最新美国发明专利第2013-07-16期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08486498B2	Thermally decomposable polymer coated metal powders The present invention relates to polymer coated metal powders, such as metal powders used in the formation of solder alloys and pastes. The metal powders are coated with curable compositions of cyanoacrylates. The present invention relates to polymer coated metal powders, such as metal powders used in the formation of solder alloys and pastes. The metal powders are coated with curable compositions of cyanoacrylates, and once cured the coating on the metal powder is a cyanoacrylate polymer.
US08486495B2	Siloxane removal via silicate formation for lifetime extension of photocatalytic devices A method of forming a photocatalyst device includes depositing a layer of UV photocatalyst and depositing islands of a sequestering agent on a surface of the layer of the UV photocatalyst.
US08486494B2	Organic/inorganic composite coating film, structural color film using the same, and preparation methods thereof An organic/inorganic composite coating film comprising an inorganic material as a matrix and an organic material combined therewith. The coating film has a regular hollow structure therein, and the coating film surface has a rugged pattern with semispherical protrusions. Also provided is a large-area structural color film obtained by burning the composite coating film. The organic/inorganic composite coating film is obtained by applying an aqueous coating composition comprising a metal alkoxide, an aqueous dispersion of monodisperse polymer particles, and an acid catalyst to a substrate and curing the coating composition. Burning the organic/inorganic composite coating film gives the structural color film.
US08486492B2	Complex oxide film and method for producing same, composite body and method for producing same, dielectric material, piezoelectric material, capacitor, piezoelectric element and electronic device The invention aims at providing a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and a high voltage resistance, whose film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof, a dielectric or piezoelectric material comprising the complex oxide film or composite body, a capacitor or piezoelectric element comprising the complex oxide film advantageous to improve voltage resistance, and an electronic device equipped with the same, without involving any complicated or large scale equipment. The complex oxide film can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing a titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing strontium ion to react with the metal oxide film. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.
US08486490B2	Method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object In a method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object, a powder layer is formed by feeding a powdery material to a substrate and a solidified layer is formed by irradiating a light beam on a specified portion of the powder layer to sinter or melt the specified portion of the powder layer. A three-dimensionally shaped object having a plurality of solidified layers laminated one above another is obtained by repeating the powder layer formation and the solidified layer formation. In the method, a stress is preliminarily applied to the substrate to reduce the amount of deformation of the substrate after production of the shaped object prior to the powder layer forming step.
US08486489B2	Methods for aligning polymer films and related structures Methods and a structure. The method includes applying a solution including two or more immiscible polymers to a substructure including features having at least one sidewall and a bottom surface. The immiscible polymers include a first polymer and a second polymer. The at least one sidewall includes a material. A selective chemical affinity of the first polymer for the material is greater than a selective chemical affinity of the second polymer for the material. The first polymer is segregated from the second polymer. The first polymer selectively migrates to the at least one sidewall, resulting in the first polymer being disposed between the at least one sidewall and the second polymer. One or more immiscible polymers is selectively removed. At least one immiscible polymer remains, resulting in forming structures including the substructure and the immiscible polymer remaining. Two additional methods and a structure are also included.
US08486484B2	Implant comprising a biotoxic coating and method for the production thereof Disclosed is a method for producing an implant coating that has a defined toxicity. The method is characterized by the following steps: i. a sol is produced from a biotoxic solution containing precious metal ions and a precursor solution for a titanium oxide; ii. an implant is coated by applying the sol in a sol-gel process; iii. the coating is pyrolyzed and sintered without admitting any light, the precious metal ion concentration in the dried coating ranging from 10 to 60 percent relative to the total weight of the dried coating; and iv. at least subareas of the coating produced without admitting any light are illuminated in order to reduce the toxicity of the dried coating to a predetermined measure.
US08486483B2	Deposition of discrete nanoparticles on an implant surface A method of forming a nanocrystalline surface on an implant. The method includes the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to form a roughened surface. The method further includes the act of, without forming an alkoxide on the roughened surface, depositing nanocrystals on the roughened surface. The nanocrystals include a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.
US08486474B2	Compositions and processes for improving carbonatation clarification of sugar liquors and syrups This invention relates to compositions and processes for improving the carbonatation clarification of sugar liquors and syrups. The improved processes involve adding compositions to a sugar liquor directly in the carbonated liquor holding tank (after the final carbonatation saturator), upstream of the carbonated liquor holding tank but downstream of the final stage Carbonatation saturator, before filtration of the carbonated liquor, or at any stage in the sugar purification process. The compositions provided in this invention are mixed intimately into the sugar liquors or syrups, and allowed sufficient time to react to impart an improvement in the clarified liquor obtained therefrom. Compositions can include combinations of one or more of a particulate sulfur reagent, particulate phosphorous reagent, particulate aluminum reagent, silica reagent, particulate carbonaceous reagent, particulate filter aid, a polymer decolorant, and particulate ammonium reagent.
US08486472B2	Antimicrobial salt solutions for food safety applications Antimicrobial formulations and solutions for food safety and quality applications are disclosed. Because some of these formulations and solutions contain a substantial concentration of salt, they are adaptable to a variety of food-processing applications, such as for chilling brine applications, disinfecting meat baths/rinses, beef injection brines, poultry chill tanks, brines used in cheese manufacture, as a wash to kill salmonella and other bacteria on hard-boiled eggs or egg shells, and as a wash to disinfect produce, which can become contaminated with salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria in the field. These uses of concentrated salt solutions that depress the freezing point of the solution provide a low temperature bath or shower in which food products can be cooled. One embodiment comprises between 25 ppm and 100,000 ppm surfactant and between 72% and 99.99% salt. This blend can then be dissolved in water to make a solution of between about 1% total solids by weight up to the saturation point, which can be used as an antimicrobial solution for food safety applications.
US08486471B2	Snack/convenience foods and the like having external and/or internal coating compositions The disclosure describes new forms of chip-type and other fried or baked snack-type and/or convenience food items, including sweet goods such as cookies, doughnuts, etc., which are externally coated with or which directly incorporate into their dough matrix certain starch-based compositions. Methods of using the compositions to make the food products, and the finished food products themselves are described. As external coatings, the compositions significantly increase the crispness and tensile strength of the food item after it is cooked with the coating in place, and so change the organoleptic qualities as to provide a new form of the underlying food product. On sweet goods, the coating also provides a surface barrier that stabilizes sugar icing on the outside of the product, preventing it from becoming tacky, moist, or wet, while simultaneously reducing moisture loss from the dough, adding crispness at the surface and greatly retarding staling.
US08486465B1	Therapeutic nerium oleander extract compositions and methods of using The compositions and methods described herein relate generally to therapeutic compositions containing Nerium species extracts, as well as to methods for treating diseases or disorders by administering the compositions, including compositions having a combination of Nerium species extract and glutathione. It further includes pharmaceutical compositions containing a combination of glutathione and a Nerium species extract. The compositions and methods disclosed may be useful for treating a variety of diseases or disorders including one or more cell-proliferative diseases or disorders, infections, and dementias.
US08486461B2	Methods for improving the appearance of aging skin using a composition comprising banyan tree, lotus, and clover serum fractions A method of improving the appearance of aging skin may comprise the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of banyan tree serum fraction, lotus serum fraction, and clover serum fraction to a sign of aging on a skin surface, wherein the composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to improve the appearance of the aging skin. The method may include the step of identifying a sign of aging on a facial skin surface.
US08486458B2	Methods and compositions for extracting flavor and fragrance compounds and solubilizing essential oils Provided are methods for extracting flavor and fragrance materials from natural plant materials, using poly(trimethylene ether) glycol homopolymers and copolymers. The poly(trimethylene ether) glycol homopolymers and copolymers act as solubilizers for essential oils, and can be used to provide compositions having a variety of uses in applications such as cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial cleaning products.
US08486456B2	Itraconazole compositions with improved bioavailability A solid dispersion product comprising itraconazole and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which satisfies the Formula 0.35>ΔHtr (1) (wherein ΔHtr represents the endotherm (J/g) accompanying a transition at about 240° C). The solid dispersion product shows an improved bioavailability.
US08486452B2	Stabilized tolterodine tartrate formulations A pharmaceutical composition contains tolterodine L-tartrate stabilized against degradation with an acid. Acid-stabilized tolterodine L-tartrate may be used to make various types of immediate release and controlled release dosage forms.
US08486451B2	Adsorption and release of nitric oxide in metal organic frameworks Disclosed are metal organic frameworks that adsorb nitric oxide, NO-loaded metal organic frameworks, methods of preparing the NO-loaded metal organic frameworks, methods of releasing the nitric oxide into a solution or into air, and uses of the metal organic frameworks.
US08486450B2	Method of producing solid preparation disintegrating in the oral cavity It is intended to provide a method of producing a solid preparation disintegrating in the oral cavity characterized by comprising mixing fine subtilaes containing a medicinal ingredient with an additive containing δ-mannitol and tableting the mixture; and a solid preparation disintegrating in the oral cavity produced thereby. This solid preparation disintegrating in the oral cavity has such a strength (hardness) as suffering from no defect even under stresses in transporting, packaging with the use of an automated packaging machine, taking out from a PTP and soon.
US08486449B2	Misuse preventative, controlled release formulation Disclosed is a misuse preventative, controlled release composition in the form of a multilayered oral dosage form. A first layer contains a plurality of controlled release microparticles having a pharmaceutically active agent (for example, an opioid analgesic) disposed therein. The second layer, which can be adjacent the first layer comprises a pharmaceutically active agent that can be the same or different from the pharmaceutically active agent in the microparticles in the first layer. The composition further comprises a superabsorbent material (for example, polycarbophil) disposed within the first layer, the second layer, or both the first layer and the second layer. When intact, the pharmaceutically active agent is released from the second layer faster than the pharmaceutically active agent in the first layer. When crushed, either intentionally or accidentally, and exposed to an aqueous medium, the superabsorbent material present swells to encapsulate the microparticles, which remain substantially intact thereby retarding the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the composition. Also disclosed is a method of using the misuse preventative, controlled release composition to deliver at least one pharmaceutically active agent to a mammal, for example, a human, in need thereof.
US08486448B2	Misuse preventative, controlled release formulation Disclosed is a misuse preventative, controlled release formulation comprising a core comprising a superabsorbent material (for example, polycarbophil), a controlled release coat surrounding the core, and a plurality of controlled release microparticles having a pharmaceutically active agent (for example, an opioid analgesic) disposed within the core, the coat, or both the core and the coat. When crushed, either intentionally or accidentally, and exposed to an aqueous medium, the superabsorbent material present in the core swells to encapsulate the microparticles, which remain substantially intact thereby retarding the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the formulation. Also disclosed is a method of using the misuse preventative, controlled release formulation to deliver a pharmaceutically active agent to a mammal, for example, a human, in need thereof.
US08486447B2	Pharmaceutical formulation The present invention provides processes for making and forms of solid dispersions of pharmaceutical active ingredients.
US08486440B2	Drug delivery system Currently, no efficient, non-invasive methods exist for delivering drugs and/or other therapeutic agents to the interior of the eye to treat or prevent disease or injury. The present invention relates to a novel method that is suitable for the delivery of any therapeutic agent (suitably modified) to the interior of the eye without the need for the penetration of a needle into the eyeball. In a preferred embodiment, it involves an injection into a peripheral vein (or oral administration, or administration by some other eternal or parenteral route) of a solution of inert drug which is trapped in the eye by a magnetic field and activated by radiation once it is in position, so that the active agent is released only where it is needed and can have its therapeutic effect without affecting other tissues or organs. The inert drug may be composed of a biologically compatible magnetic nanoparticle chemically bound to a specially inactivated (caged) form of the drug to be delivered and to a luminescent marker.
US08486439B2	Parenteral formulation The present invention relates to a kinetic implant comprising(a) biodegradable material comprising opened starch, destructurized starch or a mixture of opened starch and destructurized starch, (b) a biologically or pharmaceutically active substance; and (c) a stabilizing component stabilizing the biologically or pharmaceutically active substance. The biodegradable material comprises about 50 to about 100 wt. % of opened starch, destructurized starch or a mixture of opened starch, based on the total weight of the biodegradable material, the biodegradable material having a bulk density of 1.0 to 1.5 kg/dm3. The kinetic implant has a length :diameter ratio of more than 4, provided that the length of the kinetic implant is between 1 mm to 50 mm. The kinetic implant has a weight such that it can be provided with an amount of kinetic energy in the range of 0.1 to 10 J.
US08486435B2	Core-sheath implant device having an inner core lobe The core-sheath implant device allows for a bioactive agent release profile that can be tailored to a particular therapy. The device features one or more lobes extending from an inner core at least partially through the outer sheath. Depending on the particular design of such an implant device, a variety of release profiles can be achieved.
US08486434B2	Medical implant containing an antioxidative substance One embodiment of the invention concerns a medical implant having a basic body that includes the antioxidative substance squalene incorporated into at least one of the basic body and a coating on at least a portion of the basic body, the incorporated squalene being present in quantities of 0.4 μg to 2000 μg.
US08486433B2	Antibacterial deodorant Present invention provides an antibacterial deodorant with antibacterial characteristics and high deodorizing capability. The antibacterial deodorant is inorganic oxide particles comprising a metal component and an inorganic oxide other than the metal component, the inorganic oxide includes titanium oxide and silica and/or zirconia, and the titanium oxide is crystalline titanium oxide. A content of the metal component in the inorganic oxide particles is in a range from 0.1 to 30% by weight as converted to an oxide thereof, and an average particle diameter of the inorganic oxide particle is in a range from 2 to 500 nm.
US08486431B2	Method of controlling floating virus infection A method of controlling floating virus infection. The method includes the step of: supplying chlorine dioxide gas into a space where floating virus can be present by a gas concentration which allows the animal to live or stay, but deactivates the virus.
US08486418B2	Recombinant avian paramyxovirus vaccine and method for making and using thereof The present invention encompasses engineered APMV compositions or vaccines. The vaccine or composition may be a recombinant APMV composition or vaccine. The present invention encompasses methods for modifying the genome of APMV to produce recombinant APMV; modified APMV prepared by such methods; DNA and protein sequences; and methods for infecting cells and host animals with such recombinant APMV.
US08486417B2	Recombinant bicistronic Flavivirus vectors This invention relates to bicistronic flavivirus vectors, methods of using such vectors in the prevention and treatment of disease, and methods of making such vectors.
US08486413B2	Immunological compositions as cancer therapeutics The present invention concerns antibodies that react immunologically with an epitope comprising VDKSRWQQG (SEQ ID NO: 1), including those that bind to cancer cells, and methods relating thereto. In particular, the antibodies that react immunologically with a particular epitope found in anti-tumor antigen antibodies are not only indicative of favorable therapy using the anti-tumor antigen antibodies, but are therapeutic in and of themselves.
US08486411B2	Methods for identifying an epitope of a polypeptide, chlamydial antigenic polypeptides identified thereby, and methods of use thereof The present invention provides a method of classifying an epitope displayed by a polypeptide; a method of determining the presence of an epitope on a polypeptide encoded by a test nucleotide sequence; and a method of generating a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide that exhibits a selected epitope. The present invention provides antigenic polypeptides that display selected epitope(s); chimeric macromolecules comprising such polypeptides; and compositions comprising the antigenic polypeptides or chimeric macromolecules. The present invention further provides methods of inducing an immune response to a Chlamydia. The present invention further provides arrays of nucleic acids, arrays of polypeptides, and arrays of antibodies, which arrays are useful in identification and/or classification of a Chlamydia.
US08486407B2	Methods for the treatment or prevention of systemic sclerosis The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular in the field of the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, more in particular systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. The invention is based on the observation that SSC patients have an elevated plasma level of CXCL4. This was found to contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc, in particular fibrosis. When CXCL4 was neutralized in in vitro experiments, the fibrotic effects could be neutralized. This led us to conclude that SSc may be cured by reducing the plasma level of CXCL4. The invention therefore relates to a method for treatment or prevention of fibrosis in patients with scleroderma, wherein the plasma level of CXCL4 is reduced.
US08486405B2	Method for diagnosing and treating emphysema The present invention provides methods for diagnosing a patient with emphysema or COPD by detecting the levels of EMAP II in a sample. Alternatively, methods are provided for determining the susceptibility of a patient to develop emphysema or COPD by detecting the levels of EMAP II in a sample. The levels of EMAP II may be determined by immunoassay techniques. The present invention also provides methods for treating patients with emphysema or COPD by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an EMAP II neutralizing compound. The compound may be an antibody, siRNA, antisense RNA or an antagonist of CXCR3.
US08486404B2	Antibody specifically binding to angiopoietin-2 and use thereof An antibody specifically binding to angiopoietin-2, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, and a use thereof are disclosed.
US08486402B2	Anti-CD98 antibody A human antibody or a functional fragment thereof having specific binding ability to CD98 which is derived from the cell membrane of cancer cells and is in the form of a complex with a protein having an amino acid transporter activity (for example, LAT1) is disclosed. This antibody binds to CD98 in the form of a dimer with LAT1 on the surface of cancer cells, specifically attacks cancer cells expressing CD98 via the immune system by ADCC or CDC, and further inhibits amino acid uptake of the cancer cells via LAT1, to suppress growth of the cancer cells. Accordingly, a preventive and therapeutic agent for cancer comprising this antibody or a fragment thereof, which acts on various cancers, is specific to cancer, and causes no side effect, is provided.
US08486400B2	Methods of inhibiting unwanted cell proliferation using an antibody that binds to sonic hedgehog and inhibits hedgehog signaling The present application is directed to compositions and methods for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating or preventing unwanted cell proliferation, including tumors, by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, e.g., with an antagonist of the hedgehog pathway such as those disclosed herein.
US08486398B2	Anticoagulant antidotes comprising antibodies that bind dabigatran and/or related compounds The present invention relates to antibody molecules against anticoagulants, in particular dabigatran, and their use as antidotes of such anticoagulants.
US08486396B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating an inflammation A method of reducing an inflammatory response in a subject is provided. The method comprising providing to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of reducing activity and/or expression of a scavenger receptor or of an effector thereof, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the subject.
US08486394B2	Generation and Profiling of fully human hucal gold-derived therapeutic antibodies specific for human CD38 The present invention provides novel antibodies and functional fragments thereof specific for CD38, and methods of using the same for the treatment of diseases associated with CD38 expression, including hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma.
US08486393B2	Monoclonal antibodies for CSPG4 for the diagnosis and treatment of basal breast carcinoma It is disclosed herein that condroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), also known as high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen, is overexpressed on basal breast carcinoma cells (BBC), specifically triple negative basal breast carcinoma cells (TNBC). Methods for detecting basal breast cancer in a subject are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for inhibiting the growth of a basal breast cancer cell. These methods include contacting the basal breast cancer cell with an effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds CSPG4. Additional treatment methods, and the use of antibody panels, are also described herein.
US08486389B2	Compositions and methods for treating or preventing oxalate-related disease The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, animals and plants. For example, the invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of one ore more oxalate-reducing enzymes to the intestinal tracts of persons and animals. The methods and compositions can be used in treating and preventing oxalate-related conditions.
US08486383B2	Method of treating pulmonary disease with interferons A method of treating a pulmonary disease such as, for instance idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mixed connective tissue disease and asthma, comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon γ in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are provided.
US08486379B2	Lip cosmetics The present invention provides a lip cosmetic that has excellent secondary adhesion resistance effect, good gloss, and excellent stability. The lip cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following components (a) to (c): (a) 4.5 to 35 mass % of isostearyl glyceryl ether; (b) 20 to 80 mass % of one or more kinds of methyl phenyl silicones that do not separate when mixed with (a) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane at 90° C. and separate when mixed with (a) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane at 25° C.; (c) 4 to 10 mass % of a wax.
US08486378B1	Human fingernail strengthening and conditioning methods and compositions utilizing natural oils A Natural oils composition for hardening and strengthening fingernails and toenails in which the natural oils contained therein exhibit ability to self polymerize into a solid film in the presence of oxygen. Oils of this invention are diluted with compatible solvents allowing penetration into the nail. Oils of this invention exhibit an Iodine Value greater than 140 grams of iodine absorbed per 100 grams of oil as measured under the prescribed conditions of a standard method described forthwith. Fingernail strengthening and conditioning compositions with antifungal properties are also disclosed.
US08486374B2	Hydrophilic, non-aqueous pharmaceutical carriers and compositions and uses A waterless composition suitable for delivery of an active agent to a body surface or cavity includes a vehicle having about 70% to about 99% by weight of a hydrophilic polar solvent, said hydrophilic solvent selected from the group consisting of (i) a mixture of two or more different polyethylene glycols (PEGs), wherein at least one PEG is a high molecular weight PEG having a melting point greater than 25° C.; and (ii) propylene glycol (PG); about 0% to about 10% of at least one surface active agent; about 0% to about 5% of a polymeric agent; about 0% to about 30% of a secondary hydrophilic solvent; and about 0% to about 5% of a silicone oil; and about 3% to about 25% hydrophobic propellant. The composition is otherwise substantially free of a hydrophobic solvent and includes at least one of a surface active agent and a polymeric agent. The vehicle and the propellant are sufficiently miscible that the components may be homogeneously distributed with mild shaking.
US08486373B2	Intramolecularly-quenched near infrared fluorescent probes An intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or both. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging.
US08486368B2	Hydrocarbon-decomposing porous catalyst body and process for producing the same, process for producing hydrogen-containing mixed reformed gas from hydrocarbons, and fuel cell system A process for producing the porous catalyst body for decomposing hydrocarbons, the body containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and has a pore volume of 0.01 to 0.5 cm3/g, an average pore diameter of not more than 300 Å and an average crushing strength of not less than 3 kgf. The process includes molding hydrotalcite containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and calcining the resulting molded product at a temperature of 700 to 1500° C.
US08486365B2	Process of conversion of hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur on solid oxide catalysts To minimize the inhibitory effect of sulfur on the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide with oxygen in a gas stream on the solid catalysts, first, the elemental sulfur content in the gas stream is reduced to less than 3.0 mg/l, preferably 0.3 mg/l, and second, the temperature in the oxidation reactor is maintained so that the relative vapor pressure of sulfur in it remains less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.1. The removal of sulfur from the gas stream by washing it with water or aqueous solution decreases the ignition temperature of the process to 155-160° C. Because of this the initial concentration of H2S might be elevate up to about 2% for a regular adiabatic reactor and to 10% by volume for a reactor with a heat-redistributing system.
US08486364B2	Production of graphenic carbon particles utilizing methane precursor material A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a methane precursor material into a thermal zone, heating the methane precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the methane precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.
US08486361B2	System and method for generating a carbon dioxide stream A flue gas stream processing system includes a fuel reactor for combusting a fuel to generate a flue gas stream including water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The system includes an oxidation catalyst downstream of the fuel reactor, the oxidation catalyst configured to receive the flue gas stream and oxidize the carbon monoxide to form a carbon dioxide rich flue gas stream, and a processing unit to liquefy carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide rich flue gas stream and generate an exhaust gas.
US08486360B2	GeCl4 and/or SiCl4 recovery process from optical fibers or glassy residues and process for producing SiCl4 from SiO2 rich materials A method is provided for producing GeCl4 with or without SiCl4 from optical fibers, the method comprises the steps of: reacting comminuted optical fibers including germanium and optionally silicon oxides with a reagent including a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, chlorine and a boron compound to obtain a gaseous product including gaseous GeCl4, gaseous SiCl4, and gaseous BCl3 in accordance with the reactions: 2BCl3(g)+1.5GeO2=1.5GeCl4(g)+B2O3; 2BCl3(g)+1.5SiO2=1.5SiCl4(g)+B2O; B2O3+1.5C+3Cl2=2BCl3(g)+1.5CO2; and then condensing the gaseous GeCl4, BCl3 and optionally SiCl4 into liquid GeCl4, BCl3 and optionally SiCl4. The invention further provides a method for producing SiCl4 (and optionally GeCl4) from glassy residues obtained from optical fiber manufacturing and wasted optical cables. The method includes the steps of: reacting comminuted glassy residues with a reagent including a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, a salt, a boron compound to obtain a gaseous product including SiCl4, BCl3, and optionally GeCl4; and then condensing the gaseous SiCl4, BCl3 (with or without GeCl4) into liquid SiCl4, BCl3 and GeCl4. There is also provided a method for producing SiCl4 from a SiO2 containing material.
US08486356B2	Alkanolamines for CO2 removal from gas streams A process for the capture of CO2 from gas streams comprising contacting a CO2 containing gas stream with an aqueous alkanolamine solution, wherein the alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of: 3-piperidinemethanol, Tricine, 3-quinuclidinol, 3-piperidino-1,2-propanediol and their salts.
US08486355B2	Method for leaching cobalt from oxidised cobalt ores A method for leaching cobalt from a non-lateritic oxidized cobalt ore, the method comprising the method steps of: curing the non-lateritic oxidized cobalt ore to be leached through the application of an aqueous solution of a cobalt reducing agent selected from the group: iron (II) salts, sulfite salts, sulfur dioxide, and combinations thereof; at a pressure of between about atmospheric pressure and about 5 atmospheres, at a temperature between about 5° C. and about 65° C.; wherein the pH of the aqueous solution of the cobalt reducing agent is between about 1.0 and 10.0; and wherein the relative volumes of the aqueous solution of the cobalt reducing agent and the non-lateritic oxidized cobalt ore to be leached are such that the combination of the aqueous solution of the cobalt reducing agent and the non-lateritic oxidized cobalt ore to be leached forms a mixture with a solids content not less than about 100 g/L of aqueous solution; substantially retaining the aqueous solution of the cobalt reducing agent in contact with the non-lateritic oxidized cobalt; and leaching the cured ore at a pressure of between about atmospheric pressure and about 5 atmospheres, at a temperature between about 5° C. and about 65° C., through the application of an ammonium carbonate solution containing free ammonia thereby producing a pregnant leach solution; then passing the pregnant leach solution resulting to a means for cobalt recovery.
US08486351B2	Apparatus for embedding tissue samples A histology tissue embedding apparatus including a reservoir for an embedding medium and an outlet valve connected to the reservoir through which the embedding medium is dispensable, and including trigger means which control the operation of the outlet valve, the trigger means having a rest position in which the outlet valve is closed, wherein the rest position of the trigger means in relation to the outlet valve is adjustable.
US08486349B2	Microfluidic flow assay for measuring hemostatic phenotypes A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.
US08486343B2	Apparatus for producing silicon A structure for mounting a novel reaction tube is capable of following up the thermal expansion of the reaction tube without the need of hanging down the reaction tube in the apparatus for producing silicon. In a reaction unit in a reaction vessel body of the apparatus for producing silicon, there are provided a gas feed pipe for feeding chlorosilanes and hydrogen, a reaction tube for precipitating silicon, a high-frequency coil arranged on the outer circumferential side of the reaction tube to melt the precipitated silicon, a heat insulating material provided between the reaction tube and the high-frequency coil, and an intermediate wall provided at the lower portion of the reaction unit to support the heat insulating material. The reaction tube is supported on the upper surface of the intermediate wall.
US08486337B2	Device for analyzing the coagulation or aggregation behavior of blood A device is provided for analyzing the coagulation and/or behavior of blood. The blood flows through an opening (9) that is disposed in a porous part (5) while a substance which influences blood aggregation can be delivered to the blood. A preliminary diffuser chamber (3) from which blood flows to the opening (9) is mounted upstream of the opening (9), and/or a secondary diffuser chamber (4) into which blood flows from the opening (9) is mounted downstream of the opening (9). The substance is arranged on the wall of the preliminary diffuser chamber (3) and/or the secondary diffuser chamber (4) in the form of a coating (8).
US08486335B2	In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.
US08486332B1	Methods and apparatuses for the disinfection of devices and other areas A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) (applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object. The present invention includes the application of a positive or negative air/gas pressure to the internal space, lumens, ducts, or channels, of an object.
US08486330B2	Zr-Ti-Ni (Cu) based brazing filler alloy compositions with lower melting point for the brazing of titanium alloys Disclosed is Zr—Ti—Ni(Cu)-based filler alloy composition having low melting point for brazing titanium and titanium alloys. The Zr—Ti—Ni(Cu)-based alloy composition is expressed as: ZraTibNic (Formula 1) where a, b and c denote atomic % of Zr, Ti and Ni, respectively; 47≦a≦52; 24≦b≦30; 22≦c≦26; and 0.3
US08486327B2	Sealing plug for tiltable converters A sealing plug 1, consisting of fireproof material 10 located between the upper shaping plate 19 and the lower shaping plate 20, is used to seal the tap hole 3 of a tiltable converter 2. Said fireproof material 10 consists of bonding clay, water, oil and other constituents, particularly of 10-30% by weight hollow glass balls made of “foam glass” produced from recovered glass which have a rough surface suitable for binding large volumes of moisture. The sealing plug 1 thus retains the necessary stability even over longer periods and can thus be shaped in the tap hole 3 so that it is arrested against the wall 28, even after longer periods of storage. The hollow glass balls 11, 12, 13, 14 also entail a significant reduction in the weight of the entire sealing plug 1.
US08486325B2	Parison and method for the production of plastic bottles A parison is described, as also is a method for the production of plastics bottles, in particular PET bottles, this having a rigid, substantially elongate body (2), which has a base (5) at one of its ends. At its opposite end, the body (2) of the parison (1) adjoins a neck section (3) which has been provided with a pouring aperture (6) and which is separated from the body (2) via a radially protruding, flange-like support ring (4), and which has a parison shoulder (A) below the support ring (4). The parison (1) has an external diameter of from 17.4 mm to 21.4 mm measured at the transition of the body (2) to the base (5), its wall thickness at that point being from 3.4 mm to 4.4 mm. The parison (1) also has a wall thickness of from 1.4 mm to 2.2 mm at the parison shoulder (A). The external diameter of the parison shoulder (A) has been judged in such a way that its separation (d) from the blow molding wall (12) is from 1.2 mm to 3 mm when the parison (1) is inserted into the blow mold (10).
US08486321B2	Print through reduction in long fiber reinforced composites by addition of carbon nanotubes Polymer articles are often reinforced by addition of fibers which may be assembled into a structured reinforcement such as a woven mat or sheet and the mat or sheet serves as the reinforcement. Such woven fiber-reinforced polymer composite articles may exhibit undesirable variations in surface height which mimic the geometry of the underlying reinforcements, a phenomenon known as print through. By forming, on the surface of the article, a relatively thin, layer of a compatible polymer incorporating closely-spaced, short, carbon nanotubes more or less uniformly dispersed throughout the layer and oriented normal to the article surface, print through may be reduced or eliminated. Methods for fabricating such an article are detailed.
US08486314B1	Method of internally restoring a leaking pipe A method of internally restoring a pipe preferably includes the steps of isolating a leaking pipe from a system of pipes; drying an interior of a leaking pipe; measuring the airflow through the leak; cleaning the interior of the leaking pipe; pre-sealing a leak with a leak sealing media, measuring the leak flow rate after the pre-sealing; applying an internal protective coating process; and pressure testing the leaking pipe for leaks. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a control box, a media injection system, an air compressor and a coating dispensing system at an inlet of the leaking pipe. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a coating overflow receiver, a muffler and a dust collector at an exit of the leaking pipe. After the treatments, the leaking pipe becomes a restored pipe. The restored pipe is pressure tested for leaks at a working pressure rating of the pipe and reconnected to its piping system.
US08486313B2	Flame retarding thermoplastic alloy and its preparation method The present invention discloses a thermoplastic flame-retardant alloy and a method for preparing it, composed of the following components as below (parts by weight): 5-94 parts of ABS resin, 3-94 parts of polyester or co-polyester or the mixture of both, 1-50 parts of brominated flame retardant, 1-10 parts of flame-retardant aid, 0.001-30 parts of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), 0.001-2 parts of anti-dripping agent and 0.1-6 parts of processing aid. Comparing with the ABS flame retardant presenting the prior art, the thermoplastic flame-retardant alloy features better glossiness, scratch resistance, stronger ultraviolet radiation resistance and better mechanical property, thus making up for the disadvantage that the flame-retardant ABS is prone to become yellow on some occasions with high weatherability requirements. Furthermore, the preparation method of the thermoplastic flame-retardant alloy for the present invention is successive, stable and feasible.
