最新美国发明专利第2014-06-03期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08741490B2	Thickening agent for alkaline battery, and alkaline battery Provided are a thickening agent for an alkaline battery, which can satisfactorily retain long-term discharge characteristics (discharge quantity and discharge time) and provide excellent impact resistance, and an alkaline battery used therewith. In the invention, the thickening agent for an alkaline battery comprises (A) a crosslinked polymer comprising, as essential constituent units, (a1) a water-soluble vinyl monomer and/or (a2) a vinyl monomer being converted into (a1) by hydrolysis, (b) a hydrolyzable crosslinking agent undergoing alkaline hydrolysis, and (c) a non-hydrolyzable crosslinking agent not undergoing alkaline hydrolysis, wherein (b) and (c) each has a content of 0.05% to 1% by weight based on the weight of (A), and satisfies Requirements (1) and (2) described below: Requirement (1): the weight ratio (b)/(c) between (b) and (c) is from 1.0 to 5.0; Requirement (2): a specific solution (S1) has a viscosity of 25 to 100 Pa·s at 25° C.
US08741488B2	Electrode including Si-containing material layer and porous film, and lithium battery employing the same An electrode which has a Si-containing material layer and a porous film, and a lithium battery employing the same. In the electrode, the Si-containing material layer is applied on an electrode current collector and/or an electrode active material to protect the surface of the electrode current collector from oxidation. Also, the applied Si-containing material layer enhances the adhesion between the electrode current collector and the electrode active material to improve cycle life characteristics. Also, it increases the adhesion between the electrode active material and the porous film to reduce resistance, and to improve ohmic contacts and to lower the Shottkey barrier. In addition, the electrode includes the porous film functioning as a separator, and thus can provide a battery which is safe under conditions of overcharge and heat exposure without needing an additional separator.
US08741486B1	Polymer matrix energy storage device and method of making the same In one embodiment, an energy storage device is provided which includes a cathode and an anode with a separator therebetween. At least one of the cathode or the anode has a rigid polymer matrix with an active material and elongated electrically conducting material having ion conducting moieties bonded thereto within the polymer matrix.
US08741481B2	Anode and battery A battery capable of obtaining superior cycle characteristics and safety is provided. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator provided between the cathode and the anode. The anode has an insulative coat on an anode active material layer provided on an anode current collector. The coat contains an insulating material such as a meal hydroxide and a metal oxide. The coat is in a form of plate divided into a plurality of portions. The insulation property of the coat prevents internal short circuit. A plurality of portions of the coat prevent separation of the anode active material layer and decomposition of the electrolytic solution. Further, even when short circuit occurs, heat generation is prevented by heat absorption characteristics of the coat.
US08741475B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a collector plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and having a bottom surface support portion facing a bottom surface of the electrode assembly, and a case surrounding the electrode assembly and the collector plate.
US08741474B2	Battery assembly A battery assembly includes a housing having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outside surface has a bottom portion, a side portion, and a junction portion between the bottom portion and the side portion. The inside surface defines an internal cavity, and a drain aperture extends through the wall from the outside surface to the cavity at the junction portion. At least one battery cell is disposed within the cavity. A contact is coupled to the housing and is in electrical communication with the battery cell.
US08741472B2	Electric storage device An electric storage device includes: a battery block including a chassis with a plurality of storage cells installed therein; a control unit placed on the chassis for monitoring states of the plurality of storage cells based on signals concerning their physical quantities; a plurality of wires arranged on the chassis for directing the signals to the control unit; a confining member fixed on one surface of the chassis, where the control unit is placed, for defining a route along which the plurality of wires are arranged. The confining member includes a first direction restrainer defining the route for bending the wires, withstanding a reaction force accompanying bending of the plurality of wires, and a second direction restrainer withstanding a force exerted by the plurality of wires which are inserted into the route and tend to be lifted up toward a leaving direction from the one surface of the chassis.
US08741468B2	Film-packaged electric device To provide a film-packaged battery 1 in which battery element 2 formed by collectively joining a plurality of positive and negative extending portions 2a and 2b to positive and negative electrode leads 3a and 3b for each polarity, is surrounded by laminate films 5 and 6 which are formed by laminating at least heat fusion layer 10 and metal layer 11. Protection member 4a having a melting point lower than that of heat fusion layer 10 is arranged at least between each of joining portions 20a and 20b of positive and negative electrode extending portions 2a and 2b, and heat fusion layer 10 of laminate film 5 which layer face the each of joining portions 20a and 20b.
US08741467B2	Battery packs suitable for use with battery powered appliances Cooling air intake port (52), cooling air exhaust port (55), and securing walls (86, 87), which contact and secure the side surfaces of one or more battery cells (72), may be defined within two battery pack housing halves (50, 80). When battery pack (99) is assembled, at least one cooling air passage (91, 92) is defined by the side surfaces of the battery cells, the interior surface of the battery pack housing, and the securing walls. The cooling air passage connects the cooling air intake port to the cooling air exhaust port. By forcing cooling air through the cooling air passage, the battery cells can be effectively and efficiently cooled.
US08741465B2	Battery cooling structure A battery cooling structure includes: a battery provided in a luggage room of a vehicle; an air intake duct, including an air inlet open in a vehicular cabin, for supplying air in the vehicular cabin to the battery as cooling air; and a partition panel standing away from a rear seat with a clearance therebetween so as to section the luggage room and the vehicular cabin and provided with a duct hole in which the air intake duct is inserted. The partition panel is provided with an air exhaust hole for exhausting air in the luggage room to the vehicular cabin. The air exhaust hole is formed at a location spaced away from the duct hole. Such a configuration provides a battery cooling structure suppressing an adverse effect caused by exhaust of heated cooling air.
US08741461B2	Battery pack having waterproof structure A battery pack includes terminals (33) and a lock hook (37b). The terminals (33) are fastened onto a circuit board (74) and connected to rechargeable batteries (39). The terminals are exposed externally of a casing (31). The hook (37b) protrudes from a surface of the casing (31), and holds the battery pack on a charger (100). A hook opening window (24) is open in one of the surfaces of the casing. The hook (37b) can protrude from the surface of the casing (31). A drain hole (28) is open in another surface of the casing. A partition rib (25) is arranged between a path and an electronic circuit. The path is separated from the circuit. The path extends inside the casing (31) from the window (24). The circuit is mounted on the board (74). The window (24) communicates with the hole (28) through the path.
US08741460B2	Lithium ion secondary battery A lithium ion secondary battery includes a flat-shaped electrode wound body. Positive and negative terminals are connected respectively to the body and placed to partially protrude from a battery lid. Assuming that the body length in a winding axial direction is W, the body size in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the flat surfaces is H, and a distance between a farthest position in a connecting range of one of the terminals, in which the terminal is connected to an uncoated portion, from the lid and the body edge located on the lid side is X, the values W, H, and X are determined so that a point defined in a plane (X/H, H/W) by values (X/H) and (H/W) is located in a triangle defined by joining three points, (0.50, 0.70), (0.32, 0.40), and (0.70, 0.40) in the same plane.
US08741458B2	Battery with over-pressure protection A battery assembly includes a sealed battery cell container holds a positive and negative electrode and an electrolyte. Deflection-responsive means engages at least one outer face of the container and is responsive to deflection thereof for operating a cut-off switch to break the electrical continuity of the battery assembly. Flat battery cell containers may be stacked in different arrangements within a coupling structure, the arrangements defining either a cavity between the coupling structure and an adjacent container face, or a cavity between faces of adjacent cell containers. A membrane switch received in the cavity is actuated by bulging of a cell container wall. A control circuit operates the cut-off switch in response to actuation of the membrane switch.
US08741457B2	Rechargeable lithium batteries comprising means for the sorption of harmful substances in the form of a multilayer polymeric sheet Rechargeable lithium batteries are described comprising an airtight container, electrodes immersed in an electrolytic solution and spaced apart by means of one or more separators, electrical contacts connected to the electrodes and a means for sorbing harmful substances formed of a multilayer polymeric sheet (10) comprised of an inner layer (12) of a polymeric material containing particles (11) of one or more getter materials for the sorption of the harmful substances, and at least one external protective layer (13) of a polymeric material impermeable to the electrolyte, wherein all the polymeric materials are permeable to the harmful substances.
US08741451B2	Crystal film, crystal substrate, and semiconductor device A crystal foundation having dislocations is used to obtain a crystal film of low dislocation density, a crystal substrate, and a semiconductor device. One side of a growth substrate (11) is provided with a crystal layer (13) with a buffer layer (12) in between. The crystal layer (13) has spaces (13a), (13b) in an end of each threading dislocation D1 elongating from below. The threading dislocation D1 is separated from the upper layer by the spaces (13a), (13b), so that each threading dislocation D1 is blocked from propagating to the upper layer. When the displacement of the threading dislocation D1 expressed by Burgers vector is preserved to develop another dislocation, the spaces (13a), (13b) vary the direction of its displacement. As a result, the upper layer above the spaces (13a), (13b) turns crystalline with a low dislocation density.
US08741443B2	Disposable food tray A repulpable and recyclable case ready food tray is disclosed for carrying various food items, such as meat, poultry and produce that is typically used for retail display. The food tray is formed from paperboard made from natural wood fiber that is coated to provide a waterproof food cavity for preventing leakage of liquid from the food item and a moisture proof exterior support surface which allows excess liquid to be released from the food tray during the manufacturing process while providing a moisture proof surface to prevent wicking of liquid into the food tray if the tray is placed on a wet surface.
US08741440B2	Non-stick ceramic coating composition and process A series of new non-stick ceramic coating materials prepared from organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including silica sol, MTMS, FAS and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) using the sol-gel process. The hybrid materials have good mechanical properties and are fashioned into a main ceramic network and good non-stick properties from organic non-stick compounds. The non-stick ceramic coating consists of two layers applied to cookware and for other applications.
US08741439B2	Laminated glass interlayer and laminated glass The present invention aims to provide an intermediate film for laminated glass which, in the case of being used for constituting a laminated glass, enables to improve the sound-insulating property of the obtained laminated glass, and a laminated glass. The intermediate film 1 for laminated glass of the present invention comprises a first layer 2 which contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a plasticizer, and the polyvinyl acetal resin and the first plasticizer are a polyvinyl acetal resin and a first plasticizer which have a cloud point of 5° C. or lower when the cloud point is measured using a solution prepared by dissolving 8 parts by weight of the polyvinyl acetal resin in 100 parts by weight of the first plasticizer; and the laminated glass 11 of the present invention comprises first and second components for laminated glass, and the intermediate film 1 for laminated glass sandwiched between the first and second components for laminated glass.
US08741429B2	Fixing heater and manufacturing method thereof A fixing heater is provided that employs, as a heating element, a material having small heat capacity and excellent wear resistance. A metal or semi-metal compound that can act as an electrical conduction inhibiting material is mixed into a carbon-containing resin such as a furan resin, chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, etc., and a pattern of a heating element is formed on a substrate, by screen printing, and then is sintered at temperature of about 1000° C. to obtain a fixing heater including amorphous carbon and having NTC characteristics.
US08741428B2	Surface-coated cutting tool and manufacturing method thereof A surface-coated cutting tool according to the present invention includes a base material and a coating film formed on the base material. The coating film includes at least one TiCN layer. The TiCN layer has a columnar crystal region. The columnar crystal region is characterized by having a composition of TiCxNy(in which 0.65≦x/(x+y)≦0.90), having a (422) plane having a plane spacing of 0.8765 Å to 0.8790 Å and having TC (220) showing a maximum value in an orientation index TC (hkl).
US08741426B2	Blends comprising epoxy resins and mixtures of amines with guanidine derivatives The present invention provides a blend comprising one or more epoxy resins and a mixture which comprises 0.3 to 0.9 amine equivalent, per equivalent of epoxide of the epoxy resin used, of a hardener component a) and as hardener component b) a compound of the formula I, a process for preparing this blend, the use of the blend of the invention for producing cured epoxy resin, and an epoxy resin cured with the blend of the invention.
US08741425B2	All ceramics solid oxide fuel cell The present invention provides an all ceramics solid oxide cell, comprising an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer comprises doped zirconia and has a thickness of from 40 to 300 μm; wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer both comprise doped ceria or both comprise doped zirconia; and wherein the multilayer structure formed of the anode layer, the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer is a symmetrical structure. The present invention further provides a method of producing said solid oxide cell.
US08741423B2	Carbon nanotube plate and application thereof A carbon nanotube plate is provided. The plate includes a first carbon nanotube layer composed of many first carbon nanotubes and a second carbon nanotube layer disposed on the first carbon nanotube layer. The second carbon nanotube layer is composed of many second carbon nanotubes placed in an orderly manner on the first carbon nanotube layer. At least two second carbon nanotubes are located along a curve. The surface of the second carbon nanotube layer has a whirlpool pattern.
US08741420B2	Component and methods of fabricating and coating a component A component is disclosed. The component comprises a substrate comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space, where the outer surface defines one or more grooves, and where each of the one or more grooves extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate and has a base. One or more access holes extend through the base of a respective groove to place the groove in fluid communication with respective ones of the at least one hollow interior space. The component further comprises a coating disposed over at least a portion of the substrate surface, where the coating comprises one or more layers. At least one of the layers defines one or more permeable slots, such that the respective layer does not completely bridge each of the one or more grooves. The grooves and the coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component.
US08741419B2	Nanocarbon material-composite substrate and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed is a nanocarbon material-composite substrate including a substrate, a three-dimensional structural pattern formed on the substrate, and a nanocarbon material formed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the nanocarbon material is disposed at least on side surfaces of the three-dimensional structural pattern.
US08741417B2	Films having switchable reflectivity Compositions, structures and methods that relate to films having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on ambient conditions, such as temperature. A film with switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity includes a nanostructured first layer having nanopillars associated with nanowells. A hydrogel occupies at least a portion of the nanowells. As the hydrogel moves from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state, the surface of the film switches from being reflective to being anti-reflective in a repeatable and reversible process.
US08741414B2	Sheet for producing a multilayer optical recording medium and multilayer optical recording medium A sheet for producing a multilayer optical recording medium having a repeated structure in which a plurality of optical recording layers are laminated, wherein the sheet has a structure such that a unit comprising at least a release assisting layer, an optical recording layer having a thickness of 1 to 1,000 nm and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer are disposed on a process film, the release assisting layer is disposed on the surface of the process film, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer is disposed as the outermost layer, and an absolute value of difference between refractive indices of the release assisting layer and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer at a wavelength of 660 nm is 0.11 or smaller; and a multilayer optical recording medium obtained by using the sheet. The sheet enables to release the process film and transfer the optical recording layer while the condition of the surface of the optical recording layer is kept excellent. The multilayer optical recording medium has a great recording density and exhibits excellent property for recording.
US08741411B2	Multi-piece board and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a multi-piece board having a frame section and a multiple piece sections connected to the frame section includes forming a frame section from a manufacturing panel for the frame section, sorting out multiple acceptable piece sections by inspecting quality of piece sections, forming notch portions in the frame section and the acceptable piece sections such that the notch portions allow the acceptable piece sections to be arranged with respect to the frame section, provisionally fixing the piece sections and the frame section in respective positions, injecting an adhesive agent into cavities formed by the notch portions when the frame section and the piece sections are provisionally fixed to each other, and joining the acceptable piece sections with the frame section by curing the adhesive agent injected into the cavities.
US08741401B2	Recording medium A recording medium includes a support; and an ink-receiving layer, the ink-receiving layer having a lower layer and an upper layer, in which the lower layer contains fine inorganic particles, polyvinyl alcohol, and boric acid, the fine inorganic particles including at least one compound selected from alumina, hydrated alumina, and vapor-phase-process silica, in which the upper layer contains fine inorganic particles, polyvinyl alcohol, and boric acid, the fine inorganic particles including at least one compound selected from alumina and hydrated alumina, in which the lower layer has a boric acid content of 2.0% by mass to 7.0% by mass with respect to polyvinyl alcohol, and in which the upper layer has a boric acid content of 10.0% by mass to 30.0% by mass with respect to polyvinyl alcohol.
US08741397B2	Liquid crystal display element, liquid crystal composition, aligning agent, method for producing liquid crystal display element, and use of liquid crystal composition Disclosed is a liquid crystal display element which is composed of a pair of substrates (1) at least one of which is transparent. The liquid crystal display element comprises, between the pair of substrates, a transparent electrode (2), an aligning agent (3) that contains at least reactive monomers and/or oligomers (5), and a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display element is characterized in that an alignment layer is obtained by polymerizing the reactive monomers or oligomers contained in the aligning agent, and the liquid crystal layer is composed of a liquid crystal composition that contains a compound (4) having at least one benzene ring in each molecule, said benzene ring containing at least one fluorine atom and being disubstituted by halogen atoms.
US08741396B2	Method for forming amorphous carbon nitride film, amorphous carbon nitride film, multilayer resist film, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and storage medium in which control program is stored An amorphous carbon film, which has excellent etching resistance and is capable of reducing reflectance when a resist film is exposed to light, is form. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an object film to be etched on a wafer, supplying a process gas containing a CO gas and an N2 gas into a processing container, forming an amorphous carbon nitride film from the supplied CO gas and N2 gas, forming a silicon oxide film on the amorphous carbon nitride film, forming an ArF resist film on the silicon oxide film, patterning the ArF resist film, etching the silicon oxide film by using the ArF resist film as a mask, etching the amorphous carbon nitride film by using the silicon oxide film as a mask, and etching the object film to be etched by using the amorphous carbon nitride film as a mask.
US08741395B2	Apparatus and method for carbon fiber surface treatment An apparatus and method for enhancing the surface energy and/or surface chemistry of carbon fibers involves exposing the fibers to direct or indirect contact with atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a background gas containing at least some oxygen or other reactive species. The fiber may be exposed directly to the plasma, provided that the plasma is nonfilamentary, or the fiber may be exposed indirectly through contact with gases exhausting from a plasma discharge maintained in a separate volume. In either case, the process is carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum equipment. The process may be further modified by moistening the fibers with selected oxygen-containing liquids before exposure to the plasma.
US08741394B2	In-situ deposition of film stacks Methods for depositing film stacks by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition are described. In one example, a method for depositing a film stack on a substrate, wherein the film stack includes films of different compositions and the deposition is performed in a process station in-situ, is provided. The method includes, in a first plasma-activated film deposition phase, depositing a first layer of film having a first film composition on the substrate; in a second plasma-activated deposition phase, depositing a second layer of film having a second film composition on the first layer of film; and sustaining the plasma while transitioning a composition of the plasma from the first plasma-activated film deposition phase to the second plasma-activated film deposition phase.
US08741393B2	Method for producing metalized fibrous composite sheet with olefin coating A composite sheet is manufactured by depositing a multi-layer coating on the outer surface of a substrate, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a composition capable of being polymerized and/or cross-linked by free-radical processes. After the precursor is applied, the composite sheet is exposed to beam radiation and ozone, which both promote conversion of the precursor. The function of the cured polymeric layer includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. The use of both beam radiation and ozone promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even in portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.
US08741392B2	Anodically assisted chemical etching of conductive polymers and polymer composites A novel activation/etch method is disclosed for conductive polymer substrates and conductive polymer composite substrates to achieve good adhesion to subsequently applied coatings. The method in a preferred case involves anodically polarizing conductive polymers/polymer composites in aqueous etching solutions.
US08741388B2	Compositions and methods for providing coatings; materials; application techniques; and, resulting coated substrates Techniques and compositions for applying films to a variety of substrates, from water-borne coating compositions, are provided. The techniques involve providing desiccant and applying the desiccant with water-borne film-forming composition, in application to a substrate. The desiccant composition provides for take up of free water in of the film-forming composition, without total reliance on ambient conditions, to advantage. Compositions, methods, techniques and resulting constructions are described. The techniques can be applied in wet thick film applications, but are not limited to such applications.
US08741384B2	Method of synthesizing branched gold nanoparticles having controlled size and branching A method of synthesizing branched gold nanoparticles is described, starting from an aqueous solution of gold nanoparticle spherical seeds, which is subjected to a growth treatment with an aqueous solution comprising hydroxylamine or a salt thereof as a reducing agent and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) as an agent that directs the shape of the nanostructure, and by subsequent addition of an aqueous solution of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The structural features and the properties of the branched gold nanoparticles obtained by the method of the invention are also described.
US08741383B2	Method of producing optical film and coating liquid for production of optical film Provided is a method of producing an optical film which has an excellent strength and a low refractive index, and can be used for an optical antireflective film. The production method includes preparing a coating liquid including a capsule having a shell of a halogenated compound of an element of Group 2 by forming an emulsion of one of an aqueous solution including a compound containing an element of Group 2 and an aqueous solution including a compound containing a halogen, and an organic solvent, applying the coating liquid on a substrate, and heating the coating liquid, thereby forming an optical film containing a hollow particle having the shell of a halogenated compound of an element of Group 2.
US08741379B2	Rotatable support elements for stents Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
US08741378B1	Methods of coating an implantable device Methods of coating an implantable device, such as a stent, are provided.
US08741375B2	Mixed amino acid metal salt complexes A mixed amino acid metal salt complex of the mixed amino acids, lysine and glutamic acid associated with trace metals selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, copper and zinc to provide highly bioavailable sources of the iron, manganese, copper and zinc and as well to take advantage of the different amino acid transport pathways of lysine and glutamic acid.
US08741369B2	Microwaveable dough compositions Microwavable dough compositions are provided that are effective for providing products with improved texture using microwave heating. More specifically, the microwavable dough compositions include a blend of fiber, hydrocolloid, methylcellulose and functional surfactants in amounts that are effective for providing a cooked dough having improved firmness for an extended time after microwave cooking.
US08741368B2	Method and apparatus for deep-frying foods A method for deep-frying foods in which the foods to be deep-fried are delivered to hot oil or fat and transported out of the hot oil after a predetermined residence time, wherein a steam zone with superheated steam is generated above a free surface of the oil, which shields the oil from the ambient air, and from which a flow of steam corresponding to an amount of water evaporating from the deep-fried foods is withdrawn.
US08741367B2	Food product forming apparatus and process The present invention is related to a food product-forming apparatus, with a movable form-body, in which the food product is formed, and a knock out cup, which executes a knock-out-movement, that removes the food product from the form-body, whereas the knock out cup comprises an at least partially permeable bottom, through which a fluid-medium can be ejected and whereas, during the knock-out movement, a fluid-medium cushion is created, at least temporarily beneath the permeable bottom. The present invention furthermore comprises a process for the production of food products.
US08741363B2	Surfactant-containing preparation comprising licochalcone A Cosmetic hair- and/or body-cleansing compositions comprising licochalcone A or an extract of Radix Glycyrrhiza inflata and one or more surfactants and, optionally, further comprising cosmetic and/or dermatological active ingredients, auxiliaries and additives.
US08741358B2	Ghrelin production promoter The objectives are to find a substance or a composition capable of promoting the production of ghrelin with physiological activities such as growth hormone secretion effect, and to provide a pharmaceutical comprising it as the active ingredient. The pharmaceutical is a ghrelin production promoter comprising Rikkunshi-to as the active ingredient.
US08741355B2	Calcium carbonate granulation Highly compactable granulations and methods for preparing highly compactable granulations are disclosed. More particularly, highly compactable calcium carbonate granulations are disclosed. The granulations comprise powdered materials such as calcium carbonate that have small median particle sizes. The disclosed granulations are useful in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical tableting and provide smaller tablet sizes upon compression than previously available.
US08741352B2	Graft materials containing ECM components, and methods for their manufacture Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa-containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.
US08741348B2	Physically and chemically stable nicotine-containing particulate material A nicotine-containing particulate material for release of nicotine, the material comprising a combination of nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex or solvate thereof and a microcrystalline cellulose. The particulate material is stable upon storage and releases nicotine relatively fast. The particulate material can be used in the manufacture of nicotine containing pharmaceutical composition, wherein the release of nicotine can be designed to be relatively fast so as to obtain a fast onset of action.
US08741347B2	Method for forming cyclodextrin polymer and lipophilic compound emulsions, resulting emulsions, and compositions including said emulsions The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclodextrin polymer and/or a hydrophilic polymer emulsion having cyclodextrins as well as lipophilic compounds, the emulsions having a remarkable stability. In particular, the method includes: (i) adding a lipophilic compound into an aqueous solution of a cyclodextrin unit polymer or hydrophilic polymer having cyclodextrins; (ii) forming an emulsion from the mixture resulting from step (i). The invention also relates to the resulting emulsions, i.e. stabilized emulsions by a non-covalent and non-crystalline inclusion complex consisting of (i) a cyclodextrin unit polymer or a hydrophilic polymer having cyclodextrins and (ii) a lipophilic compound. The invention also relates to the use of said emulsions in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and/or agri-food fields.
US08741345B2	Modified release pharmaceutical compositions of dexlansoprazole Modified release oral pharmaceutical compositions of dexlansoprazole or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrated forms thereof in the form of a bilayer tablet and processes for the manufacture of the tablet composition and its use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
US08741344B1	Dispersible tablet The present invention relates to a tablet comprising Nimorazole. In particular, the invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition or a tablet comprising Nimorazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, for dispersion in water and administration via a tube to a patient with swallowing difficulties.
US08741341B2	Manufacturing and packaging room temperature stable dronabinol capsules The invention provides a method of manufacturing and packaging a room temperature stable cannabinoid dosage in an oil-based carrier, wherein the method employs the use of blister packaging and an inert gas atmosphere during blister packaging. The invention also provides a room temperature stable cannabinoid dosage prepared by the methods of the invention.
US08741339B2	Active targeting polymer micelle encapsulating drug, and pharmaceutical composition The present invention provides an active targeting polymer micelle encapsulating a drug, preventing an inappropriate release of a drug which may damage a normal cell. A polymer micelle 100 includes a backbone polymer unit 10 that has a target binding site 11 and a backbone polymer unit 20 that has a drug 14 and is free from the target binding site 11, such polymer units 10 and 20 being disposed in a radial arrangement in a state where the target binding site 11 is directed outward and the drug 14 is directed inward, in which: i) when the micelle is bound to a target 40 while maintaining the radial arrangement, the micelle is taken up into a cell 50 supplying the target 40 through endocytosis, and the drug 14 is released into the cell 50 by collapse of the radial arrangement in the cell 50; and ii) when the radial arrangement collapses in blood 60 before the micelle is bound to a target 40, the unit 20 is excreted through metabolism, to thereby prevent a normal cell from being damaged by the drug 14.
US08741338B2	Targeted delivery to human diseases and disorders The present invention provides a system presenting site-specific accumulation through a ligand that specifically targets a receptor overexpressed on the surface of specific cells within a target organ, like, for example, tumor cells and/or vascular cells of tumor blood vessels. Moreover, this invention provides a method where, upon internalization of the previous-mentioned system by the target cells, triggered release at a high rate of the associated agent takes place, permitting efficient intracellular delivery and, thus, increased concentration of the transported cargo at the target site. Overall, this invention provides a method for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases and disorders.
US08741336B2	Biosynchronous transdermal drug delivery for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and the treatment of hyperglycemia, Alzheimer'S disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson'S disease, AIDS, epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, nicotine addiction, cancer, headache and pain control, asthma, angina, hypertension, depression, cold, flu and the like Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances (for example, stimulants) in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, plant extracts, botanicals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures.
US08741335B2	Hemostatic compositions, assemblies, systems, and methods employing particulate hemostatic agents formed from hydrophilic polymer foam such as Chitosan Improved hemostatic agents take the form of granules or particles that can be used to stanch, seal, or stabilize a site of hemorrhage, including a noncompressible hemorrhage.
US08741333B2	Compositions and methods for treating dermatitis or psoriasis The present invention is drawn to adhesive solidifying formulations for treating skin disorders, such as dermatitis or psoriasis. The formulation can include a drug, a solvent vehicle, and a solidifying agent. The solvent vehicle can include a volatile solvent system including at least one volatile solvent, and a non-volatile solvent system including at least one non-volatile solvent, wherein the non-volatile solvent system is capable of facilitating the delivery of the drug at therapeutically effective rates over a sustained period of time. The formulation can have a viscosity suitable for application to a skin surface prior to evaporation of the volatile solvents system. When applied to the skin, the formulation can form a solidified layer after at least a portion of the volatile solvent system is evaporated.
US08741332B2	Compositions and methods for dermally treating neuropathic pain The present invention is drawn to adhesive solidifying formulations for treating neuropathic pain. The formulation can include a drug suitable for treating neuropathic pain, a solvent vehicle, and a solidifying agent. The solvent vehicle can include a volatile solvent system including at least one volatile solvent, and a non-volatile solvent system including at least one non-volatile solvent capable of facilitating the delivery of the drug at therapeutically effective rates over a sustained period of time. The formulation can have a viscosity suitable for application to a skin surface prior to evaporation of the volatile solvents system. When applied to the skin, the formulation can form a solidified layer after at least a portion of the volatile solvent system is evaporated.
US08741330B2	Transluminal drug delivery methods and devices Transluminal drug delivery method and device embodiments can include a urethral suppository formulated to prevent or treat diseases of the urethra and surrounding organs, such as interstitial cystitis or urethritis, by enhancing the absorption of a therapeutic agent of the suppository into body tissues without adversely affecting the natural defense mechanisms of these tissues. Adverse effects on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) barrier can be mitigated or eliminated by the presence of a suitable polysaccharide in the suppository.
