for adjusting recording position According to the present invention, a recording apparatus is provided which is capable of recording a plurality of patterns, on a recording medium, for detecting an amount of displacement between a recording position of a first discharge port array and a recording position of a second discharge port array in a conveyance direction and acquiring an amount of inclination based on the amount of displacement without conveying the recording medium.
US08403443B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus Each of a plurality of unit ejection portions includes a pressure chamber filled with liquid, nozzles which communicate with the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric vibrator that varies the pressure within the pressure chamber, and ejects ink from each nozzle according to the fluctuation of the pressure within the pressure chamber. A control unit controls the presence or the absence of the minute vibrations to be applied to the pressure chamber at the print period, and causes the respective unit ejection portions to execute the flushing operation so that an ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion, to which the minute vibrations is applied at the print period, exceeds the ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion to which the minute vibrations are not applied at the print period.
US08403442B2	Printing device and printing method A printing device is configured to print a first band in a first pass and to print a second band in a second pass so that the second band partially overlaps the first band for from an overlap printed area. The overlap printed area is divided by a single continuous boundary line into a first area that is printed during the first pass and a second area that is printed during the second pass. The boundary line includes a first boundary line portion where a parallel line extending parallel to a sub-scanning direction crosses the boundary line from the first area into the second area and a second boundary line portion where the parallel line crosses from the second area into the first area.
US08403441B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and control method thereof for restoring an ejection capability A driving pulse for air bubble removal flushing which is a first maintenance pulse is a driving pulse which removes air bubbles in an ink flow path of a recording head, a driving pulse for thickened ink discharge flushing which is a second maintenance pulse is a driving pulse which removes thickened ink, thereby stabilizing a meniscus, and in a maintenance process which restores ejection capability of the recording head, after an air bubble removal flushing process is executed by using the driving pulse for air bubble removal flushing, a thickened ink discharge flushing process is executed by using the driving pulse for thickened ink discharge flushing.
US08403440B2	Driving waveform for drop mass and position A drop emitting device that includes a drop generator, a drive signal including a plurality of fire intervals applied to the drop generator, wherein the drive signal includes in each fire interval a bi-polar drop firing waveform or a non-firing waveform.
US08403439B2	Flow rate control device, liquid-droplet ejecting device, and computer readable medium A flow rate control device includes a pressure generating unit that delivers a liquid to a liquid reservoir unit including an ejecting port; a flow rate control unit that controls a flow rate of the pressure generating unit by performing a first flow rate control and a second flow rate control, the first flow rate control being to raise a pressure inside the liquid reservoir unit up to a target pressure at a first pressure change rate which is sufficiently high to float air bubbles adhering to a wall surface inside the liquid reservoir unit, the second flow rate control being to maintain the target pressure or to lower the pressure inside the liquid reservoir unit from the target pressure at a second pressure change rate lower than the first pressure change rate in order to eject air bubbles floating inside the liquid reservoir unit from the ejecting port.
US08403438B2	Variable shelf and refrigerator having the same A refrigerator has a variable shelf which may include a first partition shelf mounted to be pivotable about a rear end thereof, and a second partition shelf mounted to move relative to the first partition shelf and therefore protrude to a front of the first partition shelf. When the first and second partition shelves are rotated about the rear end of the first partition shelf in a state where the second partition shelf is disposed at a lower part of the first partition shelf, it may be guaranteed a storage space even for item(s) higher than an interval between the shelves and wider than a front-to-rear width of the second partition shelf.
US08403437B2	Versatile refrigerator crisper system A refrigerator includes a multiple slide crisper system. More specifically, a universal crisper pan and support frame for a refrigerator can be used with various, distinct glide arrangements, including friction, roller or ball bearing glides. For frictional sliding movement, crisper pan side walls slide directly upon molded inner rails on the frame. With the roller system, various rollers are fitted to a rear portion of the crisper pan through the use of pins, while commensurate rollers are mounted at front portions of the frame. When using ball bearing glides for a precision slide support, the glides are preferably mounted to the support frame at an acute angle to the axis of travel of the friction and roller glide systems.
US08403430B2	Adjustable food shield An adjustable food shield includes a panel mounting mechanism that enables extensive adjustability of the food shield. The food shield may include a post having a longitudinal axis, and a carrier coupled to the post, the carrier including a carrier clamping mechanism. The carrier clamping mechanism is loosenable to enable the carrier to be moved along at least a portion of the length of the post, and is also tightenable to fix the carrier at a certain location on the post. The mounting mechanism may also include a link having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the carrier. An arm may be pivotally coupled to the distal end of the link and extend from the link. The adjustable food shield may include a clear panel coupled to the arm such that the clear panel is movable to different positions by rotating the link, the arm, or both.
US08403421B2	Single frame sling chair A sling chair includes a back frame member having side rails held in substantially parallel relation by a pair of cross bar members. In one embodiment, the cross bar members are generally curved so as to extend away from the back faces of the side rails, forming a concave back structure which can receive a sling member and, eventually, a seated occupant. The cross bar members have a notch allowing for insertion of a flexible rod and sling loop and sling member after assembly of the cross bar members and side rails. Insertion of the flexible rod and sling loop does not require tools. The cross members are adapted to retain the sling member in secure fashion through upper and lower backrest assemblies, resulting in better support and more efficient assembly. This also facilitates separate provisioning of decorative features to improve the chair's aesthetic qualities.