US08486311B1	Eyewear including catechol functionalized boron pyrromethene dye for neutralizing laser threat The embodiments described herein generally relate to compositions and articles including dye compounds having desirable optical properties, and related methods. In some cases, the compositions and articles may possess advantageous optical properties, including various degrees of absorbance, emission, and/or transmission at particular wavelengths or ranges of wavelength. Embodiments described herein may be useful as optical filters in protective eyewear applications.
US08486306B2	Nickel ink and conductor film formed of nickel ink A nickel ink having nickel particles dispersed in a dispersion medium is disclosed. The dispersion medium comprises one member or a combination of two or more members selected from the group consisting of an alcohol and a glycol both having a boiling point of 300° C. or lower at atmospheric pressure. The nickel particles have an average primary particle size of 50 nm or smaller. The nickel ink provides a conductor film with a surface smoothness having an average surface roughness Ra of 10 nm or smaller and a maximum surface roughness Rmax of 200 nm or smaller.
US08486304B2	Gelable composition A composition including a polymer and a liquid, wherein the polymer exhibits lower solubility in the liquid at room temperature but exhibits greater solubility in the liquid at an elevated temperature, wherein the composition gels when the elevated temperature is lowered to a first lower temperature without agitation, wherein the viscosity of the composition results from a process comprising (a) dissolving at the elevated temperature at least a portion of the polymer in the liquid; (b) lowering the temperature of the composition from the elevated temperature to the first lower temperature; and (c) agitating the composition to disrupt any gelling, wherein the agitating commences at any time prior to, simultaneous with, or subsequent to the lowering the elevated temperature of the composition to the first lower temperature, wherein the amount of the polymer dissolved in the liquid at the elevated temperature ranges from about 0.2% to about 5% based on the total weight of the polymer and the liquid.
US08486290B2	Etching apparatus, analysis apparatus, etching treatment method, and etching treatment program There is provided an etching apparatus in which, without setting the information of the substance and the chemical reaction, a small number of representative wavelengths can be selected from a waveform at a lot of wavelengths, and an analysis process of etching data which needs large man-hours can be eliminated to efficiently set the monitoring of the etching. The etching apparatus includes: a lot/wafer/step-depending OES-data searching/acquiring function 511 for acquiring a plurality of optical emission intensity waveforms along an etching-treatment time axis; a waveform-change-existence judgment function 521 for judging the existence of the change of the plurality of light emission intensity waveforms; a waveform-correlation-matrix calculating function 522 for calculating a correlation matrix between the optical emission intensity waveforms; a waveform classifying function 523 for classifying the optical emission intensity waveforms into groups; and a representative-waveform selecting function 524 for selecting a representative optical emission intensity waveform from the group.
US08486289B2	System, method and apparatus for fabricating a C-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications A method of fabricating a c-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications in hard disk drives is disclosed. A c-aperture or E-antenna is built for recording head applications. The technique employs e-beam lithography, partial reactive ion etching and metal refill to build the c-apertures. This process strategy has the advantage over other techniques in the self-alignment of the c-aperture notch to the c-aperture internal diameter, the small number of process steps required, and the precise and consistent shape of the c-aperture notch itself.
US08486272B2	Method and device for maintaining a constant pH value of a medical liquid during the dispensing thereof from a container A method for keeping constant a pH of a medical liquid being drained from a container includes adding CO2 and at least one other gas or gas mixture to the container during the draining of the medical liquid. An apparatus associated with the method has an outflow for the medical liquid, at least one inflow for the CO2 and an inflow for the other gas or gas mixture, and an electronic control for the determination and automatic supply of a quantity of the CO2 during the draining of the medical liquid.
US08486270B2	Method of increasing the efficiency in an ore separation process by means of hydrophobic magnetic particles by targeted input of mechanical energy The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the following steps (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one magnetic particle in the presence of at least one dispersion medium so that the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle agglomerate, (B) if appropriate, addition of further dispersion medium to the dispersion obtained in step (A), (C) separation of the agglomerate from step (A) or (B) from the mixture by application of a magnetic field, (D) and dissociation of the agglomerate separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle separately, with an energy input of at least 10 kW/m3 being introduced into the dispersion in step (A).
US08486268B2	Precision peak matching in liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy A method that identifies common peaks among unidentified peaks in the data from different LC-MS or LC-MS/MS runs is provided. The method employs an algorithm, herein referred to as “Precision Peak Matching (PPM).” The different runs can be from different laboratories, instruments, and biological samples that result in a significant variability in the data. PPM allows estimation and control of precision, defined as the fraction of truly identical peptide pairs among all pairs retrieved, in the matching process. PPM finds the maximal number of peptide pairs at a prescribed precision, thereby allowing quantitative control over the trade off between the number of true pairs missed, and false pairs found. PPM finds common peptides from a database of LC-MS runs of heterogeneous origins, and at the specified precision. PPM fills a much-needed role in proteomics by extracting useful information from disparate LC-MS databases in a statistically rigorous and interpretable manner.
US08486267B2	Non-dispersive process for insoluble oil recovery from aqueous slurries The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The novel non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.
US08486260B2	Adjustable drain A drain assembly includes a receptacle body with a first end and a second end defining a cavity therebetween, an adjustable collar and a grate. The first end of the receptacle body forms an opening into the cavity and comprises a peripheral step with a connection flange extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and a peripheral flange with a substantially horizontal support portion extending away from the connection flange. The connection flange includes a series of vertical slots for accommodating horizontally-oriented fastening members, and the connection flange and the peripheral flange define a channel therebetween. The adjustable collar comprises a first flange positioned adjacent to the connection flange of the peripheral step, and a second flange extending substantially perpendicular from the first flange. The first flange includes a series of holes which align with the series of vertical slots in the connection flange. The grate is positioned over the opening of the receptacle body.
US08486259B2	Bulk hydroprocessing catalyst comprising a group VIII metal and molybdenum, preparation and use thereof The invention relates to a bulk catalyst comprising at least 60 wt % metal oxidic particles comprising one or more Group VIII metals and Group VIB metal molybdenum, comprising less than 10 mole % of a second Group VIB metal (relative to the total amount of Group VIB metals) and comprising a Group V metal in an amount less than 10 mole % (relative to the total of the Group VIB metals), which bulk catalyst has been calcined at a temperature below a temperature where the hexagonal metastable crystal structure changes to an inactive crystalline structure, preferably below 450° C. and which bulk catalyst has a metastable hexagonal phase characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern having reflections at 33-35 and 58-61° 2θ. Preferably, the main reflections have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of less than 2.5. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of the bulk catalyst, to the corresponding sulphided bulk catalyst and to the use of said catalyst or sulphided catalyst in the hydroprocessing, in particular the hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodenitrogenation, of a hydrocarbon feedstock.
US08486257B2	Blood glucose sensing An oxidative peak in a cathodic scan is observed in the cyclic voltammetry of glucose at gold electrodes, its peak current density being proportional to glucose concentration in a wide potential range. The application of this phenomenon in blood glucose sensing has been hindered by the presence of inhibitors: the most problematic are chlorides due to their high concentration and difficult separation from glucose. The present invention provides a solution to this problem involving a three electrode, four step pulsed electrochemical detection technique.
US08486252B2	Copper chloride/copper bromide disinfector for swimming pools and control method thereof A two-in-one copper chloride/copper bromide disinfector and a method of controlling the same. In operation, when copper is released, the positive and negative electrodes of a copper billet are periodically reversed, while the positive and negative electrodes of a titanium plate/graphite polar plate are in an uncharged state. When chlorine/bromine is released, the positive and negative electrodes of a titanium plate/graphite polar plate are periodically reversed, while the positive and negative electrodes of the copper billet are short-connected, then connected to the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate, or applied thereon with an electric voltage that is lower than the electric voltage of the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate. With this method, the copper billet out of operation is shorted-connected to the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate or connected to an electric voltage that is lower than that of the negative electrode. Thus the release amount of copper ions is controllable, the volume of the disinfector is reduced, and the corrosion between the positive and negative electrodes of the copper billet is uniform.
US08486246B2	Reference electrode coated with ionic liquid and electrochemical measurement system using the reference electrode This invention provides a reference electrode that can be downsized and stable in voltage. The reference electrode in accordance with this invention is a reference electrode that does not require an internal aqueous solution such as a KCl aqueous solution and comprises a metal body, a slightly soluble salt film that comprises a slightly soluble salt of the metal body and that coats the metal body and a hydrophobic ionic liquid that is arranged to make contact with both the slightly soluble salt film and a sample to be measured.
US08486241B2	Sputtering apparatus having gas supply system An exemplary gas supply system, includes a plurality of first input lines for supplying gas, a plurality of second input lines, a plurality of third input lines, a first mixing tank communicating with the second input lines, a second mixing tank communicating with the third input lines, and a plurality of three-way valves. Each three-way valve is communicated with a first input line, a second input line and a third input line such that gas in the first input lines can be selectively introduced into the first mixing tank or the second mixing tank.
US08486239B2	Electrolysis anode Methods systems and devices for impeding an anode from being corroded or dissolved are provided. In one example, an electrolysis system includes an anode, the anode disposed on a support including a housing, the housing having an inverted cup on an end, the anode on an interior wall of the inverted cup such that electrical contact with an electrolysis solution is made along a concave portion of the inverted cup. Such an example may further include a cathode, the cathode disposed within a collection pipe such that gas produced at the cathode is retained within a channel of the collection pipe.
US08486238B2	Surface renewable iridium oxide-glass or ceramic composite hydrogen ion electrode Disclosed herein is a surface renewable iridium oxide-glass or ceramic composite hydrogen ion electrode and, more particularly, a surface renewable iridium oxide-glass or ceramic composite hydrogen ion electrode, which has a long life due to its excellent physical strength, pH dependency approximate to a theoretical value (59 mV/pH unit), and high surface renewability, and a method of manufacturing the same. The iridium oxide composite hydrogen ion electrode according to the present invention is effective in that, when the electrode is contaminated or inactivated, the surface of the electrode can be regenerated through a simple grinding process because the electrode has high surface renewability, unlike conventional electrodes. The iridium oxide composite electrode according to the present invention can be usefully used in a water-quality monitoring system for monitoring the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution for a long period, an online pH measurement system, and pH measurement for samples, which causes serious contamination of the surface of a sensor.
US08486237B2	Process for continuous coating deposition and an apparatus for carrying out the process An apparatus for continuously forming thin ceramic coatings on metal sheets, foils or wires. The apparatus has a reaction chamber, perforated nylon sheets, nylon bar guides, copper rods attached to a power supply, nylon collecting rods, and an inlet and an outlet. The reaction chamber is capable of containing an electrolytic solution. The copper rods are separately connected to the R, Y, or B phase of the power supply. Each phase is provided with two thyristors and the output of the thyristors is connected to the copper rods using current transformers. A process for continuously forming thin ceramic coatings on metal sheets, foils or wires is also provided.
US08486236B1	Electrolysis chamber A electrolysis chamber. The electrolysis chamber has first initial product sub-chambers, second initial product sub-chambers, at least one positive electrode, at least one negative electrode, and electrolysis membranes. The first initial product sub-chambers and second initial product sub-chambers communicate with respective manifolds, which in turn communicates with an exterior of the electrolysis chamber through respective ports. Flow control valves set the flow into the first initial product sub-chambers. First, second and third end product manifolds communicate with an exterior of the electrolysis chamber through respective ports. The ports and manifold configuration provides for simple and easy connection and installation of the electrolysis chamber.
US08486233B2	Apparatus, process and system for delivering fluid to a distillation column or reactor A fluid delivery apparatus is provided for supplying a fluid mixture to a distillation column or reactor. The apparatus can be used to enhance the heat duty, the flow and/or the flow stability of an existing thermosiphon reboiler which supplies a heated fluid to the column or reactor. The apparatus includes an integrated eductor which receives and increases the fluid velocity of a supplemental fluid into which the heated fluid is aspirated to form a fluid mixture then delivered to the column or reactor. A process and a system utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed, as well as a method of retrofitting an existing system with the apparatus.
US08486230B2	Shoe press belt A belt (shoe press belt) for papermaking machines having good wet paper web water squeezing capability, and wherein damage, cracks, and abrasion of the outer circumferential belt surface during use is small, and due to the reduced abrasion between the cutting chips, the cutter and the groove walls, the cutter life is long and the surface roughness is small. The cross-section in the cross-machine direction of the water draining grooves is provided in the machine direction in the felt-side surface of the shoe press belt and the groove corner parts formed by the groove sidewalls and the groove bottom part of the water draining grooves are chamfered in the shape of a trapezoid or a rectangle.
US08486228B2	Lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device Provided is a lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device capable of producing a pretreated material for saccharification. The lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device comprises a separation unit 4 which separates ammonia gas by heating a pretreated material for saccharification obtained from a substrate mixture obtained by mixing lignocellulosic biomass and ammonia water; a first heat recovery unit 25 which recovers heat-of-dissolution generated when ammonia gas is dissolved in water, and the heat supply units 8, 9, 10 which generate heat by using heat-of-dissolution recovered by the frst heat recovery unit 25 and supply the heat to the separation unit 4.
US08486227B2	Method for producing paper, paperboard and cardboard A process for the production of paper, board and cardboard by draining a paper stock containing interfering substances in the presence of polymers which contain vinylamine units and which have an average molar mass Mw of at least 1 million, a high-consistency stock first being prepared, at least one polymer containing vinylamine units and having an average molar mass Mw of at least 1 million and a degree of hydrolysis of from 1 to 20 mol % being metered into the high-consistency stock, the high-consistency stock being diluted to a low-consistency stock by adding water, and the low-consistency stock being drained, the polymers being hydrolyzed homo- or copolymers of N-vinylcarboxamides additives for reducing deposits in the wire part, press section and drying section of paper machines.
US08486224B2	Method for separating lignin from black liquor Method for separating lignin from black liquor includes the following steps: a) precipitating lignin by acidifying black liquor and thereupon dewatering, b) suspending the lignin filter cake obtained in step a) to obtain a second lignin suspension and adjusting the pH level to approximately that of the washing water of step d) below, c) dewatering of the second lignin suspension, d) adding washing water and performing a displacement washing at substantially constant conditions without any dramatic gradients in the pH, and e) dewatering the lignin cake produced in step d) into a high dryness and displacing the remaining washing liquid in the filter cake, whereby a lignin product is obtained which has an even higher dryness after the displacement washing of step d). The lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtained by the method, and its use, preferably for the production of heat or chemicals is also disclosed.
US08486223B2	Falling film evaporator A falling film evaporator having a shell pass, multiple tubes parallel to each other, a condensed steam outlet, an inlet for an aqueous solution on the top of the tube pass, an outlet for the aqueous solution at the bottom of the tube pass, a distributing assembly having a plurality of distributing trays arranged vertically from top to bottom in incremental diameters and each having multiple holes, and a plate for collecting the aqueous solution below the distributing assembly. The tubes are straight and installed vertically in the evaporator; inner wall of the tubes is smooth, and the top portion of the tubes is protruded above a horizontal plane of the plate. The evaporator is particularly useful for concentrating an aqueous solution containing thermosensitive materials.
US08486222B2	Substrate processing apparatus and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber configured to process a substrate, a substrate support member provided within the processing chamber to support the substrate, a microwave generator provided outside the processing chamber, a waveguide launch port configured to supply a microwave generated by the microwave generator into the processing chamber, wherein the central position of the waveguide launch port is deviated from the central position of the substrate supported on the substrate support member and the waveguide launch port faces a portion of a front surface of the substrate supported on the substrate support member, and a control unit configured to change a relative position of the substrate support member in a horizontal direction with respect to the waveguide launch port.
US08486220B2	Method of assembly of retaining ring for CMP A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a retaining ring having a flexible lower portion and a rigid upper portion.
US08486217B2	Process for the production of packaging material for electronic component cases A method of producing a packaging material including a temporary bonding which temporarily bonds a first sheet including a thermoplastic resin non-oriented film layer and a thermoplastic adhesive resin layer laminated on one surface of the thermoplastic resin non-oriented film layer and a second sheet including a heat resistant resin oriented film layer and an aluminum foil layer laminated on one surface of the heat resistant resin oriented film layer by passing the first and second sheets between a pair of rolls in a state in which the thermoplastic adhesive resin layer and the aluminum foil layer are brought into contact with each other to press them while heating in a state in which the thermoplastic adhesive resin does not melt to obtain a pre-laminated sheet, and a complete bonding which integrally bonds the first and second sheets by heating the pre-laminated sheet to melt the thermoplastic adhesive resin.
US08486202B2	Dishwasher A dishwasher includes a washing compartment having a base wall with a retaining element, and a mains current connection element mounted on the retaining element with which a mains cable can be electrically contacted to the dishwasher.
US08486201B2	Method for drying a semiconductor wafer Disclosed is a method for drying a plate-like article; the method including rinsing with an aqueous rinsing liquid with subsequent rinsing with an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent has a water content of below 20 mass-% wherein the organic solvent is supplied at a solvent temperature, which is at least 30° C. and not higher than 60° C.
US08486200B2	Ware washing system containing cationic starch The present invention discloses a method of washing ware, in particular in an automatic domestic or institutional ware washing machine, using a detergent composition containing a cationic starch. This eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. The cationic starch provides a layer of cationic starch on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent.
US08486195B2	Atomic layer deposition apparatus and method of fabricating atomic layer using the same An atomic layer deposition apparatus includes a chamber, a vacuum pump to control a pressure in the chamber, a gas supply unit to supply a reaction gas into the chamber, a substrate holder disposed between the vacuum pump and the gas supply unit and having a heater, a mask assembly disposed between the substrate holder and the gas supply unit and having a cooling path to move coolant, and a coolant source to supply the coolant into the cooling path. The mask assembly is positioned a first distance from a substrate, and coolant is supplied into the cooling path of the mask assembly. The substrate is heated using the heater of the substrate holder, a pressure of the chamber is controlled using the vacuum pump, and reaction gasses are sequentially supplied through the gas supply unit.
US08486194B2	Apparatus for efficient removal of halogen residues from etched substrates An apparatus for removing volatile residues from a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate includes a chamber suitable for operating maintaining a vacuum therein and a heat module positioned to heat a substrate disposed in the chamber. The apparatus for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate also includes at least one of A) a temperature controlled pedestal having a projection extending radially therefrom suitable for supporting the temperature control pedestal on a ledge of the chamber body, the projection thermally isolating the base from the chamber body; B) a pair of substrate holders that include two support flanges extending radially inward from an inner edge of an arc-shaped body, each support flange having a substrate support step that includes a sloped landing; or C) a domed window.
US08486190B2	Process for producing single crystal A raw material mixture containing an easily oxidizable material is weighed. The raw material mixture is melted and then solidified within a reaction vessel 1 set in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to thereby produce a solidified matter 19. The reaction vessel 1 and the solidified matter 19 are heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere within a crystal growth apparatus to melt the solidified matter to thereby produce a solution. A single crystal is grown from the solution.
US08486188B2	Polyhydroxyfunctional polysiloxane as anti-adhesive and dirt-repellant additives The invention relates to a method for production of polyhydroxyfunctional polysiloxanes with branched polyglycidol polyether groups, in which firstly at least one allylic or methallylic starting material is reacted with at least one glycidol, such that an allyl polyether or methallyl polyether is formed, and then the allyl polyether or methallyl polyether thus produced is added to a Si—H functional alkyl polysiloxane in the presence of an acid buffering agent. The invention further relates to polysiloxanes, which may be obtained by said method and the use of the polysiloxanes in coating agents, polymeric coating masses and thermoplastics.
US08486187B2	Multipurpose additive for low VOC solvent based coatings The invention relates to a coating composition comprising at least one binder and a multipurpose additive obtainable by reacting a vegetable oil with a diol or by transesterifying a vegetable oil lower alkyl ester with a diol, both reactions in the presence of a catalyst. The multipurpose additive is used to replace partly the solvent of the coating composition and/or to replace partly the binder thus reducing the VOC content and the viscosity.
US08486186B2	Magenta ink composition, ink cartridge, and recording system and recorded matter using the same This invention provides a magenta ink composition that, when recorded, is excellent in color development, graininess, and gloss, is less likely to cause clogging in an ink jet recording head, and is excellent in color reproduction in a high-chroma and high-lightness red region. The magenta ink composition has an L* value of not less than 60 and a b* value of not more than −17 when the a* value in CIE standard calculated from a visible absorption spectrum in a not more than 10000-fold diluted aqueous solution is 80.
US08486184B2	Oxygen-permeable membrane and method for the production thereof A composite membrane for selective gas separation, comprises a layer system having a continuously porous, mechanically stable carrier layer, which has an average pore size in the μm range, further having at least one continuously porous intermediate layer, which is disposed on the carrier layer and has an average pore size in the range of 2 to 200 nm, and further having a gastight functional layer, which is disposed on the intermediate layer and is made of a mixed-conductive material having a maximum layer thickness of 1 μm. The carrier layer comprises a structural ceramic, a metal, or a cermet and has a layer thickness of no more than 1 mm. The intermediate layer is present with a total layer thickness of no more than 100 μm and has an average pore size in the range of 10 to 100 nm. The functional layer comprises a perovskite, a fluorite, or a material having a K2NiF4 structure, such as La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-8 (LSCF). The layer thickness of the functional layer is no more than 50 nm, and particularly between 25 and 400 nm. In order to produce this composite membrane, at least one porous intermediate layer is applied onto a continuously porous, mechanically stable carrier layer, which has an average pore size in the μm range, wherein the intermediate layer has an average pore size in the range of 2 to 200 nm. A further gastight, functional layer made of a mixed-conductive material and having a maximum layer thickness of 1 μm is applied onto the intermediate layer.
US08486180B2	Process for the recovery of a concentrated carbon dioxide stream A concentrated carbon dioxide stream is produced during a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit cycle by fractionating the carbon dioxide removed from the adsorbent in the adsorption beds during the regeneration of the adsorption beds. Thereby providing a cost efficient process for producing merchant carbon dioxide.
US08486179B2	Method for producing carbon molecular sieve membranes in controlled atmospheres The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.
US08486177B2	Heap leaching A method of leaching a metal value from a heap of a metal-containing ore and a heap leaching operation are disclosed. The method includes establishing a downward flow of a leach liquor through a section of the heap by supplying the leach liquor onto a top surface of the section and allowing the leach liquor (containing metal values in solution) to drain from a lower part of the section. The method is characterized by supplying the leach liquor onto the top surface of the section at a flow rate that is sufficient so that the downwardly flowing leach liquor saturates the section of the heap.
US08486175B2	Grain refiners for steel-manufacturing methods and use The present invention concerns a new type of grain refiners for steel, in the form of a particulate composite material, containing a high volume fraction of tailor-made dispersed particles, with the purpose of acting as potent heterogeneous nucleation sites for iron crystals during solidification and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment of the steel. The material comprises a composition of particles of XaSb or XaOb and the element(s) X, where X is one or more elements selected from the group Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Y, Ti, Al, Zr, Ca, Ba, Sr, Mg, Si, Mn, Cr, V, B, Nb, Mo and Fe, and S is sulphur, (O is oxygen), wherein said material additionally contains oxygen, sulphur, carbon and nitrogen, wherein the sulphur (or oxygen) content is between 2 and 30% by weight of said material, while the total content of oxygen (or sulphur), carbon and nitrogen and said other elements selected from the group X is between 98 and 70% by weight of said material, and the said material contains a high volume fraction of finely dispersed XaSb or XaOb particles embedded in a metallic matrix X. The invention further concerns methods for production and use of the composite material.
US08486170B2	Filter apparatus A filter apparatus comprises first and second filters, each having an upstream surface and a downstream surface. At least one bypass channel extends from a position upstream of the upstream surface of the first filter to a position upstream of the upstream surface of the second filter.
US08486169B2	Method of polishing a silicon-containing dielectric A chemical-mechanical polishing system comprising: (a) ceria abrasive having an average particle size of about 180 nm or less and a positive zeta potential, (b) a polishing additive bearing a functional group with a pKa of about 3 to about 9, wherein the polishing additive is selected from the group consisting of arylamines, aminoalcohols, aliphatic amines, heterocyclic amines, hydroxamic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, substituted phenols, sulfonamides, thiols, salts thereof, and combinations thereof, and (c) a liquid carrier, wherein the chemical-mechanical polishing system has a pH of about 4 to about 6.
US08486168B2	Gasification A method for the gasification of solid fuel to produce combustible effluent, comprising the steps of: partially oxidizing a biomass fuel in a first oxidation zone to produce char; reducing the char in a reduction zone to form ash; further oxidizing any char residue ash in a second oxidation zone; and extracting the combustible effluent produced in the above steps, by a discharge pipe wherein in the first oxidation zone the gas flow is in the same direction as fuel flow and in the second oxidation zone the gas flow is in the opposite direction to the fuel flow.
US08486167B2	Reformed gas production method and reformed gas production apparatus The invention provides a method for operating a reformed gas production apparatus with which it is possible to achieve a high reforming efficiency while preventing a drop in catalyst activity due to the deposition of carbon. The reformed gas production method uses a reforming catalyst to reform a fuel that contains a hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms to produce a reformed gas that includes methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. With this method, a fluid that includes the fuel, at least one of steam and a carbon dioxide-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to a reforming reaction region, and with the thermal decomposition index temperature of the fuel, which is determined by the type and the concentration of the hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms that make up the fuel, serving as an upper limit temperature of the reforming reaction region, the fluid is brought into contact with the reforming catalyst to produce the reformed gas.
US08486164B2	Evaporator and fuel reformer having the same An evaporator and a fuel reformer having the same. The evaporator includes a wall arrangement having a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, the circumferential wall and the bottom wall defining (or surrounding) an evaporation chamber; an inlet provided at one side of the evaporation chamber; an outlet formed in the bottom wall; and a barrier at (or surrounding) the outlet and projected from the bottom wall to the inside of the evaporation chamber.
US08486158B2	Method and device for continuously producing a crystallite having a constant particle size distribution The invention proposes a method and a device for continuously producing a crystallite, wherein a metered amount of seed crystals is fed continuously to the internal solution circuit of a crystallizer, in particular a DTB crystallizer, through a crystallization seed line from a seed generator preferably designed as a flash crystallizer. The amount of seed crystals fed is controlled by an electronic control system as a function of a measured value determined by a sensor, said value being representative of the particle size distribution of the crystallites in the solution in the internal circuit in the crystallizer. By way of a line, the seed generator receives a partial stream of the external solution circuit of the crystallizer, said external circuit being routed through a line. Excess fine crystalline suspension can be fed back to the external circuit from the seed generator by way of a return line.
US08486157B2	Process for the phase transformation of substances Process for the phase transformation of substances and mixtures of substances, in which the substance or the mixture of substances is introduced into a plasma reactor, the substance or the mixture of substances is converted into the higher-energy phase and the product is removed in gaseous form from the plasma reactor. The process can be used for the sublimation of metal salts, metal nitrates and/or metal alkoxides and other vaporizable metal-organic compounds.
US08486155B2	Fistula repair plug having multiple layers A surgical device is operable to coextrude a multilayered biocompatible tissue repair plug in situ within a lumen in a patient. The device comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a plurality of conduits extending through the shaft, a plurality of media chambers, and an actuator. At least one of the media chambers contains a suspension of at least one tissue fragment having at least one viable cell in a biocompatible carrier. The actuator is operable to cause media in each of the chambers to be urged through, and expelled from the orifice of, the conduit in communication therewith. The orifices are located at the distal end of the shaft such that media from the media chambers may be ejected into a lumen in a patient in order to form a multilayered biocompatible tissue repair plug in situ. The conduits and their orifices are all coaxially aligned.
US08486151B2	Cotyloid element of a hip prosthesis, and total hip prosthesis comprising same The invention relates to a cotyloid component of a hip prosthesis, said cotyloid component being hollow and in the form of a cup whose outer part has a thread allowing it to be fixed in the iliac bone, said thread being a discontinuous self-cutting double thread (20, 21), and said cotyloid component having a flattened upper pole (1), a coating that promotes osseointegration on its outer face (10), and a concave, substantially hemispherical and polished inner surface (11), characterized in that: (a) the pitch of the threads (20, 21) decreases from the upper pole (1) towards the equatorial periphery (3) of the cotyloid component, (b) the thicknesses of the threads (20, 21) increase from the upper pole (1) of the cotyloid component towards its periphery (3), (c) the crest of the threads (20, 21) is sharp towards the pole (1) of the cotyloid component and rounded or substantially trapezoidal towards the equatorial periphery (3) of the cotyloid component.
US08486147B2	Posterior spinal device and method An intervertebral joint assembly includes an upper support and a lower support, each of which has two or more components. The upper and lower support components are arranged in situ to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. By arranging the supports in situ, the supports can be introduced from the back of the patient, for example with an arthroscope. Each of the upper and lower supports has a surface adapted to engage a vertebra and a surface adapted to engage the other support or an intermediate member to form an articulate joint which articulates the joint assembly. In some embodiments, the components of the upper and lower supports are assembled in situ, for example with pivoting, telescoping or bending, to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. The supports can be attached to vertebrae with pedicles screws, and/or other anchors attached to the supports.
US08486145B2	Flexure limiter for spinal prosthesis Apparatus including a first spinal prosthetic member that may articulate with a second spinal prosthetic member, the first and second spinal prosthetic members flexing relative to one another about a lateral-medial axis corresponding to a lateral-medial axis of a body, and a flexure limiting member attached to the first and second spinal prosthetic members that limits flexure about the lateral-medial axis.
US08486137B2	Streamlined, apical delivery system for in situ deployment of cardiac valve prostheses A system for implanting a heart valve prosthesis in a patient's heart includes a balloon expandable, tissue, stented heart valve, and an apical valve delivery device for delivering the stented heart valve to a target site in the patient's heart. The delivery device includes an inflation balloon module for expanding the stented heart valve prosthesis, markers on the delivery device to assist in location of the delivery device at an appropriate location, and a streamlined cap.
US08486136B2	Mitral spacer A heart valve implant may include a shaft and an anchor configured to be coupled to an end of the shaft. A spacer may be coupled to a portion of the shaft and comprise a plurality of individual segments including a first and at least a second individual segment. The first segment may be coupled to the shaft. The second segment may be coupled to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first segment and may have at least one cross-section dimension which is greater than an internal cross-sectional dimension of a delivery lumen. Additional segments may be coupled to an inner, adjacent segment. The segments may include a collapsible body portion to facilitate percutaneously delivery through a lumen. The segments may define an outer surface of the spacer configured to interact with at least a portion of at least one cusp of a heart valve to at least partially restrict a flow of blood through the heart valve in a closed position.
US08486135B2	Implantable medical devices fabricated from branched polymers This invention relates to implantable medical devices, such as stents, fabricated from hyperbranched-like polymers, comb-like polymers, star polymers, dendrimer-like star polymers, dendrimers, and mixtures thereof.
US08486134B2	Bifurcation treatment system and methods A catheter assembly configured for treatment of a vessel bifurcation. The catheter assembly includes a catheter shaft and first and second balloons. The second balloon extends radially outward relative to the first balloon when expanded. A valve arrangement controls expansion of the second balloon. Portions of the valve arrangement can be positioned at proximal and distal end portions of the catheter shaft. Typically, the first balloon is expanded followed by expansion of the second balloon. A stent having a lateral branch opening is operatively mounted to the first balloon. The second balloon is configured to extend through the lateral branch opening when the second balloon is expanded.
US08486133B2	Stent having helical elements An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and the comprises at least two a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.
US08486132B2	Devices and methods for controlling expandable prostheses during deployment A catheter for delivering a prosthesis to a treatment site in a body lumen comprises an elongate flexible member and a sheath slidably disposed thereover. A plurality of self-expanding tubular prostheses are carried in axially spaced apart locations along the elongate member, within the sheath. The prostheses may be selectively interlocked with one another and are constrained by the sheath in a radially contracted configuration. The prostheses are separately releasable from the sheath when the sheath is retracted relative to the elongate member. The catheter also has a pusher member slidably disposed along the elongate member within the sheath. The pusher is adapted to move past the prostheses in a first direction without displacing the prostheses, while in a second direction the pusher engages a selected prosthesis so as to move the prosthesis with the pusher to interlock the selected prosthesis with a second prosthesis.