US08741326B2	Modified two-component gelation systems, methods of use and methods of manufacture A bioscaffolding can be formed from a mixture of gel components of different gelation systems. For example, a bioscaffolding can be formed by mixing at least two different components of at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a first mixture and by mixing at least two different components (other than the components that make up the first mixture) of the at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a second mixture. A treatment agent, such as a cell type or a growth factor, can be added to either the first mixture or the second mixture. In some embodiments, the treatment agent is not added to either mixture. The first mixture can be co-injected with the second mixture to form a bioscaffolding in an infarct region for treatment thereof.
US08741321B2	Capsule whose envelope is separately imperceptible during the topical use thereof A capsule for cosmetic and/or dermatological ingredients and processes for the production thereof. The capsule comprises an envelope which is solid, semisolid and/or dimensionally stable and comprises one or more substances which are selected from waxes, emulsifiers, and natural and synthetic polymers. The capsule may also comprise a filling.
US08741318B2	Multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite materials, methods of synthesizing same and applications of same One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of synthesizing a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material, which includes: synthesizing a gold/hydroxyapatite (Au/HA) catalyst; distributing the Au/HA catalyst into a thin film; and heating the thin film in a reactor with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD) to form the nanocomposite material, where the nanocomposite material includes a graphene structure and Au/HA nanoparticles formed by the Au/HA catalyst and distributed within the graphene structure. In another aspect, a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material includes: a graphene structure formed with a plurality of graphene layers and Au/HA nanoparticles distributed within the graphene structure. The nanocomposite material is formed by heating an Au/HA catalyst thin film with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD).
US08741315B2	Methods of treating tumors in immune-privileged sites A method of treating cancer in an immune-privileged site of a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprises systemically administering to an area outside the immune-privileged site of the subject, a therapeutically effective amount of naive, viable cells of a tumor of the subject, the tumor being in the immune-privileged site so as to generate an immune response in the subject, thereby treating the cancer in the immune-privileged site of the subject.
US08741307B2	Hybrid prokaryotic-eukaryotic tubulins and use thereof The present invention embraces hybrid Prosthecobacter-eukaryotic tubulin proteins and use thereof for identifying agents that modulate the activity of tubulin.
US08741305B2	Protein composition for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate comprising a plurality of protein variants covering the heterogeneity of a single antigen, AMA1 The present invention relates to a protein composition suitable for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate comprising 2 to 10 protein variants of a single antigen, which is the APICAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN 1 (PfAMA1 OR AMA1) of a Plasmodium species. The antigen comprises a plurality of variable amino acid positions, wherein the amino acid sequences of said protein variants, in combination, represent both the frequency of occurrence of each amino acid at said variable amino acid positions and the linkage between the variable amino acid positions, and wherein said frequency of occurrence is at least between 10% to 20% such as 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, . . . , 20% in the single antigen, and wherein at least 75% of the linkages between the variable amino acid position is presented by the combination of protein variants.
US08741304B2	Chimeric vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae-induced disease The invention described herein relates to a chimeric protein comprising the NTHi twitching pilus major subunit protein (PilA) presenting a portion of the NTHi OMP P5 protein. The invention provides for vaccine compositions comprising the recombinant chimeric protein and methods of eliciting an immune response using the recombinant chimeric proteins of the invention.
US08741302B2	Polypeptide derived from Enterococcus and its use for vaccination A medicament for the treatment or the prevention of a bacterial infection is disclosed which contains a polypeptide having a contiguous sequence of at least six amino acids of SEQ ID NO:1. Said polypeptide can be used for the preparation of a vaccine against an Enterococcus infection.
US08741297B2	Preparation of isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof.
US08741295B2	PD-1 antibodies and PD-L1 antibodies and uses thereof The invention relates to PD-1 antibodies and PD-L1 antibodies and uses thereof.
US08741287B2	PlGF-1 assay and kits and components thereof The present disclosure relates to glycosylated and deglycosylated human PlGF-1, methods of using the glycosylated and deglycosylated human PlGF-1, antibodies that bind to human PlGF-1, methods of using the antibodies and human PlGF-1 immunoassays and kits.
US08741286B2	Serene protease derivatives and uses in the prevention or the treatment of blood coagulation disorders The present invention relates to chimeric derivatives of serine protease zymogen containing the activation peptide of factor X or a fragment thereof for improving the half-life of said derivatives. Preferably, said chimeric derivatives are protein C and factor X derivatives. The invention also relates to said derivatives for the prevention or treatment of blood coagulation disorders.
US08741284B2	Crystallized oxalate decarboxylase and methods of use Oxalate decarboxylase crystals, including stabilized crystals, such as cross-linked crystals of oxalate decarboxylase, are disclosed. Methods to treat a disorder associated with elevated oxalate concentration using oxalate decarboxylase crystals are also disclosed. Additionally disclosed are methods of producing protein crystals.
US08741275B2	Malodor neutralizing compositions comprising undecylenic acid or citric acid Compositions comprising undecylenic acid or citric acid and certain esters are effective for reducing malodors. The esters are in the molecular weight range of between 150-200 when the acid is undecylenic acid and in the range of between 130-230 when the acid is citric acid. These compositions can be used in perfumed products, household products and personal care products.
US08741270B2	Bonding tissues and cross-linking proteins with naphthalimide compounds Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.
US08741267B1	Method for treating periodontal disease A periodontal medicament composition comprising povidone iodine, an agar carrier, and optionally a bio-compatible, radio-opaque salt, for treating periodontal disease is disclosed, along with a method for preparing the same. A method is also disclosed for delivering the periodontal medicament composition, while in a liquid state, into the periodontal pocket of a patient afflicted with periodontitis whereupon due to the unique properties of the agar carrier, it solidifies to the contours of the periodontal pocket to form a periodontal medicament implant for releasing the povidone iodine over a period of time. In addition, a prepackaged periodontal medicament delivery system for treating the periodontal disease is disclosed which comprises (i) a tubular dispensing apparatus for retaining and storing one or more treatment units of the periodontal medicament composition in a solid state, and for delivery of the composition after conversion to a liquid state to the periodontal pocket of a patient afflicted with the periodontal disease; and (ii) a funnel-shaped tubular device adapted for coupling with the dispensing apparatus to facilitate the delivery of the periodontal medicament composition into the periodontal pocket. For storage and shipping or transport, the tubular dispensing apparatus and funnel-shaped tubular device are packaged in a light-resistant container.
US08741265B2	Penetrating pharmaceutical foam The invention relates to an alcohol-free cosmetic or pharmaceutical foam composition comprising water, a hydrophobic solvent, a surface-active agent, a gelling agent, an active component selected from the group of urea, hydroxy acid and a therapeutic enhancer and a propellant. The foam further comprises active agents and excipients with therapeutic properties having enhanced skin penetration.
US08741264B2	Self-sterilizing products Self-sterilising products, and in particular novel products comprising phthalocyanine derivatives bound to polymers, a process for the preparation of said products and their use for preparing self-sterilising industrial and medical articles or devices, are described.
US08741263B2	Method and apparatus for kidney function analysis A method and apparatus for determining physiological data related to an animal, such as kidney diagnostics data, is provided. The method includes injecting a mixture of a first and a second molecule into an animal (e.g., a human patient), determining a molecular ratio of the molecules, and determining the physiological data based on the molecular ratio. The apparatus includes a number of finger receiving apertures, a light generation circuit, a light detection circuit, a pulse counting circuit, and a user interface.
US08741262B2	Targeted radiotherapy The present invention concerns a therapeutically labeled napthodianthrone or phenanthro[1,10,9,8-opqra]perylene-7,14-dione compound, which comprises a chemical element or an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form sufficient to destroy neighboring cells or tissues for use in a targeted radiotherapy to enhance curability of a warm-blooded animal that has been subjected to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy. A particular advantage of present invention is that viable rim resistant to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy such as vascular targeting agent (VTA) can be supplemented by one single or repeated doses of a therapeutically radiolabeled small molecule necrosis-avid chemical compound treatment to enhance the curability. Examples of necrosis inducing therapies are for instance minimally invasive tumor ablations applied chemically by percutaneous injection of ethanol or acetic acid, or physically by cryotherapy, microwave, focused ultrasound, interstitial laser therapy and radio-frequency ablation (RFA); by chemotherapies using cytotoxic agents or vascular targeting agents (VTA); and by external or internal radiotherapies.
US08741261B2	Methods for carbon isotope labeling synthesis by transition metal-promoted carbonylation via isocyanate using azides and carbon-isotope monoxide Methods and reagents for transition metal-promoted carbonylation via isocyanate using carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits for PET studies are also provided.
US08741256B1	Preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines This invention relates to a method for the preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines. The method can include a silica removal step, capturing lithium chloride, recovering lithium chloride, supplying lithium chloride to an electrochemical cell and producing lithium hydroxide, contacting the lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide to produce lithium carbonate.
US08741255B2	Oxidation process Peroxo-carbonates derived from molten alkali and/or Group II metal salts, particularly carbonate salts are used as catalysts in oxidation and epoxidation reactions. Transition metal compounds may be included to improve the selectivity of the reactions.
US08741254B2	Method of preparing bundle type silicon nanorod composite through electroless etching process using metal ions and anode active material for lithium secondary cells comprising the same The present invention relates to a method of preparing a porous silicon nanorod structure composed of columnar bundles having a diameter of 50-100 nm and a length of 2-5 μm, and a lithium secondary cell using the porous silicon nanorod structure as an anode active material. The present invention provides a high-capacity and high-efficiency anode active material for lithium secondary cells, which can overcome the low conductivity of silicon and improve the electrode deterioration attributable to volume expansion because it is prepared by electrodepositing the surface of silicon powder with metal and simultaneously etching the silicon powder partially using hydrofluoric acid.
US08741251B2	Granular mesoporous silica and preparation method thereof Disclosed are granular mesoporous silica and a preparation method thereof. The preparation method includes preparing powdered silica containing a structure derivative to form mesopores; preparing a molded precursor including the powdered silica and an inorganic binder or an organic binder; preparing a granular molded article having a predetermined shape by extruding or injection-molding the molded precursor; and removing the structure derivative by calcinating the granular molded article. The granular mesoporous silica represents superior pore characteristics and is used as an adsorbent capable of effectively removing pollutants in water treatment and air pollution treatment.
US08741250B2	Hydroxylation of icosahedral boron compounds The present invention relates to a synthetic method for producing a per-hydroxylated icosahedral boron compound via catalytic hydroxylation of icosahedral boron compound using a soft electrophile.
US08741248B2	Ammonia salts as regenerable CO2 sorbents The present method describes the absorbing and desorbing of a gaseous reactant on a solid reactant. The solid reactant is an ammonia salt selected from the group consisting of alkali ammonium salts, alkali ammonium earth salts or a combination thereof.
US08741245B2	Carbon dioxide-absorbing solution and method of recovering carbon dioxide A method of recovering carbon dioxide, includes bringing gas to be processed containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen into contact with the CO2-absorbing solution in an absorption column to form a CO2-rich solution; circulating the solution in a regeneration column to thermally release and recover CO2 and recirculating the absorbing solution as a CO2-poor solution inside the absorption column; and performing heat exchange between the solution being delivered from the absorption column to the regeneration column and the solution recirculated from the regeneration column to the absorption column, wherein an alkanolamine aqueous solution containing a silicone oil and/or an organosulfur compound is added to the solution inside the absorption column and/or the solution recirculated from the regeneration column to the absorption column to adjust the composition of the absorbing solution inside the absorption column.
US08741241B2	Methods and systems for an engine emission control system Systems and methods are provided for a layered emission control device coupled to an exhaust manifold. Various formulations may be incorporated in a plurality of layers of the device to enable various emission control functions to be grouped within spatial constraints. For example, a first layer may include a first, oxidizing catalyst, a second layer may include a HC trap, and a third layer may include a second, different oxidizing catalyst, the second layer positioned between the first and third layers. The layers may be organized to reduce functional interference and improve functional synergy between the various emission control functions.
US08741239B2	Method and apparatus for operation of CO/VOC oxidation catalyst to reduce NO2 formation for gas turbine A power generating apparatus including a gas turbine engine combusting a fuel in air to produce shaft power and producing a flow of exhaust gases including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC). An emissions treatment apparatus includes in the exhaust gas flowpath a CO oxidation catalyst disposed at a location with an exhaust gas temperature for which the CO oxidation catalyst advantageously limits NO2 production. The emissions treatment apparatus further includes an ammonia injection apparatus, a mixing section, and a selective catalytic reduction element disposed downsteam of the ammonia injection apparatus and adapted for reduction of NOx.
US08741234B2	Disposable cartridge for fluid analysis A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.
US08741230B2	Systems and methods of sample processing and fluid control in a fluidic system This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.
US08741229B2	Sample analyzer, reagent information displaying method and computer program product The present invention is to present a sample analyzer, comprising: a reagent holder for holding a first and a second reagents; a display; a display controller for controlling the display so as to display a display screen including a first information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the first reagent and a second information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the second reagent; and a display switch receiver for receiving a display switch instruction of reagent information displayed in each of the first and second information displaying regions, wherein the display controller switches a first reagent information displayed in the first information displaying region to a second reagent information and switches a third reagent information displayed in the second information displaying region to a fourth reagent information, when the display switch receiver has received the display switch instruction.
US08741222B2	Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.
US08741220B2	Breathing assistance apparatus The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.
US08741218B2	Automatic analyzer An analytic method uses a labeled antigen, labeled antibody, tracer, etc. in which a radio isotope, fluorescent dye, luminescent dye, enzyme, etc. is bonded to an antibody or an antigen bonded to a protein as an object of analysis for performing an assay of a trace amount of a substance such as a hormone, tumor marker, infective pathogen marker, infective antibody, etc., for blood, serum, plasma, or body fluid as a sample or specimen. The analysis is enabled at high sensitivity, with less generation of noises and at low background. When an assay is performed based on the antigen-antibody reaction for a sample in an analytic method by fluorometry or luminometry, detection or measurement of non-specific fluorescence or luminescence such as interference light is eliminated or removed effectively irrespective of the property of the sample or the level of the concentration of substances contained in the sample.
US08741217B2	Titanium alloy for corrosion-resistant materials There is provided a titanium alloy for corrosion-resistant materials, which contains 0.01-0.12% by mass in total of at least one of platinum group elements; at least Si and one of, or both of, Sn and Mn, selected from the group consisting of Al, Cr, Zr, Nb, Si, Sn and Mn, wherein the total content of Al, Cr, Zr, Nb, Si, Sn and Mn is 5% by mass or less; and the residue comprising Ti and impurities.
US08741212B2	Intermetallic-containing composite bodies, and methods for making same Composite bodies made by a silicon metal infiltration process that feature a silicon intermetallic, e.g., a metal silicide. Not only does this give the composite material engineer greater flexibility in designing or tailoring the physical properties of the resulting composite material, but the infiltrant also can be engineered compositionally to have much diminished amounts of expansion upon solidification, thereby enhancing net-shape-making capabilities. These and other consequences of engineering the metal component of composite bodies made by silicon infiltration permit the fabrication of large structures of complex shape.
US08741211B2	Method for making a wafer level aluminum nitride substrate Disclosed is a method for making a pure aluminum nitride substrate. At first, aluminum nitride is mixed with a water-resistant material and an adhesive material. The mixture is made into grains in a granulation process. The grains are molded into a nugget in a steel mode by hydraulic pressure. The nugget is subjected to a cold isostatic pressing process. At a low temperature, the water-resistant material and the adhesive material are removed from the nugget. Then, the nugget, boron nitride and nitrogen are introduced into and sintered in an oven, thus providing a pure aluminum nitride substrate. The purity and quality of the aluminum nitride substrate are high. The aluminum nitride substrate can be used in a light-emitting diode. The method is simple, the yield is high, and the heat radiation of the aluminum nitride substrate is excellent.
US08741210B2	Beta-spodumene-cordierite composition, article, and method Porous spodumene-cordierite honeycomb bodies of high strength but low volumetric density, useful for the manufacture of close-coupled engine exhaust converters, gasoline engine particulate exhaust filters, and NOx integrated engine exhaust filters, are provided through the reactive sintering of batches comprising sources of magnesia, alumina and silica together with a lithia source, such as a spodumene or petalite ore.
US08741207B2	Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank comprising a built-in neck A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including a built-in neck, by molding a parison in a mold. The neck is molded by locally deforming the parison using a concave counter-form and a convex form configured to enter the counter-form, these two parts being secured one of them to the mold and the other to a core located inside the mold, or vice versa.
US08741201B2	Fiber reinforced composite stents Polymeric composite stents reinforced with fibers for implantation into a bodily lumen are disclosed.
US08741200B2	Method of making self-supporting insulating end cone liners and pollution control devices The invention provides a method of making a flexible and self-supporting insulating end cone liner comprising resilient and compressible non-intumescent material molded into a single, continuous piece having a three dimensional cone shape, with the insulating material comprising inorganic fibers and a binder, as well as a method of making a pollution control device that includes such an end cone liner.
US08741197B2	Antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral rayon fibers The invention provides an antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral polymeric material, comprising rayon fibers and a single antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral component consisting essentially of microscopic water insoluble particles of copper oxide incorporated in said fibers wherein a portion of said particles in said fibers are exposed and protruding from the surface of the fibers and wherein said particles release Cu++ when exposed to water or water vapor.
US08741191B2	High density powdered material liner A method of making an explosive charge liner comprises introducing powdered material into a basin defined by a die block, where a punch is shaped to interact with the basin, excluding the powdered material from a central portion of the basin, pressing the punch into the powdered material in the basin to form the explosive charge liner, and removing the explosive charge liner from the die block. The explosive charge liner comprises an aperture in an apex area of the explosive charge liner corresponding to the central portion when removed from the die block.
US08741188B2	Ophthalmic devices comprising photochromic materials having extended pi-conjugated systems The present invention provides ophthalmic devices comprising at least one photochromic material which is an indeno-fused naphthopyran having a pi-conjugation extending group bonded to the 11-position of the indeno-fused naphthopyran, the pi-conjugation extending group having at least one pendent halo-substituted group bonded thereto. The pi-conjugation extending group extends the pi-conjugation system of said indeno-fused naphthopyran. The 13-position of the indeno-fused naphthopyran is substantially free of spiro-substituents. The invention further provides photochromic materials of specified structure, photochromic compositions, photochromic articles and optical elements that include the photochromic materials. Other non-limiting embodiments relate to methods of making the ophthalmic devices comprising photochromic materials.
US08741186B2	Vegetable oil of high dielectric purity, method for obtaining same and use in an electrical device A dielectric high purity vegetable oil—free from antioxidants and/or external additives to be used in electric equipment such as transformers, as isolating element and as cooling means and a method for obtaining the same in which the dielectric high purity vegetable oil—is obtained by means of the optimization of the bleaching steps—and deodorizing—from the Refining process—known as Modified Caustic Refining Long-Mix (RBD).
US08741178B2	Blue light emitting glass and preparation method thereof Blue light emitting glass and the preparation method thereof are provided. The blue light emitting glass has the following composition: aCaO.bAl2O3.cSiO2.xCeO2, wherein a, b, c and x are, by mol part, 15-55, 15-35, 20-60 and 0.01-5 respectively. The preparation method comprises: weighing the raw materials according to the composition of the blue light emitting glass; mixing the raw materials uniformly and melting the raw materials to obtain glass melt; molding the glass melt to obtain transparent glass; thermally treating the transparent glass under reducing atmosphere, and thereafter obtaining the finished product. The blue light emitting glass obtained has intense broadband excitation spectrum in ultraviolet region and emits intense blue light under the excitation of ultraviolet light. It is suitable for using as luminescent medium material.
US08741173B2	Hydroformylation process A combination of calixarene bisphosphite ligand and an organophosphine ligand. The combination can be employed with a catalytic metal to form a complex catalyst. The catalyst can be employed in ahydroforaiylation process for producing a mixture of aldehydes.
US08741171B2	Dedusting compositions and methods for making and using same Compositions for reducing the formation of dust and methods for making and using same are provided. The composition can include an emulsion comprising one or more pitches, one or more fatty acids, one or more rosins, or any combination thereof. The composition can also include one or more film forming polymers, one or more oils, or a combination thereof.
US08741170B2	Ferrite particles for bonded magnet, resin composition for bonded magnet and molded products using the same The present invention relates to ferrite particles for bonded magnet, having a volume-average particle diameter of 2.1 to 2.7 μm and a particle diameter x90 of 4.3 to 5.4 μm wherein the x90 represents a particle diameter at which a cumulative percentage of particles under sieve (undersize particles) based on a volume thereof is 90%, when determined from a particle size distribution thereof measured by using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring apparatus.
US08741169B2	Heat storage composition comprising sodium sulfate decahydrate and superabsorbent The present invention relates to a heat storage composition comprising 60-98% by weight of sodium sulfate decahydrate and 1-10% by weight of one or more superabsorbents 1-10% by weight of one or more nucleators and 0-20% by weight of one or more water-soluble salts, based in each case on the heat storage composition, said superabsorbent comprising, in polymerized form, a) at least 50 mol %, based on the superabsorbent, of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising acid groups, the degree of neutralization of the monoethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising acid groups being 15 to 85 mol %, and b) 0.015 to 0.1 mol %, based on the total amount of monomers, of at least one crosslinker, to a process for production thereof and to the use thereof as a heat-storing building material and as a heat storage element for motor vehicles, walls of transport vessels or other heat storage vessels.
US08741167B1	Etching composition and its use in a method of making a photovoltaic cell This invention provides a method of making a photovoltaic cell. The method uses an etching composition comprising one or more onium salts selected from the group consisting of iodonium salts and sulfonium and an organic medium to etch the anti-reflection coating. Also provided is a photovoltaic cell made by this method.
US08741166B2	Plasma etching method A plasma etching method that can improve an etching selection ratio of a film to be etched to a film different from the film to be etched compared with the related art is provided. The present invention provides a plasma etching method for selectively etching a film to be etched against a film different from the film to be etched, in which plasma etching of the film to be etched is performed using a gas that can cause to generate a deposited film containing similar components as components of the different film.
US08741163B2	Method for producing a composite body having a self-supporting surface A method is provided for producing a composite body made of at least one self-supporting surface and at least one element connected to the surface in a coating process. The method includes providing a negative mold including the at least one element of the composite body, selectively ablating a surface of the negative mold to be coated with the at least one self-supporting surface by a defined first thickness so that the at least one element stands out from the surface as a projection at least in areas, depositing one or more layers for forming the at least one self-supporting surface having a defined second thickness, wherein an elevation forms in the area of the projection of the at least one element, leveling the coated surface, wherein the elevation is removed, and selectively removing at least parts of the negative mold.
US08741160B2	Method for manufacturing solar cell and solar cell manufactured by the same method Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a solar cell by processing a surface of a silicon substrate for a solar cell, a solar cell manufactured by the method, and a substrate processing system for performing the method. The method for manufacturing a solar cell comprises protrusion forming step including wet-etching process and for forming a plurality of minute protrusions on a light receiving surface of a crystalline silicon substrate, and planarization step of planarizing the bottom surface, the opposite surface to the light receiving surface of the substrate during or after the protrusion forming step.
US08741159B2	Touch screen panel and fabricating method for the same A method of fabricating a touch screen panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a reinforcing layer on the top and the bottom of a glass substrate by reinforcing the entire surface of the glass substrate defining a plurality of unit cell regions; forming the touch screen panels in the unit cell regions on a side of the glass substrate with the reinforcing layers; cutting the reinforced glass substrate into the touch screen panels; forming passivation layers on the outer surfaces of the touch screen panels and sequentially stacking the touch screen panels; and simultaneously with the stacking, performing healing on the non-reinforced cut-sides of the stacked touch screen panels.
US08741156B2	Hybrid photocatalysts, the method of their synthesis and use The subject of the invention is a hybrid photocatalyst which is a layered aluminosilicate, possibly organically modified, containing compounds introduced into the aluminosilicate galleries bearing groups such as porphyrin, rose bengal, anthracene, pyrene, perylene, tetracene, rubrene, naphthalene, phthalocyanines, coumarins, and methylene blue, which are organic chromophores able to absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light and sensitize photochemical reactions. The invention includes also the methods of synthesis and application of the photocatalysts for the photocatalytical degradation of water pollutants.
US08741149B2	Mass spectrometer A method of chemical separation includes dispensing a sample from a sample pumping system, pumping a solvent from a solvent gradient pumping system to elute the dispensed sample through a separation column, identifying an analyte of interest in the eluting sample, and pumping a solvent from the sample pumping system for peak parking of the analyte in the separation column.
US08741145B2	Methods of and systems for producing diesel blend stocks A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08741143B2	Process and plant for treating a water stream A process for treating a water stream containing dissolved organic carbon and dissolved salts comprises subjecting the water stream to reverse osmosis after a pre-treatment step to reduce the amount of dissolved organic carbon directed in water to the reverse osmosis treatment step. The preferred pre-treatment step is a membrane treatment step such as nanofiltration. The process enables treatment of complex effluents including mixtures of domestic and industrial effluents. Treated water may be recycled and a treatment plant (100) employing the process forms another aspect of the invention.
US08741142B1	Four stage anaerobic digester A multistage anaerobic digester for treatment of wastewater including complex organic polymers, includes a hydrolysis stage converting the complex organic polymers received at an inlet to solubilized monomers at an outlet; an acidogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the hydrolysis stage, converting the solubilized monomers into intermediate products at an outlet of the acidogenesis stage; an acetogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the acidogenesis stage, converting the intermediate products into simple molecules at an outlet of the acetogenesis stage; and a methanogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the acidogenesis stage, converting the simple molecules to an end product, the end product including a quantity of methane and a quantity of carbon dioxide.
US08741138B2	Filter with end cap features A filter element is removably supported within a housing comprising a filter head and a collection bowl. The element is removed from the lower end of the housing when the collection bowl is removed. The element includes an annular side wall which supports the element on radial ribs within the collection bowl; and a series of projections or posts which engage ribs on the bowl and cause the element to rotate in conjunction with the bowl when the collection bowl is screwed off of the head. The rotation of the element breaks the seal stiction between an upper seal on the element and the filter head, such that the element remains with the bowl. Openings around the sidewall facilitate fluid flow around the lower end cap. The element is supported by the collection bowl as the bowl is removed, and easily removed from the bowl and replaced.
US08741136B2	Device and method for treating or cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.
US08741135B2	Chromatography column with pack, unpack, and clean-in-place features A preparative chromatography column is equipped with one or more valves that can each be used to both inject a column packing into the column or withdraw used packing from the column, in addition to cleaning the supply and discharge lines associated with the valve itself, all by moving a movable plug within the valve body and all without protruding into the column interior. Each valve is mounted on the lateral wall of the column just above the filter plate at the column floor, and the plug is movable between a closed position in which the end surface of the plug is flush with the inner wall of the column and an open position in which the plug is recessed within the bore. Each valve has two additional ports in its valve body, positioned such that when the plug is closed, both ports are open to the valve bore, and when the plug is open, at least one of the ports is open to the bore. The position of the plug within the valve bore determines the valve function.
US08741133B2	Appratus for hydrocarbon removal A hydrocarbon removal apparatus includes a plurality of fibers and a backing substrate. Each of the plurality of fibers includes a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end is secured to the backing substrate.
US08741131B2	Method for powering portable dialysis machine A method for operating a medical fluid machine, the method comprising: (i) if alternating current (“AC”) power is available, charging a battery, if needed, and powering the medical fluid machine with the AC power; and (ii) if AC power is not available (a) if fuel cell power is available, charging the battery, if needed, and powering the medical fluid machine with the fuel cell power; and (b) if fuel cell power is not available, powering the medical fluid machine using battery power until the AC power or fuel cell power is available.
US08741130B2	Method for resolving emulsions in enhanced oil recovery operations Disclosed and claimed is a method of demulsifying a produced emulsion into oil and water by adding a surfactant to the produced emulsion. The surfactant comprises any combination of surfactants having a plurality of hydrophilic groups.
US08741129B2	Use of low boiling point aromatic solvent in hydroprocessing heavy hydrocarbons This invention is directed to a process for producing a hydroprocessed product. The invention is particularly advantageous in that substantially less hydrogen is absorbed during the process relative to conventional hydroprocessing methods. This benefit is achieved by using a particular solvent as a co-feed component. In particular, the solvent component contains at least one single ring aromatic compound and has a relatively low boiling point range compared to the heavy hydrocarbon oil component used as another co-feed component.
US08741127B2	Integrated desulfurization and denitrification process including mild hydrotreating and oxidation of aromatic-rich hydrotreated products Reduction of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds from hydrocarbon feeds is achieved by first contacting the entire feed with a hydrotreating catalyst in a hydrotreating reaction zone operating under mild conditions to convert the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. An extraction zone downstream of the hydrotreating reaction zone separates an aromatic-rich fraction that contains a substantial amount of the remaining refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. The aromatic-lean fraction is substantially free of organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds, since the non-aromatic organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds were the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds which were initially removed by mild hydrotreating. The aromatic-rich fraction is oxidized to convert the refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds to oxidized sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon compounds. These oxidized organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds are subsequently removed.
US08741126B2	Aviation gasoline for aircraft piston engines, preparation process thereof The subject of the present disclosure is an aviation gasoline composition that is lead-free and free of oxygenated compounds meeting the specifications of the ASTM standard comprising isopentane, isooctane, and (alkyl)aromatics. The aviation gasoline composition according to the disclosure may be obtained simply and economically from a mixture of hydrocarbon bases usually available in a refinery.