US08403419B2	Bench for tightening skate laces A bench is used to support and provide access to a skate in an elevated position relative to a floor surface. The bench includes a seat portion having a sitting surface provided thereon, and a leg structure mounted to the seat portion and adapted to support the seat portion relative to the floor surface. A support portion is connected to the seat portion and provided with a through-slotted support surface adapted to receive and support a skate. The support surface includes at least one through-slot formed longitudinally thereof and dimensioned to receive a depending structure provided on a sole of the skate.
US08403407B2	Deflector apparatus for vehicle A deflector apparatus for a vehicle includes a fixed frame, a movable frame positioned at an upper side of the fixed frame and being rotatable between a raised position and a retracted position, a mesh member connected to the fixed frame and the movable frame and brought to a raised state and a retracted state, and a spring member. The spring member includes a sliding portion fitted to a guide groove formed at the movable frame and slidably making contact with the guide groove to transmit a biasing force of the spring member in a state where the movable frame is rotating. The spring member further includes an engagement portion engaging with the movable frame when the movable frame is in the raised position. The movable frame is configured to be maintained at the raised position by the engagement with the engagement portion of the spring member.
US08403406B2	Deflector apparatus for vehicle A deflector apparatus for a vehicle including a fixed frame provided at the roof portion, a movable frame positioned at an upper side of the fixed frame and being rotatable between a raised position and a retracted position, a mesh member connected to the fixed frame and the movable frame and brought to a raised state and a retracted state by a rotation of the movable frame, the mesh member extending above a surface of the roof portion in the raised state, and a spring member biasing the movable frame to the raised position. The fixed frame includes a connecting portion connected to the mesh member and provided at an upper side of a drain portion that is formed along a front-inner periphery of the opening. The connecting portion is arranged to have a clearance relative to the drain portion.
US08403404B2	Vehicle body front structure and manufacturing method thereof A vehicle body front structure is disclosed in which a cooling system component is provided to an upper beam and a lower beam of a front bulkhead. A vehicle body front structure comprises a left top support mechanism provided to the upper beam and a left bottom support mechanism provided to the upper beam. The left top support mechanism supports a left top part of the cooling system component, and supports the left top part of the cooling system component so as to allow the left top part to move toward the rear of the vehicle body. The left bottom support mechanism supports a left bottom part of the cooling system component, and supports the left bottom part of the cooling system component so as to allow the left bottom part to move toward the rear of the vehicle body.
US08403402B1	Magnetic band The device of the present invention is an magnetic band to be applied to vehicles such as car, boats, race cars, passengers or cargo cars of railroad trains as well as in trucks and all other kind of land vehicles. The magnetic band is such to cause repulsion between cars as they approach one to the other one.
US08403401B2	Adjustable air-deflecting panel for a vehicle An adjustable air-deflecting panel for mounting to a vehicle comprises at least one panel; a plurality of mounts for mounting the panel to the vehicle, each mount comprising a vehicle mount portion for mounting to the vehicle and a panel mount portion for mounting the panel to the vehicle mount portion, the mount portions being pivotally coupled to one another to thereby pivotally couple the panel to the vehicle, the vehicle mount portion comprising a first engagement member and the panel mount portion comprising a second engagement member, the engagement members being operable to engage one another upon clamping the engagement members together to thereby prevent pivoting of the panel about the pivot axis and relative to the vehicle.
US08403400B2	Air flow guide for a tractor trailer gap An apparatus for affecting airflow in a gap between a lead vehicle and a connected trailing vehicle, includes a guide vane having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a gap side surface, and an outward facing surface, and a support apparatus mountable on a vehicle for supporting the guide vane in a vertical orientation relative to the vehicle with a space between the vehicle and the guide vane gap side surface and with at least a portion of the vane extending beyond an end of the vehicle. The flow guide divides an air flow at the trailing edge of a vehicle to avoid the creation of turbulence in the air flow as it encounters the gap between the vehicle and the trailing vehicle.
US08403395B2	Vehicle seat A seat tensioner (14) for a vehicle seat (1,2) includes a restraint member (15) and means (16) for tensioning the restraint member. The restraint member (15) is connected between the seat and a vehicle in which it is mounted and the means for tensioning is operative to tension the restraint member to urge the vehicle seat towards the vehicle. The restraint member (15) may be a cable and the means for tensioning (16) a gas activated piston and cylinder device. Means for disconnecting the restraint member from the seat may be provided to enable the seat to be moved following deployment of the tensioner.
US08403392B2	Glove box for vehicle A glove box for a vehicle includes a lid, which opens and closes an opening portion of a storage box provided in an instrument panel in a closed position of the lid, and a locking claw which is provided at the lid engages with a locking hole provided in the storage box. Accordingly, even if a passenger secondarily collides with the instrument panel and the storage box is deformed at the time of collision of a vehicle, the storage box deforms with the lid, since the rib of the lid is inserted in the locking hole of the storage box, whereby the positional relation of the locking claw of the lid and the locking hole of the storage box is inhibited from changing, and the locking claw can be prevented from being disengaged from the locking hole and opening the lid. The structure is a simple one in which only a pair of ribs are added to the storage box of the existing glove box, and therefore, the structure can be realized at low cost.
