最新美国发明专利第2013-10-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08546050B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus The present invention is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a conductive support, an intermediate layer which is placed on the conductive support, and a photosensitive layer which is placed on the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a metal-oxide particle and a compound having a structure represented by the following formula (1):
US08546049B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor and image forming apparatus using the same An electrophotographic photoconductor comprising a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transfer layer containing a charge transfer material laminating in this order on a conductive support with an undercoat layer interposed between the charge generation layer and the conductive support, or comprising a monolayer type photosensitive layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport material being formed on a conductive support with an undercoat layer interposed between the monolayer type photosensitive layer and the conductive support, wherein the charge transport layer or the monolayer type photosensitive layer contains, as a charge transfer material, a bisamine compound represented by the following general formula (I):
US08546047B2	Reflective mask blank and method of manufacturing a reflective mask Provided are a reflective mask blank and a reflective mask which are capable of improving the contrast for inspection light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less in an inspection, capable of improving the contrast for exposure light in use of the mask, and capable of forming a high-resolution fine pattern. A reflective mask blank 10 includes a substrate 1, and a multilayer reflective film 2 adapted to reflect exposure light, a protective film 6 composed mainly of ruthenium (Ru) or its compound on the multilayer reflective film 2, and an absorber film 4 adapted to absorb the exposure light, which are formed in this order on the substrate. The absorber film 4 has a laminated structure including an uppermost layer 4b and a lower layer 4a. The uppermost layer 4b is formed of a material composed mainly of a nitride, an oxide, an oxynitride, a carbide, a carbonitride, or an oxycarbonitride of at least one or more elements selected from Si and Cr. A reflective mask 20 is obtained by forming a transfer pattern in the absorber film of the reflective mask blank.
US08546043B2	Method for producing membrane electrode assembly, membrane electrode assembly, apparatus for producing membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell This invention provides a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising steps of: preparing a precursor of a membrane electrode assembly wherein a catalyst mixture comprising an electrolyte resin and a catalyst-carrying conductor is applied or placed on an electrolyte membrane; and externally exposing the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly to a superheated medium under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions and heating the boundary of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst mixture in the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly by condensation heat of the superheated medium to fix the catalyst mixture to the electrolyte membrane. This method enables the production of a membrane electrode assembly that is substantially free of boundary and that has a catalyst layer in which a porous and sufficient three-phase boundary is present.
US08546041B2	Fuel cell elements There is provided a fuel cell element including a substrate and one or more fuel cells thereon, the one or more fuel cells not entirely covering the substrate. The one or more fuel cells each include a solid state, non-polymeric first electrode layer, a solid state, non-polymeric second electrode layer, and a solid state, non-polymeric electrolyte layer between the first and second electrode layers. The substrate includes one or more porous regions, or being entirely porous, the one or more fuel cells each being supported by one or more porous regions of the substrate. At least one, or part of one, of the porous regions of the substrate are not sealed by electrolyte. Arrays of fuel cell elements of the invention are also provided, as are stacks of fuel cell elements or arrays of the invention.
US08546040B2	Fuel cell In forming a fuel cell stack by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units, in order to provide a fuel cell in which the fuel cell stack can be stably bound, the supply of fuel and conduction of respective cells can be surely performed, and stable power generation is possible, the fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack 2 formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units 3 having a fuel electrode 33 and an oxidizer electrode 43. The oxidizer electrode has, in a plane orthogonal to a stacking direction of the fuel cell units, an elastic member (an oxidizer electrode diffusion layer) 41 that is arranged in parallel to a rigid supporting member 14 and has electrical conductivity.
US08546037B2	Fuel cell separator having reactant gas channels with different cross sections and fuel cell comprising the same A fuel cell separator of the present invention is a plate-shaped fuel cell separator including a reaction gas supply manifold hole 21, a reactant gas discharge manifold hole 22, a groove-shaped first reactant gas channel 131, and one or more groove-shaped second reaction gas channels 132 and 133, wherein the first reactant gas channel 131 includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 51 located upstream of the first portion 41, and a cross-sectional area of a first specified portion 81 which is a continuous portion including at least the first portion of the first reactant gas channel 131 and/or a cross-sectional area of a second specified portion 82 which extends continuously from at least a downstream end of the first reactant gas channel 131 is/are smaller than cross-sectional areas of the second reactant gas channels 132 and 133.
US08546035B2	Fuel cell system Provided is a fuel cell system capable of ensuring responsiveness during acceleration even when a motor with a smaller torque as compared to the related art is used. A control apparatus reduces the revolution speeds of motors of an air compressor, a circulation pump and a cooling pump by a coasting operation, without performing a regenerative control, when a load required from a fuel cell (electrical power required by various motors and auxiliary apparatuses) is being reduced and a travel speed is equal to or higher than a set speed. With such a configuration, even when a driver later reaccelerates a vehicle by, for example, pressing down an accelerator, required acceleration force is smaller as compared to the related art, and thus a motor with a small torque can be employed.
US08546034B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, a reactant gas pipe for supplying a reactant gas to the fuel cell, and an injector for controlling the state of the gas on the upstream side in the reactant gas pipe and supplying the reactant gas to the downstream side by driving a valve element with an electromagnetic drive force at a predetermined drive cycle to separate the valve element from a valve seat. The injector is provided integrally in the fuel cell, and hence the vibration and noise of the injector can be absorbed and suppressed by the fuel cell as a heavy article.
US08546033B2	Fuel cell apparatus comprising a high potential avoidance voltage setting device A fuel battery system which can suppress unexpected variation of a target power during execution of a high potential avoidance control operation. The fuel battery system sets a high potential avoidance target voltage value, converts the high potential avoidance target voltage value into a target power value on the basis of the voltage-power property map of a fuel battery, limits the target power value within a range between a predetermined upper limit value and a predetermined lower limit value, and controls the operation of the fuel battery on the basis of the target power value while limiting the output voltage of the fuel battery to a value which is not larger than the high potential avoidance target voltage. This can suppress the unexpected variation of the target power value resulting from the erroneous estimation of output properties caused by the momentary drop of the high potential avoidance target voltage.
US08546032B2	Fuel cell device The fuel cell device has a control device for conducting, at the time of startup, a partial oxidation reforming reaction (POX) inside the reformer, then an auto-thermal reforming reaction (ATR) inside the reformer, then a steam reforming reaction (SR) inside the reformer; a water supply device is provided with a pump for intermittently supplying extremely small amounts of water to the reformer using pulsed control; the control device controls the fuel supply device, the reforming air supply device, and the water supply device to respectively supply target supply flow rates of fuel, reforming air, and water based on the outputs of various sensors; and, in the ATR region, the control device suppresses changes in the flow rate of fuel supplied by the fuel supply device during at least a predetermined interval following the supply of water by the pump.
US08546031B2	Hydrogen generation device and fuel cell using the same A hydrogen generation device and a fuel cell using the same are provided. The hydrogen generation device includes a first containing groove, a cover, a second containing groove, and a rotating device. The first containing groove contains liquid water. The cover is fixed on the first containing groove and covers the liquid water. The cover has an opening for exposing the liquid water. The second containing groove is stacked on the cover and divided into a plurality of containing compartments, wherein each containing compartment contains a solid fuel. The opening is aligned with one containing compartment so that the corresponding solid fuel reacts with the liquid water generate hydrogen. The rotating device is connected with the first or the second containing groove. The opening is moved and aligned with another containing compartment when the rotating device drives the first containing groove and the second containing groove to relatively rotate.
US08546029B2	Solid oxide fuel cell To provide a solid oxide fuel cell in which the reformer is compact but is capable of supplying an appropriate quantity of fuel. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell (1) for generating electricity using fuel reformed by a reformer (20) and air, including a fuel supply means (38), a reformed air supply means (44), a water supply means (28) for supplying water to the reformer, a fuel supply quantity detection sensor (132) for detecting the quantity of fuel actually supplied, a fuel cell module (2), and a control means (110) for controlling each supply means so that the target quantities of fuel, reforming air, and water are fed into the reformer; the control means controls the fuel supply means to match the target fuel supply quantity, and controls the fuel supply means so that tracking performance of fuel supply quantity relative to target fuel supply quantity is higher when reforming air is being supplied to the reformer than when it is not being supplied.
US08546023B2	Secondary battery comprising ternary eutectic mixtures and preparation method thereof Disclosed is a secondary battery including a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte includes a ternary eutectic mixture prepared by adding (c) a carbonate-based compound to a eutectic mixture containing (a) an amide group-containing compound and (b) an ionizable lithium salt, and the carbonate-based compound is included in an amount of less than 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the electrolyte. The use of the disclosed ternary eutectic mixture having flame resistance, chemical stability, high conductivity, and a broad electrochemical window, as the electrolyte material, improves both the thermal stability and quality of the battery.
US08546022B2	Bilayer electrolyte for a lithium battery The invention relates to a bilayer polymer electrolyte for a lithium battery. The electrolyte comprises the layers N and P, each composed of a solid solution of an Li salt in a polymer material, the Li salt being the same in both layers, the polymer material content being at least 60% by weight, and the lithium salt content being from 5 to 25% by weight. The polymer material of the layer P contains a solvating polymer and a nonsolvating polymer, the weight ratio of the two polymers being such that the solvating polymer forms a continuous network. The polymer material of the layer N is composed of a solvating polymer and optionally a nonsolvating polymer, the weight ratio of the two polymers being such that the solvating polymer forms a continuous network, and the nonsolvating polymer does not form a continuous network.
US08546021B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte solution for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery comprising the same A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent and further includes a solvent having a fluoro group and a specific siloxane compound. A lithium secondary battery having the above non-aqueous electrolyte solution exhibits greatly improved capacity recovery characteristics after high temperature storage and also reduces side effects such as swelling.
US08546019B2	Electrode active material for secondary battery and method for preparing the same The disclosure relates to an electrode active material including: (a) first particulate of a metal (or metalloid) oxide alloyable with lithium; and (b) second particulate of an oxide containing lithium and the same metal (or metalloid) as that of the metal (or metalloid) oxide, and to a secondary battery including the electrode active material. When the electrode active material is used as an anode active material, reduced amounts of an irreversible phase such as a lithium oxide or a lithium metal oxide are produced during initial charge-discharge of a battery since lithium is already contained in the second particulate before the initial charge-discharge, and thus a dead volume on the side of the cathode can be minimized and a high-capacity battery can be fabricated.
US08546017B2	Composite for anode material, anode materials and lithium battery using the same Provided is a composite for anode material, a method of manufacturing the composite for anode material, and a cathode and a lithium battery that includes the composite for anode material, and more particularly, to a composite for anode material that has a large charge and discharge capacity and a high capacity retention, a method of manufacturing the composite for anode material, and a cathode and a lithium battery that includes the composite for anode material. Also, the composite for anode material in which Si or Si and carbon are distributed in silicon oxide particles is provided.
US08546016B2	Solutions for cleaning semiconductor structures and related methods A method for cleaning a semiconductor structure includes subjecting a semiconductor structure to an aqueous solution including at least one fluorine compound, and at least one strong acid, the aqueous solution having a pH of less than 1. In one embodiment, the aqueous solution includes water, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid at a volumetric ratio of water to hydrochloric acid to hydrofluoric acid of 1000:32.5:1. The aqueous solution may be used to form a contact plug that has better contact resistance and improved critical dimension bias than conventional cleaning solutions.
US08546014B2	Battery chamber, electronic device having the battery chamber, and imaging device having the battery chamber A battery chamber includes: a claw mechanism for a battery including: a movable member that is movable in insertion and removal directions of a battery, and abuts a front face of the battery in the insertion direction when the battery is inserted and completely loaded; an urging member that urges the movable member in the removal direction; and a stopper having: a locking claw that locks a back face of the battery from behind in the insertion direction when the battery is completely loaded, wherein in a case where the battery is inserted, and the movable member is pressed and moved in the insertion direction by the battery, and then an interval in the insertion direction between the movable member and the locking claw becomes a length of the battery in the insertion direction, the locking claw moves from an evacuation position of the locking claw where the locking claw does not interfere with the battery when the battery is inserted to a locking position of the locking claw where the locking claw locks the back face of the battery from behind in the insertion direction when the battery is completely loaded.
US08546011B2	Method for producing assembled battery and assembled battery A method for producing an assembled battery, comprising the following steps: (a) producing a plurality of unit cells; (b) arranging the plurality of unit cells in a nested manner such that one unit cell is disposed within another unit cell; and (c) electrically connecting the plurality of unit cells with one another in parallel or in series. The problem that toroidal batteries with high capacity, high power density and small thickness may have a large volume and low energy density is solved by connecting in parallel a plurality of unit cells nested within one another, and heat dissipation of the battery is also further improved. An assembled battery produced by the method is also provided.
US08546007B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery includes i) a current collecting plate, ii) a plurality of electrode assemblies electrically connected in parallel with each other via the current collecting plate, wherein each of the electrode assemblies comprises two opposing ends and an outer side formed between the two ends, and wherein the current collecting plate is electrically connected to one of the two ends of the electrode assemblies. The battery may further includes 1) a spacer and 2) a can configured to accommodate i) the current collecting plate, ii) the plurality of electrode assemblies and iii) the spacer, wherein the spacer is positioned i) between adjacent electrode assemblies and/or ii) between an inner surface of the can and at least one of the electrode assemblies, and wherein the spacer comprises at least one non-linear portion which contacts the outer side of at least one of the electrode assemblies.
US08546006B2	System and method for delivering fluid to a battery A system for delivering water to a fluid electrolyte battery comprising at least one battery cell. Such a system includes a tank adapted to hold the fluid, a pump adapted to pump the fluid from the tank when the pump is turned on, at least one conduit adapted to transfer the fluid from the tank to the at least one battery cell, and a controller adapted to control the pump. The controller turns the pump on after an interval so that the fluid is transferred to the at least one battery cell.
US08546005B2	Cap assembly and secondary battery having the same A cap assembly includes a cap-up and a safety vent wherein an end of the safety vent is bent to cover an end of the cap-up, a first thickness of a first region of the cap-up in contact with the end of the safety vent is smaller than a second thickness of a second region of the cap-up not in contact with the end of the safety vent.
US08546004B2	Liquid composition, process for its production and process for producing membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells An electrolyte membrane is prepared from a liquid composition comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of trivalent cerium, tetravalent cerium, bivalent manganese and trivalent manganese; and a polymer with a cation-exchange group. The liquid composition is preferably one containing water, a carbonate of cerium or manganese, and a polymer with a cation-exchange group, and a cast film thereof is used as an electrolyte membrane to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly. The present invention successfully provides a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells being capable of generating the electric power in high energy efficiency, having high power generation performance regardless of the dew point of the feed gas, and being capable of stably generating the electric power over a long period of time.
US08546003B2	Protective circuit module and secondary battery having the same A secondary battery having a bare cell and a protective circuit module disposed over the bare cell and electrically connected to the bare cell via a first lead plate, in which the first lead plate includes a first plate, a second plate connected to the first plate, and a third plate arranged opposite to the first plate and connected to the second plate.
US08545998B2	Electroless deposition of platinum on copper Embodiments of the current invention describe a method of plating platinum selectively on a copper film using a self-initiated electroless process. In particular, platinum films are plated onto very thin copper films having a thickness of less than 300 angstroms. The electroless plating solution and the resulting structure are also described. This process has applications in the semiconductor processing of logic devices, memory devices, and photovoltaic devices.
US08545997B2	Coated cutting tool A coated cutting tool has a substrate and a coating. The coating includes at least one multi-nano-layer having a nano-composite nano-layer formed of crystalline (TixAlyCrz)N and amorphous Si3N4, wherein 0.25≦x≦0.75, 0.25≦y≦0.75, 0.05≦z≦0.2, 0.85≦x+y+z≦0.97. The atomic ratio of silicon is 1−x−y−z and 1−x−z<0.75 and the thickness of the nano-composite nano-layer is from 1 nm to 100 nm.
US08545995B2	Systems having optical absorption layer for mid and long wave infrared and methods for making the same An optical system according to one embodiment includes a substrate; and an optical absorption layer coupled to the substrate, wherein the optical absorption layer comprises a layer of diamond-like carbon, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 μm wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 μm wavelength). A method for applying an optical absorption layer to an optical system according to another embodiment includes depositing a layer of diamond-like carbon of an optical absorption layer above a substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 μm wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 μm wavelength). Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08545989B2	Poly(amic acid amideimide) tertiary amine intermediate transfer members An intermediate transfer member that includes a mixture of a poly(amic acid amideimide), a tertiary amine, an optional phosphate ester, an optional polysiloxane or an optional fluoro polymer, and an optional conductive filler component.
US08545988B2	Polyetherimide and polyetherimide sulfone blends having automotive lighting applications Compositions and articles of manufacture made therefrom for use in high temperature application, such as automotive reflectors, have a minimum haze onset temperature of about 205° C. and are made from a transparent, miscible blend of from about 30 to about 70 weight percent of a polyetherimide sulfone comprising greater than or equal to 50 mole percent of the polymer linkages have an aryl sulfone group and from about 70 to about 30 weight percent of a polyetherimide or polyimide.
US08545986B2	Composite insulated conductor A composite conductor includes a conductor that has a high temperature polyimide insulation formed around it. This polyimide layer may include reinforcing fibers such as, for instance, glass fibers. The insulation layer may further include grading layers. The conductor is placed inside an earth layer. The composite conductor may be protected with a stainless steel enclosure.
US08545984B2	Photochromic compounds and compositions Described herein are compounds generally comprising an indeno[2′,3′:3,4]naptho[1,2-b]pyran structure. Such compounds may be useful for their photochromic properties, and be used in certain photochromic compositions. Such compositions may further comprise other photochromic compositions and/or materials. Additionally, such compounds and/or compositions may be suitable for preparing certain photochromic articles. Also described herein are methods for preparing certain photochromic compounds, compositions, and articles.
US08545981B2	Artificial hair made of flame-retardant polyester The artificial hair of the present invention comprising a flame-retardant polyester-based fiber that is formed of a composition obtained by melt-kneading, the composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of polyester (A); 5 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight of a bromine-containing flame retardancy agent (B); and 0.5 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight of an antimony compound (C) having an average particle diameter ranging from 1.5 μm to 15 μm, wherein the polyester (A) is made of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene terephthalate and copolyester, where the copolyester contains polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component, and 0.01% omf to 1% omf of a polyorganosiloxane-based fiber treating agent (E) is deposited on the flame-retardant polyester-based fiber. The artificial fiber has excellent combing smoothness, and the excellent flame retardancy.
US08545980B2	Polypropylene resin, fiber, and nonwoven fabric A polypropylene resin having: (1) a melt flow rate (MFR) of 6 to 100 g/10 minutes, (2) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), measured by gel permeation chromatography, of 3 to 6, and (3) a 116° C. non-eluted component content (100-W116(%)) of 50% or more and a content of components eluted at 90° C. or less (W90) of 10 to 30%, measured by temperature-rising fractional chromatography (TREF).
US08545979B2	Wafer-processing tape and method of producing the same A wafer-processing tape, which has an adhesive layer and a removable adhesive layer formed on a surface of a base film, and which has an area where B>A, and an area where A>B, in which a peeling force between the base film and the adhesive layer is designated as A, and peeling forces between a target to be bonded and the adhesive layer and between a target to be bonded and the removable adhesive layer are designated as B, wherein the adhesive layer is transferred onto the chip side during pickup in the area where B>A, and the removable adhesive layer is not transferred onto the target to be bonded in the area where A>B during peeling off the tape.
US08545974B2	Flame retardant EMI shields An electromagnetic interference shield generally includes a resilient core member and an electrically conductive layer. An adhesive bonds the electrically conductive layer to the resilient core member. The adhesive can include halogen-free flame retardant. The electrically conductive layer can be provided with halogen-free flame retardant and/or a corrosion inhibitor.
US08545973B2	Sealable containers The present invention relates to containers suitable for uses such as liquid hot-fill processes. More specifically the invention relates a containers having gas permeable vents with an integral sealing means that is externally activatable by non-mechanical means to effect hermetic sealing of the containers after filling.
US08545971B2	Polymeric compositions comprising polylactic acid and methods of making and using same A multi-component article comprising a first component comprising a biodegradable polymer, and a second component comprising a polyolefin and a reactive modifier. A method of preparing a multi-layer film comprising coextruding first and second film layers, wherein the first layer comprises a polylactic acid and the second layer comprises a polyolefin and an epoxy-functionalized polyolefin. A method of preparing a multi-component fiber comprising coextruding a core component and a sheath component, wherein the core component comprises a polyolefin and an epoxy-functionalized polyolefin and the sheath component comprises a polylactic acid.
US08545968B2	Reverse molded plant-on panel component, method of manufacture, and method of decorating a door therewith A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion.
US08545957B2	Optical information recording medium and manufacturing method thereof and optical information recording medium recording layer An optical information recording medium including a substrate; two or more recording layers provided on the substrate; and a protective layer provided on the recording layers, wherein the surface of one of the side of the substrate and the protective layer is a light irradiation plane, at least one of the recording layers other than the recording layer at the deepest position from the light irradiation plane includes W, Pd, and Cu oxides as the principal components, and the ratio of W, Pd, and Cu that are respectively included in the W, Pd, and Cu oxides satisfies the relationship 0.17≦x1 (where x1=a/(b+0.8c), where a: atomic ratio of W with respect to the total of W, Pd, and Cu, b: atomic ratio of Pd with respect to the total of W, Pd, and Cu, and c: atomic ratio of Cu with respect to the total of W, Pd, and Cu).
US08545956B2	Expandable insert with flexible substrate An expandable insert assembly, method of making the same, and a vehicle structure are disclosed. A structure may include a wall defining at least a portion of a cavity, with the wall including an installation surface for the insert. The insert may include a substrate configured to be secured to the installation surface, with the substrate having a stiffness allowing the substrate to deflect relative to an initial shape. The insert further includes a plurality of discrete expandable elements secured to the substrate adjacent the installation surface. Each of the discrete expandable elements are formed of an expandable material and are secured to the substrate such that they do not affect the stiffness of the substrate prior to expansion of the expandable elements.
US08545955B2	Display strip and product assembly [Problem to be solved]To obtain a display strip to which bags can be attached with sufficient holding force and from which the bags can be removed smoothly, keeping the removed surface of the bag clean.[Solution]The display strip for arranging and attaching a plurality of product-enclosed bags comprises a laminate having at least a substrate layer and a sealant layer, wherein the sealant layer comprises an olefin resin layer [(a) layer] containing no polymer grafted with a vinyl monomer and an easily peelable resin layer [(b) layer] containing an olefin-based polymer grafted with a vinyl monomer, and the (a) layer is the outermost layer of the display strip.
US08545954B2	Barrier layer for a packaging laminate and packaging laminate comprising such barrier layer The present invention relates to a barrier layer and a packaging laminate comprising a barrier layer and a method to produce a barrier layer. The barrier layer is manufactured of a cellulose-based hydrolysate. The barrier layer comprises lignin and oligo- or poly-saccharides, where the lignin and oligo- or polysaccharides are at least partly covalently bonded to each other in a matrix, and at least one co-component. The co-component is bonded to the lignin and oligo- or polysaccharides by means of primary and/or secondary bonds. In addition, the invention relates to a package made of the packaging laminate.
US08545953B2	Hollow polystyrene body obtained by injection stretch blow moulding A blow molding having capacity of at least 250 ml, having a shell which is composed of impact-resistant polystyrene and which is produced via injection stretch blow molding where an average aspect ratio of rubber particles derived from longitudinal section and an average aspect ratio of rubber particles derived from cross section measured in transmission electron micrographs is greater than 4 respectively, and a biaxial orientation of the rubber particles, given by the ratio of the aspect ratio derived from cross section to the aspect ratio derived from longitudinal section is smaller than 3.
US08545952B2	Polyester container with enhanced gas barrier and method A polyester container with enhanced gas barrier properties includes a polyester composition having an IV of 0.65 dL/g to 1.0 dL/g and including a polyester and a reactive organic gas barrier enhancing additive. The polyester is made using at least one first polycondensation catalyst, non-limiting examples of which include metals in Groups 3, 4, 13, and 14 of the Periodic Table and includes a catalyst residue remaining in the polyester from formation of the polyester. The catalyst residue includes at least a portion of the at least one first polycondensation catalyst.
US08545950B2	Method for distributing a myoglobin-containing food product A method of distributing or commercializing fresh meat having the general steps of butchering a slaughtered animal into a plurality of retail cuts; packaging the retail cuts into a plurality of articles wherein each article comprises a polymeric oxygen barrier film having a transparent portion in contact with at least a portion of the fresh meat product; transporting the packaged article to a retail outlet, wherein the packaged article is adapted for retail display and sale without removing the polymeric film and wherein the fresh meat product has a desirable appearance especially a desirable red color e.g. having an “a*” value of at least about 15 for the fresh beef product or of at least about 6 for a fresh pork or fresh poultry product and the color is maintained for at least five days and up to four weeks or more after display.
US08545949B2	Resin composition, thermal transfer-receiving sheet, and method for making thermal transfer-receiving sheet A resin composition used to form a dye-receiving layer of a thermal transfer-receiving sheet in which the dye-receiving layer is formed on at least one surface of a substrate contains a core/shell-type latex including a core containing (A) and a shell containing (B) and a cross-linking agent that reacts with a carboxyl group contained in the shell. (A) is an acrylic resin at least containing, as one of its monomers, a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxyalkyl (meth)acrylate and/or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy polyalkylene glycol (meth)acrylate. (B) is a urethane resin containing a carboxyl group.
US08545943B2	Painting device, painting arrangement, method for painting a curved surface of an object, and use of an inkjet device for painting an aircraft A painting device for painting a curved surface (102) of an object (101), with a paint material ejection device (103), with a guide device (104, 105) and with a control device. The paint material ejection device (103) is designed for ejecting paint material. By means of the guide device (104, 105) the paint material ejection device (103) can be mechanically guided along a curved surface of an object. By means of the control device the paint material ejection device (103) and the guide device (104, 105) can be controlled in such a way that by means of guiding the paint material ejection device (103) along a predefinable path and by means of predefinable ejection of paint from the paint material ejection device (103) along the predefinable path a curved surface (102) of an object (101) to be painted can be painted.
US08545937B2	Spray coating with uniform flow distribution A spray nozzle is disclosed that produces a flat spray pattern for liquid coating material, the spray pattern having a generally uniform flow distribution of quantity of coating material across the spray pattern. The spray nozzle may include a rectangular cut spray orifice to produce such a spray pattern. The spray pattern may further have distinct edges so that the pattern exhibits substantially reduced tailings of coating material outside these edges. In one embodiment, the spray pattern produces a “rectangular” drip pattern. In another embodiment, the spray pattern may include a middle region having reduced flow of coating material as compared to side regions of the spray pattern.
US08545935B2	On-the-fly coating of acid-releasing degradable material onto a particulate Methods of creating particulates coated with acid-releasing degradable material comprising the steps of: combining an acid-releasing degradable material with a solvent or a plasticizer to create a coating solution; providing a first flowing stream comprising the coating solution; providing a second flowing stream comprising particulates; and, combining the first and second flowing streams to create a third flowing stream comprising particulates coated with the coating solution. Wherein the acid-releasing degradable material comprises at least one acid-releasing degradable material selected from the group consisting of: poly(orthoester); a lactide, a poly(lactide); a glycolide; a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a substantially water insoluble anhydride; a poly(anhydride); a poly(amino acid); a copolymer of two or more of the above-listed compounds; and any combination thereof.
US08545934B2	Apparatus and method for preparing composite particulates A method of preparing composite materials by (a) containing particulates to which an adhering material is to be made to adhere, in a rotary body having a bottom surface and a side wall; (b) rotating the rotary body so as to apply centrifugal forces to the particulates in the rotary body; and (c) varying the inclination of the rotary body to an arbitrary inclination angle in the range from an angle at which the bottom surface of the rotary body forms a horizontal surface perpendicular to the direction of gravity to an angle at which the bottom surface forms a vertical surface parallel to the direction of gravity, and supporting the rotary body at the arbitrary inclination angle.
US08545933B2	Molecular fan A method of cooling a device, by applying a molecular fan thin film to a heat sink surface of the device, dissipating heat from the device by emitting infrared radiation, and cooling the device.
US08545932B2	Metallization of a porous silicon zone by in situ reduction and application to a fuel cell A porous silicon zone is metallized by performing in situ reduction of metallic ions dissolved in an aqueous solution and fixing of the metallic particles obtained on said zone in a single step. This step consists in particular in bringing the solution containing the metallic ions into contact with the zone to be metallized, the surface whereof has previously been functionalized to enable in situ reduction of the metallic ions and fixing of the metallic particles. Functionalization of the porous silicon zone is achieved by grafting two particular and distinct types of chemical functions. The first function used is a chelating chemical function for the metallic ions and/or for the metal corresponding to the metallic ions, whereas the second function is a reducing chemical function for the metallic ions. Such a metallization can be used for producing an electrically conducting porous diffusion layer of a fuel cell.
US08545930B2	Manufacturing of low-friction elements A manufacturing method of mechanical elements comprises providing (210) of a mechanical element having a rough curved surface preferably with a surface roughness of more than Sa=0.1 μm. The method is characterized by tribochemically depositing (214) solid lubricant substance directly onto the rough curved surface in transverse directions. A mechanical element has a curved surface. The curved surface has a surface layer of a tribochemically deposited solid lubricant substance. The mechanical element is obtainable by the above method. A tool for manufacturing of such a mechanical element comprises a support portion, at least one tool working surface, means for providing a force pressing the tool towards the curved surface and driving means for moving said at least one tool working surface in two different directions along said curved surface. The working surface comprises an oxide, carbide and/or suicide of an element capable of forming a stable sulfide.
US08545929B2	Method for applying a liquid coating material to a substrate Systems and methods for applying liquid coating materials to a substrate, such as an electronic component or circuit board. A control system of a coating system controls an applicator and a robot moving the applicator to apply the liquid coating material to the substrate in accordance with the information contained in a coating program. The control system determines a volume of liquid coating material actually dispensed onto the substrate during the coating program, and compares the dispensed volume to a desired dispensed volume of liquid coating material to produce an error signal representing the difference between the calculated and desired volume values. The control system uses the error signal to change the dispensed volume of liquid coating material on a subsequent substrate by a future coating program.
US08545924B2	Production of canola protein product without heat treatment (“C200CaC”) The supernatant from the deposition of canola protein micellar mass is processed to provide a canola protein product having a protein content of about 60 to less than about 90 wt % (N×6.25) protein on a dry weight basis and which is soluble in an aqueous acidic environment.
US08545919B2	Free flowing vegetable powder and method for its manufacture A free flowing vegetable powder includes an intimate mixture of at least three different dehydrated vegetables including: 5-60% of onion by weight of vegetable dry matter; 0-90% by weight of vegetable dry matter of moderately colored vegetable selected from the group consisting of vegetables belonging to the genus Cucurbita, vegetables belonging to the genus Oleracea, sweet corn, sweet potato, green bean, edamame, celery and combinations thereof; and 5-95% by weight of vegetable dry matter of intensely colored vegetable selected from the group consisting of tomato, red bell pepper, red beet, radicchio, swiss chard, rhubarb, peppers, yam, Adzuki beans, carrot, green pea, green bell pepper, asparagus, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, egg plant and combinations thereof. The vegetable powder according to the present invention can advantageously be employed in fabricated savory snacks to deliver nutritional benefit, a considerable vegetable serving size, color and taste.