US08486130B2	Two balloon staged stent expansion A catheter with two balloons for implanting a stent without flaring at the ends of the stent during implantation has an outer balloon overlying an inner balloon. The length of the inner balloon is shorter than the length of the outer balloon and shorter than a stent which is mounted over both balloons. Upon inflation of the inner balloon, the inner balloon expands only the center of the stent. After the center of the stent is expanded, further application of pressure bursts the inner balloon allowing application of pressure to the outer balloon. The outer balloon is then inflated, expanding the ends of the stent.
US08486129B2	Method for prosthetic repair of body passages A prosthesis that resiliently engages a body passage includes an annular clamping ring which may be folded along a diametric axis for insertion into the body passage. The clamping ring is adapted to resiliently spring outwardly, once in position inside the body passage, and to be continually resiliently biased against the interior surface of the body passage. One or more of the clamping rings may be attached to opposed ends of a tubular graft. The rings and connected graft may be positioned in the body passage using an applicator which selectively permits expansion and/or in some embodiments contraction of the annular ring in position within a body passage. Alternatively a retaining member may be used to retain the annular ring in a compressed condition until it is in a desired position within a body passage.
US08486126B2	Lighting system for use in light therapy A method and device for light color therapy, which is a method for simultaneously exposing specific surface regions of the human body to light of specific but possibly different frequencies, temporal characteristics and polarization. The device is constructed to match anatomical details of the human body such as to apply the simultaneous local light exposures to the desired body regions and to compensate for possible movement of the head, thereby minimizing the time required for a single treatment.
US08486123B2	Micro-organism-reducing device The invention relates to a micro-organism reducing device, comprising a radiation device which is provided with a light source, a photosensitive substance which treats the area to be treated and is irradiated by said light source. The aim of said invention is to configure said device in such a way that it is possible to carry out an efficient and controllable treatment by means of operationally low-cost and easily handling apparatus. For this purpose, the inventive device comprises at least one applicator provided with a fiber-optic waveguide. In addition, said applicator and radiation device respectively comprise corresponding liaison bodies contacting one of them in such a way that the light from the light source is emitted towards the treated area by means of the fiber-optic waveguide.
US08486117B2	Multi-axial bone plate system An orthopedic bone plate system having a bone plate for placement adjacent one or more vertebral bodies. The system further includes a locking element including a compression member and a fixation member wherein the compression member includes an aperture and at least one deformable portion. A bone fastener is also included in the present system which includes a bone engaging portion and a stem portion. The stem is capable of being slidably received within the aperture of the compression member while the locking member is capable of being received within an aperture of the bone plate. As the compression member is brought into proximity of a vertebral body along the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener, an increasing force is exerted against the fixation member and translated to the bone plate. The resultant force translated back to the fixation member to the compression member which causes the deformable portion of the compression member to clamp the bone fastener relative to the bone plate.
US08486116B2	Variable angle locking screw The present disclosure relates to retention devices for surgical procedures and, more specifically, relates to variable angle retention devices to mount bone to a plate material.
US08486107B2	Method of sealing tissue using radiofrequency energy A forceps for sealing tissue includes a housing having one or more shafts that extend therefrom configured to support an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members each having a sealing plate with tissue engaging surfaces adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the sealing plates includes a predetermined surface geometry defined thereon that imprints a corresponding surface geometry onto the tissue seal to facilitate sealing the tissue with a foreign material when electrosurgical energy is applied to the forceps.
US08486105B2	Vascular device for emboli and thrombi removal and methods of use Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device disposed on a guidewire comprises a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut. Alternately, a support hoop having an articulation region may be directly connected to a region proximate the distal end of the guidewire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The vascular device collapses during removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular device of the present invention are also provided.
US08486101B2	Expanding vaso-occlusive device This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises an expandable member, an inner member and one or more stop elements. The devices may be placed in a desired site within a mammal to facilitate the formation of an occlusion.
US08486099B2	Systems and methods for removal of intravascular leads Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member and a guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member. The guide member may define a pathway through which an implanted article can be securely received. The device can further include a dissection mechanism, coupled to the elongated member and designed to be positioned about the implanted article, for dissecting a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article.
US08486096B2	Dual purpose surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that has an ultrasonic blade that protrudes from an ultrasonic transducer assembly. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic blade coaxially extends through a rotatable tissue cutting blade that is rotatably supported by a housing that supports the ultrasonic transducer assembly. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic blade and the tissue cutting blade are both selectively rotatable relative to the housing. In yet other embodiments, the tissue cutting blade and the ultrasonic blade are supported relative to each other in separate sheaths attached to the housing.
US08486094B2	System and method for providing an obturator for enhanced directional capabilities in a vascular environment An apparatus for assisting in a vascular procedure includes an obturator operable to be mounted on a medical device to guide the medical device into a targeted region, whereby the obturator is substantially blunt such that it exhibits a snag-resistant property. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus includes an interface element operable to be used in conjunction with the obturator and to engage an interface of the targeted region such that pressure is maintained within the targeted region. The interface element includes a convex portion that operates to seat the interface element at a selected location. The interface element is substantially transparent and includes a magnification element that magnifies materials underlying the interface element. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a tray operable to provide a mold for forming the obturator, which may include a gas, water, sugar, clotted blood, a gelatinous material, a protein, a saline solution, or dry-ice.
US08486090B2	Surgical instrument support The present invention generally provides a surgical instrument support for securing a surgical instrument in a fixed position in a surgical environment having a magnetic field. The surgical instrument support has a mounting clamp, a tightening mechanism, a plurality of mating arm segments, an end member with a connector to secure the surgical instrument thereto, and a wire extending from the tightening mechanism to the end member. The wire can be tightened to secure the mating arm segments in a desired position for the surgeon. In one embodiment all of the components of the surgical instrument support are made of a non-magnetic material, preferably titanium or a titanium alloy. In another embodiment the connector of the end member can be removed when the surgical instrument support is in both the rigid or actuated configuration and the untightened or non-actuated configuration.
US08486084B2	Surgical slap hammer A slap hammer including an adjustable striking member and a releasable retaining mechanism for releasably retaining a sliding weight is disclosed. One described slap hammer comprises a guide rod having a first end and a second end; a striking member coupled to the second end of the guide rod and movable relative to the first end of the guide rod; a sliding weight slidable along the guide rod between the first end of the guide rod and the striking member; a biasing element positioned between the sliding weight and the first end of the guide rod, the biasing element biasing the sliding weight towards the second end of the guide rod; and a releasable retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the sliding weight against the action of the biasing element.
US08486083B2	Methods and instrumentation for inserting intervertebral grafts and devices Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include upper and lower guide members separated by a spreader with the implant positioned forwardly of the spreader. The spreader is movable forwardly between the guide members with a drive member to position the implant in a space between the bony portions. The spreader contacts the adjacent bony portions to facilitate withdrawal of the inserter instrument when the implant is positioned in the space.
US08486082B2	Apparatus for dimensioning circumference of cavity for introduction of a prosthetic implant A device for dimensioning a circumference of a cavity includes a body with a lumen and a distal aperture. The device also includes a longitudinal member extending through the lumen with a distal end and a proximal end. The longitudinal member is capable of slidable movement through the body between retracted and advanced positions. The device also includes a flexible member adapted to conform to a circumference of a cavity contained, e.g., in an intervertebral disc space. The flexible member is operatively connected to a longitudinal member such that upon retraction of the longitudinal member the flexible member retracts into the lumen. When the longitudinal member is moved toward the advanced position, the flexible member is advanced out of the lumen and expands to conform to a dimension which approximates the circumference of the cavity. An apparatus is provided which includes a device for dimensioning a circumference of a cavity and an access member for facilitating conduction of the device to a surgical site, the device adapted and configured to fit within the access member. A kit is provided which includes a working tube incorporating a vertebral distractor, a spreader for assisting and maintaining the vertebral distractor in a distracted configuration, a closing tube for maintaining the working tube in a closed configuration, and a cavity circumference measuring device.
US08486081B2	Implant insertion device and method A method and system for insertion of an implant is disclosed. One embodiment of a system for use in implanting a spinal prosthesis incorporating principles of the invention includes an insertion assembly housing with a channel extending from a distal end portion to a proximal end portion, a gripper having a prosthesis coupling portion for coupling with a spinal prosthesis and an end portion, and a coupler member having a gripper coupling portion rotatably positioned within the channel and configured to couple with the end portion of the gripper within the channel.
US08486079B2	Method and apparatus for remote alignment of a cut guide A method and apparatus for remote alignment of a cut guide. The cut guide may be positioned on a base which is remote from a surgical site and positioned on a docking station. An alignment jig is removably positioned on a bone and is used to provide alignment information to the docking station. The docking station remotely aligns the cut guide relative to the base. Thereafter, the cut guide and base are removed from the docking station and positioned on the bone in place of the alignment jig. A surgical procedure using the cut guide may then be completed.
US08486074B2	Surgical allograft bone plug cutting tool assembly and method of using same The invention is directed toward a surgical kit having component parts capable of use to prepare a cartilage implant plug from allograft condyle. The kit comprises a sizing gauge used to measure surface of the allograft condyle so that a cartilage implant plug can be removed that corresponds to the contours of the defect site excised on a patient. An adjustable guide member is mounted in a fixed orientation over the allograft condyle in which a cylindrical graft cutter for cutting a cylindrical allograft bone plug having a cartilage cap and a bone end portion. A chamfering tool is used for chamfering the bone end of the allograft bone plug.
US08486071B2	Short pin for taking care of epiphysis fractures A short nail for treatment of an epiphyseal fracture close to a joint in a long bone includes a two part nail supporting body comprising a main body having a transverse through-bore and releasably attached to a stub body. The stub body has an end that has a diaphyseal slant. The stub body and the lateral slant form part of a diaphyseal anchor which is attachable to the main body via the stub body and which has a flat connecting web that has an oblique orientation and ending laterally in a plane with the diaphyseal slant. A connecting device rigidly and releasably connects the main body and the stub body together. An anchoring device fixes the flat web in flat abutment against the diaphysis. A fixation pin is insertable into the transverse through-bore in a crossed arrangement with, and at a fixed angle to, the supporting body in the state of treatment of the fracture. The fixation pin includes a mechanism to protect against axial movement of the pin.
US08486069B2	External fixator A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.
US08486065B2	Radio-frequency ablation system and method using multiple electrodes Efficient ablation with multiple electrodes is obtained by rapidly switching electric power to the electrodes. In this way, shielding effects caused by the field around each electrode which would otherwise create cool spots, are avoided. Complex inter-electrode current flows are also avoided.
US08486064B2	Electrosurgical device having floating-potential electrode and curvilinear profile Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.
US08486057B2	Tissue impedance measurement using a secondary frequency A microwave ablation system includes a generator including a first energy source, a second energy source and a diplexer, the diplexer multiplexes a first energy from the first energy source and a second energy from the second energy source. The system also includes a cable including a center conductor and an outer sheath where the multiplexed energy is transmitted through the center conductor. In addition an antenna is provided that is operable to receive the multiplexed energy from the center conductor and to deliver the multiplexed energy to a region of tissue. The outer sheath acts as a return path of the second energy to the second energy source. A sensor is also provided that measures at least one parameter of the second energy generated by the second energy source and the second energy returned from the region of tissue.
US08486054B2	Optometrist client A method of providing optometric parameters for an optometric procedure includes locating patient identification information on a central data storage by transmitting a search query from a computing device communicating with the central data storage. The search query generates a result set containing at least one patient having patient identification information substantially matching the search query. From the result set, a patient undergoing the optometric procedure is selected. An input form for this patient is then displayed with input fields corresponding to each of the optometric parameters. A qualified collector obtains the measurement values for the optometric parameters and inputs them into respective input fields. A data record containing the measurement values and the patient identification information is generated and transmitted to the central data storage. The data record can then be transmitted to a planning tool communicating with the central data storage for performing the optometric procedure.
US08486049B2	Valve connector for medical lines A valve connector for medical infusion lines including a tubular body (1) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (10), an internal hollow spike (2), and a sealing member (3) including an elastic head (14) with pre-slit (17) normally kept in an undeformed closed condition within the inlet (4). The outlet (10) comprises a pierceable injection point (22) coaxially facing the hollow spike (2).
US08486048B2	Position confirming catheter A catheter includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a reinforcement layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a marker composed of a contrast material for confirming the position of the distal end portion of the catheter from outside the living body. The reinforcement layer is composed of a spiral first filamentous member, with a gap provided between those portions of the first filamentous member which are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the catheter. The marker is formed by spirally winding a second filamentous member having a filament diameter smaller than the gap, and has a portion in close contact with the inner layer in the gap.
US08486047B2	Packaged medical device The present disclosure provides a packaged medical device including a container for receiving a medical device having a passageway defined therein and a port for permitting the sterile passage of an agent between the outside of the container and the passageway defined within the medical device.
US08486042B2	Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08486037B2	Absorbent article having releasable flap covers An absorbent article which can be fixed to an undergarment without creating wrinkles, a release paper sheet is composed of a first release paper sheet covering a main body displacement-preventing adhesive layer and wing displacement-preventing adhesive layers and a pair of second release paper sheets respectively covering seat displacement-preventing adhesive layers. When the article is applied to shorts, the first release paper sheet is removed, and the main body displacement-preventing adhesive layer and the wing displacement-preventing adhesive layers of the absorbent article are fixed to the shorts that are pulled down. Then, the shorts are pulled up and worn, and the second release paper sheets are removed to fix the seat displacement-preventing adhesive layers to the shorts.
US08486035B1	Ostomy undergarment A medical undergarment system effective for supporting an ostomy system consists of a first diagonal catheter channel, a second diagonal catheter channel, a first vertical catheter channel, and a second vertical catheter channel. The system consists of tubing, a base undergarment, and a fluid bag. The medical undergarment system provides a comfortable yet stable ostomy system that can easily be slipped on and off by a user. The system enables convenient and easy removal of bodily fluid when using a catheter.
US08486033B2	Application of polymeric materials to screens to facilitate hemostasis and wound healing This invention relates in general to a method and device for facilitating hemostasis and wound healing. In particular, the invention relates to the device comprising a polymeric material disposed on a scaffold that facilitates hemostasis and wound healing. Specifically, the invention contemplates the use of such scaffolds in conjunction with a negative pressure device.
US08486032B2	Reduced-pressure treatment systems and methods employing debridement mechanisms Reduced-pressure treatment systems and methods are disclosed that employ debridement mechanisms to remove unwanted tissue. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold member for distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site, a support member for disposing proximate the tissue site and the manifold, and a debridement mechanism coupled to the support member. The debridement mechanism is for debriding the tissue site. The system further includes a sealing drape for placing over the tissue site and manifold member. The sealing drape is operable to form a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold member. The system also includes a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing drape. The system may further include a chemical-debridement subsystem. Other systems, manifolds, and methods are disclosed.
US08486030B2	Hand held skin treatment spray system with proportional air and liquid control A spray nozzle system includes separate air outlets to deliver one or more streams of supplemental warming or drying air. The air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied for warming or drying before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the atomizing or pattern shaping air to minimize the expansion cooling effect. In another implementation, the air is redirected from the nozzle using a control valve which proportions the amount of airflow directed for atomization, pattern shaping and drying.
US08486028B2	Tissue marking apparatus having drug-eluting tissue marker A tissue marking apparatus includes a marker introducer that has a cannula and a stylet. The cannula has a lumen and a marker exit port. The stylet is slidably received in the lumen. The stylet has a distal end. A tissue marker is configured to be received in the lumen distal to the distal end of the stylet. The tissue marker is a drug-eluting tissue marker for marking a site in a tissue mass, and has a drug-eluting portion having a drug for release to the site and a material that can be imaged using an imaging technique.
US08486026B2	Intravenous catheter anchor system and method An improved anchor system and method for holding an intravenous catheter to the patient's body that is easier to clean. The system includes an intravenous catheter having a main line, a yoke attached to the main line, an elastic band made of non-porous material, and a neck lanyard with a clamp. During use, the elastic band is positioned around the two lumens and twisted into a figure eight configuration, forming two loops. Each lumen is extended into one of the elastic band's two loops. The lanyard's clamp is then attached to the crossover section of the elastic band located between the two loops. The elastic band is sufficient in size and resiliency so that when the clamp is released, each loop may be stretched so the lumens may be removed so the elastic band may be replaced.
US08486022B2	Needle catheter with an angled distal tip lumen A needle catheter configured for injecting an agent into a wall of a patient's body cavity, which directs a needle from the distal tip of the catheter into the wall of the body cavity at an angle relative to the axis of the shaft. The resulting angled injection pathway improves the retention of the agent in the body cavity wall, while keeping a distal section of the catheter substantially perpendicular to the body cavity wall for optimal push against the tissue at the injection site.
US08486018B2	Adhesive and peripheral systems and methods for medical devices A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.
US08486014B2	Spiral perfusion dilatation balloon for use in valvuloplasty procedure A balloon dilatation catheter for use in a valvuloplasty procedure includes a catheter shaft and a spiral perfusion balloon mounted thereon. The perfusion balloon is formed from an inflatable tube that is in fluid communication with a catheter shaft inflation lumen. The inflatable tube is coiled into a series of windings that in an inflated configuration form a cylindrical or hourglass profile. In the inflated configuration, inner surfaces of the coiled windings of the inflatable tube define a perfusion lumen to allow blood flow through the perfusion balloon. Adjacent windings may be secured together with a flexible adhesive and/or a support weave formed from one or more filaments of material that criss-crosses between the adjacent windings along substantially the entire length of the spiral perfusion balloon.
US08486013B2	Balloon catheter having coating An embodiment of the present invention relates to a balloon catheter, which has a drug-releasing coating and/or cavity filling on at least parts of the outwardly facing surface of the dilatable balloon, characterized in that the coating comprises a drug and a gelatin mixture, the gelatin components of the gelatin mixture comprising 10-90 wt. % high-bloom gelatin having a gel strength of ≧250 bloom and 90-10 wt. % medium-bloom gelatin having a gel strength of ≧50 to <250 bloom, the specifications in wt. % relating to the total weight of the gelatin components of the gelatin mixture.
US08486012B1	Apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.
US08486011B2	System and a method for inflating an inflatable element with a liquid inflating medium and a balloon catheter inflated by the system and method A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated with a liquid inflating medium by a syringe through a flow line. Air in the flow line and the balloon is displaced into a return line. The balloon is deflated by drawing the liquid inflating medium from the balloon along with the air in the return line into the syringe where the air is trapped in the syringe. The balloon is reinflated and deflated by the syringe until the level of air in the liquid inflating medium has been reduced to a predefined level. A first non-return valve and a second non-return valve are provided in the flow and return lines, so that the liquid inflating medium is prevented from flowing from the balloon to the syringe in the flow line and from the syringe to the balloon in the return line.
US08486010B2	Bendable catheter The bendable catheter includes a flexible tubular main tube; a bendable part having a longitudinal axis and an internal space formed along the longitudinal axis, and being capable of being bent; a first coil provided in the internal space along the longitudinal axis; a second coil having a central axis extending parallel to a central axis of the first coil and provided adjacent to the first coil in a space formed between the bendable part and the first coil; and a bending manipulation wire arranged within the second coil, being capable of bending the bendable part, and having one end fixed to the bendable part.
US08486009B2	Systems and methods for steering catheters Systems and methods for steering catheters to facilitate advancing the catheters through the body, wherein the catheters employ multiple steering stages, each of which can move in multiple planes. The steering stages are independently controlled to enable them to form complex shapes. In one embodiment, the steerable catheter includes an elongated catheter body with the steering stages incorporated into the distal end of the catheter. The steering stages may incorporate multiple memory wires and corresponding heating elements that control the temperatures of the memory wires and consequently control the shapes of the wires and the steering stages in which they are embedded. The catheter may be any type of catheter (e.g., a lumen catheter) and may include features that enable the catheter to perform functions such as delivering therapies (e.g., ablation) to target tissues within the body.
US08486006B2	Medical injector with button activation A medical injector is provided herein which includes a body; a slidable button at least partially disposed in the body; a displaceable plunger disposed in the body; a spring disposed to advance the plunger; and, a releasable retainer for retaining the plunger in a first state against force of the spring. Upon a predetermined extent of sliding movement of the button, the button engages the releasable retainer so as to cause the releasable retainer to release the plunger thus allowing the spring to advance the plunger. Advantageously, the subject invention provides a medical injector having an automated plunger drive which is triggered upon button activation, thereby minimizing premature or failed activations.
US08486005B2	Method and system for detecting an occlusion in a tube Systems and methods for detecting an occlusion in a fluid delivery device are disclosed. The system includes a fluid delivery tube, an occlusion detection sensor configured to be coupled to the fluid delivery tube and further configured to detect occlusion within the fluid delivery tube. The fluid delivery tube includes an occlusion detection portion. The occlusion detection sensor is further configured to detect alteration of a shape of the occlusion detection portion when at least one condition occurs within the fluid delivery tube.
US08486004B1	Dressing having integral antimicrobial A dressing having integral antimicrobial includes a transparent film layer having a top side, an opposite bottom side, and an insertion site viewing portion. The dressing also includes an antimicrobial member having a top side and an opposite bottom side. The antimicrobial member top side is adhered to the film layer bottom side in the insertion site viewing portion. The antimicrobial member includes at least one pair of elongated, spacedly disposed portions defining a slot therebetween. A zone of inhibition defined by the antimicrobial member covers an entire area of the slot between the member portions.
US08486003B2	Inserter having two springs The invention relates to an inserter for a medical device e.g. an infusion set or the like for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises a needle hub comprising an insertion needle and two elastic elements assuring automatic insertion and automatic retraction of the insertion needle. Activation of the first elastic element (11) cause a penetrating member (6A) to be inserted sub- or transcutaneously into the skin of a patient, and the second elastic element (12) cause the penetrating member (6A) to be retracted from the skin of the patient. The first elastic element (11) is in an unloaded state before activation and upon activation the first elastic element (11) energizes the second elastic element (12).
US08486002B2	Drug delivery devices and methods with collimated gas stream and release-activatable tape Drug delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering a substance into a human or animal tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas. The device also includes a drug source positioned and configured to release a drug into the gas. The drug source includes a release-activatable tape having the drug disposed thereon. The device also includes a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source. The first collimator, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, is adapted to form a collimated gas stream comprising the drug in the gas.
US08486000B2	Ocular pressure regulation This invention comprises a flexible ocular device for implantation into the eye formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material, foldable to a diameter of 1.5 mm or less, comprising a fluid drainage tube having at one end a foldable plate adapted to located the device on the inner surface of the sclera in a suprachoroidal space formed by cyclodialyis, said drainage tube opening on to the disc at one end and opening to the anterior chamber when implanted into the eye at its other end, so as to provide aqueous pressure regulation. Also provided are methods for the treatment of glaucoma utilizing the flexible ocular device, and an ocular pressure spike shunt.
US08485998B2	Blood treatment system A blood treatment system including a computer with a program library containing data sets for the functional processes of blood treatment apparatus. The computer is used to generate data sets with the aid of a catalog of questions to be responded to interactively. In this manner, data sets can be generated corresponding to the individual requirements. The selecting of a data set can also be performed corresponding to the individual needs of the users and patients, respectively.
US08485995B1	System and method for thermal compression therapy A method for providing a combined DVT and compression therapy to a patient is provided. The method includes providing a control unit configured to condition heat transfer fluid and to selectively provide a compressed gas, providing a thermal compression device that is mountable to a select portion of the patient, and programming the control unit to supply heat transfer fluid to the thermal compression device and to supply compressed gas to the thermal compression device.
US08485993B2	Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.
US08485991B2	Vacuum assisted lancing system with system and method for blood extraction and masking pain A method of masking pain resulting from a lancing system can include moving a first portion and a second portion of a lancing assembly in a first direction, stopping the first portion from further moving in the first direction, thereby causing a first vibration, allowing the first portion to move in a second direction while the second portion continues moving in the first direction, and lancing a surface with the first portion while the first vibration is occurring. A system for lancing a surface and masking resulting pain may include a device body having an end adapted to sealingly engage the surface, structure for creating a first portion of a vacuum, structure for causing a vibration, and a lancing mechanism adapted to lance the surface while the first portion of the vacuum and the vibration are acting on the surface.
US08485988B2	Tissue excision device A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.
US08485985B2	Physiological sensor delivery device and method An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor.
US08485974B2	Multiple-frequency ultrasonic phased array driving system An apparatus for sonicating a patient includes an ultrasound array having a plurality of transducers; a driving module for driving said transducers; and a control kernel for causing said driving module to drive said transducers concurrently at two different frequencies.
US08485970B2	Surgical access device Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
US08485968B2	Endoscope A rigid, rod-shaped endoscope for medical applications includes a distal end having a light-permeable distal window and a light outlet disposed adjacent to the distal window, which includes a device configured to prevent the incidence of stray light onto sides of the deflection prism facing the distal window. An endoscope shank includes a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes. An inner fixed optical tube includes a moveable optical deflection prism and an optical system configured to transmit light beams. The optical deflection prism is mounted rotatably on a shaft that is disposed at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. At least one moveable sliding tube is configured to move relative to the inner fixed optical tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the endoscope using magnetic forces generated by a plurality of moveable permanent magnets.
US08485967B2	Endoscopic imaging device and endoscope apparatus having a configuration to prevent condensation An endoscopic imaging device includes an objective optical system, an imaging element, a transmissive protective substrate, an optical member, and a circuit board. The objective optical system imports observation light from a subject. The imaging element captures an image of the observation light. The transmissive protective substrate is disposed on an imaging surface of the imaging element with an air gap interposed therebetween. The optical member is disposed between the objective optical system and the transmissive protective substrate to guide light from the objective optical system to the imaging surface. The circuit board is disposed so that an area where an electronic component is mounted faces the optical member and the electronic component is brought into contact with an outer surface of the optical member.
US08485965B2	Endoscope main body and endoscope An endoscope main body constituting an endoscope in a state in which an elongated detachable observation optical system is attached to the endoscope main body, and in a proximal end of an insertion section of the endoscope main body, a branch member is disposed. The branch member is provided so that a first extended section and a second extended section are branched from each other and thereby first and second operating sections are separately arranged. Furthermore, the branch member has an opening as an inlet which guides an imaging module in a distal end of the observation optical system to a hard portion of the insertion section.
US08485963B2	Implantable devices for the treatment of incontinence and methods of using same Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.
US08485962B2	Implantable sling for the treatment of incontinence and method of using the same A method of treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing urethral tissue in a patient and employing a tool to place an implant into the incision. The method also includes coupling a first end of the implant to the tool and directing the tool and the first end of the implant through a first obturator foramen of the patient and following the same approach on a contralateral side of the patient thus suspending the implant between the first obturator foramen and the second obturator foramen of the patient. The method additionally includes elevating a urethra of the patient with a central portion of the implant, and securing the first end of the implant relative to a first descending ramus of the patient and securing the second end of the implant relative to a second descending ramus of the patient.
US08485960B2	Piezoelectric, micro-exercise pad apparatus and method An apparatus and method for micro-exercise apply piezoelectric stress to cells of a bone mass by inducing voltages in the bone mass. Application of dynamic, electromagnetic fields passing through the conductive bone mass induce currents and voltages locally in and around cells or groups of cells. The cells respond to the combination of mechanical stress and strain by building themselves up as they would if they had been subjected to the stress and strain of conventional exercise. Thus, micro-exercise at a cellular level of the bone mass can be stimulated as if the stress and strain had been applied to the entire bone structure of which the smaller cellular portions are constituent parts. In combination with casts or splints, the sources of electromagnetic flux may be embedded in the frame or solid structure, the protective padding added for comfort, or both.
US08485959B2	Centrifugal separator and a liquid phase discharge port member A centrifugal separator comprises a bowl rotating in use around an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation extends in a longitudinal direction, and a radial direction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A base plate provided at one longitudinal end of the bowl, said base plate having an internal and external side, an outlet opening being provided in the base plate. A casing is projecting at the outlet opening on the external side of said base plate, said casing comprising a casing side, a normal to said casing side extending at an acute angle relative to a circumferential direction of the bowl at said casing and a discharge opening is provided in said casing side. The discharge opening is radially outwardly limited by a weir with an overflow edge and said discharge opening extending radially inwardly to a position above a highest intended level of liquid in the bowl.
US08485947B2	Total body strengthening toning workstation and method of using same A stand-alone exercise apparatus includes a seat to support a user in a position thereon, and upper and lower body exercising assemblies which are configured for activation either sequentially or simultaneously to permit the concurrent exercising movement of his or her upper body area and lower body leg muscles, respectively, without necessitating that the user stop exercising when switching from upper body exercises to lower body exercises. The lower body exercising assembly includes a lower frame assembly which is operable to provide resistance exercise to the user's leg muscles, and which includes a selectively reciprocally movable pedal, platform or bar which is coupled to a suitable resistance mechanism, and which is engagable by the user's feet and/or legs as they are moved together in unified movement to effect leg extensions or curls. The upper body exercising assembly includes one or more reciprocally movable frame members, hand pulleys or swing arms coupled to a resistance mechanism, and which are engagable by the user's hands and/or arms. The resistance mechanisms used to provide the selected resistance to the upper and lower exercising assemblies are operable independently from each other, and enable the user to select the degree of resistance to each of the upper and lower body exercising assemblies separately.
US08485946B2	Turn weight plate Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to weight plates. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to nested weight plates including a first weight plate increment and a second weight plate increment configured to receive the first weight plate increment. The nested weight plates may include a turning mechanism including a turning circle and/or a screw. The screw may be received by the first weight plate increment such that rotation of the turning circle engages and/or disengages the second weight plate increment. In this manner, a user may select to total weight desired.
US08485944B2	Contribution of energy to an intelligent electrical network through an exercise apparatus Contribution of energy to an intelligent electrical network through an exercise apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, an exercise apparatus includes a frame and a movable object coupled to the frame to generate an electrical energy when a mammal applies a force upon the movable object. In addition, the exercise apparatus includes an energy capture mechanism coupled with the movable object and the frame to harness the electrical energy from the movable object. The exercise apparatus also includes an energy transfer mechanism coupled with the movable object and the frame to transfer the electrical energy to an intelligent electrical network. The mammal described herein may be a human, a domesticated animal, a pack animal, and a beast of burden.
US08485940B2	Power control device A power control device includes: an engine control unit and a transmission control unit provided so as to control power of the engine, and configured such that if an actual operating point, which is an operating point indicating a combination of actual revolution speed and torque of the engine, is located in a non-supercharging region and a final target operating point, which serves as a target operating point during acceleration, is located in a supercharging region, the revolution speed of the engine is increased until the actual operating point is shifted into the supercharging region, and the revolution speed of the engine is decreased after the actual operating point has entered the supercharging region, thereby shifting the actual operating point into the final target operating point when accelerating the vehicle.
US08485939B2	Method for controlling a drive train A method of controlling a drive-train of a motor vehicle, which comprises an internal combustion engine with a driveshaft, an electric machine in driving connection with the driveshaft of the internal combustion engine, a semi-automatic transmission with an input shaft and a plurality of gears that can be engaged selectively, and an automated friction clutch arranged between the driveshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the transmission, such that a gearshift of the transmission occurs in combination with suitable control of the internal combustion engine while the friction clutch is at least partially and/or briefly engaged. To speed up the shifting process and to attenuate torque and speed surges during the shifting process, the electric machine is operated briefly as a generator and/or as a motor.
US08485936B2	Planet shaft retention in planetary gear system A planet shaft for supporting a planet gear has a supporting portion extending along a central axis and having a first outer diameter. A flange is formed at one end of the supporting portion, which has a smaller section formed about a portion of a circumference around the central axis, and an enlarged portion extending away from the central axis for a greater distance than the smaller portion. A hole to receive a lock member is formed in the enlarged portion. A planetary gear assembly including such a planet shaft is disclosed as is an air turbine starter including the planetary gear system. Further, a method of installing a planet gear and planet shaft is also disclosed and claimed.
