最新美国发明专利第2013-09-24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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US08541128B2	Rechargeable lithium battery and method of fabricating same Disclosed is a rechargeable lithium battery comprising a negative electrode and a positive electrode capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises a polyacrylate compound having three or more acrylic groups.
US08541126B2	Thermal barrier structure for containing thermal runaway propagation within a battery pack A battery pack is provided that includes one or more thermal barrier elements, the thermal barrier elements dividing the cells within the battery pack into groups of cells. The thermal barrier elements that separate the cells into groups prevent a thermal runaway event initiated in one group of cells from propagating to the cells within a neighboring group of cells.
US08541125B2	Battery pack A battery pack that prevents a circuit module from being bent and improves durability against an external impact. The battery pack includes a bare cell on which an electrode terminal protrudes from a surface thereof, a circuit module disposed on the surface of the bare cell, a first lead plate coupled to a side of the circuit module, the first lead plate being connected to the surface of the bare cell, and a first holder disposed between the circuit module and the surface of the bare cell, the first holder being coupled to the first lead plate.
US08541124B2	Kit for remote location of smoke detector battery A kit is provided that provides for remotely locating a smoke detector battery from a surface mounted smoke detector of the type that comprises an internal two wire battery connector. The kit comprises a first connector arranged to mate with the internal two-wire battery connector. The kit also includes a length of surface mountable tape wire comprising at least two, flat, thin, flexible, elongate conductors carried by an insulating tape. One surface of the tape carries an adhesive layer or material bonded to the insulating tape. The tape wire is mountable to a flat surface or to adjacent flat surfaces such that said flat electrical conductors are mountable onto an interior wall surface, said wall surface being one of the same wall surface upon which said smoke detector is surface mounted or a wall surface adjacent to the surface upon which said smoke detector is surface mounted. A second connector is configured to connect the first pair of electrical wire conductors to the two elongate conductors. A container is provided for containing a smoke detector battery. The container comprises a pair of contacts for electrically connecting to a smoked detector battery. A third connector is provided to connect the container contacts to the elongate conductors. The container is mountable at a location on a wall surface to provide convenient access to the battery.
US08541120B2	Fuel cell system and operation method for fuel cell system A fuel cell system (100) includes: a circulation pump (50) provided on a fuel gas circulation channel (27) so as to circulate a fuel gas; a pump temperature detection portion (420) that detects a temperature of the circulation pump (50); a warmup portion that warms up the circulation pump; a pump control portion (410) that drives the circulation pump; and a breakdown determination portion (450) that determines whether the circulation pump has broken. At the start of the fuel cell system, if the pump temperature detected by the pump temperature detection portion (420) is below the melting point of water, the warmup portion warms the circulation pump, and the pump control portion (410) drives the circulation pump (50). If the pump temperature is higher than or equal to the melting point of water and the rotation speed of the circulation pump (50) is less than a predetermined speed, the breakdown determination portion (450) determines that the circulation pump (50) has broken.
US08541117B2	Low noise battery with a magnetic compensation structure for wireless mobile communication device A battery has an electrode assembly that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a layer of electrolyte between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An electric current flow in the positive electrode is unmatched to an electric current flow in the negative electrode, thereby producing a first magnetic field. A magnetic compensation structure is adjacent to the electrode assembly and has body of electrically conductive material connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electric current flowing through the electrode assembly also flows through the body in a pattern that matches the pattern of unmatched electric current in the electrode assembly. As a result a second magnetic field is produced by the magnetic compensation structure that opposes the first magnetic field thereby mitigating magnetic noise from the battery.
US08541114B2	Light emitting device and electronic appliance using the same A light emitting device comprises a pair of electrodes and a mixed layer provided between the pair of electrodes. The mixed layer contains an organic compound which contains no nitrogen atoms, i.e., an organic compound which dose not have an arylamine skeleton, and a metal oxide. As the organic compound, an aromatic hydrocarbon having an anthracene skeleton is preferably used. As such an aromatic hydrocarbon, t-BuDNA, DPAnth, DPPA, DNA, DMNA, t-BuDBA, and the like are listed. As the metal oxide, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, ruthenium oxide, rhenium oxide, and the like are preferably used. Further, the mixed layer preferably shows absorbance per 1 μm of 1 or less or does not show a distinct absorption peak in a spectrum of 450 to 650 nm when an absorption spectrum is measured.
US08541110B2	Resistance spot welding manufacture and method of forming same A resistance spot welding manufacture includes a first metal layer having a first thickness, a second metal layer having a faying surface defining an embossed region, wherein the second metal layer has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness so that a ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is greater than about 2:1, a third metal layer sandwiched between the first metal layer and the embossed region, wherein the third metal layer has a third thickness that is greater than the second thickness, and a weld joint penetrating each of the first metal layer, the third metal layer, and the faying surface at the embossed region to thereby join each of the first metal layer and the second metal layer to the third metal layer. A method of forming a resistance spot welding manufacture is also disclosed.
US08541108B2	Fuser member The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene. A method of manufacturing a fuser member containing a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene is presented.
US08541101B2	Coating, article coated with coating, and method for manufacturing article A coating includes a titanium aluminum layer; a titanium aluminum nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum layer; a titanium aluminum carbon-nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum nitride layer; and a silicon carbon-nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum carbon-nitride layer.
US08541099B2	Heat-resistant resin The present invention provides a low-modulus low-stress resin which has such heat resistance that cohesive force and reliability can be retained even at high temperatures and which is applicable as various functional materials. The resin is a thermoplastic resin having a modulus of elasticity at room temperature, 25° C., of 1 GPa or lower and a modulus of elasticity at 250° C. of 1 MPa or higher, or a precursor resin thereof.
US08541097B2	Polyester laminated film and transfer foil A polyester laminated film includes at least a polyester layer, and a highly crystalline polyester layer including a highly crystalline polyester having a crystallinity parameter ΔTcg of 35° C. or lower, wherein both the polyester layer and the highly crystalline polyester layer have a planar orientation coefficient of 0.00 to 0.03.
US08541088B1	Optical recording media and method of forming a printable layer thereon The present invention is related to an optical recording media having a printable layer with high specular gloss. The optical recording media comprises a first ink-absorbing layer formed on an outermost layer at an opposite side of a recording/reading surface of the optical recording media; and a second ink-absorbing layer formed on an inner side of the first ink-absorbing layer. A surface of said first ink-absorbing layer is printed with inks of colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, black to have an average specular gloss value at 20 degree angle greater than or equal to 30GU, an average specular gloss value at 60 degree angle of the four colored inks greater than or equal to 70GU, and an average specular value at 85 degree angle of the four colored inks greater than or equal to 88GU.
US08541081B1	Easy-open, reclosable package An easy-open, reclosable package includes a tray with tray liner; a product; and a lidstock, including a substrate including a first layer of high modulus thermoplastic material, and a second layer including an oxygen barrier; and a coextruded film including a first layer including a blend of from 80% to 88% ionomer resin, and from 12% to 20% olefinic polymer, a second layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive, and optionally a third layer including a polymeric adhesive; wherein the first layer of the coextruded film is sealed to the tray liner; the coextruded film is adhered to an inner surface of the substrate film; and after the package is opened, and the pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed, the package can be reclosed by adhering the adhesive to a portion of the first layer of the coextruded film that remained sealed to the tray liner when the package was opened.
US08541075B2	Glass-containing resin molded product Provide a glass-containing resin molded product having no skin layer formed on its surface and free from sink marks, warping and other forms of deformation, where such glass-containing resin molded product is characterized in that it is made of one type of resin selected from the group that includes polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin and polyamide resin, that it contains solid, spherical glass beads with an average particle size of 10 to 40 μm and the glass blending ratio of these solid, spherical glass beads is 40 to 70 percent by weight, and that in these ranges no skin layer is formed on the surface of such glass-containing resin molded product when measured by the laser Raman method.
US08541074B2	Packaging materials with enhanced thermal-insulating performance A packaging material including a paper-based substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a thermal-insulating composition on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the thermal-insulating composition includes, based on the total weight of the composition, filler in an amount of 20% to 70% by weight, organic binder in an amount of 15% to 70% by weight, and plasticizer in an amount of 0.5% to 10% by weight.
US08541073B2	Composition comprising ethylene copolymers and polyolefin Disclosed are compositions of ethylene/(meth)acrylate copolymers, polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), optional tackifier resins and optional fillers that provide very strong, tight hermetic heat seals yet are easily peelable. These compositions are useful as an adhesive layer in multilayer structures that are useful as packaging lidding films. Also disclosed are packages that comprise these multilayer structures.
US08541070B2	Media for inkjet web press printing A media suitable for inkjet web press printing is disclosed herein. The media includes a paper substrate and an ink receptive layer coated onto at least one surface of the paper substrate. The ink receptive layer includes: inorganic pigments; at least one water-based binder; a water-soluble metallic salt; a colorant durability enhancer selected from the group consisting of boric acid, borax, sodium tetraborate, phenyl boronic acid, butyl boronic acid and combinations thereof; and a coefficient of friction (COF) reducer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, polypropylene wax, polytetrafluoroethylene wax, and combinations thereof.
US08541068B2	Process for producing an amorphous carbon film The process for producing an amorphous carbon film of the present invention is a process for producing an amorphous carbon film comprising contacting a surface of a substrate S with bubbles B which have been formed in a liquid L containing an organic compound and inside which plasma has been generated, so as to form an amorphous carbon film on the surface of the substrate S, and the liquid L contains one or more selected from phenols and alcohols having a carbon number of from 1 to 12. According to the present invention, a hard amorphous carbon film can be formed easily.
US08541067B2	Method of laser treating ti-6AI-4V to form surface compounds The method of laser treating Ti-6Al-4V to form surface compounds is a method of forming barrier layers on surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V workpieces. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece is first cleaned and then a water-soluble phenolic resin is applied to at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece and the layer(s) of water soluble phenolic resin are then heated to carbonize the phenolic resin, thus forming a carbon film on the at least one surface. TiC particles are then inserted into the carbon film. Following the insertion of the TiC particles, a laser beam is scanned over the at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. A stream of nitrogen gas is sprayed on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece coaxially and simultaneously with the laser beam at a relatively high pressure, thus forming a barrier layer of TiCxN1-x, TiNx, Ti—C, and Ti2N compounds in the surface region.
US08541061B2	Anticorrosion coating method for zinc-plated steel structure The present invention provides an anticorrosion coating method for a galvanized steel structure, the method comprising applying an undercoating composition (I) to a cured thickness of 10 to 200 μm to a surface of a galvanized steel structure, and then applying thereto an overcoating composition (II) to a cured thickness of 100 to 1,500 μm; the undercoating composition (I) comprising an epoxy resin (A) having two or more epoxy groups per molecule, a specific amount of a resin (B) such as a urethane-modified epoxy resin, and an amine-based curing agent (C); the undercoating composition (I) having a shrinkage stress of 20 kg/cm2 or less when it is in the form of a 50 μm-thick cured coating film; and the overcoating composition (II) comprising an epoxy resin (D) having two or more epoxy groups per molecule, a specific amount of a flaky pigment (E), and an amine-based curing agent (F).
US08541050B2	Method for manufacturing optical waveguide An object is to manufacture an optical waveguide having low optical loss, by smoothing the surface of a core. To this end, a method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes: a core-forming layer formation step of forming a core-forming layer of a photosensitive polymer on a surface of a lower cladding layer formed on a substrate; a smoothing step of smoothing the surface by lowering a surface viscosity thereof through a heat treatment of the core-forming layer; and a photocuring step of forming a core through selective exposure of the smoothed core-forming layer.
US08541042B2	Beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08541041B2	Use of alternan as a thickening agent and thickening agent compositions containing alternan and another thickening agent The invention relates to the use of alteman as a thickening agent, in particular for foodstuffs, a thickening agent composition comprising alternan and at least one thickening agent, a foodstuff comprising the thickening agent composition, and a method of increasing the viscosity of foodstuffs.
US08541040B2	Process for producing protein microparticles The present invention relates to a process for producing protein microparticles in dilute organic acid solutions and in the absence of an alcohol such as ethanol. The microparticles are formed by dissolving a cereal prolamin protein in a concentrated organic acid solution with agitation and then diluting the solution with an aqueous solution. Protein microparticles having vacuoles are thus formed. The protein microparticles may be used to form powders, films, coatings, matrices, scaffolds and the like. Complete films can be formed from the protein microparticles of the invention.
US08541039B2	Water purifying and flavor infusion device A water purifying and flavor infusion device that includes a lower reservoir for storing filtered water, and a pitcher top removably affixed to the lower reservoir. The pitcher top includes a lid, an upper reservoir, and a filter housing affixed to and extending below the upper reservoir. The filter housing is adapted to contain a filter cartridge wherein the upper reservoir and the filter housing are in liquid communication. The device also includes an infusion tube for infusing filtered water with an additive.
US08541037B2	Packaged bottle beverage having an ingredient release closure with improved additive release and method and apparatus thereof A packaged bottle beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container wider vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.
US08541036B2	Synergetic effect of the phytase combination on the hydrolysis of phytic acid The invention concerns compositions and methods combining at least two phytases for hydrolyzing phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakis phosphate) into inorganic monophosphates, into myo-inositols with lower degree of phosphorylation and into free myo-inositol. Said compositions and methods are of particular interest for animal feeding.
US08541035B2	Methods for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate or powder The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder.
US08541034B2	Electrical producing creams New electrical producing creams are provided. In one embodiment, the electrical producing creams comprise menthol and camphor, preferably provided as part of a base gel, supplemented with potassium and a source of oxygen. The most preferred base gel is sold under the name SOMBRA. In another embodiment, the electrical producing creams comprise potassium and a source of oxygen supplemented with optional active and inactive ingredients. The most preferred source of oxygen is a chlorite (e.g., sodium chlorite) and/or spirulina. The electrical producing creams provide high metabolic activities and sustain those activities over prolonged periods of time, thus being useful for treating a large variety of ailments, including diabetic neuropathy, post hepatic neuralgia, scleroderma, psoriasis, strain, spasticity, headaches, neuropathy secondary to drugs, peripheral neuropathy, leg pain, muscle cramps, muscle aches and pains, bruise, sinusitis, sprain, arthritis, joint pain (arthralgia), and edema.
US08541023B2	Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid adjuvants, including microparticle and emulsion compositions. According to one aspect of the invention, an immunogenic microparticle composition is provided comprising: water; a polymer microparticle; an antigen adsorbed to the microparticle; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound comprising: (i) one or more phosphoryl groups independently selected from a phosphato group and a phosphodiester group; (ii) a plurality of linear alkane groups. According to another aspect of the invention an immunogenic emulsion composition is provided that comprises: water; a metabolizable oil; an emulsifying agent; an antigen; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound like that above. The emulsion composition is an oil-in-water emulsion having oil and aqueous phases, in which the oil phase is in the form of oil droplets, substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter.
US08541020B2	Polymeric hydrogel The invention aims at providing a polymeric hydrogel which is highly resistant to water washing.The aim is attained by a polymeric hydrogel comprising a polymeric matrix formed by copolymerizing a nonionic polymerizable monomer with a crosslinking monomer, characterized in that the polymeric matrix contains a wetting agent and water, at least 50 wt % of the wetting agent is constituted of a polymer prepared by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol monomer component containing a trihydric or more alcohol monomer, and the polymer is a water-soluble one which has an average molecular weight of 150 to 4000 and satisfies the relationship: {(number of ether groups in the polymer+number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer)/number of carbon atoms present in the polymer}≧1/3.
US08541019B2	Palatable ductile chewable veterinary composition The present invention is directed to palatable ductile chewable veterinary composition for oral administration. The composition is capable of killing endo-parasites and ecto-parasites and/or can be used for treating prophylactic or curative animal diseases, and it is useful for the treatment of any warm-blooded non-human animal, including herd animals, like horses, cattle, sheep or poultry and preferably pets like dogs and cats. It consists basically of (A) an effective amount of one or more ingredients that are active against animal pests, pathogens or animal diseases; (B) meat flavoring; (C) partially gelatinized starch; (D) a softener; and (E) up to 9% water.
US08541013B2	Temperature and pH sensitive copolymers The invention is directed to a copolymer comprising at least three types of monomeric units, said three types of monomeric units comprising: a temperature-sensitive unit, a hydrophilic unit, and a hydrophobic unit comprising at least one pH-sensitive moiety; wherein said hydrophobic monomeric unit is derived from a copolymerizable unsaturated fatty acid.
US08541012B2	Aqueous dispersion comprising pesticide particles and dissolved saccharide The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion comprising solid pesticide particles with a particle size of below 10 μm and a saccharide which is dissolved in the aqueous phase. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of a dispersion according to the invention by bringing a pesticide and a saccharide, which is a monosaccharide, a disaccharide or a mixture of mono- and disaccharide, into contact and dispersing them. A further subject matter relates to the use of a saccharide for slowing down the particle growth of pesticide particles with a particle size of up to 10 μm in aqueous dispersion, to the use of the dispersion or the solid composition for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired vegetation and/or undesired attack by insects or mites and/or for regulating the growth of plants. Finally, the present invention also relates to seed, dressed with the dispersion or the solid composition.
US08541010B2	Cosmetic composition comprising double-shell nano-structure Disclosed is a cosmetic composition having a double-shell type nano-structure. More particularly, the nano-structure of the cosmetic composition includes: a water-soluble bioactive ingredient core; a core shell containing poly(ethyleneglycol)-poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethyleneglycol) (PE-PCL-PEG) triblock copolymer in order to include the bioactive ingredient core therein; and an outer shell containing phospholipids or derivatives thereof in order to enclose the core shell therein. Such a cosmetic composition improves stability of active components which are prone to oxidation, light degradation, heat degradation, etc., is formed in a nanoparticle size which in turn shows high transdermal absorption and is very useful to prepare a cosmetic composition stably encapsulating various bioactive ingredients with anti-wrinkle effects, whitening effects, and so forth.
US08541009B2	Cosmetic A cosmetic composition contains the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) from 0.1 to 30 wt. % of a vinyl-based polymer having a carbosiloxane dendrimer structure in a side chain thereof, (B) from 0.1 to 30 wt. % of a nonvolatile cosmetic oil, which is in a liquid form at 25° C. and has a solubility parameter of 16.5 or greater, and (C) from 0.1 to 30 wt. % of a hydrophobic powder, and a weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B), (A)/(B), is from 0.3 to 5.
US08541007B2	Vaccines against chlamydial infection The present invention relates to compositions comprising proteins or polynucleotides of Chlamydia sp., in particular combinations of proteins or polynucleotides encoding them, and methods for the use of the proteins or polynucleotides in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.
US08541005B2	Cysteine-tagged streptococcal protein G variant The present invention relates to an N-terminal cysteine-tagged Streptococcal protein G variant. Since the variant binds in a directional manner to a surface of a biochip or a biosensor, the variant provides a biochip and a biosensor having an improved antibody-immobilizing capability, compared with an untagged protein G variant.
US08541004B2	Composition comprising the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5B of HCV, expression vectors including the corresponding nucleic sequences and their therapeutic use The invention relates to a peptidic compound containing a polyprotein NS3/NS4 of a hepatitis C virus and a polypeptide NS5b of hepatitis C virus. Said invention also relates to expression vectors such as adenovirus and poxyvirus in which nucleic sequences coding for the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5b. The inventive compound can be used for a therapeutic application.
US08541003B2	Vectors expressing SARS immunogens, compositions containing such vectors or expression products thereof, methods and assays for making and using SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, a coronavirus) immunogens, antigens, or epitopes, nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunogens, antigens, or epitopes; vectors containing such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., viral vectors such as baculovirus vectors, DNA vectors, such as DNA plasmid vectors, e.g., DNA plasmids that express a nucleic acid molecule in a mammalian cell, uses for such immunogens, antigens or epitopes and vectors, e.g., as an active component immunogenic, immunological or vaccine compositions, or to generate antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and methods for making, and using such immunogens, antigens or epitopes, vectors, antibodies, including in methods for eliciting an immunological or immunogenic or vaccine response, as well as in assays or diagnostic kits or methods, are discussed, as well as a seamless fusion of sequences in a plasmid or vector, e.g., a sequence encoding a leader sequence and a sequence encoding a protein, epitope or immunogen or antigen.
US08541002B2	Vaccine for treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus infection The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of herpes virus infections. The invention provides antigenic peptides, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising complexes of antigenic peptides and adjuvants that can activate an immune response against herpes viruses. The invention also provides methods of making the antigenic peptides and complexes of antigenic peptides and adjuvants. Methods of use of the pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.
US08541001B2	Bacterial cellulose based ‘green’ composites ‘Green’ composites are fabricated using resins, such as soy-based resins, and reinforced with crystalline high strength bacterial cellulose (BC) fibers. Bacterial cellulose is produced by providing a bacterial cellulose-producing bacterium such as Acetobacter xylinum; providing an inexpensive bacteria nutritional medium; culturing the bacterium in the bacteria nutritional medium under conditions to produce bacterial cellulose; and isolating bacterial cellulose produced by cultured bacteria from the bacteria nutritional medium. The bacteria nutritional medium comprises an inexpensive carbon source that is a plant-based seed extract. The seed extract is derived from a plant-based seed comprising soluble sugars.
US08541000B2	Variant of mite allergen and uses thereof The present invention relates to a new variant of the group 2 allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, named Der p 2 variant, and uses thereof. The new variant exhibits cDNA and protein sequence diversity from other known Der p 2 variants.
US08540998B2	Methods for treating cancer using ephrin type-A receptor 10 antibodies conjugated to cytotoxic agents The present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment, screening, diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer, for monitoring the effectiveness of bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer treatment, and for drug development based on Ephrin Type-A Receptor 10 Protein.
US08540995B2	Monoclonal antibodies specific to the fusion peptide from hemagglutinin from influenza A viruses and uses thereof This invention relates to methods and products for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of influenza A virus infections in animals and humans. More particularly, the invention relates to antibodies and related binding proteins for the detection, prevention and treatment of influenza A viruses. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins of the invention are useful for the treatment of the highly pathogenic H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV).
US08540990B2	Methods for treating osteoarthritis pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist and compositions containing the same The invention concerns anti-NGF antibodies (such as anti-NGF antagonist antibodies), and polynucleotides encoding the same. The invention further concerns use of such antibodies and/or polynucleotides in the treatment and/or prevention of pain, including post-surgical pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and osteoarthritis pain.
US08540988B2	Antibodies that bind polypeptides involved in the process of bone remodeling This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling, variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides, uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives, and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are the isolation and identification of polynucleotides, polypeptides variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US08540982B2	Methods for inducing a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response and for increasing NK cell activity This disclosure relates to methods of inducing a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response and increasing NK activity in a mammal for the treatment of tumors and virus infections, comprising isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a subject, exposing them in vitro to a protein conjugate comprising granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) covalently linked to a soluble peptide antigen to activate the PBMCs, and administering the activated PBMCs to the subject. The method also relates to assessing NK cell activity of activated PBMCs to determine whether the subject has had a therapeutically effective response to the protein conjugate.
US08540980B2	Delivery system for biological component A controlled release delivery system composition and method applied to humans and animals, for oral, anal or vaginal administration of a biological component is disclosed. Preferably, a bacterium is delivered, and more preferably the bacterium is probiotic in nature, however, the biological component is not limited to the bacterium.
US08540976B2	Poly (non-conjugated diene) based sunscreens A poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen has a plurality of repeating units where each repeating unit has at least one UV absorbing chromophore that is situated between and connected by chains to two mono-ene units where each UV absorbing chromophore absorb UVA and UVB light. The poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen can be included with a vehicle for application to the skin to prevent sunburn. The poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen can be prepared by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization.
US08540973B2	Refreshing cream foundation in gel form The present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition includes (a) at least one polyamine; (b) at least one oil-soluble polar modified polymer; (c) at least one gelling agent; (d) at least one hyperbranched polyol; and (e) water.
US08540972B2	Sunscreen product comprising hydroxyapatite as physical filter The present invention concerns the use of hydroxyapatite as the physical sunscreening agent in synergistic association with at least one chemical sunscreening agent, in products designed for application to the skin in order to protect the same from solar UV radiation. Particularly, cosmetic compositions are described comprising the sunscreen product having screening capability, high dermal tolerance and a low whitening effect on the skin.
US08540968B2	Phospholipid ether analogs as agents for detecting and locating cancer, and methods thereof The present invention provides methods for treating, detecting and locating recurrence of cancer, radiation and chemo insensitive cancer or metastasis of cancer selected from the group consisting of Lung cancer, Adrenal cancer, Melanoma, Colon cancer, Colorectal cancer, Ovarian cancer, Prostate cancer, Liver cancer, Subcutaneous cancer, Squamous cell cancer, Intestinal cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Retinoblastoma, Cervical cancer, Glioma, Breast cancer and Pancreatic cancer in subject using phospholipid ether analogs.
US08540965B2	Single wall nanotube constructs and uses therefor The present invention provides soluble single wall nanotube constructs functionalized with a plurality of a targeting moiety and a plurality of one or more payload molecules attached thereto. The targeting moiety and the payload molecules may be attached to the soluble single wall carbon nanotube via a DNA or other oligomer platform attached to the single wall carbon nanotube. These soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs may comprise a radionuclide or contrast agent and as such are effective as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods provided herein are to diagnosing or locating a cancer, treating a cancer, eliciting an immune response against a cancer or delivering an anticancer drug in situ via an enzymatic nanofactory using the soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs.
US08540957B2	Method for preparing microtubular halloysite nanopowders The present invention provides a method for preparing microtubular halloysite nanopowders by cutting halloysite nanotubes at a high pressure, microtubular halloysite nanopowders prepared by the method, and a cosmetic composition comprising the microtubular halloysite nanopowders. According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to prepare the halloysite nanopowders with a tubular shape using natural halloysite and effectively select a halloysite nanopowder having a desired shape. The microtubular halloysite nanopowders can be used in many industrial fields and used as a container or a carrier for nanoparticles or organic materials such as drugs, air fresheners, cosmetics, agricultural chemical materials, etc.
US08540955B2	Process for producing aluminum phosphate The present invention provides improved methods for producing the aluminum adjuvant AlPO4. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing aluminum phosphate which comprises the steps of mixing a solution of aluminum chloride and a solution of sodium phosphate tribasic to produce an aluminum phosphate precipitate, wherein the improvement comprises settling the aluminum phosphate precipitate at a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to about 70° C. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for producing aluminum phosphate within a closed system.
US08540954B2	CO2—capture in molten salts The present invention concerns carbon dioxide capture from waste gas, where metal oxides dissolved in salt melts are used as absorbents.
US08540953B2	Exhaust gas control apparatus and reductant dispensing method for internal combustion engine Utilizing the finding that the state of adsorption of NH3 on a selective reduction type NOx catalyst includes a weakly adsorbed state in which the adsorbed NH3 is useful for a reduction reaction of NOx and a strongly adsorbed state in which the adsorbed NH3 is not useful for the reduction reaction of NOx unless the state of adsorption is changed into the weakly adsorbed state, the apparatus of the invention includes an actual weakly-adsorbed amount-calculation NH3 that is adsorbed on the selective reduction type NOx catalyst in the weakly adsorbed state, and a dispensation control portion that performs a dispensation control of the reductant dispensed by a reductant-dispensation portion, according to the actual weakly adsorbed amount calculated by the actual weakly adsorbed amount calculation portion.
US08540952B2	Catalyzed substrate and exhaust system for internal combustion engine An exhaust system, and a catalyzed substrate for use in an exhaust system, is disclosed. The exhaust system comprises a lean NOx trap and the catalyzed substrate. The catalyzed substrate has a first zone, having a platinum group metal loaded on a support, and a second zone, having copper or iron loaded on a zeolite. The first zone or second zone additionally comprises a base metal oxide or a base metal loaded on an inorganic oxide. Also provided are methods for treating an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using the exhaust system. The exhaust system is capable of storing NH3 generated in rich purging, reacting the NH3 with slip NOx, controlling H2S released from NOx trap desulfation, and oxidizing slip hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. When the catalyzed substrate is a filter substrate, it is also capable of removing soot from exhaust system.
US08540949B2	Apparatus for hydroprocessing hydrocarbons An apparatus and process is disclosed for hydroprocessing hydrocarbon feed in a hydroprocessing unit and hydrotreating a second hydrocarbon. A warm separator sends vaporous hydrotreating effluent to be flashed with liquid hydroprocessing effluent to produce a vapor flash overhead that can be recycled to the hydrotreating unit to provide hydrogen requirements.
US08540948B2	Lidded container A lidded container having a tubular container which at the bottom has a container base, at the top a container opening and below the container opening a sealing region on the internal wall, a lid which comprises a lid base and a plug protruding from the inside of the lid base, and which may be inserted through the container opening into a sealing position in the sealing region, and locking means for releasably locking the lid to the container comprising at least one latching projection projecting radially outward at the top edge of the container, at least one flexible and elastic connecting link projecting from the bottom side of the lid base on which a latching edge is arranged at a distance from the lid base vertically below the connection of the connecting link to the lid base.
