最新美国发明专利第2015-03-03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
US08968732B2	Methods of treating pain using an IL-31 monoclonal antibody Use of antagonists to IL-31 are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.
US08968726B2	Lactoferrin and angiogenin compositions and uses thereof Compositions are described which contain lactoferrin and angiogenin. The described compositions are useful in treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly in promoting bone health and relief of menopausal symptoms.
US08968720B2	Heat shock protein GP96 vaccination and methods of using same The invention provides a tumor cell genetically modified to express a nucleic acid encoding a secreted form of a heat shock protein (hsp) gp96 polypeptide. The invention also provides a method of stimulating an immune response to a tumor by administering a tumor cell genetically modified to express a nucleic acid encoding a secreted form of a gp96 polypeptide.
US08968713B2	Antibacterial hair removal composition An antibacterial, non-aqueous liquid hair removing composition. The composition includes a solubilizing oil effective for solubilizing the ingredients, e.g., mineral oil, and an effective antibacterial amount of an antibacterial agent, e.g., triclosan and/or benzethonium chloride. The composition further includes botanical oils and rosins, e.g., soybean oil, gum rosin, rosin esters and titanium dioxide. The composition may also include fragrances and additional bacteriocides, e.g., phenoxyethanol. The hair removal composition is applied to a person's skin, and after a sufficient amount time, removed from the person's skin with the hair entrapped therein.
US08968709B2	Therapeutic dental composition and related methods Dental compositions are provided comprising a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein n is an integer from about 2 to about 5.
US08968708B2	Compounds comprising linked heteroaryl moieties and their use as novel umami flavor modifiers, tastants and taste enhancers for comestible compositions The inventions disclosed herein relate to the discovery of the use of compounds having the formula shown below and certain subgenera or species thereof, as flavor or taste modifiers, particularly, savory (“umami”) taste modifiers, savory flavoring agents and savory flavor enhancers in foods, beverages, and other comestible compositions.
US08968703B2	13C-MR detection using hyperpolarised 13C-fructose The invention relates to a method of 13C-MR detection using an imaging medium comprising hyperpolarised 13C-fructose and to an imaging medium containing hyperpolarised 13C-fructose for use in said method.
US08968702B2	Inhibition of HIF-1 activation for anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory responses The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the expression and/or activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) genes in a hypoxic cell. More particularly, the methods disclosed herein relate to inhibition of HIF-1 activation in a cell, increasing sensitivity of a tumor cell to radiation and/or chemotherapy, delaying tumor growth, inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth, inhibiting inflammatory responses in a cell through the use of compositions that prevent the nitrosylation of HIF-1, and methods for screening for new inhibitors of HIF-1 activiation. Additionally, the compositions disclosed herein relate to compositions that can be employed in, and are identified by, the disclosed methods.
US08968698B2	Processes for recovering metals from aqueous solutions Provided herein are processes for recovering molybdenum and/or other value metals (e.g., uranium) present in aqueous solutions from a large range of concentrations: from ppm to grams per liter via a solvent extraction process by extracting the molybdenum and/or other value metal from the aqueous solution by contacting it with an organic phase solution containing a phosphinic acid, stripping the molybdenum and/or other value metal from the organic phase solution by contacting it with an aqueous phase strip solution containing an inorganic compound and having a ≦1.0 M concentration of free ammonia, and recovering the molybdenum and/or other value metal by separating it from the aqueous phase strip solution. When the molybdenum and/or other value metal are present only in low concentration, the processes can include an organic phase recycle step and/or an aqueous phase strip recycle step in order to concentrate the metal prior to recover.
US08968695B2	Method of producing nano-size graphene-based material and an equipment for producing the same The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material and an equipment for producing the same. The present invention provides a method of producing graphitic oxide by forcing graphite sulfuric slurry and KMnO4 sulfuric solution into a lengthy micro-channel and by sustaining the mixture of the said graphite sulfuric slurry and the said KMnO4 sulfuric solution in the said micro-channel at predetermined temperatures, by putting the said aqua solution of hydrogen peroxide to the reaction mixture to terminate oxidation, and by washing and drying the reaction mixture. The present invention provides a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material by exfoliating graphitic oxide by thermal shock in a vertical fluidized furnace. According to the present invention, graphitic oxide can be produced massively without risks of explosion by forcing all reagents as liquid phase continuously into a lengthy micro-channel surrounded and thermally controlled strictly by heat exchangers. Nano-size graphene-based material derived by exfoliating thus produced graphitic oxide can be imported into compositions and composites for various uses since it has physical characteristics comparable to carbon nanotube and dispersibility superior to carbon nanotube via residual functional groups.
