最新美国发明专利第2014-08-26期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08815384B2	Aromatic polyamide porous film and separator for capacitor or battery using the same A porous film includes aromatic polyamide as a constituent component that has high heat resistance, high air permeability and high affinity to electrolytes. It is a porous aromatic polyamide film including aromatic polyamide and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein the hydrophilic polymer accounts for 12 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the aromatic polyamide, the thickness being 2 to 30 micrometers, the Gurley air permeability being 0.5 to 300 seconds/100 ml, and the thermal shrinkage rate being −0.5 to 1.0% at 200° C.
US08815380B1	System and method for texturing glass A method for texturing an alkali alumina silicate glass substrate includes cleaning the glass substrate with at least one surfactant and etching the glass substrate using a caustic solution. The percentage of caustic solution is provided by controlling a fluid flow and temperature to control the depth of the etching. The method also includes acid cleaning the etched glass substrate to remove glass residuals and surfactants and chemically strengthening the etched and cleaned substrate.
US08815378B2	Substrate having a photocatalytic coating The invention relates to a transparent or semi-transparent substrate having, over at least a portion of at least one of its surfaces, a photocatalytic coating based on titanium oxide and characterized in that the coated surface has a luminous reflectance less than that of a non-coated surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to methods for obtaining a substrate of this type and to uses for this substrate.
US08815374B2	Direct printed lightweight panel The present invention relates to a direct printed lightweight panel, in particular a flooring panel, comprising a lightweight MDF or LDF carrier board with a density of ≦750 kg/m3; a decor layer printed onto the carrier board; and a transparent protective coating. The different layers and coatings are applied in such a manner so that surface structures and/or optical characteristics of the carrier board are at least partially visible and thereby incorporated into the design of the decor layer.
US08815368B2	Composite sheet having a core having end walls and a mat with fibers A composite sheet and a method of making a composite sheet. A core having end walls is provided. Continuous fibers or a continuous fiber mat is secured to the core such that the continuous fibers align with the end walls of the core.
US08815364B2	Optical information recording medium and method for manufacturing same An optical information recording medium includes a recording film, which contains germanium, bismuth, and at least 50 at % tellurium, and has a first recording film component formed in the planar direction and having a bismuth content of at least 15 at %, a second recording film component formed in the planar direction on the side to be irradiated with a light beam and having a bismuth content that is at least 10 at % lower than that of the first recording film component, and an intermediate recording film component provided between the first and second recording film component to moderate the change in the bismuth content in the film thickness direction between the first and second recording film component, and having a bismuth content greater than the bismuth content of the second recording film component and less than the bismuth content of the first recording film component.
US08815359B2	Multilayered container, die for multilayered container, and method for producing multilayered container Provided is a multi-layer container excellent in delamination resistance and gas barrier property, which can be manufactured without employing any molding method involving a special apparatus, which increases a production cost, and a complicated step. Specifically, the multi-layer container includes a laminate structure of three or more layers having at least a gas barrier layer between an innermost layer and an outermost layer, in which the gas barrier layer in a site formed of the laminate structure has a portion having a thickness 0.01 to 0.9 times as large as the maximum thickness of the gas barrier layer. Further, provided are a mold suitable for manufacturing the multi-layer container, and a manufacturing method for a multi-layer container using the mold.
US08815358B2	Condiment package and packaging material having extended shelf-life A pouch-like package for long-term storage of a highly acidic condiment is fabricated from a flexible sheet material having a light-blocking sheet, such as aluminum foil, coextruded between a printable layer, which may be a polymeric material such as PET, and a barrier layer, which may be a polymeric material such as PET coated on one side by a thin layer of aluminum oxide. Suitable adhesives may be used between the printable layer, the light-blocking sheet, and the barrier layer. If desired, a sealant such as acrylonitrile may be applied to the surface of the barrier layer.
US08815357B1	Polymer resins with improved processability and melt fracture characteristics A metallocene-catalyzed polymer comprising (i) a higher molecular weight component and (ii) a lower molecular weight component wherein the polymer has a polydispersity index of from about 10 to about 26; a zero shear viscosity of from about 5×105 Pa·s to about 2×1014 Pa·s and a smooth-to-matte transition critical stress of from about 20 kPa to about 85 kPa at a shear rate of from about 1.5 s−1 to about 17 s−1. A dual metallocene catalyzed polyethylene comprising (i) a higher molecular weight component and (ii) a lower molecular weight component wherein the polymer has a polydispersity index of from about 10 to about 26; a zero shear viscosity of from about 5×105 Pa·s to about 2×1014 Pa·s and a smooth-to-matte transition stress of from about 20 kPa to about 85 kPa at a shear rate of from about 1.5 s−1 to about 17 s−1.
US08815355B2	Fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher cylinder, and preform of fire extinguisher cylinder Disclosed is a fire extinguisher (100) comprising a fire extinguisher cylinder (10) for a fire-extinguishing agent. The fire extinguisher cylinder (10) comprises a mouth portion as an opening, a shoulder, a cylindrical body portion, and a bottom portion and is shaped with use of a resin provided with no joint. In addition, the body portion in the fire extinguisher cylinder (10) has a thickness from 1 mm to 5 mm, and a crystallinity of the resin is from 13% to 30% at the sites other than the mouth portion and the bottom portion. Accordingly, the fire extinguisher (100) is lightweight and does not rust. Further, the fire extinguisher (100) has high strength or high pressure resistance.
US08815354B2	Heat- and pressure-resistant polyester bottle and process for producing the same A process for producing a heat- and pressure-resistant polyester bottle, comprising a primary blow-molding step of obtaining a primary molded article by biaxially stretch-blow-molding a preform of a polyester resin, a heat-treating step of obtaining a secondary molded article that is heat-shrunk by heat-treating the primary molded article, and a secondary blow-molding step of obtaining a finally molded article by biaxially stretch-blow-molding the secondary molded article, wherein the primary blow-molding step biaxially stretches the neck portion of the primary molded article to a size nearly the same as the neck portion of the finally molded article, and the heat-treating step does not cause the neck portion of the secondary molded article to be heat-shrunk. The heat- and pressure-resistant polyester bottle has a slender neck portion of the shape of a so-called crane neck and is suited for containing beer without eradicating the impression of the traditional glass-bottled beer, wherein the length of the neck portion is in a range of 10 to 40% of the height of the bottle, the crystallinity of the neck portion is in a range of 20 to 35%, and the crystallinity of the body portion is in a range of 35 to 50%.
US08815351B2	Method for attachment of silicon-containing compounds to a surface and for synthesis of hypervalent silicon-compounds A method for attaching silicon-containing compounds to a surface and for synthesis of hypervalent silicon-compounds is described. Attaching silicon-containing compounds to a surface comprises providing a silicon-containing compound having two or more leaving groups, and a first functional compound comprising at least one nucleophilic group, contacting the silicon-containing compound and the functional compound with a surface of a substrate having nucleophilic sites and exposing the silicon-containing compound, the functional compound and the surface of the substrate to microwave radiation.
US08815348B2	Modified geopolymer compositions, processes and uses The present invention relates to modified geopolymer compositions, geopolymer-coated organic polymer substrates, and methods of manufacturing and articles comprising same.
US08815345B2	Method for fabricating three dimensional models A method of fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed by a plurality of layers. The composite model comprises at least one shell material encasing and enclosing a build material. The method comprises the steps of (1) depositing a build layer of the build material onto a preceding layer, (2) removing a selected area of the build material from the deposited build layer; (3) depositing the shell material in any removed selected area of the build material; and (4) reducing the build layer to a desired final thickness for supporting a next build layer. Then repeatedly repeating steps (1) through (4) for each build layer until the composite model is completed. Finally, the undesired extraneous material, and possibly the shell, are removed to obtain the final model.
US08815340B2	Thin film deposition method The subject of the invention is a heat treatment process by flame treatment of at least one thin film deposited on a glass substrate (1) running in the path of at least one flame treatment device comprising at least one burner (2), said treatment being able to increase the degree of crystallization of said at least one thin film and/or to increase the size of the crystallites in said at least one thin film, said process being characterized in that the maximum transient bending “b” is less than 150 mm and respects the following condition: b≦0.9×d where the bending “b” corresponds to the distance, expressed in mm, between the plane of the substrate without heating (P1) and the point of the substrate closest to the plane (P2) passing through the tip (6) of the burner (2) and parallel to the plane of the substrate without heating (P1), “d” corresponds to the distance between the plane of the substrate without heating (P1) and the tip (6) of the burner (2), expressed in mm, the width of the substrate “L” in a direction perpendicular to the run direction (5) being greater than or equal to 1.1 m.
US08815339B2	Surface modifiers and process for surface modifications of particles of metal oxide using the same Disclosed herein are a surface modifier for metal oxide particles and a method of modifying the surface of metal oxide particles using the same. The surface modifier consists either of an alkylsilanepolyol containing a cyclic alkyl group capable of imparting steric hindrance or of a mixture of said alkylsilanepolyol with alkylalkoxysilane, and the method of modifying the surface of metal oxide particles comprises coating the surface modifier on the hydrophilic surface of the metal oxide particles through chemical bonding so as to impart hydrophobicity or amphiphilicity (hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity) and reactivity to the surface of the metal oxide particles. Through the use of alkylsilane triol having a specific chemical structure, surface-modified metal particles having uniform particle size distribution can be provided not only by inhibiting the condensation and agglomeration of the surface modifier itself during a high-temperature condensation reaction for inducing the chemical bonding between metal oxide and the modifier, but also by stabilizing silicon-hydroxyl (Si—OH) bonds.
US08815337B2	Methods for fabrication of polymer-based optically variable devices Polymer-based optically-variable devices (OVDs) for security applications and methods for producing the same. The uniformity of thickness of the structure of such devices is optimized by controlling previously neglected process parameters such as the temperature distribution of the deposition nozzle, the substrate and the deposition drum, their emissivities, the micro-roughness of the substrate, and the rate of monomer re-evaporation. Re-evaporation is minimized by initiating radiation-curing within two seconds of monomer deposition. A method includes equipment reducing all sources of emissivity non-homogeneities, such as surface blemishes in the surface areas exposed to the substrate to preferentially fabricate substrates with haziness less than 5% and gloss greater than 90%. Controlling, a maximum variation of thickness of the transmissive layer of an OVD ensures that no appreciable color-shift variation is visible to the naked eye.
US08815336B2	Magnetic recording medium manufacturing method According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic recording medium manufacturing method including forming a resist layer on a magnetic recording layer, patterning the resist layer, forming a magnetic pattern by performing ion implantation through the resist layer, partially modifying the surface of the magnetic recording layer, removing the resist, applying a self-organization material to the surface of the magnetic recording layer and forming a dotted mask pattern, and patterning the magnetic recording layer.
US08815330B2	Method for manufacturing electrophoretic display apparatus The following is included: loading cells spatially defined by partitions with a dispersion liquid containing electrophoretically mobile particles and a dispersion medium for dispersing the electrophoretically mobile particles, and covering the exposed surface of the dispersion liquid loaded in the cells with a sealing coating to seal the dispersion liquid in the cells. The dispersion medium is a lipophilic hydrocarbon solvent, and the sealing coating is made from a material containing a water-soluble polymer.
US08815329B2	Delivered energy compensation during plasma processing An apparatus and method for controlling an application of power to power a plasma chamber. A detector detects actual power out from the power stage to the plasma chamber during a sampling interval. A compare module compares the actual power out during the sampling interval to a present power setting during the sampling interval and generates a compensation value. An adjust module updates the present power setting for the power stage with the compensation value to provide a new power setting for the power stage to control the power out from power stage to the plasma chamber during the deposition process whereby power losses occurring during the deposition process are compensated during the deposition process. If there is a fixed time period for the deposition process, the compensation method and apparatus may be used to compensate the deposition process for energy losses without extending the duration of the deposition process.
US08815328B2	Hydroxyapatite with controllable size and morphology Methods are presented for a continuous, two-step, phase sequenced deposition of hydroxyapatite film over the surface of the substrate.
US08815327B2	Graded glass/zirconia/glass structures for damage resistant ceramic dental and orthopedic prostheses The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system for use in damage resistant, ceramic and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition is applied to the accessible surfaces of a presintered zirconia substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into and densifies the substrate by heating the assembly to at least the sintering temperature of the substrate.
US08815322B2	Liquefaction of cheese The invention relates to the processing of cheese, and in particular to a method of liquefying cheese to produce a low viscosity product with enhanced handling properties. The invention also relates to various cheese products prepared from such liquefied cheese, those products retaining varietal characteristics of the cheese subjected to liquefaction, as well as exhibiting useful storage longevity.
US08815317B2	Elevated microwave heating construct A microwave heating construct includes a platform having a plurality of peripheral edges, a plurality of elevating panels for maintaining the platform in a raised position, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the platform. The platform includes a movable portion defined at least partially by a line of disruption extending substantially between a pair of adjacent edges of the platform. The movable portion of the platform is adapted to pivot along the line of disruption.
US08815312B2	Methods of use and nutritional compositions of Touchi Extract Disclosed is a method and composition for nutritional compositions containing glucosidase inhibitors, and more specifically Touchi Extract and its uses in the treatment of many disorders. These disorders include diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, Metabolic syndrome/Syndrome X, COPD, malabsorption, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus, cystic fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, polycystic ovarian syndrome including associate infertility, and erectile dysfunction. Further, glucosidase inhibitors, and more specifically Touchi Extract can be used to aid healing in critical care patients and for general wound healing. Additionally, glucosidase inhibitors, including Touchi Extract can be used to enhance athletic performance.
US08815308B2	Multi-purpose cosmetic compositions Disclosed are compositions and methods for their use comprising effective amount of Silybum marianum extract and Momordica grosvenori fruit extract.
US08815307B2	Process for producing porous polymer masterbatch and fiber thereof having anti-bacterial and odor eliminating functions A process for producing porous polymer masterbatch having anti-bacterial and odor eliminating functions, wherein said fiber contains materials such as porous natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon, can absorb and eliminate odor such as stink of sweat and the like discharged from the human body, has functions of sterilization, anti-bacterial, anti-mold, and the like. Pores of the natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon contain organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals, wherein all of such organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals have functions of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and the like, can eliminate effectively odor or reduce substantially stink, and can be applied extensively in various fabrics, clothes and ornaments or other goods.
US08815306B2	Methods and compositions for promoting bone and joint health Methods and compositions that can be used to promote bone and joint health through amelioration, stabilization and repair of damage associated with various pathophysiological conditions are disclosed.
US08815300B2	Composition and methods for relief of neuropathological pain The formulations of the present disclosure alter the perception of pain, especially as experienced by subjects reporting the characteristic features associated with the syndrome known as fibromyalgia. The present disclosure encompasses formulations for the relief of symptoms associated with neuropathy pain, where the formulations comprise orthophosphoric acid, a vegetable oil comprising an esterified mono-unsaturated fatty acid, and folic acid. The formulations can further comprise magnesium citrate, magnesium aspartate, malic acid, L-carnitine, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, co-enzyme Q10, glycerol, inositol, and cholinebitartrate, optionally Q10, and riboflavin to provide a yellow color to the formulation. Another aspect of the disclosure are methods for alleviating neuropathy related pain in subject animal or human, comprising: providing to a subject an effective dose of a formulation comprising orthophosphoric acid, a mono-unsaturated fat, folic acid, and water.
US08815299B2	Method for obtaining a natural mixture of conjugated equine estrogens depleted in non-conjugated lipophilic compounds A method for obtaining an extract containing the natural mixture of conjugated equine estrogens by liquid-liquid extraction of the mixture of conjugated equine estrogens, wherein the mixture obtained is depleted in non-conjugated lipophilic compounds selected from the group consisting of non-conjugated flavonoids, non-conjugated isoflavonoids, non-conjugated norisoprenoids, non-conjugated steroids, in particular androstane and pregnane steroids, and comparable non-conjugated compounds.
US08815292B2	Compositions and methods for treating insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating diabetes and diabetes-associated conditions or disorders (e.g., insulin resistance), or symptoms thereof. Provided are electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes). Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., electrokinetically-altered gas-enriched fluids and solutions) and therapeutic compositions.
US08815286B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating hypertension and metabolic syndrome and use thereof The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the following active ingredients: 1) an angiotensin II receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, 2) pioglitazone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and 3) rosuvastatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention also provides use of the pharmaceutical composition in preparing a medicament for treating hypertension or metabolic syndrome. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can treat hypertension or metabolic syndrome, while effectively controlling the incidence of associated cardiovascular diseases and more potently improving survival prognosis in hypertensive patients. When blood pressure is lowered to desired level, the risk factors such as cardiovascular diseases are rectified, metabolic disorders and prognosis of patients are improved, and survival rate of hypertensive patients is raised.
US08815284B2	Bioerodible sustained release drug delivery systems The present invention relates to sustained release drug delivery systems, medical devices incorporating said systems, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. The inventive systems feature bioerodible drug delivery devices that include biocompatible solid and biocompatible fluid compositions to achieve desired sustained release drug delivery.
US08815278B2	Drug delivery device and method Many people need vascular access for procedures such as hemodialysis. It is desirable that this access remain open or patent for the entire duration of the course of treatments. A drug delivery device and methods of using the device are introduced that delivery drug to venous anastomosis of a synthetic vascular access shunt. In some embodiments this device serves as the shunt connecting the target artery and vein to create the vascular access shunt.
US08815274B2	Poly(ester amides) for the control of agent-release from polymeric compositions The present invention generally encompasses a medical article, such as a medical device or coating comprising an agent or combination of agents, wherein the agent is distributed throughout a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix comprises an agent and a poly(ester amide) having a design that was preselected to provide a predetermined release rate of the combination of agents from the medical article.
US08815273B2	Drug eluting medical devices having porous layers In accordance with an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that comprise (a) a substrate and (b) a porous layer comprising close packed spherical pores disposed over the substrate. The porous layer may also comprise a therapeutic agent. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of forming implantable or insertable medical devices. These methods comprise forming a predecessor structure that comprises (i) a substrate over which is disposed (ii) an assembly of microspheres. This assembly of microspheres is then used as a template for the formation of a porous layer, which may be subsequently loaded with a therapeutic agent.
US08815272B2	Recyclable porous bead—satellite nanoparticle composite and fabrication method thereof An environment-friendly porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite which has excellent recovery and repeated usage performance and can be used as a catalyst, an antiviral agent, or an antimicrobial, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite includes a porous bead, a molecule having a first end coupled to the surface of the porous bead and including a functional group at a second end, and satellite nanoparticles coupled to the functional group, wherein the porous bead may have a core-shell structure including a cluster core of nanoparticles and a porous bead shell covering the cluster core.
US08815264B2	Water-based olefin-graft polymer system for multifunctional cosmetic applications A polymer emulsion for use in a cosmetic composition includes an olefin copolymer; a copolymer of an acidic monomer to include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other unsaturated, carboxyl containing monomer; optionally, at least one stabilizing emulsifier; optionally, a resin selected from a group consisting of an acrylic resin and styrene-acrylic resin, said resin having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 15,000 daltons; and, optionally, a polymer selected from a group consisting of oxidized polyethylene polymers and oxidized polypropylene polymers, said polymer modified with cationic end-groups such as tallow alkyl amines.
US08815261B2	Composition for external application comprising aripiprazole and organic acid as active ingredients [Summary] An external preparation formulation superior in the transdermal absorbability has been desired as a new administration route of aripiprazole. Transdermal absorption of aripiprazole has been enabled for the first time by appropriately combining aripiprazole and an organic acid (particularly fatty acid with low lipophilicity). That is, it has been found that more superior transdermal absorbability can be achieved by forming a salt by using a compound showing lipophilicity within the range of −1.5-2, such as fatty acid and the like. It has been further found that the transdermal absorbability is remarkable improved by appropriately selecting the solvent composition. As a result, since a new dosage form of aripiprazole other than oral preparation has been developed, a new transdermal absorption preparation of aripiprazole can be provided.
US08815258B2	Compositions, methods and systems for respiratory delivery of two or more active agents Compositions, methods and systems are provided for pulmonary or nasal delivery of two or more active agents via a metered dose inhaler. In one embodiment, the compositions include a suspension medium, active agent particles, and suspending particles, in which the active agent particles and suspending particles form a co-suspension within the suspension medium.
US08815257B2	Compositions comprising metathesized unsaturated polyol esters Disclosed are petrolatum-like compositions that comprise metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. Also disclosed are emulsions comprising metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. The petrolatum-like compositions may be used as substitutes for petroleum-based petrolatum. The emulsions may be water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions and may be suitable for a variety of end uses.
US08815251B2	Microbial delivery system The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.
US08815248B2	Modulation of immunity and CEACAM1 activity The present technology comprises methods for regulating an the immune system, and in particular methods for the regulation of a specific immune response, including the regulation of lymphocyte activity. Methods of the present technology comprise both the negative and positive modulation of CEACAM1 protein function.
US08815247B2	Targeted/immunomodulatory fusion proteins The present invention relates generally to the field of generating fusion proteins to be used in cancer therapy, and more specifically, to nucleotide sequences encoding the fusion proteins, wherein the chimeric fusion proteins comprises at least one targeting moiety and at least one immunomodulatory moiety that counteracts the immune tolerance of cancer cells.
US08815241B2	Use of combination of anti-angiogenic substance and c-kit kinase inhibitor The object of the present invention is to find a pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating cancer that show an excellent antitumor effect. Combinational use of 4-(3-chloro-4-(cyclopropylaminocarbonyl)aminophenoxy)-7-methoxy-6-quinolinecarboxamide and analogues thereof can result in an excellent antitumor effect when combined with a substance having a c-kit kinase-inhibiting activity.
US08815239B2	Glycoconjugates and use thereof as vaccine against Shigella flexneri serotype 3a and X The present invention relates to compounds derived from sugars which reproduce the epitopes of Shigella flexneri serotypes 3a and X and to the use thereof for the preparation of vaccine compositions. More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention relates to novel glycoconjugated compounds comprising oligosaccharides or polysaccharides described hereinafter, to the method for synthesizing these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, to derivatives of these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides, to compositions containing same, and also to the use of the glycoconjugates for vaccination purposes. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for diagnosing a Shigella flexneri infection using one or more oligosaccharides or polysaccharides or conjugates thereof.
US08815233B2	Method for treating pervasive development disorders A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.
US08815224B2	Hair treatment compositions An aqueous and/or aqueous alcoholic leave-in composition to reduce the time to dry wet hair containing (a) at least one wetting agent having a Draves wetting value of 100 seconds of less selected in an amount sufficient to enhance the hydrophobicity of hair thereby causing water to dewet the hair, and optionally (b) at least one volatile selected from the group consisting of alcohols, dimethicone, trimethicone, and cyclomethicone and a method of shortening the time to dry wet hair.
US08815223B2	Hair styling composition A method for styling hair comprising the steps of placing said hair in a desired configuration and applying a composition to said hair, said composition comprising (a) one or more fully soluble polymer, (b) solvent-propellant mixture or solvent mixture, and optional other ingredients. Also provided is a method of making polymer.
US08815222B2	Anhydrous liquid antiperspirant composition An anhydrous liquid antiperspirant/deodorant composition comprising a carrier comprising a cation and/or zwitterion and a hydrogen bond donor, wherein an amount of carrier is greater than an amount of any other material in the composition, and an antiperspirant active. This represents a new delivery form for antiperspirant actives and/or deodorant actives.
US08815221B2	Composition used for skin whitening, plant extracted skin whitening composition and composition having a skin whitening effect A composition used for skin whitening includes: an effective amount of spermidine derivative, wherein a structure of the spermidine derivative is shown as Structure (I): where R1-R5 individually includes H, OH, or OCH3 and at least one of R1-R5 is OH, and the spermidine derivative has tyrosinase inhibition activity; and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, wherein the composition used for skin whitening whitens skin.
US08815218B2	Cosmetic or dermatological preparation The invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological preparation, comprising: a) one or more chemical light protection filters selected from the group consisting of 2,4,6-Trianilino-p-(carbo-2′-ethylhexyl-1′oxy)-1,3,5-triazine (ethylhexyl triazon), 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-dion (butyl methoxydibenzoyl-methane), bisoctyloxyphenol-methoxyphenyl-triazine (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine) and 2-[-4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]benzoic acid hexylester (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate); and/or one or more light protection filters selected from the group consisting of superficially treated, or untreated, pigments of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide; b) at least one ester of a C8-C16-fatty acid and isoamyl alcohol.
US08815213B2	RGD-(bacterio)chlorophyll conjugates for photodynamic therapy and Imaging of Necrotic tumors RGD-chlorophyll and RGD-bacteriochlorophyll conjugates that home and accumulate in necrotic tumor domains much longer than in tumor non-necrotic domains are provided for use in minimally invasive tumor-targeted imaging, tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy, and/or on-line prognosis of necrotic tumors.
US08815203B2	Cold bed adsorption sulfur recovery process A process for removing sulfur from a gas stream is provided in which a plurality of reactor units, each comprising a condenser and reactor, are selectively operable under Claus reaction and cold bed adsorption conditions. The arrangement of reactor units within the plant is periodically changed following a front-middle-back sequencing scheme. This ensures that the final reactor unit in the series utilizes fully cooled catalyst which is most efficient for operation under cold bed adsorption conditions. In addition, the condenser of the final reactor unit in the series operates at or below the freezing point of sulfur thereby permitting even greater sulfur recovery.
US08815202B2	Process for producing sulfuric acid with low levels of nitrogen oxides A process for producing sulfuric acid with reduced levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) within a typical sulfuric acid production line. A hydrazine source material can be mixed with a sulfuric acid effluent at a temperature of at least about 90° C. for a period of at least 1 minute to reduce the level of NOx is the sulfuric acid effluent.
US08815197B2	Method for urea decomposition and ammonia feed to a selective catalytic reduction system A method of reducing NOx emissions from a lean burn combustion source employs an aqueous solution of reagent that is injected into a continuous decomposition duct at a rate of 0.2-10 gph with a flowing side stream of hot gas at a rate of 150-3000 scfm and a temperature of greater than 700° F. in the decomposition duct such that the aqueous reagent is converted to ammonia gas that is conveyed by the continuous decomposition duct to an ammonia injection grid that is placed in a primary exhaust stream from the combustion source upstream of a NOx reducing catalyst and NOx is reduced.
US08815195B2	Catalytic reduction of NOx with high activity catalysts with propylene reductant Methods and systems are provided for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with a low molecular low molecular weight hydrocarbon, e.g., propylene, as a reductant using a catalyst system including two catalysts. An exhaust stream containing an amount of NOx from a combustion operation is provided. A portion of the exhaust stream and a reductant stream including a low molecular weight hydrocarbon is introduced to a first catalytic reactor, which comprises a first catalyst including alumina loaded with silver. The NOx-reduced exhaust stream from the first catalyst is then directed to a second catalyst including zirconia loaded with at least one metal.
US08815193B1	Selective non-catalytic reduction for NOx removal A selective non-catalytic reduction apparatus for exhaust gases comprising a reactor for elevated temperature reduction of NOx comprising an injection zone, internal structure zone and rear zone. The internal structure zone includes packing materials and provides a surface area of 5.0 m2/g to 20 m2/g where the packing material is present in the reactor at a level of 10% to 50% of the reactor volume. The reactor provides one or more of the following: (1) a residence time for exhaust gas of 0.1 seconds to 5.0 seconds; (2) a pressure drop of less than or equal to 1400 Pa/m at an exhaust gas velocity of 1.0 meter/second.
US08815188B2	Method and device for monitoring a reducing agent solution composition in the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine A method for monitoring a reducing agent solution composition in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine with metered injection of the reducing agent solution upstream of an SCR catalytic converter comprises metering injection of the reducing agent solution into the exhaust gas stream, determining a measured variable of a change in water content in the exhaust gas stream in response to the injected reducing agent solution, and determining at least one indicator value of a composition of the reducing agent solution at least based on the determined measured variable. In this way, deviations from the standard composition may be taken into account during metering or be displayed as an error.
US08815186B2	Nickel compositions for preparing nickel metal and nickel complexes Nickel compositions for use in manufacturing nickel metal compositions, and specifically to methods of making basic nickel carbonates used to produce nickel metal compositions are disclosed. By varying the molar ratios of carbonates and bicarbonates to nickel salts, the methods provide basic nickel carbonates that produce superior nickel-containing solids that react more effectively with phosphorous-containing ligands. The phosphorous containing ligands can be both monodentate and bidentate phosphorous-containing ligands.
US08815185B1	Recovery of vanadium from petroleum coke slurry containing solubilized base metals A method for recovering vanadium from a spent slurry catalyst for hydrocarbon oil hydroprocessing is disclosed. In one embodiment after de-oiling, the spent catalyst is treated with ammonia and air, forming a leach slurry. The leach slurry is subsequently treated with a flocculant. After solid-liquid separation to recover the solid residue containing coke and ammonium metavanadate, the solid residue is washed with an ammonium sulfate solution and leached with hot water. After solid-liquid separation to recover a solution containing ammonium metavanadate, the ammonium metavanadate is crystallized and purified from the leach solution.
US08815184B2	Process for separating and recovering metals A process for treating spent catalyst containing heavy metals, e.g., Group VIB metals and Group VIII metals is provided. In one embodiment after deoiling, the spent catalyst is treated with an ammonia leach solution under conditions sufficient to dissolve the group VIB metal and the Group VIII metal into the leaching solution, forming a leach slurry. After solid-liquid separation to recover a leach solution, chemical precipitation and solids repulping is carried out to obtain an effluent stream containing ammonium sulfate (Amsul), ammonium sulfamate, Group VB, Group VIB and Group VIII metals. Following sulfidation, the Group VIII metal is fully removed and Group VB and Group VI metals are partially removed from the Amsul stream. In the additional steps of oxydrolysis and iron precipitation, an effective amount of ferric ion at a pre-select pH is added to form insoluble complexes with the Group VB and Group VIB metals, which upon liquid-solid separation produces an effluent ammonium sulfate stream containing less than 10 ppm each of the Group VB and Group VIB metals.
US08815183B2	Zoned monolithic reactor and associated methods A reactor formed within a honeycomb monolith is disclosed, the monolith having a plurality of parallel cells and comprising one or more process fluid paths lying within closed cells of the monolith and extending laterally from cell to cell, the monolith having porous walls that are coated with a non-porous coating in at least a first zone along the one or more process fluid paths and that remain porous in at least a second zone along the one or more process fluid paths, the porous walls in the second zone adapted to allow permeate in a respective process fluid path to pass through the porous walls. A method of forming a reactor in a honeycomb monolith is also disclosed, including providing a porous honeycomb monolith having cells extending in a common direction divided by cell walls, forming a process fluid path within closed cells of the monolith extending laterally from cell to cell, coating the cell walls of the monolith within at least a first zone along the process fluid path within the monolith with a non-porous coating, and allowing the at least some cell walls of the monolith within a second zone along the process fluid path to remain porous.