US08540946B2	Portable sample analyzer cartridge A sample analyzer cartridge for use at a point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.
US08540944B2	Vascular access device time sensitive status indication A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.
US08540942B2	Continuous methods for treating liquids and manufacturing certain constituents (e.g., nanoparticles) in liquids, apparatuses and nanoparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) therefrom This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s). Results include constituents formed in the liquid including micron-sized particles and/or nanoparticles (e.g., metallic-based nanoparticles) of novel size, shape, composition, zeta potential and properties present in a liquid.
US08540940B2	Catalytic converter device To obtain a catalytic converter device that can suppress a drop in the effect of heating a catalyst carrier caused by water droplets produced in an exhaust pipe. A holding mat that holds a catalyst carrier in a case cylinder is given a three-layer structure comprising an inside fiber layer, a solid layer, and an outside fiber layer. The solid layer projects toward an upstream side from an upstream-side end face of the catalyst carrier, and an interstice portion is configured between the projecting portion and the case cylinder. Water droplets adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the case cylinder do not reach the catalyst carrier because the projecting portion serves as a barrier.
US08540939B2	Instrument and process for nanoparticles production in continuous flow mode A continuous flow system for the synthesis of nanoparticles includes a feeding unit connected to the first reactor a flow path, at least one first reactor unit possessing a heatable reactor-zone, a second reactor unit which follows the first reactor in the same cascade; a mixing unit and a second feeding unit between the reactor units, and feeding pumps connected to a raw material source and/or a control unit which is capable of controlling at least one pressure controller and/or controlling the temperature of at least one heatable reactor-zone; each heatable reactor-zone is followed by a cooling unit in the cascade. In addition, a process for the synthesis of nanoparticles, preferably metal-containing nanoparticles, and nanoparticles of biologically active organic molecules wherein the process is accomplished using the system.
US08540934B2	Lead free free-cutting steel and its use A lead free free-cutting steel is described having the following composition in percent by weight: C 0.85-1.2 Si 0.1-0.6 Mn 0.4-1.2 P max 0.05 S 0.04-0.3 Cr max 2 Ni max 1 Mo max 0.5 Cu max 2 Al max 0.1 B max 0.008 Bi+Se+Te max 0.005 Ti+Nb+Zr+V max 0.2 balance Fe and normally occurring impurities. The steel is mainly intended for small/thin dimensions and/or low cutting speeds during manufacture of a product formed of the steel.
US08540931B2	Nozzle for injecting gas containing oxygen into a pig iron device having an injector insertion pipe An injector insert pipe is arranged in the gas channel of a nozzle for injecting oxygen-containing gas into a pig iron production unit, wherein an interspace which surrounds the pipe is present over the entire pipe length between the wall of the gas channel and the pipe outer wall. The pipe extends at least as far as the nozzle end face which contains the mouth of the gas channel. The pipe space is connected to an oxygen-containing gas feed line, and the interspace is connected to a protective gas supply line. In a process, oxygen-containing gas is fed into the pipe space, which after it has flowed through the pipe, enters the production unit at an entry velocity, and the interspace is simultaneously flowed through by a gas which exits into the production unit at an exit velocity, wherein the entry velocity is greater than the exit velocity.
US08540929B2	Method for producing rare earth sintered magnet The present invention relates to a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet including the steps of: molding a mixture of magnetic powder containing a rare earth compound and oil-extended rubber containing oil and rubber to produce a molded body; removing the oil-extended rubber from the molded body; and calcining the molded body from which the oil-extended rubber is removed to produce a rare earth sintered magnet 10.
US08540928B2	Process for the manufacture of containers which have an integral handle, and containers manufactured thereby A process for blow-molding a container, the container comprising a handle, whereby the process comprises the steps of: (i) introducing a preform (2) into a mold cavity and stretching the preform (2) with a stretch rod; (ii) increasing the pressure within the preform (2) so that the preform (2) expands within the mold cavity in a first blowing step, the pressure in the first blowing step is from 1 to 10 bar; (iii) inwardly moving jaws (3, 4) within the mold cavity so that the expanding preform (2) is partially gripped between the jaws in the handle region; (iv) subsequently increasing the pressure within the preform (2) wherein the maximum pressure in the second blowing step is greater than 10 bar, so that the preform (2) expands to the limits of the mold cavity in a second blowing step to form a container; and wherein the inward movement of the jaws (3, 4) is completed within the first blowing step.
US08540927B2	Method for retaining a vascular stent on a catheter A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.
US08540926B2	Profiling of tubes A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.
US08540919B2	Manufacturing method of housing of electronic device A manufacturing method of housing of electronic device comprises following steps: providing a metal member; forming a plurality of micro anchored apertures on a surface of the metal member; placing the metal member in a plastic injection mold, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a first temperature; and providing a molten plastic material in the plastic injection mold for integrating with the surface of the metal member with an injection molding manner, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.
US08540918B2	Method of producing a tooth-cleaning device The wire of the interdental treatment part is inserted into a shaft opening of the injection molding tool, preferably into a strip of the injecting molding tool such that said treatment part projects with a mounting section thereof into a cavity connected to the shaft opening. Preferably, a first cavity section is configured is configured on the strip, and a second cavity section is configured on a cavity body, to with the strip abuts at least during the injection molding process. After injection of plastic into the cavity, and after the at least partial curing thereof, the handle part thus formed is moved by a distance in the direction against the cavity along with the interdental treatment part, and the handle part is removed from the opened injection molding tool.
US08540913B2	Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional devices and devices created thereby In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08540910B2	Method for producing a refractory material from aluminum residues Disclosed is a method for making a refractory material from aluminum residues of aluminum recycling. At first, the aluminum residues is mixed with adhesive solution so that the percentage by weight of the adhesive solution is 5 wt % to 10 wt %. The mixture is granulated into grains. The grains are filled in a mold, pressed and then removed from the mold so that the grains are turned into a green body. The green body is heated in a furnace at a range of temperature from 1100° C. to 1400° C. so that the grains are sintered and become a refractory material.
US08540905B2	Chemiluminescent compositions and methods of making and using thereof A chemiluminescent composition comprising an oxalate and an activator component wherein at least one of said oxalate or activator components contains a fluorescer and at least one of said oxalate or activator components contains an organic polymer. The combined concentration of said organic polymer contained in both components is above 50% by weight of the total composition, and said organic polymer is an insoluble solid. Further, The activator component contains a peroxide at a concentration below 2% by weight of the total composition.
US08540904B2	Composition for ultraviolet absorbent substance and ultraviolet absorbent substance comprising same An ultraviolet absorbent substance includes a metal complex and a matrix, formed with at least one matrix material and/or polymerizable monomer as a precursor of a matrix material and containing said metal complex therein. One exemplary function of the ultraviolet absorbent substance is allowing visible light rays transmitted through satisfactorily while selectively blocking ultraviolet rays.
US08540902B2	Carbon nanotube based pastes Carbon-nanotube based pastes and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are dispersed via milling; resultant paste has Hegman scale of greater than 7. The pastes can be used as electro-conductivity enhancement in electronic devices such as batteries, capacitors, electrodes or other devices needing high conductivity paste.
US08540900B2	Intermediate transfer belts Provided are coating compositions for imaging components, methods of forming imaging components, and imaging components such as, for example, intermediate transfer belts, transfer belts, bias charge rolls, bias transfer rolls, and a magnetic roller sleeve. An exemplary imaging component can include an ultraviolet (UV) cured composite, the UV cured composite including a plurality of conductive species substantially uniformly dispersed in a UV cured acrylate polymer, wherein each of the plurality of conductive species can be selected from a group consisting of salts of organic sulfonic acid, esters of phosphoric acid, esters of fatty acids, ammonium salts, and phosphonium salts, and wherein the UV cured composite can have a surface resistivity in the range of about 107 Ω/square to about 1013 Ω/square.
US08540897B1	Water quench for gasifier Systems and methods for gasifying a feedstock are provided. A feedstock can be introduced to a riser. A first oxidant can be introduced to a first mixing zone within the riser, thereby generating a first high temperature zone within the first mixing zone proximate an entry point of the first oxidant. A first stream of water can be introduced to the first high temperature zone to reduce the temperature therein. A second oxidant can be introduced to a second mixing zone within the riser, thereby generating a second high temperature zone within the second mixing zone proximate an entry point of the second oxidant. A second stream of water can be introduced to the second high temperature zone to reduce the temperature therein. The feedstock and the first and second oxidants can be gasified in a gasification zone within the riser.
US08540891B2	Etching pastes for silicon surfaces and layers The invention relates to novel etching media in the form of etching pastes for etching selected areas or the entire area of silicon surfaces and layers, in addition to the use of said media.
US08540887B2	Feedwells The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell (100) comprising a mixing zone (49) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone (50) for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element (101) for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf (3) at least partially defining an inclined path (4) for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets (111, 112) arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion (123) of a second conduit (121) varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet (110) to a first conduit (120); and a partition (133) for partially separating an outer mixing zone (131) and an inner settling zone (132).
US08540886B2	Dialysis cassettes and related systems and methods A method that includes conveying overheated dialysate through a cassette in a manner to reduce the temperature of the overheated dialysate, and a dialysis system including a control unit configured to cause overheated dialysate to be conveyed through a cassette in a manner to reduce the temperature of the overheated dialysate.
US08540884B2	Flotation apparatus with apertured plate A flotation apparatus (10) for the separation of solid particles from a suspension with formation of a fraction lacking in solid particles and a fraction rich in solid particles comprises a tank with an inlet (14) for the suspension, with an outlet (16) for the fraction lacking in solid particles, with an outlet (18) for the fraction rich in solid particles, and with at least one block of slats (20) composed of multiple overlapping slats (22), wherein the at least one block of slats (20) has a rear side oriented toward the tank wall and a front side arranged on the opposite side of the block of slats (20). On the rear side of the at least one block of slats, a plate (26) is arranged which extends over at least a part of the rear side of the block of slats, wherein the plate has a plurality of openings which facilitate the penetration of liquid through the plate. The sum of the areas of the individual openings (38) in the upper region, relative to the vertical axis, of the plate, per square centimeter of the plate, is greater than the sum of the areas of the individual openings in the lower region of the plate, per square centimeter of the plate.
US08540881B1	Pretreatment, esterification, and transesterification of biodiesel feedstock Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
US08540878B2	Structured packing module for mass transfer column and process involving same A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.
US08540877B2	Ballasted sequencing batch reactor system and method for treating wastewater A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
US08540874B2	Rotary cartridge filter with attachments A rotary filter is provided with greatly expanded filter media area within the flow stream of material to be filtered due to use of a series of cylindrical filter cartridges consisting of a core and cylindrical filter media that are attached to and within a rotary disc, thus providing much greater filter area within the size constraints of the rotary disc and the flow channel. This allows removal of contaminating material in the flow stream. The retaining methods used for these cartridges restrains their movement within the flow stream thus allowing backflushing by reversing flow direction and venting the backflush material. The attachment and construction further allows easy removal and replacement of filter media and cartridges.
US08540873B2	Ring filter insert for a liquid filter A ring filter insert (3) which can be flowed through radially has, in at least one of its end disks (4, 5), at least one connecting channel (28) which runs radially between interior and exterior of this end disk (4; 5). With such a ring filter insert (3), through a liquid supply channel (14) which is conducted through the central inner space of the ring filter insert (3) which serves as the crude space or clean space, it is possible in construction and rational terms to pass liquid through the at least one connecting channel (28) in at least one of the two end disks (4, 5) of the ring filter insert (3) from the radial inside outward into one of the two crude spaces or clean spaces which are sealed from the other crude space or clean space and communicate only through the filter medium of the ring filter insert (3). The flow through the at least one connecting channel (28) in at least one of the two end disks (4, 5) may also be in the reverse direction from the radial outside inward.
US08540870B2	Process for separating pitch from slurry hydrocracked vacuum gas oil A process is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a particulate solid material to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked in a slurry hydrocracking unit to produce vacuum gas oil (VGO) and pitch. A first vacuum column separates VGO from pitch, and a second vacuum column further separates VGO from pitch. As much as 15 wt-% of VGO can be recovered by the second vacuum column and recycled to the slurry hydrocracking unit. A pitch composition is obtained which can be made into particles and transported without sticking together.
US08540869B2	Method for forming finished lubricants A method for forming a finished lubricant comprises selecting a target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. A target high temperature viscosity for a base oil blend is selected. The target high temperature viscosity for the base oil blend is less than the target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. At least two base oils from at least three viscosity grades of base oils are selected and mixed to form a base oil blend that meets the target high temperature viscosity for the base oil blend. The base oil blend is mixed with performance additive package and viscosity modifier to provide a finished lubricant that meets the target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. The at least two base oils for the base oil blend having the target high temperature viscosity are selected such that less viscosity modifier is needed to meet the target high temperature viscosity of the finished lubricant.
US08540868B2	Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
US08540867B2	Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
US08540864B2	Method of measuring blood component, sensor used in the method, and measuring device The present invention provides a method of measuring a component in blood, by which an amount of the component can be corrected accurately by measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of the blood with high accuracy and high reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The sensor for measuring a component in blood has a first analysis portion and a second analysis portion. The first analysis portion has a first electrode system (11,12) and a reagent layer (14), and the reagent layer (14) has an oxidoreductase that acts on the component and a mediator. In the first analysis portion, the component in the blood is measured by causing a redox reaction of the component with the oxidoreductase in the presence of the mediator and detecting a redox current caused when a voltage is applied by the first electrode (11,12). The second analysis portion has a working electrode and a counter electrode, and a mediator is provided on the counter electrode but not on the working electrode. In the second analysis portion, a Hct value of the blood is measured by supplying the blood to the electrode system, applying a voltage to cause a current to flow, and detecting a value of the current. Using this Hct value, the amount of the component is corrected.
US08540861B2	Method for producing gear wheels A method for manufacturing gear wheels, specifically transmission gear wheels, is disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes the following steps: a) preparation of a base body for a gear wheel, b) electrochemical processing of the base body by a precise electrochemical machining process (PECM process), where several recesses running between the teeth of the gear wheel are made simultaneously electrochemically to manufacture the teeth of the gear wheel.
US08540855B2	Water battery device The water battery device has a sterilizing unit composed of a non-noble metal body and a noble metal body that are overlapped coaxially via an interval keeping member. The sterilizing unit is disposed in a passing water or flowing water or immersed in a stored water. Then, a battery action is generated via the water at a uniform clearance space between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body. Thereby, metal ions are dissolved in a complete ionization state from the non-noble metal body, thereby giving sterilization effect to the water. A container has a container structure that generates an electric current in the water between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body and that maintains an oxygen concentration in the water required to continually produce the battery action water. Moreover, with the container structure, the concentration of the battery action water produced between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body becomes not less than a predetermined concentration at which an oxide film or biofilm is formed on a facing surface of the non-noble metal body. Thus, the container structure surrounds the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body to keep the concentration of the battery action water at the concentration not less than the predetermined concentration.
US08540852B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetoresistive devices Disclosed are method and apparatus for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device which are suitable for manufacturing a high-quality magnetoresistive device by reducing damages caused during the processing of a multilayer magnetic film as a component of the magnetoresistive device, thereby preventing deterioration of magnetic characteristics due to such damages. Specifically disclosed is a method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device, which includes processing a multilayer magnetic film by performing a reactive ion etching on a substrate which is provided with the multilayer magnetic film as a component of the magnetoresistive device. This method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device includes irradiating the multilayer magnetic film with an ion beam after the reactive ion etching.
US08540846B2	Belt-creped, variable local basis weight multi-ply sheet with cellulose microfiber prepared with perforated polymeric belt A multi-ply wiper/towel product includes at least one wet laid web including at least 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfiber, and at least about 40% wood pulp derived papermaking fibers. The at least one wet laid web has formed therein (i) a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions on the upper side of the at least one wet laid web having a relatively high local basis weight, and (ii) connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the relatively high local basis weight domed regions of the one wet laid web. Transition areas are provided in the at least one wet laid web with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions transitioning from the connecting regions into the domed regions, and the at least one wet laid web exhibits a differential pore volume for pores under 5 microns in a diameter of at least about 75 mm3/g/micron.
US08540844B2	Plasma confinement structures in plasma processing systems A movable plasma confinement structure configured for confining plasma in a plasma processing chamber during plasma processing of a substrate is provided. The movable plasma confinement structure includes a movable plasma-facing structure configured to surround the plasma. The movable plasma confinement structure also includes a movable electrically conductive structure disposed outside of the movable plasma-facing structure and configured to be deployed and retracted with the movable plasma-facing structure as a single unit to facilitate handling of the substrate. The movable electrically conductive structure is radio frequency (RF) grounded during the plasma processing. The movable plasma-facing structure is disposed between the plasma and the movable electrically conductive structure during the plasma processing such that RF current from the plasma flows to the movable electrically conductive structure through the movable plasma-facing structure during the plasma processing.
US08540839B2	Method of making resealable multi-ply labels Resealable multi-ply labels are made from webs along an inline press that include a base label ply and an overlaminate for capturing onserts between them. The base label plies carry an adhesive layer on the bottom surface for mounting the resealable multi-ply labels to articles. The base plies each include a hinge area, an attachment area, a tab area, and an intermediate area separating the hinge area from the attachment area. The overlaminates form permanent bonds with both the hinge areas and the tab areas of the base plies and form reusable bonds with the attachment areas of the base plies. The permanently bonded tab areas of the base plies provide access for releasing the overlaminates from the attachment areas of the base plies and exposing the onserts.
US08540837B2	Functional film and method for manufacturing the functional film A method for manufacturing a functional film includes steps of: feeding a support continuously from a first film roll, forming a coating film on the support, providing a laminate film on a surface of the coating film, and taking up the support to a second film roll; and loading the second film roll made by the aforementioned step in a vacuum film-forming apparatus, feeding the support provided with the laminate film continuously from the film roll, peeling off the laminate film, forming an inorganic film on the coating film on the support, and taking up the support to a third film roll.
US08540836B1	Method for applying coded labels to cable Flexible indicia bearing labels are placed on armored electrical cable at spaced apart intervals while the cable is being moving continuously from an armoring station to a takeup reel or accumulator. A label dispenser places labels in a U shaped recess of a body which is moveable toward engagement with the cable. Opposed rollers fold one edge of the label over into engagement with the surface of the cable and the other edge of the label over onto itself in overlapping relationship. The cable is passed through a heat tunnel to shrink the labels into tight engagement with the cable. A controller monitors movement of the cable and controls actuators for applying and folding labels onto the cable at spaced apart intervals.
US08540832B2	Laminated ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method therefor Changes in states giving rise to electrode breakage and ball formation are made less likely during firing step for sintering the laminated body, and the improvement in DC bias characteristics is achieved in laminated ceramic electronic components with a laminated body which has internal electrodes, even when ceramic layers and the internal electrodes are reduced in thickness. The laminated body is divided into a large grain region in which the ceramic has a relatively large grain diameter and a small grain region in which the ceramic has a relatively small grain diameter. The large grain region is located outside the small grain region, and a boundary surface between the large grain region and the small grain region is located inside the outer surface of the laminated body while surrounding a section in which the internal electrodes are present in the laminated body. In order to obtain the laminated body, a heat treatment is carried out in the firing step with a temperature profile in which the average rate of temperature increase from room temperature to the maximum temperature is 40° C./second or more.
US08540828B2	Nontoxic, noncorrosive phosphorus-based primer compositions and an ordnance element including the same A primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.
US08540826B2	Method of surface treatment of aluminum foil and its alloy and method of producing immobilized nanocatalyst of transition metal oxides and their alloys A process for surface treatment of aluminium foils includes steps of applying an etching solution to chemically etch at least one surface of the foil to form an etched surface, and forming an aluminium oxidized coating on the etched surface. The etching solution comprises an aqueous solution which includes hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant and sulfuric, orthophosphoric or nitric acid.
US08540822B2	Control method of a dishwasher A control method of a dishwasher is provided in which a filter is cleaned by controlling an operation of a washing pump. In this control method, washing fluid pumped by the washing pump back flows and is directed to the filter so as to remove foreign materials accumulated in the filter from the filter.
US08540819B2	Ceramic heater A ceramic heater for a semiconductor substrate process includes a plate and a shaft. The plate includes a first base and a second base bonded to the first base. Defined on a mounting surface of the first base are: a first region having a surface contacting with a mounted substrate; a purge groove provided in the portion covered with the substrate and surrounds the first region; and a second region having a surface surrounding the purge groove. The first base has: an adsorber configured to adsorb the mounted substrate onto the surface of the first region; and multiple purge holes each penetrating from the bottom surface of the purge groove to the lower surface of the first base. The purge groove is supplied with a purge gas through the multiple purge holes. The surface of the second region is located lower than that of the first region.
US08540816B2	Aggregate and filler extracted from slag An aggregate and/or filler extracted from slag, a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof.
US08540813B2	Intaglio printing ink comprising dendrimers An ink for the engraved copperplate intaglio printing inks is disclosed, which comprises high-molecular-weight dendritic polymer as a binder component. Inks comprising such polymer can be formulated so as to contain a significantly reduced amount of organic solvent (volatile organic components, VOC) while still being in the appropriate viscosity range required by the intaglio printing process. The printed and cured intaglio ink of the present invention has improved chemical and mechanical resistance properties.
US08540812B2	Machine-readable security element for security products The present invention relates to a machine-readable security element for security products which comprises at least one particulate substance having electroluminescent properties and a transparent, electrically conductive pigment, to a priming ink for the production of a security element of this type, and to a security product which includes the security element.
US08540807B2	Venting and filtration systems with gas permeable membrane Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
US08540806B2	Drying substances, preparation and use thereof There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.
US08540800B2	Microporous UZM-5 inorganic zeolite membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations The present invention discloses microporous UZM-5 zeolite membranes, methods for making the same, and methods of separating gases, vapors, and liquids using the same. The small-pore microporous UZM-5 zeolite membrane is prepared by two different methods, including in-situ crystallization of one or more layers of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a seed layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals supported on a porous membrane support. The membranes in the form of disks, tubes, or hollow fibers have superior thermal and chemical stability, good erosion resistance, high CO2 plasticization resistance, and significantly improved selectivity over polymer membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations.
US08540794B2	Method for reducing iron oxide and producing syngas A method and apparatus for reducing iron oxides using microwave heating in a furnace chamber which is sealed against the entrance of air reduces the energy required and produces a low temperature reduction and allows the recovery of combustible synthetic gas as a byproduct of the process. Avoidance of the reduction of sulfur, phosphorus and silica is also insured, as is the need to reduce the silica content of the feed material prior to reducing the ore. A continuous rotary hearth furnace, a rotary kiln, a linear conveyor and vertical shaft furnace chamber configurations are described. A secondary heating zone can also be included to process the reduced iron into iron nuggets or liquid metallic iron.
US08540789B2	Filter element constructions A filter element comprises a pleated filter (10), one end of which is received in an end cap (11), which is made up of a unitary molding comprising an end part (21) of a harder plastics material, and a lower part (22) of a softer plastics material, the plastics being compatible or of the same composition, differing only in hardness. A groove (24) engages with a support plate (14), the groove being formed in the softer material abutting the harder material so that the latter forms one face of the groove. A perforated support sleeve (29) can be inserted by dropping into the filter, and an end cap (12) at the other end of the filter either closes the end or is adapted for connection to a further similar filter.
US08540785B2	Bonded abrasive tool and method of forming A bonded abrasive tool includes a bonded abrasive body having a bond matrix material including an organic bond material, abrasive grains contained within the bond matrix material, and chopped fiber bundles within the bond matrix material. The tool further has a porosity within the bonded abrasive body, wherein a majority of the porosity includes pores surrounding the chopped fiber bundles.
US08540784B2	Fuel compositions The present invention provides hybrid diesel fuels and methods for manufacturing hybrid diesel fuels. In embodiments, fuel compositions comprise at least one petrochemical fuel, at least one biosynthetic oil and at least one stabilizer mixture. The percentage by volume of the petrochemical fuel can be greater than 0% and less than 100%, and the percentage by volume of the stabilizer mixture can be between about 0.001% and about 0.5%.
US08540783B2	Solid electrolytic capacitor A method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor includes steps (a) to (e). The steps (a) and (b) provide anode and cathode terminals to an insulating base respectively. The step (c) mounts a capacitor element on the insulating base. The step (d) coats the capacitor element with enclosure resin. The step (e) separates a first region of the insulating base to which the anode and cathode terminals are provided and on which the capacitor element is mounted from a second region of the insulating base which is different from the first region. The step (a) includes a step (a1) forming a first through hole in the insulating base, and a step (a2) plating an inner surface of the first through hole. The step (b) includes a step (b1) forming a second through hole in the insulating base, and a step (b2) plating an inner surface of the second through hole.
US08540778B2	Tibial insert having multiple keels A tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and plurality of keels of the tibial insert extend downwardly from the platform. A surgical method for knee arthroplasty is also disclosed.
US08540776B2	Total knee prosthesis The present invention relates to a total knee prosthesis. This prosthesis includes a femoral implant (2) including two condyles (8, 9) delimiting between them an intercondylar notch (10), a tibial implant (3) intended to rest on the end of the tibia, and an articular insert (4) interposed between the tibial implant and the femoral implant and the upper surface of which (41) includes two glenoid cavities (18, 19) with an external profile (181, 191) congruent with the external profile (81, 91) of the condyles (7, 8) of the femoral implant and connected together through an interglenoidal connecting surface (20). According to the invention, the intercondylar notch (10) and the interglenoidal connecting surface (20) have congruent contact surfaces (101, 201) which are inscribed in two mating hyperbolic paraboloids and the contact surface (181, 191) of the glenoid cavities (18, 19) have in a horizontal section an ovoid shape and its inclined point (P) is located posteriorly to the line of larger width (L) of the insert.
US08540772B2	Transpedicular, extrapedicular and transcorporeal partial disc replacement A nucleus replacement mimics a native annulus in shape and function for use in partial disc arthroplasty. The nucleus replacement includes a jacket having a compartment, a first anchoring limb on one side of the compartment, and a second anchoring limb on an opposite side of the compartment. The jacket is insertable into a disc space through an operating channel in at least one of the vertebral pedicle and the vertebral body. A shock absorbing material is injectable into the compartment after installing the jacket into the disc space. The shock absorbing material has characteristics that absorb loads on the replacement.
US08540770B2	Adjustable intervertebral implant An adjustable intervertebral implant (100) for implantation into a patient's spine in-between first and second adjacent or neighboring vertebrae. The implant may include one or more of the following features: (i) inner (110) and outer (115) members coupled by a radiographically imageable expansion ring (130), (ii) detachable endplates (120,125) coupled to the implant via a polygonal press-fit coupling interface that accommodate a range of lordotic endplates to be applied to the implant using any surgical approach, (iii) an interference pre-loaded set screw (160) for selectively locking the height of the construct, (iv) a radiographically imageable marker (180) for determining the expansion of the implant, and (v) an asymmetric thread coupling (133,190) between the expansion ring and the inner member.
US08540767B2	Devices and methods for delivery of aortic and mitral valve prostheses Valve prostheses and implantation devices, and methods for use are provided. The devices may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure.
US08540761B2	Temporary, repositionable or retrievable intraluminal devices A stent formed of a metallic material having a two-way memory adapted to be retrieved or repositioned after delivery includes an elongated tubular body and at least one crown connected to a respective longitudinal end of the body, the crown including a plurality of unconnected leaves, each leaf having a longitudinally extending frame connected at one end to the end of the body. A method of manufacturing the stent so that the crown has a greater two-way memory effect than the body is disclosed.
US08540758B2	Bifurcation stent and delivery system The present invention is directed to a device comprising a catheter tube, which includes a round opening and two platinum radio-opaque markers on its distal end; a guide-wire; a balloon, which includes a wedge-shaped opening; and a stent, which includes an elliptical-shaped opening and three platinum radio-opaque markers. The invention is also directed to methods for using the device for deploying stents to treat bifurcation lesions.
US08540756B2	Surgical fastener and associated systems and methods According to one embodiment, a fastener includes a shank defined about a central axis and a head coupled to the shank. The head includes a continuous receptacle circumscribing the central axis. The continuous receptacle includes a radially inner surface that is angled radially inwardly toward the central axis in a head-to-shank direction.
US08540754B2	Anchoring systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spine. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.
US08540753B2	Polyaxial bone screw with uploaded threaded shank and method of assembly and use A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body integral with an upper capture structure and a head having an inner cavity for receiving the capture structure. The capture structure is threaded and the head includes a threaded opening for rotatable assembly with the capture structure and eventual locking frictional engagement between the capture structure and the head.
US08540751B2	Spine distraction implant and method A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
US08540750B2	Dual lumen bond for vascular closure device and methods A vascular closure device that includes an inflation tube, a flashback tube, a dual lumen tube, a bond portion, and an inflatable balloon. The inflation tube defines an inflation lumen. The flashback tube defines a flashback lumen. The dual lumen tube has first and second lumens and is positioned distal of the inflation tube and flashback tube. The inflation tube and flashback tube are integrally connected to the dual lumen tube at the bond portion with the inflation lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen and the flashback lumen in fluid communication with the second lumen. The inflatable balloon is mounted at a distal end of the dual lumen tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.