US08485934B2	Multi-ratio transmission A multi-ratio transmission comprising four planetary gearsets, eight rotary shafts and six shifting elements including first, second, third and fourth clutches and first and second brakes. The shafts either directly couple or selectively couple, via the shifting elements, the gearsets to each other or a housing of the transmission so as to implement nine forward gears and one reverse gear.
US08485929B2	Motor vehicle power train A motor vehicle power train includes a main drive engine with an output shaft for driving the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, an electric motor which includes a rotor and a stator, also for driving the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, an automatic transmission, with a plurality of selectively settable drive connections, a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft, the rotor of the electric motor being disposed in a drive connection between the output shaft of the main drive engine and the transmission input shaft, and can be disengaged from the output shaft with a clutch, and at least one ancillary unit which can be driven by the main drive engine. The rotor of the electric motor includes an exterior drive having a gearing of friction surface which has a driving connection to the at least one ancillary unit.
US08485920B2	Metal wood golf club head An improved golf club head is disclosed which comprises the positioning of secondary weights at such low, rearward and outward locations that it causes an alteration in the traditional look of the club head wherein each secondary weight has a portion of the weight that bulges outwards of the natural contour of the club head.
US08485919B2	Golf club head with composite weight port A golf club head having a face component, a crown, and a composite sole or a composite body patch with one or more weight ports for receiving one or more weight inserts is disclosed herein. At least part of each of the weight ports is integrally formed in the composite sole or composite body patch, and each of the weight ports include a weight receiving region for receiving a weight and a screw receiving region for receiving a screw that secures the weight in the weight port.
US08485918B2	Golf club head with face insert A golf club head with a face insert that is only partially connected to the body of the golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a face insert wherein the face insert is only connected to the body of the golf club head at specific engagement portions around the perimeter of the face insert while keeping the remainder of the perimeter unengaged. The golf club head disclosed in accordance with the present invention will allow for removal of excessive weight traditionally needed to connect the face insert to the body of the golf club head, therefore improving the performance of the golf club head.
US08485915B2	Variable length golf club shaft A variable length shaft assembly comprising a shaft adapter, a grip support, and an engagement device is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly of the present invention allows a golfer to quickly, semi-permanently, and inexpensively change the overall length of the shaft assembly, such that the shaft performs as desired and conforms to USGA rules. The variable length shaft assembly of the invention may further a travel limiter to prevent parts of the shaft assembly from disengaging from each other. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft are also disclosed herein.
US08485909B2	Torsional vibration damper and spindle A torsional vibration damper for coupling two machine parts disposed coaxially to each other, in particular for coupling a cylindrical inner surface of a first machine part to a cylindrical outer surface of a second machine part, has a plurality of clamping bodies and a plurality of intermediate elements. The intermediate elements have higher elasticity than the clamping bodies and are disposed between adjoining clamping bodies.
US08485908B2	Flexible coupler A flexible coupler for rotary power transmission may have several rubber bushings oriented in a circle about a coupler axis. The bushings may join two flanged components to form a single coupler. A single coupler may be used in applications where the axes of two transmission shafts are not parallel. Two couplers may be joined by a transmission shaft for applications where the axes of two transmission shafts may be parallel but offset from each other.
US08485893B2	Casino games Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game. The electronic gaming device can comprise a multi-player game engine that does not distinguish between virtual players and live players. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.
US08485891B2	Wagering game with player banking of positive expectation situations A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a disbursement of potential awards in a wagering game that have not been fully awarded yet. In a wagering game that comprises multiple states, a value of a favorable state relative to a prior state can be banked for later redemption by a player.
US08485889B2	Method, apparatus and article for random sequence generation and playing card distribution A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.
US08485867B2	Honing apparatus An improved structure of a honing apparatus includes a body, a suction unit, a control unit, a driving unit, a connecting unit and a upper cap, wherein a base is formed at circumference of the body and a trough is formed in the middle of the base, and a sliding trough is formed at one side wall on the other side of the body and a first hone is formed at a top surface of the body. At center of one lateral surface of the suction unit has an extended pulling stick and an eccentric protruding portion is formed in the control unit, while the other lateral surface has an extended manipulating portion. The driving unit has a threaded stick that has a rotating button at one enlarged end. The connecting unit has a through opening at a closer end of a lateral surface and a threaded unit is inside the connecting unit and aligned with the through opening. A second hone is hingedly formed at a top surface of the connecting unit close to the other end. A bottom surface of the upper cap corresponding to the sliding trough has a recessed portion, and a hole is formed to enable the first hone to penetrate upward.
US08485866B2	Substrate holding apparatus, polishing apparatus, and polishing method A substrate holding apparatus prevents a substrate from slipping out and allows the substrate to be polished stably. The substrate holding apparatus has a top ring body for holding and pressing a substrate against a polishing surface, and a retainer ring for pressing the polishing surface, the retainer ring being disposed on an outer circumferential portion of the top ring body. The retainer ring includes a first member made of a magnetic material and a second member having a magnet disposed on a surface thereof which is held in abutment against the first member.
US08485864B2	Double-side polishing apparatus and method for polishing both sides of wafer The double-side polishing apparatus is capable of uniformly polishing a wafer and highly preventing an outer edge of the wafer from being damaged. The apparatus comprises: a lower polishing plate and an upper polishing plate for polishing both sides of the wafer; a carrier having a main body part, in which a through-hole for holding the wafer is formed. Edges of the through-hole in an upper face and a lower face of the carrier are coated with coating layers, which are composed of an abrasion-resistant material and which have a prescribed width and a prescribed thickness. A resin cushion ring, which has a prescribed width and whose thickness is equal to that of the main body part of the carrier, is provided to an inner circumferential face of the thorough-hole. The wafer is held in the resin cushion ring.
US08485857B1	Method of producing a spark gap for an electrode support using sacrificial material A method of producing an electrode support for a spark plug is provided. The method includes attaching a chip to the electrode support. The chip includes a section of sacrificial material located between two sections of electrode material. The method includes substantially removing the section of sacrificial material from the chip to create a spark gap between the two sections of electrode material.
US08485847B2	Press-fit coupling joint for joining insulated conductors A method for coupling an end of a first insulated conductor to an end of a second insulated conductor that includes placing a sleeve over the end of the first insulated conductor and the end of the second insulated conductor; filling an interior volume of the sleeve with electrically insulating material; and moving the end of the first insulated conductor and the end of the second insulated conductor towards the center of the sleeve. When the ends of the insulated conductors are moved together an end of a core of the first insulated conductor and an end of a core of the second insulated conductor are coupled inside a core coupling located inside the sleeve and the electrically insulating material is compressed between an end portion of an electrical insulator in the first insulated conductor and an end portion of an electrical insulator in the second insulated conductor.
US08485844B2	L-shaped connector An L-shaped connector, which can waterproof simply and connect an L-shape terminal to an electric shield wire in miniaturized size so as to insulate and electromagnetic shield the L-shaped terminal, includes an L-shaped dividable insulation inner housing receiving an L-shaped terminal joined to the electric shield wire; an electric conductive shield shell covering a terminal receiving portion of the inner housing; an outer housing covering the shield shell; an electric conductive housing receiving a wire lead-out portion of the inner housing, and joining a flange of the shield shell and a flange of the outer housing to a flange of the electric conductive housing by screwing, and connecting a shield portion of the electric shield wire through a shield terminal to the shield shell; and a shield packing waterproofing between the flange of the shield shell and the flange of the electric conductive shell.
US08485842B2	Connector A connector includes an electric cable, an electric connecting portion that includes a case body in a rectangular shape and a circuit board, and has, on the circuit board, a line connecting portion electrically connected to a line of the electric cable, and a cable fixing portion to which the electric cable is fixed, a flat-type connector case that has a housing space housing the electric connecting portion and the electric cable, an opening in which the case body is integrally mounted, and an extension hole from which the electric cable is extended into the housing space, and is fixed to an intermediate portion of the electric cable, and a slide member that is slidably disposed in the housing space, and includes, on one surface side, a cable bending shape defining portion that defines a bending shape of the electric cable which is housed in the housing space.
US08485841B2	Clamping spring for a spring-cage terminal block A clamping spring for a spring-cage terminal includes a spring-steel band having a clamping arm, a supporting arm and a flexural joint joining the clamping arm and the supporting arm. The spring-steel band has a greater width in an area of the flexural joint than in an area of the clamping arm and the supporting arm.
US08485839B2	Modular interface communications with a storage cartridge A serial interface connector and corresponding method electrically connects to a storage cartridge that has a housing enclosing a serial communications device. The serial interface connector has a first plurality of electrical contacts and a retainer. The retainer operably contactingly engages the housing to impart a bias that retains the electrical contacts of the serial interface connector seated in electrical connection with a respective second plurality of electrical contacts of the serial communications device.
US08485838B2	Lever-type connector with collective rubber stopper A first housing (10) has a frame (11) with concave accommodation portions (20). A sub-connector (31) with female terminal fittings (33) is accommodated in the concave accommodation portions (20). A collective rubber stopper (36) is accommodated inside the concave accommodation portions (20) to seal a gap between a peripheral surface of an electric wire (34) pulled out of the sub-connector (31) and an inner peripheral surface of each concave accommodation portion (20). A first cam follower (19) is formed on an outer surface of the frame (11) and can engage an operation member (80). The frame (11) has an outer wall (12) defining an outer surface thereof where the first cam follower (19) is formed and an inner wall (18) separated from the outer wall part (12) via separated spaces (17) and constructing the inner peripheral surface of each concave accommodation portions (20).
US08485837B2	Electrical wet connector in downhole environment An electrical connection for use in boreholes or other remote environment has first and second conductive members. The two conductive members are movable to form an electrical contact. Also provided is a means for urging dielectric fluid around the electrical contact formed by the first conductive member and second conductive member as the first and second conducting members are moved together.
US08485836B2	Connector with short-circuiting terminal A connector has a first housing (10), a pair of first terminal fittings (50) accommodated in parallel with each other inside the first housing (10), a short-circuiting terminal (40) mounted inside the first housing (10) and short-circuiting a pair of the first terminal fittings (50), and a sub-housing (30) having insulating properties and holding the short-circuiting terminals (40). An accommodation chamber (17) formed inside the first housing (10) is open on an outer side surface of the first housing (10) as a mounting/removing opening (18). The sub-housing (30) is inserted into the accommodation chamber (17) in almost parallel with a direction in which a pair of the first terminal fittings (50) is arranged.
US08485835B2	Electrified suspended ceiling grid A suspended ceiling grid tee of conventional cross-sectional shape having a plurality of generally planar parallel and orthogonal surfaces and at least two electrically isolated conductor strips attached to the planar areas of the tee surfaces extending along substantially the full length of the tee, a connector for supplying low voltage electrical power to or from the conductors, the connector having a configuration complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the grid tee and including at least two electrical contacts for energizing each of said conductor strips when said connector is positioned on said grid tee.
US08485830B1	Socket having symmetrically arranged first and second casings with interlocking arrangements to define a LED seat An socket for light string is provided to include a pair of symmetrically arranged first and second casings mated together. Each of the first and second casings is featured with a side opening, and a first and second end channels, interlocking arrangements provided at internal wall thereof so as to securely interlock the first and second casings to configure the socket with a LED seat formed by the openings to host an LED, and passages for securely receiving conductive wires configured by the first and second channels. A partition is provided under the LED seat so as to insulatively isolated the conductive wires. Inner surfaces of the channels are provided with teeth to firmly hold the conductive wires. The socket is preferable for the use of configuring a light string.
US08485826B2	Portable terminal device having function of measuring mental fatigue and its measuring method A portable terminal device (1) capable of easily evaluating mental fatigue comprises: an operation unit (4); an imaging unit for measuring ambient light (5); a display screen (2) or a light-emitting element (3) for presenting a flashing image or light while a flicker frequency of the flashing source is being monotonically changed from a start frequency to an ending frequency; and a recording unit for, when a user operates the operation unit (4) as the user perceives a flicker, recording the flicker frequency at the time point as a measured frequency, wherein: a first frequency datum, which is the measured frequency measured when the user is in a healthy condition, is associated with a first luminance datum, which is a measured ambient luminance, and the associated datum is stored in the recording unit, a proportion of decrease of a second frequency datum, which is the measured frequency measured when the user is not in a healthy condition, from the first frequency datum recorded in the recording unit and associated with the first luminance datum which has the same or similar order of magnitude to a second luminance datum, which is a measured ambient luminance, is calculated to evaluate a degree of fatigue of the user.
US08485821B2	Tooth whitening dental tray and method of use A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more. The substantially non-aqueous tooth whitening formulation is effective over a longer period of time since it is not significantly diluted or removed from the dental tray during the treatment time.
US08485818B2	Fluid controller A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.
US08485815B2	Overhung rotary tube furnace A rotary tube furnace (1) comprising an insulated heating chamber (4), the insulated heating chamber having a product discharge outlet (21) and a process tube inlet (39), a heating element (14) operatively arranged to selectively heat the heating chamber, a generally horizontally extending process tube (2) supported for rotation relative to the heating chamber, the process tube having a first portion (36) generally arranged outside of the heating chamber and a cantilevered second portion (37) extending from the first portion into the heating chamber and terminating at a discharge end (38) within the heating chamber, a feed mechanism (40) configured and arranged to feed product into the process tube, and a bearing assembly operating between a support frame (34) and the first portion of the process tube and configured and arranged to support the process tube and transmit rotational torque to the process tube.
US08485811B2	Fine structure formation apparatus A fine structure formation apparatus includes a preheating heater to heat up the surface of belt-like mold alone, right before contacting the belt-like mold to heating and pressurizing rollers, the temperature of the surface of the belt-like mold is made equal to that of the heating and pressurizing rollers, enabling to reliably obtain a predetermined temperature, and cooling rollers or a cooling blower are arranged right after the heating and pressurizing rollers, enabling cooling by a forced cooling and pressure holding, and to transfer a pattern.
US08485808B2	Apparatus for producing three-dimensional shaped product An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product in which a powder and a shaped article are loaded on a base plate, a frame body is installed upright on a table, a support projecting from the frame body and/or a restraining support provided at the top of the frame body are used to support the base plate, the base plate is supported by arranging the center of gravity of the base plate so as to be present, two or more recesses provided at the back of the base plate are fitted into two or more extension supports which cross each other and/or restraining supports, and projected parts provided on supports and/or wall parts of the frame body are contacted with horizontally surrounding parts of the base plate on both sides in the longitudinal direction of at least one recess among the recesses, thereby attaining the above object.
US08485807B2	Device and method for thermoforming a sheet The device for thermoforming a sheet has two molds. The first mold includes a movable plug support plate and heated plugs projecting from the plug support plate, which plugs are spaced a predetermined distance apart. A plurality of induction coils is arranged stationary in an area of the device adjacent to the plug support plate, and the plug support plate has an induction element of inductively heatable material.
US08485803B2	Scroll compressor comprising oil separating driving shaft The present invention relates to a scroll compressor, with an oil-separating drive shaft, that comprises a housing a fixed scroll which is installed inside the housing, a orbiting scroll which orbits around the fixed scroll, and a drive shaft which drives the orbiting scroll. In the orbiting scroll, a discharge hole is formed. A discharge path is formed along the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft so that discharged coolant from the discharge hole flows therethrough. At least, a part of the discharge path is inclined forward from the rotary axis to the exterior. A lubrication hole is formed in the drive shaft that penetrates from the discharge path to the outer surface of the drive shaft.
US08485801B2	Poppet valve assembly A novel valve assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a seat plate having a plurality of fluid conduits. The valve assembly may also include a plurality of poppet assemblies. In some embodiments, a poppet assembly of such a plurality includes at least one fluid port and a housing configured to be coupled to the seat plate to facilitate flow of a fluid through a respective fluid conduit via the at least one fluid port of the respective poppet assembly. Other devices, systems, and methods related to poppet assemblies are also disclosed.
US08485800B2	System and method for pumping fluid using a pump cassette A system and method for pumping fluid using a pump cassette. The system includes a control assembly for operating the pump cassette. A force assembly having a movable member is capable of applying force to the pump cassette to press the pump cassette against the control assembly. The movable member may be an expandable member, such as a bladder.
US08485799B2	Vertical flow cage and method of use The present invention is centralizing vertical flow cage attachable to a subsurface pump in a downhole recovery application, and method of use. In one embodiment, the vertical flow cage is defined as comprising a hollowed, centralizing cone portion having at least one spiral vein formed in the cone's surface. In another embodiment, the centralizing cone includes a ledge having at least one discharge hole disposed thereon, with each discharge hole being selectively located above each vein. Each discharge hole is formed through the centralizing cone so that each hole formed is in fluid communication with the hollow interior portion of the centralizing cone. In this regard, during the pump process upstroke, any fluid below and outside of the centralizing cone will be forced vertically upwards through each vein. This fluid flow will be assisted by the flow of fluid through each hole, as any fluid within the hollow portion will flow upward and through each hole, thereby providing a synergistic vertical fluid flow effect.
US08485797B2	External oil expansion chamber for seabed boosting ESP equipment An expansion chamber to serve ESP equipment installed on the seabed located in either a caisson or a conduit on a skid. The expansion chamber provides an external reservoir for expansion and contraction of motor oil in the ESP equipment. During operation of an ESP, the heat generated in the motor raises the temperature of the motor oil, causing it to expand. The expansion chamber is connected to the ESP equipment via oil lines that allow oil to expand into the expansion chamber when the temperature of the motor oil increases. The expansion chamber has a movable barrier therein that defines primary and secondary chamber. Oil communicates with the primary chamber. Formation fluid within the conduit surrounding the motor communicates with the secondary chamber.
US08485796B2	Booster water spraying system A garden hose spray system includes a water pump and a controller with a switch for engaging and disengaging the pump. The pump is used for boosting a water flow through the system. The controller is in communication with the pump, and directs the switch to engage the pump when the water flow exceeds a predetermined, non-zero threshold flow rate. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a variable outlet. The variable outlet is operable at a first flow setting for a flow rate greater than the threshold and a second flow setting for a non-zero flow rate less than the threshold.
US08485794B2	Reciprocating compressor with rotary valve According to the present invention, a reciprocating compressor with a rotary valve comprises a cylinder block with plural cylinder bore, a drive shaft which is supported and permitted to rotate in relation to the cylinder block, a piston which is housed in the cylinder bore and allowed to reciprocate therein, a power transmitting unit which connects the piston and drive shaft, a rear housing wherein an intake chamber and exhaust chamber are formed, and a rotary valve which rotates with the drive shaft and is installed in the inner surface of a coupling hole formed in the cylinder block and permitted to slide and rotate therein. In the inner circumference of the cylinder block, connection holes are respectively connected to the cylinder bore. A bypass unit is included between the coupling hole and rotary valve and bypasses the refrigerant remaining in the connection hole of one cylinder bore during the compressive stroke of the piston, then discharges it through the connection hole of another cylinder bore.
US08485793B1	Chip scale vacuum pump A chip scale structure fabricated from known MEMS processes is provided including a pump actuator, a pump volume, pump membrane, a valve membrane, a valve aperture, and a valve actuator. The pump actuator may include a piezoelectric or piezoceramic disk. The valve actuator may be a piezoelectric or piezoceramic disk. A manifold plate with a valve aperture is disposed between the pump membrane and the valve membrane. One or more vacuum chambers are provided along a vacuum flow path or conduit in communication with the one or more vacuum chambers. The flow path comprises an inlet port and an outlet port where the inlet port is in communication with the separately provided vacuum environment. The outlet port is in commemoration with an external environment (e.g. non or lower-vacuum environment) for exhausting gases that are pulled from the separately provided vacuum environment to a separate location.
US08485790B2	Fuel supply unit for a motor vehicle A fuel-supply unit for a motor vehicle has a fuel container (2) that has several chambers (6, 7). The unit has a transfer pump (5) that is located inside the fuel container (2) for exclusively supplying ejector pumps (9, 10), which are positioned in the chambers (6, 7), with fuel as the pumping fluid. A primary fuel pump (4) that is located outside the fuel container (2) supplies an internal combustion engine (1) of the motor vehicle with fuel. The transfer pump (5) is operated discontinuously to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
US08485787B2	Turbine airfoil fabricated from tapered extrusions An airfoil (30) and fabrication process for turbine blades with cooling channels (26). Tapered tubes (32A-32D) are bonded together in a parallel sequence, forming a leading edge (21), a trailing edge (22), and pressure and suction side walls (23, 24) connected by internal ribs (25). The tapered tubes may be extruded without camber to simplify the extrusion process, then bonded along matching surfaces (34), forming a non-cambered airfoil (28), which may be cambered in a hot forming process and cut (48) to length. The tubes may have tapered walls that are thinner at the blade tip (T1) than at the base (T2), reducing mass. A cap (50) may be attached to the blade tip. A mounting lug (58) may be forged (60) on the airfoil base and then machined, completing the blade for mounting in a turbine rotor disk.
US08485786B2	Reinforced blade for wind turbine The present invention relates to a reinforced blade for a wind turbine, and in particular to a wind turbine blade comprising a shell having a section with an aerodynamic profile, and at least one internal reinforcing floor connected inside the shell and extending substantially along the profile chord in order to increase the strength of the blade and to prevent or reduce deformations of the surface of the blade caused by edgewise and flapwise loading of the blade structure.
US08485779B2	Turbocharger A sealing device for prevention of exhaust gas in a scroll passage from leaking via a gap to a turbine impeller is arranged upstream, in a travel direction of the exhaust gas, of through-holes via which the vane shafts extend through a rear exhaust introduction wall, whereby pressure in a gap communicating with the through-holes of the rear wall is kept lower than pressure in an exhaust nozzle so as to displace nozzle vanes to the rear wall.
US08485773B2	Device for moving large containers Devices and methods of using such devices to move containers are disclosed herein. A device may include a first piece with a wheel adjacent one end and a second piece attached to the first piece at a pivotal connection. The second piece may include a lift portion on one side of the pivotal connection and a handle on an opposite side of the pivotal connection. The handle may be adapted to be pivoted about an axis of the pivotal connection to cause the lift portion to lift a portion of the container.
US08485763B2	Helical broach for roughing A helical broach 1 for roughing includes a cutting tooth part 30 in which n spline teeth 31 are arranged side by side in an axial direction. The spline teeth 31 each include cutting teeth 32 which are arranged at a predetermined helix angle. The cutting teeth 32 each have an acute angle portion and an obtuse angle portion on both sides thereof in a circumferential direction. The cutting teeth disposed on the first to n−1th spline teeth 31 (S1 to Sn−1) in the circumferential direction are each formed in such a way that its height on the acute angle portion side differs from that on the obtuse angle portion side. The cutting teeth (Sn) of the nth spline tooth (Sn) are each formed in such a way that its height stays constant in the circumferential direction.
US08485761B2	Vessel for storing particulate matter and discharge device for use in the same The invention pertains to a vessel (1) for storing particulate matter, such a pulverized coal or fly ash, comprising a main part (2) and, at its bottom portion, at least one discharge device (3), which comprises a converging outer shell (10) and a permeable, converging inner shell (14) positioned in the outer shell (10), the discharge device (3) being connected to the main part (2) by means of a first flange (9) at or near the lower rim of the bottom portion of the main port (2) and a second flange (11) at or near the upper rim of the outer shell (10). The inner shell (14) is secured to the inner wall of the outer shell (10) of the discharge device (3), preferably to the inner wall of the second flange (11). Thus the number of gaskets is reduced an/or the positioning of the inner shell becomes less critical.
US08485758B2	Yieldable cone bolt and method of manufacturing same A mine roof support assembly for anchoring in a bore hole by means of a resin, cementitious grout which includes an elongated reinforcing tendon which extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. A slip sheath formed from a heat shrunk plastic, is secured by heat shrinkage radially about the tendon. The sheath is mechanically coupled to the tendon so as to allow the desired axial sliding of the tendon relative to the sheath on the application of predetermined forces which sufficient to effect any desired yielding movement of the tendon in the bore hole. An anti-bonding agent or coating and/or anticorrosive may be interposed between the sheath and the tendon, whereby the sheath substantially encapsulates and limits the admixing of the interposed anti-bonding agent/anti-corrosive coating with the resin.
US08485753B2	Self-cleaning delineator Various self-cleaning delineator embodiments incorporate a delineator design that includes a shell portion, a core disposed inside the shell portion, and a reflective sheet coupled to an outer surface of the core. A wind turbine mounted on or in the delineator energizes a mechanical energy storage device, such as a spring, in response to wind or other air movement. A drive mechanism couples to the storage device and is adapted to use energy from the storage device to provide relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the core. A cleaning material disposed on an inner surface of the shell contacts the reflective sheet such that the relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the first core causes the cleaning material to slide across the reflective sheet to remove debris therefrom. The drive mechanism may include an escapement mechanism to limit the rotational motion to a maximum speed.
US08485747B2	Printer Provided is a printer capable of minimizing paper jam with a simple configuration, preventing a recording sheet from being caught around a platen roller, and quickly performing removal of the recording sheet. The printer includes: a main unit (10) including a platen roller (5); and a detachable unit (11) including a recording head (6). The main unit includes: a wall portion (130) provided on a downstream side in a feeding direction of the recording sheet with respect to the platen roller; a guide member (131) supported at an upper end of the wall portion; and a stopper portion (132) which is provided on a downstream side in a rotating direction of the platen roller with respect to the guide member, and defines, between the platen roller and the wall portion, a retention space (C) in which the recording sheet having passed through a gap between an opposed surface (131b) of the guide member and the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller is retained. The stopper portion includes a claw portion (132a) for pulling the recording sheet having passed through the gap between the opposed surface and the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller apart from the platen roller and for retaining the pulled-apart recording sheet in the retention space.
US08485740B1	Camera head with pan, roll and tilt movement A remote control and/or gyrostabilized camera head has first and second roll forks attached to a pan frame. Each roll fork has a front roll arm and a back roll arm. A circular roll track segment may be provided on each roll arm. A roll frame has first and second motor supports or housings. A roll motor on or in the first motor support moves the roll frame about a roll axis. A tilt frame is rotatably supported between the first and second motor supports. A tilt motor on or in the second motor support rotates the tilt frame about a tilt axis. The weight of the roll motor support and the roll motor may be substantially the same as the tilt motor support and the tilt motor, so that the roll frame is balanced, allowing for better performance. As the camera head is a pan/roll/tilt head, the head can continue to provide movement in three axes, regardless of the camera position.
US08485737B2	Optical fiber array connectivity system for multiple transceivers and/or multiple trunk cables A transition device for an optical fiber connection system adapted to interconnect a trunk cable with a plurality of transceivers includes: a first set of at least four optical fibers, each of the optical fibers having a trunk end and a transceiver end; a single trunk end terminal having a plurality of trunk ports arranged in a first row, each port connected with a respective one of the set of optical fibers at its trunk end, wherein a first axis of symmetry divides the ports; and a plurality of transceiver end terminals, each of the transceiver end terminals having at least one couplet of transceiver ports, each of the couplets of transceiver ports receiving a respective couplet of the set of optical fibers at their transceiver ends.
US08485736B2	Optical connector An optical connector which enables an operator to easily remove a ferrule from a housing without using a special jig by himself alone. A supporting member that is mounted in a housing in a manner capable of being inserted and removed in a state in which the ferrule is held therein, includes a supporting member main body which is accommodated in the housing, and an operating portion which temporarily releases an engagement between protrusions formed on the supporting member main body and through holes formed in the housing. The operating portion is arranged in a manner protruding outside the housing when the supporting member is mounted in the housing.
US08485735B2	Field install fiber clip and method of use A clip holds a plurality of optical fibers in an array to be inserted into a fiber optic ferrule. The clip has a base member and a lid to hold the optical fibers therebetween. A stacker block assists in making the array by aligning them in a single plane. The optical fibers are then held in alignment for stripping, cleaving and inserting into the fiber optic ferrule.
US08485729B2	Self-compensating hydrostatic journal bearing A self-compensating hydrostatic journal bearing is disclosed, which is substantially a base provided for a spindle to mounted thereat passing through a hole thereof, while allowing a gap to be formed between the circumference surface of the hole and the spindle for a hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough. There are at least two oil holes formed on the base, and correspondingly, there are at least two first chambers formed on the circumference surface for allowing each first chamber to be in fluid communication with one of the at least two oil holes, and for each first chamber, there is one second chamber being arranged in the vicinity thereof. When the spindle is forced to bias, the gap axially opposite to the bias is changed for causing the hydraulic fluid to flow inside the channels between the first chambers and the second chambers correspondingly and thus accomplishing a fluid self-compensating process.
US08485722B1	Subsurface temperature measurement system According to certain embodiments, a temperature measurement system includes a radiometer coupled to an antenna and a signal processor. The radiometer is operable to generate two or more signals representing electro-magnetic radiation received at a corresponding two or more differing frequencies. The signal processor receives the two or more signals from the radiometer while the antenna is placed adjacent to a surface of a substrate, and compares the two or more signals with one another to determine a brightness temperature of the substrate at a depth of the substrate from the antenna.
US08485718B2	Secure electronics timer A lockable timing apparatus for multiple electronic devices includes an enclosure having a bottom, two side walls, an end wall, and a lid, with a door member opposing the end wall and hingedly attached to a side wall, the bottom, or the lid. At least one notch is in an exposed edge of at least one of the door member and the lid. Inside the enclosure are at least one electrical timer with a power supply cord, and at least two electrical outlets electrically connected to the at least one electrical timer. A locking means is disposed at least in part on the door member for denying unauthorized persons access to the electrical timer and the at least two electrical outlets.
US08485716B2	Agitation apparatus and agitation method An agitation apparatus and an agitation method that ensure rapid and homogeneous agitation/mixing of fluids with a wide spectrum of viscosities from low to high levels and fluids with high thixotropy throughout an agitation vessel are provided. In an agitation apparatus, a lowest upper agitation blade is arranged to be vertically adjacent to a lower blade. As viewed from above, a line on a plane connecting a lower end portion of the lowest upper agitation blade to the center of an agitation shaft is arranged by a predetermined angle with respect to the center line of the lower blade in a blade radial direction. As viewed from the side, a horizontal cross section including the lower end portion of the lowest upper agitation blade is located below a horizontal cross section including an upper end portion of the lower blade.
US08485714B2	Sealed mixer A sealed mixer comprises a housing provided with a mixing chamber and a material insertion port for inserting materials into the mixing chamber; a weight for pressing the materials inserted into the material insertion port toward the mixing chamber; and a shaft member which extends upward from the weight and moves upward and downward together with the weight, the weight being connected to a lower end portion of the shaft member, a reservoir adapted to store lubricant between the weight and the shaft member is formed at a part connecting the weight and the shaft member, and a lubricant supply path adapted to supply the lubricant from an outside toward the reservoir is formed in the shaft member.
US08485713B2	Oven lamp holder with bayonet lock The present invention relates to a lamp holder with bayonet lock that provides interior illumination in kitchen equipment or similar devices, particularly in domestic ovens, and it is characterized in that it consists of (i) plastic or porcelain body (2) with screw ring housing (10) and terminal rivet hole (12) on its inner surface, and mounting recesses (13), mounting protrusions (13a) and positioning wedge (11) on its outer surface; (ii) mounting frame (3) with circular inner and outer diameter and located on the plastic or porcelain body (2), and having springy mounting pins (14) seated at an angle of 180° from each other on its inner side, springy mounting hooks (14a), locking pins (15) and locking springs (16); and (iii) glass enclosure (1) located on the mounting frame (3) shaped in almost semi-spherical form and equipped with a glass enclosure flange (7) on the bottom part, fixing slots (8) in pairs and locking track (9) below the glass enclosure flange (7).
US08485711B2	Light plate A light plate includes a light guide plate and four light source modules. The light source modules are disposed around the light guide plate. Each of the light source modules includes a first white light emitting element and a second white light emitting element. The first white light emitting element is capable of emitting a first white beam. The second white light emitting element disposed beside the first white light emitting element is capable of emitting a second white beam. The first white light emitting elements of the light source modules are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a first reference plane and a second reference plane. The second white light emitting elements of the light source modules are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the first reference plane and the second reference plane. The correlated color temperature (CCT) of the first white beam is greater than the CCT of the second white beam.