US08403386B2	Collection device for pet waste material A collection device for pet waste material and method for use of the same. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing shells extend from a base at which there is pivotally attachment of the opposing shells. The pair of opposing shells are pivotally movable between a closed shell state with the respective shell ends proximate each other and an open shell state wherein the shell ends are spaced from each other. A bag when folded upon itself may have its pouch inserted into the collection device and held therein between the pair of opposing shells. A pair of pockets are respectively coupled to each of the outer surfaces of the shells and configured to accept fingers for grasping and manipulating the collection device between the closed shell state and the open shell state.
US08403385B2	Automobile bumper structure An automobile bumper structure reduces damage to a vehicle body in an offset collision by having a bumper member in an offset collision area formed by a separate member.
US08403384B2	Door handle device A door handle device capable of operating a door opening/closing mechanism of a vehicle is disclosed. The door handle device includes a support member, a door handle, a circuit substrate, a lock detection electrode, a capacitance sensor, and an auxiliary electrode. The circuit substrate is arranged in the door handle and includes a ground electrode. The lock detection electrode is mounted on the circuit substrate and capacitance-coupled to an outer panel of the door. The capacitance sensor is connected to the lock detection electrode and detects the issuance of a door lock command based on a change in a first capacitance between the outer panel and the lock detection electrode. The auxiliary electrode is capacitance-coupled to the ground electrode to form a second capacitance connected in parallel to the first capacitance between the auxiliary electrode and the ground electrode.
US08403376B2	Convertible motorized latch Disclosed is a convertible motorized latch that may be configured in either of a slam latch or a dead bolt latch configuration, just by desired selection and replacement of a minimal number of components, and which may be used on new (oem) equipment or in retrofit applications. In either preferred configuration, an electric motor contained within the latch housing operates to open or unlock the latch. Latch closure may be provided by spring actuation in a slam configuration or by further motor operation in a dead bolt configuration. Either present configuration may make use of an electrical feedback switch for signaling latch retraction while the dead bolt configuration may also include a second electrical feedback switch for signaling latch extension. A gear train may be incorporated within the latch housing to provide reduced speed and increased torque from the electric motor.
US08403375B2	Face panel for a computer housing A face panel for a computer housing includes a face panel body and a cover plate assembly. The face panel body includes a surrounding wall and a mounting hole. The surrounding wall has first and second engaging grooves. The cover plate assembly includes a cover plate, a locking member, and an unlocking member. The cover plate has a first engaging hook for engaging the first engaging groove, and a guide groove. The locking member is assembled to the guide groove, and has a second engaging hook, a post, and a restoring resilient plate to apply a pressure to the cover plate so as to enable the second engaging hook to engage the second engaging groove. The unlocking member has an operating portion, and a contact portion movable with the operating portion so as to push the post for disengaging the second engaging hook from the second engaging groove.
US08403373B2	Method and device for de-icing of trains Method and device for de-icing of trains is provided in which a glycol heated treatment medium is sprayed against the underside of units in the train such as locomotive and carriages in order to remove ice which has been built up in the base frames of the units.
US08403371B1	Sprinkler unwinding piping First and second ridge portions at the foremost end of a flexible pipe are pressed into first and second enlarged-diameter ridge portions, respectively, each having an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of a rotary nipple and smaller than the front-end root diameter of a taper external thread of the rotary nipple. The back surface of the second enlarged-diameter ridge portion is brought into contact with a front-end surface of the rotary nipple. A rubber seal ring is fitted into each of a first and second root portion of the flexible pipe, respectively, and an aligning ring is fitted into each of a third root portion of the flexible pipe located on the front-end side thereof from the first root portion and a fourth root portion of the flexible pipe located on the back side thereof from the second root portion, respectively.
US08403370B2	Pipe coupling device A pipe coupling device includes a body part, fastening parts, and pressurizing parts. The body part has a multi-stepped insertion hole penetrating the central portion thereof, a stepped latching portion formed on the inner circumference of the insertion hole, and first projections continuously formed on the upper surfaces of the externally threaded portions. Each of the fastening parts has an internally threaded portion formed on the inner circumference thereof and is screwed onto the externally threaded portion, a coupling hole penetrating the central portion thereof so as to be in communication with the insertion hole, a first inclined plane formed around the boundary between the internally threaded portion and the insertion hole. Each of the pressurizing parts has a stepped foot portion formed on the outer circumference of one side thereof.
US08403368B2	Security document The invention concerns a security document comprising a translucent carrier substrate, in particular of paper and/or plastic material, and at least one security element which is applied to the carrier substrate or embedded in the carrier substrate and which presents at least one image when viewed in the transillumination mode from at least a first side of the security document and simulates a presence of at least a first watermark in the carrier substrate, wherein the security element has at least region-wise at least one layer which simulates the first watermark, wherein the at least one layer of the security element, that simulates the first watermark, imparts thereto unexpected optical effects in relation to security elements with conventional watermarks.