US08540748B2	Surgical instrument wrist A link is positioned to pivot at the distal end of a surgical instrument shaft. The link includes a pulley portion. A first control cable that pivots the link in one direction extends out of the surgical instrument shaft and crosses the width of the instrument in a first crossing direction. The first control cable is then routed around the pulley portion of the link in a first circumferential direction. Similarly, a second control cable that pivots the link in the opposite direction extends out of the surgical instrument shaft and crosses the width of the instrument in a second crossing direction. The second control cable is then routed around the pulley portion of the link in a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction.
US08540747B2	K-wire and method for surgical procedures A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.
US08540742B2	Ultrasonic surgical blade having transverse and longitudinal vibration An ultrasonic surgical blade includes an ultrasonic-surgical-blade body having a longitudinal axis, a distal tip, a proximal end adapted for longitudinal ultrasonic vibrational excitation, a most-distal longitudinal vibration node, a treatment portion extending from the distal tip toward the most-distal longitudinal vibration node, and a functional asymmetry. The functional asymmetry is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis and translates longitudinal ultrasonic vibrational movement of the proximal end into a combination of a longitudinal ultrasonic vibration and a transverse ultrasonic vibration in at least some of the treatment portion of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body. An amplitude of the transverse ultrasonic vibration at the distal tip is less than substantially ten percent of a maximum amplitude of the transverse ultrasonic vibration of the treatment portion of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body. An alternate embodiment of the ultrasonic surgical blade includes at least one functional asymmetry and at least one balance asymmetry.
US08540738B2	Method and apparatus for delivery of a ligating suture An apparatus for ligating a medical protrusion comprises a ligating suture having a proximal end and a distal end configured to circumscribe the medical protrusion, and a one-way lock positioned there between. The apparatus further comprises an endoscope, a cutter blade configured to cut the suture, and a device for ligating a medical protrusion. The device comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle positioned at the proximal end, an endoscope controller operably connectable to the endoscope, a cutting controller operably connectable to the cutter blade, a suture controller configured to be operatively coupled with the suture, a curved bridge positioned at the distal end, the bridge having a proximal end and a distal end, and an armature, having a proximal end and a distal end, configured to releaseably retain at least a portion of the suture.
US08540731B2	Skin treating device A hand held device for removing hard skin from calluses comprises a handle (1) and a cutting head (2) having a base plate (8), and several tubular cutting elements (10) inclined so that their cutting edges lie in inclined planes at an angle of 5° to 45° to a skin contact plane defined by the extremities of the cutting elements. The cutting elements can be arranged in an array of staggered rows.
US08540730B1	Surgical instrument for performing electrosurgical procedures A surgical instrument for performing electrosurgery is provided. The instrument includes an elongated body, an electrode blade tip, and a curettage tool removably attached to the instrument. The curettage tool has two scraping tips and each tip is positioned laterally from the electrode blade tip by a distance. The curettage tool has an attachment point configured for attaching to the tool or the electrode blade. The scraping tips of the curettage tool are disposed on two divergent arms that extend from the attachment point. The two scraping tips are disposed symmetrically relative to the electrode blade tip so that both left and right handed practitioners can use the instrument.
US08540729B2	Treatment and removal of objects in anatomical lumens A medical device can be used to entrain biological or foreign material during a medical procedure for the fragmentation of the material. The device also can be used to remove the material safely from the body. The device has a core element with a first portion extending substantially longitudinally and a second portion wound to form at least a helical coil in the shape of cone. A flat wire can substantially wrap the first and second portions of the core element, or a wire can substantially wrap the first portion and a sheath can substantially cover the second portion.
US08540728B2	Catheter insertion device Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached: a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.
US08540726B2	Headless compression screw with integrated reduction-compression instrument A method is for implanting Bone Screw: screwing into a threaded bore in a distal portion of Implantation Instrument a rear threaded portion of Screw having a front threaded portion separated from the rear portion by an unthreaded middle portion, Screw including a central bore hole therethrough dimensioned to accommodate a guide wire; inserting the wire into a first target portion of bone; inserting Instrument over the wire such that the front threaded portion is adjacent to the first target portion; rotating Instrument to insert the front threaded portion into the first target portion while a locking component is engaged to prevent rotation of Screw relative to Instrument; and rotating Screw with the tool to drive Screw further into the first target portion to a desired depth and out of engagement with Instrument while the component is disengaged to permit rotation of Screw relative to Instrument.
US08540719B2	Percutaneous rod insertion system and method Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal fixation rod include various components for inserting a rod with visual guidance. One kit includes a plurality of hollow elongated extension tubes and rod templates. The tube connectors connect the extension tubes in series. Another kit includes a rod guidance instrument having a sleeve. A guide member is attachable to the midsection of the sleeve, and a spinal fixation rod is attachable to the distal end of the sleeve. A method for inserting a spinal fixation rod into a plurality of rod receiving implants includes the steps of contouring a fixation rod to conform to a predetermined shape, contouring a guide member to match the shape of the contoured rod, and guiding the fixation rod into a rod receiving implant by maneuvering the guide member through a guide slot representing the location of the rod receiving implant.
US08540717B2	System and method for joint resurface repair A system for repairing a defect on a patient's articular surface comprising a guide, a guide pin, a reamer, and an implant. The guide is configured to be disposed about the defect and includes a passageway configured to establish a reference axis extending generally outwardly from the articular surface. The guide pin is configured to be received through the guide passageway along the reference axis and into bone beneath the articular surface. The reamer comprises a cannulated shaft configured to be advanced over the guide pin along the reference axis and further comprises a cutting surface configured to be rotated about the guide pin to form an excision site. The implant comprises a bone facing surface configured to be received in the excision site and a load bearing surface having a contour approximating a contour of the patient's articular surface.
US08540713B2	Clamp for temporary or definitive external orthopaedic fixation, and external fixation system comprising said clamp A clamp applicable to both temporary and definitive orthopaedic external fixation systems comprising a first coupling element having a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a first component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. A second coupling element comprises a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a second component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. An interconnection pin passes through and connects the first and second coupling elements along an axis of rotation. A fastening means is arranged to bring the clamp from a slack configuration. The first and second coupling elements are relatively rotatable along the axis of rotation to a locked configuration, and are relatively rotatable with each other. These fastening means include manually operable temporary fastening means to temporarily lock the clamp, and definitive fastening means operable with a fastening tool, to definitively lock the clamp.
US08540712B2	Surgical instrument configured for use with interchangeable hand grips A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.
US08540710B2	Methods and apparatuses for tissue treatment Disclosed in the present application are devices for localized delivery of energy and methods of using such devices, particularly for therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. The disclosed methods may involve positioning and deploying the energy delivery members in a target site, and delivering energy through the energy delivery members. The disclosed devices may also be used to create a tissue tract within a biological tissue and to ablate the tissue tract.
US08540709B2	Removable ink for surgical instrument The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for preventing reuse of a surgical instrument. The single-use surgical instrument includes a housing, an electrical connector and a treatment component. Indicia may be printed on the housing, the electrical connector and/or the treatment component. A removable ink is applied to any portion of the surgical instrument in the form of indicia that is readable by a scanning device. The removable ink includes a protein-based composition that is reactivateable with a sterilization solution having an enzyme-based composition such that upon sterilization, the removable ink reacts with the sterilizing solution and becomes unreadable by the scanning device.
US08540699B2	Reduced pressure wound treatment system A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an overlay, which is further comprised of cup members that may be detached or cut away from the overlay so that the overlay can be adjusted in size and shape. Also, in some embodiments, the overlay is further comprised of a pressure venting valve to maintain a predetermined level of reduced pressure at the site of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the overlay. In yet other embodiments, the treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an overlay that covers the wound. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the treatment appliance.
US08540697B2	Push/pull wire anchor A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The flexible element resides radially between the catheter liner and a band extending at least part way around a perimeter of the liner. An encapsulant, positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion, forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the deflectable distal end portion of the liner. The anchor and band are within the sidewall so that the encapsulant transmits pushing and pulling forces from the at least one anchor to the deflectable distal end portion of the liner.
US08540695B2	Catheter A catheter body includes a hollow coil whose outer and inner surfaces are coated with outer and inner resin layers. A resin tip is provided at a distal end of the catheter body. The tip has a tapered section at a distal end of the tip. Also, an axially extending braid is embedded in the catheter body and the tip to extend from the catheter body to the tip.
US08540694B2	Systems and methods for delivering drugs to selected locations within the body Systems and methods for delivering drugs or other substances to target locations outside of blood vessel lumens or other body lumens. In some embodiments, a catheter having a penetrator is advanced into the body lumen and the penetrator is then advanced from the catheter toward a target location outside of that body lumen. The substance is then delivered through a the penetrator itself or through a delivery catheter that has been advanced through the penetrator to the target location. In other embodiments, the blood vessel or other body lumen is blocked at spaced-apart first and second locations and a quantity of the substance is introduced into the closed-off body lumen between the blocked first and second locations. The substance then diffuses into or through the wall of the vessel or body conduit to reach the target location.
US08540693B2	Device for substantially germ-free provision of a fluid medium A method for removing a fluid medium from a container. The method comprises providing a removal device with a closed-off, sterilizable interior, with a needle element being held in the interior, the interior being closed off by a perforable sealing element; providing the container which contains the fluid medium, the container having a container wall with a perforable section; connecting the removal device and the container, the perforable section and the perforable sealing element being interconnected such that a protected region is created between the perforable section and the perforable sealing element, the protected region being closed off with respect to the surroundings in a substantially germ-free fashion as a result of the connection; and perforating the perforable sealing element and the perforable section by means of the needle element, the needle element penetrating the protected region.
US08540686B2	Blunt tip vial access cannula This present disclosure provides a non-coring vial access cannula which has sufficient structural strength that it may be made from a thermoplastic resin instead of metal, thus reducing the likelihood and severity of operator injury by an accidental needle stick. The vial access cannula of the present disclosure has (i) a needle hub suitable for receiving a hypodermic syringe or an IV set (e.g., a Luer lock), (ii) a cannula portion having a centrally disposed lumen, wherein the centrally disposed lumen terminates in one or more distal openings and is in fluid communication with the needle hub, and (iii) a solid tip member distal to the one or more distal openings, wherein the solid tip member has a blade with a cutting edge.
US08540684B2	Back pain relief and immuno protection of donor cells The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immuno-suppressive drugs.
US08540681B2	Injection control device with gearing mechanism An injection control device having a metered/controlled injection rate, that is proportional to the rate of withdrawal/injection—suitable for cosmetic as well as other applications—is described. For an injection mode, after the cannula is advanced into an object, the cannula is withdrawn to create a tract or tunnel within the targeted area. As the cannula is withdrawn, filler material in the injection control device is uniformly deposited into the tract or tunnel via the automatic metering system. The automatic metering system incorporates a syringe activating mechanism coupled to a gearing system which is capable of proportioning the deposition (or sucking) rate to the retraction/injection rate of the cannula. Accordingly, more consistent and uniform distribution (or harvesting) of material can be achieved with less cannula passes as well as requiring less dependence on the skills of the practitioner of this device.
US08540679B2	Controlled detachment of intra-luminal medical device An intra-luminal medical device includes a fixation mechanism to attach the medical device to tissue within a body lumen, and a detachment mechanism to permit selective detachment of the medical device from the tissue attachment site without the need for endoscopic or surgical intervention. An electromagnetic device may be provided to mechanically actuate the detachment mechanism. Alternatively, a fuse link may be electrically blown to detach the medical device. As a further alternative, a rapidly degradable bonding agent may be exposed to a degradation agent to detach the medical device from a bonding surface within the body lumen. The medical device may eliminate problems associated with uncertain and inconsistent detachment of intra-luminal medical devices.
US08540676B2	Guidewire and method for surgical procedures A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.
US08540674B2	Devices, systems, and methods for transeptal atrial puncture using an engagement catheter platform Multichannel systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary multichannel system for engaging a tissue of the present disclosure, the system comprises an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a first lumen and second lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, and a dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and a tapered tip at the distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for inserted into the lumen of the inducer sheath.
US08540673B2	Disposable infusion device with actuation lock-out An infusion system includes a wearable infusion device, a safety assembly, and a tool. The device includes a liquid medicament dispenser having a base attachable to a patient's skin and that, when enabled, causes the liquid medicament to flow to beneath the skin of the patient, and an actuator that, when engaged, enables the dispenser. The safety assembly precludes unintended engagement of the actuator and the tool is arranged to disable the safety assembly.
US08540672B2	Microneedle patch applicator A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.
US08540668B2	Catheter including a compliant balloon A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.
US08540659B2	Delivery system and method of use for the eye A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.
US08540657B1	Method and apparatus for equine plasmapheresis Methods of and apparatuses for equine plasma collection are provided. Modified plasmapheresis instruments and modified disposable plasmapheresis tubing are introduced. By using the modified procedures and instruments, a high-speed, high volume, continuous-flow process of automated equine plasmapheresis is developed. The modified closed systems remove whole blood from the donor horses, separate plasma from the cellular components of blood, and simultaneously returning concentrated cells back to the donor horses.
US08540655B2	Weight-bearing lower extremity brace The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) mounted (e.g., adjustably) to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.
US08540654B2	Therapeutic massage sock A pneumatic or hydraulic massage sock including a unitary molded insole formed with one or more internal pump chambers for generating fluid pressure throughout the user's gait, and a plurality of interconnected compression pads each containing an array of fluid feed tubes. The compression pads fold up and around the foot and calf substantially enveloping them in a low-profile sock-like configuration. An outer shell is worn overtop to maintain the compression pads against the user's calf. The fluid feed tubes are in fluid communication with the pump insole to provide a self-compressive non-constricting deep-kneading, undulating (wavelike) pattern massage action up the leg in accordance with the full-length heel-to-ball-to-toe foot plant. The massage sock appears as a conventional sock so it can be worn with virtually any conventional pair of shoes. This provides effective unobtrusive relief for individuals with circulatory disabilities, diabetes, arthritis, etc.
US08540651B2	Physiological and behavioral sensors and methods In various embodiments, a physiological or behavioral signal is derived from a vertical force resulting from the entire weight of a subject. A system for measuring physiological and behavioral signals in a human subject may include a measurement platform for bearing the subject, at least one force sensor for measuring vertical force imparted by an entire weight of the subject, and a signal processor for deriving at least one physiological or behavioral signal, such as a ballistocardiogram, from the measured force. The force sensor(s) may support the measurement platform and be disposed between the measurement platform and a support surface.
US08540650B2	Method and an apparatus for measuring and analyzing movements of a human or an animal using sound signals A method, an arrangement and a computer application for conducting measurements of sleep disorders by capturing and analyzing the sounds associated with movements of the subject during a long-term or overnight monitoring session. A small-sized consumer apparatus such as an MP3 recorder may be attached to the subject for capturing the emanating sounds. Specially selected materials can be used to alter the spectral content of the sound so as to optimize the reception at the recording apparatus.
US08540647B2	Lancing device The invention relates to a lancing system for collecting samples of a body liquid having a receptacle for accommodating a lancet supply strip with a plurality of lancets, arranged transversely to the lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip, a feed mechanism for transporting a lancet supply strip, placed in the receptacle, to move the lancets of the lancet supply strip one after the other to a puncturing position, and a lancing drive for causing a lancet, which occupies a puncturing position, to perform a puncturing movement. The lancing system is characterized by a bending mechanism for bending a section of the lancet supply strip in lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip and for thereby separating a lancet tip of a lancet from the lancet supply strip for a puncturing action.
US08540643B1	Method and device for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement A method and device, such as an implantable cardiac device, for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement is presented. The method includes obtaining a template waveform representing hemodynamic performance of a heart during a first hemodynamic state and obtaining an autocharacterization measure from an autocharacterization (e.g., autocorrelation) of the template waveform. The method further includes obtaining a test waveform during a second hemodynamic state, performing a cross-characterization (e.g., cross-correlation) of the template waveform and test waveform to identify a cross-characterization measure, and comparing the autocharacterization measure with the cross-characterization measure as a measurement of hemodynamic status of the second hemodynamic state. The device includes hardware and/or software for performing the described method.
US08540638B2	3-D quantitative-imaging ultrasonic method for bone inspections and device for its implementation The invention is a differential 3D Quantitative-Imaging Ultrasonic Tomography method for inspecting a layered system that is comprised of a heterogeneous object embedded in a volume of space that comprises layers having an acoustic impedance gradient between the layers providing non-linear beams travels. A transducer grid is attached to the surface of the layered system in a unilateral manner. By sequentially changing the distance between transmitter and receiver the fastest travel times of the ultrasonic oscillations are measured. A differential approach provides from the data the longitudinal wave velocities values for each elementary volume that make up an inspected volume. These values are used to construct two and three-dimensional maps of the longitudinal wave velocity values distribution in the inspected volume and the porosity values distribution in the heterogeneous object. By applying statistical treatment to the obtained data the longitudinal wave velocity in the inspected material matrix part is estimated.
US08540634B2	Method and device for producing images of heating tines near a tissue part A device (D1) is intended for producing images of heating tines (HT) coupled to a needle (N) positioned near a chosen tissue part of tissues located in an area of a body. This device (D1) comprises i) a means (ME) for estimating tissue thermal strains, induced by means of the heating tines (HT) into the tissue surrounding the chosen tissue part, from received ultrasound image data, and for deducing relative positions of these heating tines (HT) to the chosen tissue part from the estimated tissue thermal strains, and ii) a means (MC) for combining the received ultrasound image data with position data representative of the deduced relative positions to produce images of the area with thermal strain information showing the relative positions of the heating tines (HT) to the chosen tissue part.
US08540625B2	Endoscope An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a bending operation input portion, a first bending drive mechanism and a second bending drive mechanism. The insertion portion includes a first bending portion and a second bending portion disposed at the proximal end of the first bending portion. The bending operation input portion can bend the first bending portion. The first bending drive mechanism bends the first bending portion in accordance with the operation of the bending operation input portion. The second bending drive mechanism can automatically bend the second bending portion in the same direction as the bending direction of the first bending portion in conformity to the first bending portion after the start of the bending of the first bending portion.
US08540623B2	Apparatus, system and method to indicate in-vivo device location A system, apparatus and method may indicate in-vivo device location within a body utilizing for example illumination irregularities for calculation of location. There may be provided with an in-vivo imaging device a set of dedicated illumination source and a set of detectors located on an in-vivo device, such as a swallowable capsule.
US08540620B2	Transventricular implant tools and devices A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
US08540611B1	Flexible attachable exercise device The flexible attachable exercise device provides extreme portability and also provides for anchoring to a variety of objects in order to provide stability and resistance. The u-shaped handle provides for close and spread grip. Comfort and easy grip are enhanced by handle rubber grips. The cross link provides best handle stability. The junction box is be separable. The chain loop is attached to the junction box by removable links. Both the chain loop and the coated cables are designed with rubberized coatings to prevent damage to objects they may be attached to. The coated cables employ sliding cinches to aid in object retention.
US08540599B2	Full-roller transmission structure A full-roller transmission structure comprises a housing, a first disk, a second disk, a rear disk, a front disk, and an input shaft. The housing includes a rear cover, an annular shell, and a front ring, which are detachably coupled together. Multiple inner rollers are disposed on an inner surface of the annular shell. The first and second disks are mounted in the annular shell and respectively provided with a plurality of first and second outer rollers capable of acting on the inner rollers. The rear disk is mounted between the first disk and the rear cover. Joining bolts and joining pins are employed to join the above disks. The input shaft includes a first eccentric journal for the first disk and a second eccentric journal for the second disk, the first eccentric journal being offset from the second eccentric journal at an angle of about 180 degrees.
US08540597B2	Connection unit of a chain A connection unit of a chain includes two outer link plates each having a first hole and a second hole. The second hole has a first recess and a second recess which communicates with the first recess. The first recess has a diameter larger than that of the second recess. The second recess includes an inner surface and a stepped engaging surface which is perpendicular to the inner surface. A stop surface is perpendicularly connected to the engaging surface. At least one first protrusion extends from the inner surface. A pin is securely fixed in the first hole and includes an engaging portion. A neck is located beside the engaging portion and has a diameter smaller than that of the engaging portion.
US08540596B2	Incremental variable transmission An incrementally variable transmission machine with an input drive and an output drive which are linked by a drive chain, and which includes an oscillating cam arrangement which, at each of two limiting positions, can act on an actuating mechanism to vary the speed of the output drive by an increment.
US08540594B2	Illuminated nock assembly The illuminated nock assembly of the present invention attaches to the shaft of an arrow to assist in tracking the trajectory of the arrow in flight and in locating the arrow after flight. The illuminated nock assembly includes a housing having two separate parts, lighting components and a power source. The lighting components are illuminated when arrow shaft is placed on the housing.
US08540591B2	Squeeze pressure indicating golf club grip A method is provided for gauging the squeeze pressure of a golf club which generally includes the steps of providing a golf club having an elongated shaft, placing an expanded synthetic rubber, internally ribbed cushioning device with adjustable pressure sensors over the distal end of the shaft, the expanded synthetic rubber, internally ringed cushioning device comprising a sheath to surround the proximal end of the shaft along a desired length and being constructed of expanded synthetic rubber of a density predetermined by the manufacturer to require the golfer to apply with both hands optimum squeeze pressure for maximum control of golf strokes in order to feel the ringed protrusions enveloped therein. A cushioning and training apparatus is also provided, which includes adjustable pressure sensors enveloped by ringed protrusions that signal an audible device to sound and a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate when optimum squeeze pressure for maximum control of strokes is applied with both hands by the golfer. A removable control unit at the butt end of the invention may be used to adjust the sensitivity of the pressure sensors and disable the LED and audible device as desired.
US08540589B2	Golf club head and removable weight A golf club head and a removable weight that is received in a receptacle of the golf club head. The weight includes a cap and a slug. The cap is removably coupled to the receptacle and includes a recess that receives a portion of the slug so that the cap and slug are able to rotate relative to each other. The slug includes an anti-rotation feature that prevents relative rotation between the slug and the receptacle and a lead-in portion.
US08540587B2	Golf club head with sound tuning A golf club head with sound tuning. The golf club head includes a hollow body that defines an interior cavity and at least one tuning member extends across the interior cavity. The tuning member dimensions, stiffness and dampening characteristics are selected to alter the vibration behavior of the golf club head.
US08540585B2	Golf club handle support device A golf handle supporting device (10) having a proximate end (20) and a distal end (30) for resting on a ground surface as oppose to getting the club handle wet or dirty. A first arm (40) extending in a first direction from a proximate end (20) and a second arm (50) extending from the proximate end (20) in a second direction offset from the first direction; the first arm (40) and second arm (50) each defining a mid-portion comprising a first bend (60) and a second bend (70) which extend downwards in the direction of the ground and terminate at an end of their respective first arms (40) and (50); a first leg (80) and a second leg (90) extending from their respective ends (60) and (70) to the distal ends (30) and generally widen outwards to provide further support.
US08540581B2	Sliding type tripod constant velocity joint A sliding type tripod constant velocity joint includes a pair of intermediate members arranged so as to sandwich a tripod shaft part from both sides of side surfaces of a raceway groove of an outer ring and to provide so as to be oscillated relative to the tripod shaft part. The sliding type tripod constant velocity joint further includes a plurality of rolling elements provided between side surfaces of the raceway groove and power transmission surfaces of the intermediate members opposing the side surfaces of the raceway grooves and a cage that supports the rolling elements such that the rolling elements circulate on outer peripheries of the intermediate members.
US08540580B2	Tool bit or tool holder for power tool A tool holder for use with a power tool includes an input shaft with a rear portion couplable to a power tool, and an output shaft with a front portion couplable to a tool bit. A clutch assembly releasably non-rotationally couples a front portion of the input shaft to a rear portion of the output shaft, and includes a recess in the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, an aperture in the other of the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, a roller received in the aperture, and a spring that biases the roller radially inwardly toward the recess. The spring enables release of the roller radially outwardly from the recess when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, such that torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
US08540579B2	Method and apparatus for the identification and position measurement of chips on a gaming surface The present invention is directed to a method for determining a position of each of a plurality of gaming chips on a gaming surface. Each of the plurality of gaming chips includes an inductively coupled RFID tag disposed therein. The gaming surface includes a first area and at least one second area disposed adjacent to the first area. The method includes transmitting a near-field inductively coupled interrogation signal to the plurality of gaming chips. A near-field inductively coupled response signal is received from at least a portion of the plurality of gaming chips. A position resolution action is performed in conjunction with either the step of transmitting or the step of receiving. Each of the plurality of gaming chips are associated with either the first area or the at least one second area in accordance with the step of performing a position resolution action.
US08540569B2	Method and system for multiplayer multifunctional electronic surface gaming apparatus A method for electronic board game play by producing on a display surface a first image which is a field of play image that senses at least one object on the display surface. The object is proximate or in contact with the display surface thus forming on a table-top horizontal display surface, at least one game piece image overlaid on the field of play image, and determined by sensing a position of the object on the display surface.
US08540568B2	Method and apparatus for jackpot progression based on mathematical expectancy for wins at each price point A process provides a multi-priced lottery game with a first price point and a second price point such that (i) the first price point corresponds to a first known potential fixed prize and a first known potential percentage of a progressive prize and (ii) the second price point corresponds to a second known potential fixed prize and a second known potential percentage of the progressive prize. The second price point is greater than the first price point. The second known potential fixed prize is greater than the first known potential fixed prize. The second known potential percentage of the progressive prize is greater than the first known potential percentage of the progressive prize. Further, the process provides a portion of ticket sales for the multi-priced lottery game to a prize management fund.
US08540567B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for moderating remote host initiated features for multiple concurrently played games The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host.
US08540566B2	System and method for presenting a game space with discoverable items to be prospected A game space may be provided to a user in which the user attempts to obtain discoverable items that have been associated with individual zones in the game space. The user may attempt to obtain the items through strategically employing one of a plurality of selectable actions that are associated with different costs in the game space. The costs of the actions may be balanced to create a prospecting mechanic within the game. The game space may be provided to the user as a discrete game, or as one or more mini-game(s) within a larger game or virtual space.
US08540560B2	Monitoring of physical training events A computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data generated by a test subject moving a test ball containing motion sensors through a predetermined exercise; analyzing in the first motion data, with the computer system, the data from the inertial sensors; and providing to a remote computer at a location of the subject a report regarding the first motion data, the report reflecting a comparison of the first motion data with corresponding motion data of other users who have performed the predetermined exercise.
US08540553B2	Portable power sharpener for hand held rotary cutter blades Apparatus, systems and methods related to sharpening blades for rotary cutters. In one illustrative embodiment, a power sharpener system secures a rotary cutting blade between upper and lower columns that form a rotating axle in contact with upper and lower sharpening stones, each positioned at an appropriate angle to contact a cutting edges of the rotary blade for sharpening. The upper column may be rotatably attached to an upper cover or lid and the lower column rotatably disposed in a base. After the rotary blade is secured, an electric motor is used to rotate the column, contacting the edges of the blade against the stones to simultaneously sharpen both edges of the blade. In some embodiments, a retractable plate may be disposed around the lower column for placement of the rotary blade thereon and a lifting lever may be used to facilitate blade removal.
US08540552B2	Water jet cutting machine A profile cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head supporting a nozzle through which a cutting medium passes, and at least two drives that drive the cutting head to tilt relative to a vertical axis while driving the cutting head to rotate about the vertical axis, wherein the tilt of the cutting head is achieved by the relative difference in motion between the two drives.
US08540551B2	Glass edge finish system, belt assembly, and method for using same A glass edge finishing system, a belt assembly and a method are described herein for finishing an edge of a glass sheet. The glass edge finishing system comprises: (a) a base; and (b) one or more belt assemblies located on the base, where each belt assembly includes: (i) a support frame; (ii) a motor; (iii) a pair of pulleys rotatably mounted on the support frame and driven by the motor; (iv) a belt engaged to and driven by the pair of pulleys, where the belt contacts and finishes the edge of the glass sheet; (v) a belt cleaning device that removes glass debris from the belt as the belt moves past the belt cleaning device; and (vi) a cleaning containment enclosure within which there is located the belt cleaning device, where the cleaning containment enclosure contains the glass debris removed from the belt by the belt cleaning device.
US08540548B2	Child's activity toy and disc dispenser therefor A child's activity toy comprises a plurality of dispensers which will dispense circular discs onto a flat magnetic surface. The circular discs are of different colors, each color having its own respective diameter, with the color being applied to each side of the discs. Each dispenser is specific to its own color, and is biased to its closed, non-dispensing condition. Pressing the dispensing end of a dispenser against the flat magnetic surface will dispense a circular disc; and moving the dispenser while it is pressed against the flat magnetic surface will dispense a series of circular discs. A frame is provided for the flat magnetic surface, and includes a graduated sorter so as to separate the discs of one color from the discs of any other color. The respective dispenser for each color can be filled with the discs from the respective sorter chamber.