US08485709B2	Light emitting diode display module set and washing device comprising the same A light emitting diode display module includes a circuit board with a plurality of light emitting diodes, a bracket with a plurality of grids, and a light conductive panel that includes a plurality of light conductive portions in the grids and in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of light emitting diodes, a height of one of the light conductive portions being lower than a height of another light conductive portion, a covering film arranged on the surface of the light conductive panel, and light transmitting portions for displaying information on the covering film at positions corresponding with the plurality of light conductive portions.
US08485706B2	Securing device for connecting reflector to adjustment unit of vehicle headlight A securing device for connecting a reflector to an adjustment unit includes a connector connected to the reflector and a holding member is connected to the connector. The holding member includes a space and a slot defined axially through a wall of the holding member. Two notches are defined in two ends of the slot respectively. A securing member includes a frame which includes two upright portions and two transverse portions connected between the two upright portions. The two upright portions are engaged with the notches and one of the two transverse portions has a gap which is expanded when the neck of the adjustment rod of the adjustment unit passes therethrough. The sphere on the adjustment rod is located in the space and the securing member clamps the two ends of the slot to prevent the sphere from disengaged form the space.
US08485704B2	Lamp unit and vehicle lamp A lamp unit includes at least one light source that emits light in a predetermined direction, and a light guide body including at least one incident surface where light emitted from the light source enters, a first emission surface that emits light entering from the incident surface in a horizontal direction, and a plurality of second emission surfaces that emits light entering the incident surface in a horizontal direction and emits light entering the incident surface to the upper side of the horizontal direction. The second emission surfaces are formed above the first emission surface at different positions in an up-down direction, and are positioned on the back side of the first emission surface so as to be spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction.
US08485700B2	Low profile OLED luminaire for grid ceilings A low-profile luminaire has a planar light source comprised of one or more planar organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The OLED light source is supported by a low-profile OLED support structure that lies in a plane. The support structure has a maximum height (H) of about two inches and preferably a height of about one inch or less. It also has perimeter dimensions that allow the luminaire to fit within and to be supported by the T-bar grid of a grid ceiling system. Electrical components for driving and controlling the OLED light source can be provided within the support structure or externally of this structure.
US08485693B2	Backlight module A backlight module includes a chassis, a printed circuit board, a light source, and a light guide plate. The chassis includes a bottom plate and a sidewall. The sidewall is disposed on at least one side of the bottom plate. The sidewall has a recess therein. At least one part of the printed circuit board is located in the recess. The light source is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The light incident side of the light guide plate is opposite to the light emitting side of the light source.
US08485692B2	LED-based light source with sharply defined field angle A luminaire with an LED based illumination device having at least one LED includes a transmissive lens element that in combination with reflector is able to generate an output beam with a sharply defined large angle intensity profile. The reflector element is mounted to the LED based illumination device. The transmissive lens element includes first and second interior surfaces and third and fourth exterior surfaces. A portion of light emitted from the LED passes through the first interior surface and the third exterior surface and refracts towards an optical axis of the LED based illumination device, and the reflector element without interacting with the reflector element. Another portion of light emitted from the LED passes through the second interior surface and fourth exterior surface and refracts away from the optical axis to be reflected by the reflector element.
US08485689B2	Display panel attachment mechanism A light-emitting display system has interlocking tiles. In an implementation, each tile has a portion of a clamp that joins with another portion of the clamp on another tile. A tile is removed from the display by unlocking the clamp portions. The tile is removed without affecting the position of the other tiles in the display.
US08485687B2	Light assembly A light assembly includes a lighting module having a number of LEDs and a reflector assembly disposed on the lighting module. The reflector assembly includes a number of individual reflector portions, each reflector portion being of generally concave shape and structured to selectively direct light emitted from a respective one of the number of LEDs. A lens member is disposed over the reflector assembly and a membrane is disposed between the reflector member and the lens.
US08485682B2	Illuminated eyeglass assembly An illuminated eyeglass assembly includes one or more temple members having an integral lighting assembly structured and disposed to provide an illumination region proximate a user, for example, to illuminate an item within an arm's length of the user. Each integral light assembly includes at least one light source interconnected to a power source via a switch mechanism. Each of the light sources produce a light beam, and the light sources are structured and disposed such that the light beams provide an illumination region immediately proximate the user, thereby permitting the user to perceptively view an item in a low light environment, such as, to permit the user to read menu or a check in a restaurant or nightclub. A system is provided to retrofit an existing eyeglass assembly with one or more temple member having an integral lighting assembly.
US08485680B2	Illuminated vehicle cup holder assembly An illuminated cup holder assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention facilitates the ability to see the cup holder in darkness while also providing an aesthetically pleasing, uniformly illuminated cup holder. The cup holder assembly includes a cup receptacle having an annular outer wall configured to receive a cup. A flexible, resilient finger extends radially inwardly from the annular wall, wherein the finger is configured to engage the cup to inhibit the cup from inadvertent movement in the cup receptacle. The finger has a translucent portion configured in communication with a light source to allow light to be emitted from the light source through the translucent portion into the cup receptacle.
US08485677B2	Backlight module and lamp installation device thereof The present invention provides a backlight module and a lamp installation device thereof. The backlight module comprises a plurality of lamps therein, and two ends of each of the lamps are clamped, positioned and electrically connected to one of the lamp installation devices, respectively. Each of the lamp installation devices comprises: a mounting end, a lamp clamping portion and an elastic conductive plate. The mounting end is used to mount the lamp installation device on the backlight module; the lamp clamping portion has a pair of elastic clamping plates for engaging with one end of the lamp; and the elastic conductive plate is electrically connected to a terminal of the end of the lamp. The manufacture cost of the lamp installation device of the present invention is relatively low and the installation thereof is simple, while the lamp also can provide a better impact resistance.
US08485676B2	Dual view mirror system Apparatus for increasing a person's field of view is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting base. A receiver is rotatably mounted to the mounting base. A center arm section including a plurality of rigid segments is adjustably mounted at one end to the receiver. The apparatus also includes an upper arm section. A ball and socket connection is included between the upper arm section and the center arm section. The apparatus also includes a plurality of mirrors mounted on the upper arm section.
US08485674B2	Semi truck side view mirror road spray contamination deflector A semi truck side view mirror road spray contamination deflector for use on such vehicles using a side view mirror in conjunction with a separate convex spot mirror. The deflector is comprised of a rigid, weatherproof shield with a pliable weatherstripping attached, that when mounted horizontally, bridges the gap between the two mirrors, effectively redirecting the airflow thus eliminating road spray and excess moisture from creeping up the back of the spot mirror and splashing onto the upper mirrors reflective surface.
US08485673B2	Method for producing optical layered body, production apparatus of optical layered body, optical layered body, polarizer and image display device A method for producing an optical layered body which can attain properties such as an antiglare property, scintillation prevention and black color reproducibility such as gloss blackness simultaneously, and a production apparatus of the optical body are provided. The method includes forming an antiglare layer having a surface roughness on the light-transmitting substrate, wherein with respect to the surface roughness, when denoting a mean spacing of profile irregularities of the surface of the optical layered body by Sm, a mean inclination angle of profile irregularities by θa, and mean roughness of the surface roughness by Rz, Sm is 50 μm or more and less than 100 μm, θa is 0.1° or more and 1.0° or less, and Rz is more than 0.2 μm and 1.0 μm or less.
US08485672B2	Structured surface articles containing geometric structures with compound faces and methods for making same A prepared substrate including an array of cube corner cavities and protrusions interspersed between the cube corner cavities is described herein.
US08485671B2	Projector apparatus which controls pulse widths of light beams emitted from pulse-driven light sources of different colors based on measured illumination values of the light sources A projector apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light beams of a plurality of color components, emissions of the light beams being controlled individually, a projection unit configured to form images respectively corresponding to the color components using the light beams from the light source for each frame and to sequentially project the images, a driving unit configured to drive the light source so that the light beams are emitted as light pulses having respectively predetermined pulse widths for a period in which the projection unit projects each of the images, a detector configured to detect deterioration levels of the light source respectively for the color components, and a controller configured to control the pulse widths of the light beams emitted from the light source based on the deterioration levels.
US08485669B2	Projector and illumination apparatus for same An illumination apparatus includes a fluorescence unit, laser light irradiation means, and a beam integration unit. The fluorescence unit has a plurality of phosphors, in which the colors of fluorescence generated due to excitation differ, arranged in different regions. The laser light irradiation means irradiates laser light onto the regions of each color of the fluorescence unit while changing the position at which the laser light strikes the fluorescence unit. The beam integration unit integrates fluorescence from each region of the fluorescence unit on a display panel.
US08485668B2	3D interaction for mobile device Techniques for utilizing an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera, and a projector to create a virtual 3D model of a real 3D object in real time for users' interaction with the real 3D object.
US08485661B2	Adjustable flicker rate vision training and testing A vision training system comprises a display device configured to display dynamic visual content having a flicker rate, a flicker generator configured to adjust the flicker rate according to a duty cycle, a visual signal source configured to provide a visual signal in the form of dynamic content to the flicker generator, or, alternatively, to the display device, and a receiver configured to receive indications that the flicker rate should be adjusted.
US08485660B2	Eyewear frame including visor Eyewear formed generally as frame component and a visor component that may be manufactured as two separate pieces and then assembled together. The frame has a slot formed in a top portion thereof shaped to engage a downwardly extending flange on the visor. Fasteners can be used to hold the visor securely to the frame. In preferred embodiments, the visor not only extends forward but also rearward of the frame to occlude light entering between the visor, frame and the wearer's forehead.
US08485656B2	Wide format printer with independently movable printed service modules A wide format printer that has a media transport system configured to transport media along a media path that is more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, a printhead assembly fixed relative to the media path and a plurality of service modules for the printhead assembly. Each of the service modules is independently movable relative to the media path.
US08485654B2	Aqueous inkjet printing fluid compositions An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer including a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, having in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex of Formula (I): wherein M represents a divalent or a trivalent metal, R1 and R2 each independently represent alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl substituents, R3 represents hydrogen, a halide, or an alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl substituent, and the number of ligands n is 2 or 3. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended.
US08485651B2	Print cartrdge cradle unit incorporating maintenance assembly A cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine, the cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween; a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine; a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening, the cover assembly pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position; and a maintenance assembly mounted to the main body, the maintenance assembly movable between a capping state where a printhead of the print cartridge is capped, and a printing stage where a printhead of the print cartridge is uncapped.
US08485650B2	Method for filling liquid-discharge-head cartridge with liquid, and method and apparatus for manufacturing liquid-discharge-head cartridge A method for filling a liquid-discharge-head cartridge with liquid includes a first step in which a suction operation is performed at a first suction pressure while a suction member is moved along the discharge port row in the discharge-port surface at a first moving speed to suck the liquid in the liquid container to fill the discharge ports, and a second step in which a suction operation is performed at a second suction pressure, which is lower than the first suction pressure, while the suction member is moved along the discharge port row in the discharge-port surface at a second moving speed, which is lower than the first moving speed to remove bubbles in the flow path.
US08485647B2	Imaging with helical and circular scans A method for forming an image includes providing a media support adapted to receive media; providing a recording head comprising a plurality of recording channels, wherein each recording channel is adapted to form an image pixel column while scanning over the media; providing an image data file comprising one or more arrangements of image data columns; assigning first image data from a single image data column to a first recording channel of the recording head; operating the first recording channel to form a first image pixel column solely in accordance with the assigned first image data; assigning second image data from each image data column of a plurality of the image data columns to a second recording channel of the recording head; operating the second recording channel to form a second image pixel column in accordance with the assigned second image data; and operating the recording head to form the image.
US08485644B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image by jetting inks in a plurality of colors includes a plurality of recording-head modules for jetting inks in the plurality of colors, and a carriage for mounting the plurality of recording-head modules, wherein each recording-head module includes a plurality of recording heads for jetting ink in the same color and constructs a unit capable of integrally attaching and detaching the plurality of recording heads to and from the carriage.
US08485640B2	Nozzle plate, droplet discharge head, method for manufacturing the same and droplet discharge device A nozzle plate includes a silicon substrate, and a nozzle hole formed in the silicon substrate for discharging a liquid droplet provided with: a first nozzle portion formed perpendicularly to a surface of the silicon substrate; a second nozzle portion formed on a same axis as an axis of the first nozzle portion and having a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first nozzle portion; and an inclined portion having a cross-sectional area gradually increasing from the first nozzle portion to the second nozzle portion.
US08485639B2	Inkjet print head and method for manufacturing the same An inkjet print head and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The inkjet print head includes: an upper board having a pressure chamber; and a lower board including an upper silicon layer, an insulating layer, and a lower silicon layer, wherein the lower board includes a projection formed of the upper silicon layer and protruded into the interior of the pressure chamber in order to reduce the space of the pressure chamber, and a lower surface of the upper board and an upper surface of the lower silicon layer are fixed.
US08485633B2	Droplet detecting device and inkjet printer Provided is an ink detecting module (100) that detects the discharge state of a liquid droplet by receiving a light beam emitted to a flying path of the liquid droplet discharged from a nozzle row (103) of an inkjet printer, the ink detecting module including: a light emitting unit (104) that emits a light beam; a light receiving unit (105) that receives the emitted light beam; and a module base (108) that integrally supports the light emitting unit (104) and the light receiving unit (105), the module base (108) including: positioning pins (106, 107) that are engaged with the inkjet printer and determine the fastening position in the inkjet printer; and a fastening unit that is fastened to the inkjet printer, in which, in the state of being fastened to the inkjet printer, only the positioning pins (106, 107) and the fastening unit are in contact with the inkjet printer.
US08485631B2	Recording device, method of generating correction chart, and method of transporting medium When an original point position of a transport roller is detected using an original point detecting sensor and a downstream end in the transport direction of an elongated sheet is positioned on a more downstream side in the transport direction than a cutting position, the sheet is cut by a cutter. Thereafter, a correction chart is generated by driving the transport roller and a recording unit.
US08485629B2	Printing apparatus, printing method, and data generating apparatus The first printing mode improves gloss uniformity by setting the colorless ink discharge amount to be equal to or smaller than a reference value A at a dark image portion in input image data, and performing normal discharge printing in which printing with a colorless ink starts before completion of printing with a color ink (FIG. 11C). The second printing mode implements a wide color reproductive range by setting the colorless ink discharge amount to be larger than A at the dark image portion, and performing post-discharge printing in which discharge of the colorless ink starts after completion of printing with the color ink (FIG. 11D).
US08485626B2	Image forming device and method for controlling discharge of ink droplets based on sensor detection An image forming device includes: an endless transport belt in which a plurality of through holes are formed, the transport belt circulating to carry sheets; a recording head with a plurality of nozzles through which ink droplets are discharged, the nozzles being arranged in a width direction of the transport belt. The image forming device performs preliminary discharge of ink droplets in which the ink droplets discharged through the nozzles pass through the through holes. The image forming device further includes: a sensor that detects an element to be detected formed on the transport belt when the transport belt circulates; and a preliminary discharge control unit that controls timings of discharge of ink droplets through the nozzles in the preliminary discharge based on a plurality of results of detecting the elements to be detected given from the sensor.
US08485619B2	Method of priming printhead A method of priming a media width printhead, the method having controlling operation of the printhead, with a controller of a printing system having the printhead, to draw fluid in a first direction around a closed fluid flow loop from a fluid container to the printhead and controlling operation of a pump on the closed loop, with the controller, to draw fluid from the container in an opposite, second direction around the closed loop.
US08485616B2	Slide assembly with buffering member for reducing impact and noise A slide assembly includes a first rail, a second rail movable connected to the first rail, a restriction member on the second rail, and a support base movably connected to an open end of the first rail. The second rail is pulled from the open end. The first rail includes an installation hole and a stop at the open end. The support base includes a buffering member contacting the stop of the first rail. When the second rail is completely pulled from the first rail, the restriction member contacts the support base which is moved and compresses the buffering member to reduce the impact force and the noise.
US08485614B2	Base stand with drawer A base stand for supporting a metal cabinet includes a main body having a top wall and four side walls extending therefrom; and legs attached to each of the four side walls of the body. Each of the legs has at least one pair of holes for mounting the legs to the body. A slidable drawer is slidably mounted to the body. A base stand and metal storage bin assembly includes a base stand and metal storage bin assembly including a metal storage bin having a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second opposed side walls and a base stand for storing and transporting the metal cabinet. The base stand has a main body having a top wall and four side walls extending therefrom and legs attached to the four side walls of the body. Each of the legs has at least one pair of holes for mounting the legs to the body. A slidable drawer is slidably mounted to the body.
US08485613B1	Curio cabinet with concealed gun rack A cabinet having a concealed gun rack is five-sided with a five-sided top panel. One (1) of the sides is a pivoting door. A pivoting mirrored structure is inside the cabinet and behind the door. When closed, mirrors obscure the depth of the cabinet. When open the mirrored structure allows access to a gun rack. Shelves attached to the mirrored structure can hold user selected objects.
US08485611B2	Cleaning implement The broom may include a broom body. The broom body may include a shaft side, a shoulder disposed on the shaft side, a cleaning side, and a bump guard disposed on the shoulder. The broom may further comprise a shaft extending from the shoulder and a plurality of bristles extending from the cleaning side. The bump guard may be relatively softer than a main piece of the broom body. The broom body may also include a lower bump guard covering a toe and a heel of the broom body. In one embodiment, the broom body may be comprised of a core and a skin. The skin may be overmolded onto the core. The bump guard may be overmolded onto the skin. In another embodiment, the core and the skin may be molded together in a co-injection molding process.
US08485605B2	Connecting devices A gear assembly may include first and second gear wheels meshing with each other and having a meshing line. The meshing line is formed as a combined line that is positioned between first and second curves to determine a meshing range of the meshing line, so as to extend from a point on the first curve positioned radially inside the second curve in a circumferential direction in which the second curve is radially outwardly spaced from the first curve and to reach a point on the second curve. The combined line is composed of a combination of a plurality of line portions.
US08485603B2	Loose fill cushions having internal support member A number of variations of loose fill (1) cushions having at least one stabilizer (3) to keep an internal lumbar support (2) in the proper position and alignment. Additionally, some embodiments are shown with a fin 4 above the lumbar support to provide further alignment stability.
US08485602B1	Motorized chair device for individuals with limited motor function A motorized chair device for promoting movement, balance, and vestibular processing and integration. The chair device features a chair component comprising a back support portion disposed atop a seat portion. The back support portion is formed from a first side panel, a middle panel, and a second side panel connected together, wherein rigid intersections are formed between the side panels and middle panel. A rocking component is positioned below the chair component. The rocking component is shaped to allow the chair component to rock. A motor system is operatively connected to a piston, the piston being mounted to a ground surface. The motor system functions to automatically rock the chair component forwardly and backwardly by pushing against the piston to pivot the device in a forward motion. A control button is operatively connected to the motor system. The control button functions to turn the motor system on and off.
US08485600B2	Tether for a vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a backrest frame and a seat frame connected to each other to form a seat structure. The seat includes a seat base adapted to be rigidly connected to the frame structure of a vehicle, and which is connected to the seat frame via a seat suspension. The seat further includes a tether which at one of its ends is attached to the seat back at a first, upper attachment point and at its other end attached at a second, lower attachment point in order to improve the strength of the seat in case of an accident. The seat is provided with at least one lever arm on the back side of the seat which shall be used as an attachment point for the tether or as a guide or support for the tether located in between the upper attachment point and the lower attachment point.
US08485594B2	Sillboard arrangement of a motor vehicle body A sillboard arrangement of a motor vehicle body is provided with a sillboard outside panel, a sillboard inside panel and a lateral wall outside panel. The sillboard inside panel and sillboard outside panel are joined together by at least one connecting flange hat extends in the longitudinal direction of the sillboard, and the lateral wall outside panel is attached to a bottom side of the sillboard outside panel in an area spaced apart from the connecting flange. The lateral wall outside panel can have secured to it an end cap, which at an end lying in the longitudinal direction of the sillboard profile exhibits a floor section that is essentially indentation free in relation to the transverse direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the vertical direction of the vehicle from a bottom side of the lateral wall outside panel.
US08485592B2	Front connection structure for vehicle body A front connection structure for a vehicle body may include a bumper back beam provided in a front portion of the vehicle body and connected to a side member in a traverse direction of the vehicle body, an apron upper member positioned on a side surface of the vehicle body in parallel to the side member, and a back beam side member mounted on an end portion of the bumper back beam in the traverse direction of the vehicle body and connected to a front end portion of the apron upper member.
US08485591B2	Front vehicle body structure A front structure of a vehicle body includes left and right front side frames, a dashboard lower panel, and left and right floor frame. The dashboard lower panel has a rear surface with a cross member provided thereon, and a lower part inclined downwardly rearwardly of the vehicle body. Front end of each of the left and right floor frames extends forwardly upwardly along the lower part of the dashboard lower panel and is joined by an adapter to a rear end of a respective one of the left and right front side frames. The adapter is joined to the cross member with the dashboard lower panel sandwiched therebetween.
US08485586B2	Back-up power for controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes a power-activated device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened. The power-activated device is also configured to be protracted when the first and second doors are closed to thereby seal the first and second portions of the access opening. The system additionally includes a primary energy storage device configured to supply power to the power-activated device. Furthermore, the system includes an auxiliary energy storage device configured to supply back-up power to the power-activated device when the power supplied by the primary energy storage device is interrupted.
US08485582B2	Storage device for vehicle A storage device for a vehicle includes a storage section which has a space and has an engagement hole provided on the back side in a mounting direction and in which an article is put in and taken out through an opening portion, and a detachable separator which partitions the space in the storage section, is formed in a substantially L shape having two plate sections intersecting one another when viewed from the mounting direction into the storage section, has a projecting portion which protrudes toward the front in the mounting direction and is engaged with the engagement hole, and is mounted in the engagement hole at a partitioning position to divide the space into two compartments and a compartment expanding position to form a single compartment larger than either of the two compartments in the space.
US08485580B2	Apparatus for protecting a child's head The present invention relates to a device for protecting the head of a child from bumps against the roof and rear doorframe of a vehicle as the child is placed in the child safety seat or removed from it.
US08485574B2	Vehicle bumper structure A vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper beam and an absorber. The bumper beam includes an upper absorber support surface and an upper reinforcing rib. The upper reinforcing rib includes an upper rib body portion and a pair of right and left upper rib bend portions extending from right and left ends of the upper rib body portion so as to bend toward a vehicle inner side. The absorber includes an absorber body, a pair of right and left upper absorber support legs extending from the absorber body across the upper reinforcing rib, and a pair of right and left contact portions extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the upper absorber support legs so as to be in contact with the right and left upper rib bend portions from the vehicle inner side.
US08485573B2	Handle device for vehicle door In a handle device for a vehicle door, a base member made of a synthetic resin is provided with: a pin support part having a support hole; and a pair of restricting walls which flexes so as to allow a pin to pass through when the pin is inserted into the support hole and which opposes an end part of the pin after insertion of the pin is completed. The pin is formed so as to integrally have: a pin main portion being formed in a round bar shape having a constant diameter and a circular cross-sectional shape and being inserted from one end side through the support hole; and a large diameter portion being coaxially connected to the other end of the pin main portion. The two restricting walls, which are formed in a flat plate shape, are provided on the base member so that the gap between opposing faces of the two restricting walls in a state in which no external force is acting on the restricting walls is larger than a diameter of the pin main portion and smaller than the maximum diameter of the large diameter portion. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the assemblability of the pin to be enhanced and molding of the base member to be made easy, thus reducing the number of operating steps.
US08485571B2	Door lock apparatus for vehicle A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes a latch mechanism engaged with and released from a striker, a first lever rotatably driven by a driving unit from a predetermined first initial position, a second lever operatively connected to the first lever and rotated from a predetermined second initial position and switching a state of the latch mechanism relative to the striker, a biasing member biasing the second lever to be returned to the second initial position, and an engagement portion provided at the first lever and releasing the second lever by thrusting the second lever in accordance with the rotational movement of the first lever returning to the first initial position from a constrained state where the second lever is constrained not to be returned to the second initial position after the second lever has changed the states of the latch mechanism.
US08485570B2	Door lock assembly with inertia lock A door lock assembly for a vehicle door comprises a door inner panel, including a stop, and a bell crank assembly. The bell crank assembly includes a bell crank main plate mounted adjacent to the door inner panel and pivotable about a bell crank pivot axis, a door lock rod extending generally vertically from the main plate and including an end accessible by a vehicle occupant, a latch rod extending horizontally from the main plate and including an end engaging a latch for locking and unlocking the latch, and an inertial pendulum having a first end affixed to the main plate and an opposed free end cantilevered from the main plate, with the inertial pendulum configured so that inertia on the inertial pendulum causes the free end to engage the stop to prevent rotation of the main plate during a vehicle impact event.
US08485568B2	Locking device having positioning and floating adjustable capability A locking device having positioning and floating adjustable capability is provided, which includes a positioning part, disposed on a lateral side of an apparatus, the lateral side has at least one fixing opening, having a positioning opening at a periphery of the at least one fixing opening, and at least one side of the positioning opening has a necking channel; a bracket, having a sliding slot while being disposed on a frame; and a locking element, slidably coupled to the sliding slot, and enters the positioning opening under the guide of the necking channel while sliding in the sliding slot, so as to be aligned with the fixing opening. Moreover, the locking device is applicable to an apparatus having different fixing opening locations, so that the locking element can be aligned with the fixing opening easily and conveniently, thereby locking the apparatus to the bracket.
US08485566B2	Door with mount and lock structures for mission critical enclosures A door for mission critical enclosures, for example, cabinets containing sensitive items, such as electronics that may be exposed to high stress environments, for example shock and vibration. The door structure described provides improved mounting and lock features that can allow easy access while maintaining rigid structural needs and integrity. A door assembly for a cabinet generally includes a door that can be fitted directly, or indirectly, to an enclosure through an adapter frame. Generally, the door has fitting structures that operate as interlocking, tight fitting key sets. The fittings provide suitable detent features. An actuatable lock mechanism respectively locks and unlocks the door. The actuatable lock mechanism includes a ramped locking bolt that can engage a ramped surface of the cabinet or adapter frame to facilitate locking and unlocking of the door.
US08485564B2	Thread structure of aerator of faucet water outlet A thread structure for an aerator of a water faucet outlet, wherein an internal and/or external thread structure of the aerator enables the aerator to be engaged with both metric and imperial internal threads on the water faucet outlet, wherein the dimensions of the structure is based on the pitch, the major diameter and the pitch diameter of the metric and imperial thread of the water faucet outlet and the variation tolerance, and wherein calculations are made based on the universal measurement of corresponding pitch, major diameter and, pitch diameter and the variation tolerance, such that the aerator can be engaged and locked in a metric faucet water outlet and also can be engaged and locked in an imperial faucet water outlet, thereby achieving a universal utilization effect.
US08485562B2	Suction line coupling for emergency vehicles A coupling for a suction line having a corrugated outer surface defining a valley between the corrugations used in connection with an emergency vehicle, the coupler comprising a collar having an inner surface, an internal projection formed on the inner surface of the collar and adapted to be received in the valley of the suction lines to restrict axial movement of the suction line relative to the collar, a receiver formed in the collar axially outward of the internal projection, a shank having a first portion adapted to he inserted within the suction line and a second portion extending outward of the first portion, wherein the second portion is adapted to attach the hose shank to the emergency vehicle, a flange extending radially outward between the first portion and the second portion, and a fastener adapted to selectively extend from the receiver radially inward relative to the flange when located axially outward of the flange.
US08485559B2	Document authentication using template matching with fast masked normalized cross-correlation Techniques are described for authenticating security documents having security images that incorporate multiple security features. The techniques may produce robust template matching results in situations of lighting unevenness, even with stronger occluding objects. The techniques may be particularly useful in validating a security document having a security image composed of one or more “virtual” retroreflective images formed over a background of a repeating retroreflective image. The virtual retroreflective images within the security image provide strong signals that may dominate analysis and validation of the background retroreflective image, thereby resulting incorrect authentication. The techniques provide a modified normalized cross-correlation analysis that masks out the strong signals contributed by the additional security features, such as the retroreflective virtual images, while still allowing for fast and efficient template matching to be performed with respect to the background image.
US08485557B2	Self-supporting book A book has a front cover having a first edge which is unconnected, and an opposing second edge which is connected to a spine. A back cover has a first edge which is connected to the spine and an opposing second edge which is connected to flexible joint or fold-line. The book has a third cover having a first edge which is connected to flexible joint and an opposing second edge which is connected to binding which contains pages and a stabilizing sheet.
US08485554B2	Steering device A steering device has a guide rail and a holding rubber. The guide rail is mounted on a mounting stay of a vehicle by way of an upper bracket, and the holding rubber restricts movement of the guide rail relative to the upper bracket. The guide rail has a fixed portion and a main body portion extending forward of the vehicle along the axial direction of a steering shaft from the fixed portion. The main body portion is inserted into a through hole of a vehicle body bracket. The holding rubber has a positioning protrusion and a detent pawl for restricting movement of the guide rail relative to the upper bracket before being fixed to the mounting stay so as to hold them at a mounting position. The detent pawl is formed so as to reduce a restricting force for restricting movement of the guide rail relative to the upper bracket as the guide rail comes closer to the mounting stay by screwing a nut onto a bolt.
US08485553B1	Frontal airbag assembly A frontal airbag assembly has a housing defining an airbag space. An inflatable compacted airbag cushion is arranged in the airbag space and has a gas inlet connected to a gas generator. A wrapper having a front end attached outside of the housing to the front wall or the bottom wall of the housing and a rear end attached to the rear wall or the bottom wall of the housing. A guide flap extends between the wrapper and the airbag cushion and has an outer end attached to the wrapper between the front end and a split line of the wrapper, a first inward fold between the split line and the rear wall, and an inner end arranged between the wrapper and an upper portion of the front wall. The guide flap is released when the split line has separated the wrapper into a front portion and a rear portion.
US08485552B2	Connecting arrangement for an airbag module A connecting arrangement for connection of an airbag module to a steering column of a vehicle. The connecting arrangement having a first connector located on the airbag module and a second connector located on a component connected to the steering column. The first and second connectors having electrical contacts for the airbag module and/or electrical controllers located on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The first and second connectors being mutually formed such that they automatically connect as the airbag module is being connected to the steering column.
US08485551B2	Covering assembly for a seat and seat adapted for protecting a user A covering assembly for a seat, including a cover adapted to cover a support frame of the seat and an inflatable member adapted to assume a resting deflated condition and an active inflated condition is described. The inflatable member is located on a side of the cover intended to be faced towards the support frame. The cover is adapted to contain the inflatable member both in the deflated condition and in the inflated condition.
US08485549B2	Airbag apparatus for a side window An airbag apparatus mountable on a vehicle having a side window, a first pillar adjoining the window and a second pillar adjoining the window on the opposite side is disclosed. The airbag apparatus includes an airbag adapted to be housed in an upper edge of the window, and the airbag includes a shutter section that covers the window. The shutter section includes mounting portions that are located above the first and second pillars, an inflatable region comprised of a first pillar side region, a supporting region and a preventing region, and a thin panel region. The thin panel region includes therein a catching point that is intended to catch a vehicle occupant during a rollover event of the vehicle, and the supporting inflatable region and preventing inflatable region surround the catching point continuously at the lower side and on a side of the second pillar.
US08485548B2	Airbag arrangement, especially a side airbag arrangement, in a vehicle seat An airbag arrangement in a vehicle seat, especially in a backrest, comprising an airbag module composed of an airbag housing, an airbag, and a charge for unfolding of the airbag, and a guide pocket attached to a covering of the vehicle seat in the region of an opening line of the covering. The guide pocket guides the airbag, as it unfolds, to the opening line, and wraps around the airbag module and a component secured to the vehicle seat. The two front ends of the guide pocket are attached in the region of the opening line of the covering. The airbag module is secured to the component, and the guide pocket is placed from above or from below about the component and the airbag module and extends about the airbag module in a loop-shaped manner.