US08815182B2	Apparatus and method for holding a contact lens during in vitro testing An apparatus for holding a contact lens during in vitro testing includes a first support member, a second support member, an alignment rod, and a cage member. The first support member includes a first end cap and a body portion. The body portion includes grooves formed in a lateral surface extending from the first end cap. The alignment rod is configured for interconnecting the body portion and a second end cap of the second support member. The cage member is positionable about the body portion between the first and second end caps, and includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings between the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner surface and the lateral surface cooperatively define an annular space therebetween and a plurality of fluid flow paths between the inner space and the openings. The annular space is configured for receiving the contact lens.
US08815181B2	Reagent delivery system A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.
US08815180B2	Sample processing apparatus There is provided a sample processing apparatus capable of detecting the push-up type sample container including a recess on the outer side of the bottom portion of the container and performing an appropriate sample processing while alleviating the load of the user with a simple configuration.
US08815179B2	Automated aseptic liquid collection workstations and collection devices therefore An automated liquid collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a collection position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the collection position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined collection time period when collection is required.
US08815177B2	Methods and devices for immobilization of single particles in a virtual channel in a hydrodynamic trap Disclosed herein are methods of immobilizing a particle which comprise focusing the flow of a sample fluid containing the particle into a virtual channel which flows towards an unoccupied hydrodynamic trap in a microfluidic channel such that the particle flows into the hydrodynamic trap and becomes immobilized therein. Also disclosed are microfluidic devices which comprise at least one microchannel having at least one hydrodynamic trap, at least one focusing fluid inlet, said focusing fluid inlet is upstream of the hydrodynamic trap such that a focusing fluid introduced therein results in a virtual channel of a sample fluid when present which preferentially flows toward the hydrodynamic trap.
US08815176B2	Temperature-sensitive indicator Provided is a temperature sensitive indicator, which can be held in a desired state and is not affected by temperature of a finger at the time of an operation of the temperature sensitive indicator. The temperature sensitive indicator includes: a member base (13) including an upper base member (11) and a lower base member (12); and a label component (21) sandwiched and held between the upper base member and the lower base member of the member base under a state in which a pulled-out portion on one end side of the label component is protruded outward. By pulling one end of the label component out of the member base, a capsule (28) is pressed in a convex portion (16) provided on any one of or both of the upper base member and the lower base member and is broken to enter a preparatory state for measurement, and a temperature sensitive material melts at a predetermined temperature or more so as to be absorbed by an absorbent paper (23), enabling confirmation of a fact that the temperature sensitive indicator senses a set temperature or more through confirmation of color development of the absorbent paper.
US08815173B2	Decontamination method and system implementing it The method of microbiological decontamination of a machine comprising an enclosure (5, 100) for treating a support (6) and a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30), comprises the steps of obtaining a container (6) adapted to be received on said shuttle (30) and to diffuse biocidal agent in said enclosure (5, 100), of placing said container (6) on said shuttle (30), of moving said shuttle (30) within said enclosure, and of evacuating said agent. The microbiological analysis system comprises a container (6), a microbiological analysis machine comprising at least two stations (2, 3, 4) for treatment of said support (6), a conveyor comprising a shuttle (30) adapted to receive and to move said support (6), said container (6) being adapted to be received on said shuttle (30), as well as means (150, 156, 159) for evacuating said biocidal agent.
US08815171B2	Cast solid product dispenser A cast solid product dispenser for controlling the inputs and operating parameters of dissolution of a cast solid product is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (18) for removably receiving a container (14) holding a cast solid product. The dispenser (10) includes means for controlling the temperature and pressure of liquid used for dissolution of the cast solid product. The dispenser (10) also includes a pedestal (20) for maintaining a constant distance between the surface of the product and a nozzle (48) during dissolution. The dissolution cycle includes a pulse of spray generally followed by a delay to allow liquid used in the dissolution process to adjust to a desired temperature. A pressure regulator (42) adjusts the pressure variation between various liquid sources so both the pressure and temperature of liquid used in the dissolution process is generally constant.
US08815170B2	Devices and methods of heat removal from exothermic high temperature reaction processes Devices and methods are presented in which heat transfer from the surface of a high-temperature exothermic reaction mass is removed while largely maintaining the temperature of the mass at a desired level by allowing heat to radiate from the surface of the reaction mass to a first absorber that forms part of a reactor vessel, from which the heat is then removed using a second absorber.
US08815169B2	Air purification apparatus and method of forming the same A photocatalytic air purification apparatus and method of fabricating the same. The apparatus may be configured to include a light source surrounded by one or more porous plate substrates. An inner and outer surface of each plate substrate may be coated with a photocatalyst material. The light source may be placed in a direction parallel to the direction of an air flow and in optical proximity to the plate substrates in order to activate the photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating associated with the plate substrates may be activated by absorbing light with a wavelength shorter than a cut-off activation wavelength from the light source in order to capture and decompose organic components and airborne pollutants in the air by the activated photocatalyst.
US08815167B2	Electrode, electrically heating type catalyst device using same, and manufacturing method of electrically heating type catalyst device An electrode according to one aspect of the present invention is formed on a base material composed of a ceramics. The electrodes includes a matrix composed of an Ni—Cr alloy (with a Cr content of 20 to 60 wt. %) or an MCrAlY alloy (M is at least one material selected from Fe, Co and Ni), and a disperse phase that is dispersed in the matrix and composed of an oxide mineral having a laminated structure. The ratio of area occupied by the disperse phase in a cross section of the electrode is 40 to 80%. With the structure like this, it is possible to suppress the increase in the electrical resistance even after a thermal cycle is performed.
US08815163B2	Material, system, and method that provide indication of a breach A multilayer material is described herein that includes a flexible inner layer and a flexible outer layer configured to enclose at least one signaling layer, the at least one signaling layer including at least one chemical compound. The multilayer material including the chemical compound within the at least one signaling layer is configured to release a gas-phase chemical compound to signal to a detector indicating a breach of the multilayer material. A multilayer material, a system, an article of clothing, or a method is described herein.
US08815159B2	Luminescent nanostructured materials for use in electrogenerated chemiluminescence A nanostructured particulate material, which includes a redox active luminescent organic and/or ionic compound, is provided herein. The nanostructured particulate material may be used for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample by detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation generated by exposing a reagent mixture, which includes the nanostructured material and the target analyte, to chemical or electrochemical energy.
US08815157B2	Combinatorial screening methods and apparatus A combinatorial screening method and system are provided. The combinatorial system and method provide rapid data generation for characterization of phase change material. The characterization data is collected through a multipoint probe card where multiple regions are characterized in a single annealing cycle.
US08815155B2	Diagnostic tape cassette A diagnostic tape cassette is disclosed that includes an analytical test tape, a supply spool for winding off unused test tape and a take-up spool for winding used test tape, a housing and a rotational lock for the take-up spool at least against inadvertent unwinding of test tape. The rotational lock includes one of a locking teeth arrangement, friction elements, and a catch spring and spring latch arrangement.
US08815153B2	Automatic analyzer and reagent storage thereof A holding unit pivotally holds a plurality of reagent bottles which store reagents. A reagent case houses the holding unit and has an edge higher than at least the housed holding unit. The reagent cover is a cover for closing the reagent case. A cooling unit is mounted on one outer surface of the reagent case and cools air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover through one outer surface. A circulating unit is mounted on the holding portion and circulates the cooled air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover.
US08815152B2	Device for rapid determination of disease-associated thiol compounds Disclosed is a single-use disposable article for determining the concentration of thiol compounds in a sample of fluid, a single-use disposable test strip for determining the concentration of thiol compounds in a sample of a fluid from a mammalian subject, a single-use disposable test strip for determining the risk that a mammalian subject is suffering from a particular malady, and a description of how to make and use the article and test strips.
US08815150B2	Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles Methods of producing metal nanowires, compositions, and articles are disclosed. Such methods allow production of metal nanowires with reproducibly uniform diameter and length, even in the presence of catalyst concentration variation. Such metal nanowires are useful for electronics applications.
US08815149B2	Semi-reflective film and reflective film for optical recording medium, and Ag alloy sputtering target for forming semi-reflective film or reflective film for optical recording medium A semi-reflective film and reflective film for an optical recording medium, which is made of a silver alloy having a composition consisting of 0.001 to 0.1% by mass of Ca, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Mg, and a remainder containing Ag and inevitable impurities, and a target which is made of a silver alloy having a composition consisting of 0.001 to 0.1% by mass of Ca, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Mg, and a remainder containing Ag and inevitable impurities; and a semi-reflective film for an optical recording medium, which is made of a silver alloy having a composition consisting of 0.05 to 1% by mass of Mg, 0.05 to 1% by mass of one or more of Eu, Pr, Ce and Sm, and a remainder containing Ag and inevitable impurities, and an Ag alloy sputtering target for forming a semi-reflective film for an optical recording medium, which is made of a silver alloy having a composition consisting of 0.05 to 1% by mass of Mg, 0.05 to 1% by mass of one or more of Eu, Pr, Ce and Sm, and a remainder containing Ag and inevitable impurities.
US08815142B2	Method of manufacturing a resin molded gear by injection molding Provided is a method of manufacturing a resin molded gear, which is to be integrally formed by injection molding, and includes: a tooth portion formed along an outer peripheral surface of a rim; a web extending along an inner peripheral surface of the rim; and a gate portion arranged at a boss, which joins to at least part of the web and is formed on a core portion located at a center axis, the method using a synthetic resin having a melting temperature of Tm° C., the method including: injecting and loading the synthetic resin molten at the melting temperature of Tm° C. into a cavity of a mold for forming the resin molded gear; and setting, when the gate portion is solidified, a thickness center temperature T1 of the web to (Tm−20)° C. or more to (Tm+20)° C. or less and a surface temperature T2 of the tooth portion to (T1−50)° C. or less.
US08815136B2	Method for the production of bodies in plastic material comprising at least two portions hinged to each other by a single rotation pin The present invention relates to a method for the production of bodies in plastic comprising two portions hinged to each other by a single rotation pin. The method comprises the steps: a) predisposing a mold with two distinct forming chambers for the two portions; the mold comprises a third chamber for the single pin, made and positioned in such a way that the pin is formed already aligned along the hinge axis; the mold is provided with a pair of pegs axially distanced from each other to form the third chamber and sliding along the axis between a first and a second operating position; b) positioning the pegs in the first position; c) injecting plastic material inside the chambers; d) shifting the pegs from the first to the second position, bringing the pin to engage inside the seats; e) opening the mold and extracting the two assembled portions.
US08815133B2	Method of making a cementitious product A method of manufacturing a porous cementitious product, which method comprises: forming a cementitious premix; casting the premix in a desired configuration; generating gas bubbles within the premix; and curing the premix, wherein gas bubbles are generated and/or collapsed at specific locations within the premix in order to produce a porosity profile along a cross-section of the product such that the product comprises a relatively low density core region and higher density outer regions.
US08815127B2	Paste composition for solar cell electrode, electrode fabricated using the same, and solar cell including the same A paste composition for a solar cell electrode includes: a mixture of conductive powders, a glass frit, and an organic vehicle, and the mixture of conductive powders includes about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of a first conductive powder having an average particle diameter (Dx) from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, and about 90 wt % to about 99 wt % of a second conductive powder having an average particle diameter (D50) from about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm.
US08815126B2	Method and composition for screen printing of conductive features Disclosed is a method of screen printing an electrically conductive feature on a substrate, the electrically conductive feature including metallic anisotropic nanostructures, and a coating solution therefore.
US08815123B2	Fabrication method for ibiiiavia-group amorphous compound and ibiiiavia-group amorphous precursor for thin-film solar cells A method for fabricating an IBIIIAVIA-group amorphous compound used for thin-film solar cells is provided. A mixture solution including elements of Group IB, IIIA, VIA or combinations thereof is provided. The mixture solution is heated and filtered. IBIIIAVIA-group amorphous powders are acquired after drying the heated and filtered mixture solution.
US08815115B2	Method for the removal of hydrogen from a hydrogen sensitive device by means of a non-evaporable yttrium based getter alloy Getter alloys particularly suitable for hydrogen sorption are described. The getter alloys include a first element consisting of yttrium or a yttrium equivalent mixture, the first element forming at least 30% by atoms of the alloy. A method for removing hydrogen from devices which are sensitive to the presence thereof and hydrogen-sensitive devices which contain the described getter alloys are also described.
US08815113B2	Biodegradable halogen-free flame retardants composition and methods for use The invention relates to a biodegradable halogen-free flame retardants composition used for fire-safety and prevention, that limits and extinguishes fires by means of increased resistance to ignition, slowing down burning rates and the rate of heat, smoke and toxic gas release from polymers with different physical and chemical properties and structure, such as textiles, wooden materials, paper, cardboard, corrugated board, leather, cellular polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, and items made of them. The composition according to the invention contains orthophosphoric acid, urea, triethanolamine, ammonia water, polydimethylsiloxane, surfactant, which may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic or mixtures thereof and water.
US08815108B2	Method of depositing localized coatings A method of depositing a non-continuous coating of a first material on a substrate, comprising: a) the formation of a mask on this substrate, by forming at least two mask layers, and etching of at least one cavity in these layers, this cavity having an outline such that a coating, deposited on the substrate, through the cavities of the mask, has at least one discontinuity over said outline of the cavity; b) the deposition of the first material on the substrate, through the cavities of the mask, the coating thus deposited having at least one discontinuity over the outline of said cavity; and c) the mask is removed.
US08815102B2	Method for fabricating patterned dichroic film A method for fabricating a patterned dichroic film is provided, wherein the method comprises steps as follows: A patterned material layer comprising at least one inorganic layer is firstly provided on a substrate. A film deposition process is then performed to form a dichroic film on the patterned material layer and the substrate. The patterned material layer is subsequently removed, whereby a portion of the dichroic film disposed on the patterned material layer can be removed simultaneously.
US08815099B1	Devices and methods for filtering and/or collecting tissue Various devices and methods for filtering and/or collecting tissue which has been cut or resected from various regions of a patient's body are described herein. In certain variations, a filter or tissue collection chamber may include various components, which allow for the removal or separation of tissue from a fluid medium and for the collection of the tissue within the filter or tissue collection chamber.
US08815098B2	Method of treating raw sewage slurry A method is provided for treating wastewaters and sewage slurries, and for converting them to disinfected and stabilized sludge by irradiating with electrons and mixing with a base which steps produce a sludge that conforms to the EPA's requirements, and that is usable in agriculture.
US08815097B2	Adsorbents An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal adsorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalized support wherein the adsorbent has a BET surface area in the range 200-500 m2/g, a pore diameter in the range 70-150 Angstroms and a pore volume ≧0.25 cm3/g. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.
US08815095B2	Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods that regenerate dialysate An artificial kidney that regenerates dialysate includes: a catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen for communication with a peritoneal cavity of a patient; a fluid circuit in fluid communication with the catheter for circulating dialysate into, through and out of the peritoneal cavity; a pump configured to circulate the dialysate; a cleaning cartridge coupled to the fluid circuit for removing solutes from the dialysate, including a therapeutically effective amount of urea from the dialysate as the dialysate circulates along the fluid circuit; and wherein the fluid circuit is configured to receive a volume of ultrafilterate removed from the patient, such that the pump can mix the ultrafiltrate volume with the dialysate to an increase an overall therapy fluid volume.
US08815094B2	Fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.
US08815092B2	Method and apparatus for microfiltration to perform cell separation A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane.
US08815088B2	Dialysis fluid pump, and hemodialysis apparatus having same According to the present invention, a dialysis fluid pump comprises: a housing having an accommodating space formed therein; a dialysis fluid supply tube and a dialysis fluid recovery tube, at least a portion of each of which is accommodated in the accommodating space; a cam rotatably installed in the accommodating space; a motor for rotating the cam; and a first backflow pressure preventer and a second backflow pressure preventer adapted to be mobile in the accommodating space and be pushed by the cam. The dialysis fluid supply tube is made of a flexible material which can be contracted or relaxed, and one end thereof is connected to a dialysis fluid supply tank and the other end thereof is connected to a hemodialysis filter. The dialysis fluid recovery tube is made of a flexible material which can be contracted or relaxed, and one end thereof is connected to a dialysis fluid recovery tank and the other end thereof connected to the hemodialysis filter. The cam has a cam surface for pressing the dialysis fluid supply tube and recovery tube to discharge the dialysis fluid from the inside of the dialyzing fluid supply tube and of the dialyzing fluid recovery tube. The first backflow pressure preventer and the second backflow pressure preventer prevent the dialysis fluid from flowing backward through the dialysis fluid supply tube and the dialysis fluid recovery tube.
US08815085B2	Process for reducing the total acid number of a hydrocarbon feed Disclosed are embodiments relating to a process for reducing the total acid number of a hydrocarbon feed by contacting the feed with a metal titanate catalyst having an MTiO3 structure wherein M is a metal having a valence of 2+, resulting in a hydrocarbon product having a final total acid number lower than the initial total acid number of the feed. The process is useful for pretreating high acid crudes prior to further processing thus avoiding corrosion of equipment used in refining operations. The process can be integrated into conventional refining operations in order to treat various refinery streams. In one embodiment, a process is provided for refining a low acid crude oil and a high acid crude oil by separately introducing a relatively low acid crude oil feed and a relatively high acid crude oil feed to an atmospheric distillation column, wherein the relatively high acid crude oil feed is contacted with a metal titanate catalyst prior to introduction to the atmospheric distillation column.
US08815083B2	Treating sulfur containing hydrocarbons recovered from hydrocarbonaceous deposits In a process to treat gaseous components obtained from an in situ recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbonaceous deposit the mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide are separated from each other using lean oil and the hydrogen sulfide further processed to obtain a sulfur-free fuel gas product. The rich oil obtained after treating the gaseous components can be used as a diluent with the liquid hydrocarbons or processed to remove and convert the mercaptans to disulfide oils.
US08815082B2	Process and apparatus for mixing two streams of catalyst A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream into and out of a chamber in a lower section of a riser. The chamber fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
US08815081B2	Process for upgrading heavy and highly waxy crude oil without supply of hydrogen A continuous process to upgrade heavy crude oil for producing more valuable crude feedstock having high API gravity, low asphaltene content, and high middle distillate yield, low sulfur content, low nitrogen content, and low metal co teat without external supply of hydrogen and/or catalyst. Heavy crude oil having substantial amount of asphaltene and heavy components is mixed with highly waxy crude oil having large amount of paraffinic components and water to decompose asphaltene compounds and remove sulfur, nitrogen, and metal containing substances under supercritical conditions. Product has higher API gravity, lower asphaltene content, high middle distillate yield, lower sulfur content, lower nitrogen content, and lower metal content to be suitable for conventional petroleum refining process.
US08815079B2	Electrochemical test sensor with light guide An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample having on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.
US08815076B2	Systems and methods for determining a substantially hematocrit independent analyte concentration A method and system is provided to allow for determination of substantially Hematocrit independent analyte concentration. In one example, an analyte measurement system is provided that includes a test strip and a test meter. The test strip includes a reference electrode and a working electrode, in which the working electrode is coated with a reagent layer. The test meter includes an electronic circuit and a signal processor. The electronic circuit applies a plurality of voltages to the reference electrode and the working electrode over respective durations. The signal processor is configured to determine a substantially hematocrit-independent concentration of the analyte from a plurality of current values as measured by the processor upon application of a plurality of test voltages to the reference and working electrodes over a plurality of durations interspersed with rest voltages lower than the test voltages being applied to the electrodes.
US08815071B2	Manipulation, detection, and assay of small scale biological particles Systems, devices, and methods are presented that facilitate electronic manipulation and detection of submicron particles. A particle manipulation device contains a plurality of electrodes formed on an active semiconductor layer of an integrated circuit chip, where the electrodes and gap spacing between adjacent electrodes is submicron in size. The chip is oriented with its substrate face up, and at least a portion of the substrate is removed from the chip so the electrodes are in close proximity to a fluid chamber(s) placed over the chip, to facilitate manipulation of particles, contained in a buffer solution in the fluid chamber(s), to form a defined pattern. Innovative macro-scale optical detection is employed to detect the submicron particles, where a light beam is applied to the defined pattern, and interaction of the defined pattern with the light beam is detected and evaluated to facilitate detecting the particles.
US08815066B2	Coating composition with phosphorous-containing resins and organometallic compounds An aqueous electrodeposition coating composition comprising (a) an organometallic compound and (b) a cathodically electrodepositable binder, the binder comprising an amine-functional phosphorylated resin, provides corrosion protection equivalent to that obtained by the conventional phosphate pretreatment-electrodeposition coating process.
US08815061B2	Electropolishing fixture with plunger mechanism An electropolishing fixture with a plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism can establish contact between a device and an anode mandrel during an electropolishing process while the device is immersed in an electrolytic bath.
US08815052B2	Method for separating lignin from a lignin containing liquid/slurry A method for precipitating (separation) of lignin, using small amounts of acidifying agents, whereby a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product is obtained which can be used as fuel or chemical feed stock (or as a chemical or a raw material for further refining), from a lignin containing liquid/slurry, such as black liquor. A method for separation of lignin from a lignin containing liquid/slurry, such as black liquor, whereby a more pure lignin is obtained, a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtainable by the above methods, and use, preferably for the production of heat or for use as chemical, of the lignin product or intermediate lignin product are also disclosed.
US08815050B2	Processes and systems for drying liquid bromine Processes and systems for drying liquid bromine utilizing two fractionators to produce a substantially dry liquid bromine stream and a substantially bromine-free water stream. Wet bromine liquid may be conveyed to a first fractionator wherein a substantially dry bromine liquid is produced, while a vapor stream from the first fractionator may be condensed into a first liquid phase comprising bromine saturated with water and a second liquid phase comprising water saturated with bromine. The water saturated with bromine may be conveyed to a second fractionator to produce at least substantially bromine-free water.
US08815048B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method A substrate processing apparatus has a cup part for receiving processing liquid which is applied from a processing liquid applying part and is splashed from a substrate, and the cup part is formed of electrical insulation material. Hydrophilic treatment is performed on an outer annular surface of the cup part and water is held on the outer annular surface of the cup part while processing the substrate. With this structure, charged potential of the cup part generated in splashing of pure water can be suppressed by the water held on the outer annular surface, without greatly increasing the manufacturing cost of the substrate processing apparatus by forming the cup part with special conductive material. As a result, it is possible to prevent electric discharge from occurring on the substrate due to induction charging of the substrate, in application of the processing liquid onto the substrate.
US08815047B2	Plasma chemical reactor A plasma chemical reactor includes a chamber for providing a plasma reaction space, and a cathode assembly coupled at one side to a wall surface of the chamber and supporting a substrate at the other side such that the substrate is positioned at a center inside the chamber, and installed to enable height adjustment such that the substrate can maintain a horizontal state.
US08815045B2	Method for manufacturing semi-finished blank for varifocal lens A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.
US08815040B1	Ink transfer system and methods of transferring ink images to synthetic textile materials An ink-jettable adhesive composition comprising a polyurethane dispersion and a stabilizer is produced that can be used to form an image transfer system. The image transfer system generally comprises an adhesive layer formed from the adhesive composition, an ink image, and a removable transfer substrate. The image transfer system is capable of depositing the ink image and adhesive layer onto the surface of a textile. The resulting adhered ink image and adhesive layer can produce a durable and vivid image on a large variety of textiles.
US08815038B2	Joining curved composite sandwich panels A curved composite structure, comprises at least two curved composite panel segments joined together. Each of the panel segments includes a fluted core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. A layer of adhesive is used to rigidly bond the panel segments together.
US08815036B2	Method for manufacturing a profiled preform Pultrusion methods and apparatus for manufacturing a profiled preform or FRP-component with cross-sectional segments that extend angularly to one another from a plurality of semifinished products in a quasi-continuous process, where: at least one multilayer semifinished product arrangement [of a multilayer semifinished product arrangement] is dispensed from a dispenser unit in order to manufacture the preform, with the multilayer semifinished product arrangement dispensed from the dispenser unit being fed to the forming device and including a combination of several webs of semifinished reinforcement fiber layers and at least one resin film; the semifinished product arrangement is guided through a forming device and at least one cross-sectional segment of the semifinished product arrangement is angled in order to form an angle profile, with the semifinished product arrangement being compressed in a pressing device, optionally after a hardening process, and with a longitudinal section of the preform or the component being removed after a cutting process.
US08815033B2	Method for producing pneumatic tire and pneumatic tire A method for producing a pneumatic tire in which an air-in phenomenon between an inner liner and a carcass is avoided by preventing adhesion of the inner liner to a bladder includes the following steps. A green tire using, as an inner liner, a polymer laminate including a first layer having a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.6 mm made of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer, and a second layer composed of at least one of a second A layer made of a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and a second B layer made of a styrene-isobutylene diblock copolymer, the second layer having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm, is prepared. The green tire is mounted in a mold for vulcanization with pressurization by the bladder to obtain a vulcanized tire. The vulcanized tire is cooled at 50 to 120° C. for 10 to 300 seconds.
US08815032B2	Method for producing a tread rubber for a vehicle tire, in particular a pneumatic vehicle tire A process for producing a tread for a tire with a radially inner layer composed of a first rubber material and with a radially outer second layer composed of a second rubber material and forming the ground-contact surface of the pneumatic tire. The first rubber material has higher electrical conductivity than the second rubber material, and where, in a form of a web axially dividing the second layer around the periphery of the tire, the first rubber material extends radially outwards through the second layer as far as the ground-contact surface. A ply of the first and second layers are constructed radially one on the other, on a rotationally symmetric construction surface, on one of the two axial sides of the web to be produced.
US08815029B2	High performance gas generating compositions Compositions and methods relating to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains formed via spray drying techniques of the present disclosure provide superior performance, including high burn rates and high gas yields. Further, processing of the gas generant grain products can be streamlined. Such gas generants include by way of non-limiting example, guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and a secondary oxidizer, such as potassium perchlorate.
US08815028B2	Method for manufacturing wire, apparatus for manufacturing wire, and copper alloy wire An apparatus for manufacturing wire comprising: a wire delivering equipment, a wire winding equipment, and an annealing while running equipment installed between the wire delivering equipment and the wire winding equipment, the age-precipitation copper alloy wire being passed in such manner that the wire turns around a plurality of times along a running route in the annealing while running equipment. The current applying equipment to raise a temperature of the age-precipitation copper alloy wire by generated Joule heat may be installed at upstream side of the annealing while running equipment. Another current applying equipment for solution treatment may be installed in tandem at upstream side of the annealing while running equipment. In place of the annealing while running equipment, a current applying equipment may be connected in tandem for age-treatment. By using those equipments, age-precipitation copper alloy wire having the diameter of from 0.03 mm to 3 mm may be obtained.
US08815025B2	High strength steel excellent in uniform elongation properties and method of manufacturing the same A high strength steel, including about 0.05 to about 0.25% of C, less than about 0.5% of Si, about 0.5 to about 3.0% of Mn, not more than about 0.06% of P, not more than about 0.01% of S, about 0.50 to about 3.0% of Sol. Al, not more than about 0.02% of N, about 0.1 to about 0.8% of Mo, about 0.02 to about 0.40% of Ti, and the balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein the steel has a structure formed of at least three phases including a bainite phase, and a retained austenite phase in addition to a ferrite phase having a composite carbide containing Ti and Mo dispersed and precipitated therein, wherein the total volume of the ferrite phase and the bainite phase is not smaller than 80%, the volume of the bainite phase is about 5% to about 60%, and the volume of the retained austenite phase is about 3 to about 20%.
US08815014B2	Method and system for performing different deposition processes within a single chamber A method and system for plasma-assisted thin film vapor deposition on a substrate is described. The system includes a process chamber including a first process space having a first volume, a substrate stage coupled to the process chamber and configured to support a substrate and expose the substrate to the first process space, a plasma generation system coupled to the process chamber and configured to generate plasma in at least a portion of the first process space, and a vacuum pumping system coupled to the process chamber and configured to evacuate at least a portion of the first process space. The system further includes a process volume adjustment mechanism coupled to the process chamber and configured to create a second process space that includes at least a part of the first process space and that has a second volume less than the first volume, the substrate being exposed to the second process space.
US08815013B2	Method and system for isolated and discretized process sequence integration A system for processing a semiconductor substrate is provided. The system includes a mainframe having a plurality of modules attached thereto. The modules include processing modules, storage modules, and transport mechanisms. The processing modules may include combinatorial processing modules and conventional processing modules, such as surface preparation, thermal treatment, etch and deposition modules. In one embodiment, at least one of the modules stores multiple masks. The multiple masks enable in-situ variation of spatial location and geometry across a sequence of processes and/or multiple layers of a substrate to be processed in another one of the modules. A method for processing a substrate is also provided.
US08815011B2	Magnetic garnet single crystal and optical element using same as well as method of producing single crystal The present invention relates to a magnetic garnet single crystal prepared by the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) process and an optical element using the same as well as a method of producing the single crystal, for the purpose of providing a magnetic garnet single crystal at a reduced Pb content and an optical element using the same, as well as a method of producing the single crystal. The magnetic garnet single crystal is grown by the liquid phase epitaxial process and is represented by the chemical formula BixNayPbzM13-x-y-zFe5-wM2wO12 (M1 is at least one element selected from Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M2 is at least one element selected from Ga, Al, In, Ti, Ge, Si and Pt, provided that 0.5
US08815009B2	Clay-bearing manufactured sands for hydratable cementitious compositions The present invention provides a method for making sand compositions wherein manufactured sand particles are pretreated with a clay-mitigating polycation and blended with natural sand particles that have washed to remove fines such that at least 90% of the natural sand particles are retained on a 75 micron sieve. Methods of the invention also involve the use of the blended pretreated sand for making concrete wherein the sand is combined with cement, a polycarboxylate type dispersant, a further amount of clay-mitigating polycation compound, and at least one hydryoxyl or hydroxyl carboxylic acid or salt compound.
US08815008B2	Starch-based abrasive absorbent A method of absorbing a liquid is disclosed. The method comprises mixing a recycled, starch-based absorbent having an average mesh size greater than 80 mesh with a liquid to form a composition. The invention also relates to compositions formed by mixing the recycled starch-based absorbent with a liquid. Lastly, a kit comprising the recycled absorbent is disclosed.
US08814999B2	Phase change ink compositions comprising crystalline sulfone compounds and derivatives thereof A phase change ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline component comprises a sulfone compound or derivatives thereof, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates.