US08741123B2	Water electrolysis system and method for shutting down the same A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus including an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is provided between an anode and a cathode. The water electrolysis apparatus is configured to generate oxygen on a side of the anode and hydrogen on a side of the cathode at a pressure higher than a pressure of the oxygen through electrolysis of water. A gas-liquid separation apparatus separates unreacted water and produced gas discharged from a water outlet of the water electrolysis apparatus. A water circulation apparatus circulates the water between the water electrolysis apparatus and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water circulation apparatus includes a return pipe having an on-off valve and connecting the water outlet and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. A hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the return pipe between the water outlet and the on-off value and extends upward from the water electrolysis apparatus.
US08741122B2	Process for the reduction of oxygen Process for the reduction of oxygen in aqueous chlorine- and/or chloride-containing solutions in the presence of a catalyst comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes.
US08741118B2	Sensor control apparatus A sensor control apparatus includes: a gas sensor including an oxygen concentration detection cell having a first solid electrolyte body, a reference electrode and a detection electrode, and a heater; an electric current supply unit that supplies electric current to the oxygen concentration detecting cell; an activation determination unit; a heater control unit that sets a first target temperature equal to or higher than an activation determination temperature when the activation determination unit determines that the temperature of the gas sensor is equal to or higher than the activation determination temperature; an automatic stop detection unit; and a first temperature switching unit that controls electric current supplied to the heater such that the target temperature of the heater is switched to a second target temperature different from a temperature at which blackening is generated in the first solid electrolyte body when an automatic stop is detected.
US08741116B2	Sputtering apparatus, method of operating the same, and method of manufacturing substrate using the same A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor for receiving a substrate, and a first target device disposed to be opposite to a center region of a substrate and at least second and third target devices disposed to be opposite to peripheral regions of the substrate, wherein the second and third target devices are rotatable.
US08741115B2	Sputtering devices and methods The invention provides devices and methods for depositing uniform coatings using cylindrical magnetron sputtering. The devices and methods of the invention are useful in depositing coatings on non-cylindrical workpiece surfaces. An assembly of electromagnets located within the bore of a hollow cylindrical emitter is used to form a magnetic field exterior to and near the exterior surface of the emitter. The magnet assembly configuration is selected to provide a magnetic field configuration compatible with the workpiece surface contour. The electromagnet assembly may be a plurality of magnet units, each unit having at least one electromagnet. The magnetic field strength from each magnet unit is separately and electrically adjustable. Each electromagnet in the assembly has a coil of electrically conducting material surrounding a specially shaped core of magnetic material.
US08741110B2	Method of forming a film A method of forming a film, including the steps of preparing a base plate having a first region and a second region comprised of mutually different materials wherein at least one of the materials is an oxide and selectively conducting a film deposition on either one of the first region and the second region by a bias sputtering. Both the first and second regions can be formed of an oxide. Further, provided is a vapor film deposition method including irradiating a substrate having a plurality of regions of different constituent element groups composed of at least one element with a source material element group composed of at least one element to be deposited and ionized elements.
US08741107B2	Tailings solvent recovery unit A tailings solvent recovery vessel substantially without conventional internals utilizes nozzles for forming very fine solvent-containing hydrocarbon droplets from a solvent-containing tailings feedstream. The hydrocarbon droplets are discrete from water droplets. The hydrocarbon droplets are small enough to result in a large surface area and a desired fall residence time but sufficiently large that they are not entrained with the rising vapor in the vessel. The feedstream is introduced to the vessel with a pressure drop to result in an initial flashing of the solvent from the solvent-containing droplets. Heat from the vessel atmosphere or from steam flowing countercurrent to the falling hydrocarbon droplets is transferred to the falling hydrocarbon droplets resulting in vaporization of any residual solvent therefrom. A substantially solvent-depleted pool is collected in the bottom of the vessel and retained only so long as is required to pump the underflow stream from the vessel.
US08741106B2	Press belt and shoe press roll, and manufacturing method of press belt In a press belt (2), stepped portions are formed between an outer peripheral surface of a central region (A) and outer peripheral surfaces of end-corresponding regions (B) located so as to corresponding to both ends in a lateral direction of a press roll (1) or a pressure shoe (3), so that the end-corresponding regions have a smaller thickness than the central region. The outer peripheral surfaces of the end-corresponding regions are finished so that a processing flaw depth becomes 10 μm or less.
US08741104B2	Tissue products incorporating nanoporous cellulose fiber Fibrous cellulosic products incorporating both conventional cellulosic fibers and laterally expanded cellulose fibers exhibit exceptional porosity, bulk, absorbency and resiliency properties. Typical products include absorbent tissue products, absorbent fluff products and flat papers. The laterally expanded cellulose fibers exhibit: (i) a broadened X-Ray diffraction peak for the most prominent reflection having a width at half-height, (W1/2h)A, of at least about 3.0° 2Θ, (ii) broad overlapping maxima in their Raman spectrum between 285 and 500 cm−1, the height of the two tallest of said maxima in said spectrum between 285 and 500 cm−1 being between 35 and 50% of the height of the peak near 1098 cm−1 and (iii) a blue stain when treated with Graff C-stain, the stain exhibiting less red than the stains exhibited with bleached hardwood kraft fibers and bleached softwood kraft fibers.
US08741098B2	Table for use in plasma processing system and plasma processing system Disclosed herein is a table 2 for use in a plasma processing system 1 that includes an electrically conductive member serving as a lower electrode 21 for plasma formation, a lower dielectric layer 22 (first dielectric layer) formed on the electrically conductive member so that it covers the center of the upper surface of the electrically conductive member, serving to make a high-frequency electric field to be applied to plasma via a substrate uniform, and an upper dielectric layer 24 (second dielectric layer) having a relative dielectric constant of 100 or more, formed on the electrically conductive member so that it is in contact at least with the edge of the substrate, in order to prevent a high-frequency current that has propagated along the electrically conductive member face from leaking to the outside of the substrate (wafer W).
US08741095B2	Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method, and computer readable storage medium A plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum evacuable processing chamber; a first electrode for supporting a substrate to be processed in the processing chamber; a processing gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas into a processing space; a plasma excitation unit for generating a plasma by exciting the processing gas in the processing chamber; a first radio frequency power supply unit for supplying a first radio frequency power to the first electrode to attract ions in the plasma to the substrate; and a first radio frequency power amplitude modulation unit for modulating an amplitude of the first radio frequency power at a predetermined interval. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a first radio frequency power frequency modulation unit for modulating a frequency of the first radio frequency power in substantially synchronously with the amplitude modulation of the first radio frequency power.
US08741093B2	Tank for very low temperature liquids The present invention relates to a tank for holding a cryogenic liquid. According to the present invention, there is provided a light and durable tank which is airtight even at cryogenic temperatures without generating cracks. The tank includes: a pressure-resistant layer having an inner shell and an outer shell; and an airtight resin layer on an inner surface of the inner shell, wherein the inner shell is comprised of a fiber-reinforced resin composite which can withstand temperatures above the melting point of the airtight resin layer, and the outer shell is comprised of another fiber-reinforced resin composite which can be cured at a temperature below the melting point of the airtight resin layer.
US08741090B2	Method and device for joining adherends, as well as component Disclosed are methods for firmly joining fiber-reinforced, plastic-based adherends, wherein depressions are introduced into opposing lateral surfaces of the adherends, and have injected into them a fiber-reinforced plastic material that serves as an adhesive, a device for implementing such a method, as well as a component joined in this way.
US08741089B2	Method for fabricating display device A method for fabricating a display device 1 includes a first step of attaching a display panel and a first substrate member to each other with a first adhesive sandwiched between the display panel and the first substrate member, and a second step of attaching a second substrate member to the first substrate member on a surface of the first substrate member opposite to the display panel with a second adhesive sandwiched between the first and second substrate members, where the second step is carried out subsequently to the first step. The second adhesive used in the second step has a glass transition point higher than a glass transition point of the first adhesive.
US08741081B2	Joining method, joining appliance and fastening element A method for joining a fastening element on to a surface portion of a component, the fastening element having an adhesion face, on to which there is applied an adhesive that is thermally meltable and thermally settable, comprising the steps of: pre-heating the adhesive to a first temperature (T1), in order to activate the adhesive; pre-heating the surface portion to a second temperature (T2); and placing the adhesion face on to the surface portion; the adhesive undergoing main heating, to a third temperature (T3), after the adhesion face has been placed on to the surface portion, in order to set the adhesive and thereby permanently fasten the fastening element to the component.
US08741079B2	Electrical-assisted double side incremental forming and processes thereof A process for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component is provided. The process can include providing a double side incremental forming machine, the machine operable to perform a plurality of double side incremental deformations on the sheet metal component and also apply an electric direct current to the sheet metal component during at least part of the forming. The direct current can be applied before or after the forming has started and/or be terminated before or after the forming has stopped. The direct current can be applied to any portion of the sheet metal. The electrical assistance can reduce the magnitude of force required to produce a given amount of deformation, increase the amount of deformation exhibited before failure and/or reduce any springback typically exhibited by the sheet metal component.
US08741076B2	Apparatus and method of controlling phase transformation temperature of a shape memory alloy A device and method for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a shape memory alloy is provided. The device includes a primary wire composed of the shape memory alloy. The primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being attached to a fixed structure and the second end being able to displace. An activation source is thermally coupled to the wire and is operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle. A loading element is operatively connected to the primary wire and configured to selectively increase a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire.
US08741075B2	Method for manufacturing a hot press-formed member A method of producing a hot press-formed member having good corrosion resistance comprises subjecting a zinc-based plated steel sheet to heat treatment by heating to a temperature region of 600-750° C. at a rate of temperature increase up to 600° C. of at most 50° C. per second followed by cooling to 550° C. or below to form a steel blank which has a zinc oxide layer in its uppermost surface portion and below it a zinc-iron alloy phase having an Fe content of at least 25 mass %. This steel blank is heated to a temperature of at least its Ac3 point, then press formed immediately at a temperature of at least its Ac3 point, and then rapidly cooled. The hot press-formed member has a surface region with zinc oxide and iron-zinc solid solution phases and not containing an intermetallic compound phase or a pure zinc phase.
US08741069B2	Apparatus and method for cleaning microsurgical instruments A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
US08741065B2	Substrate processing apparatus A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate stage for mounting two or more substrates thereon. The substrate stage includes substrate stage units. Each of the substrate stage units includes a central temperature control flow path for controlling the temperature of a central portion of each of the substrates and a peripheral temperature control flow path for controlling the temperature of a peripheral portion of each of the substrates. The central temperature control flow path and the peripheral temperature control flow path are formed independently of each other. The substrate stage includes one temperature control medium inlet port for introducing therethrough a temperature control medium into the peripheral temperature control flow path and temperature control medium outlet ports for discharging therethrough the temperature control medium from the peripheral temperature control flow path. The number of the temperature control medium outlet ports corresponds to the number of substrates.
US08741064B2	Heat treatment method and heat treatment apparatus A substrate holder has two holder constituting bodies, each having a plurality of columns arranged on an imaginary circle, and substrate holding sections that hold circumferential portions of respective substrates. The holder constituting bodies hold the substrates so that either their front surfaces or their back surfaces face upward with a substrate having an upward facing front and a substrate having an upward facing rear being alternately arranged in a vertical direction. At least one of the holder constituting bodies moves in the vertical direction to change the positions of the holder constituting bodies relative to each other. A distance between a first pair of vertically adjacent substrates with their respective front surfaces facing each other is set to ensure treatment uniformity, and to be larger than a distance between a second pair of vertically adjacent substrates with their respective back surfaces facing each other.
US08741060B2	System and method for liquid silicon containment This invention relates to a system and a method for liquid silicon containment, such as during the casting of high purity silicon used in solar cells or solar modules. The containment apparatus includes a shielding ember adapted to prevent breaching molten silicon from contacting structural elements or cooling elements of a casting device, and a volume adapted to hold a quantity of breaching molten silicon with the volume formed by a bottom and one or more sides.
US08741058B1	By-product treatment via calcium polysulfide By-product materials are processed to mitigate undesirable effects. In some embodiments, industrial waste by-products are recycled using calcium polysulfide and used in building materials. In certain implementations, toxins are rendered non-viable as human pathogens by reaction with calcium polysulfide to create non-soluble sulfide crystals locked in the material as hydration is completed. The sulfides are not soluble in water and are locked into position within the resulting hydrate material, which mitigates escape of or changes of state in the toxins.
US08741056B2	O/W wax dispersions and gypsum products obtainable from these The invention relates to O/W wax dispersions based on water, an emulsifier and a wax phase containing predominantly aliphatic hydrocarbons and polar compounds having chain lengths of at least 18 carbon atoms, and also plaster compositions comprising the O/W wax dispersion, and the use of the O/W wax dispersion.
US08741055B2	Method for production of hydraulic binder A method for the production of an alkali activated hydraulic binder, with the binder comprising slag, natural aluminum silicates, and an alkali activator, and the binder being free of CaSO4. The slag is provided in amounts greater than or equal to 20% (w/w), and the natural aluminum silicates are different from furnace slag, and are provided in amounts from 5 to 75% (w/w). The alkali activator is provided in an amount which corresponds to a Na2O equivalent defined as (Na2O+0.658 K2O) (ASTM C 150) between 0.7 and 4% (w/w). The method includes the step of heat treating a mixture of the slag, the natural aluminium silicates, and the alkali activator at temperatures between 40° C. and 50° C. for 4 to 6 hours.
US08741052B2	Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.
US08741048B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink cartridge A water-based ink for ink jet recording includes a self-dispersible pigment modified by phosphate group; water; a water-soluble organic solvent; a cationic surfactant which is contained at 0.001% by weight to 0.05% by weight in the water-based ink for ink jet recording; and at least one selected from the group consisting of boric acids, a chelate agent, a reducing sugar and a sugar alcohol.
US08741044B1	Cycylohexyl-mannitol diketal derivatives as vehicle modifiers and gelators Disclosure herein are cycylhexyl-mannitol diketal derivatives as vehicle modifiers and gelators having a formula of: wherein each R1 and R2 is independently alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkaryl, or halogen; m is from 1 to 10; and n is from 1 to 10.
US08741043B2	Bio-renewable fast crystallizing phase change inks A phase change ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the phase change ink composition comprises both a crystalline compound and an amorphous compound which are derived from bio-renewable materials. The composition provides for a robust, rapid crystallization ink composition.
US08741041B2	Phase change ink compositions containing lignosulfonate compounds A phase change ink composition includes a carrier; an optional colorant; and a lignosulfonate compound of the formula wherein R is hydrogen or and wherein the cationic counterion+ is a nitrogen-alkyl cationic counterion, a nitrogen-aryl cationic counterion, a nitrogen-alkylaryl cationic counterion, or a nitrogen arylalkyl cationic counterion; and wherein the cationic counterion contains at least eight carbon atoms.
US08741040B2	Phase change ink compositions comprising aromatic ethers A phase change ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In particular, the crystalline component comprises an aromatic ether.
US08741036B2	Composition of palladium unsaturated organoamine complex and palladium nanoparticles A palladium first composition is disclosed, including a palladium salt and an unsaturated organoamine, wherein the composition is substantially free of water, and wherein the first composition forms a second composition including stable palladium nanoparticles and a palladium unsaturated organoamine. The composition permits the use of solution processing methods to form a palladium layer on a wide variety of substrates, including in a pattern to form circuitry or pathways for electronic devices.
US08741035B2	Spray dryer absorption process for flue gas with entrained coarse particles Disclosed herein is a method for reducing the amount of coarser particles from a stream of flue gas prior to treatment by a spray dryer absorption process (SDA). The method comprises the steps of directing a stream of flue gas containing entrained particles of varying sizes through a curve, thereby subjecting the particles to a centrifugal effect, collecting the particles predominately of the coarser size at a particles collecting means provided in the outer circumference of the curve, dispersing the flue gas reduced in particles of coarse particle sizes into the chamber of a spray dryer absorption apparatus, wherein the particles content of the original flue gas stream is above 20 g/Nm3. Also an apparatus for performing the method and a gas disperser is disclosed. The method substantially reduces the cost of the entire plant for treating flue gas having a high content of entrained coarse particles by eliminating the need for a particle pre-collector upstream the SDA.
US08741034B2	Exhaust gas treatment system with carbon dioxide chemical absorption equipment An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas treatment system that effectively use heat recovered from an exhaust gas without any limitation in a CO2 chemical absorption equipment that requires enormous heat energy, and thus enabling reduction in running cost of the CO2 chemical absorption equipment. Disclosed is an exhaust gas treatment system with a CO2 chemical absorption equipment, which is provided with a heat recovery device that recovers exhaust heat from an exhaust gas discharged from a boiler; and a CO2 chemical absorption equipment that absorbs CO2 in the exhaust gas by bringing the exhaust gas into contact with an amine absorbing solution in a carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption column, heats the absorbing solution that have absorbed CO2 thereby releasing CO2 into a CO2 regeneration column, heats the absorbing solution after release of CO2 via a reboiler, and then circulates the absorbing solution in a CO2 absorption column; the exhaust gas treatment system comprising a heat exchange unit that applies heat recovered by the heat recovery device to the absorbing solution that is delivered to the reboiler from the CO2 regeneration column of the CO2 chemical absorption equipment.
US08741033B2	Air pollution control apparatus An air pollution control apparatus 1 includes: an absorber 2 that serves as a passage for flue gas; an absorbent spraying unit 5 that sprays an absorbent into the absorber 2; and a reservoir tank 3 that reserves therein the absorbent. The air pollution control apparatus 1 brings the flue gas into gas-liquid contact with the absorbent to process the flue gas, while sending the flue gas in the absorber 2. The air pollution control apparatus 1 also collects and reserves therein the absorbent after processing the flue gas in the reservoir tank 3. The air pollution control apparatus 1 also includes a defoaming agent diffusing unit 6 that diffuses a defoaming agent over foams of the absorbent in the reservoir tank 3.
US08741029B2	Fuel deoxygenation using surface-modified porous membranes A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.
US08741026B2	Branched nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles Branched nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed. Such branched nanowires are useful for electronics and optical applications.
US08741025B2	Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles Methods of preparing metal nanowire are disclosed that employ quaternary phosphonium salts. Such processes can produce long and thin nanowires. Compositions and articles comprising such nanowires are useful in electronics applications.
US08741024B2	Welding rods including PCD particles and methods of forming such welding rods A welding rod for use in applying hardfacing to a surface of a tool includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body including a metal matrix material. The welding rod also includes particles of polycrystalline diamond material carried by the elongated, generally cylindrical body. The particles of polycrystalline diamond material include a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains.
US08741021B2	Controlled release fertilizer composition A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.
US08741020B2	Exhaust gas purification filter, and method of manufacturing exhaust gas purification filter An object is to provide an exhaust gas purification filter that can achieve high trapping efficiency of particulate matter and low pressure loss, and the exhaust gas purification filter includes an inflow surface through which exhaust gas containing particulate matter flows in, a discharge surface from which purified gas is discharged, and a filter base body that is formed from a porous body, wherein the filter base body includes porous partition walls and gas flow paths surrounded by the partition walls, a porous film having a pore size smaller than that of pores of the partition walls is provided on each surface of the partition walls, and microgrooves having a depth shallower than the thickness of the porous film are formed on at least a part of a surface of the porous film.
US08741019B2	Flange with integral electrically conductive seal and seal arrangement A sealing arrangement is provided in which a seal flange includes a seal flange body having an integrated electrically conductive seal integrated onto an outer circumferential edge of the seal flange body. The seal flange with integrated seal is installable to seal between two confronting mounting flange faces. The seal is operative to conduct electric charge between said seal flange body and said mounting flanges.
US08741018B2	Filter cartridge with centerboard, dust collectors, and methods An air filter cartridge is provided including an air filter media construction having a first, outlet end, flow face and an opposite, second, inlet end, flow face. The filter media construction has fluted media secured to a facing media sheet. The filter media is closed to flow of unfiltered air completely therethrough. A centerboard is provided. The centerboard has a media portion embedded within the media construction. The centerboard has first and second opposite sides. The media portion that is embedded within the media defines an aperture arrangement extending completely through the centerboard from the first side to the second side. An adhering sealant secures the centerboard to the media construction. At least some adhering sealant extends through the aperture arrangement.
US08741016B2	Filter device A filter device has a compact filter made of a filter material that is wound spirally. A star filter that is made of a filter material that has folds arranged in a star shape surrounds the compact filter. The filter device has a cylindrical shape. A fluid to be filtered passes the compact filter in an axial direction and the star filter in a radial direction. The filter device is exchangeable and is mounted in a filter housing such that the compact filter and the star filter have a common raw side and a common clean side that are separated from each other.
US08741013B2	Dust bin for a robotic vacuum A dust bin for a robotic vacuum comprises a dust bin frame having a cavity defined therein to receive debris, a filter frame disposed within the dust bin frame and defining two filter openings at opposite sides thereof, and a central impeller disposed adjacent to or under the filter frame to draw air from outside of the dust bin into the dust bin. The dust bin also comprises two air filters, one air filter being located on each side of the central impeller, each air filter being inserted into one of the filter openings, each filter having an overhang around a perimeter thereof that includes a sealing face to form a vacuum-assisted seal with the filter frame when air is drawn into the dust bin.
US08741008B2	Aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing and chemical mechanical polishing method A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) a graft polymer that includes an anionic functional group in a trunk polymer, and (B) abrasive grains.
US08741007B1	Methods of fabricating thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond elements and compacts Embodiments of the invention relate to thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) elements, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and methods of fabricating such PCD elements and PDCs. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a thermally-stable PCD element includes providing an at least partially leached PCD body including a plurality of interstitial regions, and infiltrating at least a portion of the interstitial regions of the at least partially leached PCD body with at least a portion of an infiltrant material. The infiltrant material may include at least one member chosen from the group of glass, silicone, and a ceramic having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.
US08741006B2	Ultra-hard constructions with enhanced second phase An ultra-hard construction is disclosed that is prepared by a method comprising the steps of treating a material microstructure having a polycrystalline matrix first phase material and a second phase material from at least a partial region of the material microstructure, wherein the second phase material is disposed within interstitial regions of the material microstructure, and wherein removal of the second phase material creates a porous material microstructure characterized by a plurality of empty voids and replacing the removed second phase material with a replacement material having a thermal characteristic that more closely matched polycrystalline matrix first phase that the second phase material.
US08741002B2	Gasoline compositions An unleaded gasoline composition comprising: (i) a gasoline base fuel; and (ii) component A, wherein component A is an alkyl alkenoate compound, or a mixture of alkyl alkenoate compounds, selected from compounds of formula I: wherein R1 is a linear alkenyl group containing 3 to 5 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a methyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The gasoline composition of the present invention exhibits good lubricity. The gasoline composition of the invention in another aspect provides increased sensitivity.
US08741001B1	Blends of low carbon and conventional fuels with improved performance characteristics The present invention provides a blended fuel and methods for producing the blended fuel, wherein a low carbon fuel derived from a renewable resource such as biomass, is blended with a traditional, petroleum derived fuel. A blended fuel which includes greater than 10% by volume of low carbon fuel has an overall improved lifecycle greenhouse gas content of about 5% or more compared to the petroleum derived fuel. Also, blending of the low carbon fuel to the traditional, petroleum fuel improves various engine performance characteristics of the traditional fuel.
US08740994B2	Dyeing agent and use for same The object is to provide a process for dyeing that can provide an excellent dyeing effect while utilizing an oxidase, and a dyeing agent for use in the process. Provided is a dyeing agent comprising a modified enzyme obtained by adding positive charge by a chemical modification with an amine to an enzyme selected from the group consisting of an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.1, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.2, an enzyme specified as EC 1.3.3.5, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.4, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.3 and an enzyme specified as EC 1.14.18.1. A process for dyeing using the dyeing agent is also provided.
US08740993B2	Method for reduced encrustation of textiles using a polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate, and alkyl acrylate A laundry detergent composition includes an alkalinity source, at least one nonionic surfactant and a polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers. The alkalinity source is present in an amount between about 1% and about 75% by weight of the laundry detergent composition and includes at least one member selected from alkali metal hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates. The polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers is present in an amount equal to or greater than about 0.5% by weight of the laundry detergent composition.
US08740990B2	Randomly oriented, FGF-2-modified nanofiber device for use in spinal cord repair The invention relates to a device composed of a plurality of strips of randomly oriented nanofibers, wherein said strips are arranged along their longitudinal axes. In addition, the surface of the device's nanofibers are covalently modified with fibroblast growth factor-2. A method for using the instant device for facilitating axonal regeneration in spinal cord injury is also provided.
US08740989B2	Porous ureteral stent In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient.
US08740987B2	Tissue-derived mesh for orthopedic regeneration An implant including a substantially cohesive aggregate comprising bone-derived particles. Cohesiveness is maintained by a member of mechanical interlocking, engagement of adjacent bone-derived particles with one another through engagement with a binding agent, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, or a matrix material in which the bone-derived particles are retained. The aggregate is shaped as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional body.
US08740976B2	Transcatheter prosthetic heart valve delivery system with flush report A delivery system for use with a prosthetic heart valve having a stent frame to which a valve structure is attached includes a shaft assembly including a distal portion and an intermediate portion, and an inner lumen extending through the shaft assembly. The delivery system includes a sheath assembly defining an outer lumen sized to slidably receive the shaft assembly. At least one flush port is formed in the intermediate portion. The at least one flush port is in fluid communication with the inner lumen and the outer lumen. The delivery system is configured to transition from a loaded state in which the sheath assembly encompasses the prosthetic heart valve to a deployed state in which the sheath assembly is withdrawn from the prosthetic heart valve.
US08740973B2	Polymer biodegradable medical device A medical device that is at least partially formed of a biodegradable polymer. The medical device can be at least partially formed by MEMS technology. The medical device can include one or more micro-structures that are also formed by MEMS technology. The medical device can include one or more biological agents that can be controllably and/or uncontrollably released from the medical device,
US08740972B2	Medical device with anchor members An implantable medical support frame (104) having a central longitudinally extending axis is expandable from a collapsed configuration having a first diameter to an expanded configuration having a second diameter. The frame also includes an anchoring mechanism with an elongate member (110). At least a portion of the elongate member is slidably disposed within a retaining structure when the frame is in the collapsed configuration. When the frame expands from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, a portion of the elongate member is advanced out of the retaining structure such that the portion of the elongate member protrudes radially outward of the frame at an angle to the axis, thereby forming an anchor. A length of the protruding portion of the anchor increases as the frame expands from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.
US08740971B2	Vascular prosthesis A vascular endoprosthesis (1) is disclosed which is capable of being arranged internally to the aortic arch (O), comprising: a tubular main body (2), to be housed in the internal lumen of the aortic arch (O); three tubular secondary bodies (3, 4, 5), originating from the main body (2) and to be housed in the right carotid artery (R), in the left carotid artery (L) and in the subclavian artery (S); and stent-type engagement means (10, 11, 13, 14, 15), intended to hold a longitudinal end portion (21, 22, 31, 41, 51) of the main and secondary bodies onto the internal wall of the respective vessel (FIG. 5).
US08740968B2	Multiple independent nested stent structures and methods for their preparation and deployment Blood vessels and other body lumens are stented using stent structures comprising a plurality of radially expansible rings where at least some of the rings comprise axially extending elements which interleave with axially extending elements on adjacent unconnected rings. The ring structures may be open cell structures or closed cell structures, and the axially extending elements will typically be formed as part of the open cell or closed cell structure.
US08740967B2	Stent A stent includes a plurality of wavy annular bodies each formed in an annular shape from a wavy linear member, and a connection part provided between the adjacent wavy annular bodies, interconnecting the adjacent wavy annular bodies coaxially, weaker than the wavy annular bodies and rupturable. The connection part extends in a slanting manner relative to an axial direction in which the wavy annular bodies are aligned, and interconnects that one inflexed part of one wavy annular body which is curved in a shape projected toward the other wavy annular body adjacent to the one wavy annular body and that the other inflexed part of the other wavy annular body which is curved in a shape projected toward the one wavy annular body.
US08740966B2	Low profile non-symmetrical stent A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.
US08740963B2	Methods of implanting a prosthesis and treating an aneurysm A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes providing a prosthesis delivery system with an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The prosthesis is loaded inside the inner sheath. The inner sheath containing the prosthesis is loaded within the outer sheath. The outer sheath is advanced in a patient towards the treatment site up to a given position at a distance from the treatment site. While retaining the outer sheath in the given position, the inner sheath is advanced out from the outer sheath to the treatment site to align the prosthesis with the treatment site and the inner sheath is retracted to at least partially implant the prosthesis at the treatment site. Upon completion of prosthesis implantation, both of the inner and outer sheaths are retracted from the patient.
US08740962B2	Prosthesis for retrieval and deployment The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The disclosure also includes a mounting tool for mounting the prosthesis onto a loading tool, the loading tool useful for loading the prosthesis onto a device for delivering the prosthesis into the patient's heart. Control devices and methods for using these devices are also disclosed. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.
US08740959B2	Method and apparatus for modifying the temperature of a patient A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
US08740955B2	Bone screw with multiple thread profiles for far cortical locking and flexible engagement to a bone Osteosynthesis constructs for treating bone fractures and bone screws for use in such systems are disclosed. The bone screws include a threaded front section configured for engagement with cortical bone, a threaded mid-section and an unthreaded neck section configured for limited movement within the near cortex of the bone. Osteosynthesis constructs of the type disclosed promote secondary healing by allowing for substantially parallel motion at the near and far cortex within the effective motion range for callus formation.