US08540546B2	Toys A toy is provided comprising: a transceiver (24, 28) for transmitting and receiving data over a wireless link; a processor (18, 32) a memory (34) for storing expressive responses; and an output (22, 38) for expressive responses; the toy being operable to receive trigger data relating to expressive responses, select an expressive response when trigger data is received, express the expressive response through the output; and to broadcast trigger data indicative that a response has been output. A method of communication between first (10) and second (12) toys is provided comprising: activating a first expressive response from the first toy (10) in the presence of the second toy (12); sending trigger data from the first toy (10) indicative of the first expressive response to the second toy (12); the second toy (12) selecting a second expressive response from memory (34) on receipt of said data, activating the second expressive response, and sending data indicative the second expressive response to the first toy (10).
US08540540B2	Luminous envy tanning float system Luminous Envy Tanning Float is a device to promote even and accelerated tanning adapted for use in water preferably comprises the following components: a pair of angled, reflective, tan; a cushioned core-supported portion; a pillow; at least one cup holder; and at least one warning label to prevent sun-burning. A user-sunbather is comfortably supported via the inflatable flotation device for even and accelerated tanning during at least one sunbathing period on a body of water and/or land.
US08540538B2	Skidproof sports mat A sports mat includes a foam sheet, an adhesive bonding film, a patterned layer and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The adhesive bonding film applied to a top surface of the foam sheet. The patterned layer has a plastic film and a pattern printed in a bottom surface of the plastic film. The plastic film together with the pattern is joined on top of the adhesive bonding film. The skid proof layer, made of thermal plastic rubber, is coated over a top surface of the plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the patterned layer, the adhesive bonding film and the foam sheet defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.
US08540537B1	Rowing rig This embodiment relates generally to the Rowing Rig (30) for a suspended device (314), that may lead to the stabilization of a watercraft (32), such as kayaks and canoes, which allows an operator (316) to move and steer the watercraft (32) in a safe, ergonomic, and convenient manner. The rowing rig (30), with the example oarlock (40) adjustably connected to an outrigger (38), enables the support of and the counteraction of oaring forces imparted on oarlock (40), while allowing oarlock (40) to meaningfully adjustable in 3 independent axis relative to operator (316) location in watercraft (32). An inner guide system (52) can trap outrigger (38) in a secured position, or allow it to slidably travel within watercraft (32). The rowing rig (30) also allows the mounting of other systems, such as an anchor winch system, mounted to the base foundation (36) to counteract forces in deploying anchor. This allows full control of rowing, the steering, and stopping the watercraft (32) while operator (316) while sitting on rowing seat (34), by solo means.
US08540535B2	Cable lug with shell-shaped part and fastening device The invention relates to a method and a system for fastening a round conductor 200 to a connection element 100, 100′, 100″, comprising a connection element 100, 100′, 100″ that comprises at one end an at least partially shell-shaped part 110, and a round conductor 200 closed with a contact element 210, the contact element 210 being adapted to contact the connection element 100, 100′, 100″, and a fastening device 400, 510, 520, 610, 620, 660, 710, 810, which is adapted to fasten in a frictional manner (force-fit) an end region 210 of the round conductor 200 lying in front of the contact element 210 in the region of the shell-shaped part 110 of the connection element 100, 100′, 100″, to the connection element 100, 100′, 100″.
US08540529B2	Shielded USB connector module with molded hood and LED light pipe There is provided a system and method for a shielded connector module with a molded hood and an LED light pipe. There is provided a shielded connector module comprising a system-in-package (SiP) device having a surface mounted light emitting diode (LED), a metallic shield surrounding the SiP device, a molded hood surrounding the metallic shield, and an LED light pipe in a proximity with the surface mounted LED, the LED light pipe being directed through the metallic shield and the molded hood. By designing the LED light pipe with a concave surface for surrounding the surface mounted LED and by using various techniques to reduce a gap between the LED and the light pipe, light capture and transmission may be optimized for easily viewable high intensity light. A fresnel lens may be optionally attached to the light pipe for wider viewing angles.
US08540528B2	Flat cable electrical connector An electrical connector for connecting a flat conductive member includes a housing including a receiving section for receiving the flat conductive member in a first direction and a terminal arranged in the housing. The terminal includes a first contact section for contacting with the flat conductive member, a second contact section for contacting with the flat conductive member, an extending arm portion, and a first flexible contact arm portion extending from the extending arm portion toward the second contact section. The first contact section is disposed at a distal end portion of the first flexible contact arm portion. The electrical connector further includes a pressing portion for contacting the flat conductive member with the first contact section and the second contact section.
US08540525B2	Resonance modifying connector A connector assembly is provided that is suitable for modifying the resonant frequency of ground terminals used in conjunction with high data rate signal terminals. Ground terminals may be interconnected with a conductive bridge so as to provide ground terminals with a predetermined maximum effective electrical length. Reducing the effective electrical length of the ground terminal can move the resonance frequencies of the connector outside the operational range of frequencies at which signals will be transmitted.
US08540523B2	Connection device for high frequency signals between a connector and a transmission line A connection device for high frequency signals is disclosed. The connection device includes a printed circuit having an external face and a transmission line printed on the external face, and a coaxial connector surface mounted on the external face of the printed circuit. The transmission line is connected to the connector by means of a bump contact belonging to the transmission line. A central core of the connector is connected to the bump contact. The printed circuit has at least one internal ground plane disposed parallel to the external face and contributing to the matching of the transmission line. The internal ground plane defines a perforation therethrough that faces the bump contact.
US08540522B2	Utility control system and method Embodiments of the present invention provide for the control of a powered utility. A circuit board, an onboard controller located on the circuit board, and a daughterboard connector also located on the circuit board are utilized. The onboard controller is configured to provide a first level of control functionality to the system. The first level of control functionality includes the ability to transfer the powered utility between an operating state and an off state. The daughterboard connector is configured to accept a daughterboard, and that daughterboard is configured to increase the control functionality of the system above the first level of control functionality to a second level of control functionality.
US08540511B2	Method and device for determining the apical position in a dental root canal An apex-locating method and device for determining the depth position of the apex in a dental root canal. It uses a device making it possible to form a circuit including a first probe electrode inserted into the root canal of a tooth, a second electrode in conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane, frequency-generating elements able to produce alternating electrical signals at a number of frequencies, and elements for measuring electrical magnitude of alternating signals in the circuit. Provision is made for exciting the circuit and measuring the levels of magnitude of the alternating signals, respectively at low frequency and at high frequency and for detecting a point of intersection where the two levels measured at low and high frequencies meet and become substantially equal, these frequencies being sufficiently far apart for this point of intersection to exist. This point gives the position of the apex.
US08540510B2	Device for securing a dental implant in bone tissue, a method for making a surgical template and a method of securing a dental implant in bone tissue The application relates to a device and a method for securing a dental implant in the bone tissue of a patient. The device can comprise a guide sleeve and a holder. The guide sleeve can have an interlock portion and a central bore having an internal thread. The holder can hold the dental implant and be configured to be inserted into the central bore of the guide sleeve. The holder can comprise an external thread that is configured to engage the internal thread of the guide sleeve such that the holder may threadingly engage the guide sleeve. The holder can further comprise a limit stop that can be configured to contact the guide sleeve for limiting the longitudinal position of the holder relative to the guide sleeve. The holder can releasably retain the dental implant and facilitate implantion of the implant into the bone tissue of the patient.
US08540508B2	Method for the combustion of a fluid fuel, and burner, especially of a gas turbine, for carrying out said method The invention relates to a method for burning a fluid fuel, in which fuel is reacted in a catalytic reaction, whereupon catalytically pre-reacted fuel continues to be burned in a secondary reaction. A swirling component is impressed onto the pre-reacted fuel, allowing the secondary reaction to be ignited in a spatially controlled manner, resulting in complete burnout. The invention further relates to a burner for burning a fluid fuel, in which the fuel outlet of a catalytic burner is disposed upstream of the fuel outlet of a primary burner in the direction of flow of the fuel within a flow channel such that the fuel is catalytically reacted. The catalytic burner is provided with a number of catalytically effective elements which are arranged such that a vortex is created in the flow channel. The invention can be applied particularly to combustion chambers of gas turbines.
US08540507B2	Mold tool system having manifold body including uninterrupted melt channels A mold-tool system is provided which includes a manifold body including an inlet assembly, a plurality of outlets spaced from the inlet assembly, and an uninterrupted melt channel associated with each outlet and extending between the inlet assembly and its associated outlets. Each melt channel may have a length which is substantially identical to the length of the other melt channels.
US08540500B1	High capacity lightweight compact vane motor or pump system A high capacity lightweight compact vane motor or pump system which utilizes vanes with extensions to improve efficiency of the system overall. The present invention generally includes a rotor housing, a rotor, a housing cover. The rotor housing will generally include a central opening in which the rotor is positioned. The rotor will generally include a plurality of radially spaced vane slots. A rotor vane will generally be positioned within each vane slot. Each rotor vane will generally include a first extension and a second extension, wherein the first extension extends into slidable engagement with a groove on the housing cover and the second extension extends into slidable engagement with a groove on the interior surface of the rotor housing. As the rotor is rotated within the housing, the vanes will slide into and out of the slots to create voids to hold oil to be expelled at the outlet.
US08540499B2	Extra-capillary fluid cycling system and method for a cell culture device An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber.
US08540496B2	Fan apparatus A fan apparatus is provided and includes: a housing having a hollow cylindrical shape; a circuit board holding structure which is disposed in the housing so as to be located at the radially central part of the housing and which includes a plurality of slits extending axially; a circuit board disposed inside the circuit board holding structure in parallel with the axial direction; a plurality of fixed blades disposed so as to bridge between the housing and the circuit board holding structure; and a motor which includes a rotary shaft and an impeller and which is disposed at the front end of the circuit board holding structure, wherein the impeller is connected to the rotary shaft so as to move air.
US08540495B2	Dual duty hand pump A dual duty hand pump has two air channels, a hand grip, a piston rod, a piston, a deflating unit and an inflating unit. The hand grip and the piston are mounted on two ends of the piston rod. The deflating unit and the inflating unit are respectively mounted in the air channels and respectively have two check valves mounted therein in two opposite directions. When the hand grip is lifted and pressed down, air respectively flows in and flows out of the hand pump through the air channel. Accordingly, the hand pump provides a practical and convenient solution to integrate inflating and deflating functions as a whole for users to flexibly select from when the dual duty hand pump is in use.
US08540494B2	Fan structure and stator module therefor A fan structure comprises a stator module and a fan frame, the stator module comprises a fixing plate, an insulating holder, and a stator core. The fixing plate has a first surface, an opposite second surface and at least one fixing portion formed on the second surface and having a first engaging portion. The insulating holder has a first side facing the second surface of the fixing plate, an opposite second side and at least one catching member formed on the first side and having a second engaging portion. The stator core is coupled to the insulating holder. The fan frame has a base, the base is located between the fixing plate and the insulating holder, wherein the first engaging portion of the fixing member is engaged with the second engaging portion of the catching member.
US08540491B2	Wind turbine rotor blade components and methods of making same Structural preform layers of multiple rigid unidirectional strength elements or rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements of wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Each preform layer includes one or more fibrous carrier layers to which the multiple strength elements or rods are joined and arranged in the single layer. Each strength element or rod is longitudinally oriented and adjacent to other elements or rods. Individual strength elements or rods include a mass of substantially straight unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the elements or rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide strength elements or rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength.
US08540490B2	Noise reduction in a turbomachine, and a related method thereof An apparatus includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades disposed downstream relative to the first set of blades. The first set of blades includes a first subset of blades, wherein each blade among the first subset of blades comprises one or more first geometric parameters. The second set of blades includes a second subset of blades, wherein each blade among the second subset of blades comprises one or more second geometric parameters different from the one or more first geometric parameters.
US08540482B2	Rotor assembly for gas turbine engine A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor airfoil and a first rotor disk. The rotor airfoil extends along a radial axis. The first rotor disk includes an outer rim, a bore and a web extending between the outer rim and the bore. The first rotor disk is axially offset from the radial axis of the rotor airfoil.
US08540480B2	Aerofoil having a plurality cooling air flows An aerofoil (20) for a gas turbine engine (10) is hollow to define an interior volume (24) through which cooling air flows. Passages (26) interconnect the interior volume (24) with the exterior of the aerofoil (20). Each passage (26) is provided with an inlet (32) within the interior volume (24) which is elongated along an axis (36) parallel with the direction of cooling air flow through the interior volume (24). The arrangement reduces any tendency for the passages (24) to block though the build up of dirt particles.
US08540479B2	Active retractable seal for turbo machinery and related method An active retractable seal assembly for use between rotating and non-rotating turbo machinery components including: a plurality of seal rings mounted to the non-rotating component, the seal rings movable toward and away from the rotating component between respective closed and open positions as a function of pressure drop across the seal rings, wherein the seal rings are normally in the open position; and a fluid bypass circuit for directing fluid around one or more of the plurality of seal rings to reduce the pressure drop across the one or more of the seal rings, thereby causing the one or more seal rings to move towards the open position under the action of spring(s) or actuator(s).
US08540476B2	Pipette tip loader and transporter Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for storing and/or transporting platforms of pipette tips. The system includes packaging in which a stacked tower of platforms may be transported. Embodiments of the present invention further include a loader for transferring platforms from the packaging to a rack for holding pipette tip platforms. The loader transfers the platforms by accessing the uppermost platform in the stack.
US08540469B2	Drop-in anchor A retainer for a drop-in anchor includes a durable, moisture resistant member insertable into a sleeve of a drop-in anchor and configured to be retained in the sleeve by one or more threads disposed in the sleeve to prevent inadvertent removal of a plug from the sleeve. A drop-in anchor assembly includes a tubular sleeve having a first end including one or more internal threads, and an expandable second end. A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands. A retainer formed of a durable moisture-resistant material is insertable in the sleeve behind the plug, and is configured to be retained in the sleeve by the one or more threads and prevent inadvertent removal of the plug from the sleeve.
US08540467B2	Cargo tie-down A cargo carrier tie-down assembly that utilizes a fastener made up of a shackle element that includes a wall in a form that is closed in two dimensions, defining an opening and wherein the wall also defines a pair of opposed apertures, a pin that can be inserted through the two apertures and a knob fastener element, having a head, that is sized to be passed through the opening when the pin is withdrawn from the wall, and that is retained when the pin is inserted into the two apertures. A tension member has one of the fastener elements attached to at least one end. The other fastener element is attached to the cargo carrier.
US08540466B2	Adjustable bulkhead for a railcar An adjustable bulkhead for a railcar is provided. The adjustable bulkhead is releasably attachable to the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead is adjustable between a plurality of positions along the length of the railcar relative to the end of the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead includes a support structure, a reinforcement mechanism, and a stabilizing mechanism.
US08540463B2	Twist drill A metal-working twist drill is provided with inner cutting edges that form a point (18) having an angle, A, of 130°. An outer, peripheral, part of each cutting edge (55, 57) forms an outer cutting portion (59, 61). The outer cutting portions slope in the opposite direction to the corresponding inner cutting edges and form an angle B, of 3° with respect to a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the twist drill. The width of the outer cutting portion, D as measured at the cutting edge, is 10.5% of the diameter of the twist drill. The metal-working twist drill produces bores having a reduced exit burr height.
US08540459B2	Structure for loading and unloading at least one fluid transport ship A structure (20) for loading and unloading at least one fluid transport ship (1): a ship (1) mooring platform (21), comprising at least one concrete caisson (22) having an opening and closing device for moving the caisson by filling water, between a flotation position for transporting the platform, and a position anchored at the bottom of the sea. The platform comprises a submerged lower anchoring portion and an upper portion, partially outside of the water, for berthing the ship.
US08540458B2	Center hole ram cable puller A center hole ram can have a barrel, and a piston that is moveable relative to the barrel. The piston can define an axial hole that extends through the piston. A gripping assembly can be attached to the ram. The gripping assembly can be configured to grip a cable and pull the cable through the axial hole in response to multiple actuating strokes of the ram. Also, a bursting head can be attached to a cable. The cable can be pulled through a tunnel (such as an existing pipe) and through a piston of a ram. Pulling the cable can result in the cable pulling the bursting head through the tunnel toward the ram. Also, pulling the cable can include gripping the cable with a gripping assembly attached to the ram, and actuating the ram.
US08540457B2	Systems, methods and processes for use in providing remediation of contaminated groundwater and/or soil The present embodiments provide methods, systems and processes for use in treating soil and/or ground water. Some of these embodiments provide systems for use in remediating contaminants, where the system comprises: a plurality of gas product sources positioned at a geographic location to be treated; a distribution manifold coupled with the plurality of product sources; a plurality of diffuser coupled with the distribution manifold and is positioned within separate wells within the soil; and a controller coupled with the plurality of product sources and the distribution manifold. The controller: activates one or more of the product sources to generate, locally at the geographic location, one of five different gas products in accordance with a first step of a treatment schedule; and communicates with the distribution manifold to direct the generated one of the five gas products to a predefined one of the diffuser.
US08540456B2	Containment system A modular dike or barrier assembly includes straight and curved members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall surrounding a primary container. The members are hollow and include opposed side walls having integrally formed reinforcing ribs. The side walls extend at an acute angle relative to the base of the barrier to contain and redirect a surge flow directed toward the dike or barrier assembly. The interior surfaces of the side walls are closely spaced at locations spaced from the ribs and tend to abut for added wall reinforcement upon application of wall deflecting loads.
US08540453B2	Apparatus for joining members and assembly thereof An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member.
US08540451B2	Binder clip Placing sheets around a retainer or between a retainer and clamp and securing a clamp against the sheets and retainer for compressively fixing the pages against the retainer.
US08540449B2	Fluid-material spread apparatus having double roller An apparatus for liquid material application with a dual roller structure includes a body having a space for holding contents therein, with a first discharge port being formed on an upper portion of the body to discharge the contents; a roller support mounted on an upper portion of the body, and having, on a lower surface thereof, a second discharge port which communicates with the first discharge port; a first roller unit rotatably mounted on a lower portion of the roller support, and making contact with the contents which are discharged from the second discharge port; and a second roller unit rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the roller support in such a way as to be put in contact with the first roller unit to discharge the contents that are discharged from the first roller unit.
US08540447B2	Device for applying a fluid, gel-like, pasty or powder product A device for applying a fluid, gel-like, pasty or powder product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator held on a wand, a container for storing the product and for receiving the applicator in a rest position, and a wiper which in the rest position surrounds the wand in an annular shape in a contact region and bears thereagainst.
US08540444B2	Cassette locking and ejecting arrangement A label printer comprising a cassette-receiving bay, said cassette-receiving bay having a base, a top opening opposite the base, and a locking mechanism extending from said base, said locking mechanism having a locking part, said locking part being movable in a first direction and biased in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said locking part having one or more projections such that a force thereon directed towards said base causes the locking part to move in the first direction and wherein said locking part is biased to move in said second direction when the force is removed.
US08540442B2	Adjustable print media path system and method An adjustable print media path system and method are disclosed. In one form, the print media path system incorporates a frame and a guide member that is moveably coupled to the frame between a cartridge position and an external media position. Inserting print media into the receptacle moves the guide member between the external media position and the cartridge position, thereby adjusting the print media path.
US08540440B2	Image capture lens, wafer lens, wafer lens laminate, method of manufacturing image capture lens, image capture lens intermediate product, method of manufacturing image capture lens intermediate product An image capture lens is equipped with: a diaphragm which is formed on a substrate, adjusts a light quantity, and has a predetermined aperture; an inorganic or organic adhesion layer formed on the substrate such that the diaphragm is exposed; and a resin part which has a lens part made from a curable resin. The resin part is directly joined to the inorganic or organic adhesion layer and diaphragm. The surface of the substrate on which the diaphragm is formed is subjected to a modification treatment so that a water contact angle is within a range of 3° to 30°.
US08540439B2	Blade drive device A blade drive device includes: a blade; a drive source that drives the blade; and a chassis that has an opening opened and closed by the blade and that houses the blade and the drive source. The drive source includes: a rotor that is rotatably supported; a stator around which a coil for excitation is wound and which applies a rotational force to the rotor. The stator is arranged to surround a periphery of the opening and has a rectangular shape.
US08540437B2	Multi-wavelength optical transmitting and receiving modules A multi-wavelength optical transmitting module includes a housing, an optical output block, an optical transmitting block, and an optical multiplexer (MUX) block. The optical output block is coupled to a first coupling hole of the housing and to an optical signal connector, and includes a first lens. The optical transmitting block is coupled to a second coupling hole of the housing and to an electrical signal connector. The optical transmitting block includes a plurality of transmitting devices which respectively output light having different wavelengths and are arranged parallel to the optical output block, and a plurality of second lenses which correspond respectively to the transmitting devices. The optical multiplexer (MUX) block multiplexes optical signals of multiple wavelengths, which were output from the transmitting devices and passed through the second lenses, and transmits the multiplexed optical signals to the optical output block.
US08540436B2	Optical fibre coupling device and method An optical fiber coupling device and a method are disclosed. The optical fiber coupling device includes a first patch strip having a first plurality of optical fiber connectors arranged along a face of the first patch strip and a second patch strip having a second plurality of optical fiber connectors arranged along a face of the second patch strip. The first and second patch strips are in a stacked arrangement where the second plurality of optical fiber connectors is offset from the first plurality of optical fiber connectors in a first and a second direction transverse to a stacking direction. The offsetting improves access to the individual optical fiber connectors which assists an operative when managing or maintaining optical fiber connections and helps to reduce the likelihood of fatigue or failure since adjacent optical fiber connections are undisturbed during this process and the optical fiber connections may be easily accessed without needing to move or manipulate adjacent patch strips.
US08540433B2	Bearing, and methods of handling the bearing A bearing (4) includes an outer ring (6), rolling elements (5) and a two-part inner ring (A). The two-part inner ring (A) includes a first part (1) having a radially outer surface (11) and an inner bore (12). Furthermore, the two-part inner ring (A) includes a second part (2) having a radially inner surface (21) and at least one raceway (22) for rolling elements. The radially outer surface (11) of the first part (1) essentially matches the radially inner surface (21) of the second part (2). A cavity (3), which in use acts as a pressure chamber, is located between the first and second parts (1, 2). When pressurizing the cavity (3), a relative axial movement between the first and second parts (1, 2) is accomplished.
US08540432B2	Disengageable axial abutment In a disengageable axial abutment for a rotary machine fitted with fluid bearings, an outer ring (103) comprises first and second outer half-rings (103A, 103B) centered in the casing (111) by a flexible suspension system, with the outer half-rings (103A, 103B) being held in the axial direction between a static abutment member (113) and a pre-loading system (104) exerting a predetermined axial force such that, so long as the axial load exerted on the axial abutment via a synchronization cone (108) is greater than a given threshold, each rolling element (101) presents a single line (121) of two points of contact (121A, 121B) with an inner ring (102) and with the first outer half-ring (103A) respectively, and the inner ring (102) is driven in rotation by the synchronization cone (108), whereas, when the axial load exerted on the axial bearing becomes smaller, a gap (115) is created between the outer half-rings (103A, 103B) and a second line (123) of two additional points of contact (123A, 123B) is created between each rolling element (101) and the inner ring (102) and the second outer half-ring (103B) respectively, such that the axial abutment is disengaged.
US08540428B2	Easily tearable fastener tape, method of producing the fastener tape, packaging bag with easily tearable fastener tape, and device and method for producing the packaging bag A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached to an inner surface of a bag body includes: a main body on which an engagement portion is provided; a first projecting portion provided on an opening-side of the main body; a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the first projecting portion; and a second projecting portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion. A belt-shaped base of a female member includes: a main body; a first projecting portion; a thin portion; and a second projecting portion. When the zipper tape is fused onto the bag body, a space is provided between the thin portions and a film of the bag body.
US08540426B2	Compostable natural-fiber food storage bag A biodegradable natural-fiber disposable food storage container for storing a serving of food is formed of an envelope made of a generally unitary blank of a suitable paper that is generally resistant to food fluids such as blood, juices, sauces, etc., but admits at least some permeation of water vapor and atmospheric fluids. Accordion-fold side panels allow the envelope to store flat and open up to accommodate the food article. Two half-panels join at an overlap to form a closed front panel. A water-based glue closes the envelope sides and base, while a repositionable adhesive on the flap closure allows the envelope to be opened and resealed.
US08540423B2	Semiconductor temperature sensor with high sensitivity An temperature sensor circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor comprises an input circuit with a current mirror for forcing a current down a reference stage and an output stage. The reference stage and the output stage include P-N junctions (e.g., using bipolar transistors) with differing junction potentials. By tailoring the resistances in the reference and output stages, the input circuit produces two output voltages, one of which varies predictably with temperature, and one which is stable with temperature. The input circuit is preferably used in conjunction with an amplifier stage which preferably receives both the temperature-sensitive and non-temperature-sensitive outputs. Through various resistor configurations in the amplifier stage, the output of the temperature sensor can be made to vary at a higher sensitivity than produced by the temperature-sensitive output of the input circuit. Moreover, as a result of the non-temperature-sensitive output, the output of the temperature sensor is additionally and beneficially tailored in its offset voltage in a temperature-independent manner. The result is a flexible circuit that can achieve very high sensitivities and near-ideal performance even at lower power supply voltages.
US08540417B2	Chronograph timepiece In a chronograph timepiece of a construction in which chronograph hands are electrically drive-controlled and mechanically zero-restoring-controlled, even when backlash is generated due to zero-restoring, the chronograph hands are normally moved at the time of the next time measurement start. A chronograph timepiece includes a drive control unit starting a time measurement operation in response to a start operation of a start/stop button, electrically hand-movement-driving chronograph hands by driving a chronograph hand movement motor according to the time measured, and resetting the time measurement operation in response to a reset operation of a reset button, and a mechanical structure mechanically zero-restoring and setting the chronograph hands in response to the reset operation, wherein the drive control unit drives the chronograph hand movement motor by a predetermined amount even after the reset operation has been performed.
US08540416B2	Fluidic flow merging apparatus The present invention provides a device for handling fluids, and more particularly a merging apparatus for fluidic and microfluidic devices utilizing passive valving in conjunction with a single sensor to uniformly blend contributory working fluid streams. Symmetric and non symmetric embodiments with and without branch channels are described. The present invention also provides methods for merging liquids using the device of the invention.
US08540414B2	Detachable LED bulb A detachable LED bulb which is easy to be maintained is disclosed. The LED bulb includes a circuit board, LED elements, heat dissipating cup, a base and a power driver. The circuit board has two power lines with a second connector. The LED elements are mounted on the circuit. The heat dissipating cup has a hollow portion, a seat for supporting the circuit and a second coupler. The base has a first coupler for coupling with the second coupler. The power driver is received in the hollow portion of the dissipating cup, is electrically connected between the base and the circuit board, and has a first connector for detachably connecting the second connector of the power lines.
US08540412B2	Light guide plate, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display device including the same A light guide plate includes a light incident surface to which light is incident as incident light, an opposite surface formed opposite to the light incident surface, a light emitting surface through which the incident light is emitted, a rear surface formed opposite to the light emitting surface and including a prism pattern which reflects the incident light to the light emitting surface, and lateral surfaces, wherein a diffuse reflection pattern is formed on at least any one of the light emitting surface and the lateral surfaces to diffuse-reflect light incident to the lateral surfaces, thus rendering a brightness at both the opposite surface and the light incident surface substantially uniform.
US08540410B2	Submerged planar illumination device A submerged planar illumination device for providing specified, substantially uniform distribution of light in liquid from one or few light sources such as LED. The device comprises a light guiding plate having an entrance edge to which the LEDs are fixed, a collimator for redirecting the light and forming substrate light which is coupled to a light guiding plate having at least one light extracting surface. Light extracting surface are optionally on both large surfaces of the light guiding plate. Each light extracting surface is covered with a pattern of light extracting and scattering elements capable of collecting, scattering and extracting light propagating in the light guiding plate into the liquid ambient medium in which the device is submerged. A cover, sealed to the entrance edge of the light guiding plate, protects the light emitting element from the liquid ambient medium.
US08540409B2	Light guide and semiconductor luminaire In at least one embodiment, the light guide (10) comprises a single-pieced light guide body (1). The light guide body (1) includes a transparent material and a light entrance segment (2) having a first cross-section (11) with a polygonal shape. Furthermore, the light guide body (1) includes a light output segment (4) having a second cross-section (22) with a rotund, round, circular, oval or elliptic shape. A transition segment (3) is arranged adjacent to and between the light entrance segment (2) and the light output segment (4). Along the transition segment (3), the first cross-section (11) in particular continuously changes to the second cross-section (22).