US08403366B2	Vehicle body structure for mounting washer tank to vehicle body There is provided a vehicle body structure for mounting a washer tank to a vehicle body, which prevents a fog lamp as a functional part in vicinity of the washer tank from being damaged when the fog lamp comes in contact with the washer tank at the time of a light collision. The vehicle body structure for mounting a washer tank includes a washer tank for being mounted to the vehicle body; and a fog lamp provided at a more frontward position than the washer tank in a traveling direction of the vehicle body, wherein the washer tank is provided with a through hole at a position opposing the fog lamp, and the through hole penetrates through the washer tank in the traveling direction of the vehicle body.
US08403365B2	Seatbelt retractor A mounting concave portion with a predetermined depth is formed on a gas-pressure-receiving-side surface of a piston. Further, a plate-like sealing member includes a mounting convex portion which is erected at a position meeting with the mounting concave portion on the gas-pressure-receiving-side surface of the piston. When the piston and the sealing plate are assembled together, the mounting convex portion is fitted in the mounting concave portion. By merely pushing the mounting convex portion in the mounting concave portion, the sealing plate and the piston can be integrated, which improves productivity in assembly. Further, the sealing plate will not get twisted, deviated or displaced due to friction against inner wall of the pipe cylinder when the sealing plate and the piston are integrally inserted in the pipe cylinder. Deterioration of sealing function due to improper mounting of the sealing plate can be avoided.
US08403364B2	Adjustable steering column for motor vehicles An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has a support assembly intended to be fixed to a chassis of a vehicle, a tubular body slidably mounted in the support assembly, adjustment and locking devices able to switch from a state of a adjusting the position of the tubular body in the support assembly to a state of immobilizing the tubular body in a desired adjusted position within the support assembly, a plastically deformable energy-absorbing element collaborating with a deformation member secured to the tubular body so that it undergoes plastic deformation as the tubular body retracts inside the support assembly following an impact transmitted to the tubular body when the adjustment and locking devices are in the locked state and a ratchet mechanism for securing the plastically deformable element to the support assembly during plastic deformation of the plastically deformable element.
US08403361B2	Activation systems for inflatable personal restraint systems Systems for indicating the status of a seatbelt buckle prior to a protective response are disclosed herein. An airbag activation system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a normally closed magnetically operated reed switch. The reed switch is attached to a connector carried on one portion of a seatbelt, and a magnet is attached to a buckle carried on another portion of the seatbelt. Coupling the connector to the buckle causes the magnetic field of the magnet to move the reed switch from the normally closed position to an open position, thereby enabling the activation system to inflate the airbag in the event of an accident.
US08403356B2	Clip structure and holding structure for interior member of vehicle Provided is a clip structure which can prevent components from falling off an attaching body or an attached body with a simple structure. Further provided is a holding structure for an internal member of a vehicle which can prevent the components from falling off an exterior member or an interior member with a simple structure. A clip assembly (11) includes a first clip having a clip (34) attached to a bracket (25), and a joint (36) as a removable portion connected to the clip 34; and a pin (38) as a second clip connected to the joint (36) and sandwiching a roof head lining (14) between the pin (38) and the joint (36). A holding load (F5) for releasing connection between the clip (34) and the joint (36) is sufficiently small compared to a holding load (F6) for releasing connection between the joint (36) and the pin (38).
US08403351B2	External bicycle stand This invention relates to an external bicycle stand in which an axle is inserted in the stand body, a locating member for locating the axle being assembled on the stand body, an assembling member engaged with bicycle pedal being fastened on one end of the axle extending to the outside of the stand body, and a support member being pivotably hinged on the stand body. In bicycle parking, the assembling member is combined with the bicycle pedal, then the stand body supports under the pedal and in turn the support member pivotably hinged on the stand body can be moved down vertically to support on ground so as to finish the parking effect. This invention is adaptable to the cases having pedal of various sizes by providing a stand locating member capable of adjustment.
US08403347B2	Front-axle bracket, in particular for motor vehicles Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.
US08403343B1	Shopping cart attachment device A shopping cart attachment device for securing a shopping cart to a vehicle featuring a clamp base having a generally U-shaped cross section formed from a first panel and a second panel connected together, the base snugly wraps around an end of the shopping cart; an arm pivotally attached to the base via a pivot mechanism, the pivot mechanism allows the arm to pivot side-to-side, the arm has a first end and a second end, the first end is engaged in the pivot mechanism and the second end extends outwardly from the base and pivot mechanism; a pad component disposed on the second end of the arm; and a hook extending upwardly from the pad component and second end of the arm, the hook functions to hook onto a part of a vehicle.
US08403336B2	Sealing element for housing of a hand power tool A hand power tool has a housing with having at least two housing parts. A sealing element provides mounting of the housing parts on one another fluid-tightly. The housing parts have short sides with which the housing parts abut against one another with interposition of a sealing element. The sealing element is fixed on one of the housing parts.