US08740954B2	Device and method for orthopedic fracture fixation The present invention relates invention relates to devices and methods for the fixation and stabilization of orthopedic fractures and more specifically to stabilization of compression fractures of spinal vertebrae. The systems comprise cannulated orthopedic screws and mechanical expandable implants introducible through the lumen of such screws. In certain embodiments the cannulated implants are expandable within an intraosseous space to introduce scaffold-like structures such that subsequent introduction of a bone cement forms a composite in situ. The devices and methods are also particularly useful for stabilizing the orthopedic screws.
US08740951B2	Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods and devices Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
US08740950B2	Methods for percutaneously attaching a cross connector to contralateral spinal constructs Methods and techniques for attaching a cross connector to a pair of contralaterally implanted spinal rods in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement, the cross connector is subcutaneously placed to interconnect contralaterally to a pair of rod connectors that are percutaneously attached respectively to a pair of rods in existing spinal constructs implanted on opposite sides of spine.
US08740947B2	Multiple lead bone fixation apparatus An orthopedic bone anchor device is disclosed that includes, in one embodiment, a receiver member, an anchor member and a retaining member. The retaining member may retain the anchor member at least partially in the receiver member. In certain embodiments, the anchor member may have a groove in a head for accommodating part of the retaining member, and/or a multiple lead thread.
US08740945B2	Dynamic stabilization system using polyaxial screws A spinal stabilization system including an insert positionable in the channel of the housing of a poly-axial pedicle screw which allows for locking the housing of the poly-axial pedicle screw from pivotal movement through a clamping force generated by rotational engagement of a fastener with the housing while clamping a cord of a support construct in the housing of the poly-axial pedicle screw through direct contact of the fastener against the cord.
US08740943B2	Spine distraction implant and method A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
US08740937B2	Suture lock Suture locks, as well as related systems and methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture locks, systems and methods are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety of suture fixation and perforation closure situations. The suture lock includes a locking pin and a retaining sleeve. The locking pin has a main body and a grip. The retaining sleeve has a tubular body with an internal wall defining an internal passageway sized to receive the locking pin therein. The suture lock is operable between a locked configuration and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the suture strands are compressed between the grip and the internal wall of the tubular body.
US08740933B2	Vessel occlusion clamp A surgical clamp for occluding a body conduit includes first and second jaws movable relative to each other in a generally parallel relationship. A handle assembly is operable to move the jaws relative to each other between a space position and proximate position. The first jaw has an elongate configuration characterized by a length and a width. First portions of the first jaw have in cross section a first shape which remains generally constant in area along the first jaw, while second portions have in cross section a second shape which varies in area along the length of the first jaw. The resulting clamp has a low profile jaw design which dimensional-shaped cross section which provide increased stiffness and reduced flexibility.
US08740924B2	Safe simple disposable automatic blood lancet A safe simple disposable automatic blood lancet includes a casing, a lancet core, a spring and a protective bar. The ejection cavity is provided inside with a space that allows the push arm to move downwards; the protective bar is provided at the end inside the ejection cavity with a safety action portion; with the protective bar assembled, this safety action portion occupies the space in the X, Y or Z direction, so as to prevent the barb from being self-locked with the self-locking barb with the push arm moving downwards; with the protective bar disassembled, this safety action portion withdraws from the space, so as to allow the barb to be self-locked with the self-locking barb with the push arm moving downwards. The lancet core can be assembled into the locking state of ready for ejection; the blood lancet can be placed into the ejection state just by twisting off the protective bar during application, and into the locking state automatically after ejection so as to be unreusable.
US08740923B2	Puncture device and puncture needle cartridge A puncture device is constituted such that a plunger (2) is provided with a lever (3) which is partially restricted in rotation, and a forward urging force is obtained by a contraction restorative force of a tension spring (4), and the tension spring (4) is again expanded with the lever (3) as a leverage when the plunger (2) further moves forward due to its inertia from a position where no urging force is not applied, and the plunger (2) is urged backward by a restorative force of the re-expansion. Further, a puncture needle cartridge is provided with a lancet body (203) having a puncture needle, and a puncture needle holder (201) in which the lancet body (203) is movably stored, and further, the lancet body (203) has an arm means (302) and the puncture needle holder (201) contains a to-be-latched means (303) that cooperates with the arm means (302). Thereby, the fabrication process is simplified, and plural times of punctures of the puncture needle is prevented, and further, the puncture speed is controlled, and moreover, the used puncture needle is discarded safely.
US08740922B2	Ear pipe An ear pipe used as an alternative medicine practice to remove excess ear wax, debris, and other undesirable contaminants from the ear canal. The ear pipe includes a generally hollow body, wherein the hollow body includes a bowl, a midsection, and a proximal end. The ear pipe may be used by bringing a unit of ear pipe fuel to a smoldering state within the bowl, holding the ear pipe with a user's hand, and inserting the proximal end of the pipe into a user's ear to allow warm air/smoke to enter the ear canal and create temperatures high enough to cause the excess ear wax, debris, and other undesirable contaminants to drain from the ear canal.
US08740917B2	Apparatus and method for acoustic/mechanical treatment of early stage acne The apparatus includes at least two skin-contacting elements, the elements having narrow end faces and a mounting assembly for holding the elements closely adjacent to each other. A driving assembly reciprocally moves one element relative to the adjacent element(s) at a frequency that produces an action on the pores of the skin to loosen sebaceous plugs present in the pores, by permitting their ready removal from the skin.
US08740914B2	Surgical positioning assembly and related systems and methods Systems and methods for placing spinal implants within an intervertebral region. In some embodiments, a surgical positioning tool may be provided that allows for access to an implantation site to be gained along a first axis, and then allows a spinal implant to be repositioned from the first axis to a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The spinal implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a recess comprising two adjacent bars configured to engage elements of the surgical positioning tool to allow for the aforementioned repositioning.
US08740913B2	Apparatus and method for arthroscopic transhumeral rotator cuff repair Apparatuses are provided for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair incorporating a transhumeral bone tunnel. The apparatus comprises a number of components that can also be considered a repair system to include a drill guide, a marking hook, and a drill with a removable tip that serves as a bone anchor. In additional aspects of the invention, the components of the drill guide assembly comprise a cannulated marking hook and a drill guide with multiple bores. In additional aspects of the invention, an implantable bone anchor is provided that is especially adapted for placement through a bone tunnel, and wherein the implantable anchor is collapsible to increase the effective size of the anchor for securing the anchor to the far side opening of the bone tunnel through which the anchor was placed.
US08740912B2	Tools for performing less invasive orthopedic joint procedures A tool set for preparing a joint, inserting an implant or removing an implant from a joint in an open or less invasive procedure generally comprises a set of nested tools, pin guides, jigs, and/or immobilization elements. The nested tool set comprises at least one pin and at least one cannulated tool. In some embodiments, the cannula can comprise tangs that project from the distal end of the cannula. The tangs can be offset such that drilling would remove different amounts of bone relative to drilling through a centered drill guide. The cannulated tool kit generally can comprise at least one tool guide/cannula, drill bits/reamer, syringe, and/or inserter. With the pin positioned into the joint, at least one cannula is positioned over and around the pin. The channel of the cannula guides the other tools into the joint. A plurality of cannulae in a nested arrangement can be used to afford selectively sized channels for tools and/or implants based on selected cannulae configuration. Jigs can be used to facilitate the procedure. Multiple implants can be placed to immobilize the joint.
US08740910B2	Modular anterior-posterior femoral sizer The invention provides an apparatus and method for sizing a distal portion of a femur during knee arthroplasty. A sizer according to the invention includes a body that can be removably attached to the distal portion of the femur and that is operable to support a module that is removably attachable to the body. The body with attached module is operable for use in measuring the size of the distal portion of the femur. The module can be attached to the body either before or after the body has been attached to the distal portion of the femur and can be detached from the body either before or after the body is detached from the distal portion of the femur.
US08740909B2	Targeting device for orthopedic implants A medical system includes parts used in a method for detachably establishing a spatial orientation between a body implant and an aiming device. A positioning arm being connected to the aiming device and an adaptor device being connected to or integrally formed with a bone stabilizing plate are hooked into each other. This is accomplished by means of an engaging element of the positioning arm, which engaging element is designed such that it may be coupled with an attachment element of the adaptor device. Further, there is provided a snapping mechanism which is designed to automatically engage in an interlocking element of the adaptor device, when the positioning arm, when hooked into the adaptor device, is rotated relative to the adaptor device towards a final angular position.
US08740907B2	Apparatus for and method of providing a hip replacement A short main incision and portal incisions at portal positions strategically displaced from the main incision are provided in a patient's hip. One portal incision (acetabular portal) provides for a disposition of reamers in the patient's acetabulum to shape the acetabulum. A cannula is inserted through the portal incision to the acetabulum and the successive reamers of progressive size are inserted into the acetabulum through the main incision to progressively size and shape the acetabulum. An approximately hemispherical acetabular component is then disposed in the prepared acetabulum to provide for hip rotation relative to the femoral component. The other portal incision (femoral portal) provides for insertion into the patient's hip of a member for driving the femoral stem into a cavity in the patient's femur. The provision of the short main incision and the portal incision minimizes the patient's loss of blood, tissue trauma, length of operating time and patient recovery time.
US08740905B2	Bone fracture fixation system A bone fracture fixation system including a bone plate having a contour that substantially matches the contour of an underlying bone. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a jig that can be moved relative to non-parallel cannulas guided by the jig into operative position relative to a bone plate. In one embodiment, the jig includes grooves which do not completely surround the perimeter of the cannulas guided by the jig. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a jig including guides having a position and orientation which is adjustable relative to other ones of the guides. In one embodiment, the jig includes two portions that can articulate with respect to each other. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a wire bender that can bend a wire greater than 180 degrees so that both ends of the wire can be inserted into a fractured bone.
US08740904B2	Seal anchor introducer including biasing member A seal anchor member has opposing ends that define a longitudinal axis. The seal anchor member is adapted to transition between an expanded condition and a compressed condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract in a substantially sealed relationship. The seal anchor member includes a biasing member positioned along the longitudinal axis. The biasing member is configured and adapted to facilitate the transition between the expanded and compressed conditions. The seal anchor member further includes at least one lumen extending through the seal anchor member for slidably receiving a surgical instrument.
US08740903B2	Method and apparatus for bone fracture fixation Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for fixing bone with an osteosynthesis splint. In embodiments of the present invention, a splint may be introduced into a bone at a fracture site, or may enter the rib at an opening near a fracture site and extend along the intramedullary canal across the fracture site.
US08740895B2	Delivery devices with coolable energy emitting assemblies Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat, ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue in an airway of a patient. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue while cooling non-targeted tissue to protect the non-targeted tissue from damage. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.
US08740892B2	Expandable multi-tubular cryoprobe An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from −200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.
US08740890B2	Systems and hand pieces for use in ophthalmology or dermatology The invention relates to a system for ophthalmology or dermatology, having a laser unit for generating pulsed laser radiation, the pulse length of the laser pulses lying in the femtosecond range, a hand unit for emitting laser radiation generated by the laser unit, and a flexible light waveguide for delivering the laser radiation generated by the laser unit to the hand unit. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding hand unit for emitting pulsed laser radiation generated by a laser unit, the laser radiation having pulse lengths in the femtosecond range.
US08740887B2	Combined wavefront and topography systems and methods Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape.
US08740886B2	Multiple-spot laser refractive ophthalmic surgery An apparatus for refractive ophthalmic surgery by laser radiation including a source of radiation which emits a processing beam a beam path for focusing and scanning. The beam path focuses the processing beam into a cornea of an eye and shifts a position of a focus therein. A beam splitting device generates several foci in the cornea and divides the processing beam into a primary beam and at least one secondary beam. The primary and secondary beams have substantially the same cross section as the processing beam which is incident on the beam splitting device and the beam-splitting device introduces a separation between the primary and secondary beams. The primary and secondary beams expand in the beam path. A contact glass induces a pre-defined geometric boundary surface at the cornea.
US08740885B2	Guide tube control of minimally invasive surgical instrument A telemanipulatively controlled guide tube acts as a wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument that extends through the guide tube. The instrument may be removed and replaced with another instrument. In some aspects the instruments are commercial, off the shelf minimally invasive surgical instruments.
US08740884B2	Instrument for endoscopic applications or the like An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.
US08740882B2	Medical robotic system and method of controlling the same A medical robotic system and method for controlling the system are provided to precisely measure contact force during the minimally invasive surgery. In one embodiment, a medical robotic system includes an input device, a robotic arm assembly, a surgical instrument operably coupled to the robotic arm assembly, the surgical instrument including a contact detection unit configured to detect a contact of the surgical instrument with tissue of a patient, a current measurement unit configured to measure a joint current in the robotic arm assembly, a position/velocity measurement unit configured to measure a joint position and a joint velocity in the robotic arm assembly, an external force calculation unit configured to calculate size and direction of a contact force caused by the contact of the surgical instrument to the tissue based on the joint currents, positions and velocities measured when the contact is occurred and measured when the contact is not occurred.
US08740874B2	Catheter device A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.
US08740871B2	Preservative-free follicle stimulating hormone solution delivery device A one-time use device to deliver preservative-free follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) solution is disclosed. The device includes a needle covered by a sliding needle shield, which covers the needle in all modes of the device. The device can be placed into a ready-to-use position in four or fewer user steps. The device has a knob for setting a desired dose of FSH. The knob includes longitudinally spaced elements respectively corresponding to the lock position and the seven or fewer discrete dosing positions. The device locks after one use and cannot be reused thereafter.
US08740869B2	Personal care articles with tactile visual cues An absorbent article, for example, a diaper, a training pant, a swimming pant, or a feminine care article, and so forth, includes a topsheet, which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, a backsheet disposed distally from the topsheet, which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a heat-activatable expandable treatment on the garment-facing surface. The heat-activatable expandable treatment is present on the garment-facing surface in a visually distinctive shape or pattern and provides visual and/or tactile cues to a user of the absorbent article.
US08740865B2	Ostomy appliance wear time prediction Use of and performance of ostomy appliances are enhanced by providing one or more sensors to an ostomy pouch; collecting sensor data by sensors to form a history of events impinging on the ostomy pouch and conditions of the pouch over time; comparing the sensor data to historical sensor data for a similar ostomy pouch to predict a reduction in nominal wear time; and notifying a user of the predicted reduction in nominal wear time.
US08740864B2	Patient fluid line access valve antimicrobial cap/cleaner Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.
US08740860B2	Assembly for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device An assembly for a drug delivery device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a dose button configured to be moved with respect to the housing for setting and delivering a dose of a drug, and a resilient setting member. For a dose delivery movement, the dose button is arranged to be moveable in the distal direction with respect to the housing from a dose delivery position, thereby deforming the resilient setting member to store energy in the resilient setting member. The assembly is configured to use the energy stored in the resilient setting member for a dose setting movement to move the dose button in the proximal direction with respect to the housing into the dose delivery position. Furthermore, a drug delivery device is provided.
US08740859B2	Systems and methods for providing a flow control valve for a medical device The present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device, the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device, while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device. These systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body, the septum and the pusher.
US08740857B2	Syringe device A medical delivery system comprising a container and a coupling mechanism movable between a coupling position wherein distal movement of a drive mechanism is transferred to an actuator, and a non-coupling position wherein distal movement is not transferred to the actuator. Moreover the present invention relates to a dosing assembly for use in the medical delivery system and a container for use in the medical delivery system. Finally, the present invention relates to medical delivery system comprising a dosing assembly having means for preventing a drive stem of the dosing assembly from being moved in a distal direction.
US08740856B2	Stoppers used in pre-filled syringes A stopper adapted for attachment with a plunger rod for use within a syringe barrel is disclosed. The stopper includes a main body defining an open rearward end and a closed front end. The open rearward end is adapted to receive a front forward end attachment portion of the plunger rod. The stopper also includes a core member integrally formed with the main body adjacent the closed front end. The core member includes a nose portion having a conical tip configured for entering an outlet opening of the syringe barrel. The closed front end of the stopper has a profile configured to cooperate with an internal surface of the syringe barrel wall to prevent reflux and reduce dead space within the barrel.
US08740853B2	Endoscopic device and method of packaging A flexible endoscopic device including an elongate flexible member having opposite ends, an effector assembly mounted on one of the opposite ends of the flexible member, and a handle mounted on the end of the flexible member opposite the effector assembly. The handle includes a fastener for receiving a portion of the flexible member spaced from the end of the member opposite the effector assembly. The device also includes an actuator assembly extending through the flexible member and operatively connected to the effector assembly for actuating the effector.
US08740851B2	Integrated package The present invention generally relates to skin-mountable devices. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a skin-mountable unit having a mounting surface comprising adhesive for adhering the unit to the skin of a subject, and a handling unit releasably attached to the skin-mountable unit. The handling unit comprises an interior space at least partially accommodating the skin-mountable unit and has an opening through which the skin-mountable unit can be moved when detached from the handling unit, the handling unit having a portion surrounding the opening. A seal member is releasably attached to the circumferential portion, providing a closed space for the skin-mountable unit. The device allows for easy handling. The user can grip the handling unit and handle the combined device during operation. The handling unit can be designed and optimized for ease of use during manipulation of the skin-mountable unit.
US08740849B1	Peri-vascular tissue ablation catheter with support structures An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand with open ends around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The preferred embodiment of the catheter includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall.
US08740847B2	Fluid delivery device needle retraction mechanisms, cartridges and expandable hydraulic fluid seals A fluid delivery device includes an automatic needle retraction mechanism configured to automatically retract a delivery end of a needle into a housing. In one embodiment, the needle assembly is configured to automatically withdraw the delivery end of the needle into the housing upon an actuator moving from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the needle assembly is configured to automatically withdraw the delivery end of the needle into the housing upon decoupling a bottom surface of the housing from a skin surface.
US08740843B2	Coated balloon catheter Catheter balloons (10) for delivering a bioactive (260) to a body vessel in a greater amount and/or more quickly are provided, as well as related methods of treatment. The catheter balloon may include a dual balloon assembly at the distal portion (300) of the catheter having an inner balloon (44), an outer balloon (42) with apertures (43) concentrically arrayed around the inner balloon, and a catheter shaft (30) adapted to deliver a carrier (270) through the apertures of the outer balloon. The bioactive is disposed on a portion of at least one of the inner and outer balloon surfaces. Radial outward expansion of the inner balloon urges the outer balloon into contact with the wall of the body vessel. The carrier is introducible within the catheter shaft to pass through the annular lumen (242) between the balloons and through the apertures of the outer balloon. The carrier interacts with the bioactive in order to release a therapeutically effective amount of drug to the wall of the body vessel.
US08740838B2	Injection methods using a servo-controlled needle-free injector A method for injecting a substance through a biological body surface includes providing a needle-free transdermal transport device configured to inject the substance through the surface. The substance is injected into the biological body with the transport device while a parameter of the injection is sensed and a servo-controller is used to dynamically adjust at least one injection characteristic based on the sensed parameter. The substance is injected for (i) a first time period during which a first portion of a volume of the substance is injected at a first injection pressure, and (ii) a second time period during which a remainder of the volume of the substance is injected at a second injection pressure. A viscosity of the substance may be determined, and a pressure calculated for injecting the substance based on the viscosity. The substance may be injected with the transport device by using the calculated pressure.
US08740827B2	Head massager and its helmet A head massager comprises a helmet having a front shell and a rear shell moveable relative to the front shell, a massage device and an adjustment device having a positive rotatable knob, a fixing pole fixed on the rear shell, a winding ring, two pulling ropes and a reverse locking device. The rear shell has a cavity and the front shell has two ends plug-connected with two ends of the rear shell. The knob and the winding ring are loosely sleeved on the fixing pole via holes. The knob has first bulged teeth around a hole, the winding ring has a loop of second bulged teeth around another hole. The first bulged teeth are indented joined to the second bulged teeth. One end of each pulling rope is connected to the end of the front shell, another end of the pulling rope is connected to the winding ring to rotate the knob in positive direction for moving the front shell by the two pulling ropes.
US08740824B2	Body pulsating method and apparatus A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to pulses of air which applies and releases high frequency pressure forces to the body. The pulsator has two diaphragms connected to a brushless electric dc motor with rotary to reciprocating linear motion transmitting mechanisms comprising scotch yokes having anti-lash assemblies operable to generate air pulses in an air pulsing chamber. The diaphragms also increase the pressure in a manifold chamber. A check valve connects the manifold chamber with a pulsing chamber to allow pressurized air to flow from the manifold chamber into the pulsing chamber. An air flow control valve in communication with the manifold chamber is used to adjust the pressure of the air in the manifold and pulsing chambers. A programmable motor controller adjusts the duration of operation and speed of the motor to vary the operational time and frequency of the air pulses.
US08740818B2	Method and apparatus for characterization of clot formation Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing changes in at least one physical property of soft tissue. A series of acoustic pulses is generated and directed into the soft tissue such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the tissue. Waves reflected off the tissue, or a flexible member that moves with the tissue, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby. Repetition of the generating, receiving and estimating steps provides characterization of the at least one physical property over time. Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing at least one physical property of blood, by generating a series of acoustic pulses and directing the series of pulses into the blood such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the blood. Acoustic pulses and/or optical waves reflected from the blood, or a flexible member in contact with the blood that moves with the blood, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby.
US08740816B2	Acoustic sensor assembly An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.
US08740811B2	Biopsy device This invention relates to a biopsy device consisting of an inner cannula (4) and an outer hollow tube (1), a handle (7) which may be removably attached to the outer hollow tube, a locking system to secure the inner cannula and/or the attenuator in the outer hollow tube, and characterized in that the tip of the outer hollow tube is ellipse shaped and extends beyond the inner cannula, the latter ending in a blunt edge. The blunted tip of the outer hollow tube together with the sharpened ending of the inner cannula determines the cutting edge of the device. In combination the distal ends of inner cannula and outer hollow tube determine the biopsy depth size and shape of the biopsy sample in a reproducible way. In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the inner cannula can be controlled, allowing varying the aforementioned sample parameters as desired.
US08740808B2	Adaptive temperature sensor for breath monitoring device A system and method for sleep monitoring, diagnosing and sensing temperature and pressure for a breathing cycle of a patient including a sensing device suitable for both nasal and oral breath monitoring for measuring respiratory air wave and airflow information during a sleep apnea diagnostic session and processing the acquired air wave and airflow breathing information for input to conventional polysomnography equipment.
US08740804B2	Blood pressure measuring cuff, blood pressure measuring apparatus, blood pressure measuring method, cuff, and cuff manufacturing method Provided are a blood pressure measuring apparatus capable of effectively eliminating the influence which the volume change in an upstream portion of an occluding cuff has on a pulse wave detection cuff in an oscillometric double-cuff system, increasing the S/N ratio of systolic blood pressure detection, and accurately measuring the blood pressure with an inexpensive arrangement, a cuff, and a blood pressure measuring method. The apparatus includes a first pipe (106) connected to an occluding air bag (108) and sub air bag (109). The first pipe is connected to the sub air bag, and the sub air bag is connected to the occluding air bag via an entirely foldable rod shape member (111) capable of maintaining a hollow portion. The sub air bag is laid over the occluding air bag by folding a middle pipe.
US08740803B2	Use of the frequency spectrum of artifact in oscillometry A system and method for processing oscillometric data from a plurality of pressure steps to determine the blood pressure of a patient. A heart rate monitor connected to the patient acquires the patient's heart rate. A time-to-frequency domain converter receives oscillometric data and converts the oscillometric data into the frequency domain. Based upon the calculated heart rate, the system and method filters the frequency domain oscillometric signal with pass bands centered at the fundamental frequency and at least one fundamental frequency. The energy of the frequency domain signal within the pass bands is compared to at least a portion of the energy of the frequency domain oscillometric signal outside of the pass bands. Based upon the comparison, the signal determines whether the signal at the current pressure step should be utilized in calculating the blood pressure of the patient.
US08740802B2	Body-worn system for measuring continuous non-invasive blood pressure (cNIBP) The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.
US08740801B2	RF shield for an ultrasound transducer for use in a magnetic resonance system An ultrasound transducer for use in a magnetic resonance system is provided with an RF shield formed of electrically conductive material and having an interior cavity configured to receive the ultrasound transducer therein. The RF shield substantially precludes coupling between the ultrasound transducer, and any coupling medium that is employed, and the transmission and reception coils of the magnetic resonance system.
US08740799B2	Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus A signal generation unit 10 generates, and sends to a transmission circuit 12, a driving signal for forming a transmission pulse. A probe 14 is transmission controlled to transmit ultrasound at a transmission frequency which is set using, as a reference, a resonance frequency of a bubble administered into a living organism, and also at a transmission sound pressure which is set using an expansion ratio of the bubble as a reference. The signal generation unit 10 outputs a transmission pulse having a waveform corresponding to a center frequency of about 1.5 MHz and a transmission sound pressure of about 200 to 300 kPa. With this structure, it is possible to increase a harmonic component obtained from the bubble while suppressing a harmonic component obtained from real tissue, so that extremely high CTR can be obtained.
US08740796B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic device, and method for measuring intima-media thickness An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave toward a body and obtains biological information based on an echo signal received and includes: an intensity distribution generating section that generates an echo intensity distribution in a depth direction about a vascular wall based on the echo signal; a template generating section that generates a template to detect a boundary based on template data provided in advance to represent a reference pattern of the intensity distribution; a pattern similarity calculating section that changes the depth and intima-media thickness pattern of the template to calculate similarity between the template and the intensity distribution on any change made; and a boundary defining section that defines lumen and adventitia boundaries based on the degree of similarity calculated on any change made. The intima-media thickness is thus determined without depending on the magnitudes of echo intensity variations on the lumen and adventitia sides.
US08740793B2	Radar based systems and methods for monitoring a subject Methods and systems for monitoring a subject in a resting state using one or more range-controlled radars are presented. The radars non-invasively detect one or more motion and/or physiological parameters corresponding to the subject. The motion parameters comprise one or more activity levels and the physiological parameters comprise one or more of heartbeat and respiration. Further, one or more patterns in the motion parameters detected over a designated motion period of time are determined. Additionally, one or more patterns in the physiological parameters detected over the designated physiological period of time are also determined. The systems then assess a health condition of the subject based on the determined patterns of the motion parameters and/or the determined patterns of the physiological parameters.
US08740792B1	Patient monitor capable of accounting for environmental conditions A patient monitoring system includes a sensor, a patient monitor and an environmental conditions module. The patient monitor receives signals indicative of measurements of physiological parameters from the sensor, as well as data indicative of one or more environmental conditions from the environmental conditions module. The patient monitor determines one or more measurements of one or more physiological parameters based on the signals received from the sensor and the data indicative of one or more environmental conditions.
US08740789B2	Automatic etiology sequencing system and method A system and related method for identifying a trigger event to a patient health-related exacerbation. The system includes at least one sensor configured to collect data related to the patient health-related exacerbation, an analyzer configured to validate the collected data, a patient interface device configured to receive patient inputs to at least one question, and an identifier device configured to receive the patient inputs and collected data and identify the trigger event. The system may also include an expert system configured to receive the patient inputs and the validated collected data and identify a primary patient disease, and a reporting device configured to generate reports related to the identified primary patient disease, patient inputs, and sensed patient conditions.
US08740788B1	Tongue retraction method and apparatus with relief notch Some embodiments includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue retraction cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup.
US08740787B2	Retraction of the left atrial appendage A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.
US08740784B2	Rigidizable endoluminal access device A rigidizable endoluminal access device includes a handle assembly 110, a flexible neck, a tip, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Lumens are in fluid communication with entry ports located at the handle assembly and exit ports positioned on the tip. In one embodiment, entry ports and exit ports are angled with respect to one another. Lumens are configured to receive any suitable surgical instrument. The handle assembly includes an over-center toggle mechanism adapted to stiffen the flexible neck.
US08740781B2	Anoscope for ano-rectal diagnostic and surgery A composite anoscope for ano-rectal diagnostic and surgery, wherein the anoscope (2) also comprises an internal component (1), to be inserted therein, and a suitably shorter external component (3), ending with a conic frustum mantle (18), wherein the anoscope (2) is to be inserted. The three components (1, 2, 3) are all conic frustum shaped hollow bodies having circular cross-section. The internal component (1), when inserted in the anoscope (2), forms therewith a single body having a compact and smooth external surface and an ogival tip. The external component (3) is provided close to its mouth with slotted wings (19, 20), to be fixed to the perianal skin for securing the whole composite anoscope during the diagnostic and surgical operations.
US08740780B2	Endoscope and illumination apparatus for endoscope An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including inner and outer circumferential faces, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion.
US08740779B2	Imaging device and method of cleaning an illumination window of the imaging device In an imaging device for capturing an image by applying illuminating light emitted from a light source to a part to be observed through a light exit window and receiving light coming from the part to be observed when the illuminating light is applied, a light exit window cleaning unit discharges a liquid toward the light exit window to clean the light exit window in response to an instruction to start application of the illuminating light.
US08740777B2	In-vivo imaging system and body-insertable apparatus A body-insertable apparatus includes a light-receiving unit that includes light-receiving elements each having a receiving wavelength spectrum; light-emitting units including a near ultraviolet light source and including a yellow light source; a selection unit that can select, from among the light-emitting units, light-emitting units corresponding respectively to the near ultraviolet and the yellow light sources; an image creating unit creating a normal-light image or creating a special-light image; a transmitting unit transmitting the normal-light image or the created special-light image; and a control unit controlling driving of the light-receiving elements in accordance with selection performed by the selection unit.