US08545916B1	Method for separating egg yolks from egg albumen A method for separating a yolk from albumen of an egg including the steps of assembling the yolk and albumen in a bowl, providing a container that encloses a chamber and has an orifice sized to receive therein the yolk, arranging the orifice to communicate in flow series with the chamber to deliver the yolk thereto, positioning the yolk in the orifice by spatial movement between the orifice and the yolk from the bowl when the container is in a squeezed condition thereof, stripping the yolk of the albumen so as to allow the albumen to return to the bowl while the yolk enters the chamber when the container has moved to a released condition thereof, and changing between the released condition and the squeezed condition is accomplished by alternately squeezing or releasing the container to create or release the vacuum in the chamber.
US08545912B2	Potassium fortification in beverages and methods thereof A potassium-fortified beverage comprising a first potassium component and a second potassium component, the first potassium component comprising monopotassium phosphate, and the second potassium component selected from the group consisting of dipotassium phosphate and potassium citrate and any combinations thereof. The potassium-fortified beverage can be made using a potassium-fortifying composition comprising a blend of the first potassium component and the second potassium component. Methods for making the potassium-fortified beverage and the potassium-fortifying composition are also provided.
US08545907B2	Alpha-amylase blend for starch processing and method of use thereof The present disclosure relates to an enzyme blend comprising a low pH, thermostable alpha-amylase and a Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase. The blend can include at least about 1.0 Liquefon Unit (LU) of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase for every 5.0 Modified Wohlgemuth Unit (MWU) of the low pH, thermostable alpha-amylase. The enzyme blend described is suitable for starch liquefaction and saccharification, ethanol production, and/or sweetener production, among other things. Also provided herein is a method of processing a starch by liquefying the starch with the low pH, thermostable alpha-amylase and the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase, simultaneously or sequentially.
US08545899B2	Titanium dioxide coatings having roughened surfaces and methods of forming titanium dioxide coatings having roughened surfaces Methods for forming surface roughened titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions may be prepared having colloidal metal oxide particles and/or colloidal silica particles, formed on a substrate, and subsequently the coated substrate may be heated at a temperature sufficient to form a surface roughened anatase titanium dioxide coating. Surface roughened titanium dioxide coatings having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, hydrophilicity, and/or activation time are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed.
US08545898B2	Broad-spectrum antiviral composition with excellent preservation stabilty A composition for a broad-spectrum antiviral agent with excellent preservation stability, which comprises a pure chlorine dioxide solution comprising a chlorine dioxide gas dissolved therein, a chlorite, and a pH adjuster.
US08545897B2	Pyrrolopyridines as kinase inhibitors Compounds of Formula I are useful for inhibition of CHK1 and/or CHK2. Methods of using compounds of Formula I and stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed.
US08545892B2	Sustained release beads and suspensions including the same for sustained delivery of active ingredients Sustained-released beads providing active ingredients over an extended period of time to an individual orally ingesting the sustained release beads. The sustained-release beads can be part of a suspension wherein the sustained-release beads are suspended and evenly dispersed in the suspension. Binding agents are used to form the structural framework of the sustained released beads and retain the active ingredients without chemical or electrical bonding. The components of the dispersion medium are GRAS designated, making the suspension suitable for use as a food product.
US08545891B1	Sunscreen compositions having synergistic combination of titanium dioxide filters The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of titanium dioxide filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high overall amounts of titanium dioxide filtering agents. Also, the sunscreen compositions are less opaque and white than traditional sunscreens making them aesthetically appealing to consumers. Finally, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US08545890B2	Orally disintegrating tablets The present invention describes a directly compressible composite excipient prepared by coating calcium silicate with a carbohydrate. The present invention further describes the incorporation of the composite excipient into a tablet formulation. The orally disintegrating tablets are of optimal mechanical strength and disintegrate within 60 seconds in the oral cavity.
US08545882B2	Control release formulation containing a hydrophobic material as the sustained release agent The present invention is directed to a sustained release pharmaceutical composition in oral dosage form consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a medicament and a hydrophobic material in the absence of a lactose or hydrophobic carbohydrate polymer, said medicament being present in an amount greater than about 25% of the pharmaceutical composition and having a water solubility greater than about 1 gram per 10 mL of water at 25° C., said hydrophobic material having a melting point ranging from at least about 40° C. to about 100° C. at 1 atm pressure, and being present in an amount ranging from about 3% to about 20% by weight of the pharmaceutical composition and in an amount less than the of the medicament, and said hydrophobic material not being present in coating of said pharmaceutical composition; said pharmaceutical composition being prepared by direct compression in the absence of or melting the hydrophobic material or the use of high shear mixer. The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing said pharmaceutical composition.
US08545881B2	Orally disintegrating tablets and methods of manufacture A tablet that rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity comprising a compressed blend of rapidly dispersing microgranules prepared by granulating a sugar alcohol or a saccharide or a mixture thereof having an average particle size less than about 30 microns and a disintegrant, and a taste-masked microcapsule containing at least one drug, the microcapsule being prepared by granulating a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprising at least one drug in a therapeutically effective amount and at least one polymeric binder that improves resilience of the microgranules, wet milling the granulated mass, and microencapsulating the milled granules to provide microcapsules.
US08545878B1	Capsules containing high doses of levodopa for pulmonary use The present invention provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L. The invention further provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L wherein the capsule material comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and titanium dioxide.
US08545877B2	Modified drugs for use in liposomal nanoparticles Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
US08545871B2	Fibrous tissue sealant and method of using same Disclosed herein is a fibrous tissue sealant in the form of an anhydrous fibrous sheet comprising a first component which is a fibrous polymer containing electrophilic or nucleophilic groups and a second component capable of crosslinking the first component when the sheet is exposed to an aqueous medium, thereby forming a crosslinked hydrogel that is adhesive to biological tissue. The fibrous tissue sealant may be useful as a general tissue adhesive for medical and veterinary applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures, tissue repair, and to prevent post-surgical adhesions. The fibrous tissue sealant may be particularly suitable for use as a hemostatic sealant to stanch bleeding from surgical or traumatic wounds.
US08545870B2	Medicinal table with prolonged release of the active principle The invention concerns a medicinal tablet to be sucked made with boiled sugar of solid consistency designed to dissolve in the buccal cavity, comprising at least an active principle. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises at least a matrix agent for slowing down the release of the active principle(s) which therefore remain in prolonged contact with the region of the mouth and the pharynx, the dissolving time in the buccal cavity being at least 15 minutes.
US08545865B2	Medical devices having polymer brushes According to an aspect of the present invention, internal medical devices are provided, which contain at least one surface region that comprises a polymer brush. The polymer brush, in turn, contains one or more types of hydrophobic polymer chains and one or more types of hydrophilic polymer chains.
US08545863B2	Insecticides for agricultural and horticultural crops Controlling insects of the superfamily of the Psylloidea in horticultural and/or agricultural crops, by using bicarbonate and carbonate salts.
US08545862B2	Polyelectrolyte complex for imparting antimicrobial properties to a substrate Anionic polyelectrolytes are used as binding agents to reduce the solubility of cationic antimicrobial polyelectrolytes. Ionic attraction between the anionic stabilizing polyelectrolytes and the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes results in formation of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC). A treatment liquid comprising a stable colloid, suspension, dispersion, solution, coacervate, or emulsion of the PEC in an aqueous carrier is used to treat an article, thus coating, infiltrating, or infusing the PEC onto or into the article. Subsequent drying results in an antimicrobial article wherein the PEC is bound to the article and is significantly less prone, relative to either of the component polyelectrolytes, to being washed, leached, leaked, extracted, or migrated from the antimicrobial article during use, or when exposed to aqueous fluids or solvents. The antimicrobial article can be further treated with ethylene oxide which enhances its antimicrobial efficacy, its biocompatibility, and its utility in wound dressings, medical devices, clothing, etc.
US08545861B2	Lotioned fibrous web having a short water absorption time A fibrous web, in particular tissue web treated with a lotion composition based on an O/W emulsion comprising: (A) at least one oil; (B) an (O/W) emulsifier or (O/W) emulsifier combination; and (C) 6 to 30 weight % of water; wherein the weight % values relate to the total weight of the lotion composition. Since in the above lotion composition the external phase is aqueous, a web treated therewith can easily be wet by water and does not float on the water if it is to be disposed in a toilet.
US08545860B2	Block copolymer and ester-terminated polyesteramide composition and uses thereof Compositions and methods for the preparation of a composition comprising a block copolymer and ester-terminated polyester amide solubilized in a compatible solvent are disclosed. The disclosed compositions are long-lasting, transfer resistant, flexible, and water-proof capable of complexing the active ingredient to provide such benefits. The disclosed compositions are useful for formulating cosmetics, personal care products, cosmeceuticals, and the like.
US08545857B2	Compositions and methods for administering compartmentalized frozen particles Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08545856B2	Compositions and methods for delivery of frozen particle adhesives Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08545855B2	Compositions and methods for surface abrasion with frozen particles Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08545852B2	Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, vaccines thereof, and a method for protecting fishes using said vaccines A novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, a vaccine derived from the novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, especially in immersion form and oral form, and a method for protecting fishes from the infection of Edwardsiella ictaluri, especially catfish, the method including a primary immersion immunization using immersion vaccine, and after an appropriate period, boosting by oral vaccination, resulting in a strong and long-lasting immunity for fishes.
US08545851B2	Composition for improving inflammatory disease using ABH antigens The present invention relates to a composition for improving inflammatory disease, and more specifically to a composition for improving inflammatory disease able to improve inflammatory reactions and the barrier function of epithelial tissue such as the skin, to enhance aging resistance and skin elasticity and to prevent or treat aging. The present invention makes it possible to control inflammatory reactions by modulating the expression and modulating the activity of ABH antigens, and thus the composition of the present invention can be employed as a development marker for therapeutic agents designed to soothe or treat or help in the treatment of disease caused by inflammatory reaction in body tissue and notably the skin expressed by ABH antigens, and can be used in the development of external preparations and cosmetics containing external preparations designed for the purposes such as restoration of normal function and moisturization, wrinkle enhancement, whitening and elasticity recovery in skin through modulation of differentiation of keratinocytes and the skin barrier function.
US08545849B2	Stable and soluble antibodies The invention provides antibodies that are modified to reduce aggregration propensity, and methods of producing such antibodies. The present invention also provides particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.
US08545848B2	Human cytomegalovirus neutralising antibodies and use thereof The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalized B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.
US08545846B2	Methods for treating IL-1β related diseases by administering an anti-IL-1β antibody Disclosed are methods for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and disease states and conditions characterized by insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, metabolic syndrome, Type 1 diabetes and obesity, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof.
US08545838B2	Compositions and methods for cancer immunotherapy Provided is a cancer therapeutic agent comprising a cancer targeting molecule linked to a liver-expressed chemokine (LEC). In one embodiment, the cancer targeting molecule is an antibody that targets cancer cells or tumors in vivo. The cancer targeting molecule is associated non-covalently or covalently with LEC. The cancer therapeutic agents of the invention are useful for the treatment of cancer in an individual by reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in an individual and/or by inhibiting the development of metastasis. The effectiveness of the therapy using the LEC cancer therapeutic agents can be increased by reducing the activity of immunoregulatory T cells and/or by adoptively transferring immune T cells.
US08545836B2	Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating oxalate-dependent conditions The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, animals and plants. For example, the invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of one or more oxalate-reducing pharmaceutical compositions to the intestinal tracts of persons and animals. The methods and compositions can be used in treating and preventing oxalate-related conditions. A composition of the invention comprises an oral delivery vehicle comprising an oxalate degrading bacteria, one or more cryopreserving agents and one or more excipients. A composition of the invention is enteric coated and has a suitable shelf-life and acceptable properties to avoid negative impact from gastric fluid when it is orally administered.
US08545831B2	Compositions and methods for treating a damaged cardiovascular element In the present invention, the applicants describe methods and compositions of treating damaged cardiovascular elements and cardiovascular conditions including hypotension, atherosclerotic lesions, vulnerable plaque, and acute myocardial infarct. The applicants demonstrate the ability of a biomembrane sealing agent to accumulate on the walls of damaged blood vessels and help improving mean arterial pressure following tissue injury. The applicants describe the use of formulations comprising at least one biomembrane sealing agent and one bioactive agent for prophylactic treatment such as they could be administered concurrently to an invasive therapeutic intervention or after the insult (i.e. post-injury or post-surgery). Alternatively, these methods and compositions could be used to reduce the severity of cardiovascular diseases after onset.
US08545825B2	Depilatory composition in emulsion form, process for preparation and use Depilatory compositions comprising a depilatory agent, fatty alcohol and an oil-gelling agent provide improved resistance to rinsing of the compositions from the skin. The compositions provide for a method of depilation in wet conditions using a tool to apply and remove the compositions.
US08545821B2	Cosmetic use of water-redispersible powders Cosmetic compositions comprising water-redispersible polymers are provided, as well as methods for using such compositions in cosmetics that afford powder-to-liquid and moisture-resistant benefits. These cosmetics can provide easier portability, as well as long wear benefits when topically applied to the skin or hair.
US08545814B2	Non-invasive localization of a light-emitting conjugate in a mammal Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.
US08545805B2	Method for preparing small crystal SSZ-32 The invention is directed to a method for making small crystal zeolites, such as small crystal SSZ-32, in the absence of an amine component.
US08545800B1	Molecular sieve SSZ-87 This disclosure is directed to a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-87, which is synthesized using an N,N′-diisopropyl-N,N′-diethylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,3:5,6-dipyrrolidinium dication as a structure directing agent.
US08545798B2	Method for preparing molecular SSZ-81 The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-81 using a structure directing agent selected from 1,5-bis(1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane)pentane dications, 1,5-bis(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)pentane dications, and mixtures thereof.
US08545797B2	Germanosilicate SSZ-75 The present invention relates to new germanosilicate SSZ-75 molecular sieve, and methods for synthesizing germanosilicate SSZ-75.
US08545796B2	Silica-stabilized ultrafine anatase titania, vanadia catalysts, and methods of production thereof The invention is directed to compositions and processes for the production of silica-stabilized ultrafine anatase titanias and which may further comprise tungsten and vanadia. The surface stabilization may be by treatment of the TiO2 particles with a low molecular weight and/or small nanoparticle form of silica such as, in preferred embodiments, a tetra(alkyl)ammonium silicate or silicic acid, which serves to efficiently maintain the anatase phase and prevent crystal growth under severe thermal and hydrothermal conditions, even in the presence of vanadia. The vanadia catalysts produced from the novel titanias have equal or improved catalytic activity for selective catalytic reduction of NOx compared to conventional vanadia supported silica-titania based catalysts. The invention is further directed to diesel emission catalytic devices comprising the novel titania-based catalyst compositions.
US08545793B2	Device and method for condensing, separating, and storing liquid sulfur in a Claus plant A device for condensing, separating, and storing sulfur in a Claus plant. having a Claus furnace, waste heat boiler, and Claus reactor. Plant parts are supported on a floor or comparable device, and an immersion chamber is provided below the Claus plant and optionally also below a device arranged upstream for gas scrubbing. The immersion chamber receives the sulfur in a siphoning manner, wherein the excess sulfur flows at least 4.00 meters deeper from the immersion chamber into a ground-level container in which the immersion chamber is arranged. The invention further relates to a method, by means of which liquid sulfur is conducted into an immersion chamber, wherein the immersion chamber is arranged at a height level below the waste heat boiler and the Claus reactor so that the liquid sulfur reaches the immersion chamber without further pumping and overcomes a height difference of at least 4.00 meters.
US08545785B2	Barium fluoroborate, nonlinear optical crystal of barium fluoroborate, preparation method and use thereof The present invention provides a barium fluoroborate compound, a nonlinear optical crystal and the preparation method and use thereof. Both of the barium fluoroborate compound and the nonlinear optical crystal have a chemical formula of Ba4B11O20F. The crystal belongs to orthorhombic crystal system, has a space group Cmc21 with unit cell parameters of a=18.802(3) Å, b=10.7143(19) Å, c=8.6113(14) Å, V=1734.7(5) Å3. The crystal has a powder second harmonic generation efficiency of 10 times that of KDP (KH2PO4). The ultraviolet cutoff wavelength is about 170 nm. The barium fluoroborate compound is prepared by a solid-state reaction. The barium fluoroborate nonlinear optical crystal prepared by a high temperature melting liquid method has large hardness and is easy to be cut, polished and stored. This crystal can be used widely in preparing the nonlinear optical devices of the second harmonic generator, the up frequency converter, the down frequency converter or the optical parametric oscillator or the like.
US08545782B1	CO2 recovery apparatus and CO2 recovery method A CO2 recovery apparatus includes a desulfurization tower which includes a desulfurization unit and a cooling unit, an absorption tower which includes a CO2 absorption unit and an acid washing unit, a regeneration tower, and an acid water production device configured to produce acid water by causing exhaust gas yet to be introduced into the desulfurization to come into contact with water. In the CO2 recovery apparatus, the water to be come in contact with the exhaust gas is condensed water that is generated in the desulfurization tower, the absorption tower, or the regeneration tower.
US08545776B2	Reducing aluminosilicate scale in the Bayer process The invention provides a method of inhibiting the accumulation of DSP scale in the liquor circuit of Bayer process equipment. The method includes adding one or more particular silane based small molecules to the liquor fluid circuit. These scale inhibitors reduce DSP scale formation and thereby increase fluid throughput, increase the amount of time Bayer process equipment can be operational and reduce the need for expensive and dangerous acid washes of Bayer process equipment. As a result, the invention provides a significant reduction in the total cost of operating a Bayer process.
US08545772B2	Nanoliter array loading An interface is provided for storing microfluidic samples in a nanoliter sample chip. A fluid access structure provides a fluid access region to a selected subset of sample wells from an array of sample wells. A fluid introduction mechanism introduces a sample fluid to the fluid access region so that the sample wells in the selected subset are populated with the sample fluid without the unselected sample wells being populated with the sample fluid.
US08545769B2	Reusable PCR amplification system and method A DNA amplification device utilizing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silicon substrate coated with spin-on glass (SOG) is provided. This PDMS layer is irreversibly bonded to the SOG layer of the silicon substrate using oxygen plasma. The amplification device is an inexpensive, microfluidic device, which can be utilized as a portable thermo-cycler to perform PCR amplification of DNA in the field.
US08545768B2	Test sensor package A fluid sensor comprises a formed plastic body and a reagent. The body has a top face with an integral first surface. The body also has a bottom face opposed to the first surface and a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the top face. The first surface is adapted to accept a fluid sample. The reagent is disposed on the integral first surface and causes a color change detectable on the bottom face when the reagent reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample.
US08545766B2	Counterfeit detector pen A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.
US08545763B2	Catalytic converter substrate structure A catalytic converter substrate structure includes an outer peripheral wall having a first end and a second end. A plurality of cells are defined by walls that are disposed within the outer peripheral wall and are interconnected to the outer peripheral wall. The plurality of cells extend axially along a length of the outer wall and have a varying density.
US08545761B2	Chemical and biological sensor The present disclosure provides a sensor device. The sensor device may include an intake port for an air sample connected to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may contain at least one device for the introduction of a liquid or gel detection improvement agent, or at least one mechanical dispersal device for the introduction of a solid detection improvement agent. The detection improvement agent may be operable to interact with a chemical or biological agent in the air sample. The mixing chamber may also include at least one heating or cooling plate and at least device for the introduction of water or an aromatic solvent into the air sample as well as at least one detection element able to detect a chemical or biological agent in the air sample. The mixing chamber may be connected to an exhaust port.
US08545760B2	Specimen analyzing method and specimen analyzing apparatus A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
US08545757B2	Automatic analyzer and sample treatment apparatus A sample treatment apparatus is designed to directly monitor a pressure signal from a pressure sensor to examine pressure fluctuations resulting from a sample's sway before a discharge of the sample, so that the discharge is performed after the confirmation of the absence of pressure changes. The apparatus has a detection function that allows a discharge to be started even before a pressure fluctuation vanishes completely, by allowing the operator to set a desired number of pressure monitorings, monitoring time, or pressure amplitude. The detection function also allows an alarm to be raised when a pressure fluctuation has not fallen within a given range. The sample treatment apparatus therefore allows discharge of more accurate amounts of samples.
US08545756B2	Assay system An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.
US08545755B2	Sensor release mechanism for a test meter A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a rotational-release wheel that is disposed on the outer housing of the sensor-dispensing instrument that is turnable to remove a sensor disposed in the sensor slot.
US08545753B2	Ultra-violet lamp and reflector/shield assembly An ultra-violet lamp and reflector/shield assembly designed to be mounted in a commercial HVAC, and to other types of A/C units is described herein. The reflector/shield includes a reflective inner surface creating an illumination pattern and an outer surface shielding the UV lamp from the air flow. An orienting and securing assembly for a UV lamp is also described herein.
US08545750B1	Rotary blow molding machine with moveable mold clamp assemblies and method A continuous blow molding machine includes a mechanism for shifting molds upstream after closing to reduce between-mold flash.
US08545749B2	Concrete mix composition, mortar mix composition and method of making and curing concrete or mortar and concrete or mortar objects and structures The invention comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure having a compressive strength greater than about 1,000 psi. The method comprises placing a cement-based material in an insulated concrete form, wherein the insulated concrete form has an R-value of at least 1.5, wherein the cement-based material comprises approximately 10% to approximately 80% by weight portland cement, and at least one of approximately 10% to approximately 90% by weight slag cement and approximately 5% to approximately 80% by weight fly ash. The invention also comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure. The invention further comprises objects or structures made by the foregoing methods.
US08545748B2	Building bricks including plastics A brick comprises a thermoplastic material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), and a cement-containing material. The brick may be made by mixing thermoplastic material and dry, uncured cement-containing material. This mixture is placed in a mold. The mold is heated while the mixture is compressed to melt or soften the thermoplastic material and to bind the particulate material in the mold into the shape of a brick. After the hardened brick is removed from the mold, the surface of the brick may be sprayed with water to cure cement-containing material on the surface of the brick.
US08545747B2	Method of forming a part with a feature having a die-locked geometry A method of forming a part with a feature having a die-locked geometry is disclosed herein. A molding tool used in the method includes at least one die having a cavity defined in a surface thereof, and a protrusion formed in the cavity. The method includes disposing a shape memory polymer insert on the protrusion, where the shape memory polymer insert has i) the die-locked geometry as its temporary shape, and ii) a geometry that is removable from the die-locked geometry as its permanent shape. A material is established in the cavity such that at least a portion of the material conforms to the die-locked geometry, thereby forming the part having the feature with the at least one die-locked geometry.
US08545745B2	Method for using a poisson ratio material A method for using a Poisson's ratio material includes a carbon nanotube film structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A first part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a first direction, a second part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a second direction. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to second direction. When the Poisson's ratio material is stretched or compressed substantially along the first or second direction, a Poisson's ratio value is negative. When the Poisson's ratio material is stretched or compressed in a direction having an angle of about 45 degrees with the first direction, the Poisson's ratio value is positive.
US08545736B2	Method for preparing metal phosphide nanocrystal from phosphite compound and method for passivating nanocrystal core with the same Disclosed herein is a method for the preparation of metal phosphide nanocrystals using a phosphite compound as a phosphorous precursor. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method for preparing metal phosphide nanocrystals by reacting a metal precursor with a phosphite compound in a solvent. A method is also provided for passivating a metal phosphide layer on the surface of a nanocrystal core by reacting a metal precursor with a phosphite compound in a solvent. The metal phosphide nanocrystals have uniform particle sizes and various shapes.
US08545731B2	Conductive paste and conductive circuit board produced therewith A conductive paste containing silver nanoparticles and a conductive circuit board provided therewith are provided. The conductive paste containing silver nanoparticles includes 15 to 50 weight % of silver nanoparticles based on a total weight of the conductive paste, the silver nanoparticles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm; 0.1 to 2.5 weight % of carbon nanotubes based on the total weight of the conductive paste, the carbon nanotubes having an average diameter of 2 to 40 nm; 1 to 15 weight % of a binder based on the total weight of the conductive paste; and a solvent.
US08545729B2	Preparation of metal colloids A method is described for producing a silver colloid solution comprised of highly stable resulting colloids, the method comprising: adding an aqueous solution of a hydroxylamine salt to an aqueous solution of an alkali, and then dispersing into the mixture an aqueous solution of the metal ions, the hydroxylamine salt being selected such that the anion, when combined with the said metal ions, would form a metal salt having a very low solubility in water, wherein the metal ion solution is introduced into the mixture in such a manner that the metal ions are substantially dispersed throughout the mixture within one second. A maturing period, preferably at elevated temperatures, leads to a stable state in which the characteristics of the colloid undergo no further changes, and it is preferred to make and store the colloid in a polystyrene container for greatest stability. The resulting colloids from such method exhibit high light-scattering properties of small particle size and low background fluorescence levels, with a long shelf life, making it particularly suitable for Raman spectroscopy.
US08545726B2	Burner for the gasification of a solid fuel A burner includes a burner front having annular and central openings. The annular opening, for discharging a solid fuel, fluidly connects to a central passage way. The central opening, for discharging an oxygen containing gas, fluidly connects to an annular passage way for passage of oxygen positioned co-axial with the central passage way. The central passage way has a downstream part and a diameter that increases over a first length and subsequently decreases over a second length terminating at the burner front. Inside the downstream part a hollow member is positioned which is closed at one end and has an opening at or near the burner front, and has increasing and decreasing diameters aligned with the increasing and decreasing diameters of the central passage way forming an annular passage. The hollow member fluidly connects with the annular passage way for the oxygen containing gas via one or more connecting conduits.
US08545724B2	Odorant for hydrogen based on acrylate and acetophenone The present invention concerns a nitrogen-free and sulfur-free odorant for hydrogen gas containing at least one acrylic acid C1-C6-alkyl ester and acetophenone, its use for the odorization of hydrogen gas, a process for the odorization of hydrogen gas and hydrogen gas containing an odorant according to the invention.
US08545723B2	Persistent phosphor A persistent phosphor of formula I is provided, along with methods for making and using the phosphor: AxAlyO4:Euj, REk, Bm, Znn, Coo, Scp I wherein: A is Ba, Sr, Ca, or a combination of these metals; x is greater than about 0.75 and less than about 1.3; y is greater than or equal to about 1.6 and less than or equal to 2; j is greater than about 0.0005 and less than about 0.1; k is greater than about 0.0005 and less than about 0.1; m is greater than or equal to 0 and less than about 0.30; n is greater than 0 and less than about 0.10; o is greater than 0 and less than about 0.01; p is greater than 0 and less than about 0.05; and RE is Dy, Nd, or a combination thereof. Applications for such phosphors include use in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, among others.
US08545720B2	Liquid-crystal display The present invention relates to liquid-crystal (LC) media for use in LC displays of the PS (polymer stabilised) or PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type.
US08545717B2	Composition comprising curable dichroic dye for forming optical component and an optical component prepared using the same The present invention relates to a composition comprising a curable dichroic dye and a curable liquid crystal compound, which are used to prepare an optical component that is vertically oriented to give a narrow viewing angle, to form an optical component, and an optical component comprising an optical component layer prepared using the same. There is provided a composition for forming an optical component comprising 0.1-90 parts by weight of a dichroic dye and 10-98.85 parts by weight of a curable liquid crystal compound, and there is also provided an optical component comprising an optical component layer in which a curable liquid crystal compound and a curable dichroic dye are vertically oriented. The optical component comprising an optical component layer in which a curable dichroic dye and a curable liquid crystal compound are vertically oriented and which is made of the composition comprising a curable dichroic dye and a curable liquid crystal compound for forming an optical component has excellent physical properties such as heat resistance, durability to high temperature and high moisture, vertical orientation and dichroic ratio, and also adjust a narrow viewing angle. The durability in the high temperature and high moisture is due to the cross linking shape of the optical component layer.
US08545716B2	Etching liquid composition A metal film such as an aluminum film or an aluminum alloy film is etched with good controllability, preventing a resist from bleeding, to have a proper taper configuration and superior flatness.A water solution containing a phosphoric acid, a nitric acid, and an organic acid salt is used as an etching liquid composition used to etch the metal film on a substrate.The organic acid salt is composed of one kind selected from a group consisting of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid, an aliphatic oxicarboxylic acid, an aromatic monocarboxylic acid, an aromatic polycarboxylic acid and an aromatic oxycarboxylic acid, and one kind selected from a group consisting of an ammonium salt, an amine salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an alkali metal salt.In addition, a concentration of the organic acid salt ranges from 0.1% to 20% by weight.In addition, the etching liquid composition according to the present invention is used when the metal film is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
US08545713B2	Black magnetic iron oxide particles The present invention relates to black magnetic iron oxide particles comprising magnetite as a main component, wherein when the black magnetic iron oxide particles are molded into a tablet shape, an electric resistance value of the tablet in an alternating current electric field is controlled to produce an impedance of not less than 2×106 Ωcm as measured in a characteristic frequency range thereof. The black magnetic iron oxide particles according to the present invention can provide a toner capable of exhibiting a good charging performance and a uniform charging property under the high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, so that when developing an electrostatic latent image therewith, it is possible to obtain toner images having a high resolution or definition, and further the use of heavy metal elements in the black magnetic iron oxide particles can be minimized.
US08545707B2	Reduced pressure drop coalescer A coalescer includes fibrous media capturing droplets of the dispersed phase, coalescingly growing the droplets into larger drops which further coalesce and grow to form pools that drain, and adapted to reduce pressure drop thereacross by increasing dispersed phase drainage therefrom.
US08545705B2	Apparatus and process for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include:a vessel containing a fluid including at least one reactant; a fluid transfer device receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the vessel; at least one drier receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the fluid transfer device; and a reactor communicating with the at least one drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant. In addition, the at least one drier may communicate with the vessel at least by sending the fluid including at least one reactant or the regenerant through a fluid tapering device for at least one of regulating the flow and reducing the pressure of the regenerant to the vessel.
US08545698B2	Hemodialysis systems and methods Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid, The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.
US08545692B2	Apparatus and method for electrochemical modification of concentrations of liquid streams An apparatus and a method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams using at least one anode and cathode assemblies arranged to contain liquid electrolytes anolyte and catholyte, a plurality of electrically conducting anode and cathode particulates forming anode and cathode particulate beds, and current feeder and current collector devices in contact with the particulate bed, where the anode particulates and cathode particulates are in motion substantially independent of bulk electrolytes flow.
US08545687B2	Apparatus and method for the electrolytic treatment of a plate-shaped product Apparatus for the electrolytic treatment of the product L using a treatment agent is used to make the treatment of a plate-shaped product more uniform. This apparatus includes devices 40, 42 for retaining the product L in the apparatus, one or more flow devices 10, which each include at least one nozzle 15 and are disposed situated opposite the product L, one or more counter electrodes 30, which are inert relative to the treatment agent and are disposed parallel to at least one treatment surface, eccentric motor means for generating a relative movement 44 between the product L, on the side, and the flow devices 10 and/or the counter electrodes 30, on the other side, in at least one direction parallel to a treatment surface. The product L can be immersed in the treatment agent during treatment.
US08545683B2	Systems and methods for integrated detection An integrated sensor is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC), electrical (E), and optical (O) signals or EC and O signals. The sensor introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.