US08540408B2	Lamp light source with improved heat dissipation A lamp light source comprises: a light-emitting unit having a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged as a ring on a front face of a mount so as to principally emit light in a frontal direction; and a circuit unit converting externally-supplied electrical power to cause the semiconductor light-emitting elements to emit the light, wherein a through-hole passes vertically through the light-emitting unit at a point inside the ring of semiconductor light-emitting elements, the circuit unit is at least partly arranged within the through-hole, and a space is provided between the circuit unit and the light-emitting unit.
US08540401B2	LED bulb with internal heat dissipating structures An LED based light comprises a base, a light structure, a heat dissipating structure, and at least one LED. The light structure is adjacent to the base and extends along a longitudinal axis of the light. The light structure includes an inner surface and an outer surface and defines a cavity, and the heat dissipating structure extends into the cavity. At least one LED is mounted in thermally conductive relation to the heat dissipating structure. In one version, the light structure is an annular flange, and an organic LED is mounted to the outer surface. In another version, the light structure is a light pipe configured to distribute a light produced by the at least one LED in a predetermined light distribution.
US08540393B2	First and second light-emitting elements having identical peak emission intensities A light source apparatus includes a first light-emitting element to generate an illumination light with a first light emission intensity to be applied to a subject, and a second light-emitting element to generate an illumination light with a second light emission intensity, including at least light with a wavelength different from the illumination light generated from the first light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element and second light-emitting element are arranged, so that the peaks of the first emission intensity and second emission intensity become identical.
US08540390B2	Illumination system for a wall, a ceiling, or a floor The invention relates to an illumination system for a wall, a ceiling or a floor (5), comprising at least one point-type light-emitting body (2), which is connected to a light source by means of a fiber-optic (4) and which when mounted is recessed in relation to a surface (6) of the wall, the ceiling or the floor (5). Said system also comprises a transparent protective body (3), which when mounted covers the light-emitting body (2) on the surface (6) side and lies flush with said surface (6).
US08540389B2	Glove and an illuminating indicating system A glove and illuminating indicating system is provided. The system includes a reed switch in the middle finger of the glove, a magnet connected to the thumb of the glove, and a lighting means. The system is configured such that bringing the reed switch and the magnet within a threshold distance from each other causes the reed switch to effect illumination of the lighting means.
US08540386B2	Backlight module and display apparatus The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The backlight module comprises a heat dissipation plate, a back bezel and at least one light source. The heat dissipation plate includes a plurality of fluid channels and a heat dissipation fluid, wherein the heat dissipation fluid flows in the fluid channels. The back bezel is disposed on the heat dissipation plate. The at least one light source disposed on the back bezel. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The present invention can raise the heat dissipation efficiency of the backlight module.
US08540385B2	Backlight assembly, relay connector, and backlight unit Provided is a backlight assembly wherein a cost reduction is easier than conventional. A backlight assembly (1) has light-emitting element boards (23a to 23f) that are mounted with light-emitting elements (31) and provided on a frame (3b) around an upper surface (front surface) of a chassis (3), a power supply board (51) that is provided on a back surface of the chassis (3) and supplies power to the light-emitting element boards (23a to 23f), and a relay connector (21) that is held by the chassis (3) and electrically connects between the power supply board (51) and the light-emitting element boards (23a to 23f).
US08540384B2	Low power low cost illuminated keyboards and keypads Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.
US08540380B2	Projector with a radiation source A projector is provided with a radiation source adapted to radiate an electromagnetic wave during an operation and an exterior housing adapted to house the radiation source inside, wherein the exterior housing includes a first housing made of synthetic resin, and a second housing including a shield material adapted to block the electromagnetic wave, and disposed at a position for covering the radiation source in a plan view.
US08540379B2	Image display device and information processing apparatus including the same An image display device built into electronic apparatuses, the device including a laser beam source unit emitting laser beams of various colors; a light modulation element modulating the laser beams emitted from the laser beam source unit, based on video signals; a projecting optical system projecting the modulated laser beams formed by the light modulation element on a screen; a control portion controlling the laser beam source unit and the light modulation element; and a movable body provided to be drawn out of and inserted into the case of electronic apparatuses. The movable body includes at least a first unit having the projecting optical system and a second unit rotatably supporting the first unit through a hinge portion. The hinge portion is featured by rotating the first unit.
US08540378B2	Projector and control method of projector A projector includes: a lens position control unit which controls a projection position of an image by shifting a projection lens; a signal receiving unit which receives a position control start signal to start position control and a lens shift signal from a remote controller; a direction conversion memory unit which stores direction conversion information corresponding to the lens shift signal as information for performing a predetermined conversion of the shift direction of the projection lens; a shift direction converting unit which converts the shift direction of the projection lens based on the direction conversion information; a menu display unit which displays a direction conversion menu screen through which the direction conversion information is inputted; and a control unit which allows the menu display unit to display the direction conversion menu screen when a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of reception of the position control start signal.
US08540374B2	Cooling arrangement for projector with optical modulation devices A projector includes: an optical modulation device configured to modulate an incident luminous flux; a projection optical device configured to project the luminous flux modulated by the optical modulation device; and a cooling device configured to cool the optical modulation device, wherein the cooling device includes a cooling fan, and a duct having a discharge portion that causes the air discharged from the cooling fan to circulate in a direction approximately parallel to the optical axis, and discharges it to a lateral side of the optical modulation device, and the duct is disposed in a state that, when the projection optical device and discharge portion are cut by a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the height position of a first center between the upper end and lower end of the cross-section of the discharge portion and that of the optical axis differ from one another.
US08540369B2	Led variable light source An LED variable light source of this invention includes a super luminescent LED for generating a continuous light signal having a logarithmically controllable light intensity maintainable over a broad spectral range. The LED variable light source also includes a light lens for receiving and focusing the generated continuous light signal and a controller for controlling the light signal's intensity and frequency range via a driver interface, constructed and arranged to allow a user to input LED variable light source control inputs.
US08540368B2	Ophthalmic photographing apparatus An ophthalmic photographing apparatus including an interference optical system for dividing light from a first light source into measurement light and reference light, directing measurement light to a fundus and reference light to a reference optical system, and photo-receiving by a first photodetector interference light, a first optical scanner disposed in a measurement light optical path and scanning measurement light in two dimensional directions, a driving unit moving an optical member in an optical path of measurement light or reference light to change an optical path length, a control unit controlling the driving unit to adjust an optical path length difference, controlling the optical scanner to scan measurement light at a given photographing view angle, and obtaining a tomographic image based on a photodetector signal, and a calculation unit converting a photographing range into an actual distance based on optical member positional information and view angle information.
US08540362B2	Liquid ejection device A liquid ejection device includes a first rolled medium accommodation unit, a second rolled medium accommodation unit and a liquid ejection head. The first rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate a rolled medium, the first rolled medium accommodation unit being movable along a first path. The second rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate the rolled medium, the second rolled medium accommodation unit being movable along a second path. The liquid ejection head is configured to eject an ink as a liquid onto a medium supplied by being unwound from the rolled medium.
US08540361B2	Printing system with input media roller and output vacuum belts A printing system that has a print zone, a drive roller positioned at an input side of the print zone, a vacuum platen assembly positioned under the print zone, a printhead assembly overlaying and spanning the print zone and a vacuum belt assembly configured to receive media from the print zone.
US08540359B2	Electronic inks Electronic inks are disclosed herein. The electronic ink includes a non-polar carrier fluid, a plurality of positively charged colorant particles dispersed in the non-polar carrier fluid, and a plurality of reverse co-micelles including a basic charge director and an acidic charge controlling agent. The basic charge director has a molecular weight that is within 5000 of a molecular weight of the acidic charge controlling agent.
US08540358B2	Inkjet compositions and processes for stretchable substrates Novel inkjet ink compositions for forming an image in a form of an elastic film attached to a surface of a stretchable and/or flexible substrate and processes utilizing same for inkjet printing color images on various substrates such as colored and absorptive or impregnable stretchable materials, which are characterized by heightened efficiency in process time, ink and energy consumption, as well as products having durable, wash-fast and abrasion-fast images printed thereon by the process, are disclosed. The novel ink compositions comprise a first part, which contains a property-adjusting agent and a carrier, and a second part which contains an emulsified property-sensitive proto-elastomeric film-forming agent, a colorant and a carrier, such that the second part congeals upon contact with the property-adjusting agent. The second part is digitally applied to the substrate less than 1 second following the application of the first part to the substrate.
US08540357B2	Dithered printing of clear ink to reduce rub and offset An imaging device includes a media supply and handling system configured to move media along a path. A printing system is disposed along the path that includes at least one printhead for applying melted phase-change ink of at least one color to the media to form images thereon. A fixing assembly is disposed along the path downstream of the printing system that is configured to apply heat and/or pressure to the melted phase change ink of the images on the media. A coating system is disposed along the path downstream from the spreader. The coating system includes at least one printhead for applying a clear ink on top of the images formed on the media by the printing station.
US08540351B1	Deflection plate for liquid jet printer A liquid jet printing apparatus is provided having a nozzle for emitting a stream of liquid droplets toward a substrate, a charging section for providing an electrical charge to liquid droplets and a pair of electrically conductive deflecting plates for deflecting the liquid droplets to a desired location on the substrate, wherein the inside face of the deflecting plates is provided with dielectric layer to minimize problems associated with liquid droplets collecting and coalescing on the deflecting plates.
US08540349B2	Printhead having isolated heater A liquid ejector includes a substrate, a heating element, a dielectric material layer, and a chamber. The substrate includes a first surface. The heating element is located over the first surface of the substrate such that a cavity exists between the heating element and the first surface of the substrate. The dielectric material layer is located between the heating element and the cavity such that the cavity is laterally bounded by the dielectric material layer. The chamber, including a nozzle, is located over the heating element. The chamber is shaped to receive a liquid with the cavity being isolated from the liquid.
US08540345B2	Recording apparatus and recording system When a gradation mask is used to distribute image data to be recorded by overlapping portions in an overlapping head, color unevenness is generated in an image recorded by the overlapping portions due to a displacement in impact positions caused by an assembly error. As a result, accurate colorimetric measurement of patches recorded by the overlapping portion cannot be performed. To solve such a problem, a distribution ratio by which the image data is distributed to the overlapping portions is set to be approximately constant when recording a test pattern for performing color correction, as compared to when normally recording the image.
US08540342B2	Recording apparatus, method of controlling recording apparatus and computer readable recording medium Positions of flushing candidate pixels are provided in standard areas S formed from pixels arranged in a matrix pattern. A reference area formation section forms a reference area Ref by arranging two standard areas S adjacently to each other in both a main scan direction and a conveyance direction. In a range where there are overlaps with virtual pixel rows 84 not associated with image dots for a virtual flushing area F virtually arranged at a randomly-determined position in the reference area Ref, an extraction section extracts pixels overlapping flushing candidate pixels in the reference area Ref. A head control section controls inkjet heads such that image dots and flushing dots corresponding to the extracted pixels are formed on a sheet P.
US08540339B2	Ink jet printing apparatus with ink stirring operation An ink jet printing apparatus is provided which can stir ink efficiently and reduce user stresses by specifying the time for stirring ink in an ink tank. A stir operation that reciprocally moves a carriage for stirring ink in the ink tank is executed in parallel with a suction-based operation of sucking out ink from a cap after a print operation.
US08540330B2	System and method to compensate for an inoperative inkjet in an inkjet printer An inkjet printer has been developed, which identifies one or more printing metrics and selects a corrective operation for image data. After application of the corrective operation to image data, firing signals are generated with reference to the modified image data to compensate for an inoperative inkjet in a printhead of the inkjet printer.
US08540329B2	Liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes a valve which adjusts the flow rate of a recording liquid in a return passage connecting an outflow opening with a tank, a pump which supplies the recording liquid from the tank to the internal passage via the supply passage, a detecting unit which detects an operating state of the pump, and a calculating unit which calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid. The calculating unit calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid based on the operating state of the pump detected by the detecting unit, while the recording liquid in the tank circulates so as to serially pass through the supply passage, the internal passage, and the return passage.
US08540328B2	Control mechanism for drawer slide assembly A control mechanism for a drawer slide assembly which includes a first slide member and a second slide member. The control mechanism includes an adjustment member and a pair of stop members. The adjustment member is rotationally connected to the second slide member, and the pair of stop members are connected to the adjustment member and each have a stop portion located corresponding to the first slide member. The first slide member includes a catch portion which is located corresponding to one of the stop portions. The pair of the stop members are moved by rotation of the adjustment member. When the second slide member is retracted relative to the first slide member, the first and second stop portions are respectively adjusted and are engaged with the catch portion of the first side member to position the second slide member.
US08540324B2	Pressure modulator control The invention relates to a brake system which comprises an actuating device (26), especially a brake pedal (30), and a control/regulation device (22). Said control/regulation device (22) controls at least one electromotive drive device (7a, 7b, 8) in response to the movement and/or position of the actuating device (26). The drive device adjusts a piston (1, 1a, 1b) of a piston/cylinder system via a non-hydraulic transmission device, thereby adjusting a pressure in the working compartment (4′, 4′a, 4b′) of the cylinder. Said working compartment is connected to a wheel brake (15, 17) via a pressure conduit (13, 13a). A valve (14, 14a, 15, 15a, 14′, 14a′) is interposed between the brake cylinder of the wheel brake and the working compartment of the piston/cylinder system. The control/regulation device opens the valve for pressure suppression or pressure build-up in the brake cylinder and closes it in order to maintain the pressure in the brake cylinder.
US08540320B2	Slotted shank bit holder A quick change type bit holder for use in a bit assembly for road milling, road planing, trenching and mining equipment wherein a bit shank extends completely through an axially oriented bit holder bore includes a slotted shank having an outwardly tapered bit holder bore wherein insertion of the bit shank in a bit block acts to slightly collapse the shank which collapses the tapered bore to a generally cylindrical configuration that preferably snugly retains the bit shank rotatably therein.
US08540316B2	Scissors-type frame for a vehicle seat and method for producing a substructure of a vehicle seat To be able to produce a scissors-type frame of a vehicle seat in a quick and easy manner, the present invention is directed to a scissors-type frame for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first scissors element and a second scissors element, wherein the scissors-type frame is height-adjustable by means of the two scissors elements, and wherein the scissors-type frame is characterized in that one of the two scissors elements passes through the other of the two scissors elements.
US08540314B2	Flex chair A chair having a seat, a first support base and an upright elongated support element. The upright elongated support element has a first point and a second point, with the first point connecting to the seat and the second point connecting to the first support base. The first support base is bolstered by a resilient component since the resilient component is disposed beneath the first support base. The resilient component is capable of providing cushioning to the first support base is also capable of providing a full axial rotation to said upright elongated support element.
US08540310B2	Deployable in-seat cup holder A deployable cup holder including linkage arranged such that a portion of the linkage is movable between a folded configuration positioned within a space defined in a seat, and a deployed configuration positioned forming a closed loop defining an opening between the linkage, the linkage including a ground link, first and second grounded links, and a coupler link, wherein the ground link and the coupler link are pivotably connected to each of the first and second grounded links to define a closed loop.
US08540306B2	Door impact beam unit for 2-door vehicle Wide brackets of door impact beams are formed in a Z shape such that beam contact parts are extended horizontally in one direction above oblique force support parts and wide overlap parts are extended horizontally in the opposite direction below the oblique force support parts. Therefore, while an overlap section of a door with respect to a B pillar is further widened, a body frame and a B pillar of a 2-door coupe vehicle exhibit the same safety performance as a body frame and a B pillar of a 4-door sedan vehicle.
US08540302B2	Adjustable length truck bed cover with removable side panels and method of installation and removal A cover assembly and a method of covering a cargo bed for a truck having a separate cab uses a raised structure with removable side panels, constructed and arranged in sections of successively smaller width and height dimensions, the cover sections being slideably mounted within grooves on side rails that are secured to the sides of the cargo bed so that the smaller sections can be either extended, with the smallest section is toward the rear of the cargo bed or retracted into the largest section, and locking pins are provided to secure the cover sections in the desired locations, the method of installation and removal being to install the cover sections in order of size with the smallest sections installed first and the largest sections removed first.
US08540301B2	Sun visor A sun visor can appropriately expand its light shielding area without requiring any auxiliary sun visor or the like and hence can be provided at low cost. The sun visor includes a sun visor main body section 101 including a container section 102 having a first width and an aperture section 103 having a second width greater than the first width and held in communication with the container section 102, and a translucent light shielding plate including a light shielding plate main body section 111, a pair of upper projections 112 arranged at the upper lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section 111 and a pair of lower projections 113 arranged at the lower lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section, and the width between the pair of upper projections 112 is greater than the second width.
US08540294B2	Removable ladder handle A removable ladder handle allows a user to carry a ladder comfortably with one hand or a shoulder strap. The removable ladder handle has a bar, one or more compression springs and one or more spring clips that have a concave downward shape. A middle section of each spring clip is coupled to the bar. The compression springs are coupled to the bar facing downward. Both end sections of each spring clip have inside hooks that face inward and upward. The spring clips and inside hooks are configured to fit over one of the side rails of a ladder and snap on to inner edges of the side rail when the removable ladder handle is engaged to the ladder by a user pushing the removable ladder handle down onto the side rail.
US08540293B2	Handle configuration The invention relates to a handle configuration for a door, in particular for a motorized vehicle door, with an outside handle (1) mounted such that it can pivot, which is arranged on the outside on the type of exterior door fuselage (3) that has a concave external handle recess (2), where the outside handle (1) has a first (10) and a second bearing arm (20) arranged on the inside with the first bearing arm (10) mounted around a rotational axis (11), the outside handle (1) has face surfaces (5) in each of the areas of the first (10) and the second bearing arm (20) which face the exterior door fuselage (3) and with a gap (4) that exists between the face surface (5) and the exterior door fuselage (3). According to the invention, it is provided that the outside handle (1) is rotatably mounted in a guideway (12, 31), which is fundamentally matched to the contour of the concavity of the handle recess (2), by means of which a tolerance compensation can be achieved by moving the outside handle (1) along the guideway (12, 31), without a resulting contact of the outside handle (1) with the exterior door fuselage (3).
US08540291B2	Device and method for unlocking a lock by use of monitoring of current A lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device has an electric motor mechanically connected to an axle by means of at least one transmission means, and rotation of said axle actuates the lock catch. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor.
US08540290B2	Structure for electrical lock A structure for electrical locks comprises two rotational members, a latching assembly, and a controlling means. The two rotational members are respectively secured to two handles of a door. The latching assembly includes a cartridge, a sliding element, and a dividing rod. The dividing rod is fitted in the cartridge to define two lateral zones respectively corresponding to two recesses of the rotational members. The sliding member is slidably fitted in one of the lateral zones of the cartridge. The controlling means includes a pushing assembly and a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the pushing assembly can be moved forward to lock a respective handle. When the solenoid is energized, the pushing assembly can be moved back to free the respective handle. The structure can be easily applied in a door where one handle can be freely operated while the other handle can be electro-selectively operated.
US08540285B1	Chemical etched two dimensional matrix symbols and method and process for making same A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.
US08540284B2	Snowboard simulation riding device A wheeled riding device has a body with an elongate front arm, a turning tail, and a joint part pivotally connecting the turning tail and front arm relative to one another. A front wheel is carried by a forward end of the front arm. Rear wheels are carried by a rear end of the turning tail. A standing platform is supported over the front arm and turning tail. The rear wheels and turning tail can pivot laterally side to side relative to the front arm. The front wheel and front arm can pivot vertically up and down relative to the standing platform. The front wheel, during a turn, is cambered inward into the turn. The device is controlled by the rider using body movements and skills required to ride a snowboard.
US08540281B2	Steering system A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received.
US08540277B2	Passenger-side airbag folded body and passenger-side airbag apparatus There is provided a passenger-side airbag folded body in which an inflator opening is provided at a base end of an airbag and a vent hole is provided at each of right and left side surfaces of the airbag. Right and left end parts of the airbag are folded along vertical fold lines, thereby providing a vertically long primary folded body. The primary folded body is folded along lateral fold lines, thereby providing the passenger-side airbag folded body serving as a final folded body, and the vent holes are exposed at right and left end faces of the final folded body.
US08540271B2	Snowshoe binding A snowshoe binding includes a base plate having opposing first and second lateral sides and a locating block located on the second lateral side and defining an inverted T-shaped retaining hole, a flat connection block defining therein a bottom accommodation chamber adapted for accommodating the locating block, a plurality of binding strap each having a first end connected to the first lateral side of the base plate and a second end coupled to the flat connection block, and a locking device adapted for detachably locking the flat connection block to the locating block.
US08540265B2	Manually propelled scooter A scooter with a foot platform, front and rear wheels at the forward and rear ends of the foot platform, and a bearing at the forward end of the platform; a steering column mounting sleeve attached to the bearing, a front wheel drive shaft slidable within the steering column mounting sleeve, a hub extension at the lower end of the steering column mounting sleeve supporting the front wheel, a drive extension having a drive member on the lower end of the front wheel drive shaft, a drive pinion coupled to the front wheel and engaged with the drive member and hand bars at the upper end of the steering column mounting sleeve operable by downward movement to slide the front wheel drive shaft downwardly through the steering column mounting sleeve for driving the front wheel.
US08540263B2	Rear bogie-type suspension The present patent of invention refers to a rear bogie-type suspension used preferably in trucks, having a pivoting bearing (1) disposed on upper part of the spring pack (2), positioned between the two axles and laterally on each side of the chassis (5), said pivoting bearing (1) comprised of an anchor pin (3) fastened to a hanger (4) and to the chassis (5), in a robust manner to withstand the extreme strains to which this kind of suspension is normally submitted, also favoring assembly conditions, weight reduction, reduced consumption of materials and labor, also having an axle rebound stop (6) in combination with spring pack (2) in order to provide greater safety and durability to its components.
US08540262B2	Commercial vehicle and device for attaching a spring element to a commercial vehicle axle A commercial vehicle has its axle housings supported on the chassis frame by way of spring elements. Each spring element is connected to a clamping yoke having two legs, of which in each case one leg rests against the front of the axle housing and the other leg rests against the rear of the axle housing, as seen in the driving direction. The legs are connected to one another by a web. Each leg is fixed and secured on a fixing projection on a longitudinal side of the axle housing, and the web is spaced apart from the upper side of the axle housing.
US08540260B1	Shaft support assemblies having cross member assembly for transmitting torque through various axes and vehicle including same A vehicular swing arm assembly includes a swing member, an axle support assembly, and an axle. The swing member is configured for pivotal attachment to a frame of a vehicle. The axle support assembly includes a driven member and a cross member assembly. The driven member is rotatably coupled with the swing member and is rotatable about a drive axis. The cross member assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member is pivotally coupled with the driven member and is pivotable with respect to the driven member. The second pivot member is pivotally coupled with the first pivot member and is pivotable with respect to the first pivot member. The axle is coupled with one of the first and second pivot members and is rotatable. Rotation of the driven member about the drive axis facilitates rotation of the axle.
US08540258B2	Rack assist type electric power steering apparatus A rack-assist type electric power steering apparatus, in which when a ball nut slides a rack bar while rotating, a vibration and a noise in the axis direction and the radial direction, generated from the rack bar and a rack housing, are absorbed. This facilitates the operation of the ball nut and the rack bar, and reduces the vibration and the noise, thereby resulting in an effect for providing a comfortable steering feeling to a driver.
US08540256B1	Up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture An up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. The up-right walker includes side frames having a back leg frame and a front leg frame. Wheels are coupled to the back leg frame and to front leg frame for contacting a surface for enabling motion. A first support frame is disposed at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame disposed at the top of the second side frame. A first support structure is coupled to the first support frame and a second support structure is coupled to the second forearm support frame. The first and second support structures are configured to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels. A knee support fixture may be provided that includes a knee support platform and a pivoting repository for receiving and supporting a knee therein.
US08540252B2	Convertible cargo container An apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. The present invention is particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.
US08540247B2	Methods and devices for on-the-roll sports games A realistic professional team sports board game, including an On-The-Roll mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, opposing teams continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle and a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation that maps various combinations of offensive and defensive strategies and dice rolls into realistic game situations and the progression among them. Both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. A variety of play cards affect the overall game momentum of either team.
US08540241B2	Sheet end detection device, image recording apparatus including the sheet end detection device, and a method for detecting position of sheet A sheet end detection device includes a cylindrical roller rotatable around an axis; and a phase detection unit configured to detect a phase in a circumferential direction of the roller. A first piezoelectric element band is provided on the peripheral surface of the roller and extending in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and the first piezoelectric element band is configured to detect a contact of the sheet and extending in an axial direction of the roller over an inside and an outside of a contact area to be contacted with the conveyed sheet on the peripheral surface. A position of an arbitrary point of the first piezoelectric element band in the axial direction of the roller corresponds one-to-one with the phase in the circumferential direction of the roller.
US08540231B2	Paper stopper mechanism for paper-feeding apparatus A paper stopper mechanism for paper-feeding apparatus, which has simplified structure and commonly uses one motor to stop papers. The paper stopper mechanism includes a rotary shaft driven by a drive shaft via a gear assembly, a stopper plate disposed on the rotary shaft, which is movable between a first position and a second position along with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a resilient member positioned between the rotary shaft and a transmission gear of the gear assembly. There is frictional force between the rotary shaft and the transmission gear, whereby the transmission gear can drive the rotary shaft to rotate. When the stopper plate and the rotary shaft stop at the second position, the transmission gear can still transmit power to a pickup roller to feed a paper into the paper-feeding apparatus without any error.
US08540230B2	Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus with curvature formation portion and reversely rotatable feeding roller When a sheet is fed, a feeding roller is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet is fed to draw out the uppermost sheet from a separation claw, and then the sheet is fed in such a manner that the feeding roller is rotated in the direction in which the sheet is fed to feed the drawn out sheet along the upper surface of a separation claw. When the sheet is fed, a curvature formation portion curves downward both ends in the width direction of the second and subsequent sheets to integrally lower pressing portions for pressing both ends in the width direction of the sheet along with the curved sheets and to separate the pressing portions from the uppermost sheet, thereby preventing the leading end of the uppermost sheet from catching the pressing portions.
US08540228B2	Sheet processing device and image forming apparatus A sheet processing device includes a stacking unit that is used to stack a bundle of sheets that are placed upon each other with first edge portions of the sheets being aligned with each other; a first binding unit that binds the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit; a second binding unit that is provided integrally with the first binding unit in a direction along the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit, and that binds the first edge portions by a binding method differing from a binding method of the first binding unit; and an angle changing mechanism that is capable of changing an angle of the first binding unit with respect to the bundle of sheets when binding the first edge portions with the first binding unit.
US08540227B2	Accumulating apparatus for discrete paper or film objects and related methods An apparatus is provided for accumulating discrete paper or film objects traveling in a machine direction. A first accumulator element of the apparatus is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A second accumulator element is disposed in confronting relationship with the first accumulator element and has a first, generally flat surface, and a first arcuate surface. Both of these surfaces are rotatable about the first axis of rotation and the first accumulator element has a first angular position that defines a first gap relative to the second accumulator element for receiving the objects there between. The first accumulator element has a second angular position that defines a second gap relative to the second accumulator element for moving the objects in the machine direction, with the second gap being smaller than the first gap.
US08540224B2	Variable amplitude sine wave spring A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
US08540220B2	Air spring for vehicle and railway truck for vehicle The invention offers an air spring for obtaining a vehicle that renders good comfortableness even at the time of the curved-track running. The air spring for a vehicle has an upper board, a lower board, a diaphragm, and a stopper rubber placed between the lower board and a lower plate. The air spring is provided with a mechanism for restraining the displacement of the stopper rubber, the mechanism having a first restraining member placed on either one of the lower plate and the lower board and a second restraining member placed on the other. The shape of restraining wall surfaces is formed such that in the relative positional relationship between the first and second restraining members, when the first or second restraining member displaces itself such that it delineates an arc by placing the center at the railway truck axis of the railway truck of a vehicle, the spacings between the first and second restraining members at the left side and right side are equal to each other or decrease as the amount of displacement along the arc increases.
US08540218B2	Fluid dispersion unit assembly and method A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom. A plurality of valves disposed across a surface of the tray and mounted above a plurality of apertures on the surface of the tray, each valve of the plurality of valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the lighter fluid flow therefrom and further comprising a first aperture in the first securement leg. The first aperture is adapted to allow the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions for allowing ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely dispersed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction and each valve is adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of the heavier fluid flow passing over the top surface for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray.
US08540216B2	Carpet stretching apparatus An electrically or pneumatically powered carpet stretcher including a wheeled dolly and designed for use by a standing operator. A variable speed electric or pneumatically powered drive unit having a chuck is removably attached to the wheeled dolly. A number of interchangeable head assemblies may be selectively attached to a power unit using its chuck. A multi-head carpet stretching head assembly allows fast stretching of carpet. Smaller single unit heads allow work in corners or other tight spaces. A tile removing head may also be provided to utilize the carpet stretcher to remove tile from floors or other similar tasks. An adjustable height lip may be provided at the front edge of a carpet stretching head to allow easy tucking of carpets with different piles and/or thicknesses.