US08814986B2	Method of protecting a solid adsorbent and a protected solid adsorbent A protected solid adsorbent is disclosed that includes a solid adsorbent substrate and a surface layer at least partially coating the solid adsorbent substrate, the surface layer being generally permeable to an active agent. Additionally, a process for protecting a solid adsorbent and an adsorption system that includes a vessel containing the protected solid adsorbent is provided.
US08814985B2	Composite adsorbent bead, process for its production, gas separation process and gas adsorption bed Composite adsorbent beads have a porous and non-adsorbent core comprising at least one inorganic material and a porous and adsorbent shell comprising at least one adsorbent layer comprising a porous adsorbent material on the surface of the core. The core preferably comprises agglomerated inorganic particles having a mean particle size equal to or smaller than the mean particle size of the surrounding agglomerated adsorbent particles. The beads preferably are manufactured by calcining together a non-sintered core and the adsorbent layer. The beads can be used at the outlet end of an adsorption column to improve performance.
US08814983B2	Delivery systems with in-line selective extraction devices and associated methods of operation The present disclosure is directed to a system for delivery of a target material and/or energy. The system includes a source configured to provide a mixture containing the target material and a non-target material, a delivery conduit coupled to the source to receive the mixture from the source, and an in-line extraction device concentric to the delivery conduit. The in-line extraction device is configured to selectively extract the target material and/or energy from the mixture in the delivery conduit and to delivery it to a downstream facility.
US08814980B2	Method of recovering metal values from nickel-containing ores An improved method for processing of nickel-bearing ores, particularly saprolite and limonite, to recover the valuable minerals contained therein, comprising leaching the ore with nitric acid to form a slurry; separating the iron values by precipitation, removing the iron values; forming a liquid/solid residue in which nickel, cobalt and magnesium are in solution, and manganese and aluminum, when present, are solid residues in oxide form; conducting a liquid-solid separation and removing the solids; and recovering the nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the liquid-metal concentrate. The leachate is recovered and nitric acid from the leachate is recycled.
US08814978B2	Method and apparatus for forming porous metal implants A method for providing a porous metal implant. A mixture of a biocompatible metal, a spacing agent, and a binder is provided. The mixture is formed into a shaped the spacing agent is removed to form a plurality of pores in the implant. A shaped porous metal implant is also provided.
US08814972B2	Multi-layered filter web A multi-layered filter web having at least one at least one filter layer bonded to at least one additional filter layer. The filter layers are bonded together by at least one of ultrasonically and matted. The bonding is in at least one of at least one knurled edge region and in at least one matting region.
US08814966B1	Polycrystalline diamond compact formed by iniltrating a polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant having one or more carbide formers In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond body bonded to the substrate. The preformed polycrystalline diamond body includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains. The preformed polycrystalline diamond body further includes an infiltrant comprising at least one interstitial carbide phase. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation including such polycrystalline diamond compacts and methods of fabricating such polycrystalline diamond compacts are also disclosed.
US08814961B2	Various methods and apparatuses for a radiant-heat driven chemical reactor Heat-transfer-aid particles entrained with 1) biomass particles, 2) reactant gas, or 3) both are fed into the radiant heat chemical reactor. The inner wall of a cavity and the tubes of the chemical reactor act as radiation distributors by either absorbing radiation and re-radiating it to the heat-transfer-aid particles or reflecting the incident radiation to the heat-transfer-aid particles. The radiation is absorbed by the heat-transfer-aid particles, and the heat is then transferred by conduction to the reacting gas at temperatures between 900° C. and 1600° C. The heat-transfer-aid particles mix with the reactant gas in the radiant heat chemical reactor to sustain the reaction temperature and heat transfer rate to stay within a pyrolysis regime. The heat-transfer-aid particles produce a sufficient heat surface-area to mass ratio of these particles when dispersed with the reactant gas to stay within the pyrolysis regime during the chemical reaction.
US08814959B2	Biofuel consisting of a mixture of naturally occurring fatty acid esters and method for producing said biofuel The invention relates to a diesel biofuel consisting of a mixture of naturally occurring fatty acid esters and containing an ester of ω-unsaturated acids having a chain with 11 or 13 carbon atoms or corresponding saturated acids. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a biofuel.
US08814958B2	Liquid fuel with endothermic fuel-cracking catalyst A liquid fuel includes a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel and an additive mixed with the hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel. The additive includes an endothermic fuel-cracking catalyst.
US08814957B2	Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen as a fuel additive in order to reduce abrasion The present invention relates to the use of at least one heterocyclic compound of the formula (I) in which R is H or C1-C3-alkyl as a frictional wear-reducing additive in fuel compositions; to corresponding additized fuel compositions and their preparation; and to additive concentrates which comprise such compounds.
US08814949B2	Combined active and passive leg prosthesis system and a method for performing a movement with such a system A combined active and passive leg prosthesis system is disclosed, and a method of performing a gait cycle by a leg prosthesis system is disclosed, for replacing a missing lower extremity of an individual to perform a gait cycle by the leg prosthesis system and/or the method. In at least one embodiment, the leg prosthesis system includes at least one movable joint, and a disconnectable active drive unit to drive the movable joint and a passive brake unit to brake the movable joint when the drive unit is disconnected.
US08814943B2	Bone preparation tool kit and associated method A prosthesis (20) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis (20) is to be fitted to a long bone (3). The prosthesis includes a first body (22) having a first body articulating surface (24) defining a generally circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24). The first body (22) has a support surface (28) opposed to the articulating surface (24). The support surface (28) is adapted to receive the head of the long bone (3). The prosthesis (20) also includes a second body (30) operably associated with the first body (22). The second body (30) has a second body articulating surface (32) extending from a portion of the circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24). A tool kit for preparing a humerus to receive a prosthesis is also disclosed.
US08814937B2	Intervertebral disc prosthesis, method for assembling, method for implanting prosthesis, and method for explanting Prosthesis for inserting into a damaged intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has an elongated tubular main prosthesis body with a length to fit laterally from one side of a disc to the other at its mid-plane. The main prosthesis body is composed of two parts transversely oriented and has a vertical height deliberately greater than the height of normal disc space. Heads having a vertical height greater than the vertical height of the main prosthesis body are mounted on the ends of the main prosthesis body.
US08814935B2	Interference screw driver assembly and method of use Embodiments of the present invention provide a cannulated screw driver assembly which includes a rigid guide pin such that the assembly can be used to assist the surgeon in inserting and positioning the rigid guide pin and an interference screw within a bone graft tunnel. Once the screw is properly placed, screw driver assembly components to include the rigid guide pin, the driver and the handle can be removed while the screw remains in the tunnel to secure the graft. In one embodiment, the interference screw can be removed from the distal end of the driver and the driver and handle can be removed from the screw's proximal end. Embodiments of the inventions also include an interchangeable driver to mate with different size and types of interference screws.
US08814934B2	Multifocal accommodating intraocular lens An intraocular lens for providing accommodative vision includes an adjustable optic and a haptic that is operably coupled to the optic. The adjustable optic comprises a central zone and an annular zone surrounding the central zone. The optic may also comprise additional annular zones. The haptic comprises a transparent portion protruding into the adjustable optic. The intraocular lens has a disaccommodative configuration in which the central zone has a base optical power and an accommodative configuration in which the central zone has an add optical power that is at least about 1 Diopter greater than the base optical power. The central zone and the annular zone have different optical powers when the adjustable intraocular lens is in the accommodative configuration and/or when the adjustable intraocular lens is in the disaccommodative configuration.
US08814932B2	Annuloplasty ring with piercing wire and segmented wire lumen An annuloplasty device having an expandable member, a plurality of lobes, and a piercing wire is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the lobes extend radially outwardly from the expandable member. The lobes each have a wire lumen disposed therethrough, and the piercing wire is extendable through the wire lumen of each lobe to secure the device to adjacent heart tissue. In some embodiments, the expandable member comprises an inflatable medical balloon. In addition, a method of implanting an annuloplasty device is disclosed.
US08814930B2	Biodegradable endoprosthesis and methods for their fabrication The disclosure provides biodegradable implantable devices such as a stent comprising a biodegradable polymeric wherein the polymeric material is treated to control crystallinity and/or Tg. The stent is capable to expand at body temperature in a body lumen from a crimped configuration to a deployed diameter and have sufficient strength to support a body lumen.
US08814929B2	Stent and stent delivery system for side-branch locations in a conduit An implant including a first tubular medical device and a second tubular medical device coaxially disposed within the first tubular medical device. Each of the first and second tubular medical devices including a tubular body having a plurality of slits extending through a sidewall to form a plurality of first and second sidewall segments respectively. The radial expansion of the first tubular medical device forms an alternating pattern of flared first side wall segments and slits disposed adjacent to a body vessel wall. The radial expansion of the second tubular medical device forms an alternating pattern of flared second sidewall segments and slits. The second tubular medical device is rotationally aligned with the first tubular medical device such that the flared second sidewall segments at least partially cover the slits disposed adjacent the body vessel wall of the first tubular medical device.
US08814924B2	Fungal infection therapy device with low level laser A portable, small-footprint laser device contains one or more housings in which a laser energy source and an optical arrangement are disposed. The housing produces a laser beam spot that may be rotated and scanned to apply laser energy to a target area. The laser device receives treatment parameters and uses them to program a treatment regimen in which activation and movement of the housings is automated. The laser device may be used to apply a treatment regimen to a patient's hands or feet that are infected by Onychomycosis. In the treatment regimen, certain wavelengths of laser energy are applied at a predetermined duration. The treatment may be repeated, and a topical anti-fungal medication may be applied to aid in the efficacy of the treatment.
US08814918B2	Fracture fixation plate A plate for fracture fixation is provided including a plurality of individually adjustable heads and various features to achieve: a.) superior fixation of the plate to osteoporotic diaphyseal bone; b.) improved visualization of the fracture line; c.) intraoperative adjustability to achieve better contact of the plate and the bone; d.) reduced risk of post-surgery tendon rupture; d.) improved fixation of small volar marginal fragments and, e.) improved targeting and fixing of particular fractured bone fragments.
US08814917B2	Method and apparatus for minimally invasive subcutaneous treatment of long bone fractures The instant invention is a novel method and construct for temporary or definitive minimally invasive treatment of broken long bones such as a femur or humerus. The method includes the steps of tunneling an elongated plate subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat layer parallel to the fractured long bone; and attaching the ends of the elongated plate to the fractured long bone. The elongated plate remains disposed in the subcutaneous fat layer and away from, but parallel to the long bone once attached to the long bone.
US08814915B2	Dynamic vertebral column plate system A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
US08814914B2	Fusion method and pedicle access tool Embodiments described herein provide tools and methods for spinal fusion procedures. One embodiment of a tool can be a pedicle access tool that performs the functions of targeting needle, cannula, tap and awl. The cannula of the tool can be used to guide various tools and bone graft or fusion promoting material to a surgical site for a spinal fusion procedure, such as a posterolateral procedure. In other embodiments, a k-wire can be used as the guide.
US08814913B2	Helical guide and advancement flange with break-off extensions A spinal fixation device combines an open-headed anchor member, such as a bone screw or a hook with spaced apart arms forming a rod receiving channel. The arms have break-off arm extensions that are broken-off or separated after the rod is clamped. The closure and inner surfaces of the arms and tabs have mating helical anti-splay guide and advancement flanges formed thereon which radially interlock and mechanically cooperate to prevent splaying the arms and extensions as the closure is advanced into the rod receiving channel.
US08814912B2	Bone stabilization member with bone screw retention mechanism A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening.
US08814910B2	Method and instrument for tensioning a flexible tie A method and instrument for tensioning a flexible tie used for fastening an implant on a bony element by forming a first loop around it. In some embodiments, the instrument comprises a shaft having a distal end configured for contact with a rod, a moving part slidably engaged with the shaft, a holder connected to the moving part and configured to hold an end of the flexible tie, and a tension control member comprising a trigger that pivots relative to the moving part. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling the end of the flexible tie to the instrument and squeezing the trigger to shorten the first loop of the flexible tie around the bony element, causing the moving part and the holder holding the end of the flexible tie to move in translation away from the distal end of the shaft, thereby exerting tension on the flexible tie.
US08814903B2	Methods and devices for repairing meniscal tissue Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.
US08814902B2	Method of securing body tissue To secure a first body tissue with a second body tissue, a first anchor is moved along a first path through the first body tissue into the second body tissue. A second anchor is moved along a second path through the first body tissue into the second body tissue. A suture extending between the anchors may be tightened by moving the second anchor along a path which extends transverse to the path of the first anchor. The suture which extends between the anchors may have free ends which are connected with a suture retainer. The free ends of the suture may be interconnected either before or after the anchors are moved along the first and second paths. Alternatively, the suture may be a continuous loop which extends between the two anchors. A guide assembly may be provided to guide movement of the anchors along the two paths. The paths along which the anchors move may intersect so that the anchors may be interconnected at the intersection between the two paths.
US08814895B2	Blades with functional balance asymmetries for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a blade end-effector having a curved geometry. The curved geometry creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the asymmetries of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry.
US08814894B2	Ultrasound handpiece A handpiece having at least one set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency.
US08814888B2	System for putting reinforcement-forming means for a suture into place The invention relates to a placement system for putting into place means that form reinforcement for a suture. The system comprises reinforcement-forming means for reinforcing a zone that is to be sutured, said means comprising a first reinforcement portion and a second reinforcement portion, a catching portion interconnecting said first and second portions of the reinforcement-forming means and serving to take hold of the zone for suturing, and jaw-passing means for passing two jaws of a suture clamp, such that said first portion of the reinforcement-forming means is suitable for facing one of the two jaws and said second portion of the reinforcement-forming means is suitable for facing the other one of the two jaws, said placement system further comprising grip means.
US08814886B2	Thread catcher for surgical sewing material A thread catcher for surgical sewing material consisting of a handle, a hollow shaft positioned on the distal side of the handle, and a catching device that is mounted so that it can be slid lengthwise within the hollow shaft by means of a drive element and whose distal end, which can slide out of the distal end of the hollow shaft, is configured as a catcher loop. To create a thread catcher for surgical sewing material that is simple to operate and ensures rapid and secure grasping of the surgical sewing material, it is proposed with the invention that the catcher loop should consist of at least three segments that are distally connected with one another.
US08814885B2	Arthroscopic meniscal repair systems and methods An arthroscopic meniscal tear repair device includes a catch needle and a transfer needle. which are pierced into a torn meniscus and advanced past the tear. Suture is transferred by a suture needle from the transfer needle through the meniscus and into the catch needle. The catch needle has an internal mechanism that retains the suture. The suture needle is then retracted back to its home position inside the transfer needle, leaving the free end of the suture across the meniscus and in the catch needle. The device is then retracted out of the meniscus, leaving behind a stitch across the meniscal tear inside the meniscus . A pre-tied knot of suture is then slid down the device and cinched up using a knot pusher having a dilation tip, thus completing the repair.
US08814884B2	Endoscopic surgical clip applier An apparatus for application of surgical clips is provided and includes a lockout system selectively engagable with a pusher bar to prevent the pusher bar from returning to a home position and to prevent a trigger from completing a full stroke when a plurality of clips are substantially exhausted. The apparatus may include a trip mechanism including a trip lever biased into contact with the pusher bar, wherein distal movement of the drive bar moves the trip mechanism until the trip lever engages a lip of the pusher bar and in turn distally moves the pusher bar. The apparatus may include a wedge plate including a distal end placeable between spaced-apart jaw members, wherein the wedge plate is moved proximally to withdraw the distal end thereof from between the jaw members when a drive channel is moved in a distal direction.
US08814873B2	Devices and methods for treating bone tissue The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating channels within bone. One method for treating bone generally includes traversing an elongated member through cancellous bone of a vertebral body along a first generally non-linear path and then retracting the elongated member, thereby leaving a generally non-linear channel. The elongated member then is traversed through the cancellous bone along a second generally non-linear path, which second path does not completely coincide with the first path and then retracted along the second generally nonlinear path, thereby leaving a second generally non-linear channel. Optionally, bone filler material is deployed into the channels.
US08814872B2	Double row keel cut saw blade A saw blade provided with two walls set apart from each other and with blade teeth arranged on each wall in a pattern along the distal end of each wall and on the inner surface of each wall. During a single cutting motion, the distal teeth provide the initial cut and the inner teeth remove additional material along the pathway. This increases the amount of material removed in one cut, leaving a small amount of material (bone) at the bottom of the slot for the surgeon to remove in the final step. Thus, the blade configuration and the tooth pattern of the saw blade improves the cutting efficiency.
US08814867B2	Percutaneous technique and implant for expanding the spinal canal Expanding a spinal canal by drilling a cylindrical passage in each pedicle of a vertebra, making a circumferential pedicle cut (osteotomy) through each pedicle from within the passage, separating each pedicle cut by inserting an implant into the passage to distract the pedicle cut (i.e., lengthen the pedicle) to expand the spinal canal, and securing each pedicle cut, allowing the vertebra to heal with the spinal canal expanded. The implant can include an outer sleeve, an inner bolt, and expandable flanges. The outer sleeve includes an upper and a lower portion, with the expandable flanges therein. Rotation of the inner bolt causes the upper and lower portions of the outer sleeve to separate, causing the pedicle cut to widen and the expandable flanges to radially extend into and stabilize the widened pedicle cut for expansion of the spinal canal.
US08814860B2	Irreversible electroporation using nanoparticles The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. The invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors. The methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors. In embodiments, the methods comprise the use of high aspect ratio nanoparticles with or without modified surface chemistry.
US08814859B2	Vascular sealing device and method using clot enhancing balloon and electric field generation An apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one member which is extended through a tissue tract formed through the epidermis and subcutaneous layer of skin and through the opening in the blood vessel. The member includes a proximal end and a distal end with the distal end being positionable proximate to the opening in the blood vessel wall. A positive electrode is positioned next to the distal end with a negative electrode being positioned next to the proximal end When the electrodes are energized an electric field is created therebetween, blood cells are attracted to the positive electrode, and a thrombus is formed at the opening in the blood vessel wall. The member may include a balloon at the distal end to temporarily occlude blood flow from the blood vessel to the tissue tract to facilitate formation of the thrombus. In addition, the shape of the balloon may be tailored to facilitate the formation of the thrombus including, but not limited to, the creation of pockets and self-supporting balloons.
US08814855B2	Method for ablating tissue with multiple ablation probes A tissue ablation system comprises an ablation source, such as an RF ablation source, configured for generating a common power signal, and a power multiplexor configured for splitting the power signal into first and second power signals, substantially attenuating the second power signal relative to the first power signal to create nominal and attenuated power signals, and sequentially delivering the nominal power signal to each tissue ablation probe, while delivering the attenuated power signal to the remaining ablation probes to which the nominal power signal is currently not delivered.
US08814850B2	Method and system for cryoablation treatment A system and a method for its use are provided to cool a cryotip at the distal end of a probe for a cryosurgical procedure. In particular, the cryotip is cooled by a liquid refrigerant to cryogenic temperatures in order to perform a cryosurgical procedure on biological tissue. The system is closed-loop, and during transit of the liquid refrigerant through the entire system, the liquid refrigerant always remains in a liquid state at a relatively low pressure.
US08814849B1	Infusion check valve for medical devices An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.
US08814848B2	Adjustable stiffness catheter Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient.
US08814847B2	Delivery system for percutaneous placement of a medical device and method of use thereof A delivery system for implanting a medical device into the body of a patient or subject and a method of use thereof. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a catheter lumen and an inner member extending therethrough. The inner member includes a distal tip portion, a proximal portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being disposed adjacent to the distal end of the delivery catheter. A first sealing member, positioned near a distal end of the proximal portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. A second sealing member, positioned near a proximal end of the distal tip portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. The intermediate portion extends between the first seal and the second seal. In one embodiment, a medical device and a hydrating fluid are present in a device-containing region between the intermediate portion and the delivery catheter.
US08814842B2	Delivery-and-fluid-storage bridges for use with reduced-pressure systems Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that facilitate the provision of reduced pressure to a tissue site by using a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge, which separates liquids and gases and provides a flow path for reduced pressure. In one instance, a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge includes a delivery manifold for delivering reduced pressure to a treatment manifold at the tissue site and an absorbent layer proximate the delivery manifold adapted to receive and absorb liquids. The delivery manifold and the absorbent layer are encapsulated in an encapsulating pouch. A first aperture is formed proximate a first longitudinal end of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge for fluidly communicating reduced pressure to the delivery manifold from a reduced-pressure source, and a second aperture is formed on a patient-facing side of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge. Reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.
US08814841B2	Apparatus and method for wound volume measurement A method and apparatus for measuring a volume of a wound are described, the method comprising the steps of: applying a dressing over a wound, the volume of which is to be measured, the dressing including at least a sealing drape over the wound so as to create a sealed wound cavity; creating a vacuum in said wound cavity by vacuum pump means so as to produce a predetermined vacuum in the wound cavity; measuring a volume of air extracted from said wound cavity in producing said predetermined vacuum; and, calculating a volume of said wound.
US08814840B2	Medical apparatus for collecting fluid There is described a medical apparatus, which may comprise a fluid collection vessel and a sensor. The sensor is arranged to sense when the fluid collection vessel is substantially full even when the fluid collection vessel is tilted by up to a predetermined angle from its preferred orientation. The fluid collection vessel may comprise a main chamber and a sensor chamber in fluid communication with one another. The sensor is located in the sensor chamber. The fluid inlet, the main chamber and the sensor chamber are arranged such that fluid entering the fluid collection vessel via the fluid inlet flows into the main chamber even when the fluid collection vessel is tilted by up to the predetermined angle from its preferred orientation, and, once the main chamber is full, any further collected fluid flows from the main chamber into the sensor chamber.
US08814839B2	Corporeal drainage system A corporeal drainage system and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The corporeal drainage system includes a connection tube and a fluid receptacle in fluid communication with the connection tube. The fluid receptacle creates a negative pressure in the system by transitioning from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The system may include an activation member to initiate transitioning of the fluid receptacle.
US08814834B2	Injector safety device A safety member for use with an injection device is disclosed. The safety member includes a blocking ring extending into a housing of the injection device in blocking association with a latch member associated with a trigger mechanism of the injector, in which the blocking ring blocks movement of a portion of the trigger mechanism into a firing position. The safety member further includes a manipulable portion disposed outside the housing and configured for hand-manipulation by a user to remove the safety member from the housing to unblock the firing mechanism to enable firing of the injector.
US08814828B2	Autoinjector with deshielder comprising tamper evidence means The invention relates to a device (1) for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, said device (1) further comprising a needle (6) and a needle shield (2) for protection of said needle (6) prior to use of said device, and a housing (300) receiving the container (50) and a deshielder (8) for removing said needle shield (2) from said device (1), said deshielder (8) being coupled to said needle shield (2) and being mounted on the housing (300) in a separable manner, for example through breakable or snap-fit means, said deshielder (8) comprising tamper evidence means that are activated by the removal of at least one part of said deshielder (8). Said at least one part of said deshielder (8) can be removed from the housing (300) by exerting a traction force equal or less to 30 N.
US08814826B2	Sequentially inflatable balloons for delivery of treatment agents An apparatus including a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and an expandable body coupled thereto, the expandable body comprising a first expandable member and a second expandable member to isolate a length of the vessel upon expansion within the blood vessel. The expandable body having an intermediate expandable member along a working length between the first expandable member and the second expandable. A method including introducing a cannula and an expandable body coupled thereto into a blood vessel at a point coextensive with a treatment site and expanding a first expandable member and a second expandable member of the expandable body to isolate a length of the vessel adjacent the treatment site. The method further including delivering a treatment agent to a vessel region between the first expandable member and the second expandable member while inflating and deflating an intermediate expandable member.
US08814811B2	Fall detection algorithm utilizing a three-axis accelerometer A three-axis accelerometer signal is used in a medical device for detecting that a patient has fallen. The accelerometer signal is sampled at a low sampling rate for determining a patient position. The accelerometer signal is sampled at a high sampling rate for determining an acceleration magnitude in response to determining the patient position. The patient position and acceleration magnitude are used to detect that a patient has fallen.
US08814810B2	Orthopedic method and system for mapping an anatomical pivot point A system and method of touchless interaction is provided for resolving a pivot point of an object where direct placement of a sensor at the pivot point is not practical. It applies to situations where the pivot point of a rigid object is inaccessible but remains stationary, while the other end is free to move and is accessible. The system maps the object's pivot point by way of an external sensor that detects constrained motion of the rigid object within a hemispherical banded boundary. It can also detect a geometric pattern and acceleration during the constrained motion to compensate for higher order rotations about the pivot point. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08814802B2	Biological information detector and biological information measuring device A biological information detector including a light-emitting part for emitting a light directed at a detection site of a test subject, a light-receiving part for receiving a light having biological information, the light produced by the light emitted by the light-emitting part being reflected at the detection site, a reflecting part for reflecting the light emitted by the light-emitting part or the light having biological information, a protecting part, having a transparent surface in contact with the test subject, for protecting the light-emitting part or the light-receiving part, and a substrate held between the reflecting part and the protecting part, the light-emitting part being positioned on a side of the substrate towards one of either the reflecting part or the protecting part, and the light-receiving part being positioned on a side of the substrate towards another of either the reflecting part or the protecting part.
US08814801B2	Vessel wall monitoring apparatus A vessel wall monitoring apparatus includes: a first detecting unit which detects vessel diameter information based on first biological information obtained from a subject; a first producing unit which differentiates the vessel diameter information detected by the first detecting unit, to produce a vessel diameter function; a second detecting unit which detects blood pressure based on second biological information obtained from the subject; a second producing unit which performs a logarithmic operation on the blood pressure detected by the second detecting unit, to produce a logarithmic blood pressure function; and an outputting unit which produces an impedance model expression by using the vessel diameter function, the logarithmic blood pressure function, and mechanical characteristic values including a stiffness, viscosity, and inertia, and which calculates and outputs at least one of the stiffness, the viscosity, and the inertia based on the impedance model expression.
US08814798B2	Implantable device and method for monitoring venous diameter An implantable medical device system and associated method receive a signal from an implantable sensor operatively positioned relative to a vein, the signal being responsive to changes in a diameter of the vein. A diameter of the vein is determined in response to the sensor signal and used in estimating central venous pressure (CVP).
US08814795B2	Sounding method and device using wave propagation The invention relates to a wave-propagation-based sounding method, in which: an incident wave is emitted through a medium including diffusers capable of reflecting the wave; and, subsequently, signals representing a reflected wave reverberated by the medium from the incident wave are captured, said captured signals being the sum of a single scattering component and a multiple scattering component. The captured signals are processed by separating the multiple scattering component from the single scattering component by filtering at least one frequency transfer matrix representing responses between transducers from the transducer assembly.
US08814794B2	Measuring system, image forming method, and program A measuring system for receiving acoustic waves and producing image data includes an acoustic wave receiver that detects acoustic waves which are generated by irradiating a specimen with pulsed light. The acoustic wave receiver converts the detected acoustic waves into an electric signal, and an image forming apparatus generates image data by using the electric signal. An artifact attributable to a band of an acoustic wave receiver is distinguished and reduced based on the positional relationship among respective voxel data representing an actual image and a reflected image of a light absorber located within the specimen and related artifacts, as viewed on the image data, by utilizing an acoustic wave reflecting surface on which the specimen is disposed.
US08814793B2	Respiration monitor A respiration monitor comprises a transducer array 5 having a plurality of individual transducer elements 7 that span at least part of the region of diaphragm movement of a patient. A patient 1 having a lung 2 and an abdomen 3 being separated therefrom by a diaphragm 4 is fitted with an ultrasound transducer array 5 over the lung sinus 6 prior to being given a CT or MRI scan. Each individual transducer element 6 emits an ultrasound pulse and then detects its echo in the known manner. Because air has a much higher acoustic impedance than tissue, the reflection of the ultrasound beam is much more pronounced when the lung is insonated.By measuring the strength of the receiving signal, it is possible to determine to a high degree of accuracy the position of the patient's diaphragm.
US08814790B2	Medical diagnosis derived from patient drug history data In general the invention is directed to systems, methods, and/or software modules which may analyze a patient's drug history, and optionally other data, and derive a probable diagnosis for the patient based on rules.
US08814789B2	Vaginal manipulator including expansion plate and door A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft and a head. The head includes a central plate having a distal end connected to the shaft, an expansion plate coupled to and configured to move radially away from the central plate, and a door having a constrained end and a free end. The constrained end of the door is hinged to the central plate and the free end of the door is configured to move away from the central plate. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the expansion plate is movable relative to the central plate to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the door is movable relative to the central plate to displace a posterior wall of the vagina into a trans-abdominal line of sight.
US08814788B2	Suction retractor The subject invention provides a suction retractor comprising a flexible continuous dam which forms a closed loop of any shape and which defines one or more inlet opening into an interior of the closed loop, so that suction can be applied into an interior of the continuous dam. The suction retractor may further comprise a suction tube defining a suction channel, the suction tube attached to or attachable to the continuous dam and when attached the suction channel continuous with the one or more inlet. The one or more inlet may open to a continuous channel extending throughout an interior of the closed loop. Preferably, the continuous dam is planar or substantially planar and comprises a first compacted configuration for insertion and a second open configuration for retraction. The suction retractor of the invention finds application in single incision and convention laparoscopic surgery.
US08814785B2	Orifice introducer device An orifice introducer device for introducing, e.g., a surgical device, into, e.g., an orifice of a body, includes a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is adjustable between a first position for insertion into an orifice and a second position once inserted into the orifice. Alternatively, the orifice introducer device includes a distal portion having a proximal end configured to be detachably secured to the distal end of the tubular member. The distal portion is selectively detachable when the orifice introducer device is positioned in the orifice.
US08814781B2	Endoscopic sheath assembly A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings located at distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen with the distal and proximal ends. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening and includes a lens surface through which energy is transmissible.
US08814780B2	Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. The atraumatic sheath further comprises a ridge to prevent the sheath from being easily removed from a surgical site.
US08814776B2	Loading guide lumen An apparatus is disclosed including: an intracardiac pump device having a path for a guidewire extending through the pump device from a first opening to a second opening; and a lumen which extends from a first end located outside of the pump device, into the pump device through the first opening in the pump device, along the path for the guidewire, out of the pump device through the second opening, and to a second end located outside of the pump device. The lumen is configured to receive the guidewire such that when the guidewire passes through the lumen from the first end to the second end, the guidewire is positioned along the path.
US08814773B2	Booklet maker with crease roller A booklet maker having a first crease device forming a folded edge on a set of sheets. A second crease device is disposed downstream along a booklet processing path from the first crease device. The second crease device includes an edge engaging mechanism translatable in a direction transverse to the path of booklet travel. The edge engaging mechanism is compressively engagable with the folded edge of a booklet for forming a crease in the booklet.