US08545681B2	Waste heat driven desalination process Disclosed is a process for improving the efficiency of a combined-cycle power generation plant and desalination unit. The process includes supplying exhaust gases from a gas turbine set used to generate electrical power to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and then directing the steam from the HRSG to a steam turbine set. Salinous water is supplied into an effect of the desalination unit. Steam exhausted from the steam turbine set is utilized in the effect of the desalination unit to produce a distillate vapor and brine from the effect by heat exchange. Additionally, steam is introduced steam from at least one additional heat source from the combined-cycle power generation plant to the effect to increase the mass flow rate of steam into the effect. In one embodiment, the additional heat source is an intercooler heat exchanger. Heated water from the intercooler heat exchanger is provided to a reduced atmosphere flash tank, and the steam flashed in the flash tank is provided to the effect.
US08545672B2	Plasma processing apparatus The plasma processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber an inside of which is airtightly closable; a process gas supplying mechanism which supplies a process gas into the processing chamber; an exhaust mechanism which evacuates the inside of the processing chamber; a plasma generating mechanism which generates plasma from the process gas; a holding stage which is provided in the processing chamber and configured such that a substrate to be processed and a focus ring provided to surround the substrate to be processed are held on a same plane; a temperature control mechanism which adjusts a temperature of the holding stage; and an electrostatic chuck which is provided on a top surface of the holding stage and comprises an adsorbing electrode extending to a portion under the focus ring.
US08545671B2	Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus A plasma processing apparatus for generating a plasma in a plasma processing space in a processing chamber and plasma-processing a target object includes a plasma-exciting high frequency power supply for applying a plasma-exciting high frequency power. Further, the plasma processing apparatus includes at least one of a potential-controlling high frequency power supply for applying a potential-controlling high frequency power having a frequency lower than that of the plasma-exciting high frequency power and a DC power supply for applying a DC voltage; and a mounting table for mounting thereon a target object. Furthermore, the plasma processing apparatus includes an auxiliary electrode, provided at a position outer side of the target object mounted on the mounting table while facing the mounting table, connected to at least one of the potential-controlling high frequency power supply and the DC power supply.
US08545669B2	Sensor array for measuring plasma characteristics in plasma processing environments A plasma processing system is provided with diagnostic apparatus for making in-situ measurements of plasma properties. The diagnostic apparatus generally comprises a non-invasive sensor array disposed within a plasma processing chamber, an electrical circuit for stimulating the sensors, and means for recording and communicating sensor measurements for monitoring or control of the plasma process. In one form, the sensors are dynamically pulsed dual floating Langmuir probes that measure incident charged particle currents and electron temperatures in proximity to the plasma boundary or boundaries within the processing system. The plasma measurements may be used to monitor the condition of the processing plasma or furnished to a process system controller for use in controlling the plasma process.
US08545665B2	Process for the manufacture of a decorative laminate A process for the manufacture of a decorative board, which board, on its upper surface includes a decorative layer and a wear layer of cellulose and thermosetting amino resin. A decorative layer and wear layer is applied as a surface layer on a base layer and bonded thereto by pressing under elevated temperature and pressure in a laminate press. The wear layer, the decor layer and the base layer are arranged to form a stack of layers. The stack of layers are fed into a laminate press and pressed therein under heat and pressure where at least the upper surface becomes heated. The decorative board is acquired from the laminate press whereupon a forced cooling of the decorative board is initiated in order to bring the surface temperature of the decorative board down.
US08545659B2	Method for producing a T-stringer The present invention provides a method as well as a tool (1, 48) for producing a T-stringer, in particular in the aircraft and spacecraft sector. The method is characterized by two lay-up strips (3, 4) being arranged on top of one another, wherein areas (5, 6) of the lay-up strips (3, 4) corresponding to the stringer foot (60) that is to be formed, are spaced apart from one another by means of separation films (7, 8) and areas (14, 15) of the lay-up strips (5, 6) corresponding to a stringer web (61) come into direct contact with one another, in particular, forming a material bond. In a further method step, the lay-up strips (3, 4) are clamped at the areas (14, 15) corresponding to the stringer web (61) that is to be formed. In an even further step, the areas (5, 6) corresponding to the stringer foot (60) that is to be formed are folded open in opposite directions (28, 29) by means of a folding-open mandrel (25), and by means of a pressing roller (37) the areas (5, 6) are pressed against corresponding pressing surfaces (23, 24) of the clamping device (1) such that the areas (23, 24) are properly flush. Finally, the folded lay-up strips (3, 4) are cured to form the T-stringer that is to be produced. The method according to the invention has the advantage over the known method for producing T-stringers that a smaller number of steps is required to produce the T-stringer and can be automated easily.
US08545658B2	Apparatus and methods for forming filter sleeves having circumferential pleats for use in a bag-type filter assembly Systems are provided for fabricating a plurality of possible pleat packs used in the formation of circumferentially pleated filter sleeves comprising a substantially horizontal contact surface, a pleating machine having cutting structure, operatively positioned proximate the substantially horizontal contact plane, for delivering continuous upstanding pleat packs of a predetermined pleat formation to the horizontal contact surface, structure for guiding the upstanding pleat packs received from the pleating machine into a flattened condition, structure for securing the pleat packs in the flattened condition and structure for forming the flattened pleat packs into a predetermined length for subsequent formation into sleeves of circumferential pleats. Methods for fabricating a plurality of possible pleat packs used in the formation of circumferentially pleated filter sleeves are also provided.
US08545653B2	Adhesive tape for producing a joint during a static reel change In order to provide an adhesive tape for producing a joint during a static reel change between two flat web materials wound up onto reels, having a carrier and a self-adhesive compound, with which the exposure of the self-adhesive compound during the further processing of the webs bonded to each other is avoided, it is proposed that, in the self-adhesive compound, a gap be formed in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape, in order to form two self-adhesive compounds having a spacing (V), as viewed in the width of the adhesive tape. Furthermore, a corresponding method is proposed.
US08545651B1	Architectural wicker structures, and method In combination, flexible synthetic resinous wicker extending in a first plane, a relatively stiff backer sheet having side thereof intermittently bonded to the wicker to extend in a second plane, generally parallel with the first plane, the backer sheet configured to provide intermittent support to the wicker.
US08545649B2	Method for preparing nonwoven fusible interlining using pattern printing Disclosed is a nonwoven fusible interlining fabricated through a pattern printing and a method for fabricating the same, and more particularly to a method for fabricating a nonwoven fusible interlining including the steps of processing a staple fiber and fabricating elastic nonwoven, pattern printing on the nonwoven, and applying an adhesive, and a nonwoven fusible interlining fabricated by the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide the variously shape-reinforced nonwoven fusible interlining through a simple and speedy fabricating process.
US08545647B2	Item of hardware and method of making and bonding same The present application describes and claims an item of hardware suitable for bonding to a substrate such as a vehicle glazing. The item of hardware of the invention helps to ensure that the adhesive applied is effectively contained and utilized for its intended purpose. A preferred type of adhesive is also described and claimed.
US08545646B1	High-density rocket propellant The present disclosure relates to a high-density rocket propellant and associated recoilless launching systems and methods with tungsten powder added providing substantial mass to the propellant for additional impulse, absorption of sound, optimization of back blast and carry weight, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-density rocket propellant includes tungsten mass percentages of between about 70%-about 80%, equivalent to about 17%-about 26% by volume.
US08545642B2	Iron and steel material having quenched surface layer part, method for producing the iron and steel material, and quenched component Providing an iron and steel material having quenched surface part, avoiding oxidation of a compound layer formed on the surface of the iron and steel material due to quenching, its production method, and an induction-quenched component. A quenched iron and steel material 10 comprises an iron and steel material 11, a compound layer 12 formed on the iron and steel material 11, and an antioxidant cover layer 13 formed on the compound layer 12. The iron and steel material 11 has a hardened layer having a given depth, and the surface of the iron and steel material 11 has enhanced hardness. A method for producing the iron and steel material 10 comprises a first step for forming the antioxidant cover layer 13 to cover the compound layer 12 formed on the iron and steel material 11, and a second step for applying induction hardening to the iron and steel material 11 having the compound layer 12 and the antioxidant cover layer 13, with the temperature increased in a given heating time until the given heating temperature is reached, and with cooling immediately performed once the heating temperature is reached.
US08545638B2	Method of cleaning a food plant A method of cleaning a food plant of the type which produces an aseptic product or a product with extended shelf life involves at least one circulation with an alkaline detergent solution and at least one circulation with an acidic cleaning solutions. The circulations take place alternatively with the alkaline detergent solution and the acidic cleaning solution. Prior to the first circulation, between each circulation and after the last circulation, rinsings with water take place. Simultaneously with the last circulation with alkaline detergent solution the plant is sterilized, and after the last circulation with the acidic cleaning solution the two last rinsings with water take place with sterile liquid.
US08545636B2	Conductivity control of water content in solvent strip baths A system and method for control of water content in a strip bath. The method to control water content in a solvent bath used for cleaning of semiconductor parts in the back end of semiconductor manufacturing requires addition of water to replace evaporated water. This is done by periodically adjusting a conductivity setpoint at least in part based on the elapsed chemical bathlife and at least in part based on the number of semiconductor parts that have been processed in the bath. The conductivity of the strip bath solution is then continuously measured (as by using an electrodeless conductivity probe). Water is added (as by a DI water injection system) into the bath solution whenever the solvent conductivity falls below the conductivity set point.
US08545633B2	Method for producing ethanol and co-products from cellulosic biomass The present invention generally relates to processes for production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention also relates to production of various co-products of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention further relates to improvements in one or more aspects of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass including, for example, improved methods for cleaning biomass feedstocks, improved acid impregnation, and improved steam treatment, or “steam explosion.”
US08545631B2	Mask device, method of fabricating the same, and method of fabricating organic light emitting display device using the same A mask device, a method of fabricating the mask device with improved reliability, a method of manufacturing a large-sized division mask device by forming a striped aperture parallel to the roll direction, and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display device (OLED) using the mask device. The mask device includes: at least one mask alignment mark formed on a mask; a blocking region formed on the mask and blocking a deposition material; and an aperture region formed on the mask and through which the deposition material passes, wherein the at least one mask alignment mark is formed outside the aperture region, the aperture region has a stripe pattern, and the roll direction of the mask substrate is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stripe pattern.
US08545629B2	Method and apparatus for producing large, single-crystals of aluminum nitride Bulk single crystals of AlN having a diameter greater than about 25 mm and dislocation densities of about 10,000 cm−2 or less and high-quality AlN substrates having surfaces of any desired crystallographic orientation fabricated from these bulk crystals.
US08545625B2	Materials for dental and biomedical application The invention provides novel dental enamel inspired materials for biomedical and dental applications. The materials are apatite-like calcium phosphate complexes and may comprise apatite, octacalcium phosphate crystals, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the materials (calcium phosphate coatings) are mixtures of crystals of apatite and its precursor, octacalcium phosphate, nucleated on a titanium surface. They are prepared using a chemical process leading to the formation of biological apatite which is similar to that found in natural bone and teeth. In one embodiment, the materials are prepared by placing a titanium substrate in a supersaturated calcifying solution containing native or purified recombinant amelogenins. The presence of the amelogenins modulates apatite crystal growth to mimic in vivo apatite crystal formation. Applications for the materials include, without limitation, dental tissue (enamel, dentin, cementum) replacement, orthopeadic implants for bone repair, and coatings for improving the biocompatibility and bone regeneration capability of currently available implants or medical devices made of metallic, polymeric, ceramic or composite materials.
US08545624B2	Method for continuous formation of a purified sheet from a melt An apparatus to pump a melt is disclosed. The pump has a chamber that defines a cavity configured to hold the melt. A gas source is in fluid communication with the chamber. A first valve is between the chamber and a first pipe and a second valve is between the chamber and a second pipe. The valves may be check valves in one embodiment.
US08545621B2	Method for eliminating defects from semiconductor materials Using a helium cryostat, the temperature for a substrate wafer(s) is reduced to 2.2 Kelvin over a period of twenty-four hours. Next, a soak segment will hold the temperature of the substrate wafer at 2.2 Kelvins for a period of ninety-six hours. At these low temperatures, alloys such as GaAs, InP, and GaP will form dipole molecular moments, which will re-align along lines of internal magnetic force as molecular bonds condense. Next the substrate wafer's temperature is ramped up to room temperature over a period of twenty-four hours. Next, the temperature of the substrate wafer is ramped up to assure that the temperature gradients made to occur within the wafer are kept low. Typically, a temper ramp up temperature will range between 300° F. to 1100° F. and depends upon the single crystal material used to construct the substrate wafer. Next, the substrate wafer undergoes a temper hold segment, which assures that the entire substrate wafer has had the benefit of the tempering temperature. A typical temper hold segment is around 3 hours and depends upon the material, thickness, and diameter size of the substrate wafer.
US08545619B2	Restraining expansive mortar with non-metallic fibers Synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene fibers, are mixed in a shrinkage compensating concrete to provide restraint in lieu of conventional steel reinforcement used in a shrinkage compensating concrete. While the synthetic fibers have a low elastic modulus and low strength, they act to restrain expansion of the concrete in the same way that conventional steel rebar does. In addition, only a small amount of the synthetic fibers are needed to restrain the expansion. As a result, shrinkage compensating concrete can be used in more varied applications, and can be provided more quickly, easily and inexpensively. Construction time requirements and expenses of concrete structures are correspondingly reduced.
US08545616B2	Sulphur cement pre-composition and process for preparing such sulphur cement pre-compositon A sulphur cement pre-composition, comprising sulphur and at least an organotitanate, which organotitanate is of the general molecular formula: wherein OR1, OR2 and OR3 are independently chosen from acyloxy, phosphato, pyrophosphate, sulfonato and glycoxy; and XO and X′O are independently chosen from alkoxy or neoalkoxy group or XO and X′O together form a glycoxy group. The invention further provides a process for preparing such sulphur cement pre-composition, processes for the preparation of a sulphur cement product, a sulphur cement product and the use of such sulphur cement pre-composition.
US08545615B2	Aqueous formulation for an antifouling coating system for submerged substrates, method for treating same, and use thereof The invention relates to a formulation for an antifouling coating system to be applied on submerged substrates. The invention is characterized in that the formulation contains at least 30 wt % of water relative to the total weight thereof, at least 10 wt % relative to the total weight thereof of a dry extract of a waterproofing agent selected from a silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, and/or a styrene acrylic copolymer resin either alone or mixed, and at least 5 wt % relative to the total weight thereof of a dry extract of an active anti-adhesion agent. The invention also relates to a method for processing substrates to be submerged using such a formulation, and to the use of such a formulation as an antifouling agent for deterring the attachment of marine organisms such as algae, shellfish and other crustaceans on any submerged substrate, and in particular ship hulls.
US08545613B2	Tattoo transfer pattern printed by an ink jet printer A composition of matter includes a cationic dye and a solvent, wherein the composition does not have particles that are greater than 25 microns in diameter. The disclosure also describes a method for producing a composition of matter. An ink jet cartridge includes the composition of matter. A device includes a substrate having an image printed thereon with the composition of matter. A method includes using an inkjet printer to print a graphic on a first major surface of a substrate; moistening a user's skin surface; contacting the first major surface of the substrate to the user's moistened skin surface; and removing the substrate from the user's skin surface, thereby leaving a mirror image of the printed graphic on the user's skin surface. Moreover, an art kit includes a first substrate having a graphic printed thereon and a second substrate having a mirror image of the graphic printed thereon.
US08545608B2	Silicate materials, method for their manufacture, and method for using such silicate materials for adsorptive fluid separations Embodiments of crystalline, titanium silicate molecular sieves are described having a formula representing mole ratios of oxides of nM1O:TiO2:ySiO2:zH2O:wX where M1 refers to a metal cation or mixture of metal cations; n is from about 1 to about 2; y is from about 1 to about 10; z is from 0 to about 100; X is a halide anion other than fluorine, or combination of halide anions that excludes fluorine; and w is greater than 0. The pore size of the sieves can be adjusted by ion exchanging M1 cations with a suitable amount of another species. Embodiments of the invention are useful for various adsorptive fluid separation processes, including pressure swing adsorption processes. For example, disclosed embodiments are useful for separating methane from air.
US08545605B2	Square filter bag and cage design A fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system for use in a bag house (66) for industrial process gas stream particulate removal. The bag house (66) includes an inlet (68) for process gas flow into an interior space (65) thereof, at least one fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system within the interior space (65) for filtering the process gas as it flows therethrough, and an outlet (70) for flow of cleaned process gas out of the interior space (65) of the system. The subject fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system provides about an additional 14% filter material per bag as compared to like sized round filter bags, thereby effectively reducing the size of bag house (66) required to achieve a particular air to cloth (A/C) ratio. Reducing the size of the bag house (66) required to achieve a particular A/C ratio significantly reduces capital costs typically associated therewith.
US08545604B2	Modular compact adsorption bed A modular and compact adsorbent bed structure is disclosed for use in an adsorption-based gas separation plant. The conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation plant is replaced with a plurality of modular adsorbent bed units connected to make the adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.
US08545601B2	Two-stage complete recycle pressure-swing adsorption process for gas separation A two-stage complete recycle pressure-swing adsorption process for gas separation features that separating more adsorptable component and less adsorptable component from gas mixture, and the product is more adsorptable component or less adsorptable component or both of them. Serially-connected operation of two-stage pressure-swing adsorber is employed. The gas mixture is fed into the first stage pressure-swing adsorption gas separation system, and the more adsorptable component of the gas mixture is absorbed, then is abstracted into product. The semifinished gas mixture from the outlet of the first stage pressure-swing adsorption tower is fed into the second stage pressure-swing adsorption gas separation system. The more adsorptable component of the semifinished gas mixture is absorbed further, and the less adsorptable component is fed into next stage. The gas in the second stage pressure-swing adsorption gas separation system except for the less adsorptable component fed into next stage is reintroduced into the first stage pressure-swing adsorption gas separation system to increase pressure. The first stage pressure-swing adsorption tower in one cyclic period comprises the steps in turn: the adsorption step A, tow-end pressure-equalizing and reduction 2ED′, converse pressure-reduction BD, two-stage gas pressure-boosting 2ER, two-end pressure-equalizing and boosting 2ER′ and final boosting FR. The second stage pressure-swing adsorption tower in one cyclic period comprises the steps in turn: the adsorption step A, sequence pressure-equalizing and reduction ED, converse pressure-reduction BD, converse pressure-equalizing and boosting ER and final boosting FR.
US08545598B2	Mercury removal systems using beneficiated fly ash particles and methods thereof A mercury removal system and methods thereof include at least one supply system, at least one cooling system and at least one separation system. The supply system is connected to introduce at least beneficiated fly ash particles into an exhaust stream. The exhaust stream comprises at least one exhaust gas and mercury and at least a portion of the mercury in the exhaust stream adheres to the introduced beneficiated fly ash particles. The cooling system cools the exhaust stream before or after the connection of the supply system to the exhaust stream. The separation system separates from the exhaust stream and outputs at least a portion of the introduced beneficiated fly ash particles with the adhered mercury.
US08545594B2	Ore beneficiation A method of enriching the iron content of low grade iron ore bearing materials has been developed which produces a high iron ore concentrate suitable for processing into pig iron and steel. The process includes reducing the low grade iron ore bearing materials to a fine particulate form and treating a water slurry of this material by applying a combination of ultrasonic treatments in a plurality of high and low intensity magnetic separation operations to remove interfering materials and concentrate magnetic and paramagnetic iron bearing materials into a high grade ore stock.
US08545590B2	Flutable fiber webs with high dust holding capacity The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.
US08545588B2	Air cleaner arrangements; components; and, methods An air cleaner assembly and components therefor are described. The components include features of an air cleaner housing; advantageous main filter cartridges; and, advantageous safety filter cartridge features. Features of the main filter cartridge are provided to engage an access cover of the assembly, and a cartridge support within the housing, in a preferred manner. Methods of assembly and use are also described.
US08545581B2	Production of stable biomass pyrolysis oils using fractional catalytic pyrolysis Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.
US08545580B2	Chemically-modified mixed fuels, methods of production and uses thereof A chemically-modified mixed fuel includes methane gas from at least two methane-production sources and can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein includes providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source and blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel. In some cases, at least one additional methane-containing gas can be provided from at least one additional methane-production source and blended with the chemically-modified fuel.
US08545577B2	Catalyst component for aviation and jet fuels An aviation fuel composition contains an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. Examples of nano-sized zinc particles include nano-sized metallic zinc particles, nano-sized zinc oxide particles, and nano-sized zinc peroxide particles. The aviation fuel composition can be made by combining an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. The aviation fuel composition can be used to improve combustion in an aircraft engine.
US08545576B2	Process for producing a colorant for keratin fibers A method for manufacturing a coloring agent for keratin fibers is provided. The method includes directing a composition A from a container A by a filler apparatus through an inlet opening into a container B containing a composition B. The coloring agent for keratin fibers exits from the container B as a mixture of the composition A and the composition B. The composition B contains a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, and a fatty acid.
US08545575B2	Process for producing a colorant for keratin fibers A method for manufacturing a coloring agent for keratin fibers is provided. The method includes directing a composition A from a container A by a filler apparatus through an inlet opening into a second container B containing a second composition B. The composition A is flowable. The coloring agent for keratin fibers exits from the container B as a mixture of the composition A and the composition B. The composition B comprises an oil component having a melting point below about 25° C. and the composition A and/or the composition B comprises an emulsifier.
US08545567B1	Spinal fusion device A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.
US08545565B2	Prosthesis comprising a core of a gel material with a woven envelope and a method for producing the same and use thereof The present application relates to a prosthesis comprising a core of a gel material and a fiber envelope which surrounds the core. In addition, the present application relates to a method for producing the same. The object of the present application is to provide a prosthesis which is based on a material which combines a low shear stiffness with a high degree of toughness and good swelling properties. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prosthesis which is based on a material which exhibits excellent durability and wear resistance.
US08545563B2	Intervertebral implant having extendable bone fixation members An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly carried by the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a fixation housing and a plurality of fixation members attached to the fixation housing. The fixation assembly can be iterated from a retracted position to an extended position that causes the fixation members to travel along a channel of the implant body and out the implant body so as to attach the implant to the first and second vertebral bodies.
US08545562B1	Deployable member for use with an intervertebral cage An implant may provide a body capable of being fit in an intervertebral space and a spin-plate rotatable with respect to the body. The spin-plate may a blade. The blade may possess grooves in its flat faces, or may be provided with an overhang. The path of the overhang or groove may be such that as the spin-plate advances in its rotation, a vertebra engaged with the blade is drawn toward the body of the implant. Pins may be placed in adjacent vertebrae such as to engage the spin-plate. Surgical methods are also described.
US08545560B2	Amputation bone cap A muscle fastening cap includes a head having one or more groups of openings along a direction of its axial length. The cap also may include a stem adapted for insertion into a muscle-supporting structure such as an intramedullary canal or a prosthesis device.
US08545557B2	Human implantable tissue expander An implantable tissue expander including an internal skeletal element extending between a base surface and an outer surface and including at least one plurality of elongate cells extending along mutually generally parallel axes from the base surface to the outer surface and being defined by elongate cell walls formed of a resilient material and a sealed enclosure, sealing the internal skeletal element and adapted for preventing body fluids from filling the plurality of elongate cells.
US08545555B2	Electronically controlled focusing ophthalmic device According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an electrically controlled focusing ophthalmic device (43) to be worn by a user, comprising:—at least one active liquid lens comprising a liquid/liquid interface movable by electrowetting under the application of a voltage,—a driver for applying a DC voltage to said active liquid lens, the amplitude of the voltage to be applied being a function of the desired focusing;—a sensor (41) for detecting eyelid closing events and/or microsaccades of the user;—a controller for synchronizing said sensor and the driver, such that the driver may reverse the polarization of the DC voltage during a microsaccade and/or an eyelid closing event of the user.
US08545551B2	Methods, devices, and kits for treating mitral valve prolapse Described here are methods, devices, and kits for treating a prolapsed valve leaflet. The devices generally comprise a flexible cord, a first anchor attached to the cord at its distal end, and a second anchor slidably attached to the cord. The first anchor may be configured to secure the cord to cardiac tissue located below a prolapsed valve leaflet and the second anchor may be configured to secure into the prolapsed valve leaflet. Also described are methods for treating a prolapsed valve including the steps of securing a first anchor to cardiac tissue located below the prolapsed mitral valve leaflet, securing a second anchor to the prolapsed mitral valve leaflet, tensioning a cord connecting the two anchors and securing the cord. Kits including the described devices are also provided.
US08545550B2	Drug-delivery endovascular stent and method for treating restenosis An intravascular stent and method for inhibiting restenosis, following vascular injury, is disclosed. The stent has an expandable, linked-filament body and a drug-release coating formed on the stent-body filaments, for contacting the vessel injury site when the stent is placed in-situ in an expanded condition. The coating releases, for a period of at least 4 weeks, a restenosis-inhibiting amount of the macrocyclic triene immunosuppressive compound everolimus. The stent, when used to treat a vascular injury, gives good protection against clinical restenosis, even when the extent of vascular injury involves vessel overstretching by more than 30% diameter. Also disclosed is a stent having a drug-release coating composed of (i) 10 and 60 weight percent poly-dl-lactide polymer substrate and (ii) 40-90 weight percent of an anti-restenosis compound, and a polymer undercoat having a thickness of between 1-5 microns.
US08545549B2	Bifurcated/branch vessel prosthesis A stent graft has a tubular wall (1) defining a main lumen with at least one fenestration (15) in the wall. A tube (17) extends from the fenestration into the main lumen and is in fluid communication with the main lumen. An extension leg stent graft can be deployed from a branch vessel into the fenestration to seal into the tube. A flared guide (89) associated with the fenestration can be provided interiorly or exteriorly. There is also disclosed a bifurcated intraluminal prosthesis having a body (1), a first leg (7) and a second leg (17), the first leg extending from the body and the second leg extending into the body.
US08545535B2	Suture anchors with one-way cinching mechanisms Various devices, systems and methods for knotless anchoring of sutures to repair bodily tissue are disclosed. These devices allow sutures to be anchored to bone or other tissues, and more specifically provide a suture anchor which eliminates the need for the operator to knot the suture to secure the suture under tension. Thus, damaged tissue may be re-attached to a substrate tissue. The anchors have a minimum of moving parts and find particular utility in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, e.g. labral re-attachment, rotator cuff repair, and similar procedures.
US08545534B2	Overmolded grasper jaw A surgical instrument comprising an elongate tube extending along an axis includes an actuation mechanism; a first jaw spine; and a second jaw spine the second jaw spine pivotally connected to the first jaw spine at a common pivot pin to open and close the jaw spines in response to movement of the actuation mechanism. The jaw spines can be formed of a metallic material and are overmolded with an atraumatic plastic material. By overmolding the plastic onto the metal spine, an atraumatic outer surface can be formed of the plastic material along with a high degree of detail.
US08545533B2	Guidewire stop A user-actuatable guidewire stop is disclosed which can be used to stop and/or lock a medical device on a guidewire advanced through a body lumen. The guidewire stop is configured as a coil spring having an inner lumen configured to slideably and rotationally receive the guidewire in an unlocked configuration, and to frictionally engage the guidewire in a locked configuration. The coil spring is composed of turns having at least one protrusion disposed on a turn of the coil spring and adapted for engagement with a corresponding recess disposed on an adjacent turn of the coil spring, wherein the at least one protrusion interlocks with the corresponding recess to maintain the coil spring in the unlocked configuration. The coil spring transitions into the unlocked configuration by disengaging the at least one protrusion from the corresponding recess.
US08545529B2	Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation. Some implementations disclosed herein include a piezoelectric element operable to adjust a position of a stroke limiter to define a size of the cutter port.
US08545528B2	Multiple frequency phacoemulsification needle driver A system for performing an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The system includes a multiple frequency signal source, a configurable tuned output filter connected to the multiple frequency signal source, and a multiple frequency ultrasonic handpiece. The multiple frequency signal source operates at a first frequency and is configured to drive the configurable filter and the multiple frequency ultrasonic handpiece at the first frequency. The multiple frequency signal source operates at a second frequency and is configured to drive the configurable filter and the multiple frequency ultrasonic handpiece at the second frequency, and the design addresses third harmonic frequency issues for the multiple frequency ultrasonic handpiece. Switchable passive components, such as inductors, resistors, and/or capacitors may be employed in the configurable tuned output circuit, or alternately multiple similar circuits may be employed. Alternately, a multi-tap transformer may be provided.
US08545525B2	Planar clamps for anastomosis The present embodiments provide medical apparatuses and methods for rapidly forming an anastomosis between two viscera. The medical apparatus generally comprises affixing a clamp to an elongate member. The method generally comprises positioning and then deploying the medical apparatus between and within two stomas via an elongate member.
US08545522B2	Device for wound suturing and hemostasis in the thoracic and the abdominal wall mainly in endoscopic operations A device for use with a trocar in suturing trocar wounds with flexible needles. The device includes a ring encompassing the trocar positionable adjacent to a body wall. The ring, often a split ring, has a pair of guide channels passing through it, each channel including an entry hole and an exit hole. These guide holes are disposed symmetrically on the ring such that the two entry holes and the two exit holes form lines passing through the longitudinal axis of the trocar. The channels are curved near their respective entry holes. The guide channels are angled in the region of the exit holes so that when the needles exit the channels into the body wall and then the body cavity they are at a predetermined distance from the nearest point on the trocar. The above described device forms a suturing system with the trocar.
US08545521B2	Suturing system and assembly A suturing assembly is provided that is configured to pull a capsule attached to a suture through tissue. The suturing assembly includes a shaft aligned on a longitudinal axis of the suturing assembly, and a head coupled to the shaft. The head includes a proximal portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The proximal portion houses a needle that is movable through a needle exit port. The proximal portion of the head and the needle exit port are both aligned on the longitudinal axis. A proximal side of the distal end of the head defines a cavity adapted to receive the capsule and a distal side of the distal end of the head defines a slot adapted to allow the suture to pass through the distal end of the head and into the cavity.
US08545513B2	Uterine manipulator assemblies and related components and methods A uterine manipulator includes an elongate shaft and a tip hub. The elongate shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into a vagina. The tip hub is disposed at the distal end and is configured to releasably receive and support a tip mount for engaging a uterus. The elongate shaft includes one or more channels extending between the distal and proximal ends. The channels are configured to releasably receive catheter tubing.
US08545509B2	Arthroplasty system and related methods A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate a bone model, wherein the bone model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of a bone of a patient joint to undergo an arthroplasty procedure; generate an implant model, wherein the implant model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of an arthroplasty implant to be used in the arthroplasty procedure; assess a characteristic associated with the patient joint; generate a modified joint surface of the implant model by modifying at least a portion of a joint surface of the implant model according to the characteristic; and shape match the modified joint surface of the implant model and a corresponding joint surface of the bone model.
US08545505B2	Low friction rod persuader Instruments are provided for shifting elongate members, such as spinal rods, with respect to coupling members of spinal fixation systems. The instruments include a low friction drive mechanism having one or more rolling elements that ride along a helical groove or track in order to transform rotational movement of a drive member into linear shifting of a reducer member that shifts the elongate member. A one-way locking mechanism may be provided to selectively prevent unwanted counter-rotation of the low friction drive mechanism. The one-way locking mechanism may include annular ratchet teeth arranged on the exterior of the drive member and a ratchet pawl located adjacent to the teeth and selectively engageable therewith.