US08485546B2	Foldable baby stroller frame The foldable baby stroller frame comprises a collapsible wheeled frame, a foldable upper frame, and at least a release mechanism. The collapsible wheeled frame comprises at least a front strut, a pair of rear struts and a lockable swivel base. The lockable swivel base is pivotally connected with the front strut and the rear strut, including a spring-loaded abutting slider for fixing the front strut and the rear strut in a using position. The release mechanism is manipulated by rotating a pair of push arms, when the push arms is rotated upwardly to a upright position, the spring-loaded positioning member is disengaged to permit the foldable upper frame changing its direction, and when the push arms is rotated downwardly, the spring-loaded abutting slider is refracted to permit the front strut and the rear strut rotating relative to each other.
US08485545B2	Hitch The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position. According to the invention, the securing element (42), in its release position, allows a transfer of the coupling unit (14) from its coupling position into its release position, and if the securing element (42) is pivoted by the coupling unit (14) in the course of its movement from the release position and into a coupling preparatory position, and then goes, when the coupling unit (14) has reached the coupling position, by itself into the securing position.
US08485542B1	Suspension system for a vehicle The present disclosure provides a suspension system for a vehicle that includes a primary load bearing system and a secondary load bearing system. The primary load bearing system is disposed between a frame and an axle of the vehicle, and is continually loaded. The secondary load bearing system is also disposed between the frame and the axle of the vehicle, but the secondary load bearing system is operable between a loaded condition and an unloaded condition. During the loaded condition, the secondary load bearing system is contacted by an engaging member attached to the frame such that a load carried by the vehicle is supported by the primary load bearing system and the secondary load bearing system. During the unloaded condition, the secondary load bearing system is isolated from the frame and the axle.
US08485536B1	Automated actuating shock mount for improved vehicle cornering The automated actuating shock mount for improved vehicle cornering preferably includes at least one linear actuation device and a control system. The linear actuation device includes a drive lug and a linear actuation device. The drive lug is modified to form an upper shock mount for the upper end of the vehicle shock. The linear actuation device is attached to the vehicle in the same place as the upper shock mount. The control system controls the actuation of the at least one linear actuation device. The control system may receive a steering input to raise the linear actuation device or input through at least one actuation switch.
US08485527B2	Card shuffler A card shuffler that moves cards one-at-a-time from the bottom of a group that may be a deck in a deck-crib, to randomly designated single-card receptacles in a receiving or dealing rack. Either the deck-crib or the receiving rack is moved by a motor to align a receptacle, randomly selected from among remaining empty receptacles, with an outfeed slot of the deck-crib to receive each card to be moved from the deck-crib. A space is provided in the dealing rack in one embodiment, where a dealer's hand can reach cards and remove them from the dealing rack. A controller can cause the dealing rack to move so as to allow a selected number of cards to be removed by the dealer for a player hand or a dealer hand. A card reader may be included, and positions in the receiving or dealing rack of cards identified by the card reader can be stored in memory in the controller.
US08485526B2	Air soccer game An air game apparatus. The apparatus comprises a table. The table comprises a horizontal top surface and peripheral side walls. A plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms projects air in a substantial manner from each outlet, across the top surface of the table. The plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms are positioned between top surface and bottom surface and have outlets and handles. One play object is positionable on the top surface of the table. The projected air streams move the play objects on the top surface of the table under the control of opposing players manipulating each of the plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms with manual pumps, manipulating the direction of the air streams by rotation of outlets and produced the compressed-air necessary to move the playing object.
US08485524B2	Sheet storage apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet storage apparatus 10a (10b) includes a sheet storage portion 31 that loads and stores a plurality of sheets P, and an end cursor (a restriction member) 50 that is disposed in the sheet storage portion 31 and restricts a sheet position. The end cursor 50 is composed of two or more members so as to be foldable and removably fixed in the sheet storage portion 31.
US08485522B2	Transfer device for mail items A transfer device for mail items with a transfer unit which has an ejection point for transferring individualized mail items to an item carrier is provided. Further, the transfer device includes a transport device for transporting the mail items to the ejection point in a direction of transport. The transport device includes two belts for holding the mail items on both sides and for transporting the mail items and further has means for adapting a space between the belts to the thickness of a mail item. The means for adapting is a belt tilt means which is pivotal about an axis of rotation, the pivotal movement pivoting one of the belts and therefore a distance between the belts is variable.
US08485514B2	Sheet processing apparatus, image forming system, and sheet processing method A sheet processing apparatus includes: a sheet stacking unit on which sheets are accommodated and stacked as a sheet bundle; an aligning member that is movable along a trailing end, in a conveying direction, of the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacking unit and that aligns the trailing end of the sheet bundle in the sheet conveying direction by abutting thereon; a binding unit that moves along the trailing end of the sheet bundle in the sheet conveying direction and binds the aligned sheet bundle; and a moving unit that moves the aligning member in the sheet conveying direction. A distance from the trailing end of the sheet bundle in the sheet conveying direction to a binding position is adjusted by moving the aligning member in the sheet conveying direction.
US08485512B2	System and method for inline cutting and stacking of sheets for formation of books This invention provides a system and method for aligning, feeding, trimming, slitting, rotating, cross-slitting and stacking sheets, each containing one or more discrete page images thereon that allows for greater automation of the overall process so that reduced or no manual intervention is required to generate completed book stacks or “blocks” from a stream or stack of printed sheets. Sheets are fed to a first, upstream trimming station to remove margin edges and optionally separate the sheets relative to the discrete page images. The sheets are then rotated 90 degrees and fed to a second, downstream trimming station that trims the right-angle edges and optionally separates the sheets into a final group of full-bleed pages, removing margins and gutter strips. The sheets are feed to a stacking assembly to be tacked in page order and any rejected, defective sheets or stacks are removed from the order.
US08485509B2	Fixing mechanism and manipulator using the same A fixing mechanism includes a fixed member, a movable member, and a driving member. The fixed member has a first claw portion, and the movable member has a second claw portion. The movable member is movably connected to the fixed member via the driving member. The driving member is configured for moving the movable member in a direction away from the first claw portion of the fixed member. A manipulator using the fixing mechanism is also disclosed.
US08485508B1	Mechanically operated hand-held forcible entry device A mechanical hand held door opener device, light in weight and operable in any orientation including being inverted, for generating substantial door-opening force with a minimum effort from a user. When the user rotates the handle, he or she activates the unit by moving the shaft that interlocks with the first and second bevel gears. Since the second gear is fastened to the central lead screw, its rotation causes the rotation of the screw. The rotation of the screw then advances or retracts, depending on the clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation; and the inner platform and the four columns attached to the inner platform moves inwardly or outwardly of the outer platform.
US08485507B2	Movable table and processing stage A movable table, which has a substrate to be processed mounted thereon and moves, includes: a main plate formed of a metallic material; and a plurality of sub plates which is disposed on the main plate and is formed of a material with a hardness higher than the metallic material, and the top surfaces of the plurality of sub plates are mounting surfaces of the substrate to be processed.
US08485502B2	Electric fence power control for temporary interruptions A mounting arrangement for mounting exposed filamentary electrical conductors on fences intended for conversion to electrified fences. The arrangement provides fence engaging panels for mounting, which panels include electrical contacts. The panels may include posts having grooves for tying a filamentary conductor to the panel independently of connection to an electrical contact. The panels may be fastened by fasteners which resemble ratchet action cable ties, and which are formed integrally with the collars. Holes are formed in the panels to accept fasteners such as screws. Collars may be arcuate members, planar panel members, or may comprise a plurality of planar panels hinged to one another. Collars and associated contacts may be installed in numbers and mounting arrangements assuring two pole break for each otherwise energized conductors where those conductors span a gate, thereby fully de-energizing the gate automatically when opened, and automatically re-establishing electrical continuity when the gate is closed.
US08485498B2	Valve control apparatus A rotational moving point of a connection between a rod and a valve swings between a full open point, at which the valve is fully opened, and a full close point, at which the valve is fully closed. An apex of this swing is set at a point, which is between the full close point and a half point and satisfies a relationship of θP>θA where θP denotes an angle that is defined between a first imaginary line, which connects between a bearing center of a rod bearing and the full open point, and a second imaginary line, which connects between the bearing center and the apex of the swing, and θA denotes an angle that is defined between the first imaginary line and a third imaginary line, which connects between the bearing center and the full close point.
US08485497B2	Hydraulic valve device with associated spool displacement transducer A hydraulic valve device includes a sensor for determining spool displacement of within the valve. The sensor includes two main subassemblies, a tube assembly and a body assembly; the tube assembly being mounted onto the valve body by the thread so that the tube together with the valve creates a closed space where oil flows; the plunger with the magnet inside, is kept in contact with the valve spool by the spring so that the magnet moves along with the spool, so does also the magnetic field created by the magnet. An integrated circuit on the printed circuit board senses the angle of magnetic field lines and generates an output signal proportional to the movement of the spool.
US08485496B2	Electronic flush valve with optional manual override A flush valve assembly including a discharge receiver with a plug opening therein, a sleeve, a main valve assembly positioned within the sleeve, and a main diaphragm sealingly connected between the main valve assembly and the sleeve. The main diaphragm and the main valve assembly define a control chamber on an upper side thereof and an inlet region on a lower side thereof. The assembly also includes a discharge plug with a flange portion configured to be received in the plug opening in the discharge receiver. When the flush valve assembly is in a non-pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is not seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver, and when the flush valve assembly is in a pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver. The flushing operation may be electronic and/or manual.
US08485489B2	Longitudinal adjustment mechanism for seats A longitudinal adjustment mechanism is provided for a seat, with a spindle guide nut (12) that can move on a spindle (10), which can be driven by a worm gear (14) with bearing sleeves (15) on both sides, as well as with a multi-part casing (20, 30) that receives the worm gear (14) and the spindle (10). The casing (20, 30) consists of two casing sections (20, 30) made of plastic, which can be inserted into one another in the axial direction (X) of the spindle (10); each casing section (20, 30) has a plate (21, 31), from which bars (22, 23, 24; 33) jut out on one side and the casing sections (20, 30) are permanently joined to one another. The mechanism provides a compact transmission for longitudinal seat adjustment mechanisms that is easy to assemble.
US08485486B2	Mounting device for a retractable display A display mount is provided for a vehicle, such an aircraft. The display mount includes, but is not limited to a support frame and a display accommodation device. The support frame is designed for incorporation in a supply channel, and the display accommodation device is designed to receive a display. The display accommodation device is connected to the support frame such that the display accommodation device is movable with a combined rotational movement and translational movement relative to the support frame between a first operating position and a second operating position.
US08485474B2	Aerial refueling boom nozzle with integral pressure regulation Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a boom/receiver-type aerial refueling system having a pressure regulator integrated into the system at the tanker boom nozzle. During refueling operations, pressure of the fuel at the interface between the nozzle at the distal end of the boom assembly and the fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft is maintained by an integrated pressure regulator integrated into the nozzle or located inline of the fuel flow between the boom assembly and the nozzle. The integrated pressure regulator maintains the pressure of the fuel at the nozzle within a defined range regardless of the elevation azimuth of the boom assembly, the extended length of the telescoping extension, the temperature of the outside air or surfaces of the boom, and other factors that may affect the flow of fuel through the boom.
US08485473B2	Method and device for detecting rime and/or rime conditions on a flying aircraft According to the invention, the method comprises exposing a surface (3) sensitive to relative wind and monitoring the thermal flow variations between the surface (3) and the aerodynamic flow, said variations resulting from that of the forced-convection thermal exchange coefficient between the surface (3) and the aerodynamic flow depending on the rime or ice build-up, using the temperature sensor (12) under the surface (3), considering that stripping occurs by the flow of an ice layer formed on the surface (3) if it is detected, preferably after heating by at least one heater (4), that there is a brisk rise of the flow at a temperature close to 0° C., and supplying after the detection of ice stripping, a signal indicating the presence of rime or rime conditions. A cooler (5) may cool the surface (3) for anticipating the formation of ice with a heating process. The invention can be used for detecting rime and/or rime conditions on a flying aircraft.
US08485472B2	Sealing of airflow between a wing and a fuselage A sealing (1) for a fairing (2) against transverse airflow between a wing (3) and a fuselage (4) of an aircraft. Inner and outer sides (7, 8) of the sealing (1) are provided with lips biased against the fairing (2) and the wing (3). At least two gaskets (5, 6) are positioned between respective ends of the sides (7, 8), thus sealing the fairing (2) and the wing (3) against longitudinal airflow.
US08485471B2	Passive ejection seat arm flail restraint apparatus and method An ejection seat arm flail injury prevention apparatus comprises a pair of rigid support arms on each side of the ejection seat that deploy outwardly to support a semi-rigid backstop substantially behind the ejection seat occupant. When the ejection seat is propelled out of the aircraft and is subjected to the windblast, the occupant's arms are allowed to flail in a rearward direction in the windblast until the occupant's arms impact the semi-rigid backstop. The backstop is semi-rigid in that it deforms sufficiently to enable the rearward motion of the occupant's arms to be arrested without impact injury, yet is sufficiently rigid to prevent the occupant's arms from rebounding off the backstop or striking the rigid support arms.
US08485470B2	Movable seat There is provided an aircraft seat cubicle that has a seat convertible to a bed, a foot rest or ottoman, a table and a light, each movable lengthways of the cubicle. One of the items of furniture is received on a track. The item of furniture can be driven towards or away from the seat via a pulley, a cable, and a drive motor. A tension spring in the run of the cable stretches and releases its tension in order to allow the cable to slip on a capstan at one end of the track for driven movement of the furniture.
US08485465B2	Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat.
US08485460B2	Polyester film roll A polyester film roll is rolled on a core, wherein the difference R (m) between the maximum value and the minimum value of the diameters of the roll is not more than 2W×10−3 and not more than L×10−7, when the diameters of said roll are measured in the width direction of the roll, (therein, W is the width (m) of the film roll, and L is the length (m) of the rolled film). Alternatively, among the lengths of lines which are obtained by measuring the diameters of said roll in the width direction of the roll, drawing a straight line between both the ends of the curved line of the obtained roll diameters, the maximum distance on the convex portion between the curved and straight lines is not more than 500 μm, and the maximum distance on the concave portion of the same is not more than 300 μm.
US08485459B2	Intense vortex dryer, comminutor and reactor The invention concerns a vortex machine modified to intensify the vortex in the machine by installing inlet fans in addition to the main fan and modifying the configuration of the machine. Additional intensification of the vortex is achieved by introducing microwaves into the vortex machine. The vortex machine has a vortex tube, an inlet tube to the vortex tube at the inlet end, a feed inlet to the vortex tube between the inlet end and an outlet end and a fan rotor at the outlet en to draw air in a vortex through the vortex tube. An inlet fan in the inlet tube adapted to force air into the vortex tube. These modifications and additions achieve commercially viable capacities of the vortex machine in drying, grinding and process applications.
US08485458B2	Process for the preparation of nacre mechano-structured by mechanosynthesis, mechano-structured nacre thus obtained and uses thereof The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of mechano-structured nacre by mechanosynthesis of micrometric nacre powder, characterized in that the temperature of the nacre is kept below 40° C. It also relates to the mechano-structured nacre and to uses thereof, in particular on implants and bone substitute pieces on which the mechano-structured nacre is deposited.
US08485451B2	Method and system for generating a visual key A method and system for generating a visual key enables improved security and user-friendliness in defining a humanly readable visual code of characters. The method includes generating a random or pseudo random first arrangement of a plurality of symbols. An analysis is then conducted of the first arrangement to determine that no character of a predetermined character set is defined by the first arrangement. Next, an analysis is conducted of the first arrangement to determine that characters of the predetermined character set can be generated when the first arrangement is aligned with a second arrangement of a plurality of the symbols. A determination is then made, based on the above analyses, that the first arrangement is acceptable as a visual key.
US08485450B2	Photon sensor user manipulated touch interface The invention described herein represents a significant advancement in systems that enable a user to control systems and input data into a very wide range of systems. User interface devices that comprise an array of input devices such as buttons on a remote control, keys on a computer keyboard, touch screens, and a computer mouse. Such devices comprise an array of contacts that can be used to capture a user's inputs and communicate them wirelessly using passive RFID apparatuses and processes. Contacts can be positioned in physical proximity to graphics or alphanumeric characters and this proximity can be stored in memory such that a user altering a specific contact status represents specific data to a controlled system or memory. Also, the sequence or change or direction of changes in contacts can be used to control systems or processes in predetermined ways. Remote controls, computer keyboards, a computer mouse, touch screens and pads created with the present contact array invention need not use complex circuits and do not require batteries to operate wirelessly.
US08485448B2	Tamper-proof identification device particularly useful as a bracelet to be applied to the wrist or ankle of a patient A tamper-proof identification device is characterized in that it includes a non-stretchable band and an electrically-conductive loop having a first gap bridged by an electronic identification chip and a second gap defined by a pair of electrical terminals for connection to a data processor, such that the identification device protects against removal by stretching as well as by severing.
US08485444B2	Apparatus and method for reading symbol information An apparatus and method for reading symbol information enabling improvement of decoding accuracy, not being affected by the condition of a reflection coefficient waveform of a reflected light beam and the kind of symbol information to be read. The method includes: reading a reflected light beam from symbol information irradiated with a light beam; detecting peak values in a reflection coefficient waveform of the reflected light beam; calculating a first peak value according to a peak value at a high reflection coefficient side (white level) among the peak values detected; calculating a second peak value according to a peak value at a low reflection coefficient side (black level) among the peak values detected; and calculating a binarization threshold based on the first peak value and the second peak value.
US08485439B2	System for providing identification and information, and for scheduling alerts A device and system for providing identification and medical information are disclosed. The device includes a readable code that contains medical biographical information of the subject, a programmable reporter element that is programmed to electronically store at least one particular event relating to the subject, and a signal producing element functionally related to the programmable reporter element. The system includes collecting and storing medical biographical information of a subject, embedding the medical biographical information in a readable code of the device, and scanning the readable code of the device worn by or in the possession of the subject using an appliance to retrieve the medical biographical information of the subject. The medical biographical information allows medical professionals to obtain the subject's medical information in order to provide medical care. Also disclosed is an integrated system for alerting subjects to upcoming events related to their continued care.
US08485438B2	Mobile computing device authentication using scannable images User credentials are passed to a mobile computing device using scannable images. A scannable image is generated based on a previously created user profile. A user accesses a website from a computer and, in response, the scannable image is locally displayed on the computer. The mobile computing device may be authenticated by capturing the scannable image that is displayed on the computer. In the event that a user profile stored on the mobile computing device matches the previously created user profile that is encoded in the scannable image, the mobile computing device is authenticated. The user may then directly access data and/or interact with the website using the authenticated mobile computing device.
US08485437B2	Systems and methods for programmable payment cards and devices with loyalty-based payment applications A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Data may include the type of reward that a user would like to earn as a result of making a purchase or the type of reward that a user would like to utilize to at least partially pay for a purchase.
US08485432B2	Device for handling single sheets, for introducing and distributing rectangular single sheets, especially bank notes, respectively into and out of a container A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).
US08485429B2	Method and apparatus for labeling goods A computer-implemented method includes receiving a container image including container content characteristic information. The illustrative method further includes analyzing the container content characteristic information and determining the identity of the container contents based on the container characteristic information. Also, the method includes transmitting container content identity information for printing a bar code relating to the container content identity information. The method additionally includes generating a bar code based on the container content identity information. The illustrative method also includes printing a label including the bar code relating to at least the container content identity information.
US08485423B2	Product container and dispenser A product container and dispenser including a housing having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, a first wall of the housing defining an opening into the internal volume, and a partition structure positioned in the internal volume, the partition structure including a sealing wall aligned with the first wall and a partition wall connected to the sealing wall, wherein the opening is at least partially obstructed by the sealing wall.
US08485420B2	Blank, apparatus and method for constructing container An apparatus for constructing a container from a continuous blank of sheet material including a plurality of panels coupled together at a plurality of fold lines is provided. The apparatus includes a mandrel that is rotatable about a rotational axis. The mandrel includes a rotary head that defines a plurality of exterior surfaces each corresponding to a panel of the continuous blank of sheet material. The rotary head forms an opening in at least one exterior surface configured to receive at least one panel for facilitating forming the blank of sheet material into a configuration with respect to a shape of the rotary head as the mandrel rotates about the rotational axis.
US08485419B2	Flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly A multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed of a permeable material, a fold protection panel, and at least one panel attachment means. The barrier panel has a first end, an opposed second end, and a midpoint delineating the barrier panel into a content receiving region and a content covering region. Panel attachment means are located at or near edges of the barrier panel to identify the content receiving region. The fold protection panel has a proximal end and an opposed distal end. After the barrier panel is folded at or near the midpoint to bring its second end near its first end and its edges are brought together and secured by the panel attachment means to form a package, the fold protection panel folds at or near a pre-determined fold line to cover at least a portion of the edges of the folded barrier panel.
US08485411B2	Gentle touch surgical stapler Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.
US08485407B2	Fastener feeding device for a driving tool A fastener feeding device for repeatedly feeding fasteners into a striking path of a driving tool includes an uplifting unit having a pivotable member which is pivotable about a torsion axis parallel to the striking path and movable in a feeding direction, a claw member which is biased by a torsion spring to hold a second fastener during an upward movement of the fasteners when the pivotable member is displaced from a lower position to an upper position, and a lifting member which extends transversely. A force transmitting unit is disposed to couple a contact arm of the driving tool to the lifting member to effect the upward movement of the fasteners in response to a rearward displacement of the contact arm when the contact arm is pressed by a targeted object to be fastened.
US08485405B2	Ammunition magazine carrying device A device for carrying an ammunition magazine has a band which encircles a conventional magazine and which has two downwardly extending plastic tabs. The two plastic tabs are spaced sidewardly to define an downwardly opening, downwardly extending gap, which permits the tabs to be received within openings in two adjacent loops presented by a standard MOLLE webbing on a Pouch Attachment Ladder System or PALS grid on a vest or other clothing item. The tabs are shaped to slide behind standard MOLLE webbing and engage the webbing to hold the magazine securely until the user grabs the magazine and pulls it away from the MOLLE webbing. The tabs are biased towards the magazine, and have a lower protrusion which engages beneath a belt, allowing the same device to be attached to a belt.
US08485400B2	Pouch container A pouch with a nozzle has a reliable dispensing opening. The pouch holds liquid contents. The pouch has a shell portion formed by sealing two plies of plastic together to form a pouch volume and a nozzle portion which communicates with the inside of the shell portion. The nozzle portion is formed by a series of embossments which form a reliably open passage for dispensing fluid. Three sets of embossments include a plane shape, a dot shape or a line shape.
US08485397B2	Measuring device The invention relates to a measuring actuator, a measuring cap, a protective cover, a measuring unit, and a device for fixed and variable measuring and discharging of fluid from a container. The actuator being configured for detachable and movable connection to the cap and adapted for sealing off fluid when in a non-actuated state and to discharge fluid when in an actuated state, the actuator including at least two openings, a discharge opening and a fluid inflow opening; the cap-including at least three openings, a discharge opening and an actuator receiving opening and a fluid inflow opening; the measuring unit including the cap, the actuator, and a spring; the cover for protecting the measuring unit being configured for attachment to the cap and/or the measuring unit; and the measuring device including the cover, the cap, the actuator, the spring, and the container.
US08485395B2	Dispenser lockout mechanism A product dispensing system includes a locking mechanism to prevent actuation of the system absent an authorized product refill unit. More specifically, the dispensing system includes a housing and an actuator slidably secured within the housing and including at least one locking post extending therefrom. The actuator is adapted to actuate a pump to cause dispensing of a product. A release ring is rotatably secured within the housing and includes at least one locking post extending therefrom and aligned with the locking post of the actuator. The release ring also includes at least one ramped surface. The locking posts of the actuator and release ring engage one another in a locked position to prevent actuation of the dispensing system, and the release ring is adapted to be rotated to an unlocked position upon insertion of an authorized refill unit.
US08485392B1	System for dispensing solvents A system for dispensing solvents removes the need for storing solvents in multitudes of small containers or containers which are not suitable for storing the solvents for a long duration. The system minimizes laboratory space requirements for the storage and handling of solvents. The system minimizes waste generation. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly and are able to be dispensed in small quantities for use as needed. The system for dispensing solvents also includes leak detection, a spill tray, a fume hood and other precautionary measures to ensure a safe handling environment.
US08485388B2	Foldable water bottle A foldable water bottle has a base, a folding body and a handle device. The folding body is made of silica gel, is mounted on the base and has a connecting ring, a folding segment and a neck. The folding segment is formed on and protrudes from the connecting ring and has multiple folding rings. The neck is formed on the folding segment and has a spout and two inserting mounts. The handle device is detachably connected to the folding body and has an inserting handle and a lid. The inserting handle is connected securely to the neck and has a handle mount and a grip. The lid is connected to the inserting handle and is used to close an opening top of the neck.
US08485381B2	Refuse container A refuse container has a lid rotatably coupled to a bin. A locking mechanism for the lid includes a latch including a handle and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. A detent acts between the bin and the lid and cooperates with the latch so as to effect locking of the lid to the bin when the latch is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid, relative to the bin, from the closed position to the open position when the latch is in the unlocked lid position.
US08485377B2	Modular container assembly A modular container assembly is provided for packaging a plurality of products. The modular container assembly includes a frame and a portable container. The frame includes a plurality of edge portions that define a plurality of openings. The container includes a sidewall that defines a cavity. The container is sealable at a rim portion of the sidewall to retain a product within the cavity. The container is configured to fit within a first opening of the plurality of openings such that the rim portion is removably coupled to a first edge portion of the plurality of edge portions.
US08485374B2	Plastic closure with enhanced performance A plastic closure is disclosed which is configured for enhanced performance and reduced closure weight. Notably, the closure includes a compound, internal helical thread formation including an upper retention portion which provides desired closure hoop strength and sealing performance, and a lower guide portion which is configured for light weight while functioning to guide the closure onto an associated container during application. The closure can further include a stepped top wall portion having a relatively thick outer region, and a relatively thin central region. A tamper-evident band of the closure can be configured to include a deformable free edge portion for enhanced tamper-resistance.
US08485373B2	Stopper device for stopping a container neck The invention relates to a plugging device (1) that comprises a base (10) secured around the neck (2) and a cap (20) supported by the base and capable of movement between a closed and an open position. In order to improve the tamper-proof characteristic of the device, the invention comprises using, on the one hand, a breakable thread (30) having at least one longitudinal end permanently connected to a first portion (211) of the cap or the base and extending, before breaking, lengthwise along the periphery of said portion and, on the other end, a lug (40) permanently connected to another portion, respectively, of the base or the cap, and protruding towards the outside from said second portion. The lug is adapted to press at least on the free part of the thread until the thread is broken at a breaking area along the thread when the cap is moved for the first time from the closed position to the open position thereof, and to be interposed between the edges of said breaking area when the cap is then placed back into its closed position.
US08485366B2	Ceramic porous membrane and ceramic filter There are disclosed a ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, a small and uniform thickness and a high flux, and a ceramic filter. A silica membrane is formed on a titania UF membrane as an ultrafiltration membrane (a UF membrane) formed on a porous base member which is a microfiltration membrane (also referred to as an MF membrane) and having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the porous base member, and the silica membrane has an average pore diameter smaller than that of the titania UF membrane, and does not substantially permeates the titania UF membrane.
US08485364B2	Multifrequency sieve assembly for circular vibratory separator The invention is intended for sizing separation of difficult-to-screen powder materials and slurries. A sieve assembly includes a rigid frame, attached inside the separator housing, and upper and bottom sieves, stretched on the frame. The interface apparatuses are connected to the upper sieve, while actuator means—to the bottom sieve. The forced frequency of the vibrator is close to one of the natural frequencies of the bottom sieve. When the vibrator is operated, the actuator means interact with interface apparatuses, thus generating repeated collisions therebetween and mechanical impulses, which provide multifrequency excitation of the interface apparatuses and upper sieve. This ensures continuous self-cleaning of the upper sieve, intense loosening of the material bed and disintegration of the particle agglomerates. Separation capacity and products' quality substantially rises. In other embodiments presented sieve assembly includes buffer elements and inertial apparatuses, connected to the upper sieve.
US08485362B2	Cushion and package A cushion includes a main body, a receiving space, and at least one stand. The main body has a slot therein. The receiving space is disposed in the main body. The stand is telescopically received in the receiving space.
US08485360B2	Fracturable container A container fracturable along a break path having a generally constant wall thickness about the break path is disclosed. In order to provide a specific break path without reducing the structural integrity of the container, the body of the container is configured to concentrate stress along the break path.
US08485350B2	Revolving conveyor system with an improved drive concept A conveyor system, in particular for supplying packaging machines, which has a revolving conveyor segment with a curved region. An electromagnetic drive is provided with a plurality of stationary coil elements and a plurality of permanent magnets. The stationary coil elements are disposed along the conveyor segment, and at least one rotor is disposed movably on the conveyor segment and is movable by electromagnetic forces. The permanent magnets are disposed on the rotor. A first row of coil elements and a second row of coil elements are disposed in the curved region such that the second row of coil elements is disposed radially outside the first row of coil elements.
US08485342B2	Method for grouping vials, bottles or same The invention relates to a method for collecting products (2) arriving in line on a conveyor (1), using a collector device (4) provided transversally relative to the advancement direction. The collector (4) deposits and drops the products collected at a take-up station (10) located on the side of said supply conveyor (1) the collector (4) is capable of a loop movement that can divided into a transverse movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the queue, i.e. a movement opposite to that of the product supply conveyor. The equipment for implementing the method includes a table (3) provided at and along the conveyor (1), a collector (4) carried by an appropriate structure for longitudinal and transverse movement above said conveyor (1) and said table (3). The table (3) includes two panels (31, 32) extending on either side of the supply conveyor (1) for depositing and dropping the products collected on either side of the conveyor (1) at the edge thereof.
US08485341B2	Device and method for grouping packages The disclosure relates to a device (1) with at least one grouping belt (3) for the transport and/or grouping of packages (5) with a dimensionally stable protruding edge (9) and including means for moving two adjacent packages towards one another and for overlapping the protruding edges (9), whereby the edge (9) of the preceding package comes to rest over the edge (9) of the following package on the grouping belt (3). The disclosure further relates to a method of operating a device (1) of this nature preferably in packaging systems with deep-draw packaging machines or tray sealing machines and to the use of appropriate packages (5) which are then placed into an outer packaging in a space-saving manner. With the above device and method, space saving of the packages (5) in an outer packaging (14) can be achieved in a simple manner.
US08485340B2	Device for transferring and nesting blister packs The device for transferring and nesting blister packs comprises a transfer device, which transfers blister packs from a first transport or storage device to a second transport or storage device arranged under the first transport or storage device. The transfer device has a receiving section, which can hold at least two blister packs and which can rotate at least 180°. A first blister pack can be received in the receiving section of the transfer device in a receiving position; the receiving section with the first blister pack can be rotated 180°; and finally a second blister pack can be received in the receiving section in the receiving position and placed onto the first, rotated blister pack.
US08485337B2	Device for processing bank notes An apparatus for processing bank notes that includes an input unit for inputting bank notes, a singler for singling the input bank notes, a transport system for transporting the singled bank notes through a sensor device for checking the bank notes, a control device that evaluates signals from the sensor device, output units into which the bank notes are transported by the transport system, controlled by the control device, in dependence of the check, and detectors for monitoring the apparatus for the presence of malfunctions. The sensor device signals are evaluated by the control device for this purpose, and the control device stops the singler and the transport system in the event that the presence and/or the assumption of a malfunction is determined by the control device, wherein the control device, upon or after the stopping of the singler and of the transport system, effects an expansion of the transport system.
US08485332B2	Roller-type one-way clutch The present invention provides a roller type one-way clutch comprising an outer race in which pockets provided at their inner surfaces with cam surfaces are formed, an inner race spaced apart from the outer race in a radial inner diameter side and disposed coaxially with the outer race for a relative rotational movement and having an annular outer peripheral track surface, a plurality of rollers disposed within the pockets to be engaged with the cam surfaces and adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race, a holder having a cylindrical portion and windows provided in the cylindrical portion to hold the plurality of rollers, and springs disposed within the pockets between the outer race and the inner race and adapted to bias the rollers to be engaged with the cam surfaces, and wherein the holder is rotatable relative to the outer race and biasing forces of the springs are transmitted to the holder via the rollers.