US08403333B2	Zero torque membrane seal A low friction seal for sealing between a shaft and a bore and includes an inner case adapted to be mounted on the shaft. An outer case is adapted to be mounted within the bore. A seal element is mounted to the inner case and includes a base portion attached to the inner case. A membrane extends from the base portion and an axially extending leg extends from the membrane. A seal lip extends from the axially extending leg and sealingly engages a radially extending portion of the outer case. As the shaft rotates, the centrifugal forces tend to cause the membrane to flex and the torque loads applied by the dynamic seal are reduced to the point that the seal lip can lift off and apply zero torque load.
US08403332B2	Seal member The seal member includes a tetrafluoroethylene-propylene copolymer (FEPM) and carbon nanofibers. The seal member has a number of cycles to fracture of 10 or more when subjected to a tension fatigue test at a temperature of 150° C., a maximum tensile stress of 2 N/mm, and a frequency of 1 Hz. The seal member exhibits excellent heat resistance and abrasion resistance.
US08403331B2	Method and apparatus for injecting packing into stuffing boxes for reciprocating rods A stuffing box for a polished rod used with a downhole pump uses injectable packing to provide a seal around the polished rod. The stuffing box has a chamber for receiving the packing. The chamber has an opening to allow the addition of packing to the chamber. The packing is maintained in a compacted condition by either injecting additional packing through the opening or adjusting the volume of the chamber.
US08403328B2	Game board and accompanying game pieces Game board having a wavy relief structure formed of a series of rises and dips extending at regular distances from one another in at least two different directions and whereby one or several game pieces are further formed as sliding pieces with one block or with several blocks which are connected to one another and whereby the lower contact surface of every block has a sloping shape which is predominantly complementary to the shape of the dips of the game board.
US08403324B2	Sheet skew feeding correcting apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet skew feeding correcting apparatus includes a shutter member which abuts against a leading end of the sheet conveyed by the conveying apparatus, the shutter member is movable between a first attitude where the shutter member abuts against the leading end of the sheet and a second attitude where the shutter member permits the sheet to pass therethrough, and a loop abutting portion against which a loop portion of the sheet formed while the sheet is conveyed by the first sheet conveying apparatus, wherein the loop portion of the sheet whose leading end is abut against the shutter member moves the shutter member from the first attitude to the second attitude by a force pressing the loop abutting portion.
US08403320B2	Sheet feeding mechanism with a differential mechanism A sheet feeding mechanism includes a main body, a rotator rotatable coupled to the main body and capable of rotating about an axis, two feeders configured to feed a sheet and a differential mechanism transmitting a rotation from the rotator to the two feeding rollers.
US08403319B2	Sheet-supplying device A sheet-supplying device has a sheet-accommodating tray, a raising/lowering unit, a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a controlling unit. The raising/lowering unit raises and lowers the sheet-accommodating tray substantially. The first position sensor detects a first position indicating a position in the stacked direction of one end portion of a topmost sheet stacked in the sheet-accommodating tray. The second position sensor detects a second position indicating a position in the stacked direction of another end portion of the topmost sheet. The controlling unit controls the raising/lowering unit to raise or lower the sheet-accommodating tray based on both the first position detected by the first position sensor and the second position detected by the second position sensor so that one end of the topmost sheet in the stacked status is positioned at a prescribed position in the stacked direction.
US08403312B2	Adjustable fixture An adjustable fixture comprises a clamping board used to mount a workpiece thereon, a hollow telescopic sleeve, a latching assembly, a telescopic shaft, and a fastening seat. The clamping board is fastened to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic sleeve slidably receives the telescopic shaft therein. The latching assembly is mounted on the telescopic shaft and resists an interior wall of the telescopic sleeve to position the telescopic shaft relative to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic shaft is rotatably mounted on the fastening seat.
US08403311B2	Fence lifter and leveler Devices that are useful for constructing fences. Such devices are comprised of a combination of a fence lifter and leveler and a holding apparatus so that only one person can construct the fence.
US08403309B2	Vibration isolating apparatus A vibration isolating apparatus is provided in which a vehicle collision is detected as soon as a predetermined load or greater is applied to a torque rod, a rod portion of the vibration isolating apparatus for supporting an engine is broken, and the engine can be fallen down (moved) in a predetermined direction, whereby a passenger can be assured of safety at the time of the vehicle collision.A vibration isolating apparatus includes a pair of rings, a rod portion connecting the pair of rings, the pair of rings and the rod portion being integrally formed from a resin or metal material, and inner cylinders which are inserted into the pair of rings, respectively, through rubber elastic bodies, wherein the rod portion is formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the pair of rings to provide rigidity difference, and the rod portion at the side having low rigidity is broken when a predetermined load or greater is applied thereto.
US08403307B2	Gas spring assembly and method of manufacture A flexible wall and end structure assembly includes a flexible wall and an end structure. The flexible wall is formed from an elastomeric material and a filament structure. A bead wire is formed into an open end of the flexible wall. The end structure is received along the open end of the flexible wall and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A portion of the filament structure is compressed between the bead wire and the end structure and extends therefrom in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said end structure. A gas spring assembly including such a flexible wall and end structure assembly is included. A method of manufacture is also included.
US08403304B2	Open air vehicle cooling device and method A vehicle misting device and method that is operable is dry and humid environments are provided. The device may also include a payment system and fan.