US08545504B2	Method and instruments for positioning humeral component during shoulder arthroplasty The present invention relates to a set of tools and accessories used for properly positioning a stemmed humeral component, and/or a humeral stem provisional, within a canal in the humerus. The set of tools and accessories includes one or more fin clamps that are configured to be temporarily attached to a fin on the humeral component or the provisional; a ruler that is configured to be attached to the arm of the fin clamp, a fixation pin and pin driver configured to be used with the other tools for marking a position on the humerus; and one or more sleeves that are configured to slide over the stem of the humeral stem provisional to maintain it in the desired position.
US08545501B2	Instruments for preparing bone implants A system for preparing a bone implant includes a chisel and a cutting guide. The chisel includes a handle includes an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end. A chisel head is connected to the distal end of the handle. The chisel head includes a stop and a blade distally extending from the stop. The stop defines a notch. A mushroom head radially extends from the proximal end of the handle. The cutting guide has a body defining a cavity and a plurality of slots. The cavity is sized and configured to receive a bone implant. The plurality of slots are each sized and configured to receive the blade of the chisel.
US08545499B2	Expandable intramedullary rod An expandable rod is provided that is sized for insertion into a patient's bone. A method for using the expandable rod to prepare the patient's bone to receive an orthopedic implant is also provided. The expandable rod is adjustable between a first, contracted state and a second, expanded state, the expansion member expanding radially outwardly from the contracted state to the expanded state.
US08545497B2	Apparatus for use in the prophylaxis or treatment of tissue Apparatus (20) for carrying out a prophylactic or treatment procedure on tissue comprises a device (21) having a chamber (22) and at least one active element such as an electrode (23) within the chamber (22). The chamber (22) has an opening (26) through which tissue is drawn into the chamber (22). Means for drawing the tissue into the chamber may comprise a vacuum lumen with vacuum orifices (25) in the chamber (22). Treatment such as electroporation may be applied to tissue in the chamber (22).
US08545493B2	Flow rate monitor for fluid cooled microwave ablation probe A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state.
US08545492B2	Device and method for radio frequency ablation (RFA) A device for radio frequency ablation (RFA) of diseased tissue has a mesh or plate with a grid of holes for holding electrodes; a plurality of electrodes with adaptable active tip length; means for visualizing and probing insertion depth of each of the electrodes in the diseased tissue; a switch box, connectable to the electrodes and adapted to distribute current between the electrodes during the RFA process; a control unit for controlling the switch box; and means for monitoring the RFA process. The control unit is adapted to determine groups of electrodes, an electric mode for activation of each group of electrodes, a polarity for electrodes within each group of electrodes, an activation mode for the groups, a time interval and order for activation of the groups, a power output and current strength, and a duration of the RFA process.
US08545491B2	Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, having a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system comprises a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller or other pressure-sensing device that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted. In one embodiment, an intermediate console is placed between the console and the balloon catheter and coupled thereto. If a leak is detected, a shut off valve in the intermediate station is activated and the flow of pressurized coolant is interrupted. The balloon catheter can be re-inflated by a separate coolant source in the intermediate station or by a syringe. A further embodiment provides a second balloon to envelope the first balloon and in order to provide a safety vacuum between the two balloons.
US08545488B2	Cardiovascular imaging system Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and/or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated.
US08545487B2	Eye therapy system Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea.
US08545484B2	Accumulator for implantable infusion device An accumulator is employed in an implantable infusion device to provide compliance in the flow path of the device. The accumulator may act to increase the pumping accuracy and repeatability while simultaneously reducing the energy requirements of the device. In one example, the accumulator is arranged at the outlet of a fluid delivery pump of the infusion device. The accumulator includes a cover and a diaphragm biased away from the cover and configured to deflect toward the cover under pressure generated by the therapeutic agent in a flow path of the infusion device. The cover of the accumulator is configured to withstand the pressure generated by the therapeutic agent in the flow path without deforming.
US08545482B2	Tissues patches and related delivery systems and methods Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A system for delivering a tissue implant includes a catheter having an expandable member at a distal end portion, a carrier placed around the expandable member, and the carrier configured to expand from a contracted state to an expanded state and to receive the tissue implant. The tissue implant contacts the lesion of the alimentary tract when the expandable member expands the carrier to the expandable state.
US08545480B2	Animal feces suction apparatus An animal feces suction apparatus includes a tubular body having a stretching portion and a connection portion, a feces suction channel formed in the tubular body, a plurality of liquid channels disposed in a tube wall of the tubular body and formed with a plurality of liquid outlets in the stretching portion, an aspirator connected to the connection portion and communicated with the feces suction channel so as to generate a suction force within the feces suction channel, and a liquid supplying device connected to the connection portion and communicated with the liquid channels so as to provide a liquid to a large intestine of an animal via the liquid outlets. The stretching portion is stretched into the large intestine of the animal and transmits the liquid so as to soften the feces, and the feces is then sucked out from the large intestine through the feces suction channel by the suction force.
US08545478B2	Injection device An injection device for use with tissue of a mammalian body comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member slidably disposed in the first tubular member. The first and second tubular members have respective proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the second tubular member is provided with a needle that is extendable from the distal extremity of the first tubular member. The proximal extremity of the second tubular member is lockable relative to the proximal extremity of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a column strength when locked within the first tubular member for limiting retraction of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member during puncture of the tissue by the needle.
US08545477B2	Multiple reservoir implantable drug infusion device and method Multiple reservoir implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication, and method of infusate delivery. The apparatus includes at least first and second infusate reservoirs in a common pressure chamber, each in fluid communication with a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an accumulator that is preferably a fixed volume accumulator having an inlet and an outlet. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator, and a second valve is in fluid communication with the second infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator. An outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the accumulator. The accumulator can be filled with infusate from the first and second infusate reservoirs sequentially, can be filled from the first infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, the second infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, or any combination or permutation thereof.
US08545465B2	Medical drainage device and a fill funnel for a medical drainage device A medical drainage device is provided which includes a casing and a chamber for indicating the amount of suction applied to an animal or human body by the height of a water column. A fill funnel is further provided, which is attached to an opening in the casing for filling water through the opening into the chamber. The fill funnel has a configuration rendering the fill funnel selectively impermeable. A fill funnel and a method of manufacturing a fill funnel are also provided.
US08545463B2	Ophthalmic fluid reservoir assembly for use with an ophthalmic fluid delivery device A reservoir assembly for use in an ophthalmic fluid delivery device adapted to deliver an ophthalmic fluid in the form of a mist to an ocular region of a patient is provided, wherein the device has a lumen-defining component configured to deliver the fluid from the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir defining an aperture and a cavity in fluid flow communication with the aperture, a fluid contained in the cavity of the reservoir, and a gasket traversing the aperture. The gasket defines a passage configured to receive a portion of the lumen-defining component and to permit the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is inserted through the passage. The gasket is also configured to substantially prevent the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is not inserted through the passage.
US08545453B2	Injection needle protector, injection needle unit, and injector to which this injection needle unit is mounted An injection needle protector protects a needle tube that is connected to a needle base and which has an outer periphery, a tip, and a needle base side opposite to the tip, by covering the needle tube. The injection needle protector includes a first cap and a second cap. The first cap protects the needle tube on the needle base side of the needle tube and has a supporter that supports the needle tube from the outer periphery of the needle tube. The first cap further has a held portion at an outer periphery of the first cap for being held by a fixing portion of an injector holder. The second cap protects the rest of the needle tube that is not protected by the first cap.
US08545451B2	Manual pump for intravenous fluids A manually operable pump includes a fluid line operatively connected to a fluid source, and a manually operable actuator. A facilitator is used to facilitate flow of fluid from the fluid source through the fluid line. The facilitator is operably connected to the manually operable actuator. A piezoelectric system is operably connected to the manually operable actuator, and configured to capture energy from manual actuation of the manually operable actuator and regulate the speed of the facilitator.
US08545449B2	Multi-port fluid access device and method The invention provides a multi-port fluid access device for medical use, such as in a blood-flow circuit during dialysis. The device has a main tubular body and a needle access port and a needleless access port located at positions axially offset from each other. Each port has a tubular body with a septum sealing the passageway to the main fluid channel of the main tubular body. Alongside the main tubular body are members providing finger-gripping surfaces at or near the axial position of the needle access port. There is also a needle shield located between the finger gripping surfaces and the needle access port. Use of the device permits either or both of needle access and needleless access to a patient's blood during dialysis.
US08545446B1	Fluid mechanical device for improved secondary mode IV delivery A flow control system including: a tubing clamp that includes a clamping mechanism for holding closed a first fluid line while a second fluid flows along a second fluid line from a second container; a drip chamber having a one-way check valve; a vacuum activated catch retainably coupled with the tubing clamp and coupled with the second fluid line and including a movable element coupled with the tubing clamp, the movable element changing from a first shape to a second shape upon receipt of a deforming pressure, wherein when the movable element is in the first shape, the vacuum activated catch retains the tubing clamp in a closed position, and when the movable element is in the second shape, the vacuum activated catch releases the tubing clamp into an open position; and an infusion pump that draws a vacuum in the second fluid line.
US08545445B2	Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
US08545443B2	Insertion device An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle.
US08545436B2	Body-associated receiver and method Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
US08545435B2	Method and apparatus for providing medical treatment therapy based on calculated demand A medical treatment administration system for delivering a medical treatment to a patient. The system has a medical device, an electronic processor coupled to the medical device, and a sensor coupled to the processor. The sensor receives one or more signals which it transfers to the processor. The signals can be derived from the patient's physiological condition and/or the environment of the patient. The processor receives the signals and performs a calculation of the signal. Based on the result of the calculation, the processor regulates the distribution of medical treatment to the patient over a period of time.
US08545429B2	Syrinx cavity shunt device and method A shunt is provided having a first catheter end with one or more apertures that provide access to an interior of the shunt. At least a portion of the first catheter end has a substantially helical shape and the one or more apertures are disposed on an interior surface of the substantially helical shape of the first catheter end. The shunt also includes a second catheter end providing access to the interior of the shunt for drainage of the shunt at a remote location. The shunt further includes a catheter body disposed between the first catheter end and the second catheter end.
US08545427B2	Blood treatment apparatus and method A blood treatment apparatus, including a blood treatment unit configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid, a pair of fluid pumps configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit, a pair of blood pumps configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel, each blood pump including a pump chamber and a flexible member separating the pumping chamber into a first blood accumulating container and a second working fluid accumulating container where the flexible member is configured to vary a volume relationship between the first and the second accumulation containers. A control unit and a measuring device are configured to emit a feedback signal indicative of the amount of working fluid received into, or discharged from at least one of the second accumulation containers whereby the pumped mass or volume of working fluid is determined by the control unit at an arbitrary position of the flexible member.
US08545425B2	Reusable effluent drain container for dialysis and other medical fluid therapies A dialysis system includes a source of dialysis fluid; at least one pump for pumping dialysate to or from a patient or dialyzer; and a drain container configured to receive effluent dialysis fluid from the patient or dialyzer through a drain tube, the drain container including an at least semi-rigid body, the body including a handle, a drain tube receiving portion, a spout, and wherein at least a portion of the body is non-opaque such that effluent dialysis fluid inside the at least semi-rigid body can be viewed.
US08545424B2	Hip support member When securing a frame (7) made of a rigid member for carrying a heavy object such as a drive unit (3) for a walking assistance device on the hip of a wearer, a hip protective belt (4) made of fabric is wrapped around the hip of the wearer, and the frame (7) is secured thereon via a flexible plate (5) and a pressure plate (6) located on an outer side of the flexible plate (5) and having a higher rigidity than the flexible plate (5). The intermediate members allow the wearer to feel the rigidity of the frame in a mitigated manner, and the wearer would not experience any discomfort from the pressure of the frame even when the posture of the wearer is changed. The hip protective belt can readily conform to the body contour of the wearer, but the frame would not deform. Because the intermediate members absorb the difference in the builds of different wearers, the frame may come in a small number of different sizes to fit almost any wearer allowing the hip support member can be mass produced at low cost.
US08545423B2	Custom fit cervical collar An improved cervical collar suitable for use in emergency or non-emergency situations for adjustment on or off a patient including the elements of an ergonomic occipital support region 102, a bridge junction 119 and an ergonomic spinal support region 101, an adjustable height neck support region 103, the neck support region is vertically aligned but may be horizontally offset, the spinal support region is stoppably and stowably hinged with the occipital support region at the bridge junction, the occipital support region is independently circumferentially sized and positioned adjustably with the neck support region; the spinal support region is independently and adjustably secured to the neck support region distinctively from the occipital and neck support region connections.
US08545417B2	Body-worn monitor for measuring respiration rate The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor which is selected from the group consisting of an impedance pneumography sensor, an ECG sensor, and a PPG sensor; and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises (iii) a processing system, configured to operably connect to the first and motion sensors, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the first sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
US08545416B1	Integrated diagnostic and therapeutic system and method for improving treatment of subject with complex and central sleep apnea The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to methods of sleep diagnosis and treatment. The sleep disorder treatment system of the present invention can use a diagnosis device to perform various forms of analysis to determine or diagnose a subject's sleeping disorder or symptoms of a subject's sleep disorder, and using this analysis or diagnosis can with or in some embodiments without human intervention treat the subject either physically or chemically to improve the sleeping disorder or the symptoms of the sleeping disorder. The diagnostic part of the system can use many different types of sensors and methods for diagnosing the severity of the symptoms of or the sleep disorder itself. The treatment part of the system can use a device to physically or chemically treat the subject's symptoms or sleep disorder itself.
US08545414B2	Methods and devices for modulation of heart valve function Methods and devices for modulating heart valve function are provided. In the subject methods, a heart valve is first in structurally modified. Blood flow through the structurally modified heart valve is then monitored, and the heart is paced in response to the monitored blood flow. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications.
US08545412B2	Systems and methods for making and using image-guided intravascular and endocardial therapy systems A catheter assembly includes a catheter and a delivery element. The catheter has a distal end with a distal tip, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The catheter includes a body that defines a central lumen extending along the catheter to the distal end. The catheter also includes a forward-facing transducer array disposed at the distal tip of the catheter. The transducer array is configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. At least one catheter conductor is electrically coupled to the transducer array and extends along the catheter. The delivery element is disposed in the lumen of the catheter. The delivery element includes a distal tip that is configured and arranged for contacting patient tissue. The distal tip of the delivery element is configured and arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the catheter.
US08545410B2	Method and system of strain gain compensation in elasticity imaging A method and system of strain gain compensation in elasticity imaging is provided. The system can include a probe (120) for transmitting ultrasonic energy into a physiology (150) of a patient (50) and receiving echoes, a display device (170), and a processor (100) operably coupled to the probe and the display device. The processor can process ultrasound imaging data associated with an applied stress of the physiology of the patient. The processor can generate a strain compensation function associated with the applied stress based on at least one of (i) user inputs based on expected results associated with a portion of the physiology, (ii) a strain compensation model generated prior to processing the ultrasound imaging data, and (iii) at least a portion of the imaging data. The processor can apply the strain compensation function to the imaging data to generate a compensated strain image. The processor can present on the display device at least one of the compensated strain image and an inverse of the compensated strain image. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08545406B2	Dynamic aperture control and normalization for apodization in beamforming A method of apodizing for ultrasound beamforming includes providing filtered digital channel data representing echo data from target tissue in a plurality (k) of data channels and a predefined number of active channels (Nact). A software-based integrated apodization algorithm dynamically apodizes the digital channel data using a selected apodizing function h[n,k], n being the sample number. The integrated apodization algorithm applies dynamic aperture control to create an effective aperture by generating a parameter numApertureChannels (Nap[n]), where Nap[n]≦Nact, and selecting Nap[n] particular data channels based on a dynamic beam focusing location for beamforming. Applied dynamic data scaling provides data normalization using a vector inner product between h[n,k] and a scale factor to generate normalized apodization factors hnorm [n,k]. The normalized apodization factors are applied to the digital channel data in the Nap[n] particular data channels to generate apodized and normalized digital channel data.
US08545405B2	Device, methods, and control for sonic guidance of molecules and other material utilizing time-reversal acoustics Acoustic waves exhibit force that pushes objects along the direction of sound propagation. Precise motions require well-focused beams. The technique of time-reversal acoustics (TRA) overcomes beam distortions introduced by propagation along irregular paths to focus sound without knowledge of the medium properties. TRA requires a small receiver to be placed at a point of desired focus. The invention disclosed refines TRA by introducing data matching schemes to extend the points of focus beyond the location points of the receivers. With as few as two receivers, a large region can be manipulated with well-focused acoustic beams and with no receiver at a desired point of focus. Applications are described in drug delivery in medicine; environmental fluid contaminant control; and in oil exploration, for retrieving oil stuck in underground pockets.
US08545402B2	Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same Ingestible event markers having high reliability are provided. Aspects of the ingestible event markers include a support, a control circuit, a first electrochemical material, a second electrochemical material and a membrane. In addition, the ingestible event markers may include one or more components that impart high reliability to the ingestible event marker. Further, the ingestible event markers may include an active agent. In some aspects, the active agent, such as a pharmaceutically active agent or a diagnostic agent may be associated with the membrane.
US08545401B2	Suction tip for surgical instruments A suction tip for a surgical instrument includes a hollow housing having a top flat wall and a bottom flat wall and including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a widened tip portion that is wider than the proximal end. The distal end may have a plurality of suction ports located at its front, top, right side and left side of the widened tip portion. Furthermore a ledge portion may protrude outwardly past a terminal end of the top flat wall to provide a clear space between the suction ports and tissue for evacuation of fluid in the clear space.
US08545396B2	Wireless endoscopic camera A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.
US08545395B2	Endoscopically inserting surgical tool An endoscopically inserting surgical tool is composed of an elongated flexible cord to be passed through a tool guide channel on an endoscope, and a tool action mechanism mounted on a fore distal end of the flexible cord to be projected out of the tool guide channel. The flexible cord has such a length that, when the tool action mechanism is projected out of a tool exit opening at the end of the tool guide channel, a proximal end portion of the flexible cord still remains outside and rearward of a tool entrance way which is provided on a manipulating head grip of the endoscope as an approach to the tool guide channel. A proximal end portion of the flexible cord is gripped in a rotary tool adjustor which is manipulable to turn the tool action mechanism clockwise or counterclockwise together with the flexible cord in the tool guide channel of the endoscope.
US08545389B2	Operating field securing device An operating field securing device is configured as follows. Namely, An operating field securing device which secures an operating field when an internal organ is subjected to a predetermined procedure, the operating field securing device including a contact portion which comes in contact with the internal organ, and a manipulator holding portion which fixes the relative positions of the internal organ and a manipulator portion to subject the internal organ to the predetermined procedure, thereby holding the manipulator portion.
US08545388B2	Apparatus and method for uterine preservation In one embodiment, an implant includes a first portion having a shape and configured to support a tissue within the body of a patient. Markings disposed on the first portion indicate a portion of the implant to be removed for resizing the first portion such that the first portion after the resizing has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first portion before the resizing.
US08545380B2	Intravascular blood pump and catheter An intravascular system for pumping blood from a chamber of a heart and through an associated blood vessel coupled in fluid communication therewith. The system includes a pump device configured to be inserted into a blood vessel. The system further includes a catheter having a proximal end coupled to the pump device and a distal end configured to collect blood within or exiting from the chamber. The catheter further includes a pre-formed shape corresponding to the vessel to at least assist with stabilization and positioning of the pump device in the vessel.
US08545379B2	Cannula for heart chamber implantation and related systems and methods A cannula for implantation into a chamber of a heart includes an elongate body having a lumen extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The first and second ends define openings into the lumen and the second end includes a flat portion. A flared tip portion extends from the flat portion of the second end in a direction toward the first end, and flares radially outward from the longitudinal axis and in such direction. A ring member extends around the axis of the elongate body and is spaced from the flared tip portion, and the ring member is adapted for retaining the elongate body in a position relative to a wall of the chamber. An embodiment of a flared tip portion may further include a barbed surface configured to contact tissue around an aperture in the wall of the heart when the cannula travels through the aperture.
US08545368B1	Regulation of a machine with a continuously variable transmission and service brakes A method regulates a machine having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and service brakes in a manner to reduce power transmission through the applied brakes. The method utilizes an unaltered torque-to-speed curve that relates the torque output to the speed output of the CVT. An under-run curve may be applied to the torque-to-speed curve and that corresponds to a target speed. The method may receive an operator input signal indicative of a braking event. In response, the method may shift the torque-to-speed curve to limit the output torque available. The method may also adjust the under-run curve in a manner that maintains correspondence with the target speed.
US08545365B2	Vehicular power transmission control apparatus An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral connection state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, an (first, second) IN-connection area is more enlarged and the OUT-Connection area and the neutral connection area are more narrowed, as a temperature of a lubricating oil is lower.
US08545362B1	Multi-speed transmission A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces up to ten forward and one reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of various combinations of three or four clutches. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets and six clutches. Two of the clutches can be brakes.
US08545361B2	Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. A first interconnecting member continuously interconnects the third member of the first planetary pear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously interconnects the third member of the second planetary sear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and two brakes.
US08545359B2	Drive force adjustment apparatus A drive force adjustment apparatus includes a differential gear, a motor, a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism. The input element, the first output element, the second output element, the motor input element, the fixed element, and the connecting element are expressed as points I, R, L, M, F and C on a graph, an ordinate of which shows the number of revolutions and a abscissa of which shows relative ratios of the number of revolutions of the elements. Length of L-I is equal to length of R-I, I is located between L and R on a straight line L-R, I is located between F and C on a straight line F-C, and R is located between C and M on a straight line C-M.
US08545356B2	Speed change gear device A speed change gear device is provided with a housing, a first member supported rotatably about a predetermined rotational axis, a shaft member formed with an external gear, an annular member formed with an internal gear meshing with the external gear, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotational component only of the annular member to the shaft member or a disc member arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing. The external gear differs from the internal gear in the number of teeth. Further, the first member is formed with a receiving hole that receives the annular member at a position where the center of the annular member is at a predetermined distance from the rotational axis. Then, the annular member is received in the receiving hole rotatably relative to the first member.
US08545355B2	Assembly method for hybrid electric transmission A method for assembling a powertrain includes installing transmission gearing and an input shaft in a housing, installing a bearing in a pump housing and securing the pump housing to a pump plate, piloting on the housing the pump plate into position, seating a stator shaft on the pump housing over the input shaft, and installing over the stator shaft a rotor shaft, a rotor hub engaging the bearing and a clutch hub.
US08545352B2	Tensioner with expanding spring for radial frictional asymmetric damping A tensioner may be part of a power system to tension an endless power transmitting element. The tensioner includes an arm having an arm arbor with a slot therethrough that is rotatable about a first axis, a bushing having a sleeve that includes a cut-out and a removable sleeve-segment that has a protrusion thereon, the sleeve-segment being receivable in the cut-out with the protrusion in the slot, and a spring coupled to the arm for rotation of the arm about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing, at least the protrusion on the sleeve-segment, as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.
US08545350B2	Expandable arrowhead with sideways ejectable signal generator An expandable hunting arrowhead which ejects a signal generator and transmitter into the body of the quarry animal upon impact is described. The action of expanding blades, which rotate radially outwardly and backwardly to deploy from the sides of the arrowhead upon impact, separates the tip of the arrow containing the signal generator and transmitter in a sideways manner from the rest of the arrowhead. The sideways separation is obtained as a result of the rotating action of the blades, and the linear action of a plunger acted upon by the blades within the arrowhead. This way, the signaling tip is more likely to stay within the body of the animal, and not pass through it, to help the hunter locate the body.
US08545345B2	Golf club A golf club includes a head, a removable assembly and a shaft. The head has a body, a striking panel and a sleeve. The body is coupled with the striking panel. The sleeve is sandwiched between the body and the striking panel. The sleeve includes a neck and an assembling portion. The neck protrudes from a combined structure of the body and the striking panel, and the assembling portion is sandwiched between and enclosed by the body and the striking panel. The neck has an assembling hole. The assembling portion has at least one engaging hole extending from a surface of the assembling portion to a circumferential wall of the assembling hole. At least one engaging medium is placed in the engaging hole. The removable assembly is disposed in the assembling hole and coupled with the engaging medium. The shaft has one end inserted into the removable assembly.
US08545344B2	Interchangable shaft and club head connection system Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US08545342B2	Golf training apparatus and method Disclosed in certain embodiments is a golf training aid comprising a spheroid segment comprising a dimpled outer circumferential surface, a first substantially flat base surface, and a second substantially flat base surface, wherein the first substantially flat base surface and the second substantially flat base surface are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially equal in size.
US08545340B2	Golf club with directional based graphic A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.
US08545336B2	Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus and game controlling method A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in a case that two or more players play a game in turn, when a game as to a certain player is ended, the CPU selects a player for a next game out of registered already-selected players who have already been selected to participate in the game or not-yet-selected players who have not yet been selected to participate in the game according to an instruction by the player. If the not-yet-selected player is selected as a player for the next game, the player is registered as an already-selected player.
US08545333B2	Open architecture communications in a gaming network Open architecture communication systems and methods are provided that allow flexible data transmission between gaming machines and other devices and nodes within a gaming machine network. The gaming machine and other devices employ a communication interface that sends and receives data via a common communication protocol and via common communication hardware. The communication interface and common communication protocol allow data transfer between gaming machines and other network nodes such as gaming service servers, despite the presence of different proprietary gaming machine functions and proprietary communication protocols and despite the presence of various proprietary hardware and proprietary communication protocols relied on by the servers.
US08545332B2	Optimal policy determination using repeated stackelberg games with unknown player preferences A system, method and computer program product for planning actions in a repeated Stackelberg Game, played for a fixed number of rounds, where the payoffs or preferences of the follower are initially unknown to the leader, and a prior probability distribution over follower types is available. In repeated Bayesian Stackelberg games, the objective is to maximize the leader's cumulative expected payoff over the rounds of the game. The optimal plans in such games make intelligent tradeoffs between actions that reveal information regarding the unknown follower preferences, and actions that aim for high immediate payoff. The method solves for such optimal plans according to a Monte Carlo Tree Search method wherein simulation trials draw instances of followers from said prior probability distribution. Some embodiments additionally implement a method for pruning dominated leader strategies.
US08545331B2	Assisting use of control devices with different content players in a network In various implementations, a remote transmits a first signal to a currently controlled first content player of a network of content players and a second signal to a proximate content player. If the first player is notified that a second player received the second signal, the first player may command the remote to activate a display associated with the second player. However, if the first player is not notified, the first player may command the remote to activate all known displays. In addition, the first player may also instruct the remote to configure which player the remote controls. In some implementations, the remote stores a table transmitted by a player of the network of players including entries corresponding to players and including commands for associated components. In such implementations, control configuration may include configuring which entry of the table is utilized.
US08545326B2	Casino display methods and devices Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes.
US08545323B2	Video game controller with compact and efficient force feedback mechanism A compact game controller incorporates an efficient and compact force feedback mechanism. Forces are generated at one of the controls of the controller in reaction to an action in a video game. The type of controller that can be held with two hands is limited in terms of size and internal space and in wireless versions is limited in terms of battery power. Efficient power consumption in the controller enables considerable usage time between battery replacement or recharging in wireless versions. The force feedback mechanism incorporates a double reduction gear system with a unique geometry which enables usage of a compact and energy efficient motor. The efficient force feedback mechanism and assembly can therefore be packaged within a compact ergonomic controller.
US08545321B2	Gaming system having user interface with uploading and downloading capability A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the gaming system, the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The gaming system also enables use of a card that is encoded or encrypted with a tag (such as an radio frequency tag) that the cameras or readers of the game table can detect. The card interacts with the display/input device of the game table.
US08545320B2	Gaming machine with surround sound features A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.
US08545319B2	Multi-hand slot machine that displays all losing hand outcomes prior to displaying winning hand outcomes A game machine includes a game result determining device for determining a game result when a predetermined condition is established, a device for generating video of reels where symbols are displayed in a changing condition and then displayed in a stopped condition, a display device having a video display screen, a game image generating device for displaying video of a plurality of reels, a losing reel ascertaining device for ascertaining a losing reel on the basis of the game result ascertained, a winning reel ascertaining device for ascertaining a winning reel, a losing reel stopping device for displaying the symbols of the losing reel, and a winning reel stopping device for displaying the symbols of the winning reel in a stopped condition after the symbols of all of the losing reels have been displayed by the losing reel stopping device.
US08545318B2	Gaming machine security interface module A gaming machine includes an electronic gaming module which includes a game controller, and also includes a separate security interface module which monitors door switches and various devices. The security interface module has a separate unswitched power supply and also has a separate communication connection with a backend system so that it can continue to communicate with a backend system even when the electronic gaming module is powered down.
US08545317B2	Gaming system and method A secondary game system, in various embodiments, comprises a system of networked game terminals where a player playing a game on a game terminal can earn eligibility to win a prize from a secondary game that plays simultaneously in the background. The secondary game may be triggered based on play on the plurality of networked terminals. This allows the player to play a first game that earns them eligibility to win another game that is played in the background. The player sends a game initiation request for a game (e.g., lottery slot) to be played on the game terminal. If a certain criterion is satisfied, the player becomes eligible to win a prize from the secondary game if the secondary game is triggered while the player is eligible to win.
US08545311B2	Systems and methods for enabling remote device users to wager on micro events of games in a data network accessible gaming environment A method and system for micro-betting. Video of one or more portions of one or more macro-events can be displayed via a display screen associated with a remote computing device. One or more potential micro-outcomes can be identified within the event or events. Multiple and parimutuel betting options can be generated with respect to varying micro-outcomes within or part of the macro-event(s). Then, one or more micro-bets among the multiple and parimutuel betting options with respect to the micro-outcome(s) can be placed via the remote computing device in communication with a data network. The micro-bet(s) can be transmitted from the remote computing device for placement via one or more servers in communication with the data network. Additionally, data indicative of the multiple and parimutuel betting options can be displayed via the display screen of the remote computing device in association with the video of the event or events displayed via the display screen.
US08545310B2	Gaming system and a method of gaming including revealing what would have been won A gaming system comprising: a display comprising a plurality of display portions associated with respective ones of a plurality of gaming devices; and a group game controller arranged to: control the display to display an object as moving between the display portions by displaying the object in individual ones of the display portions; determine display portions at which to display the object in each of a plurality of stopped display states, at least some of which correspond to respective ones a plurality of prizes; control the display to display the object in each stopped display state in the respective determined display portion; and award any prize associated with each stopped display state to a player of the respective gaming device upon at least one eligibility criteria being met in respect of the gaming device.
US08545309B2	Gaming systems and apparatus for detecting a signal indicative of a problem gambler and dispatching an event in response thereto In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus and system is provided for determining whether a player requires attention as a problem gambler. The apparatus and system are further operable to dispatch an event, the event for interacting with the problem gambler. The interaction may be targeted, for example, at curbing a player's inappropriate or potentially problematic gambling behavior.
US08545306B2	Gaming machine determining the content of bonus game by roulette A slot machine 10 executes the processes of: (a1) executing a base game in which the symbols 501 are rearranged on the reel device M1 and a base payout is awarded in accordance with the rearrange symbols 501; (a2) when the symbols 501 are rearranged in the base game so that a predetermined condition is satisfied, displaying, on the upper image display panel 131, the roulette which selects one classification symbol 602 out of the classification symbols 602; and (a3) when one classification symbol 602 is selected out of the classification symbols 602, executing a bonus game which corresponds to the selected classification symbol 602 and is any one of first to fifth bonus games.