US08814772B2	Sheet finishing apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped with the same A sheet finishing apparatus includes a first conveyance path connected to a sheet conveyance inlet, a second conveyance path branching from the first conveyance path, a folding roller device disposed in the second conveyance path for folding the sheet, and a sheet discharge path arranged vertically parallel to the second conveyance path and guiding the folded sheet from the second conveyance path to a sheet conveyance outlet. The second conveyance path includes a first guide path located at a downstream side relative to the folding roller device and guiding a rear side of the sheet, and a second guide path located at an upstream side relative to the folding roller device and guiding a front side of the folded sheet conveyed from the folding roller device. A gate is formed for selectively guiding the folded sheet from the second guide path to the storage device or the sheet discharge path.
US08814768B1	Stability exercise device An exercise device that includes a base member that includes an upper surface and a cushion seat portion extending downwardly therefrom and a handle cavity defined in and extending downwardly from the upper surface. The device also includes a cushion member attached to the cushion seat portion. The cushion seat portion has a generally convex shape. A handle portion secured to the base member and spanning the handle cavity, and at least a first binding member that is secured to the base member and is configured to secure a user's foot to the upper surface of the base member.
US08814764B2	Abdominal exercising apparatus An exercising apparatus for exercising muscles in the abdominal region of a user's body may include a stationary primary body support configured to support upper portions of the user's body including the abdominal region. The primary body support may include a primary body support surface oriented to support a user's back in a rearwardly inclined position and a secondary body support surface for supporting the user's buttocks. A movable carriage may be configured to be engaged by the user's lower leg portions and may be movable along a substantially linear path extending generally toward and generally away from the secondary body support surface. A resistance application assembly may be configured to apply an adjustable degree of biasing force to the carriage in a direction generally away from the secondary body support surface to resist movement of the carriage toward the secondary body support surface.
US08814763B2	Abdomen exercise machine An exercise machine applicable for strengthening users abdominal muscles is described. The machine can include a track frame including a pair of parallel rails to provide gliding support for movement along the parallel rails. Two sliding assembly may be movably mounted on the parallel rails respectively. Each sliding assembly may be configurable to move together or separately along the parallel rails. Two seat pads may be adjustably secured to the two sliding assembly respectively. Each seat pad may be rotationally adjustable to change angular relationship between the seat pad's longitudinal direction and movement direction along the parallel rails.
US08814760B2	Fitness system and method for alignment of lower extremities A lower extremity alignment device for maintaining proper form while engaging in squat or other weight lifting exercises is disclosed. More specifically, a user's knee joints will resist rotating inward or outward during repetitions due to support provided by the device while core muscled benefits are still realized. In a first preferred embodiment, the device is optimally shaped with a tapered end to provide comfort to the user's groin area. Additionally, the device comprises a softer inner core and a more rigid outer core also aiding in comfort to a user. The invention further provides grip material to lateral side portions so the device will not slip when in use, as well as other novel features as described herein.
US08814758B1	Hand protector A hand protector for use in punching bag exercises comprising a concave shield and a grip mounted in the open mouth of the shield. The shield is shaped and sized to receive a human hand when the hand is wrapped around the grip in the manner to form a fist.
US08814757B2	Free pace elliptical exercise apparatus The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. Easy starting occurs in the default mode.
US08814756B2	Household jungle gym There is provided a household jungle gym 10 including a swing space 200 which is formed continuously with a lateral side of a frame structure 100, a swing supporting shaft 21 which is detachably stretched in the swing space 200, a triangular supporting portion 40 which pivotally supports the swing supporting shaft 21, strut pipes 41 which support the triangular supporting portion 40, and two telescopic pipes 30 which are disposed parallel to each other on a floor surface and which each have a double rod construction so as to be telescopic, wherein when the jungle gym 10 is stowed, by dismounting the swing 20 and the swing supporting shaft 21 and causing the two telescopic pipes 30 to slide, the triangular supporting portion 40 and the strut pipes 41 can be moved extremely close to the frame structure 100.
US08814754B2	Wearable device having athletic functionality A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US08814753B2	Toy with light emitting function accomplished by rotary motion of a rope around a handle A toy with light emitting function comprises a rope and handles; the rope is transparent and has light emitting diodes (LEDs) inside; a first handle of the handles has a micro generator device connected with the LEDs; the micro generator device comprises a gear assembly and a micro generator motor; an end of the rope is fixedly connected with a first end of a connection member; a second end of the connection member is connected with a dynamic power input end of the gear assembly; the connection member drives the gear assembly to rotate with respect to the first handle along with rotary motion of the rope; a dynamic power output end of the gear assembly is connected with a driving axis of the micro generator motor; an electricity power output end of the micro generator motor is connected with the LEDs.
US08814748B2	Planetary roller gear drive Planetary roller gear drive with a spindle nut (2) that is arranged on a threaded spindle (1) and is divided into nut parts (6, 7) that can be adjusted relative to each other in the axial direction, and with a plurality of planets (3) that are arranged distributed around a periphery and are in roller engagement with the spindle nut (2) and the threaded spindle (1). An adjustment part (20) set in the axial direction against the one nut part (6) that can be adjusted in the axial direction is provided and the one nut part (6) that can be adjusted in the axial direction is arranged between this adjustment part and the other nut part (7).
US08814747B2	Planetary carrier of a planetary gearing A planetary carrier of a planetary gearing includes two planet web cheeks interconnected by planet webs. The sides of the planet web cheeks are mutually opposed in the circumferential direction and, together with outer lateral surfaces of the planetary webs, define lateral surface openings. At least one planet pin opening for receiving a pin for mounting a planet gear is provided in at least one planet web cheek. At least one planet web cheek, in the region of the attachment of a planet web, has a transition reducing the axial length of the planet web. The planetary carrier is optimized in terms of weight and strength by way of the transition having a rounded contour in the form of a spherical recess.
US08814744B2	Electromechanical clutch and transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. An electromechanical rotating clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, an armature, and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively engage the rotor with the armature.
US08814741B2	Drive device for vehicle There is provided a drive device for a vehicle. A forward clutch that is engaged during forward driving is provided in a power transmission path between an engine and a drive wheel. A spring is incorporated in an engagement oil chamber of the forward clutch, thereby causing the forward clutch to be held in a slipping state or an engaged state through the spring force even during an idling stop that suffers from reduced control oil pressure. This arrangement can prevent the forward clutch from producing an engagement shock during an engine restart. In addition, an input clutch driven by an electric actuator is provided in the power transmission path. With this arrangement, neutral control can be performed by disengaging the input clutch even if the forward clutch which is to be held in a slipping state or an engaged state is provided.
US08814734B2	Tensioning device with a damping means comprising a minimum capacity A tensioning device for a flexible drive means, such as a chain or a belt, includes a housing, a tensioning piston movably arranged in the housing and provided with a hollow space, a pressure chamber for hydraulic fluid arranged between the housing and the tensioning piston, a vent opening arranged in the tensioning piston, and a damping means in flow communication with the vent opening and with the pressure chamber. A packing element is arranged in the hollow space of the tensioning piston and is at least a component of the damping means, such that the damping means comprises a capacity for hydraulic fluid which corresponds to at least 30% of the volume of the pressure chamber added in a 1 mm stroke of the tensioning piston in the extension direction. The device relates to a series of tensioning devices as well as a transmission and a series of transmissions.
US08814731B2	Flexible racquet handle An improved racquet handle, such as for a tennis or racquetball racquet, comprised of one or more flexible insert devices that add flexibility to said handle and create one or more pivot points along said handle. The increased flexibility of the racquet handle enables a user to impart greater force on a ball, such as a tennis ball, and also dampens or reduces the amount of vibration and/or shock otherwise imparted to the racquet user when the racquet strikes the ball. The structure of the improved racquet handle and the insert device(s) also permit the user to use the improved racquet handle with a plurality of interchangeable racquet heads.
US08814730B2	Cover for the shaft of athletic equipment A sheath for an article of athletic equipment having a shaft, which includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of the athletic equipment and the sheath is unrolled onto the shaft to the desired length or the entire length of the shaft. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the athletic equipment so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.
US08814727B2	Baseball training device for practicing hitting This present invention is a baseball training device for practicing hitting, comprising a swing member supporting either a ball member or a weighted ball member comprising a ball member attached to a weighted member by an elastic member. The swing member, supported by a base member, is restored to its equilibrium position in hitting practice mode by gravity. As the weighted member is always suspended in air in hitting practice mode, its tension restores its ball member to its equilibrium position. The oscillation of the swing member aids in the dissipation of force imparted to the device in hitting practice mode, making the device stable and stationary, portable and lightweight.
US08814725B2	Golf club head An iron-type golf club head is disclosed having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. A back wall is also disclosed in the rear portion enclosing a portion of the rear portion to create an enclosed cavity. The cavity is defined by at least a rear surface of the striking face, an inner back wall surface, and the sole portion. A plug and a filler material is located within the enclosed cavity. The filler material surrounds the plug and is configured to hold the plug in place. The plug is lighter than the filler material.
US08814724B2	Golf club A golf club has a reverse flex is 80 to 110 mm. The face portion includes a central thick part, a toe-crown-side thin part on a crown-side and on a toe-side of the central thick part, and a heel-sole-side thin part on a sole-side and on a heel-side the central thick part. In the front view of the head, a first straight line passing an area centroid of the toe-crown-side thin part and an area centroid of a back surface of the face portion has an angle θA of 38 to 45 degrees, and a second straight line passing an area centroid of the heel-sole-side thin part and the area centroid of the back surface of the face portion has an angle θB of 40 to 45 degrees, each with respect to the horizontal plane.
US08814722B2	Weight element for a golf club Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a crown portion, the crown portion including a fixed portion proximal to the ball striking face, and a removable weight portion, which is configured to be coupled with the fixed portion on a side of the crown potion away from the ball striking face. The club head body may further include an interior portion with a frame member defined therein. The crown weight may further include a weight member attached to the frame member, the weight member including at least one receptacle defined therein. The removable weight portion may further include at least one weight insert supported within the weight member in the at least one receptacle.
US08814719B2	Lightweight grip for sports equipment A lightweight grip assembly is disclosed herein. The lightweight grip assembly comprises a rigid support structure comprising a hollow portion and a grip portion comprising a substantially uniform thickness, wherein the grip portion is disposed on an external surface of the rigid support structure. The lightweight grip assembly may be used in connection with golf club shafts and heads having one or more adjustable features to increase the amount of overall discretionary weight available to a golfer.
US08814711B2	Ball type constant velocity joint for vehicle Provided is a ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle. The ball type constant velocity joint includes an inner race installed at an end of a shaft, an outer race installed outside the inner race, a plurality of hails for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage having windows for supporting the balls, wherein a ball track of the outer race is divided into two sections consisting of an outer race radial track and an outer race linear track contiguous to the outer race radial track, and when a joint angle is not created, a rotation center of the outer race radial track and a rotation center of the inner race linear track are positioned at the same point on a vertical center axis and have the same vertical offset amount.
US08814710B2	Torque transmission assembly and coupling A torque transmission assembly has a first shaft, a second shaft and a coupling. The coupling has a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is coaxially fixed to the first shaft. The second connecting member is fixed to the second shaft. The first connecting member has a base with a metallic engaging member embedded inside. The engaging member directly connects to the first shaft. A plurality of projecting members is formed on the base. The projecting members extend in the axial direction and are circumferentially spaced. The second connecting member has a main body and a plurality of drive arms radially extending from the main body. The drive arms are sandwiched between corresponding projecting members of the first connecting member so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate together.
US08814704B2	Game server that allows online game user to designate proxy to exercise an area limited acquisition right, game controlling method thereof, game system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium A game server includes an acquisition right-granting section that grants an acquisition right for acquiring an item in a virtual space to a first virtual user, a proxy right-generating section that generates a proxy right to allow a second virtual user to exercise the acquisition right as a proxy, a proxy right-granting section that grants only the proxy right to the second virtual user, a positional information acquisition section that acquires a position of a second physical user's terminal, a proxy right-exercising section that exercises the proxy right by the second virtual user, an area-limited item-storing section that stores an area-limited item in association with a position in the physical space, an item information reading/loading section that reads/loads an area-limited item from the area-limited item storing section, and an item-providing section that provides only the first virtual user with the area-limited item read/loaded by the item information reading/loading section.
US08814701B2	Artificial intelligence avatar to engage players during game play A gaming system may include an event filter to identify a player as a target for engagement. The gaming system may engage the player in a dialogue with a non-player character to conduct a discussion with the player relating to the events that resulted in engaging the player. In some embodiments, the dialogue may include a pre-event game analysis. The dialogue may include recommendations or suggestions for improving the player's performance, and may include offering virtual game items to the player.
US08814698B1	Graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games. The graphical user interface includes a friends panel that is operable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The friends panel provides friends information display functionality, social network management functionality, and/or messaging functionality both in the collapsed condition and in the expanded condition. In the collapsed condition, the friends panel may comprise a friends bar that shows a row of friend cards or chiclets associated with respective friends of a host player associated with a displayed game instance, the friends bar being clear of a view of a virtual in-game environment shown in the game display, while the expanded friends panel may comprise a grid of friend cards or chiclets that functionally obscures the in-game environment.
US08814697B2	Method and apparatus for use in preserving a game state Several embodiments of the invention advantageously provide systems, apparatuses, processes and methods of providing an interactive electronic game. Some of these methods comprise: detecting a loss of connection over a distributed network with a first user remotely accessing and participating in an interactive electronic game in progress; determining, in response to detecting the loss of the connection with the first user, a game state associated with the first user; determining whether a confirmation is received from the first user confirming that the first user intends to rejoin the interactive game; and retaining, in response to determining that the confirmation is received, the game state.
US08814693B2	Avatars of friends as non-player-characters In accordance with one or more aspects, for a particular user one or more other users associated with that particular user are identified based on a social graph of that particular user. An avatar of at least one of the other users is obtained and included as a non-player-character in a game being played by that particular user. The particular user can provide requests to interact with the avatar of the second user (e.g., calling out the name of the second user, tapping the avatar of the second user on the shoulder, etc.), these requests being invitations for the second user to join in a game with the first user. An indication of such an invitation is presented to the second user, which can, for example, accept the invitation to join in a game with the first user.
US08814691B2	System and method for social networking gaming with an augmented reality This disclosure concerns an interactive, head-mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and the displayed content. A wireless communications facility assesses a database of second user profiles, and the user contacts an online gaming site using the eyepiece to initiate or join a game of the online gaming site with a second user, each user viewing game content with through their head-mounted eyepiece.
US08814684B2	Game machine, game machine control method, and information storage medium A game machine provides for a game player to relatively readily determine the position of a teammate player object. A position announcing sound data storage unit stores position announcing sound data in association with a relative position condition concerning the relative position of the teammate player object relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object. A relative position determination unit determines whether the relative position of the teammate player object selected by the position announcement target selection unit, relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object, satisfies the relative position condition associated with the position announcing sound data. A position announcing sound output control unit controls a sound output unit to output a sound based on the position announcing sound data associated with the relative position condition determined by the relative position determination unit as satisfying the relative position condition.
US08814682B2	Game system, game device, storage medium having game program stored thereon, and game process method An example game system has a terminal device and a plurality of controller devices. The game system moves a first object, which is arranged in a predetermined game space, in accordance with an operation performed on the terminal device; and moves a plurality of second objects in accordance with operations performed on the controller devices. A first virtual camera is set based on a position of the first object in the game space. A second virtual camera is set so that a plurality of the second objects are included in a visual field range. A first game image representing the game space as seen from the first virtual camera is displayed on a display unit of the terminal device. A second game image representing the game space as seen from the second virtual camera is displayed on a predetermined display device separate from the terminal device.
US08814674B2	Graphical user interface for a gaming system A method and a system for a graphical user interface corresponding to a gaming environment executes a software product corresponding to the game on the computing hardware of an electronic device. The interface renders multiple graphical objects and user selectable options corresponding to the graphical object. The user selects one or more option, and eventually performs a touching or a swiping operation through multiple points on the display screen. The touching or swiping operation leads to deploying of multiple resources corresponding to the selected option, at different locations on the interface. For controlling the different deployed resources, the user can swipe through different regions of the display screen based on his/her desire. The number of resources deployed at the different locations on the screen depends on certain parameters, including the pressure applied by the user on the screen during performing the touching or swiping operations.
US08814672B2	Tracking career progression based on user activities A method for generating career progression information for a user participating in one or more activities in a processing device is disclosed. User progress in the activities is tracked. The activities include game activities and non-game activities. Achievement scores for the user based on the game activities and the non-game activities are determined. The achievement scores are aggregated across the game activities and the non-game activities to generate an aggregated career score for the user. Career progression information is generated for the user, based on the aggregated career score.
US08814658B2	Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels.
US08814653B2	Game apparatus and method of conducting a game Various embodiments of a game apparatus are described that include a digital memory storage apparatus configured to store a plurality of musical recordings, wherein each musical recording includes a portion of a recording of a song wherein such song includes an identifiable and publicly-known title, a sound generation apparatus for broadcasting at least a portion of the plurality of musical recordings as mechanical waves, a controller controlling the broadcasting of the at least a portion of the plurality of musical recordings as mechanical waves, and a plurality of playing cards for game participants, each playing card including a matrix of song titles, each playing card including a different selection and orientation of the song titles, where the song titles included on the whole of the plurality of playing cards are the same as the publicly-known titles of the professional released recordings of songs defining the plurality of musical recordings.
US08814652B2	Bingo game with multicard patterns The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a bingo game having aspects of a non-bingo game such as a Class III game, preferably on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations of the invention provide a bingo game having aspects of a card game, such as a poker game. Some such implementations include a bingo card display in which areas of a bingo card correspond with playing cards. Some implementations of the invention provide bingo cards having more than one bingo number associated with an area of the bingo card. Other implementations of the invention allow a winning pattern, such as an interim win pattern, to be formed from hits on more than one bingo card. For example, a winning pattern may be formed by hits along a corresponding line of multiple bingo cards being played by a single player. Alternatively, a winning pattern may be formed by hits on the same corresponding area of multiple bingo cards being played by a single player.
US08814650B2	Executing multiple applications and their variations in computing environments Techniques for execution of multiple application programs and their variations are disclosed. One or more individual application program components that are determined to be already stored and/or loaded into memory are not loaded into memory again, thereby allowing the associated application program to be executed without unnecessarily reloading the one or more individual application program components into memory. Generally, by keeping track and/or predicting of the application components loaded into memory, it can be determined whether to load or unload a particular application program component. In addition, data that can readily identify the application components that are not already into memory can be provided as differential application data for loading various application programs and their variations to facilitate switching between and/or concurrently running multiple application programs and their variations.
US08814648B2	Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.
US08814644B2	Interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt An interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt, comprising a plurality of pseudo-treasures (1) distributed over a playing area (5), and a detector (6) which is allocated to each player (7, 20, 21) and is suitable for scanning over the playing area (5) and detecting at least one pseudo-treasure (1), characterized in that said system further comprises means (24) suitable for allocating, to each player (7, 20, 21), at least one specific pseudo-treasure (1) to be found within a predetermined time period, each pseudo-treasure (1) comprising identification means and each detector (6) being suitable for identifying the scanned pseudo-treasures (1) and indicating the pseudo-treasure or treasures (1) found within the set time period.
US08814643B2	Challenge search query game The present disclosure is directed to challenge search query game systems and methods wherein search queries are integrated into game play activities. In one example approach, a challenge search query game system may include a search server configured to receive a challenge query from a game program in response to an in-game action by a game player, and retrieve a challenge in response to the challenge query. The challenge may include one or more clues and a solution. The search server may further be configured to send the challenge to the game program for display in the game, causing the game program to store the challenge and present a first clue from the one or more clues to the game player.
US08814642B2	Games apparatus Ball games apparatus for use by two or more players, comprises a playing wall with a plurality of targets arranged across at least one face of said playing wall, each target having a particular value associated therewith. In use, a player aims by kicking or throwing a ball or the like at the playing wall and scores points to the value of the target that is struck. The targets may correspond to balls of a conventional pool or snooker game, providing a similar scoring system to the table-based game but at the same time encouraging participation in physical activity. Added complexity is provided by means of ground markers randomly selected to denote which of a series of positions relative to the playing wall from which a player takes aim.
US08814636B2	Method and installation for killing poultry The invention relates to a method and installation for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.
US08814633B2	Linear pressure feed grinding with voice coil The present invention is directed to an apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate. The apparatus includes a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the edge when in an aligned position. The grinding unit applies a predetermined force normal to the edge. An air bearing slide system is coupled to the grinding unit. The air bearing slide system is configured to slide along a predetermined axis on a thin film of pressurized air that provides a zero friction load bearing interface. A linear actuation motor is coupled to the air bearing slide system. The linear actuation motor is configured to control the movement of the air bearing slide system such that the grinding unit is moved from a non-aligned position to the aligned position.
US08814629B2	Non-rollable to rollable transforming toy A transformable toy with an alterable exterior structure. The toy is constructed to transform from a non-rollable first shape to a second rollable shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure includes two or more exterior wall portions that collectively define a sphere, the wall portions moveably coupled relative to each and actuated by a triggering mechanism reactive to a magnetic force that is initiated external to the toy, and a biasing member that effects a force which transitions the wall portions to control the exterior structure—from a non-rollable (e.g., half-sphere or the like) first shape to a rollable (e.g., sphere or the like) second shape. Without initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape is maintained. With initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape transforms to the second shape.
US08814622B1	Method of manufacturing a fully integrated and encapsulated micro-fabricated vacuum diode Disclosed is an encapsulated micro-diode and a method for producing same. The method comprises forming a plurality columns in the substrate with a respective tip disposed at a first end of the column, the tip defining a cathode of the diode; disposing a sacrificial oxide layer on the substrate, plurality of columns and respective tips; forming respective trenches in the sacrificial oxide layer around the columns; forming an opening in the sacrificial oxide layer to expose a portion of the tips; depositing a conductive material in of the opening and on a surface of the substrate to form an anode of the diode; and removing the sacrificial oxide layer.
US08814621B2	Methods of determining and making red nitride compositions Provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods of making a Ca1-x-ySrxEuyAlSiN3 phosphor composition that include selecting a relative color point; determining Eu and Sr concentrations based on predetermined values to obtain the selected relative color point; and making the Ca1-x-ySrxEuyAlSiN3 phosphor having the determined Eu and Sr concentrations. Also provided are methods for determining concentrations of Sr and Eu in a Ca1-x-ySrxEuyAlSiN3 phosphor that will achieve a relative color point. Related computer products are also disclosed.
US08814619B2	Outboard motor and method for manufacturing outboard motor An outboard motor includes an engine, an exhaust manifold, and a lower exhaust passage. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders, and a plurality of exhaust ports. The cylinders are disposed in-line in a vertical direction. The exhaust ports are respectively connected to the cylinders. The exhaust manifold includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. The first passage is connected to the exhaust ports, and extends in a vertical direction. The second passage is connected to the first passage. The third passage is connected to the first passage below the second passage. The lower exhaust passage is connected to the exhaust manifold, and provides a passage through which exhaust gas is expelled to the outside from the exhaust manifold. One of the second passage and the third passage is connected to the lower exhaust passage.
US08814618B2	Outboard engine unit An outboard engine unit, where a drive shaft is connected to an engine and rotatably supported in a drive shaft chamber via a bearing and where a gear mechanism for transmitting rotation of the drive shaft to a propeller shaft is accommodated in a gear chamber, includes: a lubricant circulation section for returning lubricant oil, having lubricated the bearing, back to the gear chamber; an oil storage chamber for receiving the lubricant oil having lubricated the bearing; and a return passage communicating the oil storage chamber with the gear chamber. The lubricant oil guided to the oil storage chamber is returned back to the gear chamber via the return passage.
US08814614B2	Marine vessel propulsion device A marine vessel propulsion device includes a propeller rotatable around a propeller axis, a duct that surrounds the propeller around the propeller axis, an internal combustion engine that rotates the propeller relative the duct, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller relative to the duct. The propeller includes a plurality of blades, and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades around the propeller axis. The electric motor rotates the propeller by rotating the rim.
US08814606B2	Electric connector The electric connector includes a housing having an opening and a bottom, the housing being formed at the bottom with a recess, at least one electric terminal projecting through a bottom of the recess into the housing, and a seal composed of light-curing resin, the seal at least partially filling the recess therewith for hermetically sealing the electric terminal.
US08814604B2	Memory fastening device, computer motherboard and computer A memory fastening device, a computer motherboard including the memory fastening device and a computer including the computer motherboard are provided. The memory fastening device includes a memory connection base for plugging and fixing a memory and is characterized in further comprising an elastic component which fills in a space between the memory connection base and the memory. The memory fastening device is an improvement based on a conventional memory connection base. The memory fastening device is characterized in that a purpose of fastening the memory is realized without changing conventional structures of the standardized memory connection base and the standardized memory.
US08814601B1	Batch fabricated microconnectors Connectors and interconnects for high power connectors which may operate at frequencies up to approximately 110 GHz and fabrication methods thereof are provided.
US08814600B2	Connection jack and electronic apparatus A connection jack to which a connection plug having a center terminal and an earth terminal arranged on an outer peripheral side of the center terminal is connected and provided in an electronic apparatus in which a capacitor is disposed inside, includes: a housing made of an insulating material, in which an insertion opening to which the connection plug is inserted is formed; a center electrode to which the center terminal is connected and connected to the capacitor; a first earth electrode arranged on an outer peripheral side of the center electrode, to which the earth terminal is connected, and connected to the capacitor; and a second earth electrode arranged on an outer peripheral side of the center electrode, to which the earth terminal is connected, connected in series to a resistance limiting inrush current and connected to the capacitor through the resistance.
US08814597B2	Electrical plug contact The present invention relates to an electrical plug contact, comprising—a line having an insulating section, a fastening section, and a contacting section,—a line shield that at least partially encloses the line,—a connector that electrically contacts the line at the end of the line in the contacting section,—an insulating retainer, which locks with the connector and which is arranged in the contacting and fastening sections, for insulating the connector from an electrically conductive housing, and—a secondary locking sleeve that at least partially surrounds the line in the fastening section and that can be fastened to the line, wherein shielding transfer means are provided in order to transfer the shielding from the line shield to the housing.
US08814596B2	Modular connector for cables or pipes and system comprising such modular connector A modular connector for cables and pipes has a compressible body with an axial groove provided therein for arrangement of a shielded cable extending from a first end to a second end, and the groove is dimensioned or dimensionable to sealingly fit around a circumference of the shielded or armored cable or the pipe. The connector has a conductor arrangement arranged between the first end and the second end, the conductor arrangement may be sandwiched between the compressible body and a cable screen or armor of the cable or the pipe. The conductor arrangement further extends to an outside of the modular connector.
US08814594B2	Electrical connector having rotation prevention function An electrical connector is configured to be mounted on a board. The electrical connector includes a housing having a receptacle opening portion for receiving a mating connector; a terminal member disposed in the housing; and a shell member for covering the housing. The terminal member includes a base portion fixed to the housing, an arm portion extending from the base portion toward the receptacle opening portion, a contact portion disposed at a distal end portion of the arm portion, a board connecting portion, and a rotation preventing portion extending from the board connecting portion toward the receptacle opening portion. The shell member includes a shell receiving portion extending toward the base portion. The housing includes an insertion portion disposed between the rotation preventing portion and the shell receiving portion.
US08814591B2	Texturing an LED opening in a connector body Connector inserts and receptacles that may have indicators that are easy to manufacture, may have an attractive appearance, reduce reflections, and may provide a consistent indication independent of viewing angle. One example may provide a connector insert having an opening to provide light from an LED. The opening may be filled with an adhesive or other material. A surface of the adhesive may be textured, for example by chemical etch, laser, sand or glass bead blasting, through the use of texture tape or other stamp, or in other ways. An entire connector or just the indication itself may be etched. Masking may be used to protect a connector body during texturing.
US08814589B2	Plug connector A plug connector includes an insulative body, a housing and a plurality of terminals, and electrically connects to an electrical cable in a manner of insulation-displacement. The insulative body defines a top piece having an external thread of a first screw portion in one end, and defines a plurality of inserting grooves disposed with the terminals. The housing defines an interior space communicating with the inserting grooves, and defines an inner thread of a second screw portion in one end. The interior space accommodates a holding block remaining an electrical conductor of the electrical cable bent out. The housing connects the insulative body with the inner thread to the external thread.
US08814587B2	Low impedance equipment interface An assembly mounted to a surface, the assembly includes a component; and a plurality of fingers connected to the component and in contact with the surface to provide a low impedance path between the component and the surface.
US08814586B2	Connector A connector that includes a male terminal which has a conductive property and a tip portion of which is formed in a bar shape, and includes a coil spring formed of a conductive wire rod with an inner diameter smaller than a diameter of the tip portion of the male terminal and that linearly extends at an end portion at which the male terminal is inserted. The male terminal is inserted into the coil spring while a force that expands an inner diameter of at least a vicinity of the end portion is applied to an extending portion, and thereafter fitted to the coil spring by releasing the force.
US08814582B2	Card connector A card connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals integrally molded with the insulating housing, an ejection mechanism, a handle lever, and a shielding shell covered on the insulating housing. The insulating housing has a bottom wall which defines a sliding groove. The ejection mechanism includes a sliding block slidably disposed to the sliding groove of the insulating housing, an elastic element and a guide pin. The sliding block has a base body, and an extending portion extending forward from the base body. The handle lever slidably disposed to the insulating housing and the sliding block has a base board, a first sliding rail and a second sliding rail. The first sliding rail is slidably disposed to the other side of the insulating housing adjacent to the first side wall, and the second sliding rail is slidably mounted to the extending portion of the sliding block.
US08814580B2	Card edge connector A card edge connector 100 includes an elongated insulative housing 1, a plurality of contacts 2 retained in the housing 1 and a pair of latches 3 pivoted on the housing 1. The housing 1 has an elongated central slot 12 for receiving a daughter card 200. The latch 3 has a locking head 36 to lock the daughter card 200 for preventing the daughter card 200 from escaping out of the central slot 12 in a mating direction. An end of the locking head 36 has a bump 360 passing through the daughter card 200 to abut against an outside surface of the daughter card 200.
US08814571B2	Interproximal tooth coating applicator The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T′) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth. The applicator (10) comprises a series of substrates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 40, 42) for generally successively removing debris and deposits from the interproximal dental surface (S), etching (20) the dental surface (S), washing (22) the dental surface (S), drying (24, 26) the dental surface (S), carrying (28) the sealing agent and applying the sealing agent to the dental surface (S), exerting pressure (30) on the dental surface (S) during the hardening of the sealing agent, and polishing (36, 38) the dental surface (S) and its cured sealing agent.