US08540215B2	Wire grip A wire grip comprising a stationary-side gripping portion provided with a body and having a substantially straight front shape, and a movable-side wire gripping portion arranged to face the stationary-side wire gripping portion and set movable back and forth with respect to the stationary-side wire gripping portion, whereby the linear object can be gripped between the stationary-side wire gripping portion and the movable-side wire gripping portion, wherein a first action portion for moving the movable-side wire gripping portion back and forth and a second action portion connected to the first action portion by a connecting rod are turnably attached at their individual ends to the body, wherein the other end of the first action portion and the other end of the second action portion are turnably attached to one end of the connection rod and an intermediate portion of the connection rod, respectively, wherein the other end of the connecting rod is pulled substantially parallel to the stationary-side wire gripping portion and the movable-side wire gripping portion so that the connecting rod, the second action portion and the first action portion are linked to act to move the movable-side wire gripping portion forward with respect to the stationary-side wire gripping portion.
US08540214B2	Vehicle lift The present invention is a vehicle lift. In particular, the present invention is directed to a vehicle lift that can be mounted to the rear of a vehicle or used as a stand-alone lift. A preferred embodiment of the lift comprises a vehicle platform mounted to two platform saddles supported by two lifting arms and two support arms. The lifting arms and support arms are pivotally attached to a mount frame at one end and the platform saddles on the other end. A spacer sleeve is attached between the lifting arms and has a lock bar inserted through it. Lift locks are attached to each end of the lock bar and can lock the lift. Two drives are attached to the mount frame at one end and to the spacer sleeve at the other end. When the platform is in a raised position, the drives are extended.
US08540209B2	Active combustion flow modulation valve A flow modulation valve has a slidably translating hollow armature with at least one energizable coil wound around and fixably attached to the hollow armature. The energizable coil or coils are influenced by at least one permanent magnet surrounding the hollow armature and supported by an outer casing. Lorentz forces on the energizable coils which are translated to the hollow armature, increase or decrease the flow area to provide flow throttling action. The extent of hollow armature translation depends on the value of current supplied and the direction of translation depends on the direction of current flow. The compact nature of the flow modulation valve combined with the high forces afforded by the actuator design provide a flow modulation valve which is highly responsive to high-rate input control signals.
US08540205B2	Electronic device having adjustable table stand An electronic device includes a main body and a table stand connected to the main body for supporting the main body. The main body comprises a positioning member. The table stand defines at least two positioning holes. The table stand is operable to rotate relative to the main body. The positioning member is operable to be selectively inserted into either one of the at least two positioning holes, such that the table stand is operable to form a corresponding predetermined angle with the main body.
US08540202B2	Support mechanism A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism, comprises at least one connecting assembly; and at least one pair of support portions, each of the at least one pair of support portions comprising a first support member, a connecting member comprising a first connecting end and a second connecting end, and a second support member; wherein the first support member is rotatably connected to the connecting member at the first connecting end, the second support member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member at the second connecting end, and the second support members of each of the at least one pair of support portions are rotatably connected to each other by the at least one connecting assembly.
US08540199B2	Speaker assembly with rotary fastening mechanism A speaker fastening mechanism includes a first fastening component installed inside an audio device, a second fastening component installed inside the audio device and disposed on a side of the first fastening component, a speaker unit whereon a first fixing part and a second fixing part are formed, a first elastic component wedged in the first fixing part and fastened inside the first fastening component, and a second elastic component wedged in the second fixing part and fastened inside the second fastening component in a rotating manner after the first elastic component is fastened inside the first fastening component.
US08540198B2	Support arm system A support arm system (10) includes a socket (16) for attachment to a surface (18) and a support arm (14), for removable insertion in the socket (16). The support arm (14) has at least one formation (22). The socket (16) includes a housing (28) having an insertion opening (30) leading to a passage (32) for insertion of the support arm (14). At least one formation (34) in the passage (32) complementary to the at least one formation (22) on the support arm (14) is provided to engage the support arm (14) when the support arm (14) is in the socket (16). A gate element (36) in the passage (32) is biased to a position at or in front of said at least one formation (34) in the passage. To insert the support arm (14), the gate element (36) must be pushed against its bias to expose the formation in the passage for engagement by the support arm (14) to retain the support arm in the socket, the gate element (36) providing a positive force between the support arm (14) and socket (16) while it is so retained. In another form of the invention, a gate element (126) is moveable in the housing and has a periphery complementary to the insertion opening. This gate element (126) is pushed by the support arm against its bias to allow insertion of the support arm into the socket and to allow the respective formations to be brought into engagement to retain the support arm in the socket. When the support arm is not in the socket, the gate element (126) provides a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the housing.
US08540197B1	Skateboard mounting arrangement A skateboard mounting arrangement consists of a top part that includes a magnet and a bottom part that includes a bottom extension. When the bottom part is mounted below the top part on a wall support, the bottom of the skateboard is retained by the bottom extension and the magnet attracts and holds the top part to the wall support.
US08540184B2	Long-range aircraft with high forward speed in cruising flight The present invention relates to an aircraft (1) comprising an airframe (2) provided with a fuselage (10) and fixed wings (20), a rotary wing (30), at least two propellers (41, 42), and a power plant suitable for driving said rotary wing (30) and said propellers (41, 42) into rotation. The fixed wings (20) comprise a front wing (21) arranged in the high portion (15) of the front portion (11) of the fuselage (10), and a rear wing (22) arranged in the rear portion (13) of said fuselage (10), said front and rear wings (21 and 22) each extending transversely on either side of the fuselage (10), said front wing (21) having a first front half-wing (21′) and a second front half-wing (21″), at least one of said propellers (41) being mounted on said first front half-wing (21′) and at least one of said propellers (42) being mounted on said second front half-wing (21″), said rotary wing (30) being arranged in the central portion (12) so that an axis of rotation (AX) of the rotor (31) of said rotary wing (30) is located between said front and rear wings (21 and 22).
US08540183B2	Aerovehicle system including plurality of autogyro assemblies An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container or frame to hold or support cargo, at least one and, in some examples, a plurality of autogyro assemblies connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container or frame includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. In an example, the electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle. The aerovehicle can further include plurality of autogyro assemblies to assist in flight. The aerovehicle can include surfaces that provide lift or control to assist in the flight profile of the aerovehicle.
US08540182B2	Dispenser for multiple rolls of lottery tickets A lottery ticket dispensing system includes a housing having a plurality of lottery ticket rolls carried therein. At least one wall of the housing defines a common dispensing face having a respective dispensing slot for each of the lottery ticket rolls. A leading end of each of the lottery ticket rolls is pulled and dispensed independently of the other lottery ticket rolls.
US08540180B2	Apparatus and method for distribution of a floor covering An apparatus includes a frame and a roller. The frame has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be coupled to a vehicle configured to move along a surface, such as for example, an industrial utility vehicle, scooter or the like. The roller is coupled to the second portion of the frame such that when the first portion of the frame is coupled to the vehicle the second portion of the frame and the roller are spaced apart from the surface, and the roller is configured to contact a portion of a substantially cylindrical roll. The portion of the substantially cylindrical roll is disposed between the surface and a horizontal center line of the substantially cylindrical roll.
US08540176B2	Crushing plant and method for controlling the same There is described a crushing plant and a method for controlling the same. The crushing plant includes a crusher (1) and a feeding arrangement (3), and is driven by a diesel engine (13). A load value related to the diesel engine is retrieved e.g. by means of a J1939 interface. If the retrieved value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control loop of the feeding arrangement (3) is altered. Thereby it can be avoided that the diesel engine (13) stalls, such that continuous operation of the crushing plant may be ensured.
US08540175B2	Method and device for controlling the operation of a gyratory crusher A gyratory crusher comprises a first crushing shell mounted on a crushing head, and a second crushing shell mounted on a machine frame, a crushing gap being formed between said first and second crushing shells. A method of controlling the operation of said crusher comprises measuring a parameter being representative of the stresses to which the crusher is exposed during the crushing of material, determining an average value of said parameter, determining a deviation value of said parameter, calculating a peak value based on said average value and said deviation value, comparing said peak value to a reference value, and controlling the operation of the crusher in view of said comparison between said peak value and said reference value.
US08540170B2	Rotor nozzle The invention relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high-pressure cleaning devices, having a nozzle housing which has an inlet opening at its axially one end and an outlet opening at the other end for a fluid, in particular water, as well as having a rotor which is arranged in a swirl chamber of the nozzle housing, which is supported at a bearing at its front end facing the outlet opening, which can be at least partly flowed through by the fluid, which can be set into rotation about a longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing by fluid flowing into the swirl chamber and is inclined toward the longitudinal axis at least in the rotated state. Provision is made in this respect that a flexing device is arranged in the swirl chamber which surrounds the rotor and at which deformation work is carried out in a flexing state given from a specific inclination angle of the rotor onward, wherein up to a specific angle of inclination of the rotor the flexing device adopts a base state in which the flexing device is arranged at a spacing from an end abutment and/or wherein the spacing is changeable in the flexing state by deformation of the flexing device: and or that the nozzle housing has a front assembly opening through which an assembly including a plurality of components can be introduced into a nozzle housing and removed from the nozzle housing as a unit.
US08540169B2	Atomizing member and atomizer including the same An atomizing member that includes a piezoelectric vibrator and a vibrating membrane. The piezoelectric vibrator includes a cylindrical piezoelectric body, a first electrode disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body, and a second electrode disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric vibrator performs cylindrical breathing vibration. The vibrating membrane is disposed on an opening at a first side in an axial direction of the piezoelectric body so as to cover the opening. The vibrating membrane has a through hole in its central portion.
US08540168B2	Wick fragrance diffuser A fragrance diffuser and method of adjusting the evaporation rate of fragrance from a diffuser includes a container having an opening communicating with the interior of the container. A quantity of granular solids material such as silica sand, calcium carbonate sand, salt or starch is located in the container, and a fragrance material is mixed with the solids material to form a solids material-fragrance material mixture that is free of solvents, or includes a minor amount of a low volatility solvent. Wicking material is inserted through the opening of the container, and a portion of the wicking material is immersed into and supported by the solids material-fragrance material mixture. The fragrance material migrates along or through the wicking material and evaporates into the surrounding environment. The evaporation rate of fragrance from the diffuser can be adjusted by varying the length of the wicking material immersed into the granular solids material-fragrance mixture.
US08540166B2	Vehicular air-conditioning system and control method of same An air-conditioner ECU sets the maximum flowrate or a set flowrate which is less than the maximum flowrate as a required flowrate Vr based on outside air temperature when a DEF mode is selected, and requires that coolant be circulated (steps 100 to 110). Also, when the coolant temperature Tw during heating is between a set temperature TS3 and a set temperature TS1, circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required (steps 134, 130, 132). When a blower fan is stopped when the coolant temperature is equal to or less than the set temperature TS3 and a fresh air mode is selected, the circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required when the vehicle speed Sv is above a set vehicle speed (steps 134 to 146). Cool air is prevented from being blown out of an air outlet and heating of the coolant is promoted by suppressing the speed of an electric pump while maintaining the ability to prevent fogging.
US08540163B2	Personalization of card-shaped data carriers In a method and an apparatus for personalizing card-shaped data carriers (10, 11, 12), for example chip cards in the formats ID000 to ID3 or other suitable formats, a card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) to be personalized is transported by means of a transport device within the apparatus. During the transport motion, personalization data are transferred to an electronic storage device (13) of the card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) by means of a personalization device (40). The transporting of the card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) is effected by means of a band-shaped or tubular carrier (20, 21, 22, 23) on which a multiplicity of card-shaped data carriers (10, 11, 12) to be personalized are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction.
US08540162B2	Microcircuit device including a near-field communication antenna circuit This circuit (32) comprises a first antenna (34) connected to the microcircuit (14) and capable of supplying power to the microcircuit (14) by electromagnetic coupling with an external terminal and a second antenna (36) electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna (34) while remaining electrically isolated from the latter. In addition, the first (34) and second (36) antennas consist respectively of first and second windings having opposite winding directions as defined from the same observation point.
US08540161B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same An object of this invention is to provide a semiconductor device (an RFID) with reduced loss of voltage/current corresponding to a threshold value of a transistor, and having a voltage/current rectification property. Another object of this invention is to simplify a fabrication process and a circuit configuration. A rectifier circuit is provided in an element included in a semiconductor device (RFID) capable of communicating data wirelessly. As compared to the case where only a diode is provided, coils are provided between gate terminals and drain terminals of transistors constituting the diode in a rectifier circuit, so that the coils overlap an antenna which receives a radio wave, whereby a voltage output by the rectifier circuit is increased using electromagnetic coupling between the antenna which receives a radio wave and the coils, so that the rectification efficiency is improved.
US08540160B2	Card carrier having extended transaction card A transaction card carrier is disclosed. The transaction card carrier may include a transaction card having substantially the same width as the transaction card carrier. The transaction card may also be secured on the transaction card carrier such that at least one scan bar positioned on the back surface of the transaction card is visible and accessible without manipulating the transaction card carrier.
US08540156B2	System and method for quality management utilizing barcode indicators A barcoded quality indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one product quality threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded quality indicator including a changeable barcode including at least one material having at least one variable visually-sensible characteristic which gradually changes as a function of changes in the at least one product quality affecting parameter and a background having at least one selectable visually-sensible characteristic which is not variable or not variable in the same way as is the barcode. The machine-readable indication of exceedance being represented by a machine-readable difference between the at least one variable visually-sensible characteristic and the at least one selectable visually-sensible characteristic, the barcoded quality indicator providing a first machine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least one threshold and a second machine-readable indication, different from the first machine-readable indication.
US08540153B2	Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs.
US08540145B1	System controlled response to data bearing records and operative to cause financial transfers An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards. The machine is operative to cause financial transfers responding at least in part to a determination that the read card data corresponds to at least one of an authorized user or an authorized financial account. The machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transfers carried out with the machine. The machine includes a housing including a chest. The chest is supported on a depository safe. The safe includes a depository head that extends upward on the safe and in front of the chest.
US08540143B2	Cassette for automated teller machine A cassette for an automatic teller machine (ATM) is provided, which is capable of returning a paper medium disposed at an entrance of the cassette into the cassette using a moving force of a shutter that closes the entrance, during separation of the cassette from a cassette receiving portion.
US08540142B1	Banking machine controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.
US08540141B2	Encoding method for encoding medical items A coding for a medical disposable item is proposed comprising at least one information component in encoded form. Associated encoding methods and devices, and associated decoding methods and devices, are also proposed. The coding generally comprises an optical information component comprising one or more fields filled with a gray-scale value up to a certain degree of filling. Each gray-scale value and degree of filling are associated as a value pair determined as part of a code generated to correlate to an information component desired to be applied to and conveyed from a medical disposable item to an associated device that utilizes such items.
US08540140B2	Automated handling of exceptions in financial transaction records A financial transactions control system may automate the correction of exceptions in financial transaction data. It may include an exception identification system configured to detect exceptions in the financial transaction data. It may include a storage system configured to store information about the detected exceptions, recipients designated to handle the detected exceptions, and the status of efforts to resolve the exceptions. An exception alert system may be configured to automatically in response to each detected exception look up the identity of at least one recipient that has been designated in the storage system to handle the exception, and to cause a message to be delivered to the at least one identified recipient alerting the at least one identified recipient to the exception. The financial transactions control system may also include an exception tracking system configured to track each exception and the status of efforts to resolve it.
US08540137B1	Adhesiveless welding purge dam A water-degradable welding purge dam for purging a weld zone of a pipe assembly comprising first and second pipes having respective first and second ends to be welded together at a root gap. The purge dam includes a blocking plate comprising one or more plate members. The one or more plate members include a friction plate member having a plurality of flexible members on its periphery adapted to flexibly engage an inside wall of one of the first or second pipe ends in a self-retaining manner. The purge dam comprises one or more water degradable materials so that it can be flushed from the pipe assembly following welding.
US08540136B1	Methods for stud bump formation and apparatus for performing the same Methods for forming stud bumps and apparatuses for forming stud bumps are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method includes clamping a wire with a clamp. The clamp includes at least two opposing plates, and at least one of the opposing plates includes a protruding feature that intersects the wire when the wire is clamped forming a first notch in the wire. The method further includes bonding the wire to a bonding surface, releasing the wire from the clamp, passing the wire a notch pitch distance through the clamp, clamping the wire with the clamp forming a second notch in the wire, and breaking the wire leaving a bonded portion of the wire on the bonding surface. The second notch is the notch pitch distance from the first notch along the wire.
US08540132B2	Tilt anvil assembly A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod and a head assembly pivotally mounted to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movable about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position accommodating pivotal movement of the head assembly. A pivotal latch assembly is also provided to prevent movement of the backup member from its second position to its first position.
US08540128B2	Surgical stapling device with a curved end effector The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can define a path having linear and/or curved portions. In various embodiments, the path can include a curved portion having a first portion that extends away from the shaft axis and a second portion that extends toward the axis. In one embodiment, the path can include a curved portion defined by an arc corresponding to an angle greater than 90 degrees.
US08540125B2	Spare tire carrier assembly A vehicle includes a vehicle frame having D-ring latch and hinge assemblies coupled thereto. The D-ring latch and hinge assemblies include a latch and hinge sleeve, respectively. A tire carrier assembly is rotatably mounted to the D-ring hinge assembly, wherein the tire carrier assembly is repeatably moveable between raised and lowered positions.
US08540121B2	Dispensing actuator with flip-open lid A dispensing actuator for use on a container having pressurized contents is configured for convenient one-handed manipulation and use by consumers. The dispensing actuator includes a hingedly moveable flip-open lid, and a laterally moveable opening element, which can be manipulated so that the opening element cooperates with the lid to move the lid from a closed position to an opened position. The present dispensing actuator further includes an inner, downwardly deflectable actuating element, operatively connected with a dispensing valve of the associated container. Resilient, downward deflection of the actuating element, after opening of the dispensing actuator lid, permits the contents of the container to be conveniently dispensed. In one embodiment, the contents of the container are dispensed generally laterally of the dispensing actuator, while in alternate embodiments, the container's contents are dispensed generally upwardly, through the actuating element of the dispensing actuator.
US08540118B2	Water dispenser and method of operating it A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.
US08540115B2	Two-shell and two-drawer containers A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
US08540110B2	High-pressure container The invention relates to a high-pressure container comprising a thin-walled, cylindrical metal liner (1) having bases (8) on the end sections and an outer stable jacket (2) that surrounds the liner (1). At least one of the bases (8) of the liner (1) has a slight convex curvature towards the interior of the liner (1). A pressure converter (4) is situated between the outer surface of the convex base (8) and the inner surface of a base part of the stable jacket (2), said converter being constructed from a rigid profiled base on the side facing the base part of the rigid jacket (2) and a deformable cushion (6) of viscoelastic material on the side facing the convex base (8).
US08540109B1	Device stowing mechanism A stowing mechanism for a laptop or other device can secure different devices with varying thicknesses and widths within a compartment. The mechanism includes a cover which serves as the actuator for a jack mechanism. A pressure plate pivotally attached to the jack mechanism pushes against the device when the lid is closed, thereby securing the device within the compartment. The device can be released from the secure position by opening the cover. A buffer spring operating in conjunction with the jacking mechanism allows the mechanism to secure devices having different thicknesses and widths, while the pivotal pressure plate allows the plate to conform to devices having different shapes.
US08540100B1	Cap for travel toothpaste tube with integrated refill adapter A refill adapter for a travel toothpaste tube is provided as an adapter which has one end to be engaged with a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a travel toothpaste tube. The refill equipment is integrated with a cap for the travel toothpaste in order to be carried together with the cap as one body. The cap for the travel toothpaste tube includes a refill adapter, which is configured to be a hollow tube and have one end to be engaged with a nozzle of a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a nozzle of the travel toothpaste tube, and an upper cap configured to be detachably engaged with the one end of the refill adapter.
US08540088B2	Accessory merchandiser An accessory merchandiser for displaying products. The accessory merchandiser includes a modular unit including a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members, wherein the first and second members form a grid structure, a plurality of indicator marks formed on each second member, and a plurality of coupling members configured to removably couple the modular unit to a fixture. The plurality of indicator marks form a marking grid.
US08540075B2	Square cigar tube Disclosed is a square cigar tube, comprising a first square tube part (1) and a second square tube part (2). The first square tube part and the second square tube part are connected; a through hole (11) is arranged in the first square tube part, and a through hole (21) is arranged in the second square tube part; a first magnet accommodating space (12) is arranged on an end surface of the first square tube part connected to the second square tube part, and a first tube lid (3) is arranged on the other end; a second magnet accommodating space (22) is arranged on an end surface of the second square tube part connected to the first square tube part, and a second tube lid (4) is arranged on the other end; a first magnet (8) is arranged in the first accommodating space, and a second magnet (9) is arranged in the second accommodating space. The square cigar tube makes it easy to take out or put in a cigar, is accurate in positioning, and is convenient to clean.
US08540067B2	Power transmission arrangement A power transmission arrangement includes a differential gear adapted to transfer power from an input shaft to a first output shaft, and a first brake adapted to effect the first output shaft and a second brake adapted to effect the input shaft.
US08540066B2	Rotationally fixed connection of two parts of a transmission for transmitting torque A rotationally fixed connection of first and second components (2, 4) of a transmission (1) for torque transfer. The fixed connection is produced by the combination of two different types of connection elements (6, 7, 8, 9), such that the connection elements (6, 8) of a first type ensures the mutual centering of the first and the second components (2, 4) to be connected and torque transfer, while the connection elements (7, 9) of a second type enable the first and the second components (2, 4) to be axially fixed and transfer axial operating forces.
US08540065B2	Three mode selection mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly A mode selector mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly includes a lever moveable between a first position, a second position and a third position. A lever biasing device biases the lever in a first direction. A piston acts in opposition against the lever biasing device to move the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction. The piston is actuated by a variable hydraulic signal. The lever is disposed in the second position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the third position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure greater than the second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the first position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure less than the first fluid pressure.
US08540062B2	Low profile rotary damper A dampening assembly for a portable electronic device includes a housing. The housing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. A pivot arm is pivotably coupled to the bottom portion of the housing. A reservoir is defined between the top portion and the bottom portion. The reservoir includes at least one of a fluid and a viscous material. A first portion of the pivot arm is disposed within the reservoir. A second portion of the pivot arm extends through and above the top portion of the housing.
US08540061B1	Disc brake pad mounting and retention system and method A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction.
US08540055B2	Oil supplying apparatus for vehicle An oil supplying apparatus for a vehicle, includes an engine driven mechanical oil pump, a hydraulic actuator operated by pressure of oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator, an engine lubrication device lubricating each member of the engine with the oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump, and a priority flow valve selectively establishing priority flow and secondary flow conditions when a low oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator and when a high oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator, respectively, the priority flow condition allowing an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator with priority over an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device, the secondary flow condition allowing the oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device.
US08540053B2	Apparatus and method for a portable pathway A method of providing a traversable path along a surface, the method including the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, the portable pathway having a frame member comprising at least a first layer, and at least one adjustable step coupled with the frame member. The method further includes securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position.
US08540052B1	Hunting stand A hunting stand operable to provide an elevated position for a hunter wherein the platform of the stand includes a chair that is movably mounted on the platform. The chair is operably coupled to a base support member that is movably mounted within an annular channel that is integrally formed with the platform. The hunting stand further includes a frame having a plurality of longitudinal support members and horizontal support members. The platform further includes a centrally located hole that is operable to facilitate the positioning of the hunting stand such that the platform is surroundably mounted a tree. A plurality of apertures are journaled through the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the channel and function to receive a locking pin that functions to releasably secure the base support member in a position along the channel. The platform includes a railing mounted adjacent the perimeter of the platform.
US08540050B2	Glazing unit with improved vibroacoustic damping properties, method for making such a glazing unit and method for acoustic protection in a vehicle passenger compartment A glazing unit having improved vibroacoustic damping properties, including: at least one glass sheet; at least one vibroacoustic damping strip, the strip including at least one element made of damping material and the strip being fastened to one of the faces of the glass sheet. The face of the strip facing the glass sheet has a surface area in contact with the glass sheet which is strictly inferior to the surface area of the face of the strip facing the glass sheet. The glazing unit makes it possible to damp noise and vibrations while taking up little space.
US08540044B2	System and method for managing operations on a peripheral surface of a building The invention provides a system for managing operations on a peripheral surface of a building. The system includes one or more cables wrapped around the peripheral surface of the building. Further, the system includes one or more wheeled devices capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building. The one or more wheeled devices are operatively connected to the one or more cables. The one or more wheeled devices and the one or more cables are capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building as an assembly. In addition, one or more instances of the assembly are operatively connected to each other.
US08540038B1	Low profile omnidirectional vehicle A track assembly and vehicle for omnidirectional travel. The track assembly includes a driving arrangement and two or more closed loop linking members connected to the driving arrangement. The track assembly also includes freely rotatable rollers for contacting a surface, the rollers supported on the closed loop linking members. The rollers travel a roller path defined by the motion of the closed loop linking members. An omnidirectional vehicle includes two or more track assemblies.
US08540037B2	Layered polycrystalline diamond In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact wear resistant tool has a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a thickness of at least 0.100 inch and forms an included angle of 35 to 55 degrees. The superhard material has a plurality of substantially distinct diamond layers. Each layer of the plurality of layers has a different catalyzing material concentration. A diamond layer adjacent the substrate of the superhard material has a higher catalyzing material concentration than a diamond layer at a distal end of the superhard material.
US08540033B2	Apparatus for land clearing and preparation Embodiments of a land preparation tool for preparing land includes a tool mounting surface defining a non-planar tool mounting surface profile and a cutting surface disposed on a surface opposite the tool mounting surface. A first channel for receiving a first securing bolt and a second channel for receiving a second securing bolt, both channels disposed within the land preparation tool and are adjacent and parallel to each other. An intermediate connector includes a first connector channel, a second connector channel, a tool interface, and a tool holder interface, the tool interface couples with the tool mounting surface of the land preparation tool. A land preparation apparatus includes a tool holder secured to a rotatable drum, and the land preparation tool and the intermediate connector are secured to the tool holder with the two securing bolts.
US08540031B2	Encapsulating device The invention features an encapsulating device and system to contain a fluid or substance spilled during a blowout of a pipe at subsea level. The system features a semi-circular housing that fits underneath the flange of a pipe. A heater is provided inside the housing. The system features a tri-flange system having flanges on the top and sides of the housing. The side flanges are closed and sealed and then the top flange is closed. Side flanges divert pressure in the system. The system discloses arms and sealants to aid in sealing the pipe.
US08540030B2	Riser lifecycle management system, program product, and related methods Methods, systems, and program product for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a method includes tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. This can include deploying the plurality of riser joints from a vessel to form an operationally deployed marine riser string, reading riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The method can also include retrieving one or more of the operationally deployed riser joints, reading riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.
US08540028B1	Autonomous junk collecting sleeve for a riser An autonomous junk collecting sleeve for a riser is provided. The sleeve is constructed and arranged to be independently lowered and seated above a subsea tree section and, subsequently, raised and removed independent of the work string. The autonomous junk collecting sleeve includes a first cylindrical structure, a second cylindrical structure concentric to the first cylindrical structure and which are joined together in spatial relation at a bottom end to form an interior J-channel basket. The J-channel basket is operable to collect debris traveling up through the bottom end and over of the second cylindrical structure for deposit therein.
US08540020B2	Converting organic matter from a subterranean formation into producible hydrocarbons by controlling production operations based on availability of one or more production resources One or more methods, systems and computer readable mediums are utilized to provide treatment of a subterranean formation that contains solid organic matter, such as oil shale, tar sands, and/or coal formation. The treatment of the formation includes heating a treatment interval within the subterranean formation with one or more electrical in situ heaters. Available power, or other production resources, for the electrical heaters are determined at regular, predetermined intervals. Heating rates of the one or more electrical heaters are selectively controlled based on the determined available power at each regular, predetermined interval and based on an optimization model that outputs optimal heating rates for each of the electrical heaters at the determined available power.
US08540013B1	Heat exchanger with positive lock A heat exchanger with a plurality of heat transfer plates between a frame and a movable plate employs hydraulic rams connected above and below the heat transfer plates to move the movable plate toward or away from the frame in a releasable clamping action against the heat transfer plates. A positive lock maintains the movable plate in its operational position. Supports above and below the heat transfer plates support and guide the movable plate and heat transfer plates. Thus, the heat transfer plates are removable from between the stationary and follower plates for replacement and maintenance when the movable plate is moved away from the frame without further reconfiguration or dismantling of the plate heat exchanger.
US08540011B2	Shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles The present invention provides a single shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, where within a single pitch, the helical baffles are separated into inner and outer parts along the radial direction of the shell. In the central portion of the inner space of the shell, an inner non-continuous helical form is employed; in other portion outside the central portion, doughnut shaped helical baffles with continuous curved surfaces are arranged to form an outer continuous helical baffle, and the outer helical baffles are arranged to surround the inner helical baffles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiple shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, in which complete continuous helical baffles are provided in shell-sides other than the inner shell-pass, while non-continuous helical baffles or other flow guide means are employed in the inner shell-pass. The present invention makes flow patterns of fluids on the shell side more desirable, leading to a reduced flow pressure drop, and mitigate fouling, thus the heat transfer rate is improved and the service life of the heat exchanger is increased. The present invention also provides two methods for manufacture of continuous helical baffles, which ensure the concentricity of the tube bundle holes on each continuous helical baffle so as to facilitate installation of heat exchange tube bundles.