US08545303B2	Wagering game and method with a randomly-selected feature game Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a randomly selected feature game. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager.
US08545299B2	Dynamic puzzle generation Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a power-puzzler computer generated crossword puzzle which employs a unique and original combination of technology-based features to offer puzzlers of all skill levels a richer and more enjoyable crossword puzzle gaming experience. A master puzzle database (MPDB) consisting of clues and solutions associated with metadata is created and utilized to offer numerous improvements over previous crossword puzzle games. Features include offering multiple clues of varying difficulty for the same solution and improvement features to help a puzzler understand and develop crossword strategies, skills and techniques. Unique scoring is offered based on multiple variables such as level of difficulty, elapsed time to complete the puzzle, percentage of solutions correct, etc. Puzzlers can also create custom puzzles by defining game parameters such as categories of interest, level of difficulty and desired time to complete. Puzzler performance can be stored in a user profile.
US08545297B2	Air-flap device for a refrigerator and/or freezer for equipping a kitchen An air-flap device for a refrigerator and/or freezer for equipping a kitchen comprises an air flap (18) which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation (20) between an open position and a closing position and which, in the open position, unblocks an air-passage aperture (16) for the passage of air and, in the closing position, blocks said air-passage aperture, at least substantially, against the passage of air, and said air-flap device also comprises a motorized flap-actuating mechanism for displacing the air flap in a pivoting manner. According to the invention, the flap-actuating mechanism comprises a movably disposed flap-actuating element (26) having a flap-engaging section (32) which can be moved, as a result of movement of said flap-actuating element, from outside the pivoting space of the air flap into said pivoting space in order, in doing so, to pass into engagement with the air flap and lift the latter out of one of the two flap positions towards the other. The flap-actuating element (26) is preferably a body of revolution which is disposed so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation (28) which is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation (20) but extends at a distance from the latter.
US08545296B2	Clean room A dust-exhaust acceleration face of a dust-exhaust assistant member is disposed so as to face a top face of a heat radiating member of a production facility or the like so that a gap between the top face of the heat radiating member and the dust-exhaust acceleration face of the dust-exhaust assistant member is occupied by ascending air flows, each having a falling velocity (terminal velocity) that is not accelerated beyond a fixed velocity, to form a balanced state between the size of an object, such as a dust particulate or a chemical substance particulate, and air resistance when the object is freely falling in the air; thus, the object, such as a dust particulate and a chemical substance particulate, is prevented from falling onto the heat radiating member.
US08545292B2	Two-component urethane resin composition for polishing pad, polyurethane polishing pad, and method for producing polyurethane polishing pad The present invention relates to a two-component urethane resin composition for a polishing pad including a base resin containing an isocyanate group-terminated urethane prepolymer (A) and a curing agent containing an isocyanate group reactive compound (B), and characterized in that the prepolymer (A) is a prepolymer having an isocyanate group equivalent of 250 to 700 and being produced by reacting a polyisocyanate (a1) with an aromatic polyester polyol (a2) and a polyether polyol (a3) which are used as polyol components in combination at a mass ratio of (a2)/(a3)=5/95 to 70/30, and the aromatic polyester polyol (a2) has 2 to 11 aromatic rings in its molecular chain, and also relates to a polyurethane polishing pad using the resin composition and a method for producing a polyurethane polishing pad.
US08545291B2	Polishing pad, manufacturing method thereof and polishing method A polishing pad capable of improving an affinity to polishing liquid and stabilizing polishing performance is provided. A polishing pad 10 is equipped with a urethane sheet 2. The urethane sheet 2 has a polishing surface P for polishing an object to be polished. The urethane sheet 2 is formed by a dry molding method and is formed by slicing a polyurethane foamed body which is obtained by reacting and curing mixed liquid in which an isocyanate-group containing compound, water, a foam control agent and a polyamine compound are mixed. Foams 3 are dispersed approximately uniformly inside the urethane sheet 2. Opened pores 4 which are opened parts of the foams 3 are formed at the polishing surface P. Inside the urethane sheet 2, the foams 3 formed adjacently to each other are communicated by communication holes 9, and the communication holes 9 are formed at a ratio of 800 holes/cm2 or more when observed from a side of the polishing surface P. Polishing liquid moves via the communication holes 9 and the foams 3.
US08545290B2	Wafer polishing apparatus and method A wafer polishing apparatus includes a rotatable turntable for holding a polishing pad and at least one rotatable polishing head adapted for attachment of at least one wafer alignment assembly. A wafer alignment assembly includes an upper plate and a lower plate connected by three lever assemblies symmetrically positioned about a wafer alignment assembly axis of rotation. Each of the lever assemblies comprises a spherical joint, an elongated cylindrical hinge, and a kinematic axis which intersects a center of rotation for the spherical hinge, an axis of rotation for the elongated cylindrical hinge, and a gimbal point about which a wafer may tilt during polishing. The gimbal point may be positioned above, coincident with, or below a working surface of a polishing pad by adjustment of the lever assemblies. Some embodiments of the invention comprise steps in a method for polishing a wafer in a wafer polishing apparatus.
US08545287B2	Adjustable breast support garment A breast support garment is configured with adjustable straps, cups, and/or other components in order to facilitate modification of the appearance of the bust. Modifying the length of certain straps causes the cups to move upwards/downwards and/or inwards/outwards with respect to the center of the breast support garment. Shoulder straps or other portions of the breast support garment may pass through guide loops and/or couple to the breast cups or garment shell to permit adjustment. The location of each breast cup may be independently adjusted.
US08545286B2	Folding pattern In its simplest form, the invention is an array of 10 triangles arranged in a specific pattern. When arranged in this pattern, these triangles interact in a unique way, such that a new useful three-dimensional shape emerges. When this pattern of triangles is applied to any flat material, either through folding, impressing, affixation of hinges, or some other method, the formerly flat material can be manipulated to become a durable, three-dimensional hinged appendage.
US08545284B2	Inductive toy vehicle An inductively powered toy vehicle and an associated track with inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned within the race track adjacent the track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.
US08545282B1	Air bubble operated underwater ornament kit An air bubble operated underwater ornament kit including components for installing an air bubble operated underwater ornament for an aquarium. The kit provides a base, an air supply tube to form air bubbles in the water, and various ornament bodies having respective movement bodies that move upon release of the air bubbles toward each movement body, which include a skeleton riding a motorcycle having a motorcycle underside for a movement body whereby a front wheel of the motorcycle rises; a pair of opposing skeletons with one skeleton having a hand attached to a barrel disposed therebetween for a movement body whereby one skeleton rises and moves toward the other skeleton; and a motorcycle having a rear wheel with blades radially disposed on a tire thereof for a movement body whereby the tire spins.
US08545281B2	Method for manufacturing electroluminesccent device To provide an electroluminescent device in which an element substrate provided with a light-emitting element and a sealing substrate are bonded to each other without causing thermal damage to the light-emitting element and which is formed using an electroluminescent material. A sheet 108 in which layers of at least two different kinds of metals are stacked is formed in a peripheral portion of one or both of the element substrate 102 provided with an EL element 104 and a sealing substrate 106 bonded to the element substrate 102 so as to face each other. Further, the sheet is irradiated with a focused beam, and the irradiation portion of the sheet is heated, whereby at least two kinds of metals are alloyed, and the element substrate and the sealing substrate are bonded to each other by heat generated in the alloying.
US08545279B2	Marine propulsion system A marine propulsion system comprising, in one embodiment: a fuel-filled tank; an air compressor that generates compressed air; an engine that receives fuel from the tank, wherein the air compressor is powered by the engine; and at least one hot gas generator that receives compressed air from the air compressor, the hot gas generator comprising: (a) a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed air injected into the combustion chamber at the inlet, the combustion chamber adapted to produce hot gas; (b) an injection nozzle that receives fuel from the tank, the injection nozzle positioned proximate to the inlet of the combustion chamber, the injection nozzle adapted to spray the fuel into the combustion chamber; and (c) an exhaust Coanda nozzle positioned at the outlet of the combustion chamber through which the hot gas produced in the combustion chamber is discharged from the hot gas generator.
US08545272B2	Electrical connector with separating extensions on terminals An anti-electromagnetic interference electrical connector having a terminal assembly is provided. The anti-EMI electrical connector includes an electrical insulation case, plural first terminals, and plural second terminals. The electrical insulation case includes a slot. Each first terminal is disposed in the electrical insulation case and includes a contact end located in the slot. Each second terminal is disposed in the electrical insulation case and in a staggered manner with the first terminals. Each second terminal includes a body and a first extended portion. The body is located in the electrical insulation case and includes a connection end located in the slot. The first extended portion extends from the body and an included angle is defined between the first extended portion and the body. The first extended portion isolates the first terminals adjacent to each of the second terminals by increasing a lateral projected area of the second terminal.
US08545271B2	Wiring apparatus A wiring apparatus includes a wire housing portion, terminal housing chambers and wire extracting portions. The wire housing portion is provided with a plurality of elongated housing grooves that respectively house wires therein and are disposed in parallel to each other, each of the grooves is divided at one or more portions by groove(s), and side walls and are coupled by a U-shaped elastic coupling member. Each terminal housing chamber houses a conductive metal plate for coupling the terminal of the battery and the terminal of the adjacent battery and couples adjacent terminal housing chambers and by a U-shaped elastic coupling member. Each of the wire extracting portions couples a wire housing groove and the terminal housing chamber to thereby extract the wire to the wire housing groove.
US08545270B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector for connecting a cable includes an insulating housing with power contacts and signal contacts received therein, and a power bus bar connecting with one power contact. The insulating housing includes a mating face, a mounting face opposite to the mating face and defines first and second passageways extending therethrough. Each power contact forms a first engaging portion and a first contacting portion. Each signal contact forms a second engaging portion and a second contacting portion. The power bus bar has a main section extending along a first plane, a middle section extending from the main section, and a connecting section extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
US08545269B2	USB wireless connection port for keyboard, mouse and presenter A USB wireless connection port for a keyboard, a mouse and a presenter is provided. The USB wireless connection port includes a metal frame; a circuit board disposed inside the metal frame and having an upper face and a lower face, wherein the upper face has a plurality of terminals disposed thereon and the lower face has an electronic element disposed thereon; and a wireless module electrically connected to the terminals, wherein the metal frame has a first hollow area above the upper surface of the circuit board, and the electronic element is selected from a group consisting of a microcomputer chip, a microprocessor and the wireless module.
US08545264B2	Connector A one-piece rubber plug (20) includes a main body (21) with insertion holes (24) and tubular projections (22) communicating with the insertion holes (24) and projecting from the rear surface of the main body (21). Restricting surfaces (36) matchable with restriction areas (25) on the outer peripheries of the tubular projections (22) are formed on through holes (33) of a rear holder (30). The rear holder (30) is displaced between a deformation permitting position where the restricting surfaces (36) are not in contact with the restriction areas (25) and where resilient radially expansive deformations of the tubular projections (22) are permitted and a deformation preventing position where radially expansive deformations of the tubular projections (22) are prevented by bringing the restricting surfaces (36) into contact with the restriction areas (25) substantially over the entire circumferences.
US08545261B2	Electrical connection system between an electrical implanted medical device An electrical connection system to electrically connect an internal electrical device (2) positioned inside an animal's body with an external electrical device (3) positioned outside the animal's body. The system includes a cable (4) positioned at least partially inside the animal's body and enclosing at least one electrical wire. The cable (4) has at one end a first connector (5) to connect the at least one electrical wire with an external electrical device (3). The cable (4) has at its other end a second connector (1) placed inside the animal's body. The second connector (1) has connectors to allow an electrical connection between the at least one cable (4) and the internal electrical device (2). The second connector (1) includes additional connectors to allow a removable electrical connection between at least one electrical wire external to the cable (4) and the internal electrical device (2).
US08545259B2	Spare module for handheld power tool The invention is based on a spare handheld power tool module, having at least one interface that has at least one contact region and at least one electrical contact that is disposed at least partly in the contact region. It is proposed that the interface has at least one closure unit, which is provided for covering the contact region.
US08545250B2	Electrical connector for connecting chip module to circuit board An electrical connector includes a body having a plurality of receiving slots, a plurality of terminals respectively accommodated in the receiving slots, each terminal having a stopping portion, and a cover, slideably covered on the body, and having a plurality of pressed surfaces respectively corresponding to the stopping portions. When the cover slides along a first direction relative to the body, the stopping portion limits upward displacement of the pressed surface, so as to limit upward warping of the cover, thereby ensuring good contact between the terminal and a mating element.
US08545244B2	Connection system and method for subsea cables in severe environments A technique facilitates the reliable connection of cables in subsea environments. A cablehead system is designed to reliably connect cables to subsea components while providing long term protection of the connection in potentially harsh, subsea environments. The cablehead system comprises a cable clamp housing which may be coupled to a bulkhead assembly by a cavity housing which provides space for routing of internal communication lines. One or more additional protective components are incorporated into the cablehead system to ensure a reliable connection and to further protect the internal communication lines from exposure to the surrounding environment.
US08545242B2	Dustproof electrical connector assembly An electrical connector assembly (100) includes an electrical connector (1), a cage (5) defining an opening (51), an ejection mechanism (3) assembled on an electrical device and receiving the electrical connector, and a flexible circuit board (2) connecting the electrical connector with a mother board of the electrical device for signal transmission. The ejection mechanism has a second housing (7) retractively movably relative to the first housing to extend through the opening of the cage. The electrical connector is received in the second housing such that the electrical connector is movable out of the electrical device for connecting with a mating connector and retractable in the electrical device when the electrical connector is not in use.
US08545241B2	USB flash drive A USB flash drive includes a USB connector, a latch, and a socket. The USB connector is rotatably connected to the socket and includes a first spring to drive the USB connector to rotate from a folded state in which the USB connector is received in the socket, to an unfolded state in which the USB connector is out of the socket. The latch is positioned in the socket and includes a sliding cap and a second spring. The second spring is configured for driving the sliding cap to slide towards the USB connector when in the folded state, to latch the USB connector. The latch also includes a restraining rod and a third spring. The restraining rod is configured for restraining the sliding cap in the unfolded state under the control of the third spring but when in the folded state releases the sliding cap when pressed by the USB connector.
US08545240B2	Connector with terminals forming differential pairs A connector assembly is provided that is suitable for controlling the resonance frequency of ground terminals used to shield high-speed differential pairs. Ground terminals may be commonized so as to provide ground terminals with a predetermined maximum electrical length. Reducing the electrical length of the ground terminal can move a resonance frequency of the ground terminals of the connector outside the range of frequencies at which signals will transmitted.
US08545239B1	Electrical connector assembly A connector socket with a body, a circuit board in the body and a header on the board. The contacts of terminals on the header are positioned in desired locations in openings in the body.
US08545238B2	Electronic device having connector An electronic device having a connector includes a case including an open end and a closed end, a circuit board housed in the case, an inner connector including a conduction terminal which is connected to the circuit board via a connecting portion, an outer connector including a contact face coming in contact with the circuit board, the outer connector being engaged with the open end, and a play preventing portion fixed in the case, and engaged with the circuit board by causing the circuit board to move from the open end to the closed end, wherein a position of the contact face is determined so that the circuit board is pressed by the contact face so as to cause the circuit board to be engaged with the play preventing portion, and the outer connector does not press the inner connector toward the closed end.
US08545236B2	Socket for surface mount module In an example, a method includes aligning a pin of a surface mount module with a corresponding first pin of a header pin assembly of a socket assembly of a circuit board. The first pin includes a first portion configured to electrically couple to the circuit board. A second portion includes a retention feature configured to selectively retain the second portion in engagement with the pin of the surface mount module. The surface mount module is moved in a first direction toward the circuit board, wherein the pin of the surface mount module pushes against the second portion to move the second portion to a second position to allow the pin of the surface mount module to pass by the retention feature. The second portion is configured to move back toward a first position once the pin is moved past the retention feature to engage the pin.
US08545235B2	Torque transmitting housing for CATV filter A housing for a CATV filter includes an outer sleeve which is preferably made of stainless steel. A filter assembly and two headers are contained within the outer sleeve. Two engagement holes for a special pin spanner-type wrench are formed in a face of the outer sleeve instead of in a header. The engagement holes are preferably “drifted” holes, which in effect means that rims are created during the forming of holes which add to the strength of the holes.
US08545231B2	Obstructive sleep apnea demonstration model device The present invention is an obstructive sleep apnea demonstration model device for a user and a patient. The device includes a vertical display stand with a horizontal base, a vertical front surface and a horizontal flange, a vertical side profile base with a removed oral cavity portion attached to the display stand and disposed within the horizontal flange, a top movable side piece with an upper lip, a set of upper teeth, a hinge and a palate. The device also includes a back elongated movable side piece disposed behind the top side piece that hinges on the palate, a chin assembly side piece with a chin, a lower lip, a set of lower teeth and a tongue and an intraoral appliance that is placed between the upper teeth and the lower teeth to treat the patient with an obstructive sleep apnea condition.
US08545229B2	Methods and apparatus for online auctions and market-places utilizing program terms An on-line market-place includes an auction wherein one or more predefined terms, qualities, incentives, or other such indicia (generally, “Program Terms”) are associated with the particular product and/or service which is the subject of the auction. Customers rank or otherwise designate their preference for these Program Terms (e.g., by selecting a “Preferred Program Term”), and the system then partitions the customers into “pools” in accordance with the selected Program Terms. Merchants then compete to obtain that pool of customers by bidding on the Preferred Program Term. Customers may be pooled according to demographic or other customer characteristics (“Characteristic Pooling”), or according to level of commitment to purchase (“Commitment Pooling”).
US08545228B2	Objects that interact with a user at a visceral level Objects that interact with a user at a visceral level when the object comes within the user's personal environment. The objects detect a user's visceral behavior, for example breathing pattern or perspiration. In response to the visceral behavior the object simulates a behavior of a living entity such as breathing, or produces an output to which the user responds viscerally, such as an electric field. The form of the output or simulated behavior is determined by the visceral behavior. The output or simulated behavior may be modified to guide the user's visceral behavior, for example by first synchronizing simulated breathing to the user's breathing and then slowing down while the user's breathing is entrained to the simulated breathing. One such object has a skin that is warm to the touch, and simulates breathing with a breathing sound. Another such object produces electric fields like electric fields of the heart. A further such object simulates a purring sound in response to the user's breathing: the form of the purring also depends on sounds in the environment.
US08545227B2	Mathematics game A mathematics game for playing by a plurality of players using different types of dice, including a first set with predetermined numeric values provided thereon; a second set with “+” or “−” symbols provided thereon (representing positive or negative); and a third set with different mathematical function symbols provided on the respective faces. The game includes a score card provided for each player. The score card includes a region for entering number values corresponding to a throw of the first type of dice; a region for entering “+”/“−” values corresponding to a throw of the second type of dice; a region for entering mathematical functions corresponding to a throw of the third type of dice; a region for entering a mathematical equation based on information in the above regions; and a region for entering a cumulative score of the respective player.
US08545223B1	Dental implant system A dental implant system is hermetically sealed and uses a radially extruded extension retentive design. The implant system provides additional retention and resistance to rotational and lateral forces and disperses these forces vertically and apically through the implant body. The implant system also provides protection from issues of sepsis at the junction between the abutment and the implant body, when can result in significant bone loss in conventional designs. The implant system integrates/unifies the components to result in a closer approximation to a natural tooth root to improve resistance to lateral and rotational forces that challenge the integrity of conventional implants. The implant system provides a shorter average length in proportion to its retentive surface area, thereby effectively reducing the needed length to avoid invading nearby anatomic structures, such as the maxillary sinus, mental foramen and/or mandibular canal.
US08545217B2	Label manufacturing method and label manufacturing apparatus A label manufacturing apparatus has a thermal head with heating elements for heating at least a part of a heat sensitive adhesive sheet to place it into an adhesive state when the heat sensitive sheet is transported through a preselected position of the label manufacturing apparatus in which the heat sensitive sheet contacts the heating elements of the thermal head. A control device selectively operates the heating elements of the thermal head in synchronization with timing of transporting of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet through the preselected position to thereby heat the part of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet and place into the adhesive state, and stops operation of the heating elements so that a trailing end portion of the heat sensitive sheet is not heated and is not placed into an adhesive state when the trailing end portion reaches the preselected position.
US08545216B2	Valve assemblies for heating devices In certain embodiments, a valve assembly includes a housing. The housing can define a first fuel intake, a first fuel output, and a second fuel output. The assembly can include a valve member configured to direct fuel from the first fuel intake to either the first fuel output or the second fuel output. The assembly can further include a nozzle having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the nozzle can be in communication with the first fuel output, and the second portion of the nozzle can be in communication with the second fuel output. The assembly can include a compartment in communication with the nozzle, and can include one or more air intakes.
US08545215B2	Late lean injection injector A fuel injector is provided and includes an outer body, a converging tubular body including a converging section, defining a converging annular passage therein and being disposed within the outer body to define an outer annular passage between an interior surface of the outer body and an exterior surface of the converging tubular body, the annular passages each being receptive of a fluid at respective inlets thereof such that the fluid is directed to flow toward respective outlets thereof and a fuel line to deliver fuel through at least the converging tubular body at the converging section to the converging annular passage in a substantially tangential direction relative to a circumferential curvature of the converging tubular body.
US08545208B2	Method for producing thermoformed articles as well as a die for the production thereof The invention relates to a process for producing thermoformed articles such as food packagings or parts thereof with a mechanical weakening between adjoining functional areas, which, for utilization by a user, can be at least partly separated at the mechanical weakening, in a thermoforming die having an upper die and a lower die, the mechanical weakening being introduced with a three-dimensional extension during the period of time during which the material to be formed is located in the thermoforming die, and a thermoforming die for implementing the process.
US08545206B2	Device and method for the generative production of three-dimensional objects on the basis of a multiphase system The invention relates to a device and to a method for the production of a three-dimensional object by the consecutive layered bonding of a material that can be bonded by means of electromagnetic radiation, wherein in the so-called vat an at least n-phase system, where n>2, is present, of which at least one phase comprises the building material and at least one other a phase that cannot be mixed with the building material.
US08545205B2	System and method for making polyethylene terephthalate sheets and objects A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one distribution manifold, each of the at least one distribution manifold having at least two distribution lines; a means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two distribution lines independently of the other of the at least two distribution lines; and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt.
US08545198B2	Surgical cassette A surgical system and cassette, the cassette having an identification method that is specific to the cassette. Suitable methods include bar coding or Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”). Cassette information that may be encoded include features such as lot number and performance characteristics, such as pressure sensor calibration data, flow and pressure data and any other performance characteristics of the cassette captured during testing of the cassette at manufacture.
US08545195B2	Hydrogen generator with pump The invention is a hydrogen generator including a pump for pumping a liquid from a reservoir to a reaction area, where the liquid reacts to produce hydrogen gas, and a fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator and a fuel cell stack. The pump is a diaphragm pump with mechanically operated liquid inlet and outlet valves that are opened by cam-operated pushrods, and the pushrods are isolated from the liquid flowpath through the pump by diaphragms. All valves in the liquid flow path between the liquid reservoir and the reaction area are mechanically operated valves.
US08545193B2	Fan for air conditioner Fan apparatus for an air conditioner including a fan (50), a shaft (68) coupled to the fan (50), a rotor (60) for transmission of driving force to the shaft (68) for rotating the fan (50), a stator (65) on an inside of the rotor (60) to form a BLDC motor together with the rotor (60), and a fan housing (40) for enclosing the fan (50), thereby reducing noise and enhancing fan (50) efficiency.
US08545186B2	Bearing arrangement of a rotor hub for a wind power plant, and method for mounting the same A bearing arrangement of a rotor for a wind power plant. The bearing arrangement includes a rotor hub with at least one rotor blade, and a rolling bearing, by which the rotor hub is mounted in a gondola of the wind power plant so as to be rotatable relative to a machine support. The rolling bearing has an external ring and an internal ring, between which rolling elements are arranged. In order to make it easier to mount and dismount the bearing arrangement, the rolling bearing is coaxially disposed in a cylindrical opening of the rotor hub, which is externally open in an axial direction, and the external ring of the rolling bearing is connected to the rotor hub in a rotationally fixed and releasable manner.
US08545183B2	Seal coating between rotor blade and rotor disk slot in gas turbine engine A gas turbine rotor blade and rotor disk arrangement is provided. The rotor blade and the rotor disk includes a coating in order to seal the gap which normally exists between the bottom part of the blade root and the bottom part of the disk slot. The coating may be applied to the blade root or to the disk itself on the bottom part of the disk slot. The coating is preferably an abradable nickel-alloy Bentonite coating. The coating may also be applied to only a portion of the areas being sealed, omitting a portion at the start of the slot or at the start of one of the lobes of the blade root, so that a lead-in is formed, whereby the blade can more easily be inserted into the slot.
US08545182B2	Wind turbine blade and hub assembly This invention relates to a wind turbine blade with at least two connection members such as bushings and/or threaded bars in the root of the blade for attaching the blade to a hub. The connection members are placed along the blade surface and at least some of the connection members are non-parallel and hence oriented in different directions. Hereby is obtained that the root section of the blade can be shortened and the maximum chord of the wind turbine blade can be moved closer to the hub, whereby the part of the blade exploiting the wind is increased and the power output similarly increased.The present invention further relates to a pitch bearing and a hub comprising a bearing ring with two or more holes for positioning fastening members for attaching a wind turbine blade to the bearing. Here, correspondingly, at least two of the holes are oriented in different angles so that the fastening members positioned in the holes are non-parallel and extend in different directions.
US08545181B2	Turbine blade assembly A turbine blade assembly, which can be used for a gas turbine is provided. The turbine blade assembly includes turbine blades with platforms, gaps between the platforms of adjacent turbine blades and seals. Each seal covers the gap between the platforms of two adjacent turbine blades wherein the platforms are provided with slots extending in the downstream flow direction. The turbine blades have root cavities, wherein the seal covers at least the whole length of the root cavities of two adjacent turbine blades. The seal is formed from a strip and the seal is placed in two opposed slots formed in each of the platforms of two adjacent turbine blades and open towards the respective downstream ends.
US08545180B1	Turbine blade with showerhead film cooling holes A turbine rotor blade with a showerhead arrangement of film cooling holes arranged in three zones with a lower span zone and a middle spa zone and an upper span zone. The film cooling holes in the lower zone have a greater ejection angle than the film holes in the middle span zone, and the middle span zone film holes have a greater ejection angle than the film holes in the upper span zone.
US08545175B2	Rotor blade over-tip leakage control Some embodiments control rotor blade over-tip leakage of a working fluid in a rotating machine, which includes a circumferential row of rotor blades. A circumferential row of seal segments seal with the radially outer tips of the rotor blades to reduce over-tip leakage of the working fluid. The seal segments have an inboard abradable layer adapted to be abraded by the blade tips to form a wear track for the blade tips. Tip wearing bodies are adapted to wear down the blade tips. The abradable layer thickness and cold build radial positions of the blade tips, seal segments, and tip wearing bodies are arranged such that, during running-in of the machine, a wear track having a uniform radius is formed in the abradable layer by the blade tips, and the tip wearing bodies wear down the blade tips to provide a uniform blade tip radius.
US08545173B2	Process for calibrating a variable-nozzle assembly of a turbocharger and a variable-nozzle assembly facilitating such process A process for calibrating a variable-nozzle assembly (200) prior to its installation in a turbocharger. The variable-nozzle assembly facilitating such process is installed in a calibration fixture (20) having internal flowpath contours configured to replicate corresponding internal flowpath contours of a turbocharger into which the variable-nozzle assembly (200) is to be installed. The calibration fixture (20) defines a generally annular chamber (110) in fluid communication with a flow path defined in the variable-nozzle assembly (200), and a fluid supply passage (112) extending into the annular chamber. A fluid is supplied through the fluid supply passage (112), and the fluid then flows through the flow path of the variable-nozzle assembly (200). While the fluid is flowing through the variable-nozzle assembly (200), the vanes (220) are pivoted to set a predetermined flow rate. A stop member (290) is then fixed to the variable-nozzle assembly (200) so that the vanes (220) cannot be pivoted past the position corresponding to the predetermined flow rate.
US08545165B2	High speed substrate aligner apparatus A substrate aligner providing minimal substrate transporter extend and retract motions to quickly align substrate without back side damage while increasing the throughput of substrate processing. In one embodiment, the aligner having an inverted chuck connected to a frame with a substrate transfer system capable of transferring substrate from chuck to transporter without rotationally repositioning substrate. The inverted chuck eliminates aligner obstruction of substrate fiducials and along with the transfer system, allows transporter to remain within the frame during alignment. In another embodiment, the aligner has a rotatable sensor head connected to a frame and a substrate support with transparent rest pads for supporting the substrate during alignment so transporter can remain within the frame during alignment. Substrate alignment is performed independent of fiducial placement on support pads. In other embodiments the substrate support employs a buffer system for buffering substrate inside the apparatus allowing for fast swapping of substrates.
US08545161B2	Unloading vehicle and combination of an unloading vehicle with a container An unloading vehicle for the rotary unloading of a container, able to be covered by a fixed cover, which has a container base with two fork pockets, with a frame on which a carrier, provided with a pair of fork prongs, is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running horizontally and parallel to the fork prongs. In order to be able to handle not only the container but also its cover by an unloading vehicle, a further carrier is provided above the rotatably arranged carrier, which is provided with a receiving arrangement for taking hold of the cover of the container, and is vertically adjustable and/or able to be swiveled up and down with respect to the framed.
US08545159B2	Apparatus having conveyor and method of transferring substrate using the same An apparatus for a liquid crystal display device includes: a process chamber for treating a substrate; a load-lock chamber having an interior conveyor; and a transfer chamber connected to the process chamber and the at least one load-lock chamber, the transfer chamber having a substrate-transferring means.
US08545157B2	Metal members and assemblies that have reinforced punched holes and method of forming the holes A metal member defining a hole in which the hole is reinforced by forming a flange and turning the flange back upon itself so that the rolled outer surface of the flange defines the perimeter of the hole. The sheared edge is spaced from the perimeter of the hole. The shaft of the fastener inserted in the hole contacts a non-sheared surface. A reinforcement ring may be assembled around the flange.
US08545156B2	Screw tightening structure, screw and screw tightening tool A screw tightening structure includes an indented concave recess formed on a screw, and mating convex sections provided on a screw tightening tool for tightening the screw: the recess and the mating convex sections including three or more torque transfer portions, respectively, which protrude outward and are disposed at equiangular intervals for concentrically mating engagements; rotating the screw tightening tool causing the torque transfer portions of the mating convex sections to transfer a tightening torque to the screw via the torque transfer portions of the recess; under which outer circumferential edge portions of the torque transfer portions of the mating convex sections to be brought into abutting contact with sidewall of the torque transfer portions of the recess with the tightening torque being transferred to the screw via force application points Q representing resulting abutment portions.
US08545153B2	Free spin fastener assembly A fastener and a fastener system using the fastener are disclosed. The fastener has an elongated shank having a thread formed at one end and a annular recess formed adjacent the threaded portion to define a leading and trailing abutment surface. The thread guides the fastener into engagement with one or more components having thread engagement features and the annular recess permits the free spinning of the fastener without further tightening after the thread engagement features have advanced past the thread. The fastening system includes the fastener and a component to be fastened having a passageway for accepting the fastener formed by at least two flanges engageable in the thread and engageable in the annular recess of the fastener.