US08814570B2	Dental implant The invention provides dental implants for fixed and removable prosthetic devices, and for other devices such as orthodontic devices, and has application to single tooth replacement, e.g., caps and crowns, and multiple tooth replacement using one or more implants, e.g., bridges, and multiple implants for full and partial prosthetic devices. Denial implants according to embodiments of the invention include a post or posts inserted into the jawbone and a base that is loaded, in the general area of the gum line, against the jawbone using the post or posts. According to some embodiments, the base is secured to each post, loaded against the jawbone, by a fastener system.
US08814569B2	Fixture for anchoring in jaw bone To anchor a fixture in a jaw bone, the fixture is applied in a hole which is substantially smaller than the diameter of the fixture. The fixture has a front portion which from the point of view of diameter grows very much narrower and which is arranged with both a cutting function and a threading function. The fixture is provided with a thread, with one, two or more thread turns extending down along the greatly narrowing portion while substantially maintaining their thread profile. One or more porous layers arranged on the thread turns can also be included. In this way the fixture can exploit the clamping effect from the soft parts of the jaw bone and still effectively penetrate through any hard parts possibly present in the jaw bone, without these hard parts being pressed inward upon fixture application. An effective fusion of the fixture in the jaw bone is achieved with the aid of said porous outer layers.
US08814567B2	Dental implant prosthetic device with improved osseointegration and esthetic features Dental implants made at least in part of a porous tantalum material for enhancing the osseointegration of the dental implant into surrounding bone. For example, there is provided a dental implant which includes a porous tantalum portion and an outer portion having a color generally replicating the color of natural teeth. The dental implant further comprises a core portion and the porous tantalum portion at least partially surrounds the core portion. An esthetic portion is disposed at least the outer portion and the porous tantalum portion is disposed for at least partially reinforcing the esthetic portion. After implantation of the implant, bone tissue may osseointegrate into the porous tantalum portion to anchor the implant in position within the surrounding bone. Other embodiments of implants are provided, each implant including at least a portion thereof formed of porous tantalum for improved osseointegration.
US08814563B2	Substrate heating apparatus and method and coating and developing system Disclosed is a substrate heating apparatus including a hot plate that heats a substrate, and a cooling plate that supports the substrate and moves between a first position (home position) and the second position above the hot plate to transfer wafers between the two positions. A heat-radiating fin structure is connected to the cooling plate to move together with the cooling plate. The fin structure is thermally connected to the cooling plate via heat pipes. A suction port is arranged so as to locate adjacent to the fin structure when the cooling plate is in the home position. The fin structure is cooled by a gas passing therethrough before flown into the suction port, whereby the cooling plate is cooled through heat transfer from the cooling plate to the fin structure through the heat pipes.
US08814557B2	Die inserts for die casting An apparatus for casting material has a die for receiving a compressive force, the die having a shaped-opening for receiving a die insert. The die insert has an exterior shape that is adapted to cooperate with and be received in the opening such that compressive forces impinging upon the die are focused upon the die insert such that tensile forces within the die and impinging upon the die insert are minimized.
US08814553B2	Modular clamp station A modular mold clamp assembly for use in a molding machine. The assembly has a frame with a base member and oppositely-facing end members, with the oppositely-facing end members having mounting areas provided thereon. First and second platens are movably mounted on the base member between an open and a closed position. The platens are mounted on the frame and are movable relative to the frame without transmitting forces to the frame. The frame, containing the platens, can be mounted or unmounted to the molding machine by the use of mounting hardware cooperating with the mounting area of the frame.
US08814551B2	Positioning control ejection mechanism and turntable device using same A positioning control ejection mechanism includes an ejection motor, an ejection rod, a position confirm switch, and an upper limit switch. The ejection rod is slidably driven with the ejection motor. The position confirm switch is assembled to the ejection motor and is positioned along an ejection direction of the ejection rod. The position confirm switch is configured for sensing when the ejection rod is aligned with a pre-ejection product. The upper limit switch is assembled to the ejection motor and is positioned along an ejection direction of the ejection rod away from the ejection motor end, preventing the ejection rod from being over ejected.
US08814550B2	Powder slush molding machine and powder slush molding method To provide a powder slush molding apparatus and a powder slush molding method that could quickly and stably produce a 2-color molded sheet-like article with high-durability and the like.The present invention is directed to a powder slush molding apparatus provided with a powder slush part (Part A), a mold heating part (Part B), a mold cooling part (Part C), and a coating/demolding part (Part E) for manufacturing the 2-color molded sheet-like article and the powder slush molding method thereof. After a 1-200 μm thick coating layer consisting of a first resin is coated by a resin coating device in the coating/demolding part, a sheet-like article consisting of a second resin which is different from the first resin is molded on or adjacent to the coating layer consisting of the first resin in the powder slush part.
US08814546B2	Compressor A compressor is provided in which a rotary member is suspended on a stationary member and rotates to compress a refrigerant. In the stationary member, top and bottom ends of a stationary shaft are fixed to improve structural stability and assembly properties. Bearing covers are provided on a contact portion of the stationary member and the rotary member, such that the rotary member may rotate when suspended on the stationary member, which stabilizes operation. In the rotary member, a vane is integrally formed with a roller and mounted on a vane mounting hole of a cylinder-type rotor. Although, the rotary member is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the stationary member, suction and discharge operations of the refrigerant are performed in an axial direction, which lowers product height. Oil stored in a hermetic container is supplied to a lubrication passage provided between the stationary member and the rotary member.
US08814542B2	Vacuum pump A vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump or a multi-inlet pump, includes a rotor shaft (12) that supports at least one rotor device (14). The rotor shaft (12) is mounted on the pressure side by way of a bearing arrangement (56) and on the suction side by way of a bearing arrangement (30). The suction-side bearing arrangement (30) is disposed in a high-vacuum area (22) and includes an electromagnetic bearing. Preferably, a coil (32) of the electromagnetic bearing is disposed in a recess (38) of a housing element (40). The recess (38) is pressure-encapsulated, in particular by a tubular closure element (42).
US08814541B2	Turbo blood pump An impeller is provided with a rotating shaft rotatably supported at the upper and lower ends thereof by an upper bearing and a lower bearing, a plurality of vanes connected to the rotating shaft on the inner circumferential edge side thereof, an annular coupling portion connecting outer circumferential edges of the vanes, and driven magnet portions provided in a lower portion of the annular coupling portion. The rotation of a rotor is transmitted to the impeller through magnetic coupling between the driven magnets and drive magnets provided to the rotor. The upper edge of each of the vanes has a bend point, and an angle α formed by a peripheral upper vane edge and an angle β formed by a central upper vane edge relative to the downward direction of the rotating shaft are both acute angles and have a relationship of α<β. An inner wall surface of a housing in a region opposed to the upper edge of the vane has a shape following the upper edge of the vane.
US08814539B2	Hermetic compressor A hermetic compressor includes a closed vessel for storing lubricating oil, an electric-driving element, and a compressing element driven by the electric-driving element. The compressing element includes a cylinder block forming a compression chamber, a piton that reciprocates inside the compression chamber, and an oiling device for supplying the lubricating oil to an outer circumference of the piston. A first oil groove is concavely formed on the outer circumference of the piston, and a second oil groove is concavely formed on a side opposite to the compression chamber relative to the first oil groove. The second oil groove has a spatial volume same or greater than that of the first oil groove. An expanded clearance portion is provided such that a clearance between the piston and the cylindrical hole portion broadens from a top dead point to a bottom dead point.
US08814535B2	Air compressor An air compressor assembly can include a support structure with a compressor mechanism, at least one fluid tank, a pair of wheels, and a handle attached thereto. The air compressor assembly can be configured with the compressor mechanism having a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one fluid tank so as to provide a relatively narrow assembly and to facilitate servicing and/or maintenance of the assembly. Furthermore, the wheels and handle can be configured so that the assembly can be relatively easily located in a balanced transport position. Additionally, an accessory support plate can be attached to the top of the assembly to serve as a dolly.
US08814534B2	Oil supply apparatus for transmission Oil supply apparatus having an electric motor, an oil pump driven by the electric motor and supplying oil to a transmission, an oil temperature sensor detecting oil temperature, and a controller setting a drive torque value and controlling the electric motor so that the electric motor outputs a drive torque according to a detection oil temperature. The controller is configured to perform rotation speed control of the electric motor so that when judging that there is a possibility that the detection oil temperature and oil temperature close to the oil pump are different at electric motor starting, the electric motor rotates at a lower rotation speed than where the electric motor rotates by the drive torque value according to the detection oil temperature before performing the electric motor control by which the electric motor outputs the drive torque according to the detection oil temperature.
US08814533B2	Flood water removal system Flood water removal systems including a motor, a vacuum generating device, a discharge pump, and a vacuum tank can be efficiently arranged to be transversely mounted to a vehicle. Certain flood water removal systems can include a supercharger driven by the engine to generate vacuum. The systems can include a valve to prevent collapse of a vacuum tank and maintain a predetermined vacuum pressure without varying the speed of the motor. The systems can also include a two-stage exhaust that blends exhaust from the blower with motor exhaust in a silencer to reduce noise generation for operation in residential or other noise-sensitive settings. The systems can also include a vacuum tank comprising a noise reduction baffle to further reduce noise generation.
US08814530B2	Nacelle roof structure of wind turbine generator To provide a nacelle roof structure of a wind turbine generator, where the nacelle roof structure is capable of reducing stress concentration on joints of a roofing member divided into multiple parts to accommodate growing size of a nacelle as well as improving transport efficiency of the roofing member. A nacelle roof structure of a wind turbine generator, with a top face of a nacelle being covered with a plate-type roofing member (30), in which the roofing member (30) has a joining structural portion (32) in which roof shingles (31) that divide the roofing member into a plurality of parts in a main-shaft direction are combined and plate couplings provided at opposite ends in the main-shaft direction are fastened together by being laid one on top of another; and two or more of the roof shingles (31) are equal in cut length in the main-shaft direction.
US08814529B2	Blade for a turbo device with a vortex-generator A blade construction for a turbo device, preferably a blade array of a low-pressure turbine, is disclosed. On the inlet-side profile surface of the blade a vortex generator is arranged downstream from the speed maximum. The vortex generator is formed by a surface undulation with at least one wave, the wave tail of which runs in the form of a wave trough and/or a wave peak in the blade vertical direction.
US08814528B2	Production method of leading edge reinforcement of fan blade A production method enables use of ultrasonic forming but does not leave a bonding face in a final product.One cuts into a plate member having a first side face and a second side face from the first side face toward the second side face to form a slit that does not reach the second side face; seals lips of the slit to leave an opening; causes superplastic forming of the plate member by pressurizing the plate member in a mold with gas through the opening; and cuts out a portion including the sealed lips.
US08814527B2	Titanium sheath and airfoil assembly An airfoil assembly includes an airfoil body extending between a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. A first sheath having an outer side and an inner side forms a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the airfoil body and is bonded on the inner side to the leading edge of the airfoil body. The first sheath is formed of a titanium-based metallic material. A second sheath is bonded to the outer side of the first sheath.
US08814526B2	Turbine nozzle airfoil profile A turbine nozzle is provided including a nozzle airfoil having an airfoil shape, the nozzle 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.
US08814524B2	Wheel formed from a bladed ring and disk A wheel is constructed from a disk disposed for rotation about an axis and a ring with a plurality of blades being connectable to the disk. The wheel is operable for pumping, compressing, or expanding fluid in a turbomachine. The disk is configured to receive at least a portion of the ring within the disk and be coupled using a protrusion or protrusions. The protrusion can be configured to prevent relative movement between the disk and the ring. In some forms a bracket can be extended between the ring and disk to prevent relative movement.
US08814521B2	Annulus filler for a gas turbine engine An annulus filler for mounting to a rotor disc of a gas turbine engine. The filler comprises a lid for bridging the gap between two adjacent blades attached to the rotor disc, and forward and rearward hook members projecting below the lid and configured to respectively engage with forward and rearward outwardly directed hooks provided on the rotor disc. The filler can further comprise a lip extending from the rear of the lid, the lip being configured to fit beneath a gas-washed element located rearwards of the annulus filler. One or more guide ramps then extend from the rear of the lip, the or each guide ramp being angled down relative to the lip to encourage the lip to slide beneath said fairing when the annulus filler is translated in the generally rearwards direction.
US08814517B2	Apparatus and methods for cooling platform regions of turbine rotor blades In a turbine rotor blade having a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, wherein the airfoil and the root include an interior cooling passage formed therein, wherein, in operation, the interior cooling passage comprises at least a high-pressure coolant region and a low-pressure coolant region, platform cooling arrangement that includes: a platform slot extending circumferentially from a mouth formed through the pressure side slashface; a high-pressure connector that connects the platform slot to the high-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; a low-pressure connector that connects the platform slot to the low-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; and a platform cooling cartridge removably engaged within the platform slot, the platform cooling cartridge comprising one or more cartridge cooling channels.
US08814515B2	Placing water turbines in water flows A floating turbine, including a vertical substantially fixed structure such as a pile or cable, a hydroelectric turbine, a connecting piece between the turbine and the structure that is operative to enable vertical motion of the turbine on the surface of the water.
US08814512B2	Fan disk apparatus and method An apparatus for a gas turbine engine comprises a spool lock for locking a compressor spool and a lift for removing a rotor from the compressor spool. The spool lock comprises an outer ring configured for attachment to a compressor case of the gas turbine engine, an inner ring configured to support a compressor spool within the compressor case, and a web extending between the outer ring and the inner ring. The lift comprises a beam configured for attachment to a flange of the gas turbine engine, a support strut configured to support the beam above the compressor spool, and a hoist configured to support the rotor for removal from the compressor spool.
US08814510B2	Turbine nozzle for air cycle machine A turbine nozzle for an air cycle machine includes a disk section with a multiple turbine vanes which each extend for a vane height H, a throat width W defined between each of the multiple of turbine vanes, wherein a ratio W/H is 0.745-0.769.
US08814509B2	Internally-cooled centrifugal compressor with cooling jacket formed in the diaphragm An internally-cooled centrifugal compressor having a shaped casing and a diaphragm disposed within the shaped casing having a gas side and a coolant side so that heat from a gas flowing though the gas side is extracted via the coolant side. An impeller disposed within the diaphragm has a stage inlet on one side and a stage outlet for delivering a pressurized gas to a downstream connection. The coolant side of the diaphragm includes at least one passageway for directing a coolant in a substantially counter-flow direction from the flow of gas through the gas side.
US08814507B1	Cooling system for three hook ring segment A triple hook ring segment including forward, midsection and aft mounting hooks for engagement with respective hangers formed on a ring segment carrier for supporting a ring segment panel, and defining a forward high pressure chamber and an aft low pressure chamber on opposing sides of the midsection mounting hook. An isolation plate is provided on the aft side of the midsection mounting hook to form an isolation chamber between the aft low pressure chamber and the ring segment panel. High pressure air is supplied to the forward chamber and flows to the isolation chamber through crossover passages in the midsection hook. The isolation chamber provides convection cooling air to an aft portion of the ring segment panel and enables a reduction of air pressure in the aft low pressure chamber to reduce leakage flow of cooling air from the ring segment.
US08814504B2	Fan brake A fan brake for a fan system. The fan system may include a fan assembly configured for seating into a cassette housing. The fan assembly may include a fan having a plurality of blades connected with a fan hub. The fan brake may be connected to the fan assembly, wherein the fan brake engages the fan hub when the fan housing is not fully seated within the cassette housing, and the fan brake disengages the fan hub when the fan assembly is fully seated into the cassette housing.
US08814503B2	Flexible support structure for a geared architecture gas turbine engine A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft and a support which supports the fan shaft. The support defines a support lateral stiffness. A gear system drives the fan shaft. A flexible support at least partially supports the gear system, and defines a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. An input to the gear system defines an input lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US08814499B2	Centrifugal compressor Provided is a centrifugal compressor having improved operation performance to improve durability. The centrifugal compressor includes an impeller connected to a rotary shaft and configured to radially eject a fluid suctioned in an axial direction upon rotation thereof; a shroud configured to cover front and rear sides of the impeller and having a suction port formed to face one surface of the impeller at a center of one side thereof; a volute chamber formed at an outer periphery of the shroud in a circumferential direction thereof and configured to guide the fluid ejected by the impeller to an ejection port; and a regulator installed at one side of the shroud and configured to selectively communicate a space formed at the other surface of the impeller with the outside.
US08814497B2	Switchable coolant pump The invention relates to a switchable coolant pump for combustion engines which is driven by a pulley, wherein the impeller can be driven switchably by the pulley by way of a friction pairing. The switchable coolant pump according to the invention, comprising a connecting flange (9) for a pressure booster (10), the flange being disposed on the pump housing (1), and a working piston (14) disposed in a working cylinder (15), is characterized, among other things, in that on/in the pump housing (1) both the pulley (3) in a pulley bearing (2) and the pump shaft (5) in a pump bearing (4) are mounted separately, and a sleeve receptacle (17) is disposed in the pump housing (1), wherein an annular channel (19) is located in the annular bottom (18) of the receptacle, and an annular piston working sleeve (21) is inserted in the sleeve receptacle (17) in the pump housing (1), and an annular piston (24) that is provided with an annular piston packing (23) is disposed displaceably in the annular piston working sleeve (21).
US08814496B2	Device for reducing the drive power requirements of a watercraft A device is provided for reducing the drive power requirement of a watercraft includes a fore-nozzle, wherein at least one outer fin projects outwards from the fore-nozzle.
US08814491B2	Method and system for mail item turnover The present application relates to techniques and equipment for transporting and inverting material, such as a mail item, and exchanging the lead and trail edge of the material along a transport feed path. The equipment conveys material to a holding mechanism that rotates to a suitable angle to the transport feed path and within the plane of the flat material. The direction of the material is reversed while contained in the holding mechanism. The holding mechanism is rotated to turning over the material, e.g., face-up to face-down, and exchanges the lead and trail edges with respect to the feed path.
US08814487B2	Impact absorbing access platform for drilling structures Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to an impact absorbing “diving board,” or access platform, of a drilling rig “fingerboard,” or pipe racking assembly. One illustrative diving board assembly of a drilling rig fingerboard assembly disclosed herein includes a first end proximate the drilling rig and a second end positioned remote from the first end, where the first end is more proximal to the drilling rig than the second end. The illustrative diving board assembly further includes a clamping assembly operatively coupled to the first end and to the second end, where the clamping assembly is positioned between the first and second ends and defines a pinned connection adapted to permit a rotation of the first and second ends relative to a plane defined by the fingerboard assembly.
US08814486B1	Lubricated screw device A lubricated screw device lubricates threads as a threaded shaft is screwed into an object. The device includes a screw having a head and a shaft extending from the head. Threading is on the shaft. The threading extends from a distal end of the shaft towards the head. A frangible liner has a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge is coupled to the shaft. The liner forms a pouch around the distal end of the shaft. A lubricant is positioned in the pouch wherein the lubricant is configured to be dispensed from the pouch onto the threading as the shaft is screwed into a structure.
US08814484B2	Auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock An improved vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. The improved vehicle wheel chock includes an improved face-plate.
US08814480B2	Cutting insert chip-control arrangement A cutting insert has a chip-control arrangement. The cutting insert includes opposing top and bottom ends and first and second side surfaces that extend therebetween and meet at a cutting corner having a bisector. The chip-control arrangement also includes an elongated surface extending in an upward direction from the top end face, and also extending longitudinally to opposing sides of the bisector. The elongated surface includes a first and second extremity. The first extremity is closer to the first side surface than to the bisector, and the second extremity is closer to the second side surface than to the bisector.
US08814477B2	Conveyor tray apparatus with air bearing and air curtain and methods of use Conveyor tray apparatus with air bearing and air curtain and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in manufacturing technical ceramics. The apparatus includes a tray body comprising a cradle having an outer surface disposed between opposing first and second sides, the cradle configured to receive a cylindrical object and having a plurality of air bearing holes. The tray body includes first and second support portions disposed at the respective first and second sides of the cradle. First and second air curtain housings are disposed on the respective first and second support portions. The air curtain housings each define an air plenum and an air exit opening that faces generally toward the outer surface of the cradle.
US08814475B1	Dock systems and dock fenders A flange free, semi-rigid resilient, hollow, dock fender having a skeletal triangular shape with a set of radiused edges and end fasteners to support the dock fender as the dock fender longitudinally and transversely distorts and flexes to distribute an impact force to protect objects proximate either side of an impact area on the dock fender with the skeletal triangular shape enabling use of low cost manufacturing techniques to form the dock fender from semi-rigid materials where the shape of the dock fender rather than the compressibility of the material of the dock fender enables the dock fender to absorb repeated impacts without damage to the dock fender and the securement of a hanger to end caps to a dock fender allows the dock fender to be used as a hanging dock fender, which inhibits rotation of the dock fender during an impact or the dock fender where the dock fender may or may not be in kit form.
US08814474B2	Low deflection drainage tile plow A pitch plow and method of laying flexible pipe in ground includes drawing a pitch plow with respect to the ground, the pitch plow having a frame and a shank pivotally mounted to a frame at a pivot, said shank defining a cutting edge. The shank is oriented relative to earth horizontal causing a change in the elevation of the cutting edge. Flexible pipe is fed through a boot extending generally along the shank. The flexible pipe is fed at an in-feed at an upper portion of the boot and discharged at a discharge at a lower portion thereof. The discharge is generally aligned with a vertical axis passing through the pivot in order to minimize vertical movement of the discharge as the shank pivots about the pivot.
US08814473B2	Pipe transport system with hydrophobic wall A pipe system comprising a pipe comprising an exterior of the system, the pipe comprising an inner pipe wall; a hydrophobic layer interior to the inner pipe wall; and a liquid interior to the hydrophobic layer and interior to the inner pipe wall, the liquid comprising water and one or more hydrocarbons.
US08814472B2	Tunnel excavation apparatus and tunnel excavation method Disclosed is a tunnel excavating apparatus for excavating tunnels in earth. This tunnel excavating apparatus comprises shell bodies, an excavating mechanism disposed on front of the excavating portion shell body, and a propelling mechanism disposed within the shell body. The shell bodies include an excavating portion shell body, a front shell body, and a rear shell body disposed in order from the leading end side in the advancing direction of excavation. The propelling mechanism comprises a projection mechanism and an extension mechanism. The projection mechanism includes front circumferential jacks in the front shell body and rear circumferential jacks in the rear shell body, both of which are capable of extension and contraction in the outer circumferential direction. The extension mechanism includes front axial jacks interposed between the excavating portion shell body and the front shell body, and rear axial jacks interposed between the front shell body and the rear shell body, both of which are capable of extension and contraction in the direction of advancing excavation.
US08814468B1	Dynamic roll/pitch stabilizer for use during loading and unloading of small passenger boats A small boat dynamic roll stabilizer. The stabilizer includes two or more pairs of spaced-apart flexible bellows or air bags to receive and support a boat hull during passenger loading and unloading. Dynamic pitch is limited or even stopped for the boat hull by maintaining each of the bellows, which each has a contact surface contacting a portion of the hull from below (within the water), at an internal pressure great enough to support dynamic loading of the boat hull while allowing the water to support the hull's static load. A pressure chamber is provided that has its interior volume linked via ducting or piping with the bellows, and a controller uses a feedback loop to operate an actuator to move a piston within the pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the chamber and linked bellows as the loading of the boat hull dynamically varies during loading and unloading.
US08814467B2	Flame indicator A flame safety system for a thermoplastic applicator comprises a gas burner and a flame indicator. The gas burner expels a jet of pressurized combustible gas from an outlet nozzle, and includes an attachment groove near the nozzle. The flame indicator includes an attachment ring configured to fit into the groove, thereby securing the flame indicator to the gas burner, and a flame path portion extending from the attachment ring into the jet of pressurized combustible gas. The flame path portion is formed from a material which incandescently glows whenever the jet of combustible pressurized gas is lit.
US08814466B2	Charging vehicle The invention relates to a charging vehicle (1) for conveying road-surfacing mix to a road-finishing machine, wherein the charging vehicle (1) comprises a conveyor assembly (5) and a machine drive (6). The invention is characterized in that the machine drive (6) is arranged on the charging vehicle (1) laterally offset with respect to the conveyor assembly device (5).
US08814463B2	Device for interconnecting a first element and a second element as well as a pump comprising such a device In a first aspect the invention relates to a device for interconnecting a first element (2) and a second element (1) to each other in order to transmit a rotational motion. The device (3) comprises a tubular wall (4) having a circular inner surface, a part of which that is adjacent to said first end being arranged to abut said first element (2), and having a circular outer surface, a part of which that is adjacent to said first end being arranged to abut said second element (1). Furthermore, said tubular wall (4) comprises at least one pair of slits (18), which slits (18) are adjacent to each other and extends from said first end towards said second end, obtaining a finger shaped segment (19), which is deflectable in relation to neighboring parts of said tubular wall (4). The invention also relates to a pump comprising such a device (3).
US08814460B2	Cable connector A cable connector comprising a housing comprising a first and second housing parts adapted to be connected into a closed state and be separated into an open state. The first housing part holds a first core wire of the first cable and a first joining part attached to an end of the first core wire and adapted to move in a first and second direction along a first sliding path. The second housing part holding a second core wire or string of the second cable and a second joining part attached to an end of the second core wire or string and adapted to move in a first and second direction along a second sliding path. First and second engagement surfaces of first and second joining parts, abut and form a contact surface for transmitting force along the first and second sliding paths between the first and second joining parts.
US08814456B2	Applicator for automatically dispensing self-adhesive products A device employed by a user for applying a self-adhesive product to a surface may include an outer housing configured for gripping by a single hand of the user, the outer housing having a distal end, and a volume of self-adhesive product disposed within the outer housing. An automatic dispensing mechanism is disposed within the outer housing and operatively coupled to the outer housing and the volume of self-adhesive product, the automatic dispensing mechanism configured to advance at least a portion of the volume of self-adhesive product through the outer housing distal end in response to a manual actuation force applied to the outer housing.
US08814454B2	Image processing device An image processing device is provided with a first unit, a second unit attached to the first unit rotatably around a rotational axis, flat cables connecting elements in the first unit with elements in the second unit, and a guide member having wiring paths each defined between two of separations walls, the guide member guiding, from the first unit to the second unit, the flat cables laid through the wiring paths, respectively, in a state spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction thereof without contacting each other, at least one of the separation walls including a curving wall curving to surround the rotational axis, at least one of the flat cables guided to have a curving section along the curving wall, a first extension extending continuously from the curving section to the first unit, and a second extension extending continuously from the curving section to the second unit.
US08814451B2	Printer arrangement and method of manufacture A mounting arrangement for mounting a printer component to a support, using a foil including a number of mounting apertures, into which pins are inserted to provide alignment. The engagement of the pins in the aperture causes local deformation of the foil, the resulting forces acting to align the pins to an accuracy which can be greater than that to which the foil is manufactured.
US08814450B2	Keying consumables to specific devices An apparatus is provided that uses a consumable item, of given type, requiring occasional renewal. The apparatus has a first operating mode in which it only works with a subset of consumable items of the given type; the apparatus also has a second operating mode in which it is not restricted to working with consumable items of the aforesaid subset. The apparatus is changed from its first mode to its second mode following a determination that the apparatus has reached a predetermined time or usage threshold for being in its first mode. The change to the second mode is preferably effected in response to a release code generated either by the apparatus itself or by a remote system following the determination that the predetermined time or usage threshold being reached. Advantageously, the consumable items can be used to pass usage data to a remote system.
US08814449B2	Adapter, camera system, and adapter control program An adapter includes: a first mount section that is detachably attached to a camera body; a second mount section that is provided separately from the first mount section and is detachably attached to an interchangeable lens; and an adapter control section that is capable of communicating between the camera body mounted on the first mount section and the interchangeable lens mounted on the second mount section. The adapter control section provides body transmission lens information for transmission to the camera body, on the basis of lens information requested from the camera body and lens information received from the interchangeable lens, through mutually different methods according to types of the lens information.
US08814446B2	Splice protection device for optical splices The invention relates to a splice protection device for spliced optical fibers and to a method particularly for providing an access point to an optical fiber cable in a dwelling unit of a multi dwelling unit. To facilitate mounting of a splice protection device, the splice protection device according to the invention comprises a first and a second tube, the second tube being arranged concentrically and slidable within the first tube, the first and second tubes being adapted to receive at least one spliced fiber. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for providing an access point to a provider optical cable in a dwelling unit of a multi-dwelling unit. The inventive method avoids splicing work within the dwelling unit and is characterized by the steps of branching-off at least one branching optical fiber of the provider cable at a branch point adjacent to said dwelling unit, passing a preassembled connector cable being provided with a connector through duct work for cable to the branch point and splicing the branching optical fiber with an optical fiber of the connector cable.
US08814445B2	Apparatus and method for ganged multiple optical fiber connector An optical-fiber connection apparatus and method for connection of an optical-fiber cable having a plurality of optical fibers to a transmit/receive unit having a plurality of interface transceivers. Some embodiments include a housing having a base portion and a latch actuator, an optical-fiber cable connection that holds the optical-fiber cable to the housing, a plurality of optical-fiber termination interfaces coupled to the housing, and a lever mechanism that is coupled to the base portion and to the latch actuator, and that moves the latch actuator relative to the base portion, wherein the lever mechanism operates to latch the optical-fiber connection apparatus to the transmit/receive unit such that the plurality of the optical-fiber termination interfaces couples light signals between the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of interface transceivers of the transmit/receive unit.
US08814444B2	Optical connector An optical connector includes a connector housing; an optical ferrule that is housed in the connector housing; a coil spring that is housed in the connector housing and impresses the optical ferrule in a forward direction; and a spring pressing portion that is attached to an rear end of the connector housing, has an optical fiber inserting through-hole and a spring reception portion, and receives a reaction force of the coil spring. The spring pressing portion is divided into two half bodies. Since the spring pressing portion is divided into two parts, at the time of assembly of the optical connector, the optical ferrule is attached to the optical fibers and is terminated, and then the optical fibers can be covered with the spring pressing portion. At the time of the terminating operation, since there is no spring pressing portion that causes interference in the operation, it is easy to perform the terminating operation of the optical ferrule.
US08814442B2	Hardened multiport optical connector assembly A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path.
US08814436B2	Toroidal spacer The present invention relates to a spacer device for roller elements in a toroidal roller bearing, and a method for manufacturing a toroidal roller bearing comprising a plurality of spacer devices. The toroidal roller bearing allows for axial and angular displacement between an inner and outer bearing ring. The spacer device provides first and second roller-contacting surfaces having a concave shape adapted to conform with respective convex contacting surfaces of the toroidal roller elements, and at least one axial end portion which is elastically deformable.