US08968694B2	Method for preparing high purity ammonia A method for preparing high purity ammonia is provided, which comprises the following three steps of: (1) obtaining the required feed gases (i.e., hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture) by catalytic cracking ammonia; (2) purifying the hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture; and (3) synthesizing high purity ammonia by using the hydrogen- nitrogen gas mixture with high purity. In the provided method, the obtained ammonia with undesired purity is fed back to an ammonia catalytic cracking unit. The whole production system is a closed system without any discharging of ammonia and thus is environment friendly. Each step of the method can reduce cost.
US08968691B2	Treatment method and treatment facilities of exhaust gas An object of the present invention is to provide a treatment method and a plant of an exhaust gas in which corrosion resistance of the exhaust gas treatment plant to a sulfuric acid mist after wet type desulfurization is increased. The treatment method of an exhaust gas in the present invention, wherein sulfur oxide is removed by wet type desulfurization of the exhaust gas and a sulfuric acid mist is removed by feeding ammonia into the exhaust gas, is characterized in that an ammonia gas is mixed into the exhaust gas by feeding inorganic ammonium salt to an alkali desulfurizing agent when the desulfurizing agent is sprayed into the exhaust gas to absorb and remove the sulfur oxide in the exhaust gas.
US08968690B2	Three-way catalyst having an upstream single-layer catalyst Disclosed herein is a layered three-way catalytic system being separated in a front and a rear portion having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. Provided is a catalyst composite comprising a single front catalytic layer and two rear catalytic layers in conjunction with a substrate, where the single font layer and the rear bottom layer comprise a Pd component, the rear top layer comprises a Rh component, and the rear bottom layer is substantially free of an oxygen storage component (OSC).
US08968688B2	Recovery of rare earth elements and compounds from coal ash Rare earth elements are recovered from coal ash. The coal ash with rare earth elements can be treated with a mineral acid to form an aqueous mineral acid solution. The aqueous mineral acid solution can be extracted to form an organic solution that includes the rare earth salts. The organic solution can be mixed with water to form an aqueous solution that includes the rare earth salts. The rare earth elements are separated from the aqueous solution.
US08968682B2	Aspiration-free well plate apparatus and methods A well plate includes a including a top portion, a bottom portion and a membrane disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion defines a sample well in fluid communication with an opening defined by the membrane and in fluid communication with a reservoir defined by the bottom portion. The well plate is configured to be used in a centrifugation process of a test sample including a sample material and a wash liquid. The test sample configured to be received within the sample well and the reservoir. The membrane configured to filter the wash liquid from the test sample during the centrifugation process such that the wash liquid can pass from the reservoir, through the membrane and can be captured within a collection chamber while the sample material remains within the reservoir.
US08968681B2	Filtered assay device and method A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.
US08968680B2	Cleaning device and automatic analyzer A cleaning device that cleans a liquid storage part of a vessel for storing liquid. The cleaning device includes: a cleaning liquid discharge nozzle that discharges cleaning liquid to the liquid storage part; a first overflow suction nozzle of which tip is positioned above the tip of the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle, that sucks the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the liquid storage part; a second overflow suction nozzle of which tip is positioned above the tip of the first overflow suction nozzle, that sucks the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the liquid storage part; and a clog detecting unit that detects clog in one of the first and second overflow suction nozzles.
US08968677B2	Frazil ice conjugate assay device and method An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.
US08968673B2	Method for functionalising fluid lines contained in a micromechanical device, micromechanical device including functionalised lines, and method for manufacturing same The present invention relates to a method for functionalizing fluid lines (1b) in a micromechanical device, the walls of which include an opaque layer. For this purpose, the invention provides a method for functionalizing a micromechanical device provided with a fluid line including a peripheral wall (5) having a surface (2) outside the line and an inner surface (3) defining a space (1b) in which a fluid can circulate, the peripheral wall at least partially including a silicon layer (5a). The method includes the following steps: a) providing a device, the peripheral wall (5) of which at least partially includes a silicon layer (5a) having, at least locally, a thickness (e) of more than 100 nm and less than 200 nm, advantageously of 160 to 180 nm; c) silanizing at least the inner surface of the fluid line; d) the localized, selective photo-deprotection on at least the inner surface of the silanized device by exposing the peripheral wall (5) at the point at which said wall has a thickness (e) of more than 100 nm and less than 200 nm, advantageously of 160 to 180 nm.