US08545148B2	Container and container wagon A container for transporting bulk material in combined (multimode) traffic, in particular on railways, roadways and ships, with a rectangular outer structure having standard dimensions and an open steel frame construction, which carries at least one container (hopper) for holding the bulk material. The hopper tapers like a funnel and can be emptied via at least one floor flap. The steel frame structure exhibits two lower longitudinal members, which are free of connecting cross members, so that inside the steel frame structure and beneath the container for holding the bulk material, a downwardly completely open and in the longitudinal direction of the steel frame structure continuously extending open space is available.
US08545147B2	Stowage and transport of cargo in intermodal containers A method for stowage of cargo items (7, 18, 100). In a cargo container (12, 20, 103) wherein spaces around the cargo items and within the cargo container are at least partly filled with spacer elements (1, 19, 104-106, 109-112) so as to substantially prevent movement of the cargo items in the cargo container, characterized in that dynamic forces on the cargo items associated with motion of the cargo container and/or weight forces on the cargo items are transmitted to the container structure through the spacer elements, and wherein at least one spacer element transmitting such forces comprises a shaped block of expanded plastics foam material, preferably polystyrene. The invention is applicable to comparatively heavy loads such as those transported in shipping containers and in such land vehicles as rail cars and road transport vehicles.
US08545136B2	Cutting insert A cutting insert enables a reduction in cutting resistance and stable cutting process. The insert includes a chip breaker groove formed inside corner cutting edges and a raised portion. The raised portion includes a top surface, a front raised surface, and side raised surfaces. The top surface intersects the front raised surface and each of the side raised surfaces. A first intersecting portion at which the front raised surface and the top surface intersect with each other extends linearly. A second intersecting portion at which each of the side raised surfaces and the top surface intersect with each other extends from a corresponding one of opposite sides of the first intersecting portion so that a distance from the corresponding side cutting edge increases gradually with a distance from the corner cutting edge. The front raised surface and the side raised surfaces are curved convexly outward.
US08545127B2	Rig mat system and method of making the same A multi-layer rig mat system and a method for implementing the rig mat system is provided. The rig mat system has a rig mat formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an edge-to-edge arrangement and one or more barrier layers placed between the rig mat and the terrain. The barrier layer prevents contamination of the terrain below the rig mat by water and other undesirable fluids seeping through gaps or discontinuities in the rig mat. The barrier layer also prevents heat transmission from the rig mat to the terrain below the rig mat.
US08545126B1	Portable traffic safety barrier The portable traffic safety barrier is formed of plastic or recycled rubber, and has a narrower upper portion and wider cap atop the upper portion to form a mushroom-shaped cross section. Elongate passages are formed through each barrier section, and a spring is installed in at least one passage to connect the barriers resiliently to one another end-to-end. Another passage contains a flexible coiled electrical cord to provide power for lighting the barrier, the lighting being installed atop the barrier sections. The springs and coiled cord allow connected barriers to separate in the event of impact, while still maintaining the integrity of the assembly and lighting. Wheels may be provided beneath the barrier sections to allow lateral repositioning. Two or more rows of barriers may be arranged laterally, and the resulting gap between barriers serves as a planter box or for the installation of signage.
US08545125B2	Non-parallel splined hub and shaft connection A connection between a shaft and a coupling that preferably involves involute shaped splines is designed to reduce stress from torque applied to the shaft by a drive motor. To avoid stress concentration at the mouth of the coupling on startup, the shaft splines are made to taper from the shaft end down to the spline end. As a result, the initial contact with the coupling splines occurs within the coupling and removed from it mouth. The shaft is allowed to elastically twist in response to the applied torque as the contact area increases with shaft twisting and the contact line moves toward the mouth of the coupling. Some shaft elastic twist occurs without adding stress to the shaft splines until coupling contact is made.
US08545124B2	Coupling apparatus A coupling apparatus (10) includes a first coupling element (12) and a second coupling element (14). The first coupling element (12) has a mating surface (16) and a wedging surface (22) at the first end (18) of the first coupling element (12). An engagement surface (30) is located at the second end (20) of the first coupling element (12) and an alignment orifice (32) extends through the first coupling element (12). A second coupling element (14) also includes a mating surface (46) and a wedge member (48) at the first end (42) of the second coupling element (14). This wedge member (48) engages the wedging surface (22). An alignment member (60) at least partially extends through the alignment orifice (32), and a locking tab (62) extends from the second coupling element mating surface (46) and engages the engagement surface (30).
US08545120B2	Dual cosmetic container A dual cosmetic container is disclosed. The container has a sleeve that has a first end and a second end, each of the ends are adapted to receive a receptacle for containing a cosmetic product. The cosmetic product in the first receptacle is different from the cosmetic product in the second receptacle. At least one of the receptacles has an applicator in the form of a rollerball for dispensing product.
US08545116B2	Interchangeable lens An interchangeable lens to be removably attached to a camera body, includes: a receiving device that receives predetermined control data from the camera body through a first transmission path; a control device that executes predetermined control processing based upon the control data upon reception of the control data by the receiving device; a generation device that executes at predetermined intervals generation processing for generating predetermined lens data which indicates an operating state of the interchangeable lens; a transmission device that transmits the lens data to the camera body through a second transmission path, which is different from the first transmission path, upon generation of the lens data by the generation device; and a prioritizing device that gives priority to the generation processing by the generation device over the control processing by the control device.
US08545114B2	Auto focus-zoom actuator or camera module contamination reduction feature with integrated protective membrane A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.
US08545111B2	Optical module An optical module has a structure for reducing the stress applied to a package. The optical module is structured so that an end face of a waveguide (37) of a planar lightwave circuit (30) is joined to a plurality of packages (40) storing therein optical elements so that the waveguide is optically coupled to the optical elements. The optical module includes a housing (3) storing therein a planar lightwave circuit and a plurality of packages in which an upper face of a protrusion (270) formed in the bottom section is fixed to the planar lightwave circuit (30). Each of the plurality of packages (40) is electrically connected to an electric part (22) provided in the housing (3) via flexible printed circuits (271a, 271b).
US08545109B2	Optical fiber adaptor and laser system An optical fiber adaptor includes: an optical fiber adaptor body including an insertion hole in which to insert a ferrule of an optical fiber plug, and a mounting section to which to mount a lock nut of the optical fiber plug having the ferrule inserted in the insertion hole; a light-transmitting sleeve which is provided in the insertion hole and which surrounds the ferrule inserted in the insertion hole; a first detection section operable to optically detect, from the outer peripheral side of the sleeve, whether or not the ferrule is inserted in the insertion hole; and a second detection section operable to detect the position of the lock nut mounted to the mounting section.
US08545107B2	Optical fiber connector An optical fiber connector includes a number of optical fibers, a body, a number of supports and a cover. The body includes a number of lens portions at a first end thereof, a number of through holes at an opposite second end, and a recess located between the lens portions and the through holes. The through holes are in communication with the recess. The optical fibers extend through the respective through holes and terminate at the respective lens portions. The supports are formed in the recess. Each support supports and retains a portion of the corresponding optical fiber exposed in the recess. The cover is received in the recess. The cover has a number of slanted faces spatially corresponding to the respective supports. The slanted faces and the supports cooperatively securely sandwich the exposed portions of the optical fibers in the body.
US08545105B2	Rolling bearing and crown-shaped retainer A rolling bearing assembly and a crown shaped retainer, in which the rotating torque of the bearing assembly can be reduced with no limitation in use of the bearing assembly and with no need to modify the grease and the sealing member are provided. The rolling bearing assembly includes a plurality of balls interposed between inner and outer rings, and a retainer for retaining the balls. The retainer is of a crown shaped configuration including a retainer ring body having one side face formed with pockets, each having a portion with an opening, defined at respective locations in a circumferential direction for accommodating therein the balls; a grease reservoir depressed portion provided between the neighboring pockets in the circumferential direction of the retainer ring body for reserving a grease; and a communicating port for communicating the grease reservoir depressed portion and the pocket.
US08545103B1	Tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.
US08545102B2	Sliding bearing and method of manufacturing the same A cylindrical sliding bearing 1 can rotatably support a rotational shaft by a sliding surface 4 (inner circumferential surface). A crowning 5 having a sloped surface is formed at both ends of the sliding surface 4 in the axial direction. The crowning 5 includes a first crowning 3A formed of a sloped surface of a lining layer 3 and a second crowning 2A formed of a sloped surface of a back metal 2 positioned on the lower side of the first crowning. Unlike a conventional sliding bearing, the back metal 2 where the crowning 5 is positioned is provided as a sloped surface (2A). As compared with conventional bearings, the crowning 5 can be prevented from being unevenly brought into contact with the rotational shaft.
US08545101B2	Linear guide unit A linear guide unit, with a guide carriage arranged on a guide rail and rolling bodies which circulate in circulating channels. Each circulating channel has a load section, a return section and two deflection sections endlessly connecting the load section to the return section. The load section is delimited by running tracks for the rolling bodies, which are formed on the guide carriage and guide rail, and with lubricant channels which are formed on the guide carriage and are connected to the circulating channels. An end is connected to a transfer point to a further lubricant channel or the circulating channel. A seal with an annularly closed sealing section is provided between the end of the lubricant channel and the transfer point, and is designed as a valve which prevents the lubricant channel from running at no-load.
US08545100B2	Bottom opening pouches and consumer products made using such pouches A pouch comprising a first panel comprising a first flap having an interior and a second panel comprising a second flap having an interior. The second panel is attached to the first panel and portions of the first panel and the second panel define a chamber and an outlet. The pouch further comprises a strip removably attached to a portion of the interior of the first flap and a portion of the interior of the second flap and covering the outlet formed by the first panel and the second panel.
US08545097B2	Turbocharger overheating protection device and method of its manufacture A housing between mineral-insulated cable and connecting wire in a turbocharger overheating protection device may include the following characteristics: coiled regions of springs (10) arranged point-symmetrically to each other; or the springs (10) are not placed on axes; or the coil regions of the coil springs (10) for cushioning the film resistor are shorter than its substrate length and longer than its substrate width; or the connecting wires of the film resistor are shorter than its substrate length and longer than its substrate width; or the springs are arranged staggered in their longitudinal direction adjacent to each other; or coil springs (10) are used, in which the coils are located only in one half of the spring (10) and the coils of one spring are arranged staggered in the longitudinal direction to the coils of the other spring (10).
US08545093B2	Switch structure, and chronograph mechanism and electronic timepiece using the same A switch structure has an elastic switch lever portion and a rigid support lever. The elastic switch lever portion has an elastic contact portion and an arm portion provided with a pressing force receiving portion from which the elastic contact portion extends. The rigid support lever is mounted for undergoing movement relative to the pressing force receiving portion. The rigid support lever has a rigid substrate portion and a rigid support wall portion that is connected to the rigid substrate portion and that supports the pressing force receiving portion so as to receive a pressing force from the pressing force receiving portion and to guide displacement of the pressing force receiving portion when a pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion.
US08545088B2	Back frame and backlight system of flat panel display device The present invention provides a back frame and a backlight system of a flat panel display device. The back frame includes at least two assembling pieces that are joined to form the back frame. The back frame further includes a bracing piece fixed to the assembling pieces and the bracing piece functions to fix a circuit board and an electromagnetic shielding piece. The bracing piece includes a bracing body, a first suspension section, a first bearing section, and a first resilient bent section. The bracing body is fixed to the assembling pieces. The first suspension section extends from the bracing body toward one side of the bracing body. The first bearing section is spaced from the bracing body and extends from the first suspension section toward one side of the first suspension section. The first resilient bent section is located between the first bearing section and the bracing body and is bent from the first suspension section toward one side of the first suspension section. The first bearing section and the first resilient bent section resiliently clamp a first side edge of the circuit board. The electromagnetic shielding piece is fixed to the bracing body. As such, the manufacturing cost is reduced and the expenditure of mold is saved and the problem that a circuit board cannot be easily fixed and the electromagnetic shielding problem can be overcome.
US08545087B2	Light-emitting assembly and display apparatus having the same In a light-emitting assembly and a display apparatus having the light-emitting assembly, the light-emitting assembly includes a light guide plate, a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module. The light guide plate includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface and including a light incident portion and a light exiting portion, and a third surface connecting the first surface with the second surface and inclined toward the first surface. The first light-emitting module is on the light incident portion of the second surface and emits a first light to the light incident portion. The second light-emitting module faces the third surface and emits a second light having a wavelength different from the first light, to the third surface.
US08545086B2	Backlight unit There is provided a backlight unit.The backlight unit is configured to include: a plurality of light sources; a plurality of light guide plates being arranged alternately with the light sources so that light emitted from the light sources is incident; and a chassis receiving the light sources and the light guide plates, wherein the plurality of light guide plates are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, being symmetrical to each other in order to face the central region of the chassis, a pair of light guide plates opposed to each other on the central region being connected to each other so that the light therefrom is mixed.
US08545084B2	Light guides and backlight systems incorporating light redirectors at varying densities Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose arrangement and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.
US08545081B2	Edge-lit backlight device and liquid crystal display An edge-lit backlight device is disclosed in the present disclosure. The edge-lit backlight device comprises a light guide plate, light sources and a backplate. The light guide plate comprises two wedged plate portions and a rectangular plate portion, the two wedged plate portions are disposed at two sides of the rectangular plate portion respectively, and the wedged plate portions and the rectangular plate portion each comprise a light incident surface and a bottom surface. The light sources are disposed adjacent to the light incident surfaces of the wedged plate portions and the rectangular plate portion respectively. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is also disclosed in the present disclosure. The edge-lit backlight device and the LCD of the present disclosure are simple in structure, allow for regional control functions and can dissipate heat generated by the light sources in a timely and efficient way.
US08545078B2	Solar lighting apparatus with hybrid solar light diffuser having diffusion-refraction and diffusion-reflection functions A solar lighting apparatus uses optical fibers to transmit solar light for illumination. The apparatus includes a support frame, optical fibers, a hybrid solar light diffuser and a reflective sheet. The optical fibers are fastened to the support frame and are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The hybrid solar light diffuser is coupled to a lower portion of the support frame and includes a diffusion plate and diffusion lenses which are provided on the diffusion plate at positions corresponding to the respective optical fibers. Each diffusion lens has a width increasing from a top thereof to a bottom. An incident depression is formed in the upper end of each diffusion lens. A reflective surface is formed on the circumferential outer surface of each diffusion lens to diffuse and reflect solar light. The reflective sheet is applied to the lower surface of the support frame.
US08545077B2	Solid-state light source A solid-state light source includes a semiconductor light source for emitting light and an optical system having a fiber optic element. The fiber optic element has an input for receiving emitted light from the semiconductor light source. The fiber optic element also has an output for emitting light received from the solid-state light source. The semiconductor light source and the fiber optic element in aggregate form an illumination path.
US08545076B2	Optical fiber illumination systems and methods An illumination system generating light having at least one wavelength within 200 nm a plurality of nano-sized structures (e.g., voids). The optical fiber coupled to the light source. The light diffusing optical fiber has a core and a cladding. The plurality of nano-sized structures is situated either within said core or at a core-cladding boundary. The optical fiber also includes an outer surface. The optical fiber is configured to scatter guided light via the nano-sized structures away from the core and through the outer surface, to form a light-source fiber portion having a length that emits substantially uniform radiation over its length, said fiber having a scattering-induced attenuation greater than 50 dB/km for the wavelength(s) within 200 nm to 2000 nm range.
US08545071B2	Device for viewing front-lateral area of vehicle Provided is a device for viewing a front-lateral area of a vehicle. A front-lateral viewing device (16) comprises a mirror body (41) of a door mirror (21), a mirror housing (42), a first reflection mirror (22) which is provided in the mirror (42) and which reflects a desired range from a front area to a lateral area with respect to a side portion (55) of a vehicle body, and a second reflection mirror (23) which reflects light from the first reflection mirror (22) toward a vehicle occupant. The mirror housing (42) has a recess (111) where a front surface (108) is inwardly recessed. The first reflection mirror (22) is provided in the recess (111). A blinker (14) is provided at a position spaced from an outer end (95) of the first reflection mirror (22) at a predetermined distance.
US08545067B2	Small form factor durable street lamp and method A shock resistant outdoor lamp has a bulb assembly includes a shock resistant gas-filled vessel coupled to an RF source. The vessel has a transparent or translucent body having an inner surface and an outer surface and a cavity formed within the inner surface. The gas-filled vessel comprises a first end region and a second end region. The bulb assembly has a length provided between the first end region and the second end region and ranging from about 0.5 centimeter to about three centimeters characterizing the gas-filled vessel. The bulb assembly at least one or more coupling members operably coupled to the gas-filled vessel such that the outer surface of the gas-filled vessel is substantially free from mechanical damage caused with the one or more coupling members and substantially free from any openings in the thickness.
US08545062B2	Light uniformization structure and light emitting module A light uniformization structure including a first material layer having a plurality of microstructures in a surface thereof, a second material layer having a plurality of microstructures in a surface thereof, and a spacer layer located between the first material layer and the second material layer. The refractive index of the spacer layer is smaller than a refractive index of the first material layer and a refractive index of the second material layer. A light emitting module including the light uniformization structure is also disclosed.
US08545059B2	Electrodeless lamp street lighting fixture An electrodeless lamp street lighting fixture comprises a housing, an electronic ballast, and a light emitter that comprises a light bulb, a light reflecting cover, and a transparent cover fixed together. The light emitter and the electronic ballast could be pivotally connected to the housing. An external surface of the housing is served as a radiating plane of the electronic ballast. Therefore, the present invention needs no tool for dismantlement, the radiating effect of the electronic ballast is satisfactory, and the installment is convenient.
US08545058B2	Lens and illumination device A lens includes a light incident surface and a light exiting surface. The light exiting surface includes a first concave surface, a first convex surface, a second convex surface, a first curved surface, and a second curved surface. The first concave surface is located at the center of the light exiting surface for diverging the light exiting therefrom. The first and second convex surface are arranged at two opposite sides of the first concave surface respectively for converging the light exiting therefrom; the first convex surface, the first concave surface, and the second convex surface connect in sequence along a first direction. The first and second curved surfaces are arranged at another two opposite sides of the first concave surface respectively; the first curved surface, the first concave surface, and the second curved surface connect in sequence along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US08545056B2	LED flexible board assembly and lighting unit A lighting unit, e.g. an LED bulb or a straight LED luminaire, which illuminates a wide range and is configured with low cost. In a light-emitting diode lamp, a board assembly is disposed in a lamp main body, and light-emitting diodes are attached to the board assembly. The board assembly comprises a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards. Each flexible printed circuit board includes a base in the form of a flat plate, respective connections to a power supply portion of the light-emitting diode lamp are provided at two ends of the base, and the base is bent at a plurality of points of a middle portion to form a top surface portion and side surface portions. The flexible printed circuit boards are three-dimensionally assembled such that the top surface portions cross each other and such that one of the top surface portions lies on top of another.
US08545054B2	Array of scalable ceramic diode carriers with LEDs Ceramic diode carriers (10) comprising a ceramic carrier body (2) integrally connected to ceramic cooling elements (7) dissipating heat, wherein sintered metallization regions (41) are disposed as conductors on the surface (3) of the carrier body (2). LEDs (13) can be fastened to the diode carrier (10), the electrical connections thereof being electrically connectable to the conductors. In order to produce luminous bodies from ceramic diode carriers (10), at least two identical ceramic diode carriers (10) are connected into an array.
US08545053B2	Light device with multiple LED light sources A light device with multiple LED light sources includes a metal conductive plate and a plurality of LED elements. The metal conductive plate consists of plural plate members, and a slot is defined between every two adjacent plate members for physically separating the two adjacent plate members. Each LED element is electrically connected to the plate members disposed at two sides of the slot. The LED elements are electrically connected in series or in parallel through the plate members disposed at the two sides of the slot.
US08545051B2	Lighting apparatus with heat conductive substrate A substrate for a lighting apparatus includes one or more light-emitting elements mounted thereon. The substrate includes a surface on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted. Additionally, the substrate includes heat conductive elements for conducting heat from the one or more light-emitting elements, the heat conductive elements including heat conductive holes extending through a non-electrically conducting layer formed on a first surface of the substrate and an entirety of the substrate and a heat conductive layer formed on a surface of the substrate opposite the first surface.
US08545050B2	Bulbtype lamp with light emitting diodes using alternating current Provided is a bulbtype AC power LED lamp. The bulbtype AC power LED lamp includes an AC power LED board, a diffuser, a board base, an insulation base, a socket, and a bulb. The AC power LED board is in contact with the board base on which a heat sink is disposed to maximize heat emission efficiency during turn-on of the AC power LED. Also, light is diffused by the diffuser during turn-on of the AC power LED to prevent dazzling phenomenon as well as extend a lighting area.
US08545049B2	Systems, methods, and devices for sealing LED light sources in a light module A light module includes one or more LEDs coupled to a circuit board, a lens disposed over at least one LED, and an adhesive layer disposed between each LED and the lens. A flange extends from at least one side of the lens. The adhesive layer fixes the lens in an optical alignment over the corresponding LED. The adhesive layer includes at least one of a non-permeable layer with an adhesive material on the top and bottom surfaces, a gas-permeable layer with an adhesive material on the top and bottom surfaces, a deposited material, and an over mold material. An alignment tool including one or more optical recesses and one or more alignment features is used in the assembly of at least one of an optical assembly and a light module that includes the optical assembly. The alignment tool facilitates precise alignment of the lenses over the LEDs.
US08545045B2	Modular LED lighting systems and kits Modular LED lighting systems can provide under-cabinet lighting. According to some embodiments, an LED lighting system may be provided with at least one LED light strip, a switch unit, and a removable electrical connector electrically connecting the at least one LED light strip to the switch unit in an end-to-end configuration. According to other embodiments, a modular under-cabinet LED lighting system may be provided having a plurality of LED light strip units having a female power receptacle at each end thereof, and at least one removable electrical connector received within respective female power receptacles at respective ends of an adjacent pair of the LED light strip units to electrically connect the pair of LED light strip units in series one to another in an end-to-end configuration. Because of the modular nature of the various components, a lighting system tailored to a specific under-cabinet lighting need can be provided.
US08545044B2	Flashlight with end-cap switch The present invention relates to a flashlight with a flashlight casing and a push switch, latching switch or rotary switch contained in an end cap having a switch housing in which a first and a second contact engage. According to the invention, the first contact is a leaf spring engaging in direct electrical connection directly against the electrically conductive flashlight casing or directly against the electrically conductive end cap that is also detachably connected to the flashlight casing, the second contact being a bent leaf spring outside the switch housing directly connected to a power supply.
US08545041B2	Mounting clip A mounting clip for attaching objects, such as flashlights to an article, such as a hat or belt, includes a clip portion dimensioned for attaching the clip to the article and an object mounting portion formed with the clip portion. Objects of different widths are removably yet snugly grasped within the object mounting portion. The clip portion includes upper and lower members defining a slot for receiving the article through a lip of the slot and frictionally securing the clip to the article.
US08545040B2	Flashlight and illuminated rear section with two-sided lighting module A multipurpose lighting device comprising a flashlight end, a lantern end including a barrel through which light may pass, and a module mounted between the flashlight end and lantern end. The module includes a first light source configured to direct light out the flashlight end, and a second light source configured to direct light out the lantern end. The second light source is disposed on an opposite end of the module from the first light source. The module further includes a power source configured to energize the first light source and second light source, wherein the second light source is oppositely disposed on the module from the first light source.
US08545038B2	Back frame of flat panel display device, backlight system, and flat liquid crystal display device The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device, which includes at least first and second primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form the back frame. The primary assembling pieces have positioning sections, and the positioning section cooperate with a back panel of the flat panel display device to position the back frame. The present invention also provides a backlight system and a flat liquid crystal display device. The present invention uses positioning sections formed on the primary assembling pieces to cooperate with a back panel of the flat panel display device to fix the back frame to the back panel so as to facilitate removal of the back frame and further secure the whole structure of the flat liquid crystal display device.
US08545036B2	Back frame and backlight system thereof The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system thereof, which include at least two primary assembling pieces, and the at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. The back frame further includes a cable protection structure and the cable protection structure receives a flexible circuit board or a cable. The back frame mold of the back frame and the backlight system thereof of the present invention have a back frame mold that is of a simple structure, reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, save the material for the back frame, lower down the cost of flat panel display device, and offers an advantage of protecting flexible circuit board or cable.
US08545033B2	Illumination device with an envelope enclosing a light source The invention provides an illumination device comprising an envelope enclosing a light source, preferably a LED, and a luminescent material. The envelope comprises a transmissive part, and a reflective part, wherein the reflective part comprises a reflective ceramic material. The ceramic material can be used for heat dissipation.
US08545029B2	Hybrid high pressure mercury arc lamp-laser light production system A light production system for a projector is provided. The light production system comprises: at least one high pressure mercury arc lamp; at least one red laser; at least one green laser; and an integrator for receiving and combining light from the at least one high pressure mercury arc lamp, red light from the at least one red laser and green light from the at least one green laser, the integrator comprising an output enabled to emit combined light into illumination relay optics of the projector.
US08545024B2	Ophthalmic apparatus An ophthalmic apparatus comprises: a main unit including a photographing device for photographing an examinee's eye; a monitor provided in the main unit, the monitor including a displaying device for displaying an image of the eye photographed by the photographing device and a setting device for setting a predetermined function; a rotation mechanism for rotating the monitor from an almost vertical position to an almost horizontal position with respect to the main unit; a first lock mechanism for locking the monitor at each predetermined tilt angle, the first lock mechanism being arranged to allow upward rotation of the monitor but restrict downward rotation of the monitor in the course of rotating the monitor from the almost vertical position to the almost horizontal position; and a first unlock mechanism arranged to release the restriction of the downward rotation of the monitor by the first lock mechanism based on further upward rotation of the monitor after the monitor is locked in a first maximum tilt lock position by the first lock mechanism.
US08545019B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera that obtains focus evaluation values by scanning, in which a focusing lens moves a predetermined distance according to a photographing mode before the focusing lens starts scanning for obtaining focus evaluation values.
US08545015B2	Polarizing photochromic articles Provided are photochromic articles including a substrate, a primer layer that includes a first photochromic compound, and a photochromic-dichroic layer over the primer layer that includes a photochromic-dichroic compound. The first photochromic compound and the photochromic-dichroic compound each are selected such that the photochromic-dichroic compound has an unactivated state terminal minimum absorbance wavelength that is less than or equal to the unactivated state terminal minimum absorbance of the underlying first photochromic compound. The present invention also relates to such photochromic articles that further include a topcoat layer over the photochromic-dichroic layer, the topcoat layer including a second photochromic compound that has an unactivated state terminal minimum absorbance wavelength that is less than the unactivated state terminal minimum absorbance wavelength of the underlying photochromic-dichroic compound.
US08545013B2	Wearable electronic display A wearable electronic display includes an eyewear display and a flexible band attached to the eyewear display for securing the eyewear display to the user's head. At least one speaker is slidably attached below the flexible band by a slidable mount. The slidable mount is capable of sliding forwardly and rearwardly on the flexible band for adjusting the at least one speaker to the user's ears.
US08545012B2	Illuminated eyewear There is provided illuminated eyewear having one or more light sources mounted thereto to project light forwardly thereof. The illuminated eyewear includes a cross-frame member or portion and temple arm members or portions extending rearwardly therefrom in a use configuration. The illuminated eyewear may include a pass-through portion of the cross-frame member that is oriented to be forwardly of the light source to allow light projected from the light source to pass therethrough to an area forwardly of the cross-frame member.
US08545011B2	Eyeglass with interchangeable ornamentation An eyeglass component mounting system is provided that comprises an eyeglass and a decorative component that can be removably attached to the eyeglass, such as onto an earstem of the eyeglass. For example, the earstem can comprise a retention zone whereat the decorative component can be secured. In some embodiments, the retention zone comprises a recess and a magnetic retention element that can magnetically attract and secure the decorative component in an engaged position after being fitted into the recess. The engagement or attraction between the retention zone of the earstem and the decorative component can be maximized when the decorative component is in the engaged position in order to prevent accident or unintentional dislodgement of the decorative component.
US08545010B2	Dual lens eyeglasses The present invention relates to dual-lens eyeglasses including an eyeglass frame and two lens units permanently installed on the eyeglass frame. Each lens unit includes two lenses arranged in optical alignment with each other. The lenses can be optical lenses or sunglass lenses. The optical lenses can be selected from known lenses such as corrective lenses, myopic corrective lenses, reading glasses lenses, progressive lenses, etc. The sunglass lenses can be selected from polarized lenses, tinted lenses, or photochromic lenses. Without the use of sub-frames, two lens units are permanently installed on eyewires of the eyeglass frames, enhancing the integration effect of the eyeglass frames. In addition, each lens is directly fixed and installed on the eyeglass frames, so that the installation is reliable and the lenses will not fall off easily. Furthermore, the lenses can be easily installed on full-rim, half-rim or rimless eyeglass frame.
US08545008B2	Recording medium The invention provides a recording medium capable of inhibiting conspicuousness of scratches attached to the recording medium and preventing the occurrence of density unevenness in an image. The recording medium has a substrate and an ink receiving layer provided on the substrate, wherein substrate is a resin-coated substrate obtained by coating a base material with a resin, and wherein Ra2 is 0.3 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less and Ra1−Ra2 is 2.0 μm or more, where Ra1 is an arithmetic average roughness of a surface of the substrate son the side of the ink receiving layer as prescribed by JIS B 0601:2001 and Ra2 is an arithmetic average roughness of the outermost surface of the recording medium as prescribed by JIS B 0601:2001.
US08545004B2	Contactless ink leveling method and appartus A method of leveling ink that is printed on a substrate includes establishing a thermal gradient across a thickness of the substrate, the thermal gradient characterized in that it is less than a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink across most of the substrate.
US08545003B2	Pigment dispersion, ink composition, inkset, and recording device A pigment dispersion containing a metal pigment, wherein the metal pigment contains plate-like particles, and in the case where the longitudinal diameter on the planar surface of the plate-like particle is X, the lateral diameter is Y, and the thickness is Z, the 50% average particle diameter R50 of a corresponding circle determined from the surface area in the X-Y plane of the plate-like particle is between 0.5 and 3 μm, and the condition R50/Z>5 is satisfied.
US08545002B2	Ink set and manufacturing process for phase change inks Curable phase change inks contain an ink vehicle, a pigment and a dispersant. A base ink set is of colored phase change inks that utilize the same dispersant, and also desirably contain the same amount of the dispersant. This allows the different color curable phase change inks to be mixed together while avoiding incompatibilities between each other, resulting in custom colors and a reliable expanded color gamut for the base ink set. Also, a method of forming images with the custom color curable phase change inks is disclosed.
US08545000B2	Ink composition, ink set and image formation method An ink composition includes a wetting agent and water-insoluble polymer particles including a colorant and a water-insoluble polymer, wherein the content of free polymer derived from the water-insoluble polymer is 1.0% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the ink composition, and the wetting agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of urea, a urea derivative, a pyrrolidone derivative, an alkyl glycine represented by the following Formula I, glycyl betaine and a sugar: (Formula I) R1 R2NCH2COOM wherein in Formula I, R1 and R2 each independently represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or an alkaline earth metal atom.
US08544999B2	Phase change magnetic ink and process for preparing same An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including heating a phase change ink composition to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant; placing the melt composition under inert atmosphere; heating the melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of a metal carbonyl; adding the metal carbonyl to the melt composition under inert atmosphere at this second temperature to form metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; and cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state.