US08740774B2	Capsule-type medical apparatus, guidance system and guidance method therefor, and intrasubject insertion apparatus Using a guidance system with a simple configuration, propulsive motion along a longitudinal direction and changing of the propulsion direction are easily performed with good precision and stability. There is provided a capsule-type medical apparatus which is inserted into the body of a subject and is guided by an external magnetic field, the capsule-type medical apparatus comprising: a substantially cylindrical capsule; a propulsion mechanism for converting rotary motion about a longitudinal axis R of the capsule into propulsive motion along the longitudinal axis R; a magnet accommodated inside the capsule and disposed in such a manner that the magnetic-pole direction thereof can be switched between a direction along the longitudinal axis R and a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis R; and a securing portion for securing the magnet to the capsule in each of the switched states of the magnetic-pole direction.
US08740770B1	Penile implant for aiding achievement of a penile erection An implant for helping a male patient achieve a penile erection, the implant comprising a pair of substantially straight and substantially rigid rods and an interconnecting structure. The rods are configured for being implanted subcutaneously in the patient and are selectively movable from a retracted mode of the implant to a deployed mode of the implant, where in the deployed mode a desired portion of each rod is within the penis shaft and in the retracted mode at least a majority of each rod is out of the penis shaft. Each rod comprises at least one flexible portion, the flexible portion being configured for being bent at a desired angle and for maintaining the desired angle. The interconnecting structure is implanted subcutaneously in the patient and joined to the rods, and is configured for stabilizing the rods within the penis shaft.
US08740762B2	Specific inhibition of cPLA2 enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy A method for increasing the radiosensitivity of a target tissue in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods includes administering a cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antagonist to the subject, whereby the radiosensitivity of the target tissue is increased. Also disclosed are methods for suppressing tumor growth in a subject and methods for inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth.
US08740761B2	Tool chain magazine A tool chain magazine, in particular for program-controlled milling machines and machining centers, comprising a stationary supporting structure to which linear guiding devices, chain wheels, and a drive assembly as a rotary drive for at least one of the chain wheels are mounted. The tool chain comprises an endless magazine chain consisting of a series of chain links connected in an articulate manner to one another, wherein supporting and guiding elements are provided on each chain link, and each chain link has a respective socket as a holder for a tool taper. The base bodies of the chain links of the magazine chain are formed by the tool stations centrally disposed therein, and the front and rear connecting joints of the chain links are arranged in the longitudinal center axis of the magazine chain.
US08740757B1	Exercise attachment for a shoe and method of use An exercise attachment for a shoe includes a platform upon which the shoe rests. A shoe strap is removably connectable to the platform, and is used to hold the shoe in place on the platform. The platform has a rounded pivot member disposed on its bottom surface. The rounded pivot member contacts a support surface, and allows the exercise attachment to pitch, roll, and yaw about the rounded pivot member. The shoe strap is connected to the platform by an anchor member which has an elongated pocket which selectively receives a locking rod.
US08740755B2	Elliptical exercise apparatus An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a base frame with two supporting frames, two swing sleeves each pivotally connected with one supporting frame, two sliding arms each having a top portion slidably inserted through one swing sleeve and a bottom portion extending transversely inwardly and coupled with a treadle, two swing arms each having an end pivotally coupled with the base frame, and two sliding sleeves each axially slidably sleeved onto one swing arm and pivotally connected with the bottom portion of one sliding arm through a pivot. A rotational shaft is transversely and rotationally coupled with the base frame. Two links each have an end vertically coupled with one of two ends of the rotational shaft, and an opposite end pivotally connected with a lower portion of one of the sliding sleeves.
US08740747B2	Control device for vehicle drive device A control device limiting an input torque to an automatic shifting portion before initiation of an inertia phase in a downshift as compared to a case of not executing the downshift, wherein in an input torque limiting control, if an accelerator variation before a start of the downshift is equal to or less than a predetermined accelerator variation limit, the control device limits the input torque before the initiation of the inertia phase to the input torque at a time of a shifting output commanding the execution of the downshift, and wherein if an accelerator variation before the start of the downshift is greater than the accelerator variation limit, the control device limits the input torque before the initiation of the inertia phase equal to or less than a predetermined input torque limit value larger than the input torque at the time of the shifting output.
US08740743B2	Continuously variable transmission device and method A variable transmission device and method are disclosed. The variable transmission device comprises: radially inner and outer races, each comprising two parts spaced along an axis; planetary members arranged in rolling contact with said inner and outer races; a transmission ratio controller operable to vary a separation along said axis of said two parts of one of said inner and outer races resulting in a radial displacement of said planetary members to vary a transmission ratio; and a clamping force controller coupled to at least one of said two parts of another of said inner and outer races and to an input shaft, said clamping force controller comprising opposing surfaces operable rotate relative to each other in response to a torque applied to said input shaft, at least one of said opposing surfaces being defined by a ramp having a non-linear lead profile, said relative rotation of said opposing surfaces causing a non-linear change in separation along said axis of said two parts of said another of said inner and outer races to accommodate said radial displacement of said planetary members and to control clamping forces applied between said planetary members and said inner and outer races proportionately to said torque applied to said input shaft and said different transmission ratios. Providing a non-linear ramp enables the clamping force generated between the races and the planets to be varied dependent on the transmission ratio of the device. Accordingly, rather than simply generating a clamping force which is proportionate to the torque applied to the input shaft, the clamping force generated is proportionate to both the input torque and the transmission ratio of the device. In this way, only the required amount of clamping force is generated, which is suited to the particular transmission ratio of the device. This helps to ensure that the loading on the components is reduced, the amount of friction and heat generated within the device is minimized which reduces wear and the efficiency of the device is increased.
US08740739B2	Reconfigurable powersplit powertrain for an electric vehicle A powertrain includes a gearset including a sun gear, a carrier, a ring gear connected to a countershaft, pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear; a second gearset connectable to an engine, for overdriving a generator; a clutch for releasably connecting the engine and carrier; a second clutch for releasably connecting the sun gear and the generator; and a motor connected to a countershaft. Operation of the powertrain can be readily switched between powersplit mode and series mode.
US08740736B2	Ring-type tensioner In a ring-type tensioner, an expansible elastic ring disposed in a groove formed in the wall of a plunger-accommodating hole cooperates with teeth formed on the plunger to restrict axial movement of the plunger. The ring and the groove in the wall of the plunger-accommodating hole have flat radial surfaces for mutual engagement. However the ring also has oblique plunger-tooth engaging surfaces. The ring has manipulable end parts that can be locked in fixed relation to each other by a tool to secure the plunger against axial movement. The tool can also be inserted into a gap between the manipulable end parts to expand the ring and thereby release the plunger.
US08740735B2	Damper pulley assembly having a safety device A damper pulley assembly has a hub; a seismic mass connected to the hub to define a dynamic torsional vibration damper; a pulley connected to the hub; elastic means for connecting the pulley in torque-transmitting mode to the hub; and one-way stop means for arresting the pulley in a first stop position with respect to the hub or the seismic mass in a first direction, when the elastic means reach a predetermined torsional load.
US08740733B2	Racquet putter apparatus A projection in operative connection with a tip of a racquet is provided, such that at least a portion of the projection extends outwardly from a frame of the racquet. The frame has a shape of a loop and a plurality of transversely orientated sets of strings that span the loop and are connected to the frame. The projection includes a substantially flat surface orientated parallel to the at least one face of the strings. The projection is in rigid connection with the racquet and extends from the tip of the frame opposite a handle connected to the frame for a distance operative to serve as a putting surface for putting a ball along the ground.
US08740730B1	Football throwing teaching assembly A football throwing teaching assembly includes a harness with a back wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. Shoulder straps extend between and are attached to the first and second lateral walls and the back wall. A panel is attached to the back wall adjacent to its upper edge and extends rearwardly and laterally away from the back wall. The panel has a front edge and an outer edge with respect to the back wall. A forward section is attached to the panel at a juncture of the front edge and the outer edge and extends forward with respect to the back wall. An arm receiving space is defined between the first lateral wall and the forward section. The arm receiving space receives an arm of a person to inhibit the person from lowering their elbow below their shoulder while throwing a football.
US08740728B2	Golf ball A golf ball 2 has, on a surface thereof, a plurality of types of dimples 8 having different diameters from each other. The standard deviation of the curvature radii of cross sections of all the dimples 8 is 0.90 mm or less. The average of the curvature radii of the cross sections of all the dimples 8 is greater than 40% but 50% or less of the diameter of the golf ball 2. The sum of the volumes of all the dimples 8 is 280 mm3 or greater but 350 mm3 or less. The average of the diameters of all the dimples 8 is 3.9 mm or greater but 4.5 mm or less. The ratio of the sum of the areas of all the dimples 8 to the surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball 2 is 75% or greater but 95% or less.
US08740724B2	Golf balls having a low modulus HNP layer and a high modulus HNP layer The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a low modulus HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a high modulus HNP composition. Low modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. High modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi. The modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the low modulus HNP is at least 10% less than the modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the high modulus HNP composition. The cover consists of an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.
US08740721B2	Iron-type golf club head An iron-type golf club head comprises a head main portion having a face for hitting a golf ball, and weight members made of metallic material having heavier specific gravity than the head main portion. The head main portion has a tubular portion provided on a heel side of the face and having a shaft inserting hole. The tubular portion is provided continuously on the lower side of the shaft inserting hole with a bottomed hole part for arranging the weight members. The weight members include a heel-side weight member disposed in the bottomed hole part.
US08740720B2	Butt-mounted shaft extension for a golf club A device designed for extending a golf club shaft. The device is a three-piece mechanism with a bottom piece bonded into the top end of a tubular golf club shaft, and a plurality of top piece sizes that are connected to the bottom piece and provide a plurality of club lengths. A special golf grip having an accordion like plurality of rings can expand or contract in accordance with the amount of club length adjustment.
US08740718B1	Golf club aiming sight device A golf club aiming sight device having a clamp portion and a rear sight portion. The rear sight portion has one or more openings to visualize a front sight on a club head of a golf club. The clamp portion provides for the attachment of the golf club aiming sight device to the shaft of the golf club so that the front sight is visually alignable with the opening in the rear sight. The golf club aiming sight device is used to train a user to swing the golf club without bending or rotating the wrists by having the user maintain the front sight visually aligned with the opening in the rear sight while swinging the golf club.
US08740716B1	Golf ball ejection device A golf ball ejection device integrated into a golf flag pin whereby balls sitting in the hole-cup are raised to ground level and expelled outward therefrom in random directions and distances. This is accomplished by apply manual pressure to a slidable component of the flag pin that raises a dome shaped ejector component positioned within the hole-cup thereby ejecting the golf balls contained therein, which also prevents balls from falling back into the cup.
US08740713B2	Folding bellows arrangement for a tripod joint unit A folding bellows arrangement, e.g., for a tripod joint unit, may comprise a joint outer part with a groove, a folding bellows with a joint collar region for attachment to said joint outer part, and an adapter ring. The joint collar region may comprise a joint binder seat region. The adapter ring may have an inner surface that is matching in a cross section to an outer contour of the joint outer part. On an inner area of the joint collar region and within the joint binder seat region of the folding bellows, at least one bead may be arranged. The bead matching a groove may be arranged on an outer area of the adapter ring. The groove of the adapter ring may correspond to at least one first sealing lip arranged on an inner area of the adapter ring, and at least one second sealing lip may be arranged on the inner area of the adapter ring. The first and second sealing lips may be arranged within the groove of the joint outer part.
US08740712B2	Steering shaft with misassembly prevention structure A steering shaft which is provided with a misassembly prevention structure for preventing misassembly when a shaft is inserted into and assembled with a yoke.
US08740709B2	Live television game show, involving the participation of passive TV-viewing audiences The game show of the present invention comprises a game show studio with a game show set, a live studio audience, at least one game host, a plurality of game show contestants, a live TV-viewing audience, at least one prize, and at least one clue, embedded into the content of the game show.At least one potential winner is selected out of the live TV-viewing audience. Some of the game show contestants participate in the process of selection of the potential winner of the live TV-viewing audience.The at least one potential winner out of the members of the live TV-viewing audience is contacted directly by the show on live TV. The potential winner is contacted to confirm that the potential winner is aware of the clues embedded into the content of the game show, and is thus entitled to receive the prize.
US08740706B2	Gaming console having movable screen A gaming machine has a flat panel display screen that is pivotable over a range of angles to allow the player to tilt the screen to directly face the player. The screen also can be pulled toward the player for maximum comfort. The screen has user interface controls, such as part of a touch screen. The screen contains one or more accelerometers for detecting movement of the screen. The player grips the screen with both hands to control the game via movement of the screen (e.g., shaking, tilting, pushing in, or pulling out) and the touching of the user interface controls. The screen may include a vibrator for providing tactile sensations to the player. The screen allows a player to completely control a game, including wagering and carrying out the game, without releasing the screen from the player's two-handed grip.
US08740705B2	Game controller, storage medium storing game program, and game apparatus A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.
US08740703B2	Random data generation Technologies are described for generating random data. In some examples, a gaming device may include a game execution module, an extraction module, and a data generator. The game execution module may be configured to provide at least one player with a gaming service by continuously determining a plurality of parameters associated with the at least one player in a game operated by the at least one player. The extraction module may be configured to extract individual parameters from the plurality of determined parameters, the individual parameters having decorrelation with each other from a probability distribution perspective. The data generator may be configured to generate data items based on one or more of the extracted individual parameters, the data items being the extracted individual parameters or results of processing performed on the extracted individual parameters.
US08740702B2	Action trigger gesturing Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A throwing gesture of the computer user is identified and an aiming vector is calculated from a path of a left and/or right hand during the throwing gesture. An interface action is directed along the aiming vector within an interactive interface.
US08740698B2	Game system, game execution apparatus, and portable storage medium A game system in which game software produced to be used in stationary game machines can be used in portable game machines. The game system includes a stationary game machine, a portable game machine, and a memory card connectable to both the stationary and portable game machines. Image data contained in game software produced for the stationary game machine shows an image in the form of free-form surface. The stationary game machine converts the image data to show the image in the form of a polygon according to processing performance of the portable game machine, and stores the converted image data and a game program executable by the portable game machine onto the memory card. The portable game machine executes the game program stored on the memory card, and generates and displays a display image from the image data stored on the memory card.
US08740696B2	System and method for sharing wins among game players with varying of share percentages during game play Certain embodiments provide a system and method for providing shared wins in a gaming system. Certain embodiments include establishing a shared win award, wherein the shared win award has an amount or value. One or more eligible players may be identified to participate in a shared win, wherein eligibility of a player is independent of player choice. A shared win event may be determined and at least a portion of the shared win award may be awarded to each of the one or more eligible players. At least one group of players may be defined as eligible to participate in a shared win. A sharing percentage of the shared win award may be assigned to each of the eligible players as a function of relative play among the eligible players. The sharing percentage assigned to a player may be adjusted based on play relative to other eligible players, for example.
US08740695B2	Method and interface for network gaming A method and interface for a network gaming system is disclosed. The invention includes a method for providing a game interface for a multi-player game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. This method comprises transmitting an identification of a user over a wide area network to a database server; retrieving a number of units associated with the user from the database server; executing a game on a display; indicating on the display the number of units associated with the user; updating on the display the number of units granted to the user based on a game activity of the user; depicting a link on the display for allowing use of the units by the user; and deducting from the number of units the specified member of units responsive to the use of the units by the user.
US08740693B2	Gaming systems having multi-output displays A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a housing. The gaming system further comprises a multi-output display supported by the housing, the multi-output display displaying a first video presentation viewable from a first position having a first viewing angle relative to the display. The multi-output display displays a second video presentation viewable from a second position having a second viewing angle relative to the display, wherein the second video presentation is not viewable from the first position. At least one of the first and second video presentations includes displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The gaming system further comprises a controller operative to simultaneously generate the first and second video presentations on the multi-output display.
US08740692B2	Method and apparatus for variable contribution progressive jackpots Methods and apparatuses for variable contribution progressive jackpots are disclosed. A variable contribution rate is determined as a function of a wager level. A contribution amount is determined by multiplying each wager by its corresponding contribution rate. The contribution amount is then added to a progressive jackpot meter.
US08740690B2	Enhanced slot-machine for casino applications Methods and apparatus for a gaming system are provided. The gaming system receives a request for a wager for a player of an entertainment game, the request being triggered by a player action taken by the player while playing the entertainment game. The gaming system establishes a result for the wager and generates, based on the result of the wager, a controlled sequence of a portion of the entertainment game, the controlled sequence changing the state of the entertainment game as the entertainment game is being played by the player.
US08740689B2	Gaming system and method configured to operate a game associated with a reflector symbol Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method configured to operate a game including a reflector symbol. The gaming system displays a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas. If the reflector symbol is displayed at one of the symbol display areas along a payline path associated with a payline, the gaming system determines a reflected payline path associated with that payline that extends along the payline path associated with that payline to the displayed reflector symbol and back along the payline path. The gaming system determines whether the symbols displayed at the symbol display areas along the reflected payline path form one of a plurality of winning symbol combinations, and displays and provides any awards associated with any winning symbol combination displayed along the reflected payline path.
US08740688B2	Content determinative game systems and methods for keno and lottery games Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.
US08740687B1	Gaming system and method providing a keno game providing an additional award if a predicted quantity of symbols matches an actual quantity of symbols associated with one of a plurality of different characteristics Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a Keno game providing an additional award if a predicted quantity of symbols matches an actual quantity of symbols associated with one of a plurality of characteristics. In one embodiment, for one of a plurality of characteristics, the gaming system receives an indication of a predicted quantity of symbols. The gaming system forms a gaming system symbol set including a plurality of randomly selected symbols, each of which is randomly associated with one of the characteristics. The gaming system determines any primary awards by comparing a player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and any additional awards by comparing the predicted quantity of symbols with the randomly determined actual quantity of symbols associated with the characteristic associated with the predicted quantity of symbols.
US08740685B2	Gaming system and a method of gaming Certain examples provide gaming systems and methods. An example gaming system includes a display and a game controller arranged to: cause the display to display a plurality of game displays in which a plurality of games will be carried out; receive a player selection of a game of the plurality of games; carry out the plurality of games in their respective game displays; and make an award upon a comparison of an outcome of the player selected game with an outcome of a non-selected game or games satisfying an award criteria.
US08740681B2	Game machine, program for realizing game machine, and method of displaying objects in game A game machine is provided that displays an attack direction in a 3D virtual game space when a player character is attacked, such that the human player can readily recognize the attack direction. In the game machine that activates the player character and an enemy character that attacks the player character in a 3D virtual game space, the direction of the attack received by the player character from the enemy character is acquired based on player position information indicating the position of the player character and enemy position information indicating the position of the enemy character in the game space. Damage marks which are objects that indicate the attack direction are generated at positions corresponding to the attack direction in a player region set around the player character, and at least a part of the game space, including the player character and the damage marks, is displayed.
US08740678B2	Ridge vent with powered forced air ventilation A ridge vent with powered forced air ventilation is configured to be installed along the ridge of a roof covering an elongated ridge slot on either side of the ridge. A blower is mounted in a blower opening formed at a predetermined location along the ridge vent on one side of the ridge and includes a blower housing forming an inlet within the attic and an outlet oriented to force air upwardly through the vent slot to be expelled through the ridge vent. A pair of baffles are hingedly secured to the blower housing adjacent its outlet and can be attached to a roof deck to secure the blower and help to isolate its outlet from the attic space below. An impeller is disposed in the housing and is driven by an electric motor.
US08740671B2	Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes a step for washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, a step for removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and a step for washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid.
US08740667B2	Polishing method and polishing apparatus According to one embodiment, a polishing method comprises pressing a substrate being rotated against a polishing pad being rotated and supplying slurry on the polishing pad, measuring a surface temperature of the polishing pad, and when the surface temperature is not less than a predetermined temperature, jetting jet stream containing supercooled droplets from a nozzle having a narrow portion toward the polishing pad.
US08740666B1	Apparel accessory and securing method A method, system, and kit for securing an undergarment strap to an outer garment with a decorative article. The decorative article includes an ornament and first and second stud members extending generally in first and second directions from the ornament and terminating in first and second stud ends. The method includes moving the decorative article in first and second directions to penetrate the surface of the outer garment with the first and second stud members, and continuing to move the decorative article generally in the first and second directions to penetrate the surface of the undergarment strap with the first and second stud members, thereby securing the undergarment strap to the outer garment by the decorative article. The kit includes a container including at least one article of jewelry including first and second stud members, an elongated base member including first and second apertures, and a plurality of protective covers.
US08740662B2	Sealing arrangement for a pivotable boat drive A sealing arrangement (1) for a pivotally arranged boat drive in a hull of a boat, the boat drive extends through a hull opening in the bottom of the boat. The boat drive forms, together with the hull of the boat or with a connecting piece (2) set into the hull of the boat, an annular gap. The annular gap is bridged by at least two flexible sealing elements (5, 6), and the at least two sealing elements (5, 6) enclose at least one ring chamber (7) between them.
US08740657B2	Cable lug pad An electrical system includes an electrical device mounted within an electrical enclosure. A electrical cable is coupled to an electrical junction of the electrical device via a cable lug, the cable lug having at least two lug holes. A lug pad attaches the cable lug to the electrical device and has at least two pad holes. Each of the pad holes is aligned with a respective one of the lug holes, and at least one of the lug holes and the pad holes is a slotted hole for permitting angular adjustable positioning of the cable lug relative to the lug pad.
US08740653B2	Socket having an insulating housing with a conductive silicone rubber insert for holding and electrically connecting a light tube The present invention provides a socket, which includes an insulation housing, conductive silicone rubber received in the insulation housing, and a conductive plate mounted to the insulation housing. The conductive plate has an end electrically connected to the conductive silicone rubber and an opposite end extending outside the insulation housing for external electrical connection. The present invention provides a socket that comprises an insulation housing in which a block of flexible conductive silicone rubber is received and retained to allow a lead pin of a light tube to be easily inserted into the conductive silicone rubber for realizing mounting the light tube to socket to be in electrical connection with the socket. Further, the conductive silicone rubber used in the present invention shows a cushioning capability that provides protection to the light tube.
US08740650B2	Smartcard connector having a circuit board on a top side and a wave absorbing element on a bottom side of an upper case A smartcard connector with a RFID module is provided. The smartcard connector having a casing, a circuit board, a wave absorbing element, and a transmission element. The casing includes an upper case and a lower case positioned with the upper case such that the upper case and the lower case define a smartcard receiving passageway. The circuit board is disposed on an outer side of a top side of the upper case and includes a smartcard connector wiring and an antenna loop. The wave absorbing element is disposed on an inner side of the top side and corresponding in position to and spaced apart by distance from one side of the circuit board. The transmission element is connected to a side of the circuit board.
US08740648B2	Card connector with reinforcing plates A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a pair of opposite sidewalls (22) extending upwardly from the base portion, a number of contacts (3) retained in the base portion, a pair of rigid reinforcing plates (4) each comprising a horizontal wall (42) insert-molded in the base of the insulative housing and a vertical wall (41) attached to the sidewall of the insulative housing, and a metal shield (1) having a main portion (11) and at least two lateral walls (12). The vertical wall includes a number of protrusions (411). Said lateral wall defines a number of cutouts (121) receiving the protrusions. The metal shield cooperates with the insulative housing and the reinforcing plates for defining a card receiving space.
US08740646B2	Connector having a shield mounted on a circuit board and extending through an aperture in a bracket A shield is provided for use with a connector assembly that includes for sides that form an enclosure, one of the sides being a baseplate. The shield can include a plurality of guides positioned on the baseplate and the plurality of guides can be arranged in a pattern. Each guide can be formed by making two slits in the bottom plate so as to define a body portion of the guide and the body portion can be extended in the enclosure. Each guide can be supported by the baseplate at opposite ends of the body portion.
US08740637B2	Plug connector having a releasing mechanism with convenient and steady operation A plug connector comprises: a housing and a releasing mechanism mounted on the housing and comprising a pulling portion and a latching member, the latching member defining a latching portion for latching a complementary connector, the pulling portion having a groove and the latching member having an ear portion engaged with the groove, the ear portion being able to rise out of the groove in response to a rearward movement of the pulling portion to move the latching portion from a latched position to a released position.
US08740624B2	Interactive education system with physiological modeling Patient simulator systems for teaching patient care are provided. In some instances, the patient simulator systems include a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. Generally, the patient simulator systems of the present disclosure provide physiological modeling. In one embodiment, the patient simulator includes a maternal simulator comprising a maternal circulatory model, a maternal cardiac ischemia model, and a maternal respiratory model and a fetal simulator comprising a fetal circulatory model, a fetal cardiac ischemia model, and a fetal central nervous system model. A controller in communication with the maternal and fetal simulators coordinates parameters of the maternal circulatory model, the maternal cardiac ischemia model, the maternal respiratory model, the fetal circulatory model, the fetal cardiac ischemia model, and the fetal central nervous system model to simulate physiological characteristics of a natural mother and fetus. Methods of utilizing the patient simulator systems are also provided.
US08740621B1	Apparatus and system for learning a foreign language A method for learning a foreign language using a learning aid is provided. The learning aid includes a reading manual having a plurality of pages organized into a number of sections which are read in an orderly fashion in order to facilitate incremental advancement and masterfulness concerning the learning of a target language. The method involves building an active foreign language alphabet and language as it is done naturally in user's native language. The learning aid further includes an interactive-based, task-oriented system integrated into software for upload onto a computer.
US08740615B2	Implant, implant body, and abutment body An implant that includes an implant body in which a fitting hole portion having a taper shape is formed, and an abutment having a fitting shaft portion having a taper shape. A pressure-withstanding mechanism configured by the fitting hole portion and the fitting shaft portion and a rotation-preventing mechanism preventing rotation of the abutment with respect to the implant body are integrally formed.
US08740612B2	Regenerative firing system A regenerative firing system is disclosed which functions in a heat treating furnace or other high temperature technology. The system comprises a plurality of regenerator heat transfer boxes which absorb the heat contained in high temperature exhaust from the furnace. Each regenerator box transfers this absorbed heat to a flow of ambient air. The now heated air flows from the regenerator box into a common air stream which is then fed to a plurality of burners. The preheated air stream is supplied to a common air stream that is then simultaneously provided to each of a plurality of burners. In addition, the current invention comprises a method of heat recovery for a furnace utilizing the inventive system.
US08740611B2	High capacity fuel-fired liquid heating apparatus A fuel-fired high capacity liquid heating appliance, representatively a boiler or a water heater, has a fluid heat exchanger extending around a combustion chamber into which first and second fuel burners extend, the first and second burners respectively having associated blowers for supplying combustion air thereto. Illustratively, the combustion chamber is oval-shaped, with the burners extending into opposite ends the combustion chamber If one of the burners is not firing while the other burner is firing, a control system starts the non-firing burner's blower, to protect it from overheating by the firing burner, if the control system senses an excess temperature in the non-firing burner. The heat exchanger comprises a series of fluid receiving tubes extending between baffle-free header structures iteratively sized to equalize fluid flow rates through the heat exchanger tubes over a wide flow rate range.
US08740610B2	Molding apparatus An in-mold shutter (140) for embedding in an injection mold (100, 200, 300) is described herein. The in-mold shutter (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) includes a shutter actuator (148, 548) that is configured to selectively engage a first mold shoe (130) of the injection mold (100, 200, 300) with a platen of a mold clamping assembly (996) to hold the first mold shoe (130) in an extended, (E), along a mold-stroke axis (X), during a step of molding a first molded article (102A) in the injection mold (100, 200, 300). Also described herein is a molded article transfer device (150, 250) for use with the injection mold (100, 200, 300). The molded article transfer device (150, 250) includes a shuttle (154) that is slidably arranged, in use, within the injection mold (100, 200, 300). The shuttle (154) defines a first aperture (156A), at least in part, that alternately accommodates: (i) a first mold stack (106A, 206A, 306A) arranged therein; and (ii) a first molded article (102A) received therein with opening of the first mold stack (106A, 206A, 306A).
US08740609B2	CSD cooling and pressurization to keep CO2 in solution during forming A system for simultaneously forming and filling a container comprising a mold having a mold cavity defining an internal surface and adapted to accept a preform, a pressure source urging a first liquid toward the preform, means for maintaining a desired saturation of gas in solution in the first liquid, and a blow nozzle adapted to receive the first liquid from the pressure source and transfer the first liquid at a pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and create a resultant container, wherein the first liquid remains within the container as an end product.
US08740603B2	Shaping and cooling device for a flowable, melted food mass The invention relates to a forming and cooling device for a flowable, melted food mass 1, more particularly processed cheese, comprising two parallel, oppositely rotating cooling belts 2, 3, which are each guided over an upper 4 and a lower 5 deflection roller and are separated from each other in order to form a continuous strip 6 of the food mass, wherein the cooling belts 2, 3 are each acted upon by a cooling fluid 7 on the side facing away from the strip, characterized in that a tubular supply channel 8 is formed at the upper region of each cooling belt 2, 3 and is equipped with a plurality of outlet conduits 9 arranged side by side, the central recess of which is cylindrically formed and by way of which a laminar, non-turbulent cooling-liquid stream 10 can be placed upon the cooling belt 2, 3.