US08403302B2	Elevated support system A system for raising and lowering equipment and including a fixed support arm for attachment to an elevated support structure, a movable carriage for carrying the equipment, a cable extending between the fixed support arm and the movable carriage, and a winch for spooling and unspooling the cable to raise and lower the movable carriage relative to the fixed support arm. A locking mechanism secures the carriage in its raised position, and alignment guides position the carriage to make electrical connections as the carriage is engaged onto the support arm.
US08403297B2	Switch for kitchen and bath appliances A switch for kitchen and bath appliances comprises a sliding shaft and a fixed base with a sliding through hole for the sliding shaft. The switch has a retaining hook for holding the sliding shaft. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are a first and a second stop positions fitting with the hook part of the retaining hook. The first and second stop positions are at different height on the surface of the sliding shaft, with the first stop position close to the head of the sliding shaft. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are the first and second unidirectional slide channels for the hook part of the retaining hook. The switch has a spring pushing the sliding shaft from head of the sliding shaft towards its tail. The switching on/off states are changed by a pressing operation.
US08403293B2	Axially energisable ball valve A ball valve (10) for sealing a conduit (12) is described. The ball valve includes a housing having a throughbore and a valve seat. An apertured ball element (18) is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (38) between a throughbore open and a throughbore closed position. The apertured ball element (18) has a first portion (20) and a second portion (22) coupled together which are rotatable and moveable relative to each other. The first portion has a sealing surface for engaging with the valve seat. In use, in the throughbore closed position, the second portion is moveable relative to the first portion to axially displace the first portion from the axis of rotation towards the valve seat such that the sealing surface on the first portion of the apertured ball forms a seal with valve seat.
US08403291B2	Tube slide clamp with extending finger grips A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.
US08403289B1	Universal electric box mounting device A universal bracket is provided for mounting electrical boxes. The bracket includes a generally rectangular first plate having at least one aperture defined within the first plate. The aperture is shaped to provide access to an electrical box mounted to the first plate, and further includes first and second pairs of diagonally opposite corners. A second plate extends rearward and substantially perpendicular to the first plate and located proximate a first side of the aperture. The first plate further includes one or more fastening portions and a plurality of mounting holes disposed about the fastening portions. One or more of the mounting holes are positioned for mounting the bracket to a vertical structural member adjacent either of two opposite sides of the bracket or a horizontal element adjacent a third side of the bracket, maintaining a particular bracket orientation.
US08403287B2	Engine mounting system The present invention relates to an equipment engine mounting system and method for mounting an equipment engine to an equipment frame using dampers, elastomeric and nonelastomeric components to inhibit the a transmission of vibrations of the equipment engine to the equipment frame.
US08403285B2	Transport device A label transport device for transporting indicia-bearing labels for identifying electrical and electronic components, comprising a generally rectangular carrier frame member having a generally planar support surface, a generally rectangular planar indicia-bearing label, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the label on the carrier frame, including at least one positioning tab member connected with one edge of the label, and a positioning lug arranged on one of the frame and tab members for engagement with an opening contained in the other of the tab and frame members, thereby to position the label at a given transport location on the carrier frame member. The frame is injection-molded from a synthetic plastic material and includes a plurality of parallel spaced longitudinal spars that are connected together integrally by a plurality of parallel transverse spars.
US08403283B2	Clamp for attaching a barricade to a balustrade The present invention relates to an adjustable clamping device that allows a barricade that is in use with an escalator or moving sidewalk to be attached to one another.
US08403279B2	Fastening device and heat dissipation apparatus using the same A fastening device includes a fixing bracket and a fastener. The fixing bracket includes a fixed arm and two adjusting arms respectively connecting at two ends of the fixed arm. Each of the two ends of the fixed arm defines a plurality of spaced retaining slots. The retaining slots are located at different positions along the fixed arm. Each of the two adjusting arms has a sliding end retained selectively in one of the retaining slots and an opposite fixing end. The fastener extends through the fixing end of each of the two adjusting arms.
US08403272B2	Clip A clip for attaching a wire member to a panel member is provided. The clip includes a head part provided with a wire insertion hole capable of holding the wire member a main part supporting the head part and locking means for fitting the main part to a fitting hole of the panel member. The main part is a single body. An inside and an outside of the wire insertion hole are not communicated with each other in a radial direction thereof.
US08403271B2	Passive robust flow control micro device A tapered micro-plow, or a series of tapered micro-plows, are submerged in a boundary layer just upstream of a reflection point of an oblique shock. Each micro-plow develops a beneficial pair of vortices which redistribute high energy flow within the boundary layer such that flow separation is prevented or delayed. The beneficial vortex pairs rotate about an axis that is parallel to the flow of fluid, and together rotate such that they induce a velocity on one another which tends to hold them near the surface and delay vortex lift-off.
US08403261B2	Process for making an aircraft having a floor The method of fabricating an aircraft comprises the following steps: fastening two lateral floor portions, each firstly to a fuselage element and secondly to supports that are connected to the fuselage element; and then bringing a middle floor portion between the lateral portions and connecting it to the lateral portions.