US08485330B2	Communications spooler for a mobile robot A cable handling system mounted to a mobile robot to dispense and retrieve cable at zero tension includes a cable reel drive and a downstream tension roller drive that includes an idler. As a cable passes through the tension roller drive, position along the length of the cable and/or the cable speed is monitored accurately by a sensor attached to the idler. A system controller in communication with the sensor controls the cable reel drive and the tension roller drive for dispensing and retrieving cable downstream of the tension roller drive.
US08485322B2	Brake assembly or clutch unit for a motor vehicle A brake assembly comprises a brake ring piston (30) and at least one coupling (33′, 33). The brake ring piston (30) is provided with at least one channel (40, 43) through which a cooling agent can be supplied. The at least one channel leads to a surface of the brake piston which faces the at least one coupling.
US08485318B2	Elevator rope braking system An elevator rope braking system including a base portion and a top portion affixed by at least one mounting structure; an outer housing and a magnetic core arranged on and affixed to the base portion; an armature plate intermediate the top portion and the base portion having an armature extending toward the base portion; and an electromagnetic coil positioned between the outer housing and the magnetic core and operative to provide an electromagnetic force sufficient to move the armature from a first braking position to a second non-braking position.
US08485316B2	Collapsible safe ladder A ladder system is disclosed which allows for stabilizing a ladder, on multiple surfaces, without the need for a second person or a great deal of setup time. The collapsible ladder system includes a larger ladder section and a smaller ladder strut section that is pivotally connected at a point which is at or below the midpoint of the larger ladder section. The larger ladder section and smaller ladder strut section are connected by a rigid adjustable linkage, or spreader, at a point that is below the pivotable connection. The ladder further includes a means for stability on a variety of surfaces. At the ground contacting point, the point where the ladder side rail ends and the ground meet, there are adjustable gripping feet, which can be independently or in combination vertically or angularly adjusted for maximum stability.
US08485312B2	Exhaust pipe An exhaust pipe including an inner tube for introducing exhaust gas, and an outer tube fitted on the inner tube. Projected portions obtained by radially inwardly projecting plural parts of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube in the circumferential direction, and extending the same in the tube axis direction, are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube. A plurality of air chambers partitioned by the projected portions are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube, and an intermediate member is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the projected portions. In the exhaust pipe a sufficient noise reduction effect and a prevention effect for reduction of the temperature of an exhaust gas can be obtained even if the exhaust pipe is bent.
US08485310B2	Silencing equipment for electric devices Silencing equipment provided with one or more flow channels through which cooling air flows has a flow channel forming member that forms the flow channel, and an acoustic absorbent member that is fixed to the flow channel forming member. A resonance type silencer is formed on a wall surface of the flow channel by providing a cavity for the resonance type silencer in the acoustic absorbent member and an aperture for the resonance type silencer in a portion of the flow channel forming member. The resonance type silencer sets a frequency of noise necessary to be reduced based on a peak frequency of noise generated by a fan. The silencing equipment further has a slide member which slides by a slide mechanism to adjust the area of the top of the aperture. The silencing equipment for electronic devices capable of cooling heat generating sections thereof with air has a small and simple structure and can improve a silencing effect by blowing air.
US08485308B2	Electric power steering apparatus An electric power steering apparatus including a motor includes: a steering torque sensor; a speed sensor; an auxiliary steering force setting unit configured to output a signal representing a linear change of a gradual increase or decrease; a map setter configured to receive a signal output from the auxiliary steering force setting unit and to set an auxiliary steering force map where a maximum steering torque, a maximum target motor current, or a ratio of a target motor current to a steering torque at a specific speed gradually increases or decreases; a current signal supply configured to output the steering torque signal and a target motor current signal corresponding to the speed signal according to the auxiliary steering force map; and a motor driving unit configured to supply a current corresponding to the target motor current signal to the motor.
US08485306B2	Electric power steering apparatus An electric power steering apparatus for assisting steering of a steered wheel. The electric power steering apparatus includes an electric motor with a built-in controller for controlling rotation, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the electric motor to the steering shaft, a connector used to pull out wiring from the controller to the outside, a first casing in which the connector and the electric motor are to be mounted and which includes an work hole used for a wire connection operation of the controller and the connector, a lid member for closing the work hole, and a second casing to be fixed to the first casing while housing the transmission mechanism. The second casing including a cover part for covering the lid member in a state fixed to the first casing.
US08485299B2	Motorcycle A motorcycle includes a fuel tank that stores fuel, a fuel filling joint hydraulically connected to the fuel tank, a first pressure reducing valve hydraulically connected to the fuel tank to reduce pressure of the fuel to first pressure, a second pressure reducing valve hydraulically connected to the first pressure reducing valve to reduce the pressure of the fuel to second pressure, a fuel cell unit hydraulically connected to the second pressure reducing valve to generate electric power via reaction of the fuel and an oxidizing agent, a high-pressure side structure that supports the fuel tank, the joint, and the first pressure reducing valve while keeping relative arrangement thereof, a low-pressure side structure that supports the second pressure reducing valve and the fuel cell unit while keeping relative arrangement thereof, and a main structure that detachably fixes the high-pressure side structure and the low-pressure side structure.
US08485296B2	Jamming resistant aero louver A louver for a vehicle includes a panel having a central portion and a first outer edge portion. A hinge interconnects the central portion and the first outer edge portion. The louver rotates about a rotation axis in a first direction from an open position to a closed position. The hinge bends to allow the first outer edge portion to move relative to the central portion to reduce an effective moment arm resisting rotational movement of the louver when the louver is bound.
US08485295B2	Cooling air guide device for a motor vehicle A cooling air guide device is provided for a motor vehicle which, viewed in the travel direction of the vehicle, can be situated in front of at least one cooling component of the vehicle and has at least one first guide component, which can be situated on a load-bearing structural part of the vehicle and one second guide component, which is upstream from the first guide component in the travel direction. The second guide component protrudes at least regionally up to a bumper fascia and has a material which is more easily deformable than the first component.
US08485294B2	Power generating unit for use in an electric vehicle An electric automobile includes an electric motor coupled to a first axle that propels the automobile in a desired direction. An alternator or generator is coupled to the second axle and includes an output that powers the electric motor or recharges a power source that powers the electric motor. A gearbox is arranged to harness the reciprocating motion of one of the axles and provide angular motion to the shaft of the generator or alternator.
US08485290B2	Power plant A power plant which is capable of improving the drive efficiency and the power generation efficiency thereof when the electric power is generated using the power of a driven part thereof. A power plant has an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, and a rotary motor having a rotor. A planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting a planetary gear in mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear and the ring gear are connected to drive wheels. The carrier is connected to the crankshaft. The rotor is connected between one of the sun gear and the ring gear and the drive wheels. A transmission is connected between the other of the gears and the drive wheels, for varying a speed of power of the engine and transmitting the power to the drive wheels.
US08485289B2	Air pressure regulated axle sump A method and associated apparatus for controlling fluid levels within an axle tube, the method comprising: (a) establishing a first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within a transmission and an electric motor operatively coupled to the electric motor, the axle tube housing the electric motor and the transmission, where a cavity interposing a wall of the axle tube and the electric motor is occupied by the liquid lubricant reservoir at a second predetermined level; and, (b) lowering the first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within the electric motor and the transmission by changing a gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant, where changing the gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant within the axle tube raises the second predetermined level of liquid lubricant within the cavity.
US08485287B2	Compact tool carrier with articulation joint A stand-up, ride-on work vehicle adapted for multiple applications. The vehicle comprises a base unit, an articulating joint, and one of a plurality of interchangeable equipment chassis. The base unit has at least one ground supporting member, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The articulation joint is supported on a front end of the base unit. An operator station extends from a back end of the base unit. Each of the plurality of chassis comprises at least one ground support member and is pivotally connected to the base unit by the articulation joint. Each of the plurality of chassis may be a dedicated equipment chassis or a universal equipment chassis. Each dedicated chassis comprises a dedicated work tool. Each universal chassis comprises an attachment surface for connection to one of a plurality of work tools. The ground supporting members may be any combination of drive wheels, trail wheels, tracks, or work tools.
US08485280B2	Core drilling tools with retractably lockable driven latch mechanisms Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.
US08485274B2	Impact tool It is an object of the invention to provide a technique that contributes to rationalization of a mechanism relating to reduction of vibration in an impact tool. Representative impact tool includes a tool body, a hammer actuating member, a dynamic vibration reducer and a positioning elastic element. The positioning elastic element contacts the hammer actuating member and thereby positions the tool body with respect to the workpiece so as to absorb a reaction force caused by rebound from the workpiece and acts on the hammer actuating member when the hammer actuating member performs the hammering operation on the workpiece. The positioning elastic element includes the elastic element formed as a component part of the dynamic vibration reducer.
US08485269B2	Control line running system A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
US08485266B2	Contigency release device that uses right-hand torque to allow movement of a collet prop A device comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at least one ridge; and a release nut, wherein the release nut comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of the release nut is capable of engaging the second end of the torsion lock sleeve. A method of displacing the release nut comprises: positioning the device in a portion of a subterranean formation; moving the torsion lock sleeve, wherein the step of moving the torsion lock sleeve comprises disengaging the first end of the release nut with the second end of the torsion lock sleeve; and moving the release nut.
US08485263B2	Multi-sleeve plunger for plunger lift system A plunger lift system has a plunger with main and ancillary sleeves that dispose in tubing. The sleeves can move in the tubing between a bumper and a lubricator. Both sleeves have a passage for fluid to pass therethrough, and the sleeves can fall independently of one another from the surface to the bumper. When disposed on the bumper, the sleeves mate together. Building gas pressure downhole can then lift the mated sleeves, which push a column of liquid along with them to the surface. The main sleeve has a narrow stem on its distal end with openings that communicate with the sleeve's passage. A nodule also extends from the distal end. The ancillary sleeve fits at least partially on the narrow stem, and an orifice in the sleeve's opening engages on the nodule. Thus, the mated sleeves close off fluid communication through the main sleeve's passage.
US08485253B2	Anti-locking device for use with an arm system for logging a wellbore and method for using same An anti-lock system, device and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The anti-lock system of a downhole tool preferably includes a first arm, a second arm, a pad, a swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad, and an anti-locking device. The first arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a first end of the pad. The second arm has an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to a second end of the pad. The swivel bearing between the first arm and the pad pivotally connects the first arm to the pad. The anti-locking device is coupled to the swivel bearing, and preferably includes an anti-lock biasing member for maintaining a connection between the first arm and the pad at the swivel bearing in an engaged position during normal logging and for allowing the connection to rotate toward a biased position when a binding force is encountered in the arm system.
US08485251B2	Electromagnetic based system and method for enhancing subsurface recovery of fluid within a permeable formation Systems and methods of enhancing crude oil flow radiate electromagnetic energy in the form of focused far field electromagnetic energy into a permeable formation containing the crude oil so as to cause the oil to decrease in viscosity without a substantial change in temperature of the crude oil, increasing the ability of the oil to flow within the formation toward the well and enabling recovery from the reservoir.
US08485249B2	Celo method for vehicle A cold engine lockout CELO method is carried out when cooling water of an engine is not sufficiently warmed upon the startup of a vehicle in the winter according to default levels, wherein the default levels are divided into a total default level, a partial default level and a control level according to inside and outside air temperatures.
US08485236B2	Tire comprising a high grip tread Tire comprising at least one carcass-type reinforcing structure anchored on each side of said tire in a bead whose base is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, each of said beads extending generally radially outwardly in the form of sidewalls, the sidewalls being connected radially towards the outside to a tread, the carcass-type reinforcing structure extending radially from the bead towards said sidewall, a crown reinforcing structure, each of the beads also comprising an anchoring region for holding the reinforcing structure in place, wherein said tread comprises an inner layer of substantially incompressible rubbery material and an outer layer of rubbery foam wherein: the foam expansion ratio is between 110 and 400%, preferably between 120 and 350% and even more preferably between 135 and 300%; and the thickness of the layer is greater than 2.0 mm and preferably greater than 4 mm.
US08485228B2	Plug-in part for a plug connector arrangement A plug-in part in the form of a piece of tubing and having a sealing portion, the sealing portion comprising a sealing element enclosing the piece of tubing in a circumferential direction, and a locking portion with at least one undercut. The plug-in part is adapted to be plugged into the receptacle of a coupling part of the plug connector arrangement in order to produce a fluid-tight connection. At least one locking element of the coupling part engages behind the plug-in part in the region of the undercut. In order to develop the plug-in part so as to reduce the risk of the sealing element being adversely affected, the undercut is formed by a protrusion which projects from the outside of the piece of tubing and extends circumferentially merely over a sub-region of the piece of tubing.
US08485227B2	Apparatus for providing conditioned fluid flows To provide conditioned fluid flows, a base body has a main flow duct formed therein with a bypass duct that is branched off from and led back to the main flow duct. An exchangeable flow conditioning insert includes a flow resistance element and is adapted to be arranged in the main flow duct relative to the bypass duct in an axial installation position such that the flow resistance element generates a pressure difference between ports of the bypass duct at the main flow duct.
US08485222B2	Systems and methods for preventing oil migration Systems and methods are provided for preventing oil migration in an engine lubrication system. The system includes a gearbox, a shaft disposed at least partially in the gearbox, an oil reservoir in flow communication with the gearbox, an oil supply pump in flow communication with the oil reservoir and coupled to the shaft, an oil scavenge pump coupled to the shaft and configured to pump oil from the gearbox, and an oil cooler in flow communication with and disposed between the oil scavenge pump and the oil reservoir. The system also includes a bypass drain line disposed between the oil source and the oil supply pump, a drain valve disposed in the bypass drain line configured to close when the pressure is above a predetermined pressure, and a check valve disposed between the oil supply pump and the gearbox configured to open when the pressure is above the predetermined pressure.
US08485220B2	Automatic flow regulator valve An automatic flow regulator valve designed to regulate water pressure from a liquid source outlet in the event of pressure surges and/or fluctuations. In an “open” position, the predetermined water flow pressures are not sufficient to overcome a spring force of a spring. Therefore, a sealing plate is maintained separated from a step by the spring force, thus allowing water to flow around the outmost perimeter edge of sealing plate. In operation under water flow pressure surges and/or fluctuations, the automatic flow regulator valve is “closed”. In the “closed” position, the water flow pressure surges and/or fluctuation pressures are sufficient to overcome the spring force of spring. Therefore, the sealing plate is biased against the step and the water does not flow around the outmost perimeter edge of sealing plate since sealing plate is biased against the step.
US08485214B2	Small engine emissions control valve A valve assembly for a fuel tank for a small engine includes a housing. A membrane is supported by the housing such that the membrane covers a housing opening. The membrane allows the passage of vapor through the membrane and into the housing cavity and prevents the passage of liquid through the membrane. A pressure relief valve is supported by the housing to control flow of a vapor through the housing cavity.
US08485213B2	Internal relief valve apparatus for use with loading regulators An example loading regulator having an internal relief valve apparatus includes a body having a loading diaphragm disposed between a first casing and a second casing. The first casing and a first side of the loading diaphragm define a first chamber and the second casing and a second side of the loading diaphragm define a second chamber. A relief valve assembly is coupled to the loading diaphragm. The relief valve assembly includes a relief valve seat having an aperture that forms a passageway to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber and a relief valve plug movably coupled to the relief valve seat. The relief valve seat is to move relative to the relief valve plug to a bleed position to allow the flow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber in response to an outlet pressure substantially greater than a pressure at which the loading regulator enters a lock-up condition.
US08485207B1	Shade system for vehicles A shade system having a main shaft with a first and second end, the second end adapted to engage a hitch receiver on a vehicle, a first and second half are connected via a pivot component allowing the first half to pivot from side to side, a telescopic arm in the first end secured in a desired position via a locking mechanism, a vertical shaft extending upwardly from the telescopic arm wherein an umbrella holder is adapted to receive an umbrella shaft of an umbrella which can slide up and down through the umbrella holder and is secured in a position via a locking mechanism, a barrier bar extending outwardly at the pivot component adapted to prevent the first half from pivoting too far to the side, and a flange extending downwardly from the main shaft, wherein a hitch ball is disposed on the flange.
US08485206B1	Collapsible buoyant sun shade A sun shade designed for portability and selective angular orientation in a body of water. The device comprises an umbrella portion, together with at least two distally joined buoyant members to keep the umbrella from sinking. The umbrella portion's cover comprises generally opaque material to keep the sun's rays from penetrating. The user orients the expanded umbrella towards the sun and allows the umbrella to float on the buoyant members while the user is below the umbrella. The shape and selective angular orientation of the sun shade enable the user to block rays of the sun from 0° to 90° relative to the surface of the water.
US08485203B2	Surface cleaning with concurrently usable prespray and rinse units A soiled surface cleaning system is described for pre spraying soiled surface areas, and for rinsing and extracting the pre sprayed soiled surface areas, wherein the pre spraying of the soiled surface areas does not have to be stopped in order to perform the rinsing and extracting of the pre sprayed soiled surface areas. The system includes a prespray unit having a proportional pump driven by water from a water service line. The pump mixes the water with prespray and feeds the diluted prespray to a spray gun. The system also includes a rinse unit having a triplex pump that receives water from the water service line, increases the water's pressure, and feeds the pressurized water to an injector. The injector mixes the water with a rinse agent and feeds the diluted rinse agent to a nozzle arrangement on an extraction wand. In use, areas of the soiled surface are first pre sprayed with the diluted prespray. The diluted prespray is allowed to dwell on the pre sprayed areas. After the dwell time of the diluted prespray on a pre sprayed area has elapsed, the pre sprayed area is rinsed and extracted with the extraction wand. This system allows the prespray unit to continue pre spraying soiled areas at the same time as the rinse unit is rinsing and extracting pre sprayed areas having elapsed dwell times.
US08485202B1	Hair holder device A hair holder device featuring an outer component having a slot disposed therein and an insertion component that can slideably insert snugly into the slot of the outer component. When the insertion component is within the slot, the slot surface and the outer surface of the insertion component can clamp and hold hair therein between, thereby creating a bun or puff effect for hair inserted therethrough. The bun or puff effect is shaped according to the shape of the insertion component.
US08485201B2	Cosmetic applicator with torque limiter A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a magnetic coupling, the magnetic coupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.
US08485199B2	Methods and devices for protecting nasal turbinate during surgery Devices and methods are provided which shield at least one turbinate from trauma or damage during sinus surgery that could be caused by direct contact with diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The devices and methods provided are particularly useful for protecting nasal turbinates during FESS and FTIS procedures.
US08485198B2	Oral orthosis for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms An oral orthosis for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms includes a maxilla palate plate having a front edge at the front teeth, a back edge at the soft palatum and two sides edges at the molar rows and, attached thereon, a fixing mechanism to fix the plate in the oral cavity and a tongue positioning device. The tongue positioning device includes a pellotte attached to a pellotte bar mounted into the plate with a spring wire engaged to press the pellotte against the tongue when positioned in the oral cavity, wherein the pellotte bar is mounted in the maxilla plate near the front edge of the plate between the molar and cuspidate teeth plus or minus 5 mm.
US08485194B2	Oral airway An oral airway for insertion into a mouth and pharynx of a patient to provide a breathing pathway and for cooperating with either an anesthesia breathing connector, a suction tube, or a nasal cannula. The oral airway includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member, and a connector configured to securely attach to both the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The connector includes a first portion in fluid communication with the first tubular member and a second portion in fluid communication with the second tubular member.
US08485191B2	Patient interface with forehead support system A patient interface having a forehead support adjustably. The forehead support assembly includes a support arm that is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patients of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. The pivoting forehead support bracket is self-aligning to allow the forehead pad to remain parallel to the patient's forehead at all times, thus enhancing comfort and stability. The forehead support bracket is removable from the support arm, allowing the headgear (with support bracket attached) to be donned separately from the mask and support arm. The forehead support bracket in one embodiment has a forehead pad formed from the headgear itself.
US08485188B2	Airway device An airway device for human or animal use comprising an airway tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of which is surrounded by a laryngeal cuff, wherein the cuff is non-inflatable and is pre-formed in a shape such that a face region of the cuff is adapted to fit snugly over the laryngeal inlet of a patient, and wherein the external profile of the tube is substantially uniform between the distal end of the tube where it starts to meet the cuff and the proximal end of the tube, and wherein the face region of the cuff is formed from a material with a Shore hardness on the A scale of between 0 to 30.
US08485186B2	Adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator for use in aircrafts A method of automatic delivery of appropriate flow rate of oxygen to a person flying in a pressurized aircraft cabin is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first aneroid valve that is responsive to differential gas pressure in a first altitude range is preset to close at a oxygen starting altitude point based on apriori lung capacity test. Further, flow of oxygen is initiated from an oxygen bottle using quarter turn switching regulator connected to the oxygen bottle via a minimum flow area of main valve to output a mixture of the flow of oxygen and aircraft cabin air into a mixing chamber. Furthermore, the first aneroid valve is gradually closed in response to increasing aircraft cabin pressure altitude to stop the pilot flow of oxygen during the first altitude range. Then, main valve is opened upon closing the first aneroid valve to flow pressurized oxygen into the mixing chamber.
US08485184B2	Systems and methods for monitoring and displaying respiratory information Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a ventilation system is disclosed that includes a graphical display, a processor and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is communicably coupled to the processor and includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a measured pressure value, and receive a net flow value. The instructions are further executable to calculate a patient effort value based on a relationship between patient effort, the measured pressure value and the net flow value; and to plot the patient effort value to the graphical display.
US08485179B1	Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.
US08485178B2	Solar water heating system with a backup water heater, and electronic temperature control for a backup heater in a forced circulation solar water heating system The forced recirculation solar water heating system with a backup water heater works through an electronic card that initiates the operation and activation of the water recirculators when there is a setpoint temperature difference between the panel and the storage tank detected by means of a bimetallic cable connected at one of the top ends of the panel and another bimetallic cable at the upper part of the storage tank. This storage tank has a series of safety check valves that prevent temperature loss due to hot water backflow to the hydraulic network or due to natural reverse recirculation, thus avoiding excess pressure in the system.
US08485177B2	Drive mechanism for a down draft vent system A drive mechanism for a down draft vent system comprising a vertically directed, retractable open framework, which can be moved between an extended position and a lowered position by means of a drive motor, comprising at least two switches for switching off the drive motor and at least one actuating element for actuating the switch. In this arrangement at least one switch is actuated by means of the at least one actuating element depending on a force (FW) acting externally on the open framework. In addition to an end switch-off of the drive motor, this invention provides a safety function as a result of a resistive load switch-off which is effective both in the event of a resistance from below during retraction and also in the event of a resistance from above during extension of the open framework.
US08485170B1	Projectile launcher with internal bow The projectile launcher with internal bow includes a riser base, an elongate barrel assembly attached to the riser base, a crank mechanism attached to the back of the barrel assembly, a trigger assembly, and an internal bow assembly mounted to the riser base. The crank assembly includes a rotatable crank for selective reciprocation of a cocking pawl carriage riding inside a rail system in the barrel assembly. A biased cocking pawl in the pawl carriage selectively engages a projectile stirrup carriage riding on top of the rail system to push the stirrup carriage into a cocked position. The internal bow assembly includes reversed and vertically spaced, upper and lower resilient bow arms and respective pulleys and cables interconnecting the bow arms and the stirrup carriage. Cocking of the stirrup carriage flexes the bow arms in preparation for placement and firing of a projectile.
US08485168B2	Toy launcher with safety projectiles A toy launcher and safety projectile combination, wherein the launcher only launches a safety projectile. The slingshot has a body with a first arm section and a second arm section. A first elastomeric element extends laterally from the first arm. Likewise, a second elastomeric element extends laterally from the second arm section. A safely projectile is provided. The safety projectile has a first slotted channel that is accessible through a first open end and a second slotted channel that is accessible through a second open end. The safety projectile temporarily attaches to the first elastomeric element and the second elastomeric element during launching by having the first slotted channel receive the first free end of the first elastomeric element and having the second slotted channel receive the second free end of the second elastomeric element. The safety projectile is then pulled back and released.
US08485160B2	Fuel pressure regulation system In a fuel pressure regulating system for an internal combustion engine, having a pressure accumulator storing fuel under pressure and feeding injectors providing the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine with fuel, a high-pressure pump feeding a fuel mass flow into the pressure accumulator, a first valve for throttling the fuel mass flow, a second valve by means of which fuel can be discharged from the pressure accumulator, and a control unit for actuating the valves, the control unit determines a fuel mass flow required by the pressure accumulator depending on a prescribed target pressure in the pressure accumulator, divides the determined fuel mass flow into a partial mass flow fed in by the first valve and discharged by the second valve, and actuates the valves according to the partial mass flows.
US08485159B2	High-pressure pump The invention relates to a high-pressure pump (2) for a fuel injection system (1) of an internal combustion engine, in particular for a common-rail injection system, comprising a driveshaft (21) supported by at least one bearing (23, 24) arranged in a bearing return (31, 31′, 31″), wherein, downstream of the at least one bearing (23, 24), at least one valve (27, 28) is arranged, wherein the at least one valve (27, 28) has an opening pressure of 0.1 bar to 0.8 bar.
US08485155B2	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine can comprise a crankcase, and a crankshaft rotatably supported in the crankcase. The crankshaft includes a drive sprocket attached thereto. A cam chain engages the drive sprocket, and a cam chain chamber houses at least a part of the drive sprocket and cam chain therein. The cam chain chamber is configured to pool oil in a lower portion thereof. A balancer is coupled to the crankshaft and is configured to be rotated by rotational power transmitted from the crankshaft. The balancer is also disposed within the cam chain chamber, and is configured to splash oil pooled in the cam chain chamber during the rotation thereof. The engine also comprises a wall portion disposed in the cam chain chamber. The wall portion is configured to cover an upper portion of the balancer, and is disposed adjacent to a periphery of the balancer.
US08485152B2	Switchable pressure supply device comprising a passive auxiliary pressure accumulator A switchable device for supplying at least one consumer of an internal combustion engine with pressure, comprising: a cavity formed inside a camshaft; a first displacement element arranged in the cavity having a first pressure surface which at least partially delimits a first accumulator chamber together with the wall of the cavity; a first energy accumulator which interacts with the first displacement element; a locking mechanism by which the first displacement element can be locked in the second end position; a switching mechanism which can be actuated by an actuator, having a switch element that can be brought into at least two switching positions; a second displacement element arranged in the cavity having a second pressure surface which at least partially delimits a second accumulator chamber together with the wall of the cavity; a second energy accumulator which interacts with the second displacement element; the first accumulator chamber and the second accumulator chamber communicating with each other and being connectible to a pressure source in a fluid-conducting manner.
US08485149B2	Continuous variable valve lift apparatus A continuously variable valve lift apparatus includes a camshaft, a first cam disposed on the camshaft, a first valve opening/closing unit, a control unit transferring rotation of the first cam to the first valve opening/closing unit and adjusting valve lift of the first valve opening/closing unit, a second cam disposed on the camshaft and a second valve opening/closing unit constantly opened and closed by rotation of the second cam.
US08485146B2	Engine device An engine device includes an engine, a power generating portion, a motor portion, and a transmission mechanism. The engine includes a piston and a cylinder, and the piston is arranged in the cylinder and moves back and forth between a top dead center and a bottom dead center. The power generating portion and the motor portion are annularly disposed on the periphery of the cylinder. When the piston moves from the top dead center towards the bottom dead center, the transmission mechanism drives a power generating rotor of the power generating portion to move correspondingly in a direction opposite to that of the piston and enables the power generating portion to generate electric power. When the piston is located at the bottom dead center, the motor portion actuates a motor rotor to move, and pushes the piston to move towards the top dead center through the transmission mechanism.
US08485145B2	Breather air—oil seperator A breather system for a crankcase of an internal combustion engine includes a gas compressor configured to elevate the pressure of crankcase blow-by gas. At least one gas-oil separator receives gas with entrained oil from the compressor, separates oil from the gas and discharges cleaned gas. The oil is re-circulated back to the crankcase. The cleaned gas is either discharged through the engine exhaust system or re-circulated back into the engine combustion air intake. A bypass conduit allows cleaned gas to be re-circulated from the gas-oil separator outlet to the compressor inlet to balance the blow-by production with the capacity of the compressor.
US08485143B2	Valve arrangement for venting a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine A valve arrangement for venting a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine having several subcircuits includes a valve which is in fluid communication with a primary vent line extending from one of the subcircuits. At least one secondary vent line is in fluid communication with the valve and extends from another one of the subcircuits. The primary and secondary vent lines are connectable to a shared third vent line which feeds into a compensating reservoir arranged at a geodetically highest point in the coolant circuit. The valve is constructed to establish a continuous fluid communication of the primary vent line with the compensating reservoir via the third vent line and to establish a fluid communication of the secondary vent line with the compensating reservoir via the third vent line only in the presence of air bubbles in the secondary vent line.
US08485139B2	Apparatus for visually inspecting and removing foreign object in gaps of bundle of heating tubes of upper portion of tube sheet of secondary side of steam generator Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a structure including a heating tube, a tube sheet supporting the heating tube, and a flow distribution baffle, which are installed in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, and more particularly, an apparatus for visually inspecting and removing a foreign object in gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a tube sheet of a secondary side of a steam generator, in which a detector is inserted into gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a secondary side of a steam generator so as to inspect sludge or foreign objects, and a foreign object remover removes foreign objects when foreign objects are discovered in the gaps of the heating tubes.
US08485132B2	Container for transporting live fish The present invention relates to a container for transporting live fish, in which a protein skimmer is installed together with a fish tank in an interior of a cargo room of the container, bubbles discharged from the protein skimmer are stored in a large-capacity bubble tank, a water cooler having a refrigerating unit is installed in a container driver unit such that water discharged from the fish tank is cooled and resupplied to the fish tank, or water cooled by the water cooler can be brought into contact with the external air while the water is being injected into a dry filtering tank installed on the fish tank, and a filtering member impregnated with microorganisms that have been cultured therein is arranged in the dry filtering tank.
US08485131B2	Air circulating litter box One embodiment may take the form of a litter box having a base portion having a floor and a plurality of walls extending in an upward direction from the floor. The litter box may also have a cover portion having a ceiling and a plurality of walls extending in a downward direction from the ceiling. The base portion and the cover portion may combine to define an inner cavity. The litter box may also include a circulating filter in communication with the inner cavity of the litter box and the circulating filter may be configured to filter air from within the inner cavity of the litter box.
US08485127B2	Processing apparatus A structure of an improved processing vessel for a processing apparatus, which processes a target object using a processing gas, is disclosed. The target object, such as a semiconductor wafer, is heated within a metal cylindrical shaped processing vessel. The processing vessel includes a plurality of block bodies mutually connected by being stacked in the vertical direction. Heat insulating vacuum layers are arranged between the adjacent block bodies. Thus, heat transfer between block bodies is suppressed, so that temperature of each block body can be separately controlled, thereby improving energy efficiency.
US08485126B2	Coating apparatus including a glove part and a controller for stopping coating A coating apparatus including a coating part which applies a liquid material including an oxidizable metal on a substrate; a chamber having a coating section in which the coating part applies the liquid material on the substrate and a transport section into which the liquid material is transported; an adjusting part which adjusts at least one of oxygen concentration and humidity inside the chamber; and a control part which stops an operation of the coating part in response to the entrance of foreign object into the chamber.
US08485119B2	Wake towers and methods of use and manufacture thereof A wake tower for a powerboat for use in wakeboarding or other water sports is described. The wake tower can include base members attached to the powerboat and a U-shaped bar extending generally upwardly from the base members. The side bars can be tapered inward and can also be angled toward the bow of the powerboat. Support members can be positioned along the side bars to provide increased structural support to increase the maximum load of the wake tower and to increase the rigidity of the wake tower resulting in less shaking during use. A tow cross bar having a tow rope connector can be suspended generally between the side bars of the wake tower. The wake tower can be transitioned between an upright position and a lowered position. Shocks can be used to compensate for some of the weight of the wake tower to allow the wake tower to be raised and lowered with less effort by the user.