US08740602B2	Sheeter with thickness control A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine can adjust a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced “masa” (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The sheeting machine can include a pinch point gap adjustment device which guides at least one of the rollers through an arcuate path to thereby adjust a magnitude of the pinch point gap. The controller can direct one or more actuators to change the position of the roller along the archive path to thereby change the distance between the two sheeting rollers as desired to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.
US08740601B2	3-plate mold assembly with a common mold base A 3-plate mold assembly with a common mold base comprises: a stationary mold mounted on a fixed side of an injection molding machine and a movable mold mounted on a movable side of the injection molding machine. The stationary mold comprises a stationary-side fixed plate on which are disposed four pillars to be inserted through a stripper and into a female insert assembly. When new products need to be produced, it only needs to replace the female and male insert and the rest parts of the stationary and movable molds don't need to be replaced, thus substantially saving production cost.
US08740599B2	Apparatus and method for producing two-sided patterned web in registration An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.
US08740598B2	Multi-property injection molding nozzle for a hot-runner system A hot-runner system having a manifold and a nozzle, wherein the manifold or nozzle or both may be multi-material apparatuses of unitary construction. The nozzle may be thermally graded for temperature transmission between a heating sleeve and the melt. The nozzle may also include a melt flow channel apparatus that alters the flow of the melt before entering the mold. The nozzle and manifold may have a unitary construction that reduces fitting problems between the two apparatuses.
US08740597B2	Blow moulding machine with a sterile chamber and sterile blowing air feed An apparatus for shaping plastic preforms for providing plastic containers), having a plurality of shaping stations arranged on a movable carrier, wherein the shaping stations have blowing molds which accommodate the preforms and within which the preforms are shaped to provide the containers, and wherein the shaping stations each have charging devices which are movable relative to the preforms and which charge the preforms arranged in the molds with a flowable medium for expansion, and wherein the shaping stations have a valve arrangement which controls the feed of the medium to the preforms, with a clean chamber within which the shaping stations are conveyed with the charging devices, wherein the clean chamber is arranged against the surroundings by at least one wall. Flow connections for guiding the flowable medium are provided between the valve arrangements and the charging devices and the valve arrangements are arranged outside the clean chamber.
US08740594B2	Scroll compressor including seal member and guide ring A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll, a crankshaft rotationally supported on a frame to drive the orbiting scroll, a seal member between an orbiting scroll back surface and the frame, a back pressure chamber of discharge pressure at an inner peripheral side of the seal member, another back pressure chamber of low pressure at an outer peripheral side so that the orbiting scroll is pressed against the fixed scroll with the pressures of these back pressure chambers, and a guide ring supporting an end surface of the seal member at a side opposite to the orbiting scroll and including a guide portion guiding an inner peripheral surface of the seal member so that the seal member is brought into close contact with the orbiting scroll back surface by a wave spring through the guide ring.
US08740592B2	Adjustable vane cell pump with a slide comprising recesses An adjustable vane cell pump is provided having a rotor, which includes, but is not limited to bearing slots extending in radial direction, in which cane plates displaceable relative to the bearing slots are arranged. The vane cell pump further includes, but is not limited to an adjustable slide having a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor is configured in order to driveably rotate about a rotary axis within the slide. The vane plates bear against the inner surface of the slide, and the slide further includes, but is not limited to a first and a second areal end face, as well as recesses, which outer-circumferentially extend parallel to the end faces.
US08740588B2	Multiple inlet vacuum pumps First and second pump stages provide a flow-path from an inlet to the outlet (30), the flow-path being arranged so that molecules entering the first inlet (26) pass to the outlet through the first (120) and second (122) pump stage, and so that molecules entering the second inlet (28) pass to the outlet through an inter-stage volume (121) and second pump stage (122); wherein the first (120) and second (122) pump stages each comprise a turbo-molecular sub-stage (120a, 122a) and a molecular drag sub-stage (120b, 122b).
US08740587B2	Apparatus and method for pumping in an ion optical device An apparatus and method for differential pumping of a mass spectrometer or other ion-optical device provides a transverse pressure drop introduced across a face of a primary rotor of a turbomolecular pump by placement of one or more partitions in close proximity to the face of the primary rotor. Thus, two or more regions of space within the vacuum chamber having respective different pressures is achieved with a single pump.
US08740582B2	Maintenance machine for refrigeration units with reversible motor For refrigeration units, maintenance machines are required that can receive and compress the refrigerant from the refrigeration unit. Furthermore, a vacuum pump is required, which is connected to the emptied lines and pumps out humidity and air. The maintenance machine according to the invention includes a motor that drives a compressor via a freewheel in one rotational direction. The same motor drives a vacuum pump via a second freewheel in the other rotational direction. The maintenance machine, which can perform two different functions, includes only one single motor. The machine is lightweight, so that it can be carried by the maintenance personnel. Furthermore, it is small and can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
US08740581B2	Pressure recovery insert for reciprocating gas compressor A method of reducing pulsations in a reciprocating compressor system, the system having nozzles between cylinders and filter bottles of the compressor system, the nozzles attaching at ports of the cylinders and filter bottles. A special insert is designed to be placed in one or more of the nozzle. The insert is generally cylindrical, but has a narrowed throat, a flared inlet end, and a flared outlet end. The insert dimensions, such as the inner diameter of the throat and the distance from the throat to the outlet end are calculated to reduce pulsations as well as provide pressure recovery.
US08740579B2	High-pressure fuel supply pump and discharge valve unit used therein A high-pressure fuel supply pump includes a discharge valve, which is a non-return valve between a pressurizing chamber and a discharge port. The discharge valve includes a valve body housing, a discharge valve spring, a valve body and a seat member. The discharge valve is a flat valve. When the valve is opened, a flow of fuel moving from the pressurizing chamber and axially colliding with the valve body is radially distributed in the radial direction of the valve body to become a flow directly moving the discharge ports and a flow colliding with an inner wall of the valve body housing before moving toward the discharge ports and then in a circumferential direction of the valve body.
US08740578B2	Vacuum pump in particular roots type pump A vacuum pump, in particular a pump of the type with rolling bodies, includes rotary bodies (12) arranged in a suction chamber (10). The pressure side (30) of the pump is connected to the suction side (20) by a connecting channel (22). In the connecting channel (22), a valve (24) is arranged which closes a through opening (32). On exceeding a set pressure difference between the pressure side (30) and the suction side (20), the valve opens automatically. In order to reduce the necessary space and to reduce the switching noise from the valve, the valve body is embodied as a valve flap (28).
US08740573B2	Adaptor assembly for coupling turbine blades to rotor disks An adaptor assembly for coupling a blade root of a turbine blade to a root slot of a rotor disk is disclosed. The adaptor assembly may generally include an adaptor body having a root configured to be received within the root slot. The adaptor body may also define a slot having an open end configured to receive the blade root. The adaptor body may further define a channel. The adaptor assembly may also include a plate having an outwardly extending foot. The foot may be configured to be received within the channel. Additionally, the plate may be configured to cover at least a portion of the open end of the slot when the foot is received within the channel.
US08740571B2	Turbine bucket for use in gas turbine engines and methods for fabricating the same A turbine bucket for use with a turbine engine. The turbine bucket includes an airfoil that extends between a root end and a tip end. The airfoil includes an outer wall that defines a cavity that extends from the root end to the tip end. The outer wall includes a first ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate that extends a first distance from the root end to the tip end. An inner wall is positioned within the cavity. The inner wall includes a second CMC substrate that extends a second distance from the root end towards the tip end that is different than the first distance.
US08740570B2	Turbine bucket airfoil profile A turbine bucket is provided including a bucket airfoil having an airfoil shape, the bucket airfoil having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches, and wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z, the airfoil profile sections at Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08740566B2	Brake system for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock generator and wind turbine A brake system for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock, generator and wind turbine are disclosed. The brake system includes a rotor lock system which is integrated in the brake system. One embodiment includes an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. Another embodiment includes a rotor assembly with a brake disc.
US08740565B2	Modular counter rotating propeller system A self-contained counter rotating turbo prop system is driven by a gas turbine engine through a reduction gearbox. A gear train housed separate from the reduction gearbox provides the counter-rotation of a first and second pluralities of propeller blades. The entire counter-rotating propeller system is disposed within cowlings and is separate from the gas turbine engine and reduction gearbox. The example counter rotating propeller system includes a collective blade angle actuation system that provides for adjustment of blade angle of both the first and second plurality of propeller blades with a single actuator.
US08740562B2	Axial fan and method of manufacturing the same A fan includes sloping surfaces arranged at an inner peripheral surface of an air channel portion that are shaped such that an air passage is enlarged in a cross sectional area in a direction normal or substantially normal to a central axis. The inner peripheral surface of the air channel portion also includes a straight surface at which area the distance between the central axis and the inner peripheral surface of the air channel portion is substantially constant. Also, the straight surface of the air channel portion includes a plurality of slits each penetrating the air channel portion.
US08740560B2	Fan module An exemplary embodiment of a fan module includes fan units, and each fan unit includes a box-shaped shell, a guiding plate, and a torsion spring. The box-shaped shell includes a bottom plate and two opposite side walls substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate, and each side wall has a vent defined therein. The guiding plate is rotatable relative to the bottom plate of the shell. The torsion spring includes a first torsion arm, a second torsion arm, and a coil portion. The first torsion arm and the second torsion arm are urged against the bottom plate and the guiding plate respectively by torque force applied from the coil portion. Thereby, the guiding plate is driven to a position adjacent and generally parallel to one of the side walls to obstruct the corresponding vent by the second torsion arm.
US08740559B2	Fan module and fan rail thereof A fan module and a fan rail thereof are provided. The fan module includes a fan, two fan rails, and a holder. The fan rails are disposed at both sides of the fan, in which each fan rail includes a main body and a ring, the main body has a first end and a sliding slot. The sliding slot is located at the first end. Each ring has a tab portion and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion has a protrusion buckled in the sliding slot. The fan is disposed in the holder by means of the fan rails, and a force is applied on the tab portion to make the protrusion slip in the sliding slot so that the ring suits to move back and forth on a longitudinal direction of the main body relatively to the main body so as to detach the fan from the holder.
US08740557B2	Fabricated static vane ring A strut configuration of a static vane ring used in a gas turbine engine having an enlarged end section at least at one of the opposed ends thereof to be welded or brazed to either an outer or inner duct wall of the vane ring. The enlarged end section provides a inner corner curve with a predetermined fillet radius between the strut and the duct wall.
US08740554B2	Cover plate with interstage seal for a gas turbine engine An air seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first cover plate with a radially extending knife edge seal defined about and axis of rotation. The first cover plate is mountable to a first rotor disk for rotation therewith, the first radially extending knife edge seal interfaces with a vane structure. A second cover plate with a second radially extending knife edge seal defined about the axis of rotation, the second cover plate mountable to the second rotor disk for rotation therewith. The second radially extending knife edge seal interfaces with the vane structure.
US08740553B2	Nozzle stage for a turbomachine compressor The invention relates to a nozzle stage for a turbomachine compressor, the stage comprising two coaxial shrouds, a radially inner shroud and a radially outer shroud, and radial vanes extending between the shrouds and being connected via their ends to the shrouds, together with a support for abradable material that is mounted by crimping onto the upstream and downstream edges of the inner shroud, the inner shroud presenting openings in which the radially inner ends of the vanes are inserted and fastened. The radially inner ends of the vanes are plane and do not have any projecting tenons.
US08740552B2	Low-ductility turbine shroud and mounting apparatus A turbine shroud apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate turbine shroud segment of low-ductility material and having a cross-sectional shape defined by opposed forward and aft walls, and opposed inner and outer walls, the walls extending between opposed first and second end faces. At least a portion of each of the forward and aft walls is oriented at an acute angle to the outer wall. Radially inner ends of the forward and aft walls are substantially closer together than radially outer ends thereof.
US08740549B2	System for providing continuous lubrication to engine A lubrication system for turbocharger(s) ensures continuous lubrication of bearings and shaft of the turbocharger with lubricant retention during start and shut down of turbocharger-associated systems thereby enhancing the performance and turbocharger life. A shaft and bearings are lubricated by introducing pressurized lubricating oil through an oil inlet passage in the bearing housing and after lubricating, the lubricant returns to the engine oil sump located below the turbocharger through the oil outlet passage. A valve in the oil inlet pipe line permits lubricant flow to the bearings during engine running, and when the engine stops and oil pressure falls below the valve opening pressure, the valve shuts and traps the lubricant in oil inlet pipe that is above the valve. The oil outlet pipe retains sufficient lubricant in the bearing housing which lubricates the shaft and bearings post engine shutdown.
US08740548B2	Gas turbine engine compressor variable stator vane arrangement A compressor variable stator vane arrangement comprises at least one stage of variable stator vanes. A speed sensor measures the rotational speed of the compressor rotor. A pressure sensor measures the outlet pressure of the compressor. A second pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a third pressure sensor measure the total inlet pressure, the temperature and the ambient pressure at the inlet of the gas turbine engine. A processor determines a target operating line as a function of ambient pressure and total inlet pressure. The target operating line is defined to ensure the gas turbine engine operates simultaneously at both the minimum required compressor speed and the minimum required compressor outlet pressure when commanded to idle to minimize idle thrust and fuel burn. The processor determines if the operating point of the compressor, defined in terms of corrected outlet pressure and corrected rotational speed of the compressor rotor is above or below the target operating line of the compressor. The processor adjusts the angle of the variable stator vanes to make the operating point operate on the target operating line.
US08740547B2	System for controlling variable geometry equipment of a gas turbine engine particularly comprising a barrel link A system for controlling at least two variable geometry apparatuses of a gas turbine engine that includes at least a first body and a second body, the first apparatus including a stator blade stage with a variable setting angle of a compressor of the first body capable of switching between a closed position in an idle mode and an open position in a high-speed mode, and the second apparatus including at least one discharge valve of a compressor of the second body capable of switching between an open position in an idle mode and a closed position in a high-speed mode. The system further includes an actuator for actuating the two apparatuses.
US08740544B2	Wind turbine assembly with flow regulator A wind turbine assembly including an elongate generally cylindrical rotor operable to rotate about an axis, an elongate rotor housing that houses the rotor and which is adapted to be secured to a roof, and a flow regulator adapted to regulate wind flow to the rotor, wherein the flow regulator is orientatable in an open orientation, a closed orientation and a partially open orientation.
US08740539B2	Lift gate load elevator with columnar power assemblies A lifting system includes a vertically extending parallel pair of fixedly spaced apart guide surfaces, a linear actuator suspended vertically between said pair of guide surfaces, a vertically elongate runner member having a pivotal connection to a lower end of said linear actuator to be vertically reciprocated by said actuator, a load bearing member at a lower end of said runner member at a location spaced downwardly from said pivotal connection and a vertically spaced apart pair of sliding contact members on said runner member for relatively slidable contact with said pair of guide surfaces during vertical reciprocation of said runner member by said actuator. Each of said contact members comprises a projecting contact pad having a concave surface for slidable contact with one of said guide surfaces.
US08740529B2	Attaching arrangement for hand-held motor-driven tools An arrangement for attaching a bar of a hand-held motor driven tool, such as a chain saw, to a body of the tool includes at least one first engagement device, a cover portion adapted to bear against a bar such that the bar is arranged between the cover portion and the body, and at least one second engagement device is adapted to engage the first engagement device for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body. The second engagement device is arranged to move a first distance along the first engagement device in a direction of the rotation axis of the second engagement device for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body. The second engagement device is captively attached to a spring biasing member having an undistorted position and a distorted position.
US08740527B2	Self-drilling wall anchor device A self-drilling wall anchor device comprises a threaded member having a first threaded section and a second threaded section that provide different diameters, and an outer sleeve having a through hole that provides connective first area, second area, and third area. A second area diameter of the second area is larger than a first diameter of the first threaded section but smaller than a second diameter of the second threaded section. A third area diameter of the third area is larger than the second area diameter of the second area. When the first threaded section and the second threaded section cooperate with the outer sleeve for drilling, the second threaded section blocks the second area and the third area. Arms of the outer sleeve warp and curl out of a gypsum object, not into the gypsum object. The present invention reaches a favorable gripping effect and a preferable anti-retracting performance.
US08740526B2	Load beam assembly An elongate beam assembly for supporting cargo is provided. The beam assembly includes an elongate beam extending between first and second ends, the beam comprising a bottom wall with a downward facing surface and extending across a bottom width. A top wall includes an upwardly facing surface and extends across a top width between right and left edges and opposite right and left side walls extend between the bottom and top walls. The bottom width is smaller than the top width. Each of the right and left edges of the top wall define respective right and left side surfaces. Right and left ribs extend from a bottom edge of each respective right and left side surface to the respective right and left side wall.
US08740519B2	Tool holder assembly A tool holder assembly including a cutting tool and a tool holder. The cutting tool includes at least one fluid passage. The tool holder includes a conduit and a bore adapted to receive the cutting tool. An adapter or adapter portion may be provided that provides a fluid to one or more fluid passages in the cutting tool.
US08740516B2	Cutting insert for threading A threading cutting insert achieves high shape accuracy of a screw to be processed, and saves on manufacturing cost. Therefore in the threading cutting insert, a plurality of tooth-shaped cutting edges are formed in a cross ridge line portion between a rake face and flanks formed in a cutting side face, wherein the plurality of mountain-shaped cutting edges provides at least one finishing cutting edge for transferring a shape of a screw, and at least one roughing cutting edge formed in a tooth shape smaller than that of the finishing cutting edge. A flank of the finishing cutting edge includes a first flank, and a second flank having a clearance angle larger than that of the first flank, wherein the finishing cutting edge, the first flank, and the second flank are sequentially provided in that order from the rake surface in a direction of a lower surface of the insert.
US08740515B2	Metal cutting drill bit A combination drill bit for use in both hand held drills and stationary drill presses has a shanking end, a working end and a helical flute portion between the shanking and working ends. The helical portion has a helix length (L) of L = ( D × π tan ⁢ ⁢ α ) . The drill bit has a core that is tapered from the working end to the shanking end. A web thickness length at the working end is 10% to 35% of the diameter and the thickness length at the junction of the shanking end is 70% to 90% of the diameter. The drill bit is manufactured from a high speed steel including at least 5% by weight of cobalt.
US08740511B2	Tool holder and method for clamping a cutting insert therein A tool holder has a main body having a holder head extending away from a holder shank in a forward direction, a clamping member non-threadingly retained in the holder head, and a locking member operatively engaging a single abutment surface of the clamping member. The holder head has an insert receiving pocket at a forward end thereof with a pocket support surface substantially facing in an upward direction, and the clamping member is located entirely rearward of the pocket support surface with the abutment surface facing generally upwardly. The tool holder is configured to direct a clamping force towards, and clamp a cutting insert against, the pocket support surface.
US08740509B2	Cutting insert for a cutting tool for machining by chip removal, in particular for high feed milling The present invention relates to a cutting insert for a cutting tool for the chip-removing high feed milling machining of workpieces, the cutting tool having a holder with a seat for receiving the cutting insert, the cutting insert having at least one cutting edge lying in a covering surface. To achieve a higher feed speed and greater cutting depth, particularly during high feed milling, there is provision, according to the invention, whereby the cutting edge has in portions three different radii of curvature, a first portion having the smallest radius, a middle second portion adjoining it having the largest radius, and a third portion adjoining the latter having a medium radius lying between the smallest and the largest radius, and whereby a peripheral line, running through all the cutting edges, of the covering surface is exclusively convexly curved. The invention relates, furthermore, to a correspondingly configured holder and to a cutting tool.
US08740504B2	Apparatus and method for re-tensioning a loose roof plate in an underground mine An apparatus for retensioning a loose roof plate held by a roof bolt, includes a main spacer, a washer, and a nut. The main spacer occupies a space between a head of the roof bolt and the loose roof plate, and the main spacer has a threaded circumferential outer surface and a radially extending slot for inserting a shaft of the roof bolt therein. The washer occupies a space between the main spacer and the loose roof plate, and the washer has a radially extending slot for inserting the shaft of the roof bolt therein. The nut has a threaded hole for passing the head of the roof bolt therethrough, for threading onto the threaded spacer and for tightening onto the threaded spacer until the roof plate is firmly pressed against the roof.
US08740502B2	Anchor and anchor nut thereof An anchor includes a rotatable anchor rod an anchor plate and an anchor nut. The screw thread in the anchor nut matches the screw thread of the anchor rod only over part of the screw thread hole. Thus the anchor nut can only be screwed some way further onto the anchor rod, and up to a predetermined torque can be used for rotating the anchor rod during placement of the anchor. As soon as the anchor rod is firmly seated in the drill hole, as a result of the action of adhesive, mortar or expansion or spreading, the anchor rod forms a through-thread in the screw thread hole when the anchor nut is rotated relative to the anchor rod, and consequently the anchor nut can finally be screwed onto the anchor rod until it affixes the anchor plate in its final position to the ground.
US08740495B1	Shallow flush-mounted vehicle control barrier Systems and methods described herein provide for a flush-mounted vehicle control barrier having a shallow foundation. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a vehicle control barrier includes a sub-frame, a wedge plate, and an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the sub-frame and disposed within an interior space of the sub-frame.
US08740494B2	Clamping assembly A clamping assembly for clamping a first component in the form of a bearing race to a second component in the form of a shaft, which in use is clamped coaxially with the bearing race. The clamping assembly includes a first member in the form of a first ring having a retaining formation in the form of a thread for retaining the first ring to the shaft, a second member in the form of a segmented second ring, a third member in the form of a third segmented ring, a spacer ring and a locking ring. Each of the segments of the second ring and third ring are pivotable or rollable relative to one another.
US08740490B2	Dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush with integrated dispensing platform and self sealing spout Dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush comprising a driver-pump head with a dispensing platform, a replaceable brush unit and a handle having a battery and a cartridge containing dentifrice material. The replaceable brush unit includes a oscillatory brush element and a brush element having a circular or an elongated spout opening as well as a snap-on mounting bracket for fastening to the driver-pump head. The dispensing platform contains a flow channel and a self-sealing spout to prevent drying of the dentifrice material at the spout. The self-sealing spout opens and closes automatically during a pumping action. The brush element with a spout opening is detachably mounted over the spout fixed on the dispensing platform to allow for brush oscillation around the spout and receive the dentifrice material dispensed from the flow channel. Different drive mechanisms are used to impart rotary, lateral or longitudinal oscillation on a brush element in a brush unit.
US08740488B2	Medical skin applicator apparatus A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface.
US08740484B2	Image-forming device and method for forming an image which detects shifting amounts of a continuous recording material An image-forming device includes a conveying part, an image-forming part, first through third sensors, and a control part. The conveying part is configured and arranged to convey a continuous recording material. The image-forming part is configured and arranged to form an image on the recording material conveyed by the conveying part. The first through third sensors are configured and arranged to detect positions of an edge surface of the recording material conveyed by the conveying part. The control part is configured to calculate first through third shifting amounts based on the positions of the edge surface of the recording material simultaneously detected by the first through third sensors, respectively. The first shifting amount is generated by movement of the recording material, the second shifting amount is generated by rotation of the recording material, and the third shifting amount is generated by fluctuations in the edge surface of the recording material.
US08740480B2	Lens cap with integrated storage mechanism Described is a lens cap with an integrated threaded screw that allows the cap to be stored on the camera securely without the use of any additional hardware. In one embodiment, a standard camera lens cap has a screw as found on standard male tripod mounts protruding from the front of the lens cap. When the camera is in use, the screw protruding from the lens cap may be used to secure the lens cap to the threaded female tripod mount found on the underside of most cameras.
US08740476B2	Connectored cable and method for manufacturing connectored cable A connectored cable including a cable having an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal; and a connector that accommodates a substrate on which a photoelectric conversion portion that is optically coupled to an end face of the optical fiber is installed, and in which the optical fiber is wired so that at least three bent portions are formed, the orientation of the optical fiber in a front-rear direction being changed, the optical fiber being bent into a U shape at each of the bent portions, and so that one of two bent portions on a front side is located on a down side of the substrate and the other bent portion on the front side is located on an up side of the substrate.
US08740475B2	High-frequency transmission module and optical connector having stacked chips connected via wire bonding A high-frequency transmission module includes a first chip, a second chip, and a conductive wire. The first chip includes a first top surface and a number of pads arranged along a periphery of the first top surface. The pads include a first bonding pad. The second chip includes a second top surface and a second bonding pad on the second top surface. The second chip is positioned on the first top surface such that the pads are uncovered by the second chip and the second bonding pad is mostly closed to the first bonding pad. The conductive wire bonds to the first bonding pad and the second bonding pad to electrically connect the second chip to the first chip and is configured to transmit high-frequency signals between the first chip and the second chip.
US08740472B2	Thrust bearing and suspension for vehicle The suspension thrust bearing device for a motor vehicle comprises a rolling bearing forming a thrust bearing and provided with an upper ring, with a lower ring and with at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings, a bearing cap in contact with the upper ring, and a support cap in contact with the lower ring and forming a bearing means for a suspension spring. At least one of the caps comprises a body made of synthetic material and an insert covered at least in part by the body. The insert comprises stiffening ribs in order to reinforce the mechanical strength of the cap with respect to the axial loads resulting from the forces exerted by the suspension spring.
US08740471B2	Retainer segment for tapered roller bearing, tapered roller bearing, and method for mounting tapered roller bearing An object of the present invention is to prevent breakup of segments which constitute a split type retainer for a tapered roller bearing, when the tapered roller bearing is being mounted on target equipment, thereby improving operability in the mounting process. A segment for a tapered roller bearing is provided with a predetermined number of posts between a small-diameter-side end fringe which constitutes a small-diameter-side circumferential edge of a split type retainer and a large-diameter-side end fringe which constitutes a large-diameter-side circumferential edge thereof. Pockets are formed between the posts. At least the large-diameter-side end fringe, out of the small-diameter-side end fringe and the large-diameter-side end fringe, is provided with a large-diameter-side engagement piece. When the bearing is mounted, the large-diameter-side engagement piece is engaged with the large-diameter engagement member fitted and fixed onto the bearing's inner ring, whereby the segment is prevented from breaking up.
US08740461B2	Fluid bearing assembly A fluid bearing assembly well-suited for use as high performance, web handling roller includes a stationary inner component that extends coaxially within a rotatable outer component. The inner component includes a single conical member from which extends a narrow stem. The delivery of fluid into a nominal gap between the inner and outer components creates a tapered bearing, with the outer component capable of frictionless rotation relative to the inner component. A thrust plate is axially mounted onto the stem and is retained thereon by a threaded nut. By delivering fluid into a nominal gap between the thrust plate and the outer component, a thrust bearing is created which counterbalances the net axial force produced from the tapered bearing. Furthermore, precise adjustment of the tapered bearing air gap can be achieved through rotation of the threaded nut, thereby enabling certain performance characteristics of the fluid bearing assembly to be modified.
US08740456B2	Adjusting delivery of current in a connection based on temperature Adjusting current based on temperature. A change in temperature of a connection between a first device and a second device may be measured. The change in temperature may be performed while the first device provides current to the second device over the connection. If the change in temperature is above a threshold, the current being provided from the first device to the second device may be reduced. The change in temperature may be performed by the first device and/or the second device, e.g., by measuring the temperature of a connector of the connection.
US08740454B2	Environmental measurement system and environmental measurement method An optical fiber is provided with a first measurement portion and a second measurement portion provided with covering layers different at least in any one of heat capacity and heat conductivity. Then, the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located in the same measurement position and light is inputted from a temperature measurement device into the optical fiber. Thereafter, the temperature measurement device receives backscattered light generated inside the optical fiber to measure temperature distribution in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. An analyzer analyzes a variation over time of the temperature distribution outputted from the temperature measurement device to calculate a temperature and a wind velocity in a measurement position where the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located.
US08740448B2	Micromixing chamber, micromixer comprising a plurality of such micromixing chambers, methods for manufacturing thereof, and methods for mixing A micromixing chamber, roughly in the form of an hourglass, having a first outer end with a tangential inflow opening and a second outer end with a tangential outflow opening. The mixing chamber in the overall flow direction first narrows more or less gradually and subsequently widens more or less abruptly. The micromixer may be made at least partially of glass, or at least partially of a plurality of glass plates. A micromixer having a plurality of such micromixing chambers connected fluidically in series is also disclosed. Methods for manufacturing such a micromixing chamber of such a micromixer, as well as method for mixing by means of such a micromixing chamber or by means of such a micromixer, are disclosed.
US08740447B2	Flat panel display In a flat panel display having integral frame structure, features of a metal frame and a plastic support, which support, position, and fix each component, are incorporated as an integral frame structure, such that no additional structure component is needed for the flat panel display to assemble the backlight module and the panel module. The frame structure is assembled to the bottom cover via screw that can reduce defectiveness of repetitive processing. A concave section at the bottom of the frame structure can contain a control circuit board for the panel cell such that the control circuit board can be rerouted downward to the bottom of the frame structure. The space required at the light source side of the flat panel display can be reduced, hence leading to the flat panel display with thin frame at the light source side.
US08740446B2	Light guide plate positioning design in backlight module A light guide plate positioning design in backlight module includes a base, a light guide plate, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit. The base has a sidewall extending along a second direction. The first positioning unit is disposed on the sidewall for contacting the light guide plate to resist a displacement of the light guide plate in a first direction, and further to position the light guide plate relatively to the sidewall in the first direction. The second positioning unit is disposed on the base for contacting the light guide plate to resist a displacement of the light guide plate in the second direction, and further to position the light guide plate in the second direction in a position along the side wall. The resistance of the first positioning unit to the displacement of the light guide plate is greater than that of the second positioning unit.