US08814434B1	Durability-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same Durability-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring structure that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring structure may have a first portion that exhibits a first yield strength and a second portion that exhibits a second yield strength. The first yield strength of the first portion may be greater than the second yield strength of the second portion.
US08814432B2	Seal-bearing assembly A seal-bearing assembly to be inserted into the seal cavity of a mechanical device to provide a seal and a bearing surface to eliminate whip in a rotating and/or reciprocal cylindrical member. The seal-bearing assembly is particularly well suited for use in a reciprocal pump and between the steam lance and fixed steam tube in a sootblower. The assembly includes at least a pair of outer substantially rigid cylindrical bearings having an inner bore to be positioned over the cylindrical member and at least one complimentary flexible textile packing ring disposed between the two outer bearing members. In assemblies including an additional bearing, it is surrounded by at least one flexible packing on each side. The inner bore of the bearing members provide a bearing surface for eliminating whip of the moving elements in the device.
US08814429B2	Woven textile accessories Woven textile structures constructed using dual-loom technology are provided. Filaments are woven in such a way as to create a first set of different discrete layers of the same fabric in some regions of the textile and a second set of discrete layers of the same fabric at other regions of the same textile. The different layers are used to construct various textile structures such as a woven bag with woven channels containing at least one drawstring.
US08814428B2	Temperature sensing apparatus A temperature sensor is described that comprises a temperature sensing element, a substantially thermally insulating substrate having a first side and a second side and at least one layer of substantially thermally conductive material coated on the first side of the substrate. A first hole is provided on the second side of the substrate and the temperature sensing element is arranged to sense temperature within the first hole. A plurality of additional holes may also be provided on the second side of the substrate, these holes may be coated to aid thermal transfer. The temperature sensing element may be a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be included in a temperature measurement probe for use in measuring the temperature of workpieces produced using a machine tool.
US08814426B2	Infrared sensor An infrared sensor comprises: an electrical insulating film sheet; first and second temperature sensor devices which are provided on one side of the electrical insulating film sheet, and are located at a distance from each other; a pair of contact electrodes, with which the first and second temperature sensor devices are attached respectively, formed on one side of the electrical insulating film sheet; an infrared absorbing film provided on the other side of the electrical insulating film sheet opposite the first temperature sensor device; and an infrared reflector film provided on the same side as the infrared absorbing film opposite the second temperature sensor device. The first and second temperature sensor devices respectively comprise: a thermistor element; and a pair of electrode layers, in which one of them is in contact with the contact electrode, formed both on the upper and lower surfaces of the thermistor element.
US08814425B1	Power measurement transducer A power measurement transducer includes a thermally conductive heat spreading device having a first surface configured to thermally couple the power measurement transducer to a device under test. Two or more temperature measurement elements are positioned within the thermally conductive heat spreading device.
US08814423B2	Handle A muddler comprises an elongated member that ends in a head with spikes for crushing fruit pieces or other flavor ingredients. In a reverse mode, the muddler can be used as an ice crusher. Optional side located stirring ribs or formations may be provided to facilitate stirring. A handle comprises an elongated member that ends in a head with a tool interface or working face for performing kitchen or culinary work or work on wood, metal or the like. The head can be removed from the elongated member, and different heads in a set applied with the handle. There can be a finger grip portion at the top to facilitate handling and turning and manipulation.
US08814421B2	Method of mixing a formation fluid sample by rotating a downhole sampling chamber A method of mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The method includes positioning the downhole sampling chamber having a longitudinal axis in a rotary stand and rotating the downhole sampling chamber generally about the longitudinal axis. The method also includes imparting angular momentum to the formation fluid sample in the downhole sampling chamber, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample.
US08814420B2	System for gravimetrically dosing bulk goods components having a transport container which can be coupled to and decoupled from a drive carriage The invention proposes a system for gravimetrically combining individual bulk material components in one or a plurality of transport container(s). The system comprises a plurality of storage containers for storing the bulk material components equipped with one dosing unit each in order to transfer a respective bulk material component into the transport container. Each of the storage containers is associated with a weighing means disposed below each storage container. The transport containers can be moved between the dosing units of the supply containers along a guidance and cooperate with the weighing means. In accordance with the invention, the guidance has several guiding segments that are disposed behind one another in the guiding direction and on which the transport container is guided, and at least the guiding segments disposed below the dosing units of the supply containers are formed by weighing/guiding segments which are mechanically decoupled from the other guiding segments or weighing/guiding segments such that the transport container is in its respective dosing position on the weighing/guiding segments for detecting its weight.
US08814418B2	Detachable LED module A modularized illuminating device includes a retaining base, a lighting module, and a light guide element. The retaining base includes an elastic positioning unit. The lighting module is removably disposed on the retaining base, and has a sliding groove and a retaining groove. The light guide element is disposed on the retaining base and faces to the lighting module. When the lighting module is installed to the retaining base along a plugging direction, the elastic positioning unit slides from the sliding groove to the retaining groove to retain the lighting module in the retaining base.
US08814411B2	Flat illumination device A flat illumination device is provided, and includes a frame, a light guide plate, and at least one light source. The frame includes an inner wall, wherein the inner wall has a reflective surface. The light guide plate is disposed in the frame, and has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and at least one light incident surface adjoining the first and second surfaces. The first surface faces the reflective surface, and there is a distance between the first surface and the reflective surface. At least one pattern formed from mesh points or microstructures is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The light source is disposed in the frame, and is adjacent to the light incident surface for providing light to the light guide plate.
US08814410B2	Lighting assembly with controlled configurable light redirection A lighting assembly has an edge-lit light guide having a light output surface through which light is extracted by light extracting optical elements. The extracted light has a maximum intensity at low light ray angles relative to the light output surface. A light redirecting member has an arrangement of light redirecting optical elements configured to redirect the extracted light incident thereon to provide a pattern of redirected light. A light focusing member has light focusing optical elements having an angular acceptance range. The redirected light has light ray angles within the angular acceptance range of the light focusing optical elements and is perceived as a pattern of light. The extracted light not redirected by the light redirecting member has light ray angles outside the angular acceptance range of the light focusing optical elements and is not perceived, or is perceived as background light.
US08814404B2	Feeding device for a geometrically closed lightguide Feeding device for a geometrically closed lightguide (1) of the signal lamps of motor vehicles placed on both sides of the vehicle comprising a light feeder (4) and a geometrically closed lightguide (1). The two parts are joined and form a single plastic molding. A prism-shaped cavity (9) with total internal light reflection for a uniform light distribution at both sides of the enclosed lightguide (1) is formed at the site of their joint. A semi-transparent insert (16) is inserted in the prism-shaped cavity (9), made of material with a precise ratio of transparent and cloudy components to control the amount of unwanted light arising on the planar surfaces (10;11) of the prism-shaped cavity (9) with total internal light reflection.
US08814403B2	Illuminated sports board The present invention includes an illuminated sports board having a deck equipped with a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs, which are mounted to the deck in a distinct ornamental pattern. The LEDs are in electrical connection with an energy source, such as a rechargeable battery in a removable battery pack. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery is mounted into the deck in a removable pack which can be charged without removing it from the deck. A microcontroller may be incorporated which provides for the selective illumination of the light emitting devices, and which may pulse, flicker, or create other aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns.
US08814402B2	Control device for vehicle lamp and vehicle lamp system A control device (100) for controlling a vehicle lamp (210) provided in a vehicle is provided. The device includes: a receiver (102) configured to receive an acceleration signal representing an acceleration of the vehicle, from an acceleration sensor configured to detect the acceleration of the vehicle, wherein an inclination angle (θ) of the vehicle with respect to a horizontal plane is calculated based on the acceleration signal; a controller (104) configured to: i) generate a first control signal instructing the vehicle lamp to adjust an optical axis of the vehicle lamp in response to a change of the acceleration signal, when the vehicle has already stopped; and ii) generate a second signal instructing the vehicle lamp to maintain the optical axis of the vehicle lamp, when the vehicle is traveling on a road surface.
US08814401B2	Vehicular vision system A vehicular vision system includes an imaging device and a control operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect at least one of (i) a sign ahead of the equipped vehicle, (ii) an animal ahead of the equipped vehicle and (iii) a pedestrian ahead of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or generally sidewardly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable.
US08814400B2	Fixture support system and method A fixture having a cylindrical body, said body having an internal cavity extending from a first end to a second end, and said body having an exterior threaded portion, a flange affixed to the first end of the body, a portion of said flange extending past the circumference of the cylindrical body, said flange formed for receiving an electrical component, and a fastener complementary to the threaded portion, wherein the fastener and the flange are operable to secure the cylindrical body to a structure. An electrical component such as a luminaire, a switch or an electrical receptacle may be mounted into the flange portion of the fixture. A retainer may also be employed to distribute the load on the cylindrical body when positioned over the body and secured by the fastener.
US08814399B2	Luminaire having radiator A luminaire 1 of an embodiment has a radiator 3 which comes into surface-contact with a cap abutment surface 6C of a lamp unit 6 and conducts and radiates heat generated by the lamp unit 6, and a terminal board 7 which is attached to the upper side of the radiator 3 on the lateral outside of the cap abutment surface 6C.
US08814398B2	Optical semiconductor based illuminating apparatus An optical semiconductor based illuminating apparatus including a housing having an opening portion, a lighting unit disposed adjacent to the housing that includes at least one optical semiconductor, a power supply mounted within the housing that supplies power to the lighting unit, and a gate unit connected to the opening part that opens and shuts the inner housing.
US08814391B2	Light guiding structure A light guiding structure includes a light transmissive body and microstructures; the light transmissive body includes an upper conical groove and a lower accommodating groove, and the upper conical groove has a curved surface with a continually varied slope; the microstructures are disposed on the light transmissive body. A lighting device includes a circuit board, a light source and the aforesaid light guiding structure; the light source and the light guiding structure are disposed on the circuit board, and the light source is accommodated within the lower accommodating groove.
US08814390B1	LED light apparatus A LED based lighting apparatus comprising a low cost stamped frame comprising structural elements, LED attach region at a predetermined tilt angle and heat sink region enabling a lamp with uniform lighting distribution is disclosed.
US08814388B2	Assembly light bar structure An assembly light bar structure includes: a substrate, having at least one recess; a first conductive elastic element and a second conductive elastic element, disposed on the substrate and respectively located at two parallel sides of the recess; and at least one light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is compressed by the first and second conductive elastic elements to be removably fixed in the recess of the substrate. The light-emitting element is electrically connected to the first and second conductive elastic elements.
US08814382B2	LED illumination device with a highly uniform illumination pattern An LED (light emitting diode) illumination device that can generate a uniform light output illumination pattern. The illumination device includes an array of LEDs, each having a LED central axis. The LED central axis of the array of LEDs is angled approximately toward a central point. The illumination source includes a reflector with a conic or conic-like shape. The reflector wraps around the front of the LED to redirect the light emitted along a LED central axis.
US08814381B2	Omnidirectional light emitting device lamp An omnidirectional semiconductor light emitting device lamp has a light distribution characteristic having a large range similar to that of a general incandescent lamp. The semiconductor light emitting device lamp includes a light emitting device for emitting light in all directions and reflection plates arranged at a front surface and a lateral surface of the light emitting device. The light emitted from the light emitting device is reflected from the reflection plate located at the front side and the reflection plate located at the lateral side and emitted to a rear side of the light emitting device. A reflection film is formed on all exposed portions of a surface of the substrate on which the light emitting device is mounted.
US08814368B2	Objective for a camera An objective for a camera defines an axis and includes an inner objective element and an outer objective element at least partially surrounding the inner objective element. The inner objective element and the outer objective element conjointly define an interface and are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other about the axis. A sealing system is disposed at the interface between the inner objective element and the outer objective element and the sealing system includes a plastic foil in contact engagement with the inner objective element and the outer objective element.
US08814366B2	Light source apparatus and projector A light source apparatus is provided comprising: a plurality of light sources shining light of different wavelength bands and different luminous intensity distributions; groups of collective lenses collecting light from the light sources; a light guiding device adapted to distribute uniformly the illuminance of the light collected from the light sources; a light guiding optical system collecting the light collected from the light sources to the same optical axis to illuminate the light on to an entrance port of the light guiding device; a diffuse plate wheel disposed at the entrance port of the light guiding device and comprising a plurality of segments of different coefficients of diffusion which are arranged in a circumferential direction; a motor for rotating the diffuse plate wheel; and a light source control device which controls the rotation of the diffuse plate wheel.
US08814362B2	Method for combining a plurality of eye images into a plenoptic multifocal image A method for combining a plurality of eye images into a plenoptic multifocal image that includes registering the eye images with a plurality of frames into one or more eye image sets with a processor and a memory system, aligning each of the eye images in each of the one or more image sets with a selected reference that resides on the memory system with the processor and determining one or more in-focus regions of the eye images by calculating one or more gradient images while ignoring noise and other imaging artifacts. The method also includes identifying the one or more in-focus regions with highest resolution from the one or more gradient images and selecting one or more corresponding in-focus intensities from the frames to combine into a plenoptic multifocal image with a higher resolution than the eye images, the frames and the one or more eye image sets.
US08814359B1	Memory recollection training system and method of use thereof Graphical first individual interfaces, systems and methods of implementing an adaptable, interactive educational tool that provides cognitive and social benefits. An embodiment can be configured to provide a graphical first individual interface for presenting text and related content associated with a predetermined general subject matter. The specific text and related content presented to the first individual may be determined after baseline tests and related use are recorded to calculate the first individual's cognitive wellness. The present invention also provides social benefit by integrating a first individual's social network for uses in communication with the first individual's social network and in recalling the first individual's social network. The present invention further includes a unique algorithm for personalizing information and methodologies of implementing and displaying the educational tool to a first individual thereof.
US08814354B2	Process for designing an ophthalmic progressive eyeglass A process for designing an ophthalmic progressive eyeglass comprises providing an initial front surface and an initial back surface. Respective addition values of front and back surfaces of the eyeglass are varied based on said initial front and back surfaces using a surface derivation tool. These surface addition values are selected so that the eyeglass exhibits an eyeglass addition value which matches a wearer's prescription and a value for a design feature which matches a target value. Said target value may be used for customizing the ophthalmic progressive eyeglass. The process does not require point-to-point surface optimization.
US08814348B2	Conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus A conveyance apparatus has a first conveyance path along which a printing medium is conveyed, a first discharge port, and a second conveyance path which causes reversal of the conveyance direction of the printing medium partially exposed from the discharge port and feeds the printing medium to the first conveyance path again. The apparatus further includes an estimation unit which estimates an amount of exposure of the printing medium at the discharge port, a decision unit which, when jamming of the printing medium occurs, determines a printing-medium removal method in accordance with the amount of exposure estimated, and an output unit which outputs the determined removal method.
US08814347B2	Inkjet recording device An inkjet recording device includes an image forming drum, a recording medium supplying section, a recording head which ejects ink onto a recording medium, a first heating unit which heats the recording medium held on the drum before image recording, a second heating unit which heats the drum downstream of the position at which the recording medium is outputted after image recording and upstream of the supplying section, a heating-unit temperature detector, a drum temperature detector, and a heating control section. The heating control section performs heat control of the first heating unit such that the temperature detected by the heating-unit temperature detector falls within a predetermined set temperature range, and performs heat control of the second heating unit such that the temperature detected by the drum temperature detector falls within a predetermined set temperature range.
US08814346B2	Metallic ink jet printing system and method for graphics applications A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, including applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink including a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.
US08814344B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the performance of an ultraviolet curing station useful in printing An approach is provided for monitoring and controlling the performance of an ultraviolet curing station useful in printing. The approach involves applying an image to a substrate, determining a color of the image, and exposing the image to ultraviolet light to form a curing indication image. The approach also involves determining a color of the curing indication image, comparing the color of the curing indication image to the color of the image to determine an amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by the curing indication image. The approach further involves determining a target amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by the curing indication image, determining an intensity of the ultraviolet associated with the determined amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by the curing indication image, and causing the amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by another curing indication image to be the target amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by selectively controlling the intensity.
US08814338B2	Ink jet recording method, ink set, and recorded matter An ink jet recording method for recording a non-water-based glitter ink on a recording medium, including forming an underlayer, in which a resin ink in which resin components are dispersed or dissolved in a dispersion medium is applied to at least a site of the recording medium on which the non-water-based glitter ink is recorded, thereby forming an underlayer, and recording a glitter ink, in which the non-water-based glitter ink is recorded on the underlayer.
US08814333B1	Oxygen impermeable umbilicals for ink in a printer A liquid ink delivery system for use in an inkjet printer includes a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to deliver liquid ink from reservoirs to printheads. The conduits are essentially comprised of a first material which is non-reactive with the liquid ink and which does not facilitate cooling or congealing of the liquid ink as the ink passes through the conduits. The conduits also include coatings applied to the first material that have further properties suited to delivery of ink and additives within the liquid ink. In one embodiment, an oxygen impermeable coating is applied to the conduit to reduce the risk of the ink or an additive within the ink oxidizes during transport through the conduit.
US08814328B2	Polymer film as an interstitial fill for PZT printhead fabrication A method and structure for an ink jet printhead, and a printer including the ink jet printhead. The printhead can include a polymer as a film spacer which separates an electrical interconnect such as a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit from a printhead diaphragm, such that the film spacer is interposed between the electrical interconnect and the diaphragm. In an embodiment, a piezoelectric actuator is free from contact with the film spacer. Embodiments of a process for forming the printhead may have reduced processing stages requiring fewer manufacturing tools than some other processes. Embodiments of the resulting printhead and printer may have fewer structural components than some other printheads and printers.
US08814326B2	Reduced mechanical coupling with structured flex circuits An actuator assembly including a flexible printed circuit and a method for making such an actuator assembly are provided. The flexible printed circuit includes a body having a top side and a bottom side, with the body defining a plurality of bumps extending from the bottom side. A first bump of the plurality of bumps is disposed adjacent to a second bump of the plurality of bumps, and the body further defines at least one relief configured to reduce movement of the second bump caused by movement of the first bump. The flexible printed circuit also includes a plurality of contact pads disposed on the bottom side of the body at least partially at the plurality of bumps, with the plurality of contacts pads being configured to be electrically coupled to a power source and to a piezoelectric transducer.
US08814324B2	Liquid jetting apparatus A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a head unit which includes a liquid jetting head which jets liquid and a liquid storage tank in which the liquid to be supplied to the liquid jetting head is stored; a guide member which extends in a first direction; a carriage which has a connection portion, carries the head unit, and is supported by the guide member to be movable in the first direction; and a movement mechanism which is connected to the connection portion of the carriage to move the carriage in the first direction, and the liquid jetting head and the liquid storage tank are arranged to sandwich the connection portion of the carriage therebetween.
US08814320B2	Liquid ejection apparatus having ejection opening to which humid air is supplied A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a conveyor mechanism for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction; a head including an ejection face including an ejection opening region having ejection openings; a capping unit; an air supply opening and an air discharge opening; a humidification unit; and a recording control unit. The recording medium is conveyed so as to avoid areas within first and second avoidance distances respectively from the air discharge opening and the air supply opening in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The sum of the first and second avoidance distances is greater than a value obtained by subtracting a length of the ejection opening region from a separation distance between the supply and discharge openings in the perpendicular direction and not greater than a value obtained by subtracting the width of the recording medium in the perpendicular direction from the separation distance.
US08814312B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a first paper feed unit configured to feed a primary recording medium for double-sided printing; a second paper feed unit configured to feed a secondary recording medium for single-sided printing; a printing unit configured to perform sets of printing based on received job information, each of the sets of printing including double-sided printing on a first predetermined number of primary recording media and single-sided printing on a second predetermined number of secondary recording media; a print timing setting unit configured to set a print timing of each of the first print media and the second print media based on the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number; and a controller configured to perform control to transfer the primary recording media and the secondary recording media to the printing unit based on the print timing.
US08814306B2	System and method for eliminating background image data in ink images in an inkjet printer An inkjet printer is configured to capture image data of a bare rotating imaging surface and use the image data of the bare rotating imaging surface to remove noise from subsequent images of printed ink on the rotating imaging surface. A controller in the printer is configured to measure cross-correlations between margins in the bare rotating imaging surface image data and margins in the subsequent images of printed ink to identify areas of alignment between the image data of the bare rotating imaging surface and the subsequent images of printed ink. The data in the areas in the image data of the bare rotating imaging surface that are aligned with areas in the subsequent images are used to remove the background noise produced by structure in the rotating imaging surface.
US08814305B2	System and method for full-bleed and near full-bleed printing A method of operating a printer includes identifying a region of a print medium located between marks formed by a first plurality of inkjets in the printer and an edge of the print medium. The printer activates a second plurality of inkjets to print ink drops into the region during a printing operation. The method enables full-bleed or near full-bleed printing for different media sizes.
US08814302B2	Defective nozzle detector and image forming apparatus and system A defective nozzle detector is included in an inkjet recording apparatus in which a plurality of nozzles to discharge droplets is provided and a recording head including the plurality of nozzles scans while moving in a main scanning direction, thereby forming an image. The defective nozzle detector includes a sensor board on which droplets are impacted from the nozzle of the recording head, a plurality of sensor electrodes and a common electrode alternately disposed on the sensor board and arranged in patterns that intersect the main scanning direction of the recording head, and an electrostatic capacitance sensor to detect changes in the electrostatic capacitance between the sensor electrode and the common electrode.
US08814295B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes first to n-th (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) ink tanks in which ink accommodated in an ink pack is filled, slots that respectively correspond to the ink tank, memory units that are packaged together with the ink pack and are respectively installed in the slots, and a processing unit that controls read-out of data from or writing of data to the memory unit. The processing unit updates total ink consumption information on the main body side for each ink color on the basis of the counted ink consumption, and writes the total ink consumption based on the total ink consumption information on the main body side, to the storage device of the memory unit corresponding to the ink color.
US08814290B2	Image recording device and image recording method An image recording device includes a support member, a recording head, a surface modifying apparatus, a conveyor unit, and a control unit. The surface modifying apparatus executes surface modification processing to modify a surface of the recording medium at a processing position disposed on an upstream side of the support member. The conveyor unit intermittently passes the recording medium through the processing position at a prescribed passage velocity by feeding the recording medium from the upstream side of the conveyance path to the processing position. The control unit is capable of providing a processing execution signal to the surface modifying apparatus, and provides the processing execution signal to the surface modifying apparatus for a prescribed time within a wait time from when passage of the recording medium through the processing position stops until the recording medium starts passing through the processing position at the prescribed passage velocity.
US08814287B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator with a shelf varied by sliding and pivoting to store thick food items in a storage chamber. The refrigerator includes a main body which has an inner case defining a storage chamber and an outer case defining an external appearance thereof, a first shelf portion arranged at the storage chamber so as to be slidable in front and rear directions, a second shelf portion arranged at the storage chamber so as to be pivotable together with the first shelf portion received in a first shelf receiving portion, and support portions to support the first and second shelf portions, wherein each of the support portions includes a support wall integrally formed with the inner case and an insulation material foamed in a foam space of the support wall.
US08814282B2	System of ejecting a sliding door A system of ejecting a sliding door of a closet, comprising a plurality of ejection assemblies and a connecting mechanism, which connects one assembly to the other. Each ejection assembly comprises a rail and a slidable member configured to slide along the rail, where the rail engages with a frame of the closet. The connecting mechanism allows synchronizing the ejection force applied upon the door at different locations of the door, by connecting the ejection assemblies through the connecting mechanism. This configuration allows ejecting and retrieving of the door outwardly and inwardly by sliding the slidable member of each assembly along the rail.
US08814274B2	Machine and method for deconstructing a vertical wall A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage can be raised and lowered along the support-frame. The carriage includes a carrier-bar, which may be straight or curved. One or more nozzles are mounted to the carrier-bar by means of a nozzle carrier that moves back and forth along the length of the carrier-bar. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing and rotating the nozzles, and means of adjusting the nozzles towards or away from the workface. Optionally, the invention comprises a work platform mounted on the support-frame.
US08814270B2	Folding headrest closeout member Folding assemblies for vehicles are described. In one aspect, a folding headrest assembly for a vehicle seat comprises a headrest having a frame. A pivot joint is coupled to the frame for rotatably supporting the headrest with respect to the vehicle seat between an upright position and a folded position. A support rod extends from the pivot joint and is configured for coupling to the vehicle seat. The headrest receives the pivot joint and a portion of the support rod, and the headrest defines an opening configured to provide clearance for the support rod as the headrest is rotated about the pivot joint relative to the support rod. A closeout member coupled to the support rod circumscribes at least an exposed portion of the pivot joint that is aligned with the opening of the headrest.
US08814268B2	Vehicle seat and clip There is provided a vehicle seat including a backboard attached to a rear surface of a seat back, a skin material covering a rear surface of the backboard, and a clip attaching the backboard to a body portion of the seat back. The clip integrally includes a board engaging portion which is engageable with the backboard, a seat engaging portion which is engageable with the body portion of the seat back, and a skin engaging portion which is engageable with the skin material. The skin material and the backboard are attached to the body portion of the seat back by the clip.
US08814264B2	Anchor means and seatpost for a bicycle saddle A saddle support includes a pipe and a fixing clamp with a tightening lower plate and a tightening upper plate mounted at one upper end of the pipe and able to solidly tighten one or more support elements for supporting the saddle.
US08814258B2	Panoramic vehicle roof module assemblies A panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided with front and rear cross members. A pair of extruded side rails are each mounted to the cross members. Each side rail has a front integrated roof track, a rear integrated roof track and an integrated sun shade track, each track formed therein along its length. A roof panel is supported by one of the integrated roof tracks of the side rails to interface with the front cross members. An intermediate cross member is mounted to the side rails and is interfaced with the roof panel. A second panel is provided mounted to the side rails to interface with the rear cross member and the intermediate cross member. The side rails each include an integrated support flange to mount the assembly to a vehicle. A method of manufacturing a panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided.
US08814254B1	Protective cap for opening in vehicle bed A cap that is adapted to be selectively inserted into one or more receiver openings (e.g., receiver openings for gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitch assemblies) in a vehicle bed (e.g., pickup truck bed) and selectively secured to the bed to limit or inhibit the introduction of moisture, debris, or other elements into the receiver opening while facilitating the movement of objects (e.g., equipment, boxes) across the bed liner.
US08814253B1	Aerodynamic quarter fender assembly and construction method Embodiments disclosed herein may be used to provide aerodynamic quarter fender assemblies. Panels may be rigidly or hingedly attached to existing quarter fenders or may be used in lieu of an existing quarter fender. Embodiments may provide improved fluid flow control across the transition zone between the tractor and the trailer, but may be easily moved into a stowed position to allow access to areas of the truck.
US08814249B2	System for securing a truck bed cover A tri folding tonneau cover having multiplicity of cross beams, a soft cover extending over the frame, a set of adjustable front locking system attached onto the two ends of a cross-beam located close to the front side of the frame, and a set of rear latching mechanism. The rear latching mechanism comprising of a set of latches, cables, guiding spools and a cable handle. Each cable can release one latch and all cables are connected to the cable handle through the guiding spools. Therefore, all latched can be released at the same time with pulling onto the cable handle.
US08814247B2	Vehicle covering having a frame, trim and a decorative element A vehicle covering that includes a frame, a trim having a skin covering the frame, and a decorative element positioned on a visible external face of the skin. The vehicle covering further includes a stiffening component positioned in the trim locally facing the decorative element and capable of limiting deformations of the trim by compression.
US08814240B2	Engagement assembly and method An engagement assembly, adapted to securely engage an orifice of an article. The engagement assembly includes a plurality of elongate fingers which are transversely movable relative to each other, each finger having an end flange thereon. The engagement assembly has an insertion position, wherein said fingers are contracted together, such that said flanges are adapted to be inserted through said orifice of said article; and, an engaged position, wherein said fingers are flared outwards relative to said insertion position, such that said flanges are adapted to thereby prevent withdrawal of said assembly from said orifice.
US08814238B2	Clamping apparatus A clamping apparatus has a frame and a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the frame for grasping and releasing a load. The frame defines an opening through which a load grasped by the clamping arms can pass to above the frame.
US08814236B2	Vehicle crash gusset for rear impact An example gusset for attaching a rear bumper assembly to a vehicle has a first attachment portion configured to attach to the bumper reinforcement bracket and the lower back panel of the vehicle, a second attachment portion configured to attach to the rear side member of the vehicle, and an angled portion presenting an oblique surface to a rear impactor to the vehicle. A pair of side portions are interconnected and spaced apart by the second attachment portion, and each side portion has an angled edge adjacent the angled portion.
US08814232B2	Outer door handle for an automobile An external, automobile door handle system including an elongated grip manually accessible from the door outside and fitted at its ends with support protrusions, a first support protrusion resting pivotably at a support connected to the door structure and the second support protrusion being operationally linked to a swivel lever, the swivel lever being connected by a linkage or a cable to a door lock in a manner that said lock shall be opened when the grip is pulled out of the rest position into an open position. The automobile door handle system also includes a centrifugal weight which is supported displaceably in a similarly direction as the grip.
US08814227B2	Latch for a motor-vehicle headrest A latch secures an element such as a motor-vehicle headrest for movement relative to a support between a rest position and an advanced position. A pivotal lever can hold the element in the rest position. A spring pushes the element into the advanced position and presses it against the lever so as to apply a torque to the lever that presses a latch formation on the lever against a retractile latch part of an actuator. If the actuator retracts the part, the lever is released and the lever can pivot to allow the spring to move the element into the advanced position.
US08814225B2	Locking structure and electronic device with the same A locking structure includes a hook disposed on a first object and engagable with a locking member disposed on a second object. The locking member includes a main body rotatable about an axis thereof and a number of locking portions radially protruding from the main body. When the main body rotates about the axis, the locking portions rotate together with the main body to engage with and disengage from the hook to lock the first object to and unlock the first object from the second object.
US08814224B2	Enclosure suspension system with compression fitting Embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system for supporting an enclosure. The system includes a compression fitting that couples an enclosure mounting assembly to a hollow connector tube and provides a substantially sealed pathway between the enclosure mounting assembly to the hollow connector tube. The compression fitting includes at least one coupling body and at least one compression nut. The compression nuts are tightened around portions of the coupling bodies to secure end portions of the enclosure mounting assembly and the hollow connector tube within the coupling bodies.