US08403254B2	Aero-assisted pre-stage for ballistic rockets and aero-assisted flight vehicles An aero-assisted pre-stage (10) with a commensurably large wing area having a short-burn rocket propulsion system providing sufficient thrust is used to launch a variety of single-stage and multiple-stage space vehicles (20), such as conventional ballistic rockets and prospective spaceplanes, from conventional runways. This method of launch eliminates the need for dedicated ground launch structures and/or dedicated long runways. The vehicle to be launched (20) is mated to this aero-assisted pre-stage (AP) (10), with their flight directions aligned, using a lock-and-release mechanism (30). The resulting stack takes off like a conventional airplane using the propulsion and aerodynamic lift of the AP. After the desired trajectory of the vehicle is achieved and propulsion system of the AP is shut down, the vehicle is separated from the AP, the propulsion system of the vehicle is ignited, and the vehicle continues its ascent. The AP returns back to the surface for reuse or disposal. Thus, a wide variety of conventional airfields can be used for launch of ballistic and aero-assisted flight vehicles, without any payload mass penalties.
US08403250B1	Hose reel A hose reel device is disclosed for supporting and transporting a hose. The hose reel device comprises a frame. A support beam extends within the frame. A spool includes a hub interposed between a first flange plate and a second flange plate for winding the hose on the spool. The hub of the spool rotatably engages the support beam for rotating the spool relative to the frame. The hub of the spool and the frame define a perpendicular angle. A wheel rotatably engages the frame for transporting the hose reel device over a surface in an oblique position and pivoting the spool between a horizontal position and a vertical position relative to the surface. The horizontal position defines a first optimal position for winding the hose about the spool. The vertical position defines a second optimal position for propelling a fluid between a holding tank and a storage tank.
US08403248B2	System and method for storage and temporary installation of secondary flooring surface Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of the primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the primary surface. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
US08403242B2	Snow making method and apparatus A system for producing snow incorporates a snow-making machine with ice supplied externally or manufactured on-site. The snow-making machine has one or more multi-bladed impellers fitted blades which impact ice blocks, pieces or tubes fed to the inlet of a snow-making chamber. The impact of the blades with the ice in a velocity range 150-300 Km/h produces artificial snow, with characteristics very similar to natural snow, suitable for ski-fields or other applications for snow. The blades may incorporate serrated or jagged cutter portions the break the latter ice pieces to sizes suitable for conversion to snow.
US08403241B2	Filter case for shower having function of adjusting quantity of outflow of filling material The present invention relates to a filter case for a shower having a function of adjusting a quantity of outflow of a filling material, the filter case including: a cylindrical body having a predetermined length and one end portion opened, for containing a filling material into the interior thereof; and an outflow quantity-adjusting means having a fixing part having one or more communicating holes adapted to communicate with the interior and exterior of the body, the fixing part being fitted to one end portion opened of the body and a rotating part having a discharge hole formed at the inside thereof in such a manner as to be passed through the upper and lower surfaces thereof, the rotating part being screw-coupled to the inner periphery of the fixing part so as to block the communicating holes of the fixing part.
US08403240B2	Rotary waterfall shower The invention discloses a rotary waterfall shower comprising a hollow body, transversely arranged vane wheels, a front cover arranged on the front end of the body in a sealing way and a water division member which is arranged in the body in a sealing way and can cause the vane wheels to rotate, a pinion wheel is fixedly arranged on the front end of the vane wheels in an axial direction and is meshed with output gear wheels distributed in a central symmetry way, and each output gear wheel can drive one rotary water discharge component arranged on the front end of the front cover to rotate horizontally. Water sprinkled out from the water outlet of the rotary waterfall shower can be dynamically rotated to form gainly clusters of spiral waterfall water blooms, and the shower has the effect of gentle massage.
US08403237B2	Articulated water nozzle system The present invention relates to an articulated nozzle system comprising a nozzle cap for directing water exiting the nozzle cap, wherein the water exiting the nozzle cap has an average flow direction away from a nozzle cap base plane. The articulated nozzle system further comprises a nozzle cap driver for orienting the nozzle cap about a central pivot point to adjustably define the average flow direction, wherein the nozzle cap driver is linked to the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap driver can be moved along a plane, referred to as a driver support plane, by a drive module. Changing the location of nozzle cap driver along the driver support plane can change the orientation of the nozzle cap about the central pivot to adjust the average flow direction of the water exiting the nozzle cap.
US08403236B2	Nozzle for use with a tote A nozzle includes a nozzle connector and nozzle filter engaged together. The nozzle connector is engaged with a tote connector of a tote which contains a paint component. A hose connector can be sealingly engaged with the tote connector if they are matched. The hose connector is restricted from being sealingly engaged with the nozzle connector if they do not match. Matching hose and nozzle connectors have the same color to indicate that they match each other.
US08403229B2	Secure card packaging with concealed activation field Improved secure card packaging is provided which includes a concealed region within which an activation data field corresponding with a transaction card is located. The corresponding transaction card may be retainably disposed so that a proprietary account data field thereupon is not readable when the concealed region is selectively accessed. Upon accessing the concealed region, the activation data field may be read to activate the transaction card, e.g. at a point-of-sale location. Locating the activation data field within a concealed region reduces tampering risks. Tampering is further reduced by retained disposition of the transaction card so that the proprietary account data field is not readable prior to a purchase and card activation transaction.