US08485116B2	Floating support fitted with a turret including rolling bearings protected from water An oil production floating support including a disconnectable mooring system for anchor lines to the sea bottom and for bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The floating support comprises a mooring buoy for mooring lines and bottom-to-surface connection pipes, the buoy preferably being an annular buoy. The floating support being characterized in that said turret has a watertight tubular outer structure having a bottom wall assembled in watertight manner to the bottom end of the watertight tubular outer structure. The tubular outer structure contains an inner structure secured at its top end to the hull. The inner and outer tubular structures co-operate with at least one bottom rolling or friction bearing, enabling the inner structure to turn, with the outer structure not being caused to turn when the floating support is caused to turn about a vertical axis ZZ′ of the cavity and of the watertight tubular outer structure. The bottom rolling or friction bearing being situated beneath the surface of the water, but inside said watertight outer structure.
US08485115B2	Watercraft with bow sponsons A watercraft has a hull having a bow, a deck disposed on the hull, an engine connected to the hull, a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, a first bow sponson disposed on a starboard side of the bow, and a second bow sponson disposed on a port side of the bow. A sponson suitable for use on a bow of a watercraft is also disclosed.
US08485104B2	Amusement park ride system with crossing paths A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first assembly is provided that includes a first set of vehicles movable along a first ride path, and the first vehicle set is vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second assembly is provided with a second set of vehicles movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second vehicle set is vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a collision risk at path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that track crossovers occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes movement of the upper and lower sets of vehicles to avoid collisions at crossover points.
US08485101B2	Reusable grenade A reusable, pneumatic paint grenade that includes a dashpot timing mechanism for sudden release of compressed air that ruptures a frangible housing to disperse a dyed liquid or airsoft pellets after the paint grenade is thrown. The dashpot further comprises a plunger located in a cylindrical body. A lever in contact with the plunger of the dashpot forces the plunger downward to puncture a cartridge of compressed air with a sharp structure disposed between the plunger and the cartridge. The compressed air is prevented from escaping while the sharp structure remains in the cartridge. Once the lever is released, the plunger is forced into substantially its original position by a biasing mechanism and the force exerted by the air pressure within the cartridge. The cylindrical body can be filled with a viscous liquid to further slow movement of the plunger.
US08485098B2	Decoy with a simple safety device The invention relates to a safety device (1) for a block of explosive material, forming a missile decoy, that is introduced into an explosive material container (2) with a sabot (4) and an ignition transmission charge (5). The safety device (1) is characterized by a prestressed tube sensor/slide (6) that is connected between the sabot (4), the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material container (2) such that it can release or re-close an ignition channel (13) disposed between the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material.
US08485097B1	Energetic material initiation device A device for initiating an energetic material through an electrical pulse. The device includes an input charge, an initiator assembly and a switch. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive. The initiator assembly is configured to initiate a detonation event in the input charge in response to receipt of the electrical pulse to a terminal that is electrically coupled to the initiator assembly. The switch is maintained in a normally open condition but is closed to transmit electrical energy from the pulse that remains on the first terminal after operation of the initiator assembly has been initiated.
US08485096B2	Method for drying printing ink and printing ink A method for drying printing ink containing an inactive active substance enclosed before drying in a reaction-inhibited form in a transport substance, for accelerating the drying of the printing ink on a print medium, includes applying the printing ink to a print medium being dried at a reaction site by supplying energy to the printing ink, and releasing the active substance by an energy supply from the transport substance at the reaction site for activation. A printing ink includes an active substance enclosed before drying in a reaction-inhibited form in a transport substance, for accelerating the drying of the printing ink on a print medium. The active substance is releasable during the drying by an energy supply from the transport substance at the reaction site.
US08485093B2	Cylindrical heat application apparatus A heat application apparatus includes a longitudinally split cylinder that may be disposed about a section of a suspension bridge cable or similar tubular article. The cylinder is split into two essentially identical semi-cylindrical halves which are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge. A plurality of toggle clamps are arranged transversely across the opens ends of the halves and may be engaged to positively connect and lock the edges together. On each of the inner faces of the halves is secured a semi-cylindrical air bladder. The bladders are covered by a flexible heat blanket having a uniformly distributed electrical resistance heating element. Independent air pressure regulators which are supplied with compressed air provide air at low pressure to the bladders and a suitable electrical connector all reside on the exterior of the apparatus. Optionally, an air compressor may be mounted on each half to supply each regulator and bladder independently, thereby configuring the apparatus so that it requires only electrical power to operate.
US08485092B2	Closing system for pressing chambers A door opening assembly of a bale press including a first arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a first door. The door opening assembly also includes a second arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a second door. An actuator is coupled to the second end of the first arm member and the second end of the second arm member to cause the first arm member to displace the first door and the second arm member to hold the second door from being displaced. A further feature includes a door closing system involve a guide member and a guide receptacle for moving a latch gate to close the door.
US08485090B2	Drink preparing machine including a steam nozzle cleaning system Beverage preparation machine comprising a body (2), a movable steam nozzle (7) connected to the body by a moving device (13), a beverage preparation area (10) in which a cup can be placed, and a cleaning area in which is disposed a rinsing container (12). The moving device (13) moves the nozzle (7) between the preparation and cleaning areas. The machine also includes a cleaning product outlet (56) that can be moved between a dispensing position located in the cleaning area for dispensing product into the container (12), and a storage position located outside the cleaning area. The cleaning product outlet (56) is connected to the moving device (13) so as to place this outlet in the storage position when the nozzle (7) is in the cleaning area.
US08485089B2	Microwave coffee maker A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening.
US08485087B2	Fluid distributor apparatus and punching method A fluid distributor apparatus includes a body having distribution ports; a spool adapted for controlling the distribution ports and mounted slidingly in a first sliding seat obtained in the body and communicating with the distribution ports; a copying-member mounted slidingly and sealed in a second seat obtained in the spool; and a supply system for a controlled supply of the fluid to the second seat, so that the copying-member slides in a controlled way. The supply system includes also a chamber containing the fluid and communicating with said the seat, and a pushing device of the fluid mounted slidingly and sealed in the chamber.
US08485085B2	Network weapon system and method Allows for the assignment of threat(s) to weapon(s) to allow operators to coordinate actions. Enables dynamic discovery and operation weapon(s), sensor(s) over a local or public network so available weapons can be selected by operators. Sensors may act as simulated weapons and may also reside in a video surveillance system (VSS). Sensors may be collocated or away from weapons which may differ in number. Sensors simulating weapons are transparently interchangeable with actual weapons. Simulated actors and events may be injected into system with operator gestures recorded for later analysis. Operator may control more than one weapon or sensor at a time. Operator user interface may be cloned onto another computer for real-time supervision or for later use. Integration of existing VSS with a network of remotely operated weapons or simulated weapons enables a passive video surveillance system upgrade to become a projector of lethal or non-lethal force.
US08485083B1	Single-feed magazine adapter for firearms A single-feed magazine adapter used with automatic or semi-automatic firearms and a twin-drum magazine, which converts the dual-feed arrangement of rounds created thereby into a single-feed arrangement that permits dual-feed twin-drum magazine use with automatic and semi-automatic rifles and pistols of differing caliber requiring a single-feed system. The easily-installed adapter can be separately manufactured for attachment to an existing dual-feed twin-drum magazine, or attached to a new dual-feed twin-drum magazine during manufacture. In an empty adapter prior to magazine reload, three specialty rounds are located adjacent to the feed opening, with numerous standard filler/dummy rounds behind them. A flexible linked-connection between two of the three specialty rounds creates a pendulum motion in rounds within the adapter's top inwardly-tapered portion that enables successful conversion of rounds close to the feed opening from a dual-feed arrangement into a single-feed arrangement during their forward advancement toward the firing position.
US08485082B1	Firearm barrel A firearm barrel that reduces muzzle climb and recoil by tapping a portion of the discharge products near the breech and venting them toward the muzzle end of a firearm. Some discharge products have also have an upward component to reduce muzzle climb, some have a downward or sideways component to lessen the effect of the upwardly directed discharge products on a top mounted accessory such as a telescopic sight.
US08485079B2	Angle cutting machine with exchangeable cutting members An angle cutting machine with exchangeable cutting members includes a base portion, an adjusting device, a cutting device, a powering device and a positioning device. The adjusting device includes a base board, an adjusting portion and a position limiting portion. An adjusting area and a position limiting area are formed in the base board. The cutting device has a vertical axle and a plurality of cutting members. The powering device can provide power to the vertical axle so that the vertical axle can carry out a reciprocating up-down motion. The positioning device moves along with the cutting device to ensure the correct positioning of the cutting device. Therefore, the cutting members may be fitted to the main body more accurately and more easily and safety in the use of the cutting machine may be enhanced.
US08485072B2	Quasi open-end wrench An improved open end wrench having wrench heads at both ends of a shank whereon both wrench heads have arcuate surfaces and backup jaws coplanar with a common torqueing jaw whereby the torqueing jaw is a machined surface of the wrench shank that extends into the wrench heads and is terminated at reliefs at a depth less than half the thickness of the shank, at the intersection of the arcuate surfaces and said torqueing jaw, therein, when excessive torque is applied the relief tends to close whereby the backup jaw and torqueing jaw become nonplanar to each other, therefore wedging the polygonal fastener being worked.
US08485066B2	Damaged bolt and screw removing devices A bit for removing a broken security fastener having an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis. The shaft has a first end and a second end. The first end terminates in a tip region having a recess for receipt of the post of the security fastener, the recess being disposed substantially along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the shaft is configured to be received by the chuck of a tool which provides rotational torque.
US08485065B2	Transmission device and automotive vehicle equipped with such a transmission device A transmission device for an automotive vehicle of the type includes, mounted on an output shaft formed by at least two wheel drive half-shafts of a vehicle mounted to freely rotate one relative to the other, at least one rotary gearwheel, and two clutch mechanisms with clutch sleeves arranged on both sides of the gearwheel. This device includes, on the one hand, two clutch sleeve configurations: the driving configuration of the gearwheel, and the engine brake configuration of the gearwheel, and, on the other hand, a declutching control mechanism that includes at least one clutch sleeve pilot unit, coaxial to the gearwheel, mounted relative to the gearwheel that moves angularly between two end positions. The declutching pilot unit can be driven into each of the end positions by the two wheel drive half-shafts when they are driven at a speed of rotation that is different from that of the gearwheel.
US08485060B2	Bicycle shift operating device A bicycle shift operating device is provided for operating a shifting device to move a chain between two gears using a guiding portion. The bicycle shift operating device has an operating member, a moving member and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the moving member in a first position that locates the guiding portion to a first guiding position corresponding to the first gear, a second position that locates the guiding portion to a second guiding position corresponding to the second gear, and a third position that locates the guiding portion to a third guiding position corresponding to the second gear. The third guiding position is farther from the first guiding position than the second guiding position. The positioning mechanism moves the moving member from the first position to the second position in response to a single operation of the operating member.
US08485058B2	Electric motor-driven kitchen appliance provided with a bayonet lock for an electric motor and a gear stage and method for assembling said electric motor-driven kitchen appliance An electric motor-driven kitchen appliance includes an electric motor and a gear stage. The electric motor includes a motor housing and the gear stage includes a gear case. The motor housing and gear stage are connected to each other by a bayonet lock. The electric motor and the gear stage are provided with the respective bayonet lock parts designed for the kitchen appliance.
US08485055B2	Double clutch winding transmission A double clutch winding transmission, having two sub-transmissions (T1, T2), coaxial transmission input shafts (1, 19), which are each coupled to a clutch (K1, K2), at least one counter shaft (2, 22) and a transmission output shaft (15) that is coaxially aligned with the transmission input shaft (1, 19). In at least one gear shift position, the flow of energy (L1 to L8) in the transmission winds through at least two meshing gear wheels (3 to 14), forming gear wheel levels (Z1 to Z6). The two sub-transmissions (T1, T2) are configured as two, consecutively positioned, single winding transmissions (W1, W2), each having at least four forward gear positions.
US08485052B2	Method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring A method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring allows measurable detection of tilt of a support bearing a roller which rotatably supports a rotating body. A tilt meter adapted to measurably detect a tilt of the support bearing is coupled to the support bearing, where the tilt is defined as an angular difference in bearing orientation between a first bearing position and a second subsequent bearing position that is cause by an axial thrust on the rotary body. Once tilt is detected, the bearing orientation of the support bearing can be adjusted to return the support bearing to substantially the first bearing position.
US08485050B2	Torque sensor assembly for a power-assisted bicycle A torque sensor assembly for a power-assisted bicycle has a torque sensor, a one-way bearing, a chainwheel, two cranks and two pedals. The torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle tube, a transmission axle, a resilient element connected to the middle tube and the transmission axle, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the transmission axle and the middle tube, and a detection unit detecting displacement angles of the second disc and the first disc to calculate torques applied to the transmission axle and to drive the power-assisted bicycle according to the torque. The torque sensor assembly has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can easily be assembled to all kinds of power-assisted bicycles.
US08485046B2	Ultrasonic flow meter and method including a test procedure to verify the operation of the electronic The invention relates to an ultrasonic gas flow meter and corresponding method of verification, where the ultrasonic gas flow meter comprises at least one signal evaluation unit, memory, piping through which gas can flow, and ultrasonic transducers disposed on opposite sides of the piping; the ultrasonic gas flow meter is adapted to detect a flow velocity of the gas flowing through the piping. The method comprises a test procedure for verifying the operation of electronics associated with the ultrasonic gas flow meter wherein, when the test procedure is activated, test signals are triggered which replace the propagation times measured with predefined propagation times associated with an assumed gas flow velocity and the output of the evaluation unit is detected to see how the calculated gas flow velocity compares to the assumed gas flow velocity.
US08485045B1	Foam free testing systems and methods A system(s) and method(s) of testing the foam delivery system(s) of fire suppression systems. Systems are adapted to test the foam delivery system of a fire suppression system under test while minimizing the release of foam to the environment.
US08485039B2	Method and apparatus for thermal control of a multiple chamber test system A multiple chamber test system is provided. The multiple chamber test system includes a plurality of test chambers that each include a vibration table. In addition, each of the test chambers is provided with thermally controlled air from a common source. An output plenum for providing thermally controlled air to the test chambers may include a flow control device, to provide the same or similar thermal conditions in each of the test chambers. Where pneumatic actuators are used to impart movement to the vibration tables, the exhaust air from the actuators can be prevented from mixing with the thermally controlled chamber air.
US08485037B1	Hidden object detection system An apparatus comprising a vibration generation system, a vibration measurement system, and an optical system associated with the vibration measurement system, and a controller. The vibration generation system is configured to generate acoustic energy that causes vibrations to occur in the ground. The vibration measurement system is configured to transmit laser beams to the surface of the ground in which the vibrations occur, receive responses to the laser beams, and generate vibration data from the responses. The optical system is configured to direct the laser beams to the surface of the ground such that the laser beams have a selected spatial arrangement relative to the surface. The controller is configured to determine whether an object is present under the surface of the ground using the vibration data.
US08485036B2	Circumferential weld scanner with axial drift prevention Inspection of circumferential sections of pipe or other conduit using an ultrasonic scanning apparatus is provided, wherein axial drift of the ultrasonic scanning apparatus is prevented using a guide track assembly. The guide track assembly is rigidly coupled to the ultrasonic scanning apparatus in the axial direction, but allows rotational motion of the ultrasonic scanning apparatus directly along the outer surface of the conduit using a drive chain that is driven by a circumferential drive. Secure rotational motion without drift between the guide track assembly and the ultrasonic scanning apparatus is maintained by the rigid coupling and by a spring-loaded wheel housing assembly that maintains contact of wheels that travel along the guide track. The ultrasonic scanning apparatus includes a transducer with spring-loaded gimbaling that maintains optimal proximity with the conduit surface. The transducer is translated axially along linear journals that extend along the conduit with a linear actuator.
US08485035B2	Method of detecting defects A method for detecting defects in a railway rail including a search unit and preferably a roller search unit (“RSU”) mounted on a test vehicle and in rolling contact with the running surface of the rails to inspect each rail. The RSU includes a tire filled with a liquid and a transducer assembly mounted within the tire. The transducer assembly includes one or more arrays of ultrasonic transducers directed toward the running surface of the rail. A laser profiler mounted on the test vehicle in combination with a linear encoder provide profile data which is communicated to a system controller to dynamically adjust the focal laws for the one or more arrays of transducers to dynamically steer the transmitted beams to produce the ideal inspection beam sets while the test vehicle is in motion.
US08485031B2	Sensor assembly with hydrophobic filter The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for reducing moisture, dust, particulate matter, and/or other contaminates entering a sensor. A sensor assembly may include a housing with an inlet flow port and an outlet flow port. The housing may define a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, with a sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The sensor may be configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A hydrophobic filter may be situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the sensor. When so configured, and during operation of the sensor assembly, a fluid may pass through the inlet flow port, through the hydrophobic filter, across the sensor, and through the outlet flow port.
US08485030B2	Thermal loop flow sensor A flow sensor includes a fluidic component, such as a tube, a heat source, an upstream temperature sensor, and a downstream temperature sensors. The fluidic component defines a flow path having inlet and outlet ends disposed closer to each other than to a mid-point of the flow path. The heat source and the upstream and downstream temperature sensors are disposed in thermal communication with a fluid in the flow path.
US08485027B2	Borehole force measurement A technique facilitates the measurements of forces, such as forces that result from gravity and acceleration. The system and methodology utilize a plurality of electrodes that cooperate with a movable electrode. By applying appropriate signals to the electrodes, the movable electrode can be levitated in a manner that creates a sensor system able to accurately detect forces resulting from gravity, acceleration and similar causes.
US08485023B2	Solvent delivery pump and liquid chromatograph A cleaning chamber is provided in a seal holder and two cleaning chamber flow paths communicating with the cleaning chamber from outside are provided. A pipe connected to a vessel storing a mobile phase is connected to one of the cleaning chamber flow paths. A pipe as a flow path connected to a mobile phase sucking flow path into a pump chamber is connected to the other cleaning chamber flow path. When the mobile phase is taken in, the mobile phase is sucked into the pump chamber via the cleaning chamber.
US08485021B2	Measuring head for air micrometer A measuring head is provided for an air micrometer which is capable of measuring an amount of eccentricity between a main spindle and a bush hole. A measuring head (41) includes a measuring-head body portion (42) and a measuring-head tip portion (43), in which: a first measurement air nozzle (51A) and a second measurement air nozzle (51B) are each formed in the measuring-head tip portion to extend in a radial direction of the measuring-head tip portion, and also formed to have an angle of 180 degrees with respect to each other in a circumferential direction of the measuring-head tip portion; individual measurement air supply passages corresponding to the respective measurement air nozzles are formed in the measuring-head body portion; and measurement air is supplied to the measurement air nozzles from the individual measurement air supply passages, respectively.
US08485019B2	Methods and systems for analysis, reporting and display of environmental data An environmental monitoring system and methods of a site are disclosed. The system includes one or more environmental measurement instruments, of which at least one instrument is capable to measure a concentration of particles in a certain size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable of measuring a first concentration of particles in a first size range and a second concentration of particles in a second size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable to measure a wind speed and a wind direction. The system may also include one device capable of recording an image of a location related to the site. The system includes a controller in communication with the one or more environmental measurement instruments, and a display device capable of displaying data generated by the one or more environmental measurement instruments. The system contains a network. Alerts can be provided based on conditions of the environment.
US08485017B1	Robotic work object cell calibration system The robotic work object cell calibration system includes a work object. The work object emits a pair of beam-projecting lasers acting as a crosshair, intersecting at a tool contact point (TCP). The work object emits four plane-projecting lasers are used to adjust the yaw, pitch, and roll of the robot tool relative to the tool contact point (TCP). The robotic work object cell calibration system provides a calibration system which is simpler, which involves a lower investment cost, which entails lower operating costs than the prior art, and can be used for different robot tools on a shop floor without having to perform a recalibration for each robot tool.
US08485015B2	Degradation detection system for NOx sensor, and degradation detection method therefor A NOX sensor degradation detection system includes: a three-way catalyst disposed in an exhaust passageway of an internal combustion engine; a selective reduction catalyst disposed in the exhaust passageway downstream of the three-way catalyst; a NOX sensor disposed in the exhaust passageway downstream of the selective reduction catalyst; and a controller configured to execute a rich-shift process that is a process for causing air/fuel ratio of exhaust gas that flows into the three-way catalyst to become rich, and to determine that the NOX sensor has degraded on a condition that a measurement value from the NOX sensor does not reach nor exceed a threshold value within a prescribed time that follows start of the rich-shift process. A degradation detection method for use in the system is also provided.
US08485010B1	Method and apparatus for installing a retractable thermocouple A method and apparatus for installing a retractable thermocouple at the upper end of a flare stack for sensing a flare pilot burner flame. The apparatus comprises: a portable mounting structure; two pair of opposing drive wheels having non-metallic contacting surfaces; a first set of offset straightening rollers having non-metallic contacting surfaces for straightening the thermocouple in a first plane; and a second set of offset straightening rollers having non-metallic contacting surfaces for straightening the retractable thermocouple in a second plane different from the first plane.
US08485008B2	Automotive key fob having an anti key rattle spring An automotive key fob includes a leaf-style spring positioned within the key fob so that, while a removable key is inserted into the key fob, the removable key engages, and at least partially collapses, the spring thereby reducing movement of the key within the key fob and thereby reducing noise associated with movement of the key within the key fob. The leaf-style spring may be positioned in a spring-surrounding pocket within an external housing of the key fob. The spring-surrounding pocket may be at least partially defined by a wall having a height that is less than a height of the leaf-style spring while the spring is installed within the key fob.
US08485004B2	Apparatus and method for forming leather groove A leather groove forming apparatus includes: a blade holder 43 holding a blade 35 for forming a groove 9 in one surface in a thickness direction of a held leather 5 held in a flat sheet state; blade holder moving unit for moving the blade holder in an in-plane direction of the one surface in the thickness direction of the held leather 5; and blade holder positioning unit for positioning the blade holder 43 in a direction intersecting with the in-plane direction with the blade holder 43 placed on a guide member 55 in formation of the groove in the held leather 5 by moving the blade holder 43 using the blade holder moving unit.
US08485001B2	Household appliance having a tub with a fluid guide A household appliance includes a housing having a door formed in a front panel thereof for accessing an interior of the housing, a tub disposed inside the housing, and a rotatable drum within the tub and having an axis of rotation, the rotatable drum for receiving laundry through the door. The tub includes a tub body, a heater pocket integrally formed in a lower portion of the tub body, the heater pocket forming a cavity in fluid communication with the drum, the heater pocket for at least partially surrounding a heating element for heating a fluid in the tub, and a fluid guide on an interior surface of the tub, the fluid guide one of guiding the fluid from the tub body into the heater pocket and disrupting a fluid ring formed in the tub body during rotation of the rotatable drum.
US08485000B2	Clothes treating apparatus with liquid reservoir A clothes treating apparatus having a liquid reservoir comprises a body having a drum therein, a liquid spraying means configured to spray liquid into the drum, a reservoir installation portion disposed at an inner upper portion of the body, a coupling means slidably installed in the reservoir installation portion, and a liquid reservoir detachably fixed into the coupling means and having an outlet on a side surface thereof, wherein a cut-out portion communicated with the reservoir installation portion and through which the liquid reservoir passes is formed on an upper surface of the body, and the liquid reservoir is connected to the liquid spraying means by sliding movement of the coupling means.
US08484991B2	Heat pump comprising a cooling mode A heat pump having a cooling mode includes a cooling evaporator coupled to an advance flow and a backflow. The cooling evaporator is brought to a pressure such that a vaporization temperature of the working liquid in the backflow is below a temperature of an object to be cooled to which the backflow may be thermally coupled. In this manner, an area having vapor at high pressure is generated. This vapor is fed into a dynamic-type compressor which outputs the vapor at a low pressure and provides electrical energy in the process. The vapor at low pressure is fed to a cooling liquefier which provides vapor liquefaction at a low temperature, this temperature being lower than the temperature of the object to be cooled. The working liquid removed from the cooling evaporator due to the vaporization is refilled by a filling pump. The heat pump having a cooling mode also results when a specific heat pump is operated in the reverse direction, and provides cooling without any net use of electrical energy. Instead, the cooling even generates electrical energy.
US08484989B2	Refrigeration system having an energy saving operation The refrigeration system has an energy saving operation mode performing: a first action in which a compressor (11) and an internal fan (16) are driven while the cooling capacity of an evaporator (14) is regulated; a second action in which, when the blow-off-side air temperature in a cold storage is kept at a set value in the first action, the cooling capacity of the evaporator (14) is increased to lower the blow-off-side air temperature to a lower limit temperature of a desired temperature range containing the set value and the compressor (11) and the internal fan (16) are then stopped; and a third action in which, when the blow-off-side air temperature after the second action rises to an upper limit temperature of the desired temperature range, the first action is restarted. Furthermore, the energy saving operation mode is configured so that when the suction-side air temperature in the cold storage after the second action rises to a limit value, the internal fan (16) is activated at a lower air flow rate than in the first action.
US08484987B2	Ice maker control system and method Provided is a method and system for forming ice pieces with an ice maker that includes a mold defining a plurality of cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces. A processor controls delivery of a refrigerant to freeze water received in the plurality of cavities into ice pieces. A freeze signal transmitted by a temperature sensor embedded within the mold is received by the processor, the freeze signal indicating that a temperature of a portion of the mold adjacent to the temperature sensor has reached a freeze temperature where the water in at least one of the cavities has achieved a frozen state to initiate harvesting of the frozen ice pieces. Defrosting a system evaporator can also be coordinated with operation of the ice maker.
US08484979B2	Burner fuel staging A fuel-air premixing arrangement includes a plurality of fuel injection openings. The fuel injection openings are grouped into at least two groups and arranged on one circle in alternating order. Each group has a common rail for supplying fuel to the respective group. A valve element is arranged in at least one common rail.
US08484977B2	Regulating the flow rate of fuel taken from a fuel circuit of an aircraft propelled by an engine The invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate of fuel taken from a fuel circuit of an aircraft propelled by an engine. The device comprises: a positive displacement pump receiving fuel from a fuel circuit of the aircraft and delivering fuel at a flow rate that is proportional to its speed of rotation; a differential gear having a predefined transmission ratio, a first inlet mechanically coupled to the aircraft engine, a second inlet mechanically coupled to an electric motor/generator, and an outlet mechanically coupled to the positive displacement pump to drive it in rotation; and an electronic control system for regulating the speed of rotation of the electric motor/generator as a function of a setpoint value for the flow rate of fuel to be injected.
US08484973B2	Thermal energy store A method for alternate storage and outputting of the thermal energy which is obtained in the primary circuit of a solar-thermal power station, using a heat carrier medium, which can be partially fed between a plurality of storage tanks, in each case flowing through a heat transmission apparatus which is operatively connected to the primary circuit and/or to the steam/water circuit, which heat carrier medium can be heated to a higher temperature or can be cooled to a lower temperature, the aim is to provide a solution which makes it possible, with a storage capacity which is the same as that of installations known from the prior art, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular with a smaller space requirement and occupying a smaller installation area. This is achieved in that at least one of the plurality of storage tanks is alternately used for storage of a respectively partially fed volume of the heat carrier medium in the state of its higher temperature and for storage of a respectively partially fed volume of the heat carrier medium in the state of its lower temperature.
US08484972B2	Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) electric power plant Apparatus and methods are disclosed for OTEC plant. The device can be deployed in ocean with depth of 600 meter or more.
US08484967B2	Sealed engine/compressor housing comprising an adsorption element An electrical power and heat co-generation unit typically comprising a Stirling engine includes an adsorption element within a sealed interior of the unit which is effective to remove from gas circulating within the interior of the machine hydrocarbons or other chemical species originating from within the interior of the machine from a grease, a lubricant, a retaining compound, or a sealant to reduce carburisation and/or oxidisation of internal components. The unit may also comprise within the sealed interior of the machine an atmosphere dosing fluid which is effective to react with hydrocarbons or other chemical species circulating in the interior of machine in addition to a working fluid of the machine, to produce reaction products which can be removed by the sorption element.
US08484965B2	Apparatus for converting ocean wave energy A device utilizing the horizontal component of wave motions for generating power. The device contains at least one oblong supporting structure and three or more independently movable resistance elements.
US08484964B2	Wave energy collecting device A wave energy collecting device comprises an array of modules, each including three pairs of buoyant members arranged in a circular configuration, a tubular shaft connector interconnecting each pair of buoyant members, and a trilateral radial plank member comprising three identical equidistantly spaced members located centrally within the circular configuration. Each of the three members of the plank member is linearly connected to a member of the plank member of an adjacent module through a spring assembly and perpendicularly connected with a pivotally hinged shaft of a corresponding tubular shaft connector. A working fluid medium flows within a pipe network lined along sequential members. An array of pumps mounted onto each buoyant member, another array of pumps mounted adjacently each spring assembly and another array of pumps mounted adjacently each shaft, impart wave induced pressure pulses into the working fluid medium, which is subsequently converted into energy.
US08484963B2	Hydrostatic transmission by-pass mechanism A bypass pin for a hydrostatic transmission is disclosed. The hydrostatic transmission has a hydraulic pump. The bypass pin has a head positioned at one end of a shaft. The bypass pin also has a tip positioned at an opposite end of the shaft. The bypass pin is configured to receive a linear force exerted against the head in a first direction which causes the bypass pin to move in the first direction. The shaft of the bypass pin is configured to be positioned through a casing containing the hydrostatic transmission. The tip is configured to contact a rotating member in the hydraulic pump when the rotating member is in contact with a fluid directional member, the tip pushing the rotating member away from a fluid directional member in the first direction when the linear force is applied.
US08484959B2	Catalyst apparatus and exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine An object is to provide a technology with which the temperature of exhaust gas can be raised with improved efficiency in cases where a catalyst apparatus including a catalyst having an oxidizing ability is provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. According to the present invention, a catalyst apparatus 6 that is provided in the exhaust passage 1 of the internal combustion engine and to which reducing agent is supplied from upstream when the temperature of the exhaust gas is to be raised is equipped with at least first and second catalysts 4, 5 having an oxidizing ability. The first catalyst 4 is configured in such a way that the exhaust gas flows through a gap between its outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust passage. The second catalyst 5 is disposed downstream of the first catalyst 4 with a space 10 having a specific width Ws between it and the first catalyst 4.
US08484958B2	Exhaust treatment device of diesel engine An object of the present invention is to provide the exhaust treatment device of a diesel engine which is capable of prohibiting the execution of DPF regenerating processing in a situation in which the DPF regenerating processing is inappropriate. In order to achieve the object, DPF regenerating mode switch manipulation means (7a) switches a DPF regenerating mode to a normal and acceleration coexistence regenerating mode (51) or an acceleration-sole regenerating mode (52), and DPF regenerating selection manipulation means (7b) switches a position to a normal regenerating permission position (53), a normal regenerating cancel position (54), or an acceleration regenerating execution position (55). When the DPF regenerating mode is in the acceleration-sole regenerating mode (52), the DPF regenerating control means prohibits normal regenerating processing by the DPF regenerating means irrespective of a position selected by the DPF regenerating selection manipulation means (7b).
US08484952B2	Device for purification of exhaust gas A device for purification of exhaust gas including: an exhaust gas passage 15 connected to an internal combustion engine 10; a particulate matter trapping device 30 which is disposed in the exhaust gas passage 15, and which traps particulate matters in exhaust gas; ozone supply means 40 which is connected to the exhaust gas passage 15 and on an upstream side of the particulate matter trapping device 30, and which can supply ozone to the particulate matter trapping device 30; and an NO oxidizing catalyst 20 which is disposed in the exhaust gas passage 15 and on an upstream of the ozone supply means 40, and which oxidizes NO in the exhaust gas.
US08484951B2	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust treatment apparatus provided in an exhaust passage and a burner apparatus provided upstream of the exhaust treatment apparatus. The burner apparatus includes a fuel addition valve which adds fuel into the exhaust passage, heating means for heating the fuel added by the fuel addition valve, and a small-sized oxidation catalyst provided in the exhaust passage downstream of the heating means. The amount of fuel added by the fuel addition valve per predetermined unit time is controlled to control the position of an ignition point where the added fuel is ignited. Thus, the small-sized oxidation catalyst and the exhaust treatment apparatus can be efficiently warmed up.

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