US08544996B2	Rock screen with particle trap The possibility that narrow, high aspect ratio particles will pass through a rock screen of a print head is reduced by minimizing the number of times the particles interact with the rock screen. Each interaction is an opportunity for the particle to be positioned in an orientation such that it may pass through the rock screen. The reduction in particles passing through the rock screen is achieved by positioning a particle trap adjacent to the rock screen perimeter to collect debris that sloughs off the rock screen.
US08544995B2	Ink cartridge An ink cartridge includes an ink bag that is configured to store ink inside, a spout that is provided on the ink bag and that includes a hollow portion that leads from a first opening to a second opening, and a case that houses the ink bag, an end portion of the case on a side of the second opening including at least a first corner portion and a second corner portion, a width in a first direction being smaller than a width in a second direction in the case, an axial line of the spout being, in the second direction, located closer to one end portion of the case on a side having the first corner portion, and the leading end portion of the spout being located inside of the case with respect to the line connecting the first corner portion and the second corner portion.
US08544991B2	Consumable supply item, fluid reservoir and recirculation system for micro-fluid applications A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of ink. An interior retains the ink while exit and return ports define openings through a housing to fluidly communicate the interior to the imaging device. The opening of the return port is larger than the opening of the exit port. The design slows the return of fluid to the housing which minimizes air bubbles or frothiness in the fluid. During use, ink depletes toward a bottom surface of the interior beneath which the ink is prevented from occupying. A housing section below the interior retains a portion of the exit port so that a bottom of the opening of the exit port is substantially horizontally aligned with the bottom surface. It prevents stranding ink beneath the exit port. Further embodiments include port configuration, construction, and modular components, to name a few.
US08544989B2	MEMS integrated circuit having backside connections to drive circuitry via MEMS roof layer A MEMS integrated circuit includes a silicon substrate having a frontside with a drive circuitry layer and a backside. A MEMS layer is disposed on the drive circuitry layer. The MEMS layer includes a plurality of MEMS devices electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer. Connector posts extends from the drive circuitry layer to a contact pad positioned in a roof of the MEMS layer and through-silicon connectors extending linearly from the contact pad, through the drive circuitry layer and the silicon substrate, towards the backside of the silicon substrate. Each through-silicon connector terminates at a backside integrated circuit contact, such that each integrated circuit contact is electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer via the contact pad positioned in the roof of the MEMS layer.
US08544977B2	Liquid discharge head A liquid discharge head includes a substrate including a plurality of nozzle arrays formed by arranging nozzles having heat generating elements generating thermal energy for discharging a liquid, and a plurality of common liquid chambers formed along the plurality of nozzle arrays to supply the liquid to the plurality of nozzle arrays, the substrate being divided into a plurality of substrate portions by the plurality of common liquid chambers. The substrate includes a first substrate portion having a first nozzle array among the plurality of nozzle arrays and a second substrate portion having a second nozzle array different from the first nozzle array and a thermal capacity larger than that of the first substrate portion. A heating area of each first heat generating element provided in the first nozzle array is smaller than that of each second heat generating element provided in the second nozzle array.
US08544964B2	Brake control system for dual mode vehicle A brake control system is provided for a utility vehicle having manned and unmanned operational modes. The brake control system includes a hydraulically operated brake. A manually operated brake circuit and an electro-hydraulic (E-H) brake circuit are connected to the brake. The E-H brake circuit includes a pump, a solenoid operated inlet valve, an accumulator, and first and second solenoid operated brake valve connected between the brake and the inlet valve. A first CPU is operatively connected to the inlet valve and to the first brake valve. A second CPU is operatively connected to the inlet valve and to the second brake valve. An accumulator pressure sensor senses the accumulator pressure. A brake pressure sensor senses brake pressure. The first and second CPUs control the inlet valve and the brake valves as a function of the sensed accumulator pressure and brake pressure.
US08544959B2	Furniture The invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a seat portion and a supporting substructure, wherein an apparatus for removably connecting the seat portion to the substructure is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one lever that can be moved between a position that locks the seat portion to the substructure and a release position, the lever being located at the substructure or seat portion and being provided with a bracket that forms an undercut, said bracket enclosing a pin at the seat portion or at the substructure in the locking position.
US08544958B2	Holder for attaching a headrest to the back of a seat The invention relates to a seat that comprises: a base; a sitting portion and a back support mounted on the base; a back including a shell and a padding attached to the shell; at least one attachment point provided with attachment means for attaching the back holder to the back; a headrest; and a headrest holder. The seat further includes: a bearing profile section adapted for attachment to the top of the shell of the back; and an arm with a planar aspect extending between the padding and the shell of the back, wherein said arm extends down to the attachment point(s) and is held rigidly by the attachment means of the back to the back holder.
US08544956B2	Seat adjusting mechanism for vehicle The present invention relates to a seat adjusting mechanism for vehicle comprising a seat cushion frame which has at a lower part thereof a latch assembly being locked or unlocked to a locking pin of a vehicle part, a connecting plate which is fixedly coupled to an end part of the seat cushion frame and a seatback frame which is rotatably coupled to an end part of the connecting plate through a recliner, further comprising a driving link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate and is rotated in connection with the seatback frame when the seatback frame is rotated; a pre-latch link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate apart from the driving link and which, when the driving link is rotated over a predetermined angle, is rotated together to a predetermined extent in contact with the driving link; and a latch link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate with the same rotating axis as the pre-latch link and has an end part coupled to a cable end part for an operation of unlocking the latch assembly, and which is contacted, pressed and rotated by the pre-latch link from a predetermined position within the predetermined extent where the pre-latch link is rotated, thus unlocking the latch assembly through the cable end part. According to the present invention, the seat can be folded and erected by just a simple operation if required.
US08544951B2	Stacking and nesting chair A stackable and nestable chair includes a seat assembly, a pair of rear legs spaced apart by a first distance, and a pair of front legs spaced apart by a second distance different than the first distance. The front legs and the rear legs mutually connected by a crossbar, and the seat assembly is supported by the crossbar when the seat is in an operable position. A plurality of casters are each attached to a bottom of each of the front and rear legs, wherein each caster includes a notch that is configured to couple with a leg of an adjacently stacked chair.
US08544948B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat is provided in which a shock reducing member provides an optimum state both under a usual (normal) seating load and in a rear-end collision load, the sinking (moving) amount of the passenger's body to the vehicle rear at the time of rear-end collision can be increased, and a shock applied to a passenger at the time of rear-end collision can be reduced effectively, independently from a headrest. A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member connected to the seat back frame via wires, and a rotating member disposed at least on one side of side parts on both sides of the seat back frame. The rotating member is rotated by a predetermined impact load applied to the pressure receiving member, and comes into contact with the seat back frame, whereby the rotating is inhibited.
US08544947B2	Bicycle fitting apparatus and method An apparatus for fitting a bicycle saddle comprises a mounting rod secured to a bicycle frame, a height adjuster mounted upon the mounting rod, a lateral adjuster mounted upon the height adjuster, a tilt orientation adjuster mounted upon the lateral adjuster, and a clamp securing the saddle to the tilt orientation adjuster.
US08544943B2	Barber/beautician personal assistant A chair apparatus for facilitating performance of hairstyling services is disclosed. The chair apparatus includes a seat and a shaft coupled to a bottom face of the seat. The chair apparatus further includes a base coupled to a bottom end of the shaft and one or more castors coupled to a bottom face of the base. The chair apparatus further includes an arm coupled to the shaft, wherein the arm extends from the shaft to substantially the height of the seat. The chair apparatus further includes a tray coupled to a top end of the arm, wherein the tray comprises a flat surface and one or more hooks.
US08544942B2	Heater for an automotive vehicle and method of forming same A heated seat (302) comprising: a cushion with one or more trench (30) areas; a heater (300) comprising: a carrier (2) with a periphery, the carrier (2) further including: a first electrically functional layer (4) that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier (2); and a second electrically functional layer (8) that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors {12} attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer (40) that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion, and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge (18) and a second side edge (20), and each side edge includes a cutout (26), and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other—forming a neck portion (28); wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device (32) over the neck portion (28) of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment, device (32) to the cushion so that the neck portion (28) is pulled Into the trench (30); wherein the neck portion (28) is free of the second electrically functional layer (6); and wherein the first electrically functional layer (4) and the second electrically functional layer (8} form a checkered pattern.
US08544941B2	Rolling car seat A rolling car seat includes a car seat having back and seat portions configured to receive a seated child. A length-adjustable handle assembly is operatively coupled to the back portion and selectively movable between a retracted configuration not extending above a back portion upper end and an extended configuration extending above the back portion upper end. The rolling car seat includes a wheel assembly having a pair of spaced apart wheels operatively coupled to said the back portion and selectively movable between a withdrawn configuration adjacent said back portion rear surface and a deployed configuration displaced from the back portion rear surface.
US08544938B2	Door protection device for a vehicle A vehicle door safety device for a vehicle, especially for an armored vehicle, includes at least one door casing which runs peripherally essentially in the side edges of the vehicle door and which is located on the inside of a vehicle door leaf, and of at least one body casing which is arranged running peripherally on the door frame of the vehicle body. The casings of the inside of the door leaf and of the door frame mutually supplement one another in a complementary manner, each being made with at least one component such that they overlap one another in the closed position of the vehicle door, as a result of which a gap between the casings is covered.
US08544937B2	Grab handle assembly for a vehicle having telescopingly collapsible supports A telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly incorporated into a collapsible door trim pull handle for a vehicle is disclosed. The telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly includes a grab handle support and a grab handle support base. A portion of one of the grab handle support or the grab handle support base is fitted within the other of the grab handle support base or the grab handle support. A door grab handle is attached to the grab handle support. The grab handle support base is either attached to the door panel or is integrally formed with the door panel. A break-away structure is provided between the grab handle support and the grab handle support base. Upon impact, the break-away structure is broken and the grab handle support and the grab handle support base telescope with respect to each other thereby minimizing loads upon a vehicle occupant.
US08544935B2	Door impact beam A door impact beam for a motor vehicle includes a pot-shaped member made from a metal sheet and extending over a major part of a length of the beam to define two legs and a bridge interconnecting the legs. The bridge has a central length portion which is formed with an embossment defined by a depth, with a ratio of the depth of the embossment to a height of the pot-shaped member in midsection ranging between 1:3 and 1:6. The pot-shaped member has side flanges extending transversely from lower longitudinal edges of the legs in the central length portion.
US08544932B2	Fuel inlet tube for automobiles An automobile fuel-tank tube comprising a tube body made of a first plastic and fitted at one end with means for its affixation to an automobile body opening, further comprising a base integrally shaped with said tube body and made of a second plastic softer than the first and including an aperture to receive in sealing manner a comparatively hard filling pipe, a reinforcing section being integrated into the base and also consists of the first plastic and counteracts radial and/or circumferential deformation of said base.
US08544928B2	Flexible storage compartment for vehicle interior trim A storage compartment such as a map pocket is provided over a recess in the door panel of a transportation vehicle. A frame includes a U-shaped member and a flexible spring piece coupled between the ends of the U-shaped member. The flexible spring piece has a length greater than the distance between the ends so that it tends to assume either a closed position proximate the recess or an open position away from the recess. A pocket cover has a front portion concealing the frame and has a folding side portion disposed between side and bottom edges of the frame and the door panel along corresponding edges of the recess. A tether is coupled to the frame for urging the frame toward the door panel while permitting the frame to be moved away from the door panel.
US08544923B2	Lifting assembly An apparatus and method for a lifting assembly to lift an object using a lifting device are provided. The lifting assembly comprises of an upper lifting bracket and a lower lifting bracket which are used to lift the object. The lifting brackets are adjustable such that they can be adapted to lift a number of different objects having different assemblies with different bolt patterns. The adjustability feature is provided by incorporating at least one cam into the lifting brackets.
US08544919B2	Multi-purpose tongs A multi-purpose tongs having a body in which an operation rod is inserted into a hollow hole thereof and a handle fitted to one side of the body while being penetrably formed, at one side thereof, with a slot, includes a vertical flange provided at one side end of the operation rod so as to radially extend, a fixed lever which is penetrably formed, at a central region thereof, with a through hole, the fixed lever being integrally constituted, at one side thereof, with the handle while protruding outward at the other side thereof, and an operation lever which is hinged-fixed, at an intermediate portion thereof, to the fixed lever, the operation lever including an upper operation lever provided, at one side thereof, outward of the handle and a lower operation lever provided, at the other side thereof.
US08544917B2	Cat litter scoop with adjustable screens A cat litter scoop has one or more adjustable screens that adjust the effective opening in a scoop portion of the cat litter scoop. In some embodiments, the cat litter scoop may include two screens, one lying atop the other, wherein at least one of the two screens is adjustable relative to the other. In some embodiments, both screens of the cat litter scoop may be adjustable. In this embodiment, one screen may be adjustable backward and forward and the other screen may be adjustable from side to side, allowing the holes of the screen to become smaller in order to capture the clumps of urine such that they would be removed from the litter material.
US08544915B1	Modular beverage transport system A beverage transport system used for the transportation of beverages includes a plurality of ring-shaped cup holders that engage tapered sides of a beverage cup. “T”-shaped fasteners and slots enable attachment of appropriately sized carrying handles to enable one-hand transportation of both hot and cold beverages. In addition to cup holders the system can incorporate a box-like tray to carry food stuffs, condiments, and other related items.
US08544913B2	Grill tongs having a heat shield Grill tongs including two rods, which are movably connected and which can be pivoted relative to each other and which each have a gripping surface for an item to be grilled at the end of the rods near the grill and which are equipped with a handle at the end of the rods far from the grill. The handle is used as a contact surface for the fingers of a user. A heat shield is arranged on the rod in the area of the handle. The heat shield is fastened to the side of the rod inside the tongs and from there curves around the side of the handle facing outward and is at a distance to the handle.
US08544912B1	Lifting sling assembly A lifting sling assembly comprises a centering collar element forming a concentric sleeve around a central concavity, a centering housing element, a wire rope, and a lifting support. The centering housing element is defined by a concentric flange member forming a concentric sleeve around the centering housing element. The wire rope is inserted into the central concavity, and the centering collar element is swaged onto the wire rope. The centering collar element, the centering housing element, and the concentric flange member are integrated into a contiguous non-welded assembly such that the wire rope remains rigid within the centering collar member. The lifting support is a mechanical support lifting apparatus.
US08544909B2	Manual lifting device The manual lifting device has a first and second arms, pivotally connected to each other, each having a downward projection from a distal end thereof, extending generally vertically when in use. A handle is mounted on one of the arms, extending generally over the center of gravity of the device. Positioning the device so that the downward projections loosely contact edges of an object to be lifted, and then lifting the handle, causes the arms to pivot downwardly relative to each other, thereby causing the downward projections to rotate inwardly to grasp the object. Alternatively, there is a central handle, and the two arms pivot downwardly from opposite ends of the handle.
US08544907B2	Extendable pet sanitation device The extendable, pet sanitation device is a portable device for collecting pet waste, especially from dogs, and includes an ergonomically-contoured shaft having a handle disposed at an upper end and a circular or oval hoop defining a lower end. A net is attached to the hoop and depends downward therefrom. Elastic straps are strategically positioned on the net for securing a disposable bag thereto. The contoured shaft is telescopically constructed so that it can be adjusted to accommodate a person's height.
US08544906B2	Waste collector A waste removal system including a waste container configured to secure a bag having handles. The waste container includes a set of sidewalls having a set of engagement features or hooks. There is a engagement feature or hook located on each sidewall and the engagement features are spaced away from the sidewalls, creating an area where the handles for the bag may be secured. The container also includes a lid operatively attached to the sidewalls. When the container is in a first position, the lid partially covers the opening and when the container is in a second position the opening is uncovered.
US08544905B2	Extendible structural part for a motor vehicle A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.
US08544903B1	Roseless trim for architectural hardware A roseless trim for a mortise or tubular lock includes through bolts on a bolt circle of less than one inch (25.4 mm). Spindle hubs with a curved slot allow at least one of the through bolts to pass through the spindle hubs. A tubular lock embodiment uses arms with a cutout. The arms function as through bolts when screws attach the arms to mounting plates on opposite sides of the door. Each handle is attached to a corresponding handle base with a bushing. The handle base and small diameter bolt circle cooperate to provide the appearance that the handle extends directly into the door without a rose, escutcheon or any other attachment structure at the base of the handle.
US08544901B2	Universal global latch system A latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly having a catch and a pawl, an actuatable inside handle, and an actuator engaged with the pawl and being configured to be activated by actuation of the inside handle. The catch is configured to be moved to an open position by activating the actuator to thereby move the pawl to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position. The catch is also configured to be moved to the open position after actuation of the inside handle by having the inside handle mechanically move the toggle lever to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position to when the vehicle does not have power.
US08544896B2	Stop device for preventing opening of deformed door A stop device (60) includes a stop (61) mounted to an inner face (11A) of a door frame (11). The stop (61) includes a wing (78) having a catch (86) with a stop face (88). A limiting member (92) is mounted to the wing (78) and releasably engaged with a latch (38) of a panic exit door lock (2) mounted to a door (1) that is pivotably mounted to the door frame (11). An engaging member (108) is fixed to the door (1) and includes a tongue (116). The tongue (116) is located between the inner face (11A) of the door frame (11) and the catch (86) when the door (1) is in a closed position. When the door (1) deforms and moves away from the inner face (11A) of the door frame (11), the tongue (116) abuts the stop face (88) of the catch (86), preventing the latch (38) from disengaging from the limiting member (92) to prevent opening of the deformed door (1).
US08544892B2	Port identification system and method A cable port identification system is disclosed that provides identification facilities for communication, data, other cabling and/or wires and the connectors to which they are coupled found in a multi-port station. In some implementations the identification facilities can include label retention and protection and may also include label magnification.
US08544891B2	Washer inlet attaching structure A washer inlet attaching structure, configured to attach a washer inlet to a vehicle structural body made of resin, the washer inlet communicating with a tank main body adapted to store a windshield washer fluid and guiding the windshield washer fluid into the tank main body, the washer inlet attaching structure includes a washer inlet holding portion, configured to hold the washer inlet, the washer inlet holding portion being molded integrally with the vehicle structural body.
US08544889B2	Motorized fastening device for seat belts of a transportation vehicle A motorized fastening device for seat belts of a transportation vehicle, of the kind having a belt unwrapping from a coiler, which is fixedly arranged on a side of a seat, and passing in sequence through a regulator, which is fixedly arranged on the same side of said seat where also said coiler is arranged, a tongue, a housing of said tongue and a blocking point of the extremity of the belt, which is fixedly arranged in proximity of said coiler, wherein said device further has a track for the sliding of a transport carriage for said tongue, obtained on the chassis of said vehicle, defining a path going from a first position, corresponding to a position of non-use of the seat belts, positioned on the chassis of the vehicle, on the same side of the seat with respect to said coiler and said regulator, behind or at the base of the back of the seat and that, passing under the door and within or under the dashboard of the vehicle, arrives to a second position, corresponding to a working position of the seat belts, behind or at the base of the back of the seat, on the opposite side of the seat with respect to the position of said coiler and of said regulator.
US08544885B2	Folding parking stand A parking stand arrangement for a tractor-mounted front loader includes a parking stand mounted to each of a pair of arm sections which are inclined downwardly and forwardly to a carried implement resting on the ground. Each parking stand includes a support leg and a brace, the latter being about half the length of the former and having a rear end pivotally mounted to a location approximately halfway between opposite ends of the support leg and an forward end pivotally mounted to a lower region of an associated loader arm section. The support leg and brace may be stored on the loader arm section by folding them together with a catch carried by the brace becoming releasably engaged with the support leg. The folded support leg and brace are then pivoted against the loader arm section and secured to it by a releasable latch which secures the top of the support leg to the arm section to establish a stored position. Movement of the parking stand from the stored position to a parked position includes the steps of releasing the latch and then the catch from the support leg and then unfolding the support leg and brace so that a hook at the top of the support leg is engaged with a mounting pin fixed to the loader arm section and a foot carried by the leg is engaged with the ground at a location rearward of the loader center of gravity.
US08544876B2	Inflatable bolster An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises a hollow body having a first wall having a central area and a circumferential area surrounding the central area, a second wall opposite the first wall, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls. The inflatable bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber which is mounted to the hollow body. The inflatable bolster also comprises a plurality of concentric extension pleats formed in the first wall. The extension pleats extend around a major part of the circumferential area. The extension pleats contact the second wall at a plurality of contact points which are distributed across the second wall. The plurality of contact points is sufficient in number to at least partially suppress audible vibration of the second wall.
US08544873B2	Child carrier apparatus and its operating method A child carrier apparatus having at least two configurations of use. In some embodiments, the child carrier apparatus comprises a support frame, a seat assembly mounted on the support frame and including a front seat frame and a rear seat frame operable to rotate about a pivot axle relative to the front seat frame, and a lock mechanism including a locking element assembled with the rear seat frame and operable to move relative to the rear seat frame between a first and second position. The locking element when in the first position is configured to engage with a portion of the front seat frame for locking the front seat frame with the rear seat frame. In some embodiments, a method of operating the child carrier apparatus is also described.
US08544871B1	Three-fold three-wheel golf bag cart folding device A three-fold three-wheel golf bag cart folding device includes a main shaft, a rear wheel set, a link mechanism, a lower cart frame, a front wheel set and an upper cart frame, and the upper cart frame can be pulled and rear wheels can be driven by the link mechanism to fold or unfold, such that the golf bag cart can be folded into a flat shape by a simple and easy operation to achieve the effects of reducing the storage space and facilitating users to carry and transport the cart.
US08544870B2	Snowboard binding A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
US08544864B2	Vehicle suspension assembly A vehicle suspension assembly that includes a first control arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a first frame member of a vehicle, and wherein the second end of the first control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to an axle of the vehicle. The vehicle suspension assembly also includes a second control arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a second frame member of the vehicle, wherein the second end of the second control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the axle of the vehicle. The vehicle suspension assembly also includes a rigid first torsional member coupled to the first control arm along a length of the first control arm, and coupled to the second control arm along a length of the second control arm. The vehicle suspension assembly further includes a third control arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a third frame member of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the third control arm is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a select one of the second frame member and the axle of the vehicle.
US08544862B2	Vehicle steering device In a vehicle steering device, extendable portions whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a compressing direction and whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a stretching direction are asymmetrical are disposed in a symmetric fashion at intermediate sections of tie rods. Thus, an effective steering gear ratio with respect to leftward and rightward steering can be properly changed in accordance with a vehicle speed by using a simple configuration that does not use a complex mechanism having a motor. In this case, a steering gear ratio can be mainly changed for one of the wheels, while a linear lateral force corresponding to steering can be generated at the other wheel. Moreover, since the steering gear ratio can be changed mechanically without performing motor control, the occurrence of control delay can be prevented, thereby reliably preventing deterioration of the driver's operational feel.
US08544861B2	Adjustment bolt for adjusting camber angle An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a first diameter and a first centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a second diameter and a second centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another. Additionally, the lobe diameter is substantially the same as an aperture diameter for an adjustment aperture in a knuckle operably connected to the vehicle.
US08544852B2	Torsion seal A torsion seal is provided and includes a first section, a second section and a torsion section connected at opposite end portions thereof to the first and second sections and having a central portion extending between the opposite end portions to absorb differential thermal growth of vessels to which the first and second sections are coupled.
US08544846B2	Game machine with alternative payout medium A main CPU of a game machine for playing a game with playing balls allows a player to launch the playing balls until 30 seconds have lapsed after the player inserted a predetermined amount of metal money into the game machine. Whenever the playing ball enters any predetermined win hole mounted on a playfield of a game board, a ticket CPU of the game machine controls the game machine to pay a ticket as a payout medium different from the playing ball out, not playing balls, so that the sales figures of the game machine can be boosted since the acquired playing balls are not reused for a next game play, that is, the player has to borrow new playing balls with money paid for the next game play.
US08544845B2	Device for containing and discharging paper sheets or the like Provided is a unit for preventing abnormal conveyance when unreeling a banknote from a drum. A device for storing and discharging paper/paper-like sheets is provided with first and second reels for winding first and second tapes onto, a drum for winding the first and second tapes onto with a banknote sandwiched between respective conveying surfaces of the first and second tapes, and first and second deflecting rollers disposed facing a banknote inlet-outlet and respectively deflecting the first and second tapes toward the drum. The device takes up, or unwinds, the first and second tapes entrained between the drum and the first and second reels via the first and second deflecting rollers so as to store or discharge the banknote. The device is also provided with a guide having a projection projecting toward the drum. The guide is mounted at the first deflecting roller side between the first deflecting roller and the drum, so as to be located on the rear surface side of the first tape running from the first deflecting roller to the drum.
US08544841B2	Sheet discharge roller with axially spaced plate members and image forming apparatus having the same In a sheet discharge roller, a transportation roller includes a roller portion formed integrally on a rotation shaft, and an annular elastic member attached to a surface of the roller portion, each of rigidity increasing portions includes a plurality of plate members axially spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, and the plurality of plate members have forms each obtained by circumferentially dividing a circular plate, respectively, are arranged in positions circumferentially shifted from each other, respectively, and thereby exhibit an outer periphery of a substantially circular form when viewed in the axial direction.
US08544839B2	Sheet feeder with slanted guide surface and image forming apparatus having the same A sheet feeder is provided that includes a friction member that includes a contact pressure surface that is configured to contact a feed roller when there is no sheet between the friction member and the feed roller and disposed closer to the feed roller than an upper surface of a supporting member supporting the friction member such that a virtual tangential plane, which is such a virtual plane as if the contact pressure surface were extended toward an upstream side and a downstream side in a sheet feeding direction, does not intersect with the supporting member, and a slanted guide surface that is disposed upstream relative to the contact pressure surface in the sheet feeding direction and slanted with respect to the virtual tangential plane so as to be farther away down from the virtual tangential plane toward the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction.
US08544838B2	Sheet feed device feeding paper and image forming apparatus A sheet feed device feeding paper including; a loading platen loaded with sheets; a ventilation section providing a first ventilation port for blowing air to float a first side of a sheet of one sheet of the sheets loaded on the loading platen, and a second ventilation port for blowing air to float a second side opposed to the first side; and a control section for controlling the ventilation section; wherein the first side is a side of a topmost of loaded envelopes, the side of which height is lower than other sides, and when envelopes are to be fed, the control section controls the ventilation section to change air volume of the first ventilation port and the second ventilation port so as to float the first side more greatly than in case when sheets other than envelopes are fed.
US08544837B2	Vacuum roller assembly A vacuum roller assembly adapted to singulate a sheet from a stack of sheets. The vacuum roller assembly comprising a stationary inner plenum having a substantially linear plenum slot disposed in fluid communication with the vacuum source and a rotating vacuum roller disposed over the stationary inner plenum and rotating about a rotational axis. The vacuum roller includes a plurality of apertures disposed in fluid communication with the substantially linear plenum slot and about the periphery in at least one region of the roller. Furthermore, each of the apertures is substantially slot-shaped and defines a major axis. The major axis is off-axis with respect to the substantially liner plenum slot of the inner plenum to reduce audible noise levels produced by the rotating vacuum roller as air flows through each rotating aperture into the stationary linear plenum slot.
US08544832B2	Offset folded newspaper stabilization method and product A newspaper is provided. The newspaper includes printed materials. The printed materials have an off-center cross-fold which defines a longer part and a shorter part and an outermost page and an innermost page of the newspaper. The newspaper also includes an adhesive closure for securing the off-center cross-fold. The adhesive closure contacts a short part of the outermost page of the newspaper and a long part of the innermost page of the newspaper. A method for producing a newspaper is also provided.
US08544830B2	Magnetic clamp A magnetic clamp has a housing, the housing defining a base for resting on a work surface. An adjustable friction reducing arrangement is associated with the base of the housing. The friction reducing arrangement is movable relative to the base between a first position in which the friction reducing arrangement reduces an area of contact between the base of the housing and the work surface and a second position in which the area of contact between the base of the housing and the work surface is increased.
US08544829B2	Adjustment safeguard An adjustment safeguard for a set screw that is rotatably held in a housing has a cap that is non-rotatably secured on the head of the set screw. The cap is received in a sleeve of the housing and surrounded with minimal radial play by the sleeve that is essentially coaxially positioned relative to the cap. The cap is received with its axial length in the sleeve. The cap has a projection and the sleeve has a stop arranged in the interior of the sleeve. Projection and stop interact with each other in a rotational direction of the set screw. The cap has a top part and a separate bottom part. The bottom part is secured axially and non-rotatably on the head of the set screw. The bottom part engages with form fit the top part in the rotational direction and is axially connected to the top part.
US08544827B1	Nested nozzle mixer A mixer designed to generate high mixing turbulence within the bottom zone of a liquid holding vessel while simultaneously entraining and transferring liquid from the upper surface down to the vessel bottom. Mixing action is accomplished through the incorporation of two jet nozzles, nested one inside the other, strategically located and powered by pressurized liquid drawn from the vessel being mixed. Mixer component dimensions are adaptable to multiple vessel types and configurations. Surface liquids are entrained using a weir section that is either a fixed or floating component of the mixer assembly. Liquid used for developing outlet velocity in primary jet is drawn from multiple locations including the vessel center zone, the vessel bottom and mixer annulus. Mixing in the vessel center zone can vary from gentle upward flow in tall tanks to complete turbulent mixing in shallow vessels.
US08544823B2	Storage lift An assembly for lifting and storing an ice house or other item includes a base and a plurality of horizontal brace members rigidly connected to one another. The assembly further includes an electric winch mounted to the base and a plurality of rollers and pulleys. The rollers are rotatably attached to the base and the pulleys are connected to the horizontal brace members. The assembly includes at least one cable that is routed from the electric winch, past the roller and over the pulley. The cable is attached to the ice house. The ice house is lifted and suspended from a ceiling or an assembly of overhead beams via the electric winch.
US08544822B2	Lighted bullnose tip for flexible rods A lighted tip for a flexible rod includes a tip body having proximal and distal ends, a mechanical connector at the proximal end, a rounded lens connected to the distal end, and a light source that emits light through the rounded lens. The lighted tip defines a transverse through hole to enable connection of a wire to the lighted tip.
US08544821B2	Hammer with leverage No. II A hand tool includes an elongated plunger assembly and a locking assembly. The locking assembly has a catch assembly with a release actuator. The release actuator is movable in a direction generally not aligned with the tool head plane of motion. The locking assembly catch member is structured to engage the plunger assembly body and maintain the plunger assembly body in a selected position. When the plunger assembly body is disposed within the tool head and a user desires to extend the plunger assembly, the user actuates the release actuator thereby removing the engagement of the catch member and allowing a socket spring to move the plunger assembly body to the extended position.
US08544817B2	Manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus A manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus for selectively actuating a valve. The manual valve operator includes an operator housing defining an enclosure. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and a worm wheel has a first and a second side, the second side of the worm wheel defining a clutch drive. The worm wheel intermeshes with the input shaft such that when the input shaft is driven, the input shaft drives the worm wheel and the clutch drive about a rotational axis. A sleeve has an outer surface which defines an annular groove. The sleeve has a driven end and an output end. The driven end of the sleeve cooperates with the clutch drive of the worm wheel for selective engagement of the clutch drive and the driven end of the sleeve.