US08540010B2	Sequential mold filling Method and apparatus for casting molten metal or alloy into a plurality of molds that are connected by mold ingate passages in melt flow communication to a melt supply passage which is configured in a manner to completely or partially fill the molds with the molten metal or alloy sequentially one after another. Filling of the molds in this manner provides uniform mold filling, reduces foreign matter in molds filled after the first-filled mold, and improves quality of the cast articles.
US08540007B2	Door element Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.
US08539999B2	Tire with chafer The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between said bead components, and a rubber chafer positioned around at least a portion of each of said bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, wherein said chafer comprises an outer skin layer intended for contacting the rigid rim and an inner core layer disposed radially inward of the skin layer.
US08539997B2	Filling head for filling in a fluid into a filler neck of a tank A filling head 10 is described for filling in a liquid into a filler neck of a tank 14. To ensure highly reliable operation, a rotary connecting element 26 is provided to form a mechanical connection by rotating in relation to the filler neck of the tank 14. A rotatable operating part 30 serves to rotate the rotary connecting element 26. The operating part 30 is coupled to the rotary connecting element 26 by means of a torque-limiting coupling device 32 that, given a threshold torque, is triggered at least in one direction of rotation and decouples the rotatable operating part 30 from the rotary connecting element 26. A sensor is provided to detect the triggering of the torque-limiting coupling device 32 and to send a release signal for the established connection.
US08539995B2	Coupling lock and attachment module and docking device, each containing said coupling lock Coupling locks, attachment modules, and docking devices allow for re-filling, filling and/or emptying of containers in a manner that is insulated against the environment. An attachment module includes a coupling lock and a locking clamp, where the coupling lock includes a pipe nozzle and a closing flap. A first clamping element is located on an outer side of the pipe nozzle to engage with a second clamping element by means of the locking clamp to create a temporary connection. A docking device includes the first coupling lock or the attachment module, and a second coupling lock, complementary to the first coupling lock. When the closing flaps of the first and second coupling locks are brought into contact with each other, they can be pivoted from a closed position, where they lock the transfer channel formed by the pipe nozzles, around a shared axis into an open position.
US08539989B2	Method for the production of pharmaceutical products A method for the preparation of pharmaceutical products according to which a diluent is fed into a container containing a lyophilized or powdered pharmaceutical through a needle, which is then extracted from the container, inserted in its protective cap, and rinsed by feeding the diluent through the needle and into the protective cap itself.
US08539987B2	Papermaking fabric, in particular for use in the forming section of a papermaking machine A quadruple papermaking fabric comprises: a set of longitudinal machine direction top yarns; a set of cross machine direction top yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of central MD yarns; a set of central CMD yarns interwoven with the central MD yarns to form a central fabric layer; a set of bottom MD yarns; a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer; a set of pairs of binder yarns arranged in the cross machine direction and interwoven with the top MD yarns. At least one of the binder yarns of each pair is interwoven with the central MD yarns to form a first binding pattern between the top layer and the central layer; at least some of the central CMD yarns define respective stitching yarns that are interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a second binding pattern between the central layer and the bottom layer.
US08539985B2	Compact high pressure rubber hose Compact flexible reinforce rubber hose adapted for conveying fluids under high pressure. The hose includes a thin inner tube formed of a vulcanized rubber.
US08539983B2	By-pass valve for heat exchanger A by-pass valve for a heat exchanger circuit. The by-pass valve includes a housing defining a serially communicating first bore, second bore and third bore substantially aligned along a central axis with a valve seat facing the first bore at a juncture between the first bore and second bore and a spring seat facing the second bore at a juncture between the second bore and third bore, the first bore, second bore and third bore forming at least a portion of a closable flow path between a first opening and a second opening in the housing. An actuator located in the housing has a reciprocating seal disposed for movement along the central axis for engaging the valve seat and closing a valve opening between the first bore and second bore. A coiled return spring is mounted in the housing for urging the reciprocating seal towards the first bore to open the valve opening, the return spring having a first end acting on the reciprocating seal and a second end engaging the spring seat. The second bore and third bore each have a different cross-sectional shape transverse to the central axis.
US08539981B2	Passive fluid flow regulator A fluid flow regulator (1) of the passive type is disclosed which has a fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet (13) adapted to be connected to a patient's body. The regulator comprises a rigid substrate (2) and a resilient membrane (3) tightly linked together so as to define a cavity (6) there between which is disconnected to the fluid outlet while the membrane has a first surface (12) opposite the cavity which is connected to the fluid inlet. The membrane has a plurality of through holes (15) contiguous with the cavity, to define a pathway for a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and is flexible so as to be able to come into contact with the substrate as a fluid applies a sufficient pressure on the first surface. The through holes are arranged such that, when the fluid pressure increases, they close one after the other to increase the regulator fluidic resistance so that a fluid flow rate would be substantially constant as a function of the pressure applied on the first surface within a predefined pressure range.
US08539977B2	Slide valve apparatus for automatic application of surface pressure and surface pressure application method thereof In order to simplify work of applying and releasing a surface pressure in a slide valve device constructed of a fixed plate, a slide plate, a seal plate, and the like, provided is a slide valve device for automatic surface pressure application and a surface pressure application method therefor, the slide valve device including: a base frame (2) including a positioning member (51) for determining an arrangement location (X) of a seal case (21) and a stopper (52) for fixing the seal case (21) at the arrangement location (X); and a slide case (4) including a pusher (53) for sliding the seal case (21) together with the slide case (4) when sliding the slide case (4) in a surface pressure application direction.
US08539976B1	Back pressure valve with double barrier sealing A back pressure valve for providing a double barrier to flow for use with a tubing hanger within a well bore, wherein the back pressure valve can have a first body piece threadably engaged and sealed with a second body piece. A first piston can engage a first surface for sealing bottom pressure to provide a first barrier to flow. A second piston can engage a second surface for redundantly sealing bottom pressure to provide a second barrier to flow. The back pressure valve can have one-way and two-way back pressure valve assemblies. The two-way back pressure valve assembly can include a bidirectional piston having a double sealing face for engaging sealing surfaces and sealing bottom pressure from the well bore while allowing testing without stopping a flow of fluid.
US08539975B2	Drill string valve and method Method and drill string valve for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows. The drill string valve includes an elongated housing having an inside cavity, a seal element attached to a first end of the elongated housing, the seal element being disposed within the inside cavity such that a flow of liquid through the inside cavity from the first end to a second end of the elongated housing is allowed, a sliding valve disposed within the inside cavity and configured to slide to and from the seal element along the axis such that when the sliding valve contacts the seal element the flow of liquid is suppressed, a biasing cartridge disposed within the inside cavity, between the seal element and the second end of the elongated housing, and configured to apply a first force on the sliding valve such that the sliding valve is contacting the seal element, and a loading mechanism disposed within the inside cavity, between the biasing cartridge and the second end of the elongated housing, and configured to apply a second force on the biasing cartridge.
US08539970B2	Device for transferring a fluid to a ship, ship, transfer system and associated method The present disclosure comprises a platform and a manifold, the latter being intended to be connected to a fluid tank. The manifold comprises a length of rigid tube defining a pipe of approximately horizontal axis and a length of connecting tube for connection to a transfer line connected to the length of rigid tube. The length of connecting tube is permanently attached to the length of rigid tube and is hinged to the length of rigid tube to allow movement relative to the length of rigid tube between: —a retracted rest position in which the length of connecting tube extends entirely inside the inner edge; and —a first or filling position, in which the free end of the length of connecting tube projects out from the outer edge of the support platform.
US08539967B2	Spray pretreatment system and method for pre-treating workpieces by spraying The invention discloses a spray pretreatment system and a method for pre-treating workpieces by spraying in a spraying tunnel, wherein the workpieces are fed into a treating station through an entry station. The inlet opening of the entry station is located below the level of the treating installations of the treating station. In this way, partial condensation of the vapors escaping from the treating station occurs in the entry station so that one can do without an extraction system in the area of the roof surface of the spraying tunnel. If desired, an extraction system with relatively low capacity may be provided in the region of the inlet opening.
US08539966B2	Multi-ribbed dental tape The present invention includes monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of greater than about 5:1 and a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, where at least one of the first and second cleaning surfaces includes a plurality of ribs disposed along the length thereof, and where the ratio of the width of the dental tape to the thickness of the dental tape is from about 4:1 to about 25:1.
US08539965B2	Hair styling tool with rotatable cylinder A hair styling tool 20 includes a body 22, a cylinder 24 extending from the body, the cylinder rotatable relative to the body, a motor 39 for rotating the cylinder, a heater 1324 to heat the cylinder, and a styling arm pivotally attached to the body. The hair styling tool may have a generally clam shell configuration, wherein the styling arm 151 is movable between an open position in which the styling arm is distant the cylinder and a closed position in which the styling arm is proximate to the cylinder, such as contacting the cylinder. The styling arm may also include a brush head 26 with fixed or retractable bristles and/or a smoothing plate 108.
US08539963B2	Cosmetic applicator The present invention generally relates to a cosmetic applicator and in particular, relate to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the at least two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator. The cosmetic applicator of present invention imitates the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides a better application. The cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, hair coloring, lip application, etc.
US08539960B2	Flexible artificial nails and method of forming same A preformed artificial nail, a nail kit including such a nail, and a method of forming such a nail, the nail including a nail bed portion formed of a first material and a free edge portion having an upper portion formed of the first material and lower portion formed of a second material disposed subjacent the first material, the free edge portion being adjacent to and distal the nail bed portion, and the first material being comparatively more flexible than the second material. The lower portion of the free edge portion may include a generally uniform thickness or a varied thickness such as a wedge shape, thickening toward the distal edge of the artificial nail.
US08539959B1	Electronic cigarette configured to simulate the natural burn of a traditional cigarette The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarette components. As will be disclosed, an electronic cigarette may have a translucent conduit and light chamber which, together, allow light from the light source to be diffused therethrough in such a way that the light emitted during inhalation simulates the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation. The electronic cigarette may also have a translucent ash simulator to further simulate the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation.
US08539958B2	Oral moist smokeless tobacco products with net-structured gel coating and methods of making Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one or more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product.
US08539954B2	Breathing assistance apparatus The disclosure describes a novel apparatus for providing an airway to a patient after having his or her jaw wired shut. The apparatus provides for an unobstructed airway that allows a patient with at least a partially blocked nasal passage to breathe effectively and easily during recovery.
US08539950B2	Method and apparatus for collection of waste anesthetic gases In an apparatus for collection of waste anesthetic gases, and a method of using such an apparatus, the apparatus has a gas collection chamber with an input port to be connected to an exhaust of an anesthesia delivery system for receiving a first gas flow therefrom that contains a waste anesthetic gas component. An output port from the gas collection chamber is connected to a vacuum system for evacuation of an evacuation gas flow from the gas collection chamber. A bidirectional port leads to and from the gas collection chamber, which has an adsorbing unit connecting the gas collection chamber with an ambient environment surrounding the gas collection chamber. The apparatus provides for safe prevention of discharge of exhaled anesthetic gases into an ambient atmosphere surrounding the apparatus.
US08539947B2	Powder inhaler An inhaler for inhaling powdered medicaments from capsules, having: a lower part which is cup-shaped, a plate latched to the lower part to close off the lower part, a capsule holder arranged on the underside of the plate, a mouthpiece that can be latched to the top of plate, and an actuating member for interacting with at least one pin for piercing a capsule in the capsule holder, where the actuating member includes a larger outer actuating member and a smaller inner actuating member, the outer actuating member forms a user-operated push-button, the inner actuating member contacts and holds the pin below a suspension element of the outer actuating member from the plate, and the point of application of force by the user onto push-button is lower than the inner actuating member.
US08539944B2	Devices and methods for nebulizing fluids for inhalation A method of delivering a nebulized fluid for inhalation, including providing an aerosol generator, providing a container containing a fluid to be nebulized, providing a reservoir in fluid communication with the container and with the aerosol generator, providing a moveable member positioned to act upon the container in a manner to elect fluid therefrom, providing a linkage mechanism operable through a range of operating positions that is coupled to the moveable member to selectively control a distance of movement of the moveable member, selecting the distance of movement of the moveable member, moving the moveable member to eject fluid from the container into the reservoir, and operating the aerosol generator to elect fluid from the reservoir as a nebulized fluid for inhalation.
US08539940B2	Jewelry bench dust shield A jewelry bench dust shield including a base attachable to a jewelry bench, an arm pivotally attached to said base, and a dust shield attached to said arm. A jewelry bench dust shield including a vacuum triggering pivoting arm, a trigger holding arm pivot base attachable to a jewelry bench, and a face plate connected to said arm. A jewelry bench dust shield including a base attachable to a jewelry bench, a vacuum trigger connected to said base having a wire connectable to a vacuum, an arm pivotally attached to said base, said arm having an extension portion which depresses said trigger when arm is lowered, and which releases said trigger when arm is raised, and a face plate connected to said arm.
US08539939B2	Clay bird thrower A hand held disk thrower consisting of a pivoting extended arm and launching head connected to a gripping handle that allows a wide ratios secondary action. The throwing head and arm section are designed to grip the clay target in a semicircular channeled head that offers some resistance to releasing. The arm is lengthened and arched to create both drag and centrifugal force. The launch head and arm section are attached to the handle by a pivoting joint that allows for free or flopping movement of head arm section. The combination head and launch arm and handle are constructed of a semi-ridged plastic. The thrower is designed to release a spinning disk when swung in an arc by the person grasping the handle.
US08539938B2	Fuel systems and methods for controlling fuel systems in a vehicle with multiple fuel tanks Fuel systems and methods for controlling fuel systems in a vehicle with multiple fuel tanks are provided. An exemplary vehicle fuel system includes a first fuel tank including a first pressure sensor, and a second fuel tank. The system may further include a fuel tank isolation valve positioned to selectively decouple the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. The system may further include an electronic controller configured to identify which of the first fuel tank and second fuel tank includes a fuel system leak by selectively decoupling the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank via the fuel tank isolation valve, responsive to an identification of the fuel system leak.
US08539933B2	Multiple fuel injection systems and methods A desired pulse width module determines a desired length of a single pulse of fuel for a combustion cycle of a cylinder of an engine. A multiple pulses module determines a number of pulses (N) for the combustion cycle, wherein N is an integer greater than 1. A fraction determination module determines N fractional values for the N pulses, respectively. An injector control module generates individual lengths for the N pulses based on the N fractional values, respectively, and based on the desired length. A fuel actuator module opens a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder during the combustion cycle in N pulses having the individual lengths, respectively.
US08539932B2	Systems and methods for heating intake air during cold HCCI operation A system for controlling intake airflow of an engine includes a mode determination module, a throttle valve control module, and a valve actuation module. The mode determination module generates a mode signal based on an engine speed signal and an engine load signal. The mode signal indicates one of a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The throttle valve control module generates a valve control signal based on the mode signal, a temperature signal, and a plurality of valve position signals that indicate positions of first and second throttle valves. The throttle valve control module controls the positions of the first and second throttle valves to regulate flow rates of intake air into an intake manifold of the engine via a heat exchanger based on the valve control signal. The valve actuation module actuates the first and second throttle valves based on the valve control signal.
US08539931B1	Rotary internal combustion diesel engine A rotary internal combustion diesel engine (46) comprising: a posterior plate (78), an intermediate plate (80), and an anterior plate (82); a rotor-housing unit (46) on each side of the intermediate plate (80), each containing a yousroid chamber (48), and a 2-apex rotor (56) containing an aperture (58). The chamber (48) wall contains an intake valve (68), an exhaust valve (70), and a fuel supply device (72); in gasoline embodiments, an ignition device (76) is added; compressed air/gas and hydraulic embodiments, require an input port (74) and an output port (70a). A shaft (52) rotatably mounted, extends through the housing, having essentially rectangular segments (54) within the chambers (48). There are seals (not shown) on the rotor apices (60, 62) and on the anterior (82) intermediate (80), and posterior plate (78).
US08539927B2	Wrist pin and method of reducing wear between members thereof, connecting rod, piston and methods of constructing same A wrist pin and method of reducing wear between members thereof, a piston, a connecting rod, and methods of construction thereof are provided. The wrist pin has a first portion extending between opposite ends configured for receipt in piston pin bores and a second portion extending between opposite ends configured for receipt in the pin bores. The second portion is configured for relative movement with the first portion. The piston includes a piston body having axially aligned pin bores, wherein at least one of the pin bores has a feature to prevent relative rotation of a wrist pin member. The connecting rod includes a connecting rod body having small end bore. The small end bore has a contour to allow relative rotation of a first wrist pin member therein and a feature to prevent relative rotation of a second wrist pin member therein.
US08539923B2	Power unit for vehicle A speed reducing gear train includes a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft for permitting power transmission from the starter driven gear to the side of the crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch being provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft with a transmission accommodated in a crankcase. The transmission includes gear trains for selectively establishing a plurality of gear speeds with the gear trains being between a main shaft and a counter shaft. The starter motor can produce power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. A power transmitting gear meshing with the starter driven gear is relatively rotatably mounted on the main shaft through a running one-way clutch permitting power transmission from the power transmitting gear to the side of the main shaft.
US08539921B2	Spark plug An isolation portion (P) of an insulator (10) of a spark plug (100) electrically insulatively isolates a front end portion (22) of a center electrode (20) and a holding portion (56) of a metallic shell (50) from each other and has an intermediate portion (P2) which extends while its outside diameter varies, thereby ensuring an insulation distance between the two portions. The ratio (S/V) of the surface area (S) of the outer surface (14) of the isolation portion (P) to the volume (V) of the isolation portion (P) satisfies the relation 1.26 mm−1≦S/V, whereby the insulation distance between the front end portion (22) and the holding portion (56) is sufficiently ensured while existing dimensional conditions are held unchanged. Through satisfaction of the relation S/V≦1.40 mm−1, an increase in temperature of the center electrode (20) that accompanies an increase in the amount of heat received from a combustion chamber owing to an increase in the surface area (S) of the outer surface (14) is restrained, thereby maintaining a required heat value.
US08539920B2	Valve lash adjustment system for a split-cycle engine The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements.
US08539917B2	Variable compression ratio apparatus A variable compression ratio apparatus may be mounted at an engine receiving combustion force of an air-fuel mixture from a piston and rotating a crankshaft, and may change compression ratio of the air-fuel mixture. The variable compression ratio apparatus includes a connecting rod having a small end and a big end, the small end being formed of an eccentric bearing hole concentrically so as to be rotatably connected to the piston through a piston pin, and the crankshaft is rotatably mounted at the big end, an eccentric link having one end to which an eccentric bearing rotatably mounted in the eccentric bearing hole concentrically is connected, an eccentric link slot being formed along a length direction thereof, a variable bar formed of a variable bar gear at one end portion thereof, and connected to the eccentric link through a variable bar pin movable along the eccentric link slot, and a variable gear engaged with the variable bar gear so as to move the variable bar to a predetermined direction reciprocally, wherein a piston pin hole is formed at the eccentric bearing eccentrically, and the piston pin is inserted in the piston pin hole such that the piston, the connecting rod, and the eccentric link are rotatably connected to each other.
US08539914B2	Method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer Methods for operating a flexible fuel engine with a fuel reformer which reforms a fuel into a gaseous fuel reformate are provided. Operating parameters of the fuel reformer and delivery of reformate to the engine are adjusted based on an alcohol content of the fuel.
US08539913B2	Wearable sound system for animals A wearable sound system includes an article wearable by an animal and having compartment sections, strap end portions extending from respective ones of two of the compartment sections, and a fastener that removably connects the strap end portions to one another when the article is worn by the animal. A programmable source of audible signals is located within one of the compartment sections, and two speakers are located within respective ones of the two compartment sections of the article from which the pair of strap end portions extend. Each speaker is disposed between the fastener and the programmable source and in an area disposed proximate to an ear of the animal when the article is worn by the animal so as to project a sound content of the audible signals towards an immediate vicinity of the ear of the animal in a region located forward or around the ear.
US08539909B2	Apparatus for supporting a pet A pet bed having a pet cushion for supporting a pet has a lower cushion for improving comfort when held on one's lap. Between the pet cushion and the lower cushion is an intermediate planar layer made of a stiff material. The pet cushion rests on or is affixed to a top surface of the intermediate planar layer and the top surface of the lower cushion is affixed or removably affixed to a bottom surface of the intermediate layer. When lifting or carrying the pet bed, the intermediate planar layer remains substantially planar, even while a pet rests on the pet surface of the pet cushion.
US08539907B2	Apparatus for chemical bath deposition between two covers, wherein a cover is a substrate The invention provides a film deposition apparatus, which includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed opposite to each other, and the first cover has at least two holes, and a spacer disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the first cover, the spacer and the second cover form a film deposition space.
US08539904B2	Rod-bed assembly A rod bed assembly (1, 11, 111) has a holder (2) made of a composite material according to a continuous primary molding method, a rod bed (3) made of a polymer according to a continuous primary molding method, and a doctor rod (4) rotatably supported in a bearing recess (34) on the front side of the rod bed. The holder (2) is formed such that the rod bed (3) and the doctor rod (4) are insertable into and removable from a socket provided in the holder in the radial direction of the doctor rod (4). The rod bed (3) has closed cavities for saving material.
US08539903B2	Apparatus and method of curtain coating To provide an apparatus and method of curtain coating for applying onto a running web a coating solution from a lip top in the form of curtain to form a coating thereon, wherein a fluid is blown to remove excessive deposits of the coating solution that are formed at the edges in the width direction of the coating, and the deposits blown away by the fluid are ejected.
US08539901B2	Boat casting platform A casting platform apparatus for a fishing boat includes a frame which can be attached to the bow of a boat. The frame has a floor to allow a fisherman to be supported thereon and includes both a handrail and a body support rail along with a fishing line collection net therebetween and a gate for entering onto and off the casting platform.
US08539898B1	Underwater vehicle with improved controls and modular payload A system for enhancing control of an underwater vehicle, and providing a quick change modular payload section includes a motor configured to rotate an internally threaded member threadingly engaged with a threaded rod. Rotating the member creates linear motion of the threaded rod. A control rod connected to the threaded rod provides movement of a rudder or fin. The threaded rod and member are configured with threads having a fine pitch which maintains a stable position of the fins without needing to supply power to the motor for adjustments. The modular payload arrangement includes a bulkhead ring having L-shaped recesses that receive fasteners disposed on a central body section. The payload section may be fastened to the vehicle by pressing the payload section onto the central body such that the fasteners align with the recesses and turning the payload section to secure the payload section.
US08539896B2	Lift mechanism for added stability for a swim platform of a boat A swim platform lift mechanism is disclosed, the mechanism mounted between the transom of a boat and a bottom surface of a swim platform. The lift mechanism provides a powered lifting/lowering of the swim platform from a retracted position that is level with the deck of the boat to a deployed position in which the swim platform is below the surface of the water surrounding the boat and from the retracted position to an up-and-over position in which the swim platform and its contents are positioned above and forward of the rear edge of the deck. When in the retracted position, an adjustable stop interfaced to the swim platform abuts rest areas on lower arms of the lift mechanism, thereby providing structural support to the swim platform.
US08539885B2	Non-lethal marking bullet for related training cartridges A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.
US08539881B2	Laser leveling highlight control A method of preparing a flexographic printing member includes forming a relief image that consists of both fine-featured regions and coarse-featured regions; and leveling a top most surface of at least one of the coarse-featured regions by means of laser engravings.
US08539879B2	Devices and methods for printmaking on canvas Devices and methods for printmaking on canvas are described herein. The devices and methods provide advantages that include permanent printmaking on canvas.
US08539862B1	Buckle release tool A buckle release tool includes a housing element having a convex back surface ergonomically sized to conform to a human hand and a tool element. The housing element includes a rounded perimeter surface having several shallow slots. A tool element dome is provided on the front surface. The tool element dome includes a soft plastic tip surface. A seat belt cutter and a window hammer are housed in an embodiment of buckle release tool. A separate, storage element for the buckle release tool is provided.
US08539861B2	Movable blade not impairing durability of stationary blade, paper sheet cutting device with movable blade, and printer with paper sheet cutting device Provided is a movable blade including, at a part including a movable blade leading edge which engages with a stationary blade, a blade edge portion which is thinned toward the movable blade leading edge. The blade edge portion is formed by shaving.
US08539855B2	Steering column for a motor vehicle A adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting part that can be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and an adjusting part that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part. The adjusting part rotatably supports a segment of the steering spindle, and the segment is adjacent to a steering wheel side end of the steering spindle that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part between a first end position and a second end position, along an adjusting path, when adjusting the adjusting part. The steering-wheel side end is adjusted through at least part of the adjusting path in a coupled manner in one direction of a length adjustment of the steering column, and in one direction of a height or tilt adjustment of the steering column. A front guide pin is mounted at the adjusting part or on the mounting part, and the pin engages in at least one elongated hole provided in the other of the two parts. A rear guide pin is further mounted on the adjusting part or the mounting part, and the pin includes a greater distance than the front guide pin from the steering-wheel side end of the steering spindle, and engaging in a rear elongated hole provided in at least one other of said two parts, the course thereof, relative to the curvature thereof and/or the direction of extension thereof differs from the corresponding course of the at least one front elongated hole over at least one segment of the extension thereof.
US08539850B2	Power transmission device and vehicle having the same A manual valve is formed with a drain input port that closes if a shift is made to the D position, and opens for draining if a shift is made to the N position. A switching valve communicates an output port of a pressure regulating valve portion and an oil passage of a clutch and closes a drain port during engine operation when a line pressure is applied, and cuts off communication between the output port of the pressure regulating valve portion and the oil passage of the clutch and communicates the oil passage with the drain port during an engine automatic stop when the line pressure is not applied. The drain input port and the drain port are connected by a drain oil passage.
US08539846B2	Sample retrieval apparatus and method Sample or specimen retrieval may be performed via a tool that includes a multi-section tool bit which carries a plug. A cutter of the tool bit forms (e.g., drill, mill, bore, ream) a hole in a structure. A mandrel on a leading section of the tool bit sealing engages the plug in the hole from a blindside of the structure. A sample chamber of a trailing section of the tool bit extends into the hole through a passage in the plug and is opened. Optionally an auger portion of the trailing section rotates to acquire the sample in the sample chamber. The sample chamber is closed and withdrawn from hole and the mandrel seats in the passage to seal the plug. The trailing section is separated from the leading section, and retrieved along with the sample. Such may be particularly suitable for use with submersible ROVs.
US08539844B2	Apparatus and methods for measuring a material property The present invention provides a method for producing a measurement apparatus for measuring a material property. The method includes steps of (a) providing a pressure sensing component having a first and a second surfaces; (b) disposing a first and a second electrodes on the first surface; and (c) disposing an elastic member having a first and a second portions on the first surface, wherein the first and the second portions of the elastic material have different values of an elastic coefficient, and cover the first and the second electrodes, respectively.
US08539842B2	Systems and methods for measuring bearing endplay A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
US08539835B2	Low inertia frame for detecting coriolis acceleration A sensing frame is disclosed. The sensing frame includes a first rail and a second rail. The first and second rails are constrained to move along a first axis parallel to the first and second rails. The frame includes a base and at least two guiding arms for ensuring that the first rail and the second rail move in anti-phase fashion along the first axis. First and second guiding arms are flexibly coupled to the first rail and second rail. The first guiding arm is flexibly suspended to the base at first anchoring points for allowing rotation of the first guiding arm, and the second guiding arm is suspended to the base at a second anchoring point allowing rotation of the second guiding arm. The sensing frame includes a plurality of coupling flexures and a transducer for sensing motion of the first and second rails.
US08539829B2	Magnetostrictive probe fuel quality sensor retrofit assembly A retrofit assembly for installing a fuel quality sensor with a fuel level probe having a shaft extending through a tank interface into a fuel storage tank. The shaft, which comprises a magnetostrictive element extending therealong, is coupled with the fuel quality sensor. An isolation sheath is sized for receipt over the shaft and to extend between the fuel quality sensor and the tank interface. The sheath has a cross-sectional profile configured to define at least one passage between the sheath and the shaft when the sheath is received over the shaft. The passage(s) extend between a proximal end and a distal end of the sheath. Also provided is a product-level float comprising at least one product-level magnet for measuring the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank. The product-level float is configured to translate along the sheath with the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank.
US08539828B2	Magnetostrictive liquid density detector A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.