US08403224B2	Apparatus, system and method for tracking drugs during a repackaging and administering process The invention relates to a system and method for tracking drugs during a transfer and administering process to reduce labeling errors that can occur during that process. The system includes a storage container reader that is configured to read a set of one or more storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia positioned on a container containing a drug. The set of one or more storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia identifies the drug. The system further includes an indicia-generating device that is configured to generate a drug-delivery-container-associated indicia identifying the drug based on the storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia. The set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated indicia includes a set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated machine-readable indicia. Optionally the system further includes a drug delivery container reader, wherein the drug delivery container reader is configured to read the set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated machine-readable indicia. Optionally the system further includes a processing unit that generates an output signal corresponding to the drug based on the set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated machine-readable indicia. Optionally the system further includes an output device that outputs a user-comprehensible output identifying the drug based on the output signal from the processing unit.
US08403223B2	Invisible-fluorescent identification tags for materials A taggant composition including a taggant material that is invisible in light of the visible spectrum and fluoresces under a non-visible excitation energy, a binder, and a solvent in which the taggant material and the binder are dissolved. The taggant composition can be printed or otherwise applied to a material such as fabric to provide a detectable and identifiable indicium. A method and apparatus for detecting and decoding the taggant indicium are also provided.
US08403222B2	Method of enabling the downloading of content A method of enabling a mobile device to access content relating to a user-selected portion of a web page, the method comprising: receiving a request for the content; generating an information element representative of the requested content, the information element being arranged to enable the mobile device to access the content; and outputting the information element to the mobile device.
US08403220B2	Optical code detection with image exposure control In an optical code detection system and method, infrared pulses are utilized to detect the presence of an object within the range of an optical imaging device, but the image of an infrared pulse reflected from the object is also analyzed to determine the distance between the object and the imaging device. An illumination pulse is then produced to illuminate the optical code on the object, and the characteristic of that pulse, such as duration, are controlled to provide appropriate exposure for an object at the detected distance.
US08403217B2	Advertising infrastructure supporting cross selling opportunity management A sales system supports sales between a plurality of buyers and a plurality of sellers in a communication network. A sales server has a seller interface used by both a first seller and a second seller respectively via a first seller's computer and a second seller's computer to register availability for sale of a first product and a second product. The sales server, based upon received buyer input from an identified buyer via a buyer computer that includes buyer orders for the first product and the second product dispenses a first sales order to the first seller's computer for the first product and a second sales order to the second seller's computer for the second product. The sales server provides instructions to the first seller's computer for fulfillment of the first sales order and to the second sales computer for the fulfillment of the second sales order.
US08403215B2	Self shopping support by getting contents from electronic shelf labels To support a shopper to perform self-service shopping by using an electronic shelf label (ESL) while looking at actual items displayed in a store and to expand the functions of the electronic shelf label (ESL) to enable the linkage with other data processing systems expansively. A shopper uses a mobile processing device (typically, a cell phone owned by the shopper) in a store. The functions necessary to obtain contents from the electronic shelf label (ESL) are obtained by introducing an application program into the shopper's own cell phone, by which it is expected that the shopper is able to easily enjoy shopping. When photographing the electronic shelf label (ESL), the contents associated with items are encoded (the price display automatically changes to a barcode) and then decoded.
US08403212B2	Method for attaching an information card to an item packaged in a blister, an information card and a system using the information card An information card for attaching to a blister holding an item such as a pharmaceutical dose comprises a rim area around an opening in the information card for attaching the information card to the blister, the opening allowing the information card to be positioned around the item. This allows additional information to be added to the blister while leaving the protective blister intact.
US08403208B2	Apparatus and method for a privacy shield in keypad input devices at financial transaction terminals An input device for inputting personal information has a keypad for selectively inputting personal information and a privacy shield that is positioned adjacent to and extends away from near the keypad, the privacy shield inhibiting someone from viewing personal information entered into the keypad. The input device is part of a sales transaction terminal. The input device is part of an automated teller machine.
US08403207B2	Transaction recordal method A method of recording a transaction relating to a security document is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on the security document, with each coded data portion encoding an identity of the security document and part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. A sensing device senses at least one coded data portion. From the coded data portion sensed by the sensing device a determined identity and a determined signature part are determined. The security document is authenticated using the determined identity and the determined signature part. Transaction data associated with the security document, stored in a data store, is updated upon successful authentication.
US08403205B1	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records Automated banking machines (10) operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. Each of the automated banking machines includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. Transactions are authorized responsive at least in part to correspondence between card data and stored data corresponding to authorized users. Entities responsible for operating the automated banking machines may receive messages that include information or update code items for software or firmware usable in the banking machines for which they have operational responsibility.
US08403203B2	Component bonding using a capillary effect A method of attaching a component to a substrate, including providing a component guide attached to a substrate, the component guide having a cavity substantially conforming to contours of a portion of a component, attaching a first solder pad to the component, inserting the component into the guide cavity, providing a second solder pad, offset from the first solder pad and near the cavity, and inserting the component, the component guide and the substrate into an oven heating the solder pads, wherein the component is drawn further into the guide cavity by a capillary effect of the heated solder pads.

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