US08814223B2	Flexible pipe connected with flexible pipe connecting structure and method of connecting flexible pipe connecting structure with flexible pipe The flexible pipe connected with the flexible pipe connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connecting structure includes a body part, and a connecting part configured to have a smaller thickness than a thickness of the body part, wherein the first end portion is inserted into and welded to the connecting part, wherein the ledge is a step part provided between the body part and the connecting part. Also, a method of connecting a flexible pipe connecting structure with a flexible pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a filler metal applying step of applying a filler metal on at least one of a first end portion of the flexible pipe having ridges and valleys and a connecting part of the flexible pipe connecting structure into which the first end portion is inserted, a flexible pipe inserting step of inserting the first end portion of the flexible pipe into the connecting part of the flexible pipe connecting structure so that the first end portion is held by a ledge formed on the flexible pipe connecting structure, and a flexible pipe welding step of heating at least a part of the flexible pipe inserted into the flexible pipe connecting structure so that the first end portion of the flexible pipe is welded to the flexible pipe connecting structure by the filler metal.
US08814219B2	Push lock pipe connection system and disconnection tool A disconnection tool for disconnecting pipes which are connected. The disconnection tool is preferably a two piece cylinder with a leading edge and handles opposite the leading edge, and, can be positioned around a male end of a male pipe that is within a female end of a female pipe. The disconnection tool initially inserts into a clearance between the interior surface of the female end and the exterior surface of the male end while the pipes are connected. As the disconnection tool is further inserted, its leading edge contacts and disengages one or more locking members extending through the clearance thereby allowing the male pipe to be disconnected from the female pipe.
US08814206B2	Vehicle instrument panel reinforcement and passenger seat airbag device attachment structure employing the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement Vehicle instrument panel reinforcement and a passenger seat airbag device attachment structure employing the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement are provided that are capable of securing the strength and rigidity to support for example a reaction force imparted during deployment of a passenger seat airbag device, and are also capable of achieving a reduction in both cost and weight. Instrument panel reinforcement formed with a quadrilateral shaped closed cross-section profile from an upper member and a lower member is disposed along the vehicle width direction inside a vehicle instrument panel. A circular cylinder shaped collar is disposed inside a closed cross-section portion of the upper member. A passenger seat airbag device is fastened and fixed to the instrument panel reinforcement by a bolt and weld nut, employing the collar.
US08814205B2	Passenger airbag device The volume of a passenger airbag device is reduced, and the behavior thereof when inflated and deployed is stabilized. A passenger airbag device (1) installed in a top surface of an instrument panel (20) has, on an instrument panel side (back surface side) of an inflated and deployed cushion (10), a projecting portion (10b) that serves as support means when an occupant moves forward therein, and recesses (10c and 10d) provided adjacent to the projecting portion (10b). The volume of the cushion (10) is reduced by providing the recesses (10c and 10d), and the behavior of the airbag device in an inflated and deployed state is stabilized by the projecting portion (10b).
US08814202B2	Curtain airbag A curtain airbag mitigating possible occupant ejection from a vehicle. The curtain airbag includes a serial main chamber that is capable of being inflated and deployed along a vehicle cabin side face; a delay chamber that is positioned at a front end section of the serial main chamber and that is inflated and deployed so as to overlap an A1 impact point below an A-pillar of the vehicle; and an ace tab that fixes the upper edge of the delay chamber to the A-pillar. The ace tab is provided at a position overlapping a straight line LS that is provided on the shortest way from the A1 impact point to the A-pillar, as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin.
US08814201B2	Knee airbag having increased package width A knee airbag assembly is operable to restrain at least one leg of an occupant of a vehicle. The assembly includes an inflator, a housing, and an airbag that moves between a stowed state and a deployed state. The inflator is operable to selectively inflate the airbag to move the airbag from the stowed state to the deployed state. The airbag is housed within the housing in the stowed state, and the airbag extends from the housing in the deployed state. The airbag defines a package width when in the stowed state, and the airbag defines a deployed width when in the deployed state. A ratio of the package width to the deployed width is between approximately 0.8 and 1.0.
US08814199B2	Collapsible cart Described is a collapsible cart that provides substantial stability when operated. A pair of enlarged wheels allow an operator to lift one end of the cart to traverse rough surfaces as needed. Enlarged wheels are mounted outside an overhead profile of the collapsible cart thereby providing lateral and other stability not previously possible. A first shelf, tray, bucket or working surface may be collapsed to contact or mate with a second such shelf to create an easily transportable or storable collapsed structure. A telescoping handle allows a collapsed cart to serve as a hand dolly.
US08814195B2	Folding bicycle, particularly a pedal-assist bicycle The present invention relates to a folding bicycle assisted by an electric motor, comprising a frame with a down tube (4) with a back end with a seat tube (7) and a front end with a steering tube (10) housing a stem (9) connected in the upper zone to a handlebar (101) and in the lower zone to a front fork (11), a back fork (2) coupled to the back end of the down tube (4), a folding mechanism which allows folding the bicycle (1) about an articulating pin (12) to at least one folded position, and a locking mechanism for keeping the bicycle in said folded position.
US08814193B2	Drop-down bicycle trailer The present invention generally relates to a trailer for attachment to a bicycle. The trailer is designed such that when the trailer is decoupled from the bicycle, the trailer can stand without tipping over. Additionally, the coupling assembly used for coupling the trailer to the bicycle, together with the handle assembly, can collectively pivot about the trailer frame to permit the trailer to be easily maneuvered by the rider once the trailer has been decoupled from the bicycle.
US08814192B2	Dump truck A step arrangement of a dump truck includes a third step that leads down in an up-and-down direction of a vehicle body while being gradually directed forward, and a second step that is provided to a lower end of the third step and leads down in the up-and-down direction while being gradually directed from an outer side toward an inner side of the vehicle body. The height of an outer lower portion of the second step is higher than the height of an inner lower portion thereof.
US08814186B1	Mechanism for causing leaning of a motorized reverse tricycle in the direction of turning A steering mechanism of a reverse tricycle in combination includes a structural member including a central opening, two upper openings, and two lower openings; two upper link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the upper openings respectively; two lower link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the lower openings respectively; a shock absorber disposed through the central opening and having both ends pivotably secured to the lower link arm assemblies respectively; and two pivot assemblies wherein one pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of one front wheel of the tricycle and an other pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of an other front wheel of the tricycle. The steering mechanism causes leaning of the reverse tricycle in the direction of turning.
US08814184B2	Axle-lifting device and method for lifting an axle An axle-lifting device for lifting an axle of a vehicle. The axle-lifting device includes a function mechanism for generating a force component in an axle-lifting direction. The function mechanism is configured to generate a first force component for providing a first functionality and a second force component for lifting the axle in the axle-lifting direction.
US08814182B1	Combination walker and transport chair with removable utility tray A wheeled walker with a removable utility tray has a frame, front and rear wheels, a pivotable seat, height-adjustable handlebars, push handles, a back rest, brake handles and cables to arrest the walker, a pair of crossbars supporting the frame and a detachable utility tray with a lip to engage the top crossbar, front and side walls, a pair of tray supports extending from the bottom of the tray base down and to the rear and terminating at the bottom crossbar, the lower ends of the supports having a locking groove for engaging the bottom crossbar and a pair of horizontal braces between the tray supports.
US08814181B1	Cart apparatus for transporting cargo items to and from a recreational location A cart apparatus for transporting cargo items to and from a recreational location includes a base unit and a chair unit which are selectively assemblable for transport and disassemblable upon reaching a desired destination. The base unit includes wheels for rolling over varying terrains, and a support portion for stowage thereon of cargo items. The chair unit is foldable between collapsed and opened conditions. The base unit is formed with a receiving area for selective receipt of the collapsed chair unit. When assembled, the collapsed chair unit is matedly engaged in the receiving area of the base unit with the chair unit extending outwardly from the base unit to serve as a handle for controlling rolling and tilting operation of the base unit. When disassembled, the chair unit may be opened into the use condition, and the base unit may serve as a side table.
US08814180B1	Tarp tow It is connected to a lawn tractor or vehicle for towing any foldable sheet type material such as a tarp, (construction) plastic, or cloth across the ground to move large debris or material. This assembly contains multiple tubing, stabilizers, and hardware that allow a direct connection to a lawn tractor or a vehicle/ATV using a standard receiver type hitch. The sheet material is folded and then rolled onto the tarp connection tube and then attached to the tarp support tube. When towing, the clamping point gets tighter the harder you pull on it, making it a strong connection. Now the material is tightly gripped between these two tubes, which allow the use of any type of foldable sheet material for towing. This design eliminates the need to use any type of grommet load connection points within the sheet material that could be easily pulled out during heavy loads or use.
US08814177B1	Motorized generator—powered electric car A motorized-generator power system utilizes a constant-speed internal combustion engine to operate an electric generator. Electrical power from the generator operates an electric vehicle drive motor as well as charging a battery power pack. A drive motor controller provides control over the rotational speed of the drive motor and stored electrical energy in the battery power pack may be used to power the vehicle drive motor when the internal combustion engine is shut down. A suspension system is also provided to raise and lower the vehicle for clearance and flood-avoidance requirements.
US08814172B2	Cylinder head gasket A cylinder head gasket 1 has a gas seal plate P1 in which a combustion chamber hole 11 is drilled, an oil seal plate P2 in which an oil hole 13 is drilled, and a main plate P3 provided between the gas seal plate and the oil seal plate. Plate thicknesses of the gas seal plate, the oil seal plate, and the main plate are made different from each other, the plate thickness of the gas seal plate is larger than the plate thicknesses of the oil seal plate and the main plate, and end portions of the gas seal plate, the oil seal plate, and the main plate are connected to each other. A combustion gas, lubricant oil or the like from a combustion chamber or an oil passage can be effectively sealed, and the cylinder head gasket can be manufactured inexpensively.
US08814170B2	Annular seal member An annular seal member configured to seal a gap between a shaft hole and a shaft inserted into the shaft hole, the annular seal member comprises: an annular base part; an annular lip, which includes a lip edge that is configured to be contact with one of a hole face of a shaft hole and an outer periphery of a shaft, the one of which is a seal mating face; a first convex part, a second convex part and a passage recess, which is provided at a face of the base part facing the seal mating face; a concave part, which is formed at a position between the second convex part and the base end portion of the annular lip, and which has a circumferential size larger than a recess width of the passage recess.
US08814168B2	Shooting target, method of use, and method of manufacture A shooting target comprising a target body including an outer skin having a front face and an inner surface; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers disposed in the interior cavity, adjacent the outer skin, and carrying colored fluid; and a carrier backing urging the one or more fluid carriers against the inner surface of the outer skin. Upon penetration of the outer skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face.
US08814165B2	Game, method of play, and stackable members such as cards which may be used for a game In an aspect, the invention is directed to a set of game pieces including a character game piece representing a character and a plurality of parameter impact game pieces. Each of the parameter impact game pieces includes a parameter impact indicator. When a parameter impact game piece is stacked on the character game piece the parameter impact indicator provides a graphic representation of the parameter impact carried out by the parameter impact game piece. When another parameter impact game piece is stacked on the first parameter impact game piece a graphic representation of the total parameter impact carried out by both parameter impact game pieces is provided by permitting the parameter impact indicators from both parameter impact game pieces to be visible to the players. In this way, the parameter impact level incurred by the character can be shown to increase incrementally after subsequent parameter impacts.
US08814164B2	Apparatuses and methods for continuously supplying sets of cards for a card game An apparatus for randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards includes a device for moving cards and randomly ejecting playing cards from an initial set of playing cards located in a card input unit for an initial delivery of randomly arranged playing cards to a card delivery unit. The card delivery unit includes upper powered rollers and lower powered belts for receiving and transporting the playing cards through the card delivery unit and into a card collection unit. A playing card limiter is adjustable to allow a greater number or a lesser number of cards to pass from the card delivery unit to the card collection unit. Methods of randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards may include related apparatus.
US08814163B2	Paper feeder A paper feeder includes a resist roller configured to convey a sheet to an image formation unit, a paper feed roller configured to convey a sheet to the resist roller, and a controller configured to control the paper feed roller such that the paper feed roller first conveys a sheet at a first conveying speed and then conveys the sheet while decelerating from the first conveying speed to a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed. The controller sets the first and second conveying speeds in advance to speeds which allow the paper feed roller to convey a single sheet by a predetermined conveying amount in a predetermined driving time period. The controller determines a time point to start a deceleration from the first conveying speed to the second conveying speed to allow a sheet to hit the resist roller at the second conveying speed.
US08814162B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided.An upper guide opposed to a lower guide is structured as another member, and a positional relation is set such that a nip line of a pair of obliquely feeding is offset toward the lower guide with respect to a center line of a gap portion between the upper and lower guides. Accordingly, a sheet being conveyed is once guided by an inclined face of the lower guide to the upper guide, and is then caused to abut the abutting reference surface while being in sliding contact with the upper guide member. Therefore, a disadvantage that a side edge of the sheet is caught in a joint can be prevented.
US08814153B2	Automatic clamping device for slab material and clamping method associated therewith An automatic clamping device for clamping a slab (90) of rigid material onto the worktable (18) of an operating machine comprises a central body (42) terminating at both ends in a bottom cavity (72) and a top cavity (77) each having a suction cup function and being intended to engage, respectively, with the table (18) and the slab (90). The bottom cavity (72) is designed to engage with a through-hole. (30) formed in the thickness of said table (18) and communicating with an air suction duct (26, 28) in turn connected to an air suction source, so as to form a single air suction circuit, the through-hole (30) being associated with shut off valve (32) and closing member 36 for interrupting communication between the cavity (72) and the suction source. The central body (42) also has, formed therein, an inner cylindrical chamber (56) housing a piston (58) associated with a stem (60) acting as a closing member movable, together with the piston (58), between a first position where it prevents fluid communication between the bottom cavity (72) and die top cavity (77) and a second position where it allows said communication with the sole air suction circuit, causing clamping, via the suction cup effect, of the slab (90) to die central body (42) of the automatic clamping device (40).
US08814152B2	Device for a user to secure a workpiece A device (1) for a user to secure a workpiece (2) that is positioned on a substrate (3) during the processing of the workpiece (2) with a hand-held power tool. A stepping element (4) has a stepping surface (10) via which the user applies a holding force, and that also has a placement surface (11) for placing the device (1) onto the workpiece (2).
US08814148B2	Liquid distributor The liquid distributor includes a channel for the reception of a liquid which is divided by a dividing wall into a first chamber and a second chamber. An inlet element for a liquid opens into the first chamber to fill the first chamber with the liquid. Openings are provided in the dividing wall so that the liquid can be distributed from the first chamber via the openings into the second chamber in the form of jets to create turbulent vortices.
US08814145B2	Railing support post with threaded receivers A railing support post with threaded holes or receivers for receiving threaded hardware, such as might be used for tensioned cable railing. A decorative sleeve or post cover may be used to at least partially enclose the railing support post. The railing support post may be manufactured, for example, by providing an elongated member of a prescribed length, drilling a plurality of holes spaced along the length of the elongated member, and tapping the plurality of holes to form a plurality of threaded receivers. The threaded receivers are configured to receiver rail fittings or other fittings.
US08814143B2	Inclined drum arrangement for winch apparatus A winch apparatus (10) comprises first and second drum assemblies (12, 14) each defining a discontinuous drum contact surface for engaging a common spoolable medium (50), wherein the first and second drum assemblies (12, 14) are configured to rotate about respective first and second axes of rotation (24, 26) which are inclined relative to each other. In one disclosed embodiment the drum assemblies (12, 14) are intermeshed in a general axial direction.
US08814141B2	Methods and apparatuses for a small vehicle jack apparatus An apparatus with a wheel engagement mechanism for operation with a jack assembly for engaging and elevating two wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle relative to the ground is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a support member connected to the base, and a wheel support assembly. The wheel support assembly includes wheel supports connected at the ends of the wheel support assembly that extend outward from the wheel support assembly for supporting two wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes an actuation mechanism for selectively raising and selectively lowering the wheel support assembly to raise and lower the vehicle.
US08814138B2	Valve seals A seal used in a valve includes a ring-shaped cartridge. The cartridge has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions hold a sealing portion, and the first and second portions have respective first and second curved surfaces adjacent to a sealing surface of the sealing portion. Radii of curvature of the curved surfaces enable an initial point of contact between a flow control member and the cartridge to be on the sealing surface when the flow control member moves to a closed position.
US08814134B2	Piezoelectric drive and microvalve comprising said drive The invention relates to a piezoelectric drive, in particular for microvalves. The drive comprises a deformation layer coupled on one side to a piezoelectric layer, which is provided with at least one pair of electrodes, made of two electrodes of opposite polarities, to provide electricity. According to the invention, both electrodes of opposite polarities of the pair of electrodes are arranged together on the side of the piezoelectric layer facing away from the deformation layer. The invention also relates to a microvalve comprising at least one valve channel and a membrane that opens or closes the valve channel, where the membrane simultaneously forms the deformation layer of such a piezoelectric drive.
US08814130B2	Discharge flow control valve A self-regulating valve controls the flow of high pressure gas discharging from a gas cylinder in a fire suppression system in response to a detection of a fire within a protected space by a two-step process which reduces the pressure rise within the protected space upon release of the fire suppression gas into the protected space.
US08814127B2	Fixing device and antenna device A fixing device of an antenna device includes a base member, a fixing member, a bolt and a guide which guides the base member to a fixing opening. The fixing device takes a main fixed state in which the mounting surface is clamped between the fixing member and the base member after inserting the fixing member into the fixing opening and rotating the fixing member at a predetermined angle, and an initial fixed state in which the fixing device is fixed before the fixing member is rotated at the predetermined angle. The guide is arranged at a position to surround the fixing member in the initial fixed state, and includes guide portions which have greater height than that of a lower end of the fixing member in the initial fixed state.
US08814126B2	Attachment system for an aircraft seat A system for attaching an aircraft seat to an aircraft. The system includes a pair of attachment devices. Each device includes a base connected to the seat, attachment means for attaching the seat to the rest of the aircraft, the attachment means being movable between a retracted position for fitting or dismantling the seat and an active position for blocking the seat. The attachment devices also include an operating lever to move the attachment means, the operating lever being articulated with the base and movable between a retracted position for fitting or dismantling the seat and an active position for blocking the lever in the active position. The attachment devices further include locking means for locking the lever in the active position, the locking means being disengageable by a rotary actuator.
US08814123B2	Seat track The invention relates to a seat track having a retainer arranged in a space extending in the fore-and-aft direction and the vertical direction between a lower rail and an upper rail and a lower ball and an upper ball rotatably supported on an upper portion and a lower portion of the retainer and configured to come into contact with both the lower rail and the upper rail, and is intended to provide a seat track in which vibrations in the vertical direction generated in the upper rail are reduced. There are provided a plurality of the lower balls and a plurality of the upper balls which are supported by the retainer, and a center-to-center distance between the plurality of lower balls lying next to each other is set to be different from a center-to-center distance between the plurality of upper balls lying next to each other.
US08814122B2	Slide rail for motor vehicule seat A slide rail for motor vehicle seat comprising a first profile section, attached to said vehicle, with a cross-section having a bottom and two side parts, a second profile section, guided translationally relative to the first profile section along the longitudinal axis, the second profile section having a cross-section with a web and first and second side flanges, a fixed motorization element connected to the first profile section, a movable motorization element connected to the second profile section, a sensor attached to the second profile section, the sensor being suitable for detecting the presence of the fixed motorization element when the sensor is opposite a portion of the fixed motorization element.
US08814121B2	Stabilizer pad and handle apparatus A stabilizer pad and handle apparatus is provided having a substantially C-shaped handle, or U-shaped handle with ends of the handle inserted into seating holes extending inwardly from the side walls of the pad. An anchor hole and anchor means may be provided extending downward through and perpendicular to the seating holes and through the handle. The pad may be rectangular or square shape or substantially circular in shape. A substantially trapezoidal recess is provided in the circular pad into which the seating holes are provided, and may be angled inwardly away from the side walls, with the handle provided in the recess. At least a portion of the top surface of the handle may be aligned with the outer circumference formed by the circular shape of the pad. The circular pad may be rolled on its side wall edge. Multiple handle means may be provided.
US08814117B2	Clamping accessory storage device A storage device including a body defining at least one receiver and at least one clamping member. The clamping member includes a first position for receiving an accessory for storage and a second position to apply force to secure an accessory to the receiver for storage. A handle actuator may actuate movement of the clamping member. The clamping member may translate from the first position to the second position to apply force to secure an accessory for storage. The clamping member may be held in the secure position by a releasable braking lever.
US08814111B2	Portable multi-purpose mast for rapid, secure attachment to unsteady, inclined and irregular surfaces A portable mast capable of supporting a payload that can be fastened to and detached from an unsteady, inclined or irregular surface of attachment. The improvements include a tensioning cable which exerts pressure on the base of the mast in opposition to the surface of attachment, a guide protecting the cable from abrasion, means for adjusting and retaining tension in the cable when the mast is fastened to the surface of attachment, a base capable of housing the fastener to protect the fastener from corrosion and tampering, a base allowing attachment to and pass-through of existing cords crossing the surface of attachment, and a base having resilient compression to conform to an irregular surface of attachment while maintaining pressure between the base and surface of attachment created by tensioning of the cable. Also disclosed is a mast with mechanical means for increasing cable tension in order to secure its tripod base to a surface of attachment. Also disclosed is a mast which can house standardized electronic components required by a variety of payloads, two masts which are capable of communicating with each other to synchronize the movement and operation of payloads, means for passing electronic signals from the surface of attachment through the mast to the payload, and a remote control for electronic communication with a transceiver housed within a mast to control the operations or movement of a payload.
US08814109B2	Positive lock adjustable seat post A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.
US08814104B2	Train sensor unit for sensing radio communication based train, train position sensing system, and train position sensing method of the system Provided is a train sensor unit for sensing a radio communication based train to transmit train sensing information to a control unit, which includes a sensor unit, a controller unit, and a communication unit. The sensor unit obtains environmental information about an environment in which the train travels. The controller unit determines whether the train is present, based on the obtained environmental information. The communication unit wirelessly transmits the train sensing information to the control unit if the train is present.
US08814102B2	Method for reducing the takeoff run of an aircraft The method of the invention comprises imparting to the flaps (6G, 6D) of said aircraft either a nose-up deflection (αF) corresponding to the maximum sharpness if the nose-up order is higher than a predetermined threshold, or a deflection (α0) corresponding to the minimum drag if the nose-up order is lower than said threshold.
US08814098B2	Control system for a traction wing A control system for a traction wing or a surfing kite includes a bar that is gripped by a person carried in the wind by the wing or kite. Fixtures on the opposed ends of the bar are connected to respective lines that are attached to the wing. A central line attached to the wing passes through a hole located in the bar and divides into two lines that are connected to the user. A grip slides along the central line and the grip is biased toward the bar.
US08814096B2	Method of controlling the centre of gravity of an aircraft A method of controlling the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of fuel tanks, the method comprising transferring fuel from one or more of the fuel tanks according to a predetermined sequence, the timing of the sequence being dependent on the decrease in gross weight of the aircraft.
US08814094B2	Locking mechanism with bi-modal actuator A locking mechanism includes a hydraulic actuator component and an electronic actuator component that are arranged coaxially, each of the actuator components being arranged to control a locking member that retains a movable component. In one version, each of the actuator components can individually engage a mechanical detent to enable unlocking of the movable component, for use, for example, in an uplock mechanism for aircraft.
US08814092B2	Energy-absorbing structural element made of a composite material and aircraft fuselage having said absorber An aircraft fuselage has at least one reinforcement frame (13), at least one crossbar (14) and at least one energy-absorbing structural element (2) that includes a compression beam (21) having a longitudinal axis Z and oriented substantially in the direction of compression forces to be absorbed upon an impact, the compression beam being attached at a first end (213) thereof to the crossbar (14) and at a second end (214) thereof to the reinforcement frame (13). The compression beam (21) is attached at least one of its ends (213, 214) via a shoulder bracket (22), wherein the shoulder bracket further has the function of cutting the compression beam (21) in case of an impact.
US08814090B2	Cabin equipment component connection system and method for modifying passenger cabin configuration A cabin equipment component connection system for an aircraft comprises a plurality of connecting elements, which are adapted to be connected to a cabin equipment component in order to connect the cabin equipment component to a higher-level system of the aircraft. In at least one zone of the cabin equipment component connection system, a number and an arrangement of the connecting elements in the cabin of the aircraft are selected such that cabin equipment components that are provided in a first number and/or a first arrangement in the cabin of the aircraft are connectable to the connecting elements of the cabin equipment component connection system, and that cabin equipment components that are provided in a second number and/or a second arrangement in the cabin of the aircraft are connectable to the connecting elements of the cabin equipment component connection system.
US08814088B2	Aircraft class divider Disclosed herein is a divider providing part of a separation between sections of a passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft, the divider comprising several components. One component may be a support arm connected to the frame of an aircraft above a passenger seat, the support arm having an outer edge facing the aisle of the passenger cabin, and an inner edge which is adjacent the face of a luggage compartment when the bucket is in an open position. Another component may be a curtain attached to a lower edge of the support arm and projecting vertically below the support arm. Yet another component may be a rigid view block adjacent the face of the compartment and configured to reposition such that the view block is adjacent the face of the compartment while the compartment is in a closed position, and repositions when the compartment is opened.
US08814085B2	Fault-tolerant actuating system for adjusting flaps of an aircraft, comprising adjustment kinematics with a fixed pivot, and a method for monitoring an actuating system A fault-tolerant actuating system with at least one flap, adjustable on a respective wing of an aircraft, and with a control and monitoring device, includes: drive devices that are functionally connected to the control and monitoring device, with one of these drive devices in each case being associated with a flap, where each flap in each case is associated with a drive device, in each case including: two drive motors, two brake mechanisms, where each drive motor is associated with a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the output of the respective drive motor, a differential that couples the outputs of the aforesaid to the aforesaid in a summing manner, an output shaft for coupling the output of the differential to drive connections, and a differential lock that is functionally connected to the control and monitoring device, which differential lock is coupled to the control and monitoring device in this manner, where each of the brake mechanisms as well as the differential lock can be operated by way of a command signal from the control and monitoring device; adjustment devices, that are coupled to the respective drive device associated with the flap, where each adjustment device in each case includes: a transmission gear unit, an adjustment mechanism and a position sensor that is functionally connected to the control and monitoring device for acquiring the adjustment state of the flap; where the control and monitoring device includes: an actuating function for generating command signals for the drive motors for adjusting the flap, a monitoring function by way of which a command signal is transmitted to both brake mechanisms and to the differential lock for operating the aforesaid when the control and monitoring device based on a comparison of sensor values of the position sensors on two different adjustment devices of a flap determines different adjustment states that exceed a predetermined extent, and a method for monitoring an actuating system.
US08814080B2	Aerodynamic aft fairing of an aircraft engine suspension pylon An aerodynamic aft fairing of an engine pylon ensuring the mounting of an engine underneath a wing of an aircraft is provided. The aerodynamic aft fairing includes an outer lateral panel and an inner lateral panel assembled together at least by a bottom panel, the bottom panel comprising, on either side of the lateral panels, an extension forming an aerothermic barrier capable of channeling hot air flows leaving the engine. The inner lateral panel and the outer lateral panel are attached to the bottom panel by a first angle bar and a second angle bar, respectively.
US08814079B2	Pylon for attaching an aircraft turbine engine comprising aligned front wing ties A pylon for attaching a turbine engine of an aircraft having a rigid structure including protruding fittings each having a first orifice and a plurality of ties to attach the pylon onto a wing of the aircraft, the plurality of ties comprising two side front ties to take the thrust forces, the two side front being secured to the first orifices of the protruding fittings to attach the rigid structure firmly to the wing. The plurality of ties further comprises a center front tie positioned between the two side front ties, the center front tie including a ball joint to take forces in a lateral direction of the rigid structure.
US08814078B2	Airfoil shaped tail boom A tail boom adapted for counteracting a fuselage torque created by an engine carried by a fuselage of a rotary aircraft. The tail boom is positioned within the rotorwash from the rotary and includes a first side surface contoured to create a low-pressure region of an airfoil and a second opposing side surface contoured to create a high-pressure region of an airfoil. The pressure difference between the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region causes the tail boom to move towards the low-pressure region, resulting in a lateral force opposing the torque on the fuselage.
US08814071B2	Agitator ball mill An agitator ball mill having a milling chamber and an agitator having a rotatably mounted and driven agitator shaft and accelerators arranged thereupon, wherein the accelerator that is arranged furthest downstream, that is, the accelerator closest to the milling material outlet, lengthens axially and extends along the axial length of the sieve.
US08814070B2	Fine finish airless spray tip assembly for a spray gun The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a fine finish tip with an atomization section comprising a first fluid impingement orifice, i.e., a pre-orifice, angled toward an expansion chamber and a subsequent second fluid impingement orifice. The fine finish tip is provided as a unitary assembly that may be applied to a spray gun and that provides a fixed relationship between the pre-orifice, the expansion chamber, and the second orifice, which results in refined spray characteristics, such as uniform particle distribution and uniform fan pattern shapes.
US08814069B2	Coating head and coating apparatus using the same The invention discloses a coating apparatus for coating slurry on a substrate. The coating apparatus comprises: a container for storing the slurry; a slurry pushing means connecting with the container through a discharging pipe; a coating head connecting with the slurry pushing means through another discharging pipe and connecting with the container through a feed-back pipe, and a controlling valve provided within the feed-back pipe. The coating head comprises: a coating slit; a discharging concave; a feed-back concave; a separator provided between the feed-back concave and the discharging concave; and an extending concave for correspondingly covering and matching with the discharging concave and the feed-back concave. The discharging concave and the feed-back concave are respectively provided with a discharging aperture and a feed-back aperture for respectively connecting with the discharging pipe and the feed-back pipe.
US08814062B2	Fluid spraying device A fluid spraying device comprises a fluid tube rotatably disposed therein and a conveying tube disposed in the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a conveying section, a bent section, and a decreasing section connected therebetween. The decreasing section has a cross section area smaller than that of the bent section. One end of the conveying tube extends through the fluid tube to the decreasing section, so as to cause Venturi effect to cause a contained fluid being sprayed out from the conveying tube when a fluid flows through the fluid tube.
US08814060B2	Fuel injector A method and apparatus is disclosed for ejecting material. The ejected material is ejected as liquid and liquid vapor via an explosive process which can provide a very fast ejection as well as an ejection which has a large throw. The apparatus can be used to eject fuel for a fuel injector.
US08814059B2	Atomising device, atomising body and method of manufacturing the same An atomizing device, includes an atomizing body (1) with an inlet (16) for receiving a fluid under increased pressure, and with at least one set of outflow ports (18) for allowing the fluid to escape on a delivery side with forming of a vapor. Imaginary central axes of the outflow ports directed in a flow direction herein enclose a mutual angle (α) in order to intersect each other at an intersection (S). The atomizing body includes a roof (21) and a bottom (11 which extend over at least a first distance (d1) beyond the set of outflow ports (18) and bound a vaporizing space (17) on either side. The intersection (S) of the imaginary central axes of the outflow ports lies at a second distance (d2) from the set of outflow ports, wherein the second distance (d2) is greater than the first distance (d1) and extends beyond the vaporizing space.