US08544815B2	Flow controller A flow controller controls flow through a deformable conduit by compressing the conduit. The conduit may be compressed along a section of its length. The controller may include a cam driven by an actuator, the cam driving a clamp to compress the conduit. The actuator may be a dial. The cam may be shaped such that the flow rate varies linearly with rotation of the dial. The controller may include a clicker to allow the controller to be set in a number of different positions, allowing ease of adjustment and preventing drift or accidental adjustment of the flow rate.
US08544811B2	Spring arm lift systems A display positioning apparatus is provided for lifting, supporting, and/or positioning a load, such as a display. The apparatus includes a base and a lift arm adapted to couple to a display, the lift arm pivotally coupled to the base providing a range of travel. A balance mechanism is operatively coupled to the lift arm and the base to counterbalance the lift arm and display. In some cases the balance mechanism includes a torquing spring member to counterbalance the lift arm and an attached display along the range of travel.
US08544810B2	Circular coaster for stemmed glass Disclosed in this specification is a coaster for stemmed glassware that has three sections joined together. The bottom section is circular and is attached to two curved top sections. The top sections are raised to form a pocket for receiving the base of the stemmed glassware. The curved inner edges of the top sections permit ease of attachment of the glass in a variety of ways.
US08544805B2	Mounting system for removably securing an object to a surface A mounting system is disclosed for removably securing an object to a support surface. The mounting system includes a retaining clip having a rear wall to be secured to the support surface, and a front wall spaced from the rear wall to form a pocket therebetween with an open upper side, an aperture in the front wall opening into the pocket and extending to an upper side of the front wall, and a sliding clip having a sliding portion sized to be vertically slid into and out of the pocket, and an attachment portion forwardly extending form the sliding portion to be secured to the tablet computer. The attachment portion is closely received in the aperture when the sliding portion is in the pocket and has a thickness substantially equal to or less than a thickness of the front wall.
US08544804B2	System and method for stabilizing vertically stacked sheet material A system and method for stabilizing vertically stacked sheet material is disclosed. The sheet material may be construction wallboard. The system includes a bracket and an elongate flexible link element. The method includes attaching the bracket to the sheet material, attaching the flexible link element to a support structure such as vertical stud framing member, and attaching the flexible link element to the bracket to stabilize the vertically stacked sheet material.
US08544802B2	Cable support clip A device for securing cable to a structural support, such as a rafter or joist. The device is characterized as having two U-shaped members, each U-shaped member having a base portion and two arm portions. Each arm portion has a proximal end and a distal end, each proximal end extending from said base portion. The distal ends are spaced from one another a distance to capture the structural support and to frictionally secure the device thereto.
US08544801B2	Bracket assembly for disk drive A bracket assembly includes a bracket and a tray secured in the bracket for accommodating a disk drive. The tray includes a base panel, a pair of side panels extending from opposite sides of the base panel, a first plate extending substantially perpendicularly from an upper edge of one of the pair of side panels, and a second plate extending substantially perpendicularly from an upper edge of the other one of the pair of side panels. The first plate and the second plate are partially overlapped with each other and fixed to each other. The tray includes a pair of sidewalls abutting inner sides of the pair of side panels and a pair of connecting pieces connected between the pair of side walls for supporting the disk drive.
US08544800B2	Integrated wingtip extensions for jet transport aircraft and other types of aircraft Methods and systems for efficiently increasing the wing area of an aircraft are disclosed herein. An integrated wingtip extension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tapered wing section and a winglet. The tapered wing section includes an inboard end portion having a first chord length and an outboard end portion having a second chord length that is less than the first chord length. The winglet is fixedly attached to the outboard end portion. The inboard end portion is configured to be fixedly attached to a tip portion of an aircraft wing. In one embodiment, the tapered wing section and the winglet can be integrally formed from composite materials.
US08544799B2	Vortex generators to improve performance of flush air inlets A VG (vortex generator) placed on a body surface (aircraft or similar), upstream of a flush air inlet, in order to generate vortexes that will sweep away the boundary layer in front of the inlet, inducing a downwash effect in the freestream airflow, such VG consisting of a wing (1) parallel to the surface of the aircraft or similar, said wing supported by a support (2) or a pair of supports (2) such as fins disposed in a divergent angle; the VG considerably improves the inlet ram recovery ratio and the mass flow ratio of the air inlet and it has an effect of reduction of the VG boundary layer thickness, thus reducing the distortion level of the flow entering the inlet as the inlet ingests more freestream air and the vortexes are not ingested by the inlet.
US08544797B2	Cargo carrying air vehicle A system for controlling the lift of an airship for carrying a cargo and a supply of fuel has a self supporting hull made of a flexible gas impermeable material. Air which is located in the hull is at an internal pressure which is greater than the atmospheric pressure of the air on the outside of the hull, and a bag filled with helium is located within the hull and is surrounded by the air in the hull. A heating means is provided to heat both the air and the helium. The bag located within the hull and surrounded by the air in the hull has enough helium in it at ambient temperature to lift all but the cargo and fuel in the airship, and the air and helium, when heated, provides increased buoyancy due to the increase of expansion of both heated gases to lift the airship with its fuel and cargo.
US08544794B2	Floor panel and installation for fixing layout elements comprising such panels The disclosed embodiments concern a floor panel for a transport vehicle such as an aircraft and an installation for fixing cabin layout elements including such panels. The disclosed embodiments are wherein the floor panel includes at least one mounting rail having a lengthwise axis, inserted into the layer of the aforementioned panel.
US08544792B2	Towbarless airplane tug Disclosed a towbarless airplane tug and method of operating thereof. The tug comprises a chassis mounted on a plurality of tug wheels, at least some of said tug wheels being steerable tug wheels and at least some of said tug wheels being drivable tug wheels; an airplane wheel support turret assembly, rotatably mounted in connection with said chassis and operative to support at least one wheel of a nose landing gear of an airplane; at least one rotation sensor connected to said wheel support turret assembly and operative to sense rotation of said wheel support turret assembly relative to said chassis, said rotation resulting at least from steering control induced movement of the nose landing gear caused by pilot-controlled ground steering of said airplane, and to generate an output indicating a direction of said pilot-controlled ground steering of said airplane; at least one tug wheel driver unit operative to drive said drivable tug wheels; at least one tug wheel steering mechanism operative to steer said steerable tug wheels thereby providing steering of said chassis; and at least one tug controller operative to control operation of at least said tug wheel steering mechanism at least in response to said output of said rotation sensor, so as to cause steering said steerable tug wheels such that said chassis moves in the direction indicated in said output of said rotation sensor.
US08544790B2	Aircraft The aircraft includes a fuselage, horizontal front and tail empennages and take-off and landing wings, which wings are jointed to the fuselage by means of attachment joints, the axes of which are situated above the fuselage central line along the longitudinal axis of symmetry thereof so that the take-off and landing wings are arranged below the attachment joints along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the fuselage. The outer surface of the wings is the extension of the outer surface of the fuselage and in a stow position the take-off and landing wings cover at least 30% of the fuselage surface area between the horizontal front and tail empennages.
US08544788B1	Aerostat assembly An aerostat assembly, specifically an aerostat assembly including one or more cameras for aerial photography and surveillance. The aerostat assembly includes a frame assembly having a pivot assembly joined to a balloon tether line. Thrusters on the frame allow an operator to maneuver the assembly to desired positions as well as rotate the frame assembly about the pivot assembly.
US08544786B2	Reel assemblies with customizable and interchangeable drums Methods, systems, and apparatus are described herein for using reel assemblies including customizable and interchangeable drums. According to embodiments described herein, a reel assembly includes a first flange having a bolt pattern and a second flange having the bolt pattern. The reel assembly also includes a core drum having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the reel assembly also have the bolt pattern. The first end of the reel assembly is detachably coupled to the first flange via the bolt pattern, and the second end of the reel assembly is detachably coupled to the second flange via the bolt pattern.
US08544785B2	Discriminating web material dispenser An automatic product dispenser determines if the roll loaded into the dispenser is approved for use with the dispenser. The core of a roll contains a feature that alters an electromagnetic field created proximate the core. The alteration of the electromagnetic field may then be used to determine if the core, and thus the roll, is usable with the dispenser. The feature is designed such that it is damaged once product is completely dispensed from the roll thereby preventing replenishment and reuse of a spent roll.
US08544777B2	Recycling machine for processing reused materials A recycling machine includes a main frame, a sieve barrel, a pressing cylinder, an end disk, a propeller shaft, a cutting device and an output device. The sieve barrel has a receiving chamber and a plurality of sieving apertures. The pressing cylinder has a receiving space and a plurality of toothed pressing portions. The end disk has a plurality of extruding holes. The propeller shaft has a first helical blade, a buffering portion and a second helical blade. Thus, the reused materials are forced into and revolved in the sieve barrel by rotation of the first helical blade to proceed a first-stage dehydration process, and are compressed in the buffering space between the buffering portion and the receiving chamber to proceed a second-stage dehydration process so that the reused materials are dehydrated completely.
US08544772B2	Method for the recovery of minerals A method of recovering a mineral product from carpet by preparing a feed of carpet pieces; thermally separating organic components from mineral components in the carpet by heating the carpet pieces to a particle bed temperature in the range of 600° C. to 1000° C., wherein the mineral component is oxidized to form a mineral oxide; slurrying the mineral oxide with water to produce 15 to 35% solids slurry within a period of approximately 30 minutes to 24 hours, whereby the mineral oxide forms a mineral hydroxide; stabilizing the pH of the slurry in the range between 6 and 10 by carbonation, resulting in a slurry containing mineral carbonates.
US08544771B2	Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines A control device (52) of a fuel injection valve has a mushroom-shaped intermediate valve member (56) which is guided with a sliding fit (58′) in a first intermediate plate (12). An injection valve member (28), which has a control piston (28′), for opening and closing injection openings in order to realize intermittent injection processes defines a control space (54) together with a guide sleeve (36) and the lower face (12a) of the first intermediate plate (12). A second intermediate plate (14) is situated between the first intermediate plate (12) and a housing body (10), and has a valve space (70) which is hydraulically connected to the end side of a shank (58) of the mushroom-shaped intermediate valve member (56).
US08544770B2	Spray hole profile A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine comprising a nozzle body having at least one spray hole. The at least one spray hole has a hole entry on the inside of the nozzle body and a hole exit on the outside of the nozzle body. The spray hole is provided with a hole entry section which, starting from the hole entry, has a flow area which decreases from a relatively larger flow area at the hole entry to a relatively small flow area at the intersection between the end of the hole entry section and the start of a hole exit section. The hole exit section, starting from the intersection with the hole entry section, has a flow area which increases from a relatively small flow area at the intersection with the hole entry section to a relatively larger flow area at the hole exit.
US08544765B1	Long range solid stream nozzle A solid stream nozzle providing an extend throw-distance achieved by reducing boundary layer effects within the nozzle bore and/or by accelerating peripheral regions of the ejected stream in order to help maintain cohesion of a free liquid stream without appreciable dispersion. The method includes generating a high-pressure fluid source, supplying the nozzle with high pressure; reducing boundary layer effect within the nozzle bore, and optionally, accelerating and/or inwardly re-directing the peripheral boundary of the ejected stream with a secondary higher pressure, higher speed fluid source. The apparatus includes a high pressure fluid source, a nozzle bore, a bleed ring within the nozzle bore to strip off a boundary layer, and optionally, a secondary higher pressure fluid source at the nozzle tip to accelerate and/or inwardly re-direct the ejected fluid stream. The invention has application in large scale fire-fighting, irrigation, decontamination, weaponization, entertainment/amusement, and other fields requiring a long throw distance.
US08544764B2	Fuel injector and operating method therefor A method of operating a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator for controlling movement of an injector valve needle comprises: (a) prior to an initial fuel injection event, reducing the voltage across the actuator at an initial rate so as to de-energize the actuator; (b) increasing the voltage across the actuator at a first rate in order to initiate an initial fuel injection event of a first fuel injection sequence; and (c) reducing the voltage across the actuator at a second rate in order to terminate the initial fuel injection event. The method may further comprise the step of: (d) increasing the voltage across the actuator at a third rate, which is lower than the first rate, so as to de-energize the actuator but without initiating an injection event, once the initial fuel injection event has terminated and before a subsequent fuel injection event is initiated. The method can be employed particularly to improve actuator lifespan, operating efficiency and/or performance in an energize to inject fuel injector.
US08544761B2	User activated hot water heater and control system The present invention relates to a user activated hot water heater and control system for processing hot water to hot water output locations, e.g. faucet, shower, or the like, such that temperature fluctuations and delays in hot water delivery are reduced. Additionally, the temperature of the hot water delivered is adjusted to a predetermined value determined by a user signature constructed from a potential user physical attributes such as height, weight, and the like. The user activated feature of the present invention will provide an energy savings resulting from the smart, upon demand, activation of internal and/or external recirculation systems. Additionally, in preferred embodiments incorporating tank-less water heaters, the hot water maximum temperature, T(maximum) is dependent on the preference setting or default value of the detected general category user or unique individual user. The user dictated control of hot water heater T(maximum) value will not only further increase energy savings, but additionally provide a safety feature that helps protects heat sensitive people such as children, the elderly and the like from potential water burns.
US08544759B2	Wireless IC device, wireless IC module and method of manufacturing wireless IC module A wireless IC module that can function as a component of an RFID system even when mounted on a metal article includes a loop-shaped electrode that is constructed such that a plane of a loop of the loop-shaped electrode is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of a wireless IC module. The loop-shaped electrode functions as a magnetic field antenna and is electromagnetically coupled with a metal article so that the surface of the metal article functions as a radiator antenna.
US08544755B2	Subscriber identity module (SIM) card A SIM card is presented. The SIM card includes a support carrier having a first and a second major surface. The support carrier includes a cavity which extends partially into the carrier from the first major surface. The SIM card further includes a chip package disposed within the cavity. The support carrier is sufficiently flexible to bend when the SIM card is being inserted into or removed from a SIM card holder.
US08544752B2	Nonvolatile memory card adaptable to plural specifications A nonvolatile memory card includes memory card controllers conforming to two or more different specifications, a memory card controller changeover switch configured to enable one of the memory card controllers in response to an indication supplied from an exterior, and a nonvolatile memory that has data therein written from and data therein read to an external device under control of the enabled one of the memory card controllers.
US08544749B1	Over-the-air device provisioning and activation Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.
US08544748B2	Creation and placement of two-dimensional barcode stamps on printed documents for storing authentication information A document authenticating method is disclosed by which a plurality of two-dimensional barcode stamps are generated and printed on a back side of the document forming a color mosaic pattern. Each barcode stamp by itself is a binary barcode, but the plurality of barcode stamps as a whole are printed with different colors and/or color intensities. The barcode stamps collectively encode the content of the document to be used for document authentication.
US08544747B2	Machine-readable symbols A variety of forms of machine-readable symbols are disclosed, as well as methods and systems of constructing machine-readable symbols, methods and systems of acquiring machine-readable symbols, and methods and systems of decoding machine-readable symbols.
US08544745B2	Heat-dissipating card connector This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with a heat-dissipating card connector for use with a card reader connected to an electronic device. The connector has a body configured to receive a card that has circuitry, when the card is inserted into the card reader. The connector body includes a plurality of electronic contacts that engage the card circuitry and operationally link the card to the electronic device. The connector body includes at least one heat conductive spring that includes a card engaging portion. The card engaging portion contacts the card and directs heat from the card when the card is inserted in the card reader. A heat directing element, also part of the heat conductive spring, transfers heat from the card engaging portion to a heat-dissipating structure of the electronic device when the card is inserted in the card reader.
US08544743B2	Card reader having improved electrostatic discharge functionality A smart card reader including a smart card reading assembly including a plurality of smart card chip communication contacts and a static electricity discharge element assembled with the smart card reading assembly, the static electricity discharge element including a plurality of static electricity discharge contacts contacting multiple diverse surfaces of a smart card for discharge of static electricity thereon.
US08544741B2	Data block offset encoding method for coordinates A barcode includes a plurality of blocks arranged to define a coordinate system across the barcode. A method determines sizes of at least first and second blocks into which arbitrary information is to be encoded such that the blocks have a pair-wise anharmonic relationship with each other. A first portion of the arbitrary information to be encoded in the first block and a second portion of the arbitrary information to be encoded in the second block are then selected. The method encodes the first portion and the second portion, and provides a decode verification mechanism in each of the first and second blocks. A plurality of the encoded first blocks and a plurality of the encoded second blocks are arranged to form a barcode and to define a coordinate system therein, whereupon the barcode may be stored to a memory device.
US08544740B2	Apparatus and method for communicating with an RFID transponder A system having a UHF RFID transceiver is adapted to communicate exclusively with a single electro-magnetically coupled transponder located in a predetermined confined transponder operating region. The system includes a near field coupling device comprising a plurality of lines connected in parallel with an unmatched load. The near field coupling device may be formed, for example on a printed circuit board with a plurality of electrically interconnected traces and a ground plane. The system establishes, at predetermined transceiver power levels, a mutual electro-magnetic coupling which is selective exclusively for a single transponder located in a defined transponder operating region. Also included are methods for selective communication with the transponder in an apparatus such as a printer-encoder.
US08544733B2	Method and apparatus for personalizing portable data storage media A method is suggested for the simultaneous personalization of several portable data carriers (2) respectively having at least one integrated circuit (6) for storing and/or processing information. According to the invention a unidirectional protocol serves for transmitting an identical personalization signal to several portable data carriers (2). These detect personalization data on this basis and store them in the integrated circuits (6). Preferably adapter elements (100; 101; 102) are used, which can accommodate at least one data carrier (50) and which are equipped with first interfaces (140; 150) for communicating with a reading device (20; 21; 22) and with second interfaces (120) for communicating with the accommodated data carrier (2). In a variant the portable data carriers (1) are transported in a transport device (600) which, at least temporarily, electrically contacts the contact area (9) of the portable data carriers (2) by means of a contacting unit (604).
US08544732B2	Controlling card-based greenlife computing An electrical digital computer machine and a data processing system, methods of making and for using the machine, products produced thereby, as well as data structures and articles of manufacture pertaining thereto, and all necessary intermediates of that which is discussed herein, all in the field of computerized aspects of CARD crediting or debiting to GREENLIFEs, e.g. organic food bill and the like.More particularly, there can be a computer system applying a CARD debit or credit to a GREENLIFE. Another approach can include: a first computer system enabling a debit to be incurred in connection with usage of a CARD, such as a debit, credit, or membership card; and a second computer system enabling a GREENLIFE, such as a utility bill, and applying the debit or credit to the GREENLIFE.
US08544730B2	Automated banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.
US08544728B2	Money handling apparatus and money handling method A money handling apparatus includes an operation/display unit to display a money count result, and to display a portion or all of a plurality of various operation keys. The display of operation keys is based on the existence or nonexistence of display, contents of display, display-position information, and one or more conditions of display. A setting unit is configured to set the existence or nonexistence of the display for each operation key, while a control unit calculates the display-position information for each operation key, based on one or more conditions of display stored in the memory unit. The control unit also controls the operation/display unit to display the money count result and to display each operation key that is set to be displayed, in the display position and size that is based on the display-position information for the operation key.
US08544727B1	Method and system for anti-money laundering surveillance A method for anti-money laundering surveillance may include analyzing transaction data based on a group that may include at least one of peer comparison, expected level of activity and debit/credit flow through. The method may also include generating an alert in response to one or more predetermined results from the analyzing.
US08544725B1	Readable indicia for promotions Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing readable indicia. An exemplary system is configured to: receive information associated with readable indicia; determine whether the readable indicia is activated; and in response to determining the readable indicia is activated, process the readable indicia to determine at least one of advancement in a game or a reward. The processing of the readable indicia is based on transaction information associated with a purchase of an item. Additionally, the processing of the readable indicia is based on check-in information indicating a location of a user either prior to, during, or after a purchase of an item.
US08544721B2	Device for handling banknotes The invention relates to an apparatus for processing bank notes, in particular a compensation unit for adapting the bank-note stock of a recycling apparatus. In recycling apparatus standing in the cash offices of retailers a lack of bank notes of small denominations occurs quickly. In order to render the filling and emptying of the bank-note stock of recycling apparatus easy and safe, and to extend the time intervals for refilling and emptying recycling apparatus and thereby operate them in an economically sensible fashion, a compensation unit is connected to the recycling apparatus, in which bank notes of certain types are stored. It is possible to both transfer bank notes from the recycling apparatus to the compensation unit and to feed bank notes from the compensation unit to the recycling apparatus.
US08544720B2	Article of manufacture for usage as an integrated bidirectional mailpiece and method of manufacturing integrated bidirectional mailpieces The present teachings relate to techniques and equipment to prepare articles of manufacture that can be used in a document processing system, such as a wrapping document processing system, that individually wraps each form in a manner that produces a mailpiece. The manufactured mailpiece is an integrated bidirectional mailpiece having outgoing and return envelope functionality. In the outgoing format, the integrated mailpiece may optionally contain advertisements, coupons, inserted documents, statements or payment coupons.
US08544711B2	Surgical stapler with tactile feedback system A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion, and a tool adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion and having at least one jaw movable to a clamping position to clamp tissue. A tactile feedback system includes an expandable member extending from the handle portion, the expandable member providing a tactile indicator of a tissue parameter of tissue clamped by the least one jaw.
US08544710B2	Gas combustion type driving tool In a gas combustion type driving tool, a measuring chamber 22 is provided in an intermediate part of a gas pipeline 11 between a gas canister 7 and a combustion chamber 2. A solenoid valve 23 is provided in the measuring chamber 22. When fuel gas is supplied to the combustion chamber, an upstream side gas pipeline 11a and a downstream side gas pipeline 11b of the measuring chamber 22 are opened for a predetermined opening time by the solenoid valve 23 to supply the fuel gas within the measuring chamber 22 to the gas pipeline 11b by an injection pressure of the fuel gas in the gas canister 7.
US08544709B2	Backpack with shoulder strap height adjustment unit Disclosed is a backpack with a shoulder strap height adjustment unit, in which a rail frame is installed on a back surface of the backpack and shoulder straps are vertically guided by the rail frame, thereby allowing the height of the shoulder straps to be adjusted according to the physical characteristics of a user.
US08544706B2	Handgun holster A handgun holster permits sideward extraction of the weapon, and engages with the central portions of the handgun without regard to accessories mounted to the front or beneath the barrel. The holster has a main element which engages the central region of the pistol in a snap fit between two opposed arms. Lateral projections extend from the back wall to restrict the side-to-side displacement of the gun and two resilient flaps extend around the engaged gun, providing additional retention, and covering the on/off switch of any flashlight accessory. The main element is connected to a mounting assembly to permit the main element to be set at any desired angular orientation with respect to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has two expandable parts with opposed flanges which permit mounting to either a conventional belt, or to a series of webbing pockets, such as in the military's PALS webbing attachment system.
US08544704B2	Threading device for a mesh style equipment vest The disclosed invention is a threader for use with various modular tactical vest systems. The particular modular vest systems have a weaving interface with attachable storage modules. A strap on a module is attached to the threader and the threader is woven through the support web on the vest. As the threader is pulled through the support web, the module is secured to the vest. Two embodiments for attaching the strap to the threader are disclosed.
US08544698B2	Foam soap dispenser with stationary dispensing tube Dispensers are provided including pumps for dispensing a foamed product out of an outlet provided in a dispensing tube. The foam is created from the mixing of a foamable liquid and air, with separate pumps being provided for each component. The dispensing tube is stationary, although the pumps themselves have parts that must move to dispense the foamed product. A single actuator operates both the liquid and air pumps. Additionally, in some embodiments, the air pump advances air before the liquid pump advances liquid. These pumps are particularly suited to the dispensing of a foamed skin care or skin sanitizing product.
US08544697B2	Dosing device for a beverage dispensing system The invention proposes a dosing device (1) for the preparation of a food composition comprising supply means (2) for providing a soluble powder, a dosing member (3) which is rotatably mounted and which comprises at least one recessed portion (4) for receiving powder supplied by the supply means (2) in a first rotational position and discharging powder in a second rotational position, and tapping means (5) driven by the rotation of the dosing member (3) and designed to induce a reciprocating force on the supply means (2).
US08544694B2	Closing cap for a discharge head A closing cap for a discharge head of a medium container, having a bottom part having locking edges and a latch boss, the bottom part fastened to a container neck and detachably latched to a top part having a rim portion which overlaps the bottom part and has locking edges which can be brought into engagement with the locking edges of the top part, as well as a locking arm, having a locking edge, which can be latched behind a latch boss.
US08544691B2	System for fastening a dispensing pump on the neck of a bottle containing a fluid product A system for fastening a dispensing pump on the neck of a bottle containing a fluid product, the system including a sleeve having an interior collar for fastening of the pump and a lower skirt provided with fasteners for fastening the sleeve on the bottle, the system further including a hoop slidably mounted around the skirt between a top position wherein the fasteners are free and a bottom position wherein the fasteners are constrained by the hoop, the system further including an exterior collar mounted around the interior collar by the intermediary of a device for displacing the exterior collar between a bottom usage position and a top dismounting position, the hoop at the bottom position being attached to the exterior collar in order to actuate the displacement of the collar towards its top position by driving the hoop relatively to the skirt on a stroke that is sufficient to release the fasteners.
US08544690B2	Fluid product dispenser A fluid dispenser having a fluid reservoir (2) for containing fluid, the reservoir including an opening (230) having an outer top edge (25) and an inner bottom edge (26); a dispenser member (3), such as a pump or a valve; a fastener that fastens the dispenser member in the opening (230). The dispenser includes a tamperproofing mechanism (1) that is distinct from the fastener and that is secured to the dispenser member (3). The tamperproofing mechanism comes into contact with the inner edge (26) in the event of an attempt at removing the dispenser member (3) from the opening (230).
US08544688B2	Personal hydration system with control valve assembly A personal hydration system includes a control valve assembly including a valve body provided with a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port provided with a delivery hose for dispensing at least fluid from the hydration bladder. The control valve assembly further includes a non-collapsible reservoir which holds an additive and is directly mounted via a rigid connection to the second inlet port of the valve body. A supply hose is connected between the hydration bladder and the first inlet port of the valve body. A valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve body to establish at least either a single flow condition of the liquid or a mixed flow condition of the liquid and the additive. In the mixed flow condition, the liquid from the hydration bladder freely flows through the valve core and is admitted into and circulated through the reservoir to produce a mixture of liquid and additive deliverable to the outlet port.
US08544685B2	Reclosable dispensing closure A dispensing closure for a vessel comprising a base member and a spout member engaged with the base member. The base member including a rupture member having a camming surface and the spout member having a cam actuator for engaging the camming surface to rupture the rupture member during twisting of the spout member in a first direction relative to the base member from a sealed position to a flow position to define a flow opening in the base member to permit fluid flow through the flow opening. The dispensing closure may include a pair of spaced rupture members and cam actuators. The dispensing closure may include a cap member hingedly attached to the spout member. The dispensing closure may include tamper evidency ring or other structure and a locking mechanism configured to lock the cap member in the closed position until the cap member and spout are rotated a sufficient distance to break the tamper evidency ring.
US08544682B2	Method and device for the serial ejection of two fluids comprising a spacer A device for the serial ejection of at least two fluid components comprises a spacer (19) providing at least two states, i) a first state allowing a front piston (7) to be displaced forwards by action on a rear piston (17) while a fluid volume is retained in a rear chamber (5) and ii) a second state allowing the rear chamber to volumetrically shrink while fluid is transferred past (or through) the front piston thereby enabling the use of a liquid, initially provided in only the rear chamber, for the dual purposes of mixing and rinsing.
US08544680B2	Packaging assembly A packaging system is configured to package a product to form a packaged product assembly. The packaging system includes a lid including a major panel, side panels, and a tab extending from one of the side panels. The packaging system also includes a box hingedly coupled to the lid that includes side walls and a bottom wall with a slot defined therein. The product may be retained by the lid against the major panel by first and second end flaps. As the lid and box are folded toward one another, the product may be loaded into the box and the tab and an adhesive member coupled thereto may extend through the slot in the bottom wall of the box. The adhesive member may then be adhered to a back surface of the box to retain the product in the packaging system. Related methods are also provided.
US08544679B2	Cooking appliance lid A lid includes a grip member (3) capable of being at least in a stacked state wherein it does not prevent stacking of the lid with another similar lid, and a gripping state wherein it has a released surface for gripping the lid. The lid includes at least one elastic member (14) moving the grip member (3) from its stacked state to its gripping state.
US08544672B2	Collapsible safety beverage cover The present invention is a collapsible cover used to protect an open beverage container from tampering. It is compact and easy to carry and use, is attractive and may be decorated with sports team logos or University symbols or other works of art. It has deep enough extended side walls to prevent someone from unobtrusively removing it to contaminate the beverage and is not too cumbersome to carry in a purse or pocket. The collapsible cover is available in different diameters to allow covering beer or soda cans, bottles, mixed drink glasses or wine glasses. It also has an opening for inserting a straw so that the cover does not have to be removed to consume the beverage.
US08544670B2	Fire containment case for portable battery operated electronic devices A case for portable laptop computers and the like including removed batteries to contain and control the bi-products of combustion associated with the unintentional and unexpected combustion of electronic component batteries typically occurring during the thermal runaway of the batteries. The fire containment case controls heat, flame and toxic gases associated therewith. The case has an airtight seal with integrated filters to trap and neutralize the smoke and gas released during combustion. A variety of heat insulation both active and passive can be used along with condition status instruments, and fire suppression can also be provided in core construction and external adaption input suppression inlets.
US08544668B2	Bottle with handle This bottle with a handle in which the body portion is formed with a concave portion, the bottle includes a support projection portion projected outward in the radial direction on a bottom surface of the concave portion, and protrusion portions which are provided at both side portions of the support projection portion with a gap between the bottom surface and the protrusion portions laterally projecting, the handle includes a pair of mounting beams, a handle plate, and an engagement projection piece, and the pair of mounting beams are integrally provided in a bridged beam configured to connect each of the mounting beams in a state of being separated inward from the handle plate in the radial direction.
US08544666B2	Tamper-evident container system A container system for storing material includes a container and a mating closure having a tamper-evident ring frangibly attached to the closure. The container includes a neck having a container thread and an annular rim for engaging the tamper-evident ring when the closure is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the neck includes one or more retaining structures for engaging the tamper-evident ring during retort sterilization processing, packaging, shipping or handling. The retaining structure in some embodiments includes one or more ramps having multiple inclined surfaces. Each inclined surface is oriented at an acute angle between about five and about forty-five degrees such that the tamper-evident ring can slip past the retaining structure when a threshold removal torque is applied. A method of sealing a container using a tamper-evident container system is also provided.
US08544663B2	Process for drawing, injection and blowing ultra-light weight bottles (swerve neck) A new profile of the internal neck that, instead of being simply cylindrical, presents an internal ring in proximity to, and at the height of, the support ledge plain and to which corresponds a specific profile in the area under the support ledge. These profiles allows a ring to be created of different shapes and geometries (SWERVE SHAPE) using the internal material between the support ledge and the area under the support ledge, thereby re-enforcing the neck and avoiding oval formation (creating problems with sealing and loss of content) as well as deformation of the support ledge during the blowing process, without impacting weight reduction. This invention allows for ultra-light containers with good physical-mechanical behavior. A further reduction of the width(s) using present technologies is not permissible due to insufficient radial rigidity. This present invention permits the light-weighting of various types of containers of different prime materials.

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