US08740443B2	Changing graphics in an apparatus including user interface illumination An apparatus includes a light guide. A first light input section receives light in a first direction into said light guide. First direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said first direction in said light guide. A second light input section receives light in a second direction into said light guide. Said second direction is different than said first direction. Second direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said second direction in said light guide.
US08740438B2	Illumination module An illuminating module includes at least one light-emitting chip, a phosphor, and a color temperature conversion media. The light-emitting chip is capable of emitting wavelength light, and the phosphor is disposed in a propagation path of the wavelength light to transform the wavelength light into a first white light with a first color temperature. The color temperature conversion media is disposed in a propagation path of the first white light to transform the first white light into a second white light with a second color temperature. The second color temperature is smaller than the first color temperature.
US08740434B2	Light guide element, light source module, and display A light guide element, a light source module, and a display are provided. The display includes a display panel and the light source module. The light source module includes a light source and the light guide element, wherein light emitted by the light source is guided toward the display panel by the light guide element. The light guide element includes a plurality sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls surround the bottom wall and are connected with each other to form a light entering opening, a light exiting opening, and an inner reflection room. Each of the sidewalls and the bottom wall has at least one reflection surface, wherein the reflection surface faces the inner reflection room.
US08740431B2	Head lamp system comprising a pair of head lamps and method for controlling the same Provided are a head lamp system including a pair of head lamps and a method for controlling the same. A head lamp assembly according to the present disclosure includes: a rotation control unit for rotating a head lamp to determine an irradiating direction of the head lamp; a lighting unit provided in the head unit to generate light; a shield unit located at the front of the lighting unit and having a cylindrical shape to be rotatable on a rotary shaft, the shield unit having a plurality of shield protrusions provided on the circumference thereof to partially intercept the light; and a shield operating unit for activating a selected shield protrusion, wherein the plurality of shield protrusions have different shapes from each other, wherein the plurality of shield protrusions include shield protrusion A and shield protrusion B having the same height and having steps which protrude upward and whose starting locations are different from each other.
US08740419B2	Electrical circuit arrangement The present invention relates to an electrical circuit arrangement, in particular an electrical signal circuit arrangement and preferably a signal lamp which is used in hazardous areas. The circuit arrangement is equipped with at least one electrical component (1) which is arranged on a printed circuit board (2) produced from a heat-conducting material. The electrical component (1) is, in particular, a luminous means (1). A cooling device (6, 7) which is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board (2) is also realized. According to the invention, the cooling device (6, 7) is in at least two parts, with a heat sink (7) and at least one heat pipe (6). In this case, the heat pipe (6) thermally connects the printed circuit board (2) to the heat sink (7).
US08740418B2	Optical element and light emitting device Provided is an optical element which suppresses generation of glare and a dark section and is applicable to planar light emission having improved light efficiency. A light emitting device is also provided. A light emitting device is provided with: a light transmitting member having a light inputting section having light inputted thereto, a first light guide section which guides light inputted to the inputting section to a reflecting surface, the reflecting surface which is arranged on the first light guide section on the side opposite to the light inputting side and totally reflects light which forms one linear path among inputted light, and a second light guide section which guides reflected light; and a light emitting member which inputs light to the inputting section. The first light guide section contains light scattering particles, which multiply scatter light and generate light that passes through the reflecting surface and is outputted to the external, and the second light guide section partially or entirely outputs inputted light to the same surface to which light passed through the reflecting surface is outputted.
US08740409B2	Light-emitting-element mounting package, light emitting device, backlight, and liquid crystal display device A small and thin, light-emitting-element mounting package is provided, in which light emitting elements may by independently controlled despite a side view type package, and a light emitting device using the package is provided. The light-emitting-element mounting package includes a lead frame. The lead frame has at least one set of a structure including a lower conductor layer, an insulating layer and an upper conductor layer in this order, and a mounting area exposed on a surface of the lower conductor layer.
US08740405B2	Lighting apparatus In one embodiment, a lighting apparatus includes a light source unit having light emitting units arranged in a longitudinal direction. A transparent cover member is formed in a substantially straight pipe shape and having openings at both ends for housing the light source unit along the longitudinal direction. The cover member has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than that of the light source unit. End plate members are fixed to the both ends of the light source unit and close the openings at the both ends of the cover member.
US08740403B2	Linear light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture having an elongated casing, an array of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board and a holographic film element providing a near lossless optical element for redistributing the light emission patterns from adjacent ones of the LEDs into an array light emission pattern wherein the emitted light in a region of the array light emission pattern is comprised of a sum of overlapping light emission patterns of a plurality of the LEDs. The casing is divided into a lighting element compartment containing the LED printed circuit board and holographic film element and a power supply compartment containing at least one power supply, each being thermally isolated from the other.
US08740399B2	Touch type lamp switch A touch type lamp switch, which comprising: an upper and lower casing matched to each other; a keying zone is protruded integrally on the upper casing, and several touch switches are divided; multiple punch holes are arranged on the periphery of the keying zone, and the lower casing is provided with a depressed space, with its opening interlocked with the upper casing; a faceplate, attached firmly onto the upper casing; a transparent light panel, attached firmly with the surface of the faceplate; a rectangular hollow frame, embedded onto the center of the transparent light panel and faceplate for locking the transparent light panel; and a circuit structure, embedded into the space formed by the upper and lower casings, comprising of touch switch circuit, several LED indicators and colorful LED backlight.
US08740396B2	Cube corner retroreflector for measuring six degrees of freedom A target includes a cube corner retroreflector including three planar reflectors, each planar reflector capable of reflecting light, each planar reflector perpendicular to the other two planar reflectors, each planar reflector intersecting the other two planar reflectors in a common vertex, and each planar reflector having two intersection junctions, each intersection junction shared with an adjacent planar reflector for a total of three intersection junctions within the cube corner retroreflector. The target further includes a non-reflecting portion of each intersection junction, wherein, for at least one intersection junction, the non-reflecting portion is wider in a first region than in a second region.
US08740392B2	Projection display device and method for controlling the same An electricity storage section that stores power from an external power source and supplies the stored power as operating power is provided, and, when an interruption of the external power source to a projection display device is detected, control to reduce the power consumption of a device main body and control to drive an exhaust port shutter so that it is closed by the power supplied from the electricity storage section are performed.
US08740391B2	Devices and methods for providing a distributed manifestation in an environment The present invention concerns a projection system for providing a distributed manifestation within an environment. The projection system includes a data generator for generating a plurality of data sets of associated state data and spatial coordinate data. The projection system also includes a projector in communication with the data generator for receiving the data sets. The projector is provided with a signal generating module for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals, and a projecting module for projecting each of the electromagnetic signals towards a target location within the environment. The projection system also includes a plurality of receiving units distributed within the environment, each receiving unit having a receiver for receiving one of the electromagnetic signals when the receiving unit is positioned in the corresponding target location, each receiving unit being adapted to perform a change of state in response to the state data.
US08740390B2	Fluorescent wheel, light source device and projector A fluorescent substrate includes a base having a reflective surface and a flat bottom surface, and a fluorescent layer disposed on the reflective surface of the base such that the reflective surface of the base directs, outward from the wheel, fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent layer due to its excitation by exciting light. The reflective surface of the base has an array of minute reflective structures formed thereon so as to reflect, outward from the reflective surface, fluorescence emitted substantially parallel to the flat bottom surface of the base from the fluorescent layer.
US08740386B2	Automated vision screening apparatus and method A method for screening vision using a kiosk comprising: requesting, using the kiosk, user information; performing objective visual acuity tests using the kiosk, wherein said visual acuity tests determine: sphere, cylinder, cylinder axis, or corneal curvature, or any combination thereof; and reporting visual acuity results, wherein said method does not require assistance from another person.
US08740383B2	Self-illuminated handheld lens for retinal examination and photography and related method thereof System and method directed towards providing full and even illumination of a patient's retina through lighting integrated into a handheld fundus lens. By integrating the lighting, the method and system reduces and even eliminate many lens artifacts and reflections. By increasing the accuracy, quality, and field of view afforded during clinical examination of the retina, the method and system will allow practitioners to make more accurate diagnoses and will increase safety during retinal surgical procedures.
US08740382B1	System and method for automatically tracking a contact lens in a wearer's eye A system and method for automated determination of position and movement of a contact lens with respect to a subject wearer's eye based upon a complimentary pair of images, acquired in rapid succession, in which one image of the pair is acquired using light that allows viewing of the pupil and/or limbus through the lens and the other image is acquired using light that is absorbed by the lens to generate an opaque image with a defined edge relative to the surrounding sclera. The images of the pair are acquired in close enough temporal proximity to ensure that eye movement in the interval therebetween is insignificant and both images are in the same approximate reference frame. Thus, the location of the pupil and limbus in one image can be accurately compared with the location of the contact lens edge in the other image.
US08740381B2	Method and apparatus for extrapolating diagnostic data A method and an apparatus for extrapolating diagnostic data relating to one pupil diameter to another pupil diameter. Embodiments according to the invention are more particularly directed to extrapolating wavefront aberration data, for example, in the form of Zernike polynomial data, obtained from a smaller pupil diameter, d1, to a larger pupil diameter, d2. Data relating to the first pupil diameter d1 may be obtained in a diagnostic procedure. In the extrapolation, a conversion matrix M is utilized. The conversion matrix M can be generated from a static matrix and a dynamic matrix, the latter taking the pupil diameter d1 into consideration. Data relating the first pupil diameter d1 and wavefront aberration data can be ordered via a permutation matrix P. If necessary, Extrapolated data can be re-ordered via a transposed permutation matrix PT. The extrapolated data relating to the pupil diameter d2 can be processed to obtain an ablation profile, a shot file, or other data for a refractive vision correction treatment.
US08740377B2	Imprint recipe creating device and imprint device Certain embodiments provide an imprint recipe creating device comprising first to fifth creation units. The first creation unit creates inside-standard-shot information by use of filling amount information and residual film thickness information. The second creation unit creates first inside-substrate-surface information by use of shot position information, edge information, and the inside-standard-shot information. The third creation unit creates first correction information by use of unevenness information indicating unevenness in a substrate and unevenness distribution information indicating variations in depth of the unevenness inside the substrate surface. The fourth creation unit creates second correction information by use of post-process information indicating the variations in processing size. The fifth creation unit synthesizes the first inside-substrate-surface information, the first correction information and the second correction information, to create second inside-substrate-surface information.
US08740373B2	Image forming method and image forming device An image forming method includes an ejecting step, a drying step after the ejecting step, and a particle-providing step after the drying step. The ejecting step includes ejecting aqueous ink onto a recording medium and forming an image. The drying step includes drying such that a difference between a water amount contained in the recording medium after the drying and a water amount that was contained in the recording medium before the ejecting is from 1.0 g/m2 to 4.0 g/m2. The particle-providing step includes supplying particles to the surface of a roller and, via the roller, providing the particles to a face of the recording medium at which the image has been formed.
US08740372B2	Process, dispersion, ink and use A process for preparing a dispersion of encapsulated solid particles in a predominantly organic liquid vehicle, comprising the following steps: i) providing a dispersion comprising a particulate solid, a liquid medium and a polymeric dispersant having at least 3.0 mmoles of reactive groups per g of dispersant; ii) cross-linking the polymeric dispersant via at least some, but not all, of the reactive groups, said cross-linking being performed in the presence of the particulate solid and the liquid medium and resulting in the encapsulation of each solid particle with a cross-linked polymeric dispersant shell; iii) covalently bonding an end-capping agent to the polymeric dispersant via the reactive groups; said process being such that the final organic liquid vehicle comprises one or more organic liquids and optionally water, provided that water is present at no more than 30% by weight based on the dispersion.
US08740371B2	Inkjet recording ink set, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording ink set containing at least a black pigment ink and a color pigment ink which has a color selected from one or more colors, wherein the black pigment ink contains a first anionic self-emulsifying ether polyurethane resin having an acid value of 65 mgKOH/g to 85 mgKOH/g, and the at least one color pigment ink of every color contains a second anionic self-emulsifying ether polyurethane resin having an acid value 10 mgKOH/g to 40 mgKOH/g lower than those of the first anionic self-emulsifying ether polyurethane resin contained in the black pigment ink.
US08740368B2	Ink composition, ink set and inkjet image forming method The present invention provides an ink composition for inkjet recording, containing colloidal silica, urea, a coloring material, and water.
US08740364B2	Dispensing liquid using array of dispensing elements A liquid dispensing element array is positioned on a substrate. Each liquid dispensing element includes a liquid dispensing channel positioned on the substrate and an associated diverter member. An outlet opening is positioned on a wall opposite the substrate. Liquid supply and return channels are positioned on the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel. Liquid supply and return passages extend through the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid supply and return channels, respectively. Liquid flows from the supply passage through the supply channel, through the dispensing channel, through the return channel to the return passage in the array of liquid dispensing elements. A liquid drop is ejected through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel of one of the liquid dispensing elements by selectively actuating the diverter member of the liquid dispensing element to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening.
US08740363B2	Solid ink printer with magnetic ink mixing A phase change inkjet printer is equipped with an agitator to prevent settling of metal particles in melted magnetic phase change ink. The agitator operates to agitate the melted magnetic phase change ink as the ink enters the printhead to maintain the metal particles in suspension within the melted ink.
US08740357B1	Method and structure for sealing fine fluid features in a printing device An ink jet printhead including a substrate such as an ink reservoir or an interposer and a printing device. The printing device can be attached to the substrate with a first adhesive and with a second adhesive that is different than the first adhesive. The second adhesive can be applied to the printing device and to the substrate after attaching the printing device to the substrate with the first adhesive. The second adhesive can seal a gap from an ink channel in the substrate to a location between the printing device and the substrate.
US08740355B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and piezoelectric ceramic A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle aperture, and a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer and electrodes that apply a voltage to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is made of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure. The piezoelectric layer contains bismuth, barium, iron and titanium. The piezoelectric layer has an intensity ratio of a (111) orientation intensity to a (100) orientation intensity of 3 or more.
US08740354B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A first member and a second member constituting flow passage member are joined at a first joining region that surrounds the periphery of a liquid flow passage and a second joining region that is further to the outside than the first joining region, and in a state where the second joining region has a gas barrier property higher than that of the first joining region, the second joining region seals a gap between the first member and the second member, wherein the liquid ejecting head includes a communication hole that communicates a space between the first member and the second member with the outside, which is surrounded by the first joining region and the second joining region.
US08740343B2	Image correction system and image correction method Every time density correction information corresponding to a colorimetric value of a patch is acquired, the time when the density correction information is acquired and the type of a printing medium on which the patch is printed are accumulated in association in a memory. The type of a medium for printing is specified by a user; density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time for each chromatic color ink available for the medium of that type is read from the memory; it is determined whether or not the most up-to-date time when the density correction information is acquired for each of the chromatic color inks available for the specified medium is the same time; if the most up-to-date times are the same, density correction is performed on image data, using a correction table that corresponds to the density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time.
US08740342B2	Test apparatus for liquid drop emission apparatus A test apparatus for a liquid drop emission apparatus having a plurality of emission mechanisms, the emission mechanisms each having a driving element configured to emit an ink drop from a nozzle, and an application switch coupled with a driving voltage source and the driving element in series, the application switch being configured to switch a driving voltage for emission of a liquid drop between being applied and not being applied to the driving element, the test apparatus including a test switch configured to make each of the emission mechanisms output a test voltage which appears between both ends of the application switch to a test terminal, the test apparatus including a failure deciding section configured to decide whether the emission mechanism is in failure or not on the basis of the test voltage outputted to the test terminal.
US08740340B2	Printing device A printing device includes a camera position control mechanism is configured to control a position of a camera to switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state for photographing an alignment mark furnished on a substrate or a landing face for a liquid on a liquid landing member.
US08740338B2	Ink-jet print apparatus and method An ink-jet print apparatus adapted to prevent stain defects is disclosed.The ink-jet print apparatus includes: first to third head portions configured to form red, green, and blue color filters on a substrate; a plurality of nozzles provided in each of the first to third head portions; a camera, above the substrate, configured to photograph a transmittance of each of sub-pixels in which the red, green, and blue are formed; a light emission unit, under the substrate opposite to the camera, configured to emit light on the sub-pixel; and an injection quantity control unit configured to compare the transmittance of each sub-pixel photographed by the camera with a previously prepared reference transmittance and to compensate the injection quantity of the nozzle.
US08740323B2	Viscosity modulated dual feed continuous liquid ejector A continuous liquid ejector includes a structure including a wall. A portion of the wall defines a nozzle having a first fluidic resistance R1. A first liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The first liquid feed channel has a second fluidic resistance R2. A first drop forming mechanism is associated with the first liquid feed channel. A second liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The second liquid feed channel has a third fluidic resistance R3. The first fluidic resistance R1 is less than the second fluidic resistance R2 plus the third fluid resistance R3 (R1<(R2+R3)). A second drop forming mechanism associated with the second liquid feed channel.
US08740321B2	Slide rail A slide rail includes an outer rail, an intermediate rail, an inner rail, and a plurality of ball brackets with balls. The ball brackets are received between the outer rail and the intermediate rail. The intermediate rail is received between the outer rail and the inner rail. The intermediate rail is slidable relative to the outer rail through the balls. The inner rail slidably contacts the intermediate rail.
US08740317B2	Closed-loop control for trailer sway mitigation A method, and a system using the method, of controlling a towing vehicle that is connected to a vehicle trailer. The method includes sensing a set of vehicle targets and a set of vehicle conditions in response to the set of vehicle targets. The method also includes determining a plurality of differences between the set of vehicle targets and the set of vehicle conditions, determining a trend of the plurality of differences, generating at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal based on the trend, and actuating a vehicle system with the at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal.
US08740314B2	Bit holding system with an opening for removal of broken bits A cutting tool assembly including a bit holder having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a generally planar mounting surface between the forward and rearward portions. The forward portion defines a front aperture having an axis inclined relative to the mounting surface, and the rearward portion defines a rear aperture open to the front aperture. A cutting bit is mounted in the front aperture and includes a rearward end accessible through the rear aperture of the bit holder rearward portion.
US08740308B2	Collapsible seat The invention provides a collapsible seat suitable for forming from a sheet material. The seat includes a seat panel, a back panel linked to the seat panel along a first fold line, and a support panel linked to one side of the back panel via a first web defined by second and third fold lines. The support panel is adapted to be linked to another side of the back panel via a second web partially defined by a fourth fold line. The seat also includes a reinforcement panel having one end linked to the support panel along an eighth fold line and an opposite end. The reinforcement panel is adapted to be positioned generally horizontally and under the seat panel in use. The reinforcement panel includes twelfth and thirteenth fold lines intermediate the seventh fold line and the support panel such that the reinforcement panel is divided into first, second and third portions. The first and third portions are substantially identical in size.
US08740303B2	Customizable chair with multipoint adjustment A chair including a seat member for supporting a user, a backrest member mounted on the seat member, an adjustable platform attached to the backrest member in which the adjustable platform is selectively adjustable to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair, and a multipoint adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the adjustable platform along multiple locations of the platform to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair. The chair may be custom fitted to a specific user where the curvature of a user's back (e.g., in the spinal region) is measured relative to an idealized curvature, and the multi-point adjustment mechanism of the chair may be dialed in to improve the user's posture as the user uses the chair.
US08740299B1	Multipurpose table A multipurpose table and methods of configuring the same is disclosed. The multipurpose table includes a base, or optionally a surface, a pair of tabletop supports, a tabletop assembly, and a plurality of seats. The seats can be arranged outwardly from the tabletop assembly to provide a “table mode” of operation or arranged inwardly toward the tabletop assembly to provide a “bar mode” of operation. Further, some seats can be arranged outwardly from the tabletop assembly while at the same time other seats are arranged inwardly toward the tabletop assembly. Further, the tabletop assembly includes a pair of drop leaves that can be opened or closed at the user's discretion.
US08740298B2	Convertible chair A convertible chair with upright and reclined configurations is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include a chair that collapses to form a dolly and expands to form a chair with upright and reclined seating configurations. Alternate embodiments include a base connected to a seat with a four bar linkage. In still further embodiments, one side of the four bar linkage is extended outside the pivoting joints, the extended portion being pivotally and slidingly engaged with the base. In other embodiments, the chair is configured to maintain the occupant's center of mass near the primary weight supporting pivot linkage.
US08740290B2	Structure for side section of vehicle body A vehicle body side part structure having high strength against a load in a frontal collision and a load in a side collision. A side panel outer member (14) is provided with a front pillar lower section (31) which is formed from a high-tensile steel sheet, a front pillar upper section (37a) which is formed from a normal steel sheet, and a reinforcement member (38) which is disposed along the front pillar upper section. The upper end (31a) of the front pillar lower section (31) is joined to the inner surface of the lower end (37c) of the front pillar upper section. The front end (38a) of the reinforcement member (38) is joined to the inner surface of the upper end (31a) of the front pillar lower section.
US08740286B2	Reinforcement system for a vehicle A reinforcement system for a vehicle comprising side walls and a floor extending therebetween and meeting with each side wall along an intersection line dividing the side wall into an upper and a lower side wall section. The vehicle further comprises a belly attached to the lower side wall section at a location thereof spaced from the intersection line. The reinforcement system comprises a central reinforcement assembly configured for reducing deformation of the floor due to torque generated along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The reinforcement system further comprises a peripheral reinforcement assembly configured for localizing bending of the side wall at the lower side wall portion due to movement of the belly towards the floor.
US08740283B2	Arrangement structure for charging port cover An arrangement structure for a charging port cover includes a charging port (15) having a charging inlet (21) in a charging port opening portion (17) provided on a vehicle body, and a lid (7) that covers the charging port opening portion and is openable and closable on the vehicle body. The arrangement structure further includes a charging port cover (35) attached to the lid in an opened state to cover open sections (16, 18) between the charging port opening portion and the lid. The lid is fixed to the vehicle body by hinges (5) in an openable and closable manner. The open sections are located in side portions of the lid and the charging port opening portion in an axis direction (X) of the hinges and in a front portion in a direction (Y) orthogonal to the axis direction of the hinges.
US08740276B2	Molding end cap A molding end cap includes an end section and an insertion section that is inserted into a molding main body. The molding main body includes an outer surface section and a bent section. One of the insertion section and the bent section includes an engagement protrusion and the other thereof includes an insertion slope section and a hooking section. The engagement protrusion undergoes elastic deformation by the insertion slope section in a deformation direction that intersects an insertion direction. The hooking section holds the engagement protrusion in a state in which the engagement protrusion is restored from elastic deformation. The engagement protrusion formed in a shape of a rib ensures that the engagement protrusion is deformed to only a small extent in the insertion direction but easily undergoes elastic deformation in the deformation direction.
US08740275B2	Attachment device for attaching slinging or lashing means Disclosed is an attaching device for attaching stopping or lashing means to objects that are to be transported or tied down, comprising a fixing element (1), an attaching element (16), and a connecting element (15) which is rotatably mounted on a socket (4) wrapped around the fixing element (1) and connects the attaching element (16) to the fixing element (1). The connecting element (15) leans against ring flanges (6, 7) placed at the ends of the socket (4) via series of rolling bodies (12, 13) so as to allow said connecting element (15) to rotate without jerking and make it sufficiently tilt-proof.
US08740274B1	Bag-holding apparatus A bag-holding apparatus retains a bag in an open configuration to permit food and drinks to be poured into the bag without spilling. The apparatus includes a rod having a first end and a second end. A hoop is coupled to the first end of the rod. A plurality of clips is coupled to the hoop. The clips extend downwardly from the hoop wherein the clips are configured to retain a bag in an open configuration to facilitate transfer of an item from an exterior container into the bag. The clips are coupled to an outer surface of the hoop. A handle is coupled to a second side of the rod wherein the handle is configured for manual grasping to facilitate transfer of the item from the exterior container into the bag.
US08740273B2	Clamping mechanism A clamping mechanism includes a mounting member, three sealing assemblies, three clamping assemblies, and six adjusting valves. The mounting member defines a receiving hole axially and three mounting holes radially, the three mounting holes communicate with the receiving hole. Each sealing assembly includes a top seal and a bottom seal sealing opposite ends of corresponding mounting hole. Each clamping assembly includes a holding member and a piston, a first end of the holding member extends through the axial hole and is received in the receiving hole, the piston is fixed to the holding member and divides the mounting hole into a first chamber and a second chamber. The six adjusting valves respectively communicate with the first chambers and the second chambers of the three mounting holes.
US08740272B2	Ergonomically designed multi-handled tool Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
US08740269B2	Grill grate lifter A grill grate lifting tool that engages the grill at three or more points. The grill lifter hooks between the tines of the grill grate at the rim and/or to a handle of the grill grate. The grill grate lifting tool includes a handle attached to three or more legs, which is generally central above the center of mass of the grill grate to provide a stable lifting point with or without food on the grate.
US08740266B2	Sentinel event reducing safety knobs There is disclosed herein a suicide prevention door handle and shower handle wherein each is designed to eliminate any area or structure that could be used to hold a belt, piece of clothing or the like as an aid in committing suicide by hanging. In each case, the safety knob comprises a tapered rose member or faceplate along with a cylinder wedge assembly or handle.
US08740264B2	Vehicle door lock device A vehicle door lock device includes an active lever configured to bring an open link into a locked or unlocked state, and a child safety lock mechanism configured to enable pushing force transfer from an inside open lever to the open link in an unset state. Under a condition where the door is in an opened state, the active lever is situated at an unlocked position, and an intermediate member of the child safety lock mechanism is situated at an unset position, when a door opening operation of an inside door handle and an operation of a child safety protector lever for the intermediate member to move from the unset position to a set position are sequentially performed, a pushing portion of the intermediate member is engaged with an engagement portion of the active lever so that the active lever moves from the unlocked position to a locked position.
US08740263B2	Latch assembly A latch assembly is provided, the latch assembly having: a chassis, a latch bolt having a closed position and an open position, a pawl having an engaged position and a disengaged position, an eccentric arrangement defining an eccentric axis and a pawl axis remote from the eccentric axis, wherein when the pawl moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position the eccentric arrangement rotates about the eccentric axis to move the pawl axis from a first pawl axis position to a second pawl axis position, a retaining mechanism having a retaining position at which the pawl axis is held in the first pawl axis position and having a non-retaining position at which the pawl axis is allowed to move to the second pawl axis position, a release lever configured to move the retaining mechanism between the retaining position and the non-retaining position.
US08740262B2	Push button assembly for opening and closing a glovebox for a vehicle An opening and closing assembly for a storage compartment provided on a dashboard of a vehicle comprises a first housing, a push button including a first slider, a second housing and a second slider. The push button is movably supported on the first housing. The first slider has a first inclined face at a rear end thereof. The second housing is mounted adjacent the first housing. The second slider is movably supported on the second housing. The second slider includes at least one clip on one end for connecting the second slider to the second housing and a second inclined face on the other end. A longitudinal axis of the second slider is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first slider such that the second inclined face faces the first inclined face of the first slider. The at least one clip of the second slider is movable toward a striker to unlock the storage compartment when the second inclined face is pressed by the first inclined face.
US08740256B2	Quick connector assembly A quick connector assembly that provides fluid communication between a first conduit and a second conduit. The quick connector assembly includes a housing and a retainer. The housing has a first end that connects with the first conduit, has a second end that connects with the second conduit, and has a fluid passage that extends between the first and second ends. The retainer is carried by the housing and has a portion located in the fluid passage of the housing.
US08740253B2	Radiation curable embossed ink security devices for security documents A security document and a method of manufacturing a security document are provided in which a radiation curable ink is applied to at least one side of a substrate including at least one region of transparent plastics material forming a window or half-window area. The ink is embossed while soft and cured with radiation to form an embossed security device within the window or half-window area including one or more of a diffractive structure, a lens structure or other security element having a relief structure.
US08740251B2	Ground support service cart apparatus and methods An equipment service apparatus, which is suited for use in servicing ground support equipment (GSE) or aircraft ground equipment (AGE), includes a plurality of features for use in servicing and maintaining the GSE/AGE where the GSE/AGE is in use servicing an aircraft so that the GSE/AGE is not itself required to be transported to a remote location for servicing and/or maintenance. The apparatus may be constructed as a towable cart. The apparatus may include a fuel tank, a pump system configured to add fuel to or remove fuel from the fuel tank, and a fuel valve assembly operable to control fuel flow into and out of the fuel tank. The apparatus may also include a container storage portion configured to retain a plurality of removable fluid storage containers, at least one power source, and a power control system operable to control power from the at least one power source to operate at least some features of the equipment service apparatus.
US08740246B2	Airbag apparatus An inflation portion of an airbag is divided by a partitioning member into an upstream inflation portion and a downstream inflation portion. Part of the partitioning member forms a pair of overlapping portions overlapped with each other in a band-like shape inside the upstream inflation portion. The overlapping portions are joined to each other by a joint portion located at a boundary between the overlapping portions and non-overlapping portions. The partitioning member includes an opening, which is formed by cancelling the joint between the overlapping portions by the joint portion, and a pressure regulating valve, which includes a pair of valve bodies, which sandwiches the opening. Stress relaxation portions are provided at the overlapping portions. The stress relaxation portions relax stress acting on parts of the joint portion that are adjacent to the opening as the pressure regulating valve is opened.