US08814056B2	Antenna device, RFID tag, and communication terminal apparatus An RFIC element includes a capacitance therein. By this capacitance and an inductance of a loop-shaped conductor, an LC resonant circuit is provided. When UHF-band high-frequency power is supplied to the loop-shaped conductor from the RFIC element, the loop-shaped conductor is coupled to a flat conductor in an electromagnetic field by a current flowing through the loop-shaped conductor, and induced currents flow through the flat conductor. By propagation of the induced currents through the flat conductor, the flat conductor acts as a radiation element. It is preferred that the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the flat conductor be a half wavelength of the used frequency band. Accordingly, the flat conductor acts as a half-wave radiation element.
US08814055B2	Secure application directory This disclosure relates to storing a secure application directory within a contactless smart card. The contactless smart card include secure memory area for storing software applications and may include a default application directory for listing the software applications stored within the contactless smart card to an external card reader. A second application directory is stored with an access key and a listing of a second set of software applications within the same contactless smart card. The second application directory includes improved application directory entries, where each application directory entry includes an application identifier, a starting memory block byte value, and a size byte value for each of the second set of software applications.
US08814051B2	Personal token having enhanced communication abilities for a hosted application The invention relates to a personal token for a mobile telecommunication network, hosting application software. The personal token is operable to receive an over-the-air SMS message encapsulating commands directed to the application, open the SMS and extract the commands from the SMS. The steps of opening the SMS and extracting the commands from the SMS are performed by a software entity in the personal token which is distinct from the application, so that the software entity initiates transmission of the extracted commands to the application.
US08814049B2	Mobile terminal having information recognition module The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an information recognition module. The mobile terminal having an information recognition module of the present invention comprises: a terminal casing with a front casing and a rear casing coupled with each other; an information recognition module coupled to the terminal casing; and an information recognition module drive unit, which has a trigger provided at the terminal casing in such a manner that the trigger is exposed outside of the terminal casing, and an operation switch, which generates an electrical signal for operating the information recognition module by a trigger pull motion. According to the present invention, procedures for operating the information recognition module can be improved in convenience and stability.
US08814048B2	Content identification and distribution The invention provides an identifier system for computing identity information from image data. At least part of the image data is representative of an identifier. The identifier comprises a location element and encoded data associated with the location element. The identifier system comprises computer interpretable reference data corresponding to the identifier. The reference data is suitable for use in feature matching to determine a location and an orientation of the location element in the image data—thereby to locate the encoded data in the image data for subsequent decoding into the identity information The invention also provides a computer implemented method of presenting an augmented reality view of a physical article using the identifier system.
US08814047B2	Expedited image processing method A method for expediting the barcode interpretation process implemented on conventional optical imaging barcode readers. The method involves interrupting the mainline processing of the conventional barcode detection, obtaining a copy of the captured image, scaling the image, locating the barcode in the scaled image, scaling the image back to normal proportions, calculating the location of the barcode in the scaled up image, and reporting the barcode location back to the mainline processing for decoding of only the region of interest. The mainline processing of the optical imager may then proceed with barcode interpretation in the area identified by the method of the present invention without wasting time applying complicated decoding algorithms to areas within the image that do not contain any barcode information.
US08814045B1	Voting station and voting system A voting system including a universal voting station and a tabulation device. The voting station is operable to receive an activation card on which it prints a voter's voting selection. The voter may choose to have the voting station transmit the voting selection to the tabulation device and deposit the activation card into a ballot box, or return the activation card to the voter. The tabulation device is operable to scan and tabulate the voting selections on both marked paper ballots and printed activation cards. The ballot box is preferably a common ballot box that is positioned to receive activation cards from the voting station and paper ballots and activation cards from the tabulation device.
US08814040B2	Automatic dealing machine and automatic dealing system An automatic dealing machine comprises a casing configured for storing a chip handling unit for handling chips, and a banknote handling unit for handling banknotes. The chip handling unit includes a chip insertion port through which chips are received from the exterior of the casing, a chip determination portion for determining the kind of each chip, and a chip calculation portion for calculating the number of the chips, of each kind, as determined by the chip determination portion and the total amount of money. A control unit controls the operation of the dealing machine, such that banknotes of an amount of money corresponding to the total amount of the chips calculated by the chip calculation portion are disbursed into the banknote disbursement port when the chips are inserted through the chip insertion port.
US08814039B2	Methods for processing a payment authorization request utilizing a network of point of sale devices A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.
US08814031B2	Collapsible container and blanks for constructing the same A container configured to be selectively moved between a substantially flat configuration and a deployed configuration is provided. The container includes a plurality of side walls formed from a first blank. The first blank includes a plurality of side panels extending in series along a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines and at least one slot defined within at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels. The container further includes a bottom wall coupled to the plurality of side walls, wherein the bottom wall is formed from a second blank. The second blank includes a plurality of side edges and at least one tab extending form at least one side edge. The at least one tab is configured to be inserted into the at least one slot to construct the container. The second blank is coupled to the first blank at at least the at least one slot and the at least one tab for forming the bottom wall of the container.
US08814025B2	Fibrin pad matrix with suspended heat activated beads of adhesive A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a cartridge when in an open position. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further receives a matrix including glue beads suspended in the matrix. The staples are driven through the matrix to secure the matrix to tissue. The glue beads are activated when the matrix is secured to the tissue, such that the activated adhesive further secures the staple line in the tissue.
US08814024B2	Fastener system comprising a plurality of connected retention matrix elements A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to each other by a flexible retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue therebetween. The flexible retention matrix can comprise, one, a plurality of retention matrix elements configured to engage the fasteners and, two, a lattice of connectors which connect one or more retention matrix elements.
US08814021B2	Apparatus and method for stripping a protective covering from a drinking straw An apparatus for removing a portion of a protective covering from a drinking straw, including a support mounted on a container for receiving the portion of the protective covering removed from the drinking straw, and an orifice in the support having a shape and size adapted for receiving a drinking straw packaged in a protective covering through the orifice to the extent corresponding to the length of the portion of the covering to be removed from the drinking straw, the orifice positioned in the support to allow the protective covering to be received through the orifice but not withdrawn from the orifice. A related method is also disclosed.
US08814016B2	Backpack and waist bag carrying system The invention provides improved backpack and waist bag carrying systems in which a waist bag rotates through a lower compartment of a backpack to allow the bearer of the backpack to access the contents of the receiver of the waist bag by rotating the waist bag to the front of the bearer's torso. One or more doors are provided in one aspect to secure the receiver of the waist bag in the lower compartment of the backpack but permit the egress of the receiver through the opening covered by the door, which may be tensioned away from the opening by a tensioning system when the free end of the door is released. The receiver is tapered to easily fit into the lower compartment and remain in that compartment due to friction with the walls defining the compartment.
US08814015B2	Automotive cargo carrying systems Cargo carrying systems for attaching to a vehicle's cargo area, including a number of cross supports, the adjacent edges of two cross supports creating a storage compartment in which various storage containers are suspended, each cross support having a first and a second leg, each leg being separated from one another by a central member coupled to the top of each leg with a coupler, the bottom of each leg having a mounting bracket for attaching to the vehicle, the legs of adjacent cross supports being joined by a connecting rod.
US08814010B2	Fan orifice dispensing closure A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
US08814007B2	Dispenser with directional flow controlling flange and corresponding systems A dispenser (300) includes an arched flange (303) that works as a baffle to prevent dispensed media from exiting a nozzle erratically. The dispenser (300) can be configured with a connector (402), connector extension (403), and nozzle (401) for use with vessels (802). Alternatively, a dispenser cap (1100) can include a coupling mechanism (1200) configured to attach to prior art dispensers. Dispensed media is directed along the dispensing surface (301) in a ventral direction (302) relative to the dispenser (300), thereby eliminating the possibility of the media being dispensed into the user's face or eyes, regardless of clogs present or user hand position.
US08814005B2	Foam dispenser A foam assembly connectable to a liquid container includes a main pump body, a resiliently deformable piston dome, an air chamber, a liquid chamber, a mixing zone and a porous member. The main pump body has an exit nozzle with the porous member therein. The air chamber and the liquid chamber are each defined by the piston dome and the main pump body. The liquid chamber has a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. The mixing zone is in flow communication with the air chamber and the liquid chamber. The volume of the air chamber and the liquid chamber are each dependent on the position of piston dome and during an activation stroke the piston moves from the at rest position to the depressed position and responsively the volume of the air chamber and the volume of the liquid chamber are reduced.
US08814003B2	Beverage dispensing apparatus A beverage dispensing apparatus may be adapted to mix together a concentrate fluid with a base fluid. In particular implementations, an apparatus may include a trunk line carrying the base fluid, a manifold, an inline and an outline extending between the trunk and the manifold, a python and a bar gun assembly fluidly connected to the downstream side of the manifold by a plurality of conduits contained in the python, wherein the apparatus includes a recirculation channel having an inlet port and an outlet port fluidly connected to respective in and out conduits in the python, the said in and out conduits being fluidly connected respectively to the inline and the outline of the cool fluid trunk line via the manifold, the beverage dispensing apparatus further including a plurality of product lines, a mixing mechanism and a dispensing outlet.
US08814001B2	Module with nozzle boot for a fuel dispensing unit A nozzle module for a fuel dispensing unit is described. The nozzle module has a top section attachable to a column module of the fuel dispensing unit, a bottom section attachable to a base module of the fuel dispensing unit, at least one nozzle boot for holding a nozzle, which nozzle boot is arranged between the top section and the bottom section. The nozzle module has an internal channel enabling fluid communication through the nozzle module. A fuel dispensing unit is also described.
US08813999B2	Systems and methods involving product dispensers A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.
US08813996B2	Heat set container A heat set container having a shoulder portion and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to a base. The base closes off an end of the container. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion, and the base cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. The sidewall portion defines a major container diameter of the container. The sidewall portion includes an upper vacuum absorbing region joined to a lower vacuum absorbing region at a reduced waist section. The reduced waist section forms a minor container diameter which is less than the major container diameter. In some embodiments, such configuration forms an hourglass, heat-set container, wherein the upper vacuum absorbing region and the lower vacuum absorbing region are collectively shaped to provide flexible absorption of an internal vacuum within the receptacle chamber.
US08813993B1	Hot/cold container A hot/cold container and lid is described. The container comprising: a bottom plate; a plurality of inner walls extending substantially perpendicular to said bottom plate, forming a hollow, therebetween; a plurality of outer walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and substantially parallel to, and spaced from, a corresponding one of the inner walls, the spacing forming a compartment between the inner and outer walls, wherein corresponding ones of the inner and outer walls are attached at selected points between the inner and outer walls to provide at least one substantially uninterrupted compartment, therebetween. The Lid may be of a transparent, semi-transparent or opaque material and may be of a material that operates as a cutting board.
US08813992B2	Countertop compost collector A method for collecting organic waste in a collection bag, the method including a) disposing the collection bag within a volume of a collection device, the collection device having a side wall enclosing the volume and defining a top opening and bottom opening wherein a plurality of vertically extending air channels are formed between the collection bag and the side wall responsive to a structure extending into the volume from the side wall interacting with the collection bag; b) supporting a bottom of the collection bag on a bottom joined to the side wall with the bottom including one or more bottom orifices communicated to the vertically extending air channels; and c) retaining an opening of the collection bag in an open configuration at the top opening with one or more top orifices formed around the opening and communicated to the vertically extending air channels.
US08813989B2	Steam pressure vessel with safety device The invention relates to a steam pressure vessel consisting of a receptacle and a lid, said receptacle and lid each having a long handle and being designed to be tightly joined together by way of overlapping peripheral segments along the lines of a bayonet catch, with the interposition of a sealing ring between the edge of the pot and the edge of the lid, characterized by the combination of at least two closing and opening safety devices, in which case a first safety device comprises a safety valve, the body of which is held in the open position by a spring-biased slide (10) until receptacle and lid are brought into the locked position by turning the two handles (1, 11) so that they lie one on top of the other with the coordinating peripheral segments completely overlapping, and a second safety device raises the sealing ring from the edge of the lid by means of a safety element (safety cam 7) spring-biased in the open position until receptacle and lid are brought into the locked position.
US08813988B2	Closure caps A cap (23) for a container closure or closure plug comprises a cap top (24), attachment means (24) under the cap top and securingly engageable with a given container closure or closure plug; a frangible connection (30) between the cap top and the attachment means designed, in use, to be broken upon removal or attempted removal of the cap from said container closure or closure plug and a permanent connection (31) between the cap top and the attachment means which, upon breaking of the frangible connection, retains the cap top and the attachment means connected together.
US08813987B2	Container cap with inner and outer part A closure (10) for a container (12) is disclosed wherein the closure has an inner part that is attachable to the container (12) around the opening of the container (12) and an outer part (20) that is receivable on the inner part (18). The inner part (18) defines at least two inner apertures (34; 36), and the outer part (20) defines at least one outer aperture (52). A bias means (60), is configured to exert a bias between the inner (18) and outer (20) parts. The outer part (20) can slide relative to the inner part (18) when received on the inner part (18), said sliding being between a rest position in which the outer aperture (52) is blocked by the inner part (18), a first dispensing position in which the outer aperture (52) is aligned with a first one of the inner apertures (36), and a second dispensing position in which the outer aperture (52) is aligned with the second of the inner apertures (34). The closure (10) is configured such that sliding of the outer part (20) towards its second dispensing position occurs against the bias.
US08813985B2	Container system and method A panel can have a plurality of grooves. An insert can be installed into one or more of the grooves. The inserts can have one or more mating elements that protrude from the side of the insert. The one or more mating elements can be sized and positioned to help secure the insert within a groove.
US08813978B2	Material supporting ledge A material supporting ledge is configured to be attached to a horizontal rail support. The ledge has a support bracket with a central section with dual arm members for securing the ledge onto a horizontal rail or an arm extension member which is inserted into one of the openings in an e-track rail. The bracket also has two downwardly extending framing elements connected to two platform elements on which support blocks are positioned. The ledge can be secured onto the rail and is quickly mountable to and removeable from the rail without the use of tools. Upon the placement of the ledge on the rail, the ledge is securely maintained in position against rail. Material, including glass plates of varying sizes, can be placed on the ledge, over larger glass plates already being carried in the system.
US08813977B2	Method for fabricating discharge end chute arrangement of a liquid-liquid extraction settling tank and said chute arrangement The subject of the invention is a method for fabricating the discharge end (2) chute arrangement (3) of a liquid-liquid extraction settling tank and the corresponding chute arrangement. The chute arrangement (3) comprises at least one chute member (4, 5; 6), which is made of fiber-reinforced plastic composite. The chute member (4, 5; 6) is manufactured by the filament winding technique essentially making a tubular hollow piece.
US08813976B2	Process and apparatus for extracting One exemplary embodiment can be a process for extracting one or more sulfur compounds. The process may include mixing a hydrocarbon stream containing the one or more sulfur compounds with an alkaline stream in at least one vessel. Often, the at least one vessel includes a member forming a perimeter about an interior space and having a first side and a second side forming a passageway communicating at least one of the hydrocarbon stream and the alkaline stream from an outer surface of the member to the interior space, and a frustum. The frustum can be positioned proximate to the passageway and abutting the member for facilitating contacting of the hydrocarbon stream and the alkaline stream.
US08813974B1	Vibrating centrifuge A vibrating centrifuge having a separation screen that is rotated and vibrated to separate a material, typically slurry (e.g. coal slurry). The separation screen is vibrated by a vibrator, such as an unbalanced motor. One or more constraint members, preferably leaf springs, are provided that restrict vibration generated by the vibrator to a single degree of freedom that is parallel to the drive shaft axis. The vibrating centrifuge has a biasing member in the form of a compression spring to tune the vibration frequency. Optionally a tuning mass can also be used to tune the vibration frequency.
US08813972B1	Secondary separation system for recyclables Apparatus and methods for separating fractions having monetary value from residual streams from a MRF are disclosed.
US08813969B2	Spiral module for a trommel screen The invention concerns a spiral module (1) for a trommel screen comprising a flat part (5) that transports ore and that is designed as a product that becomes worn, with an elastic cladding (27) that functions as wear lining, intended to interact with the charge for the transport of the charge forwards on a sieving deck (2) that is a component of the sieving drum, mounting fixtures (9, 9′) intended for coupling with hole openings (3) in the sieving deck and supporting the part that transports ore directed in towards the central axis of the sieving drum. In order to achieve increased flexibility and exchangeability, it comprises first attachment means (10) with which each mounting fixture (9, 9′) is connected in a manner that allows it to be removed with the part (5) that transports ore, and can be adjusted into different angular positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the part (5) that transports ore through rotation around an axis (C) of rotation defined by the first attachment means (10), second attachment means (20) one each of which is supported by a relevant mounting fixture (9, 9′) that can be removed, allowing the mounting fixture to be connected with a hole opening (3) in the sieving deck.
US08813967B2	Adjustable mill classifier A classifier [100] is disclosed that employs adjustable vanes [140] that may be interactively adjusted to change the distribution of fuel particle sizes that are passed on to a furnace. The classifier employs a frame [133] having a plurality of windows [131] each having an adjustable vane [140]. A control ring [160] is rotated with respect to the frame [133] to simultaneously move links [150] connected between the control ring [160] and the vanes [140]. This causes the vanes [140] to open or close, changing the air flow path and changing the size distribution of particles passing through the classifier [100] to the furnace. The system may include an adjustment system [260] that can automatically sense particle size to optimize several physical parameters related to particle size.
US08813964B2	Wafer container with recessed latch Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The latching mechanism is located in a protective latch well that minimizes accidental opening of the latch(s). The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation.
US08813962B1	Holder for used bags A holder for used plastic bags having at least two tubular containers, one container larger than the other. The larger container is used for storing bags that are larger than the bags stored by the other container. Each container has a first opening at one end of the container for passing bags into or out of the container and a second opening at the other end of the container for passing bags into or out of the container. The openings are at least large enough for a user to insert his thumb and a finger within the container to be able to withdraw a bag from within the container. There is a slot in each container between the openings allowing a member to be inserted into the container to move bags within the container toward either opening. The holder can be mounted with either end at the top, normally forming an inlet for the bags while the opening at the bottom forms an outlet.
US08813959B2	Reclosable display package A reclosable composite package for packaging an article is provided with a tray, a panel and a sliding cover. The tray and cover define a cavity for displaying or packing an article for sale. The tray and panel are configured to define a channel to slidably receive the cover. The tray may have a peripheral flange that includes a raised rail. The panel may be secured with respect to the tray flange and may engage at least a portion of the rail. Interaction between the rail and the panel during manufacture or assembly of the package may create a space between the tray and the panel to form the channel. The cover may be inserted within the channel formed by the tray flange, rail and panel. In use, the cover may slide within the channel to selectively open and close the package. The package may include one or more catches, stops or snap lock features to further secure and stabilize the package.
US08813955B2	Container for medical products and method for production of said container A container for medical products has at least one chamber. At least two lyophilized active substances and/or auxiliary substances are jointly present in the at least one chamber.
US08813953B2	Transportable arrangement comprising a pack of insertion envelopes lying flat against one another and a packaging A transportable arrangement that includes a plurality of stuffing envelopes adjoining each other in planar manner and a packaging therefor. A cover body made of cardboard-like material surrounds the plurality of stuffing envelopes. The cover body surrounds the plurality of stuffing envelopes on the bottoms thereof, the tops thereof and both end sides completely or partially. The narrow sides are left open. The cover body comprises two rectangular panes, designed relatively stronger than the other components of the cover body and resting on the end sides. The cover body comprises a tear tab that is arranged on one of the end sides of the plurality of stuffing envelopes. This allows the cover body to be torn open and the cover body to be pulled off the plurality of stuffing envelopes.
US08813951B2	Apparatus and methods for transporting molds In a transport device for transporting containers, the transport device includes at least one transport unit movable along a curved track for transporting at least one container in response to a drive unit, the transport unit having a transport component mobile on the track and a receiver device for holding at least one container wherein the receiver device is constructed and arranged to be aligned in response and in relation to at least one movement force imparted upon the receiver device or the container as a result of movement of the transport unit.
US08813945B2	Apparatus and method for treating containers with rotation of the containers An apparatus for treating containers, including a first treatment unit which treats the containers in a first predefined manner, a transport device which transports the containers away from the first treatment unit, and a second treatment unit which is arranged downstream of the first treatment unit in the transport direction of the containers and which treats the containers in a second predefined manner, wherein the transport device has a first transport unit for transporting the containers and this first transport unit has a guide device which makes contact with the containers and relative to which the containers are moved. The transport device has a second transport unit which is arranged downstream of the first transport unit in the transport direction of the containers and which rotates the containers through a predefined angle relative to the container longitudinal axis during transport of the containers.
US08813943B2	Positive displacement sorter A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of interconnected parallel slats defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. The web has upper and lower runs and transition sections between the upper and lower runs. An upper surface of the upper run of the web defining an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travels along at least one of the slats in order to laterally divert articles on the conveying surface. Each of the shoes has a diverting member extending below the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails below the conveying surface is capable of engaging the diverting member to cause the associated shoe to travel laterally to divert an article. A plurality of diverters selectively diverts at least one of the diverting members from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along the sorter to one of the diverting rails in a diverting state. A propulsion system propels the web. The propulsion system includes at least one drive assembly engaging a lower surface of the upper run or an upper surface of the lower run.
US08813942B2	Slide glass storage device, conveying device and microscope system A slide glass storage device including: a supply tray which has a supply holding space determined by a longer edge upper limit allowed for a longer edge of a slide glass and a shorter edge upper limit allowed for a shorter edge of the slide glass and on which a slide glass to be supplied to a treatment unit operable to perform a predetermined treatment is mounted; a discharge tray which has a discharge holding space determined by a longer edge longer than the longer edge upper limit and a shorter edge longer than the shorter edge upper limit and on which a slide glass having been subjected to the treatment in the treatment unit and being to be discharged is mounted; and a support unit supporting the supply tray and the discharge tray.
US08813939B2	Pre-collection device for a payment terminal A pre-collection device (4) for pre-collecting coins, intended for a payment terminal (1), the pre-collection device (4) including a frame (6), a bucket (8) having an inlet opening (14) for inserting coins into the bucket (8) and an outlet opening (26) for removing coins stored in the bucket (8). The pre-collection device (4) further includes at least one cutting blade (36) that is movable relative to the frame (6) between an idle position and an active position and that is at least partially movable across the inlet opening (14) between the idle position and the active position, and a mechanism for moving the movable cutting blade (36), capable of moving the movable cutting blade (36) from its idle position to its active position so as to cut the object engaged in the inlet opening (14) of the bucket (8).
US08813931B2	Free-wheel cage ring with centrifugal-force lifting A free-wheel cage ring, having two annular flanged disks that extend radially and are connected to each other to form an axial intermediate space and have clamping bodies therebetween pivotally arranged in the cage ring and are biased for coupling by a spring, the clamping bodies perform, due to centrifugal force, a pivoting motion for decoupling against the spring force, and at least two guide surfaces are allocated to each clamping body in its axial extent, that engage opposite end peripheral regions of the clamping body, guide them at least in the peripheral direction, and have a break through which the clamping bodies extend to a radially inner clamping surface. The axial length of the clamping body radially inner clamping surface is equal to the total length of the clamping body. The guide surfaces are each formed integrally by recesses on opposite end faces of the flanged disks.
US08813930B2	One-way clutch A one-way clutch includes multiple rollers, a first collar and a second collar that are concentric and rotate relatively to each other, and a circular holding frame. The first collar has multiple cavities each having an inclined bottom surface. The circular holding frame has multiple slots corresponding to the rollers and exposing the cavities. The second collar is rotated to drive the circular holding frame rotating through friction force so that each roller is pushed to contact a higher portion of the inclined bottom surface and also the second collar drives the first collar rotating via pushing of the rollers. When rotational speed of the first collar is greater than that of the second collar, each roller enters a lower portion of the inclined bottom surface and separates from the second collar without transmitting torsional force between the second collar and first collar.
US08813928B2	Alternator isolating decoupler An alternator isolating decoupler comprising an alternator shaft, a one-way clutch engaged with the alternator shaft, a first wrap spring releasably engaged with the one-way clutch, a second wrap spring releasably engaged with the one-way clutch, the second wrap spring arranged in parallel with the first wrap spring, the first wrap spring and the second wrap spring in nested relation, the first wrap spring and the second wrap spring each having an end releasably engagable with an end cap, the end cap fixedly connected to an outer housing, the first wrap spring and the second wrap spring each engaged in series with a torsion spring, the torsion spring engaged with the outer housing, and the outer housing engaged with an alternator rotor.
US08813926B2	Impact-absorbing structure and method for producing the same An object is to provide an impact-absorbing structure superior in impact-absorbing capacity. An impact-absorbing structure includes a pair of flat, plate-like face plates arranged to oppose each other with a predetermined distance therebetween; a core member arranged between the face plates and fixed to the face plates; and a composite-material tube arranged between the face plates, at the core member side, the impact-absorbing member extending in one direction and fracturing progressively due to an impact compression force acting in the one direction. The composite-material tube is fixed to the face plates at one portion constituting a bonded region and is allowed to move relative to the face plates at a remaining portion constituting a non-bonded region.
US08813924B2	Manufacturing method for upper support and upper support When manufacturing an upper support which includes a cup piece as an inner piece, an outer piece, and a rubber elastic body integrally vulcanize adhered thereto, the shape of a tubular portion of a cup piece before integral vulcanized adhesion with the rubber elastic body is a shape having a large diameter portion at a top portion continuous with a flanged portion, a small diameter portion at a bottom portion, and a stepped portion therebetween. Following integral vulcanized adhesion with the rubber elastic body, only the small diameter portion is diameter widened by press-fitting a diameter widening jig to impart pre-compression to the rubber elastic body. No roll-back deformation of a flanged portion occurs when integrally vulcanize adhering the cup piece to the rubber elastic body, and also when imparting pre-compression to the rubber elastic body by diameter widening a tubular portion of the cup piece.
US08813920B2	Bicycle brake arm A bicycle brake arm basically has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch includes a cable attachment structure. The second branch extends from the first branch. The second branch includes a brake shoe attachment structure. At least one of the first and second branches includes an interior cavity. The at least one of the first and second branches has a transverse cross-section in which the interior cavity is completely and continuously surrounded by an exterior surface of the bicycle brake arm.
US08813914B2	Centrifugal clutch and gearless abseil device A centrifugal clutch having a rotor and a clutch component, with at least one centrifugal weight movable in the radial direction relative to the rotor. When the rotational speed of the rotor is below a predefined value, the centrifugal weight is arranged in a first position and at a distance from the clutch component so that the rotor can freely rotate relative to the clutch component and, when the rotational speed of the rotor is above the predefined value, the centrifugal weight executes a radial movement relative to the rotor under a centripetal force into a second position so that the centrifugal weight bears against a clutch wall of the clutch component and establishes a mechanical force fit between the rotor and the clutch component.
US08813906B2	Speaker damper and manufacturing method of the same A damper speaker includes a fiber cloth woven by fibers, each of the fibers is formed by a single fiber strand or several fiber strands. The fiber strand includes a first fiber, which is one or a combination of cotton, polyester and aramid fiber. When the first fiber is the combination of cotton, polyester and aramid fiber, the weight ratio of any one to the fiber cloth is 0˜100%, and the weight ratio of the other two is adjusted. When the weight ratio of the first fiber to the fiber cloth is less than 100%, the fiber cloth includes a second fiber, which is one or a combination of rayon, silk, flax, acrylic, rubber and synthetic fiber. The speaker damper includes a layer of resin, which is absorbed by and combined with the fiber cloth. The fiber cloth is then cut into a predetermined shape through a molding means.
US08813903B2	Electric power steering system Assist force that assists an operation of a steering system of a vehicle is applied to a rack shaft by transmitting driving force of a motor to the rack shaft via a motor shaft and a ball screw nut. A step is formed on the outer periphery of the ball screw nut. An end portion of a third housing is arranged to face a bearing such that the distance that the ball screw nut is able to move relative to the motor shaft in axial direction and the relative movable length is longer than a predetermined length.
US08813902B2	Hydraulic power steering system When an ECU is powered on, an overall control unit determines whether a temperature detected by a temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature. When it is determined that the detected temperature is lower than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the overall control unit provides a second operation start command for operating a valve driving motor control unit in a rotation direction alternately switching mode, to the valve driving motor control unit. When the valve driving motor control unit receives the second operation start command from the overall control unit, the valve driving motor control unit starts operating in the rotation direction alternately switching mode.
US08813898B2	Method for stabilizing a motor vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled motor vehicle A method for stabilizing a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes determining a current pitch angle of the motor vehicle, and limiting the pitch angle to a specified boundary pitch angle by an intervention using an intervention component of the motor vehicle causing the longitudinal acceleration of the motor vehicle to be influenced.
US08813896B2	Vehicle A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.
US08813895B2	Vehicle seat including passenger's weight measurement device and connecting member A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.
US08813892B2	Braking device for a personal mobility vehicle A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.
US08813891B2	Battery module mounting structure for motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle A battery module mounting structure includes a housing structure housing a battery supplying electric power to the electric motor of a motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle and a PDU controlling the electric motor. The housing case is configured to be mountable to and dismountable from the swing arm with the electric motor and a control substrate housed in the housing case. The swing arm is formed as a cantilever type in which an arm portion disposed on the vehicle-widthwise right or left of a rear wheel supports the rear wheel. The battery shaped in a rectangular parallelepiped is housed in the housing case with a longitudinal direction thereof facing in a vehicle-width direction. The housing case is mounted from a vehicle-widthwise inside on a lateral surface of a swing arm housing at a position vehicle-body-forward of the rear wheel and vehicle-body-rearward of a through-hole, the swing arm housing supporting the arm portion.
US08813889B1	All terrain endless track vehicle An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.
US08813887B2	Battery unit mounting structure for vehicle A battery unit mounting structure for a vehicle of the present invention includes a floor panel, a side member attached to a lower surface of the floor panel, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a bracket mounted on an upper surface of the floor panel above the side member. The bracket includes an attachment portion which is attached to the side member in a three-layer structure, two vertical wall portions extending upward from respective corresponding end portions in a transverse direction of the vehicle of the attachment portion, and two support portions configured to support the battery unit, and each extending from an upper end of the corresponding one of the two vertical wall portions in a direction away from a center of the bracket.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10