US08539826B2	Pressure sensor and nozzle assembly An assembly includes a nozzle having a curved contact surface curvedly and downwardly extending from two opposite sides of a linear top ridge of the nozzle, a tire pressure sensor having a connection groove with a curved contact surface complementary in shape to and slidable relative to the curved contact surface of the nozzle, and a bolt for fastening the nozzle with the tire pressure sensor. The curved contact surface of the nozzle is slidably movable relative to the curved contact surface of the tire pressure sensor along a specific direction reciprocally so as to adjust a relative connection angle between the sensor and the nozzle and the nozzle is prohibited to move in the connection groove along other directions. Therefore, the work of using the bolt to fasten the tire pressure sensor to the nozzle can be done easily.
US08539818B2	Methods and systems for evaporative cooling infrared thermographic leak detection A method for leak testing a vessel is described. The method includes providing an environment within the vessel that is at a lower humidity than the environment surrounding the vessel, and using a thermographic imaging system to identify any leaks associated with the vessel. The leaks are identified based on evaporative cooling that occurs when a portion of the lower humidity environment escapes from the vessel and mixes with the higher humidity environment surrounding the vessel.
US08539816B2	Method and apparatus for locking a laser with a resonant cavity A system for locking a laser with a resonant optical cavity includes a laser that emits a laser beam, a resonant optical cavity having at least two cavity mirrors, one of which is a cavity coupling mirror, mode matching optics configured to couple the laser beam to the cavity via the cavity coupling mirror, means for applying a periodic dither or modulation waveform signal to the optical frequency of the incident laser beam or to the laser itself to thereby induce modulation of the intracavity optical power, and means for enabling a portion of the light emerging from the cavity coupling mirror to enter a cavity of the laser while maintaining an optical phase that results in periodic optical feedback locking whereby a mean optical frequency of the laser matches a resonance peak of the cavity.
US08539815B2	Apparatus and method for measuring and recording data from violent events An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, predetermined source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.
US08539813B2	Gel phantoms for testing cavitational ultrasound (histotripsy) transducers A cavitational ultrasound (e.g., Histotripsy) gel phantom and cavitational ultrasound testing system are provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the phantom and system is that it can allow for instant visual feedback on the efficacy and dosage of a Histotripsy transducer. The changes in the gel phantom can be visualized with the naked eye without having to wait for histology. The changes in the gel phantom can also be visualized with a camera, with ultrasound imaging, or with microscopy. In various embodiments, the phantom includes indicators such as carbon particles, dye-encapsulated beads, and red blood cells. Methods associated with use of the cavitational ultrasound gel phantom and testing system are also covered.
US08539812B2	Air bubble detector Air bubbles may be characterized by an air bubble detector by choosing an optimum set of frequencies and then comparing a return signal from a sensor receiving those frequencies against an internal reference. The number of pulses that exceed the internal reference represents a width and may be counted. The width, as counted, may be correlated to bubble characteristics including volume.
US08539808B2	Bandolier with laterally offset and spaced work piece A method of operating a progressive die wherein the progressive die acts on a work piece having an elongated body with a blank at one end. The work piece is supported by a bandolier which is also formed in the progressive die. The progressive die acts on each blank.
US08539802B2	Movement transmission device and method A device and a method are provided for transmitting a movement as well as corresponding forces or moments and in particular a rotational movement, wherein the transmission only takes place in a coupled state but not in a decoupled state. Devices and methods of this kind are in particular used in the field of lock devices, such as door or safe locks and the like. The device, in particular for a movement as well as corresponding forces and/or moments comprises a drive and a take-off, wherein the drive and take-off are coupled via a coupling element in such a manner that in the decoupled state a movement of the drive causes a movement of the coupling element which is not suitable for transmitting a movement of the drive to the take-off.
US08539795B2	Methods for cutting a fragile material Methods for cutting a fragile material are provided. The methods comprise the step of heating the fragile material along a separation path to separate the fragile material into a first portion and a second portion. At least the first portion includes a first thermal affected zone extending along the separation path. The methods further include the steps of spontaneously splitting at least part of the first thermal affected zone from the remainder of the first portion along a first split path extending a first distance from the separation path. The spontaneous splitting occurs as a consequence of the step of heating the fragile material.
US08539792B2	Religious jewelry articles New forms of religious jewelry. Jewelry articles are provided representing the tomb of Jesus, to depict and/or symbolize the event of the Resurrection for Christian religious adherents.
US08539790B1	Secure climate-control system A secure climate-control system for improved storage of substances transported by emergency response vehicles that require controlled-temperature storage, particularly drugs, blood, and physiological samples. It includes a lockable, temperature controlled cabinet permanently connected to the emergency response vehicle. The lockable storage compartment may contain lockable containers, providing double-lock security.Business methods comprising designing, manufacturing, installing, and using custom secure climate-control systems are also disclosed.
US08539789B2	Heat-pump chiller with improved heat recovery features A heating and cooling system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. A heat exchanger, which may be an outdoor heat exchanger, is configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, to selectively extract heat from or to add heat to the refrigerant, and to transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator. First control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. Second control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the evaporator in a second mode of operation. The system may be operated in a variety of modes by appropriate control of the valving and other system components.
US08539785B2	Condensing unit having fluid injection A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit and a controller may control the valve based on a discharge temperature of the compressor and a super heat temperature of the third heat exchanger.
US08539784B2	Adjustable orifice for use in an air conditioning system, in particular an aircraft air conditioning system An adjustable orifice for use in an aircraft air conditioning system includes a first orifice element which has an orifice frame as well as a first orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at a duct, the first orifice area of the first orifice element leaves open a part of a cross section of the duct. The orifice also includes a second orifice element with a second orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at the duct, the second orifice area of the second orifice element leaves open a part of the cross section of the duct. The second orifice element is rotatable about an axis, so that the second orifice area is rotatable relative to the first orifice area in order to set a desired flow cross section in the duct.
US08539775B1	Gas turbine engines and systems and methods for removing particulate matter therefrom during operation Systems and methods are provided for removing particulate matter from gas turbine engines during operation are provided. Gas turbine engines are also provided. The particulate matter is suspended in a primary gas flow stream passing through an engine flowpath. A flowpath surface of the engine flowpath is electrostatically charged to a first polarity to thereby impart an electrostatic charge of the first polarity to the particulate matter. A bleed discharge duct is electrostatically charged to a second polarity and intersects the engine flowpath to define a bleed air flowpath. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. A bleed port is in fluid communication with the bleed discharge duct and has an outlet exterior of the gas turbine engine.
US08539774B2	Fuel injector mounting system A system is provided for mounting fuel injectors to a gas turbine engine, including an engine casing having an aperture formed therein and a plurality of fuel injectors, each fuel injector having a respective flange for mounting the fuel injectors to the casing at the aperture so that the fuel injectors extend side-by-side into the engine. The flanges are dismountably sealed to an inner side of the casing. The aperture and the flanges are configured so that, when dismounted, each fuel injector is configured to rotate into an orientation relative to the aperture which allows each of the respective flanges to pass though the aperture and the fuel injector to be withdrawn from the casing. The flanges have respective sealing formations which engage with their neighboring flanges when the fuel injectors are mounted to the casing to close off the aperture and to form seals between the flanges.
US08539770B2	Exhaust arrangement for an internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine including an exhaust arrangement comprises a first exhaust duct and a second exhaust duct. A valve arrangement preferably comprising separate first and second exhaust valves associated with each cylinder, to selectively direct exhaust from engine to the first exhaust duct during a first exhaust period, and to the second exhaust duct during a subsequent second exhaust period. A turbine having an inlet is connected to the first exhaust duct; and a compressor drivingly connected to and driven by the turbine, has an inlet connected to second duct. The compressor, driven by the turbine extracting energy from the exhaust, reduces the back pressure in the exhaust system reducing pumping losses, with the second duct bypassing the turbine in the second exhaust period such that the turbine also does not increase the exhaust back pressure at least during the main second exhaust phase.
US08539767B2	Exhaust treatment system for an internal combustion engine An exhaust system comprises an exhaust driven turbocharger having an outlet and a flanged portion that extends about the outlet, an exhaust treatment device comprising a canister having an inlet cone that includes an integral inlet flange defining an the inlet opening configured to define a seal with the flanged portion that extends about the outlet of the turbocharger and a substrate disposed within the canister through which the exhaust gas flows. An exhaust gas passage, fluidly couples the turbocharger and the exhaust treatment device and allows for the passage of exhaust gas therebetween and a flow modifier comprising a radially inwardly extending wall portion extends from an inner wall of the exhaust gas passage and directs the exhaust gas away from an outer radius of the exhaust gas passage to evenly distribute the exhaust gas across the an inlet face of the substrate.
US08539766B2	Master cylinder with flow groove A master cylinder includes a cylinder bore, a first piston positioned within the cylinder bore, a second piston positioned within the bore and located forwardly of the first piston, a first pressure chamber within the cylinder bore and defined in part by a rear portion of the second piston and a forward portion of the first piston, a first pressure chamber seal extending radially outwardly from the rear portion of the second piston, a first reservoir inlet configured to provide fluid communication between a reservoir and the cylinder bore at a location forwardly of the first pressure chamber seal, and a first groove extending axially along the cylinder bore and positioned such that (i) when the second piston is in a released position, the first groove is located directly outwardly of the first pressure chamber seal and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber through the first groove, and (ii) when the second piston is in an activated position, the first pressure chamber seal isolates the reservoir from the first pressure chamber at a location forwardly of the first groove.
US08539760B2	Catalyst materials for NOx oxidation in an exhaust aftertreatment system that uses passive ammonia SCR An exhaust aftertreatment system that receives an exhaust flow from a lean-burn engine and a method for treating the exhaust flow are described. The exhaust aftertreatment system may include a three-way-catalyst, an oxidation catalyst, and a NH3—SCR catalyst. The three-way-catalyst passively generates NH3 from native NOX contained in the exhaust flow when an A/F mixture supplied to the engine is cycled from lean to rich. The generated NH3 is then stored in the NH3—SCR catalyst to facilitate NOX reduction when the A/F mixture supplied to the engine is cycled back to lean. The oxidation catalyst is located upstream of the NH3—SCR catalyst and operates to lower the NO to NO2 molar ratio of the NOX fed to the NH3—SCR catalyst. The oxidation catalyst comprises perovskite oxide particles.
US08539754B2	Method for an emission-optimized transfer from a mode of an internal combustion engine to another mode In a method for an emission-optimized transition between a spark-ignition mode of an internal combustion engine and a self-ignition mode of the internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is operated in the preparation phase and chronologically before the transition of modes in a spark-ignition mode in at least one cylinder cycle with a rich mixture (λ<1) and, subsequently, in the same cylinder cycle with a lean mixture (λ<1). After that, the internal combustion engine is operated in the self-ignition mode. In a method for an emission-optimized transition between a self-ignition mode of an internal combustion engine and a spark-ignition mode of the internal combustion engine, in a transition phase of the operation modes and during a last cycle of the self-ignition mode and/or a first cycle of the spark-ignition mode, fuel is post-injected into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
US08539750B2	Energy recovery and steam supply for power augmentation in a combined cycle power generation system A power generation system (11) and method of operating such a system (11) including a steam turbine (14). In one embodiment a HRSG (20) includes an evaporator (127) coupled to receive condensate from the steam turbine (14), and a superheater (132) coupled to receive output from the evaporator (127). The HRSG (20) generates steam with thermal energy received from a combustion turbine (28). A flash tank (9) receives water heated in the HRSG (20), outputs a first portion of the water as steam, and outputs a second portion of the water as liquid. A flow line (134) passes steam (51) from the flash tank (9) to a combustion chamber (26) in the combustion turbine (28) to provide power augmentation.
US08539749B1	Systems and apparatus relating to reheat combustion turbine engines with exhaust gas recirculation A power plant configured to include a recirculation loop about which a working fluid is recirculated, the recirculation loop comprising a plurality of components configured to accept an outflow of working fluid from a neighboring upstream component and provide an inflow of working fluid to a neighboring downstream component. The recirculation loop may include: a recirculation compressor; an upstream combustor; a high-pressure turbine; a downstream combustor; a low-pressure turbine; and a recirculation conduit configured to direct the outflow of working fluid from the low-pressure turbine to the recirculation compressor. The power plant may include: an oxidant compressor configured to provide compressed oxidant to both the upstream combustor and the downstream combustor; and means for extracting a portion of the working fluid from an extraction point disposed on the recirculation loop.
US08539748B2	Segmented inertial particle separators and methods of assembling turbine engines A method for assembling a turbine engine including a compressor is disclosed. The method includes coupling an inlet including an inertial particle separator (IPS) and a first surface that is defined using a segment angle, to a gas turbine engine, and coupling the first surface substantially flush against a fuselage of an aircraft to reduce drag.
US08539735B2	Method of construction using a Geodesic honeycomb skeleton A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.
US08539732B2	Structural building panels with seamless corners Systems and methods providing a modular building having pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure including energy efficient corner modular components that provide for seamless, energy-efficient corners with structural strength.
US08539728B2	Flooring apparatus and systems for improved reduction of impact forces during a fall This invention provides a flooring apparatus comprising: (a) a flooring plate; (b) a plurality of columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate, wherein at least some of the columns deform when the flooring plate is subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a critical buckling pressure; and (c) a matrix material in at least partial contact with the columns. The present disclosure includes many variations of such apparatus, such as various column designs, material selection criteria, and end-use considerations. This invention also provides a flooring system for mitigating injuries associated with falls, the system comprising a plurality of flooring apparatus each provided in accordance the present disclosure. The flooring system can include one or more types of modular tiles, or any other configuration (such as mats).
US08539727B2	Mechanically-held tile A method of making a mechanically-held tile is disclosed by providing a tile having a durable surface, an underside and an anchoring region, locating the tile in a mold, and injecting a polymer into the mold to form a substrate with an integral coupling region. Alternatively, a substrate can be provided in addition to the tile; the injected material mechanically anchors the substrate to the tile. A surrounding grout gasket can also be formed during injection. Injections can be consecutive or concurrent to tailor the properties of the substrate, grout gasket and other layers or regions. Also disclosed is a multi-part tile made by such a process, and a tile with intrinsic manufacturing deviations compensated by a grout gasket. The tile can be interconnected via the coupling regions with other surface-covering materials.
US08539719B2	Module attachment apparatus Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
US08539704B2	Linerless price reduction continuous label, applying method and printing method of linerless price reduction continuous label A linerless, preferably price reduction, continuous label which easily separates a price reduction indication region (11) and a bar-code cover-up region (12) of a single piece label (10) from a bar-code cover-up piece. There is a bar-code cover-up region (12). There are different separation strengths of the perforations including a first notch (15) and a second notch (16) of a price reduction region (11) that is capable of indicating price reduction information of an original price of a merchandise and a bar-code cover-up region (12) capable of covering-up the bar-code relating to the price information of the original price. A region separation line (13) is configured or a first perforation including a first notch (15) formed widthwise laterally inwardly from both lateral end portions of the label base member, and a unit joining line (14) configured of a second perforation including a second notch (16) formed widthwise laterally inwardly from both lateral end portions of the label base member. The second notch (16) is longer than the first notch (15).
US08539703B2	Advertising display An advertising display has support structures that attach to a pole. One or more advertising panels are mounted on the support structures to form an advertising display. The display may have the form of a cylinder, a triangle, a rectangle, an oval or other shapes. The display may optionally be tapered. The support structures may have a variety of score lines, at which the support may be folded as appropriate for the particular diameter of the pole. The panels may be secured to the supports by way of clips or other mechanical fasteners. Double-sided adhesive may be employed to secure ends of the panels, as desired.
US08539694B2	Clothes treatment apparatus A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate clothes, an air supply device configured to supply air or heated air to the accommodating space, a duct configured to guide the air or the heated air supplied by the air supply device toward the accommodating space, the duct comprising a communication part configured to draw external air into the accommodating space and a circulation fan configured to flow air along the duct, wherein the communication part is located in a rear portion of the circulation fan.
US08539691B2	Hanging device An alignment device or jig that includes a level and a rule which is used for hanging wall supported items. The device includes locator blocks with locator pins for supporting the item and stud finder sensors for locating wall studs. The locator pins extend to protrude from the back side of the jig to allow a mark to be made into the hanging surface when the jig is pressed against the hanging surface. In the event that the item requires a stronger surface to hang onto due to excessive weight, a stud finder system can be utilized. In operation, one or more of picture frames to be mounted to a wall are hung on the device on one or more hangers. The hangers are slidingly spaced along the device scale for desired picture spacing. The device with the frames is placed against the wall and pressed to the wall, wherein the marking points mark the wall at the exact desired points where permanent hangers will be driven into the wall to support the one or more picture frames.
US08539689B2	Guide rail for a hand-held power tool A guide rail for a hand-held power tool includes at least two rail elements, which are to be joined together to form a common rail and which are held on one another by means of a releasable connecting device. The connecting device includes a joint device, by means of which the individual rails can be pivoted between a folded-together non-functioning position and a functioning position that lies in a common plane.
US08539688B2	Translucent ball cavity cube vial A ball cavity cube vial comprising a cube made of an at least translucent material, and having a sealed ball cavity in its center, said ball cavity being incompletely filled with a liquid medium such that a bubble is left inside of said ball cavity; and markings associated with said cube, said markings being calibrated to function as reference points for said bubble.
US08539686B2	Leveling device and leveling method A leveling device having a sighting device that defines an alignment axis, an imaging system, spatially separated from the sighting device, having an imaging lens to which a lens primary plane is allocated and a detector having a recording surface lying in an image plane and an evaluation device that is connected to the detector. A visual field of the imaging system is defined by the imaging lens and the detector as the maximum angle range within which points can be registered by the imaging lens by means of the recording surface of the detector. The imaging lens and the detector are designed and arranged relative to one another and to a lens plane comprising the alignment axis such that all points of the lens plane within the visual field are simultaneously imaged in focus on the recording surface of the detector.
US08539685B2	Integrated surveying and leveling A method of determining a position of a point in a local coordinate system using a survey instrument comprising an integrated optical total station and digital level includes measuring an angle associated with the point. The angle may be measured about a vertical axis of the survey instrument, and the vertical axis may be substantially aligned with a local gravity vector. The method also includes determining a distance between the survey instrument and the point using an electronic distance measuring device and measuring a difference in height between a horizontal axis of the survey instrument and the point using a leveling staff positioned relative to the point. The horizontal axis may be substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis. The method also includes determining the position of the point in the local coordinate system using the angle, the distance, and the difference in height.
US08539681B2	Manually guided implement A manually guided implement having an engine housing and a handle housing that are interconnected by anti-vibration elements. The handle housing is provided with a longitudinal support having, relative to a conventional operating position of the implement, a front end face that is disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal support. A securement end of a front tubular handle rests against and is secured to the front end face of the longitudinal support.
US08539679B2	Dual disk pizza cutter and methods A pizza cutter that includes a handle, a cutting member support, and first and second disk members. The handle is configured for grasping by a user. The cutting member support extends from the handle. The first disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The second disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The first and second disk members may be arranged non-parallel relative to each other.
US08539676B2	Rolling bearing system for vehicles The present invention provides a rolling bearing device for vehicles capable of detecting a change in magnetism with high accuracy. A rolling bearing device H for vehicles in accordance with the present invention includes a rolling bearing 13 having an inner ring 11, which is a rotating ring, and an outer ring 12, which is a fixed ring, and rolling elements 3 and 4 interposed between both of the races 11 and 12; a magnetized element 14; a magnetic sensor 15; and a cover 16. The cover 16 is formed by demagnetizing a nonmagnetic material having being pressed.
US08539675B2	Method for manufacturing a tapered stabilizer bar having a continuously changing cross-section A method for manufacturing a stabilizer bar for a vehicle includes cutting a stabilizer bar material having a round bar-shaped configuration, heating both end portions of the cut stabilizer bar material to be formed as leg bars of the stabilizer bar, rolling both side surfaces of each of both heated end portions of the stabilizer bar material so that both side surfaces are tapered, rotating the stabilizer bar material about an axis thereof between rollers to taper both remaining non-rolled side surfaces of each of both end portions of the stabilizer bar material to be formed as the leg bars of the stabilizer bar, so that each or both end portions of the stabilizer bar material has an elliptical cross-section, forming eyes on distal ends of the stabilizer bar material, and bending the stabilizer bar material into the shape of the stabilizer bar.
US08539672B2	Method for improving accuracy in a peristaltic pump system based on tubing material properties A method for forming peristaltic pump cassettes includes cutting tubing segments to different lengths based on the physical properties of the individual tubing segments. The size variations compensate for the physical parameters of the tube and improve accuracy in a peristaltic pump using the cassettes.
US08539668B2	Apparatus for manufacturing temporary substrate An apparatus for manufacturing a temporary substrate includes a jig having a table, a holding guide for positioning constituent members of the temporary substrate, a holding unit for holding the laminated constituent members, and a heater unit for performing a temporary bonding on the laminated constituent members, and further includes a drive mechanism for moving each member constituting the jig between a standby position and an in-use position. The holding guide has a plurality of step portions formed in such a manner that peripheries of the step portions define areas corresponding to outer sizes of the respective constituent members when the holding guide is moved to the in-use position. The temporary substrate has as the constituent members, a prepreg, inner metal foils respectively stacked on both surfaces of the prepreg and each having a smaller outer size than the prepreg, and outer metal foils respectively stacked on the inner metal foils and each having a larger outer size than the prepreg.
US08539665B2	Method of manufacturing a rotor for an electric motor for a washing machine A method of manufacturing a rotor for an electric motor that includes producing a generally flat metal strip, bending one section of the strip relative to another section, and rolling the strip to form a cup-shaped shell.
US08539664B2	Method of fastening first and second thermoplastic parts, and two-part assembly The invention relates to a method of fastening first and second thermoplastic parts of a motor vehicle, the first part having a protuberance projecting from a face and the second part having an engagement surface, the method consisting in bringing the second part into contact with the face of the first part, in heating the protuberance, and in plastically deforming the protuberance towards the second part so that the second part is gripped between the face of the first part and an end portion of the protuberance.
US08539655B2	Fabrication process for a piezoelectric mirror device A piezoelectric mirror device fabrication process, including: dividing a silicon wafer into a multiplicity of segments, wherein on one surface of said silicon wafer per segment, a pair of lower electrodes, a mirror portion positioned between said lower electrodes and a pair of mirror support portions adapted to join said mirror portion to said lower electrodes are formed of an electrically conductive material having a Young's modulus of up to 160 GPa and a melting point higher than that of a piezoelectric element to be formed later; stacking the piezoelectric element and an upper electrode on said lower electrodes; removing the silicon wafer in a desired pattern from another surface of said silicon wafer per segment, and obtaining a multiplicity of piezoelectric mirror devices by dicing said multiplicity of piezoelectric mirror devices into individual ones.
US08539653B2	Footwear accessory A strap for a shoe has a first resilient and flexible fabric element extending from a first end to a second end and a clear flexible element substantially fixed at respective ends of the clear flexible element to corresponding ends of the first fabric element. Methods of assembly and of use are described.
US08539646B2	Coupling systems One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable coupling system comprising a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle. The lengthwise member is fixably coupled to the base parallel to the lengthwise dimension and substantially medial with respect to the widthwise dimension. The buckle comprises a planar surface and a first and second hooked region extending from the planar surface oriented opposite one another. The first and second hooked regions and the planar surface define a partially enclosed region corresponding to the widthwise dimension and the base rise dimension of the lengthwise member. A gap in the partially enclosed region corresponds to a coupling between the lengthwise member and the base.
US08539644B2	Hinge assembly for an injector A locking hinge assembly for an injector is disclosed. The injector includes a forward handle member, a rear handle member and a hinge connecting the first and second members and defining an axis of rotation. The locking hinge assembly includes a hinge element slidable along the axis of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hinge element is coupled to the forward handle member and the rear handle member at the hinge, and the hinge element includes at least one groove. Additionally, a locking element is provided and positioned about the hinge. The locking element is configured to be received in the groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the hinge element is in the locked configuration.
US08539643B2	Damped hinge and control device thereof A damped spring hinge is disclosed, which includes a shaft seat, a shaft, a sleeve, a sliding member, an elastic unit, a non-return valve, a throttle valve. The shaft seat has a seat body, wherein a shaft hole and a receiving hole are formed in the seat body. The shaft can be rotatably disposed in the shaft hole. The sleeve is received in the receiving hole. The sliding member can be slidably disposed in the sleeve. An oil reservoir is formed by the sliding member and the sleeve. The elastic unit is disposed in between the sleeve and the sliding member. The non-return valve is disposed in the oil reservoir, and the throttle valve is disposed on the seat body. Thereby, a self-closing action for the door can be generated, along with the damping effect by the hydraulic oil. A control device of the damped spring hinge is also disclosed.
US08539639B2	Dustcup It is presented a dust cup housing (11) comprising a filter assembly which comprises an outer filter (25) and an inner filter (24). The outer filter and inner filter are formed as receptacles and the inner filter is slidably insertable into the outer filter. In a mounted position the inner filter is arranged to be substantially fully inserted into the outer filter. The filter assembly further comprises a fixing member (40, 41; 50, 51; 60, 61) which is arranged to retain the inner filter in a predetermined displacement (d) position relative to the mounted position, in response to the inner filter being subjected to an extraction force for detaching the filter assembly from the dust cup housing. Thereby a user of the filter is in a convenient and intuitive way alerted that the filter assembly comprises more than one filter.
US08539638B2	Filter and vacuum cleaner having such a filter A filter includes a filter medium, a filter inlet side, a filter outlet side and an indicator device. The indicator device is configured to be acted upon by air flow through the filter and is disposed adjacent to the filter medium and extends from the filter inlet side to the filter outlet side. The indicator device includes an air path starting from the filter inlet side, a viewing window covering the air path on the filter outlet side, and a flow-through usage indicator configured to receive filtered material and disposed in the air path and visible beneath the viewing window on the filter outlet side.
US08539636B2	Surface treating appliance An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a stand moveable relative to the main body between a supporting position for supporting the main body in an upright position, and a retracted position. The stand includes at least one surface-engaging rolling member for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle when, with the stand in its supporting position, the main body is reclined rearwardly from its upright position. The appliance further includes a stand retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position and from which the stand is releasable upon application of a force to the main body. The stand retaining mechanism includes a system for increasing the force required to release the stand when the main body is reclined rearwardly from its upright position. This can reduce the risk of the stand being released accidentally from the supporting position when the main body is reclined rearwardly from its upright position and rolled along a surface.
US08539632B2	Toothbrush A toothbrush with a cleaning zone with bristles, and with a deformable element by which the cleaning zone can be adapted to the shape of the tooth surface by the cleaning force, where the deformable element comprises flexible wings tapering in a wedge shape toward the cleaning zone and with guide elements between them, at least one of the wings and/or guide element is made of a compressible elastic material.
US08539629B2	Fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body The present invention relates to a fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body in which main girders are integrated with deck plates. Precast concrete deck members connected in longitudinal and transverse directions are pre-stressed by pre-stressed members, thereby making it possible to increase load carrying capacity or rigidity of a structure to stably use the structure for a long time. Further, it is possible to support the load applied from the top of a deck structure with a small thickness, and to make the deck structure light. Due to a knockdown type (fit-together type), installation and dismantlement are easy, and reuse is possible, and thus it is possible to provide convenient construction and low production costs.
US08539622B2	Operating table patient positioner and method A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during a medical procedure is provided. The patient positioner includes a generally rectangular body anchoring portion having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, placeable atop an operating table. There are a pair of spaced apart chest straps, a pair of spaced apart table straps, a pair of upper arm straps, and a pair of wrist straps. There is a generally rectangular substrate backing having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, substantially concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion. In use, the body anchoring portion is positioned under the patient's torso with the substrate backing side ends wrapped over the arms while the chest straps are brought over the patient's shoulders and criss-crossed over the patient's chest and secured on an opposing side rail while the upper arm and wrist straps are brought from underneath the patient's torso and wrapped over the patient's arms. The table straps are placed through a break of the operating table and secured to a surface underneath the operating table to prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the operating table in the Trendelenburg position.
US08539621B2	Operating table patient positioner and method A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during a medical procedure is provided. The patient positioner includes a generally rectangular body anchoring portion having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, placeable atop an operating table. There are a pair of spaced apart chest straps, a pair of spaced apart support base straps, a pair of upper arm straps, and a pair of wrist straps. There is a generally rectangular substrate backing having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, substantially concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion. In one embodiment, an extender strap is further provided to facilitate securement of the support base straps to a support structure. In use, the body anchoring portion is positioned under the patient's torso with the substrate backing side ends wrapped over the arms while the chest straps are brought over the patient's shoulders and criss-crossed over the patient's chest and secured on an opposing side rail while the upper arm and wrist straps are brought from underneath the patient's torso and wrapped over the patient's arms. The support base straps are placed through a break of the operating table and brought around the support base and secured to each other to prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the operating table in the Trendelenburg position.
US08539613B2	Protective helmet A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
US08539612B2	Water sports garment with stitchless seams A water sports garment with stitchless seams and a fabrication method thereof is provided. The stitchless seams between waterproof sheets are joined and sealed by coating a liquid sealant solution.

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