US08740245B2	Inflator and airbag device An inflator includes: an inflator case configured from a bottomed cylindrical upper case and lower case, with the inflator case having an upper combustion chamber and a lower combustion chamber in which gas generants are accommodated, the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber being partitioned by a partition wall, and with the inflator case having a peripheral wall in which upper gas discharge holes and lower gas discharge holes are formed; a first inner cylinder member in which a transfer charge for combusting the gas generant inside the lower combustion chamber is accommodated; a second inner cylinder member whose upper end portion penetrates the partition wall and is positioned in a lower portion of the upper combustion chamber, with a transfer charge for combusting the gas generant inside the upper combustion chamber being accommodated inside the second inner cylinder member; a first igniter and a second igniter.
US08740244B2	Airbag guide by seat belt Embodiments of the invention provide airbags that are guided by the seat belt, but that are not installed or incorporated into the seat belt itself. The airbags may be installed on a seat side, seat backrest, or in the seat armrest. The airbags are associated with a guiding strip that uses the seat belt to guide the airbag into the proper position in front of the passenger.
US08740243B2	Foldable stroller frame A foldable stroller frame includes: two opposite foldable side frame units; and a foldable middle support interconnecting the side frame units. Each of the side frame units includes a handle rod, a first leg pivoted to the handle rod and adapted to be connected to a first stroller wheel, a second leg pivoted to the first leg and adapted to be connected to a second stroller wheel, and a connecting slider mounted slidably on the second leg. The handle rod has a lower end portion pivoted to the connecting slider so as to be co-slidable with the connecting slider on the second leg.
US08740241B2	Mobile barrier In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
US08740238B2	Fiber-reinforced wrapped handlebar-steered suspension fork A handlebar-steered suspension fork that includes an outer tube and an inner tube reciprocally slidable within the outer tube. The outer tube includes at least one radial load region and at least one transition region. A fiber-reinforced material is wrapped about at least one of the outer tube radial load regions and not wrapped about at least one of the outer tube transitions regions.
US08740233B2	Thrust sliding bearing and mounting structure of a strut-type suspension using the thrust sliding bearing A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.
US08740232B2	Offset inclined suspension An independent suspension for a steerable wheel has a support member that is inclined so that the movement of the wheel as it travels over an obstacle includes a rearward vector. The steering spindle is positioned in such a way that it is not perpendicular to the support member, but is angled to provide the desired caster angle, which may vary between embodiments.
US08740230B2	User-propelled vehicle having a channel to receive an illuminatable means A vehicle has a footboard 116 with side edge channels 130, each housing a rod or tube 112 forming illumination. The rods or tubes are connected to power means that include a battery or dynamo. Each rod or tube can include a transparent or translucent polymeric sheath for a series of LEDs. A switch provides on/off control and can provide different modes of illumination of the LEDs. The vehicle can be a foldable micro-scooter.
US08740226B2	System for contactlessly sealing a rotably mounted shaft from a housing, and gear unit In a system for contactlessly sealing a rotably mounted shaft from a housing, and a gear unit, oil is provided in the interior of the housing, the rotating shaft in particular projecting from the interior to the outer area, wherein a centrifugal disk is provided, which is connected to the shaft in torsionally fixed manner and has at least partially radially extending bores, which connect oil from a centrifugal chamber to a catch basin surrounding the centrifugal disk.
US08740224B2	Seal assembly for a turbomachine A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a seal ring rotatable between a first position and a second position and having a plurality of tunnels. Also included is a back ring located adjacent the seal ring and having a plurality of apertures that align with more of the plurality of tunnels of the seal ring when at the second position than at the first position. Further included is a retention piece operably connecting the seal ring and the back ring.
US08740222B1	Multifunctional electronic dart board with digital target display ring (DTDR) The present invention features a dart board comprising a digital target display ring (DTDR) surrounding a target area. The DTDR is operatively connected to a controller with a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor is configured to (a) receive an input signal from an input device when the input device is actuated, and (b) generate an output signal to the DTDR for the DTDR to display a unique graphic according to pre-programmed commands for the actuated input device.
US08740221B2	Apparatus and method for playing a skill game An apparatus for playing a skill game includes a generally vertically extending tube having a first, lower end; a second, upper end; and an axially extending passage. At least one outlet is located proximate the first end of the tube, and a play ball is supported by a flexible tether for swinging movement in a direction toward a scoring ball supported on the tube. The apparatus further includes a first receptacle for receiving the scoring ball if the scoring ball is appropriately struck by the play ball when a player swings the play ball in a direction toward the scoring ball supported on the tube.
US08740220B2	Method of and machine for playing gambling game with multiple winning thresholds A method for playing a game wherein a positive outcome for a player requires both a superior ranking over other players or fixed outcomes, and an absolute minimum ranking, is disclosed. A machine incorporating the method described is also disclosed.
US08740217B2	Roulette-type game with multiple tracks The play of roulette-type game is made more enticing by offering for a single bet a range of payouts from very modest with a high frequency to very great with low frequency. This is achieved without changing the underlying roulette-type game. In a twelve-position roulette, six balls can be used to provide over a 30% chance of getting a match, while the very low probability of getting 3 or more matches provides for generous payouts. Bets can also be placed on patterns of positions of balls.
US08740216B2	Document conveying apparatus and document conveying method Disclosed is a document conveying apparatus including: a reading unit which read image information on a surface of a document; a driving-side discharge unit which conveys the document in a first direction in contact with the first surface, and discharges at least a part of the document; a driven-side discharge unit which receives transmission of a rotative force from the driving-side discharge unit, when being in contact with the driving-side discharge unit; a specific-direction conveying unit which conveys the document in an opposite direction to the first direction; a pressing force applying unit which applies a force in a third direction to the driven-side discharge unit so as to be in contact with the driving-side discharge unit; and a movement control unit which moves the driven-side discharge unit in an opposite direction to the third direction, when the document is in contact with the driven-side discharge unit.
US08740214B2	Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet guiding rib protrudes below a sheet suction surface of a plurality of suction conveyer belts, the sheet guiding rib being provided at a position on a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction of a sheet suction region, in which a sheet can be sucked, of the sheet suction surface of the plurality of suction conveyer belts, and between the plurality of suction conveyer belts. At a time of conveying a topmost sheet sucked and deflected downward at a part of pressing a sheet surface detecting flag, a deflection amount of the topmost sheet is reduced by bringing the deflected part of the topmost sheet into abutment against the sheet guiding rib.
US08740207B2	Folding bench A portable workbench includes a pair of first support structures, a pair of second support structures, a first top member coupled to the first support structures, a second top member and a clamping mechanism. Each second support structure is pivotally coupled to an associated one of the first support structures. The clamping mechanism is coupled to the second support structures and is configured to selectively translate the second top member relative to the second support structures.
US08740201B1	Carving board A carving board comprising a board and a base. The board has a concave region that comprises at least one aperture, preferably disposed proximate the center of the concave region. The base is coupled to the board and comprises an interior space fluidly coupled to the aperture, thereby allowing liquid to drain from the concave region to the interior space via the at least one aperture. A stand is configured to mate with the base and to collect liquid that drains from the concave region and passes through the interior space of the base when mated with the base. The base and the stand are configured to enable a user to releasably lock the base to the stand by lowering the base onto the stand and rotating the base relative to the stand.
US08740200B2	Fluid-elastomeric damper assembly including internal pumping mechanism A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber through a fluid backfiller. The relative motion is operable for pumping the fluid through the orifice.
US08740197B2	Vibration-damping device An outer tube (11) of a vibration-damping device (10) is split into a first outer tube member (21) at a first end along the direction of an axis (O), and a second outer tube member (22) at a second end. The second end of the first outer tube member (21) in the direction of the axis (O), and the first end of the second outer tube member (22) in the direction of the axis (O) overlap each other in a radial direction of the outer tube (11) with the second rubber elastic body therebetween (23). Through this configuration, the generation of a noise from the vibration-damping device can be suppressed.
US08740189B2	Lifting system for a transportation system structure A lifting system for vertical adjustment of a transportation system structure consists of a foot that is fastened onto the transportation system structure and a foot cradle. The foot is bounded on opposite sides by two foot surfaces that are arranged at a foot-surface angle to each other. The foot cradle has two complimentary supporting surfaces against which the foot surfaces rest. The supporting surfaces are vertically movable, allowing the foot and transportation system structure to be raised or lowered, and the vertical adjustment thereby takes place.
US08740186B2	Valve and a method for providing such a valve A valve comprises a valve body having a cylindrical bore and at least two fluid passages connected to the cylindrical bore. A rotating body has at least one means for allowing fluid flowing through the fluid passages, and at least one means for blocking fluid flowing through the fluid passages. At least one sealing is arranged inside said cylindrical bore, said sealing having an outer surface parallel with the axis of the cylindrical bore, and an inner surface parallel with the lateral surface of the rotating body. The rotating body comprises a frusto-conical shape.
US08740182B2	Flow rate accuracy of a fluidic delivery system Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fluidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fluidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fluidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.
US08740178B2	Solenoid valve for controlling a fluid A solenoid valve for controlling a fluid includes an armature having a base region, a lateral region and a head region. The solenoid valve includes a valve member connected to the armature. The solenoid valve further includes an armature casing component in which the armature is positioned. A flow path is formed between the armature and the armature casing component, the flow path extending from a lower armature space to an upper armature space and back to the lower armature space. A junction region is arranged between the head region and the lateral region. The junction region has at least one groove formed therein to facilitate an overflow between the lateral region and the head region.
US08740176B2	Driving and adjusting device of passive shuttle-type shut-off valve A driving and adjusting device of a passive shuttle-type shut-off valve is provided. The problems of a big valve body structure size, a non-random angle installment, a single drive mode, low stability and reliability, a high temperature and poisonous material entering into the driving and adjusting device and unadjustable on-off speed and low volume in the prior device are solved. A main body (33) is connected with an upstream pipe (1) and a downstream pipe (3). A pressure port (2) on the upstream pipe (1) is connected with the driving device. A double acting cylinder (34) is provided in a valve sleeve (21). The left and right chambers of the double acting cylinder are connected with the valve clack (24). The driving device is composed of a regulating valve, a directional valve, a check valve, a boost-insulation valve and an accumulator (18). It can select the drive mode and adjust the on-off speed and the flow volume of the valve.
US08740174B2	Dual-direction ram-type blowout preventer seal A ram-type blowout preventer and method of actuating thereof. The ram-type blowout preventer includes a seal carrier disposed about a vertical bore between the body and adjacent to the horizontal bore. The seal carrier is configured to be thrust into sealing engagement with at least one of a pair of ram blocks of the ram-type blowout preventer by fluid pressure above the ram blocks and a sealing device forms a seal between the body and the seal carrier.
US08740173B2	Base plate A base plate 1 for fixing an object 2 to an installation surface, comprising a plate-like base body 11 having a mounting portion 11a on its upper surface for mounting the object 2, and a fixing piece 12 having bolt-fastened portions 15 which are to be fastened onto the installation surface by means of fixing bolts. Portions to be fitted 13 are provided on side surfaces of the base body 11, a fitting portion 16 is provided at an end of the fixing piece 12 to detachably fit to the portion to be fitted 13, and the fixing piece 12 is detachably attached to the side surface of the base body 11. The base plate 1 has various uses, and also allows for easily fixing of the object even in a narrow and tight place.
US08740172B2	Anti-tipover and seismic securement system A tipover prevention and seismic securement system for securing furniture and appliances from tipping over. The system employs a pair of identical mounts which are engaged to surfaces of the device to be secured and the securing position. A planar belt having apertures therein provides a tether between the two mounts through an engagement with projections on the mounts and apertures in the belt. Translating members secure the belt in its engagement to the mounts. The translating members once engaged must be unlocked to allow removal thereof and subsequent removal of the belt.
US08740165B2	Point-of-sale organizer Embodiments of organizers for point-of-sale systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an organizer includes a planar surface, a mounting bracket, a pole, and an adjustable arm. The pole illustratively fits within apertures in the planar surface and the mounting bracket, and the adjustable arm is connected to the pole and to a monitor mounting plate. In another embodiment, an organizer includes a surface, a mounting bracket, and a monitor support. The surface is configured to be positioned above a cash drawer and is held in place utilizing a front lip and side lips. The mounting bracket is configured to be positioned below the surface and behind the cash drawer. The monitor support passes through apertures in the surface and the mounting bracket, and is configured to position a monitor relative to the cash drawer.
US08740163B1	Insulated connector for attaching a solar unit to a roof An arrangement for attaching PV panels together and to a roofing clamp includes an electrical insulating provision between the attaching arrangement and the roofing clamp while providing electrical grounded connection between the PV panels, per se.
US08740161B2	Holder A holder for sustaining a handheld electronic device is provided. The holder includes a sucker and a positioning device. The sucker has a central and peripheral portion. The positioning device, which is disposed on a side of the sucker, comprises a housing, a ball, a clamping assembly and a rod. The housing is disposed on the sucker and has a receiving space for the ball and the clamping assembly. The rod has a first end connecting to the central portion of the sucker and a second end extending towards the receiving space. When the rod is led to position the sucker onto an object, the clamping assembly is adapted to restrict the ball simultaneously.
US08740157B2	Fastening device for a lead A fastening device (10) for a lead has a fastening portion (14) for mounting the fastening device (10) on a support, and a support portion (12) for the lead. The fastening device (10) further has at least one additional holding portion (16) extending from the support portion (12) for pre-fixing the fastening device (10) on the lead.
US08740156B1	Locomotive blue light reverser key A locomotive blue light reverser key has a handle portion and a shaft portion that is connected to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a switch, a battery that powers the LED, and a blue tinted lens. The shaft portion is insertable into a reverser of a locomotive. During a blue signal procedure when the train is not permitted to move, a train operator uses the blue light reverser key to indicate the blue signal procedure is in effect. The train operator activates the LED on the handle portion and inserts the blue light reverser key into the reverser. The shaft portion does not engage any locking mechanism within the reverser, and the reverser key prevents the locomotive from moving forward or backward. The blue light emitted from the blue light reverser key also notifies other train operators of the blue signal procedure.
US08740155B2	More electric flight control system onboard an aircraft An electric flight control system onboard an aircraft provided with flight control surfaces and controllers for controlling these surfaces, that include at least one local electro-hydraulic generator to supply hydraulic servocontrols connected to flight control surfaces.
US08740154B2	Spacecraft shield A spacecraft is described which uses a magnetic field source to generate a shield magnetic field to protect the spacecraft from energetic charged particles. The field may be perturbed to increase the effectiveness of the protection. Injection of material into the shield cavity to enhance the local plasma density may also be used.
US08740149B1	Flow channels The present disclosure relates to flow channels comprising a channel length having a first portion approximately parallel to the maximum waterline thickness location of a body and at least a second portion non-parallel thereto, a leading edge at a first end of the channel length, the leading edge separated from a trailing edge by a free edge along the channel length, the free edge projecting a predetermined height from an attaching edge attachable to at least a portion of the surface of the body, and at least a portion of the free edge being arcuate. A method comprises providing the fluid channel attachable to a body, modifying resultant vortices and reducing or minimizing shock formations or separation regions of the freestream.
US08740146B2	Cover panel for an aircraft, more particularly a landing gear cover panel for a cargo plane The invention relates to a cover panel for a landing gear for an aircraft with at least one pivotal closable flap 6, 7. According to the invention the at least one flap 6, 7 is attached for swivel movement to the fuselage cell 2 of the aircraft by means of at least one multi-articulated joint 8, 9, 13 wherein the multi-articulated joint 8, 9, 13 is constructed with a number of individual joints seated on a shaft 17, similar to a piano hinge, and a mechanical play increases preferably uniformly starting from a middle individual joint 14 towards the outer individual joints 15, 16. As a result of the mechanical play which increases within the multi-articulated joint 8, 9, 13 from the middle individual joint 14 to the two outer individual joints 15, 16 in the direction of the x-axis or aircraft longitudinal axis, a substantial mechanical isolation of the cover panel from any possible fuselage cell movements is provided. The flap 7 has at least in the area of one side edge an anti-lift security mechanism 26 in order to prevent aerodynamically conditioned flapping and lifting movements of the flap 7 in the direction of the aircraft vertical axis or z-axis.
US08740145B2	Door for an accommodation module, accommodation module and aircraft A door for crew rest compartments of cabins of means of transport comprises a lateral door leaf and a front door leaf as well as a floor element. With the door closed the floor element forms a continuation of the floor of the crew rest compartment. When compared to sliding doors, the cost of manufacture and the weight may be reduced.
US08740142B2	Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
US08740141B2	Aircraft arrestor system and method of decelerating an aircraft An arrestor system and method of decelerating an aircraft. The arrestor system has a base with at least one tile made of a plurality of particles being arranged such that the particles form a plurality of water drainage passageways and wherein the at least one tile has a compressive strength which will fatigue upon a force being imparted thereto which is greater than the compressive strength of the tile.
US08740140B2	Multifunctional electromechanical device for landing gear A multifunction electromechanical device for an aircraft undercarriage. The device comprises a first shaft (10) mounted to rotate on the aircraft about an axis of rotation (R) that is substantially parallel to a hinge axis (X) of the undercarriage relative to the aircraft and a telescopic second shaft (20) mounted to rotate on the undercarriage extending downwards to the proximity of the wheels carried thereby. The device also includes a transmission (19) for transmitting rotary motion from the first shaft to the second shaft and a transmission (21) for transmitting rotary motion from the second shaft to at least one wheel carried by the undercarriage. With this configuration, if the wheel is not fitted with a brake, there is a specific brake (30) for braking one of the shafts relative to the undercarriage, and a motor (11, 15) for causing the first shaft to rotate.
US08740134B2	Unmanned aircraft system and operation method thereof An unmanned aircraft system includes a manned aircraft and an unmanned aircraft. The manned aircraft includes a manned aircraft main wing, a manned aircraft fuselage, a manned aircraft landing system, and a manned aircraft joining mechanism provided at a bottom portion of the manned aircraft fuselage. The unmanned aircraft includes an unmanned aircraft main wing, an unmanned aircraft fuselage, an unmanned aircraft landing system, and an unmanned aircraft joining mechanism provided at a roof portion of the unmanned aircraft fuselage. The manned aircraft joining mechanism and the unmanned aircraft joining mechanism are detachably joined. The unmanned aircraft system can take off or land in a state that the unmanned aircraft and the manned aircraft are joined.
US08740132B2	End plug for a paper roll An end plug to be inserted axially into the center of an end of a roll of paper, includes a holding element adapted to hold and/or guide the end of the roll of paper in correct position in a dispenser. The end plug includes an outer sleeve having an outer end and an inner end and the holding element is connected to the sleeve by elements allowing the holding element to be axially moved from a first position to a second position, in which the holding element protrude outwardly from the outer end of the sleeve, the holding element being releasably held in the first position when moved thereto. A roll of tissue paper including such an end plug and a dispenser provided with such a roll are also disclosed.
US08740127B2	Cable retractor A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, several of the parts are separable to facilitate installation or replacement of a cable.
US08740125B2	Seatbelt retractor A seatbelt retractor having a switching device with a gas generator and a switch housing having a gas generator housing portion for accommodating the gas generator and a gas flow path that communicates with the gas generator housing portion so that gas generated by the gas generator passes through the gas flow path. Further, the gas generator housing portion and the gas flow path are formed in the switch housing in a curved shape, and a die-cut hole extending in a direction of the gas flow path on an opposite side of the gas flow path to the gas generator housing portion is blocked from the gas flow path by the gas generator.
US08740124B2	Earphone cable winder An earphone cable winder for winding at least one cable of an earphone includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the housing, at least one rotatable assembly rotatably arranged within a space defined by the first housing and the second housing, and a switch assembly connected to one of the first housing and the second housing. The first housing defines at least one first channel. The second housing defines at least one second slot communicating with the at least one first channel to store the at least one cable of the earphone. The rotatable assembly is configured to wind at least one cable of the earphone therearound. The latching arm is slidable between a first position where the at least one latching arm restricts the at least one cable from moving, and a second position where the at least one latching arm releases the at least one cable.
US08740119B2	Pill crusher device and method A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups includes a first stage of operation wherein a first cup holder is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup and a second stage of operation wherein the first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the first stage of operation, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup.
US08740118B2	Portable grinding device A grinding device, comprising a body configured as a hollow barrel having an opening and a first fixing element positioned close to the opening; an inner cap configured to mount to an inner wall of an end close to the opening of the body having a second fixing element corresponding to the first fixing element; wherein an aperture is provided on the inner cap, and a first leak-proof seal is configured to surround the aperture; an outer cover having a second leak-proof seal, wherein the second leak-proof seal engages the first leak-proof seal for leak-proofing; and a grinding element positioned inside the body and capable of moving therein freely; wherein an area of any cross section of the grinding element is bigger than the aperture of the inner cap.
US08740116B2	Essence extracting drinking vessel An improved hand operated citrus press is provided in direct operational combination with a liquid drinking vessel. The citrus press is provided removably connected to, and in fluid communication with, the liquid drinking vessel. The fluid contained within the drinking vessel can be infused with the essences from the ground or comminuted fruit from the citrus press. The fluid communication between the comminuting volume of the citrus press grinder assembly and the container allows these all natural ingredients to steep directly with the beverage, creating refreshingly flavored drinks.
US08740115B1	Sink disposal and metal sensor An apparatus includes: a disposal unit; a control unit configured to stop operation of the disposal unit; and a metal detector coil and associated circuitry, the metal detector coil located such that waste passing into the disposal unit for shredding passes through the metal detector coil. The control unit is triggered to stop operation of the disposal unit upon the detection of metal passing through the metal detector coil.
US08740114B2	System and method of bone processing A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue.
US08740111B2	Paint sprayer A sprayer for spraying a fluid can include a sprayer body, a trigger assembly, a flow adjustment mechanism and a fluid reservoir. The sprayer body can include a handle portion and a nozzle portion, the nozzle portion defining a fluid outlet and including a fluid conduit in communication with the fluid outlet. The trigger assembly can be coupled to the nozzle portion and be configured to open the fluid outlet. The flow adjustment mechanism can be coupled to the trigger assembly and be configured to adjust a flow rate of the sprayer. The fluid reservoir can be coupled to the sprayer body and be in communication with the fluid outlet and fluid conduit. The fluid reservoir can include a cap and first and second necks, the first neck being coupled to the sprayer body and the cap being removably coupled to the second neck.
US08740108B1	Atomizer system for improved fuel systems In this system, a device is placed inside the injectors on the manifold or inside three different design housings above the combustion chambers of engines. The device is a combine that has a cylinder that has a set of vanes. In one embodiment a small motor is used to turn the cylinder, which helps to atomize the fuel to a fine state. This atomization improves combustion in that the smaller fuel particles can burn more efficiently and more completely than larger drops of fuel that is simply squirted into a cylinder or manifold. In two other embodiments, the cylinder (combine) can be turned with a belt driven by the engine.
US08740106B2	Elastic clip for fixing railway rail and method for installing the same An elastic clip for fixing a railway rail, comprising a head arch having a front end thereof inserted into a clip shoulder of a base plate or a tie; a first front arch extending in one piece from the head arch and upwardly curved in an oblique direction; a first toe extending in one piece from the first front arch and having a bottom thereof contacting a top of a flange of a rail; a second front arch extending in one piece from the first toe and upwardly curved in an oblique direction; and a second toe extending in one piece from the second front arch and having a top of a front end of thereof contacting a bottom of the head arch.
US08740105B2	Control device for an engine-independent heater, heating system, and method for controlling an engine-independent heater The invention relates to a control device (12) for an engine-independent heater (3) that heats a liquid heat transfer medium of a heat transfer medium circuit (1) especially for motor vehicles. Said control device (12) reduces a heater (3) capacity when an actual temperature gradient ((dT/dtIst) of the heat transfer medium is equal to or exceeds a temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell). The control device (12) determines the temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell) dynamically in accordance with a difference in temperature (Δφ) between a target temperature (φSoll) of the heat transfer medium and an actual temperature (φIst) of the heat transfer medium. The invention further relates to a heater (3), a heating system (1), and a method for controlling the inventive heater (3).
US08740096B2	Barcoded lottery ticket, system and method for producing and validating the same A system and method of providing and validating a bar-code on a lottery ticket to allow secure verification of tickets is described. Lottery ticket information comprising unique identifying information uniquely identifying the lottery ticket and validation information for use in determining a prize value associated with the lottery ticket is generated. First redundancy information is generated using the validation information and a portion of the unique identifying information. The first redundancy information used for checking the integrity of subsequently received validation information. The validation information is encrypted and second redundancy information is generated using the unique identifying information and the encrypted validation information. A first bar-code is constructed using the unique identifying information, the encrypted validation information and the second redundancy information. The first bar-code is printed on the lottery ticket and at least a part of the first bar-code is covered with scratch-off material.
US08740095B2	Security element The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image (30) that consists of a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (36, 38), and a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements for the moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (36, 38) of the motif image, the motif image (30) including two or more sub-regions (32, 34) having micromotif elements (36, 38) that differ from each other in their contrast, and wherein the shape of the sub-regions (32, 34) forms, due to the contrast differences in the micromotif elements (36, 38), a perceptible macroscopic piece of image information in the form of characters, patterns or codes.
US08740094B2	Security element for protecting documents of value The invention relates to a security element for protecting documents of value, which has magnetic material. A portion of a magnetic coding is arranged on the security element, which coding consists of several magnetic areas and several gap areas. The portion of the magnetic coding is arranged in a predetermined direction along the security element, for example perpendicularly to a transport direction of the security element or document of value through a magnet sensor. Concerning the length of the magnetic areas and of the gap areas of the magnetic coding, certain length conditions are predetermined, which are chosen in dependence on the magnet sensor employed.
US08740092B2	IC tag and electronic apparatus There is provided an IC tag, including a substrate made of a dielectric material, an antenna pattern disposed on a surface of the substrate, a communication circuit chip connected to one end and other end of the antenna pattern on the substrate surface, which performs transmission processing and/or reception processing of a radio signal, and external circuit connection parts connected to the antenna pattern in a vicinity of the one end and the other end thereof on the surface or a rear surface of the substrate, in which a conductive part having a predetermined area opposes to other conductive part having a predetermined area on an opposed surface at an opposite side of the substrate, and the conductive part on the opposed surface at the opposite side is formed as a pad to be connected to an external circuit.
US08740090B2	Ruggedized RFID tag and reader A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder tag is contained in and electrically connected to a mechanically rugged metallic tag housing slotted to define a radio frequency antenna, such as a half turn antenna, and sealed with an epoxy filling.
US08740087B2	Transaction card with three-dimensional tipping guide Disclosed herein is a transaction card with a three-dimensional tipping guide and techniques for using the card. The transaction card includes a base with a front and a back card surface wherein sets of indicators are visible along the outer areas of the front and back card surfaces. The card is configured to be rotated during usage. Also disclosed herein are accessory devices that support the transaction card.
US08740086B2	Apparatus for and method of reading indicia by using non-readily visible illumination light Infrared light, which is non-readily visible, illuminates at least part of a field of view containing indicia to be electro-optically read. Visible light illuminates another field of view containing the same indicia. The indicia is read by image capture by the illumination light from one of the illuminated fields of view. The use of IR light minimizes an adverse reaction due to only using bright visible light. The use of visible light enables thermally printed indicia, which is not readily readable by IR light, to be read.
US08740084B2	Method and apparatus for projecting illumination patterns from barcode readers A method and apparatus for projecting illumination patterns from barcode readers. The apparatus includes a housing, an invisible illumination light source, and a visible illumination light source. The housing comprises a first window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second window located in a generally upright plane that intersects the generally horizontal plane. The invisible illumination light source is operative to project an invisible illumination pattern that is at least partially incident upon the first window or the second window after the invisible illumination pattern is projected out of the housing. The visible illumination light source operative to project a visible illumination pattern out of the housing, and the visible illumination pattern has a visible center ray propagating in a direction different from the invisible center ray of the invisible illumination pattern.
US08740081B2	Method and apparatus for ordering code candidates in image for decoding attempts A method and apparatus for decoding codes applied to objects for use with a camera and a conveyor system wherein the camera includes an image sensor having a two dimensional field of view (FOV), the method comprising the steps of providing a processor programmed to perform the steps of obtaining images of the FOV, for each image identifying code candidates in at least portions of the image, ordering at least a subset of the code candidates for decoding in a candidate order wherein the candidate order is determined at least in part as a function of a first direction of travel through the FOV, attempting to decode code candidates in the order specified by the direction of travel and when a new image event occurs, foregoing attempts to decode at least a portion of the identified code candidates.
US08740078B2	Method and apparatus for providing omnidirectional lighting in a scanning device Systems and methods are provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A method includes providing a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing low angle dark field illumination; activating an image sensor for detecting image data reflected from an encoded data symbol when the encoded data symbol is illuminated by the light source; and providing a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements, the controller being programmed for: selectively activating the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the direction of the low angle dark field illumination provided by the light source; and processing the image data detected by the image.
US08740077B2	Medication recording device A device and method for recording medication to be introduced into a body.
US08740070B2	System and method for offering and managing online purchasing card transactions A purchase card system configured in accordance with the invention offers purchase card products that facilitate online purchases of life sciences research products and/or services via an e-commerce application. The acquisition and use of such purchase card products complies with mandated procurement, spending, and appropriations rules, regulations, and laws, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Anti-Deficiency Act, and the Department of Defense “bona fide needs” rule.
US08740065B2	Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.

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