US08968671B2	Mixing in oxidation to phthalic anhydride A system for mixing ortho-xylene with an oxygen-containing gas such as air comprises an evaporator vessel fed with the gas and having a lance projecting into the gas. The lance is provided with a metal spray nozzle for injecting droplets of hot liquid ortho-xylene into the gas stream, concurrently with the direction of flow of the gas. The metal at the surface of the spray nozzle, that in use is in contact with the liquid ortho-xylene, has a high surface hardness to resist erosion, particularly by cavitation. The system is useful in the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, whereby the risk for deflagrations is reduced. A soft metal seal is the preferred gasket between the spray nozzle and the lance.
US08968669B2	Multi-stage system for producing a material of a battery cell A system and method thereof are provided for multi-stage processing of one or more precursor compounds into a battery material. The system includes a mist generator, a drying chamber, one or more gas-solid separators, and one or more in-line reaction modules comprised of one or more gas-solid feeders, one or more gas-solid separators, and one or more reactors. Various gas-solid mixtures are formed within the internal plenums of the drying chamber, the gas-solid feeders, and the reactors. In addition, heated air or gas is served as the energy source within the processing system and as the gas source for forming the gas-solid mixtures to facilitate reaction rate and uniformity of the reactions therein. Precursor compounds are continuously delivered into the processing system and processed in-line through the internal plenums of the drying chamber and the reaction modules into final reaction particles useful as a battery material.
US08968665B2	Candles capable of diffusing a plurality of active volatile substances simultaneously The present invention relates to candles capable of diffusing a plurality of volatile active substances simultaneously, a base portion, at least one wick and a plurality of cartridges carrying the volatile active substances to be diffused, the base portion being provided with a plurality of holes adapted to receive the cartridges. The invention further relates to a method for diffusing a plurality of active substances simultaneously comprising manufacturing and burning such candle.
US08968661B2	Sample analyzer and computer program product A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.
US08968658B2	Luminescence measurement utilizing cartridge with integrated detector A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with a cartridge support of the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed. The cartridge support includes a plurality of cartridge positions that receive cartridges concurrently. One of the cartridges may be a luminescence cartridge that includes an integrated detector that is movable toward and away from a sample carrier of the apparatus, and thus toward and away from a sample located at the sample carrier.
US08968654B2	Fluid delivery system and lift for use in conjunction therewith A fluid delivery system includes a laboratory instrument that operates using fluid retained in one or more containers. The containers are supported on a motor-driven lift that is configured to transport the containers between a lowered position suitable for handling and an elevated position suitable for the delivery of fluid to the instrument by gravity. The lift includes a bench-mountable base, a tubular column extending upward from the base, an elongated lead screw extending longitudinally through the column, a drive mechanism for rotatably driving the lead screw, a carriage slidably mounted over the tubular column and mechanically coupled to the lead screw, a platform removably coupled to the carriage for supporting the containers, and a control system for regulating operation of the drive mechanism. During operation, a slot provided in the column restricts travel of the platform along a predefined path that is linear in part and helical in part.
US08968653B2	Sample analyzer A sample analyzer comprising: a sample preparing section for preparing first and second measurement sample including reagent and sample; a first detector for detecting a predetermined component in the first measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; a second detector for detecting the predetermined component in the second measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; and a controller configured for performing operations, comprising: (a) controlling the first detector to detect the predetermined component in the first measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; (b) determining the reliability of the result detected by the first detector; (c) controlling the sample preparing section to prepare the second measurement sample from the same sample when the result has been determined to be unreliable; and (d) controlling the second detector to detect the predetermined component in the second measurement sample, is disclosed.
US08968651B2	Sterilization method By focusing on the fact that nitrogen dioxide exhibits an increased sterilizing effect among other sterilant gases including nitrogen oxide, the present invention is made to provide a sterilization method which may be suitably used for sterilizing items to be sterilized such as medical instruments which require increased reliability by using a high concentration NO2 gas of 5,000 ppm or above, for example. An inside of a sterilizing chamber containing an item to be sterilized is humidified, and a concentration of NO2 in the sterilizing chamber is made to be from 9 to 100 mg/L by filling a high concentration NO2 gas.
US08968648B2	Method for radiation sterilization of hydrophilic polymer-coated medical device A radiation sterilization method of a disposable medical device and a manufacturing method are provided, which method comprising the steps of packaging a disposable medical device, which has applied thereto with hydrophilic polymer coating, with a gas permeable packaging material, controlling a product moisture content of the thus packaged medical device by maintaining the device in a given humidity atmosphere for not less than a time at which an equilibrated moisture content is reached, and subjecting, to radiation sterilization, the medical device whose product moisture content has been controlled, so that an eluted matter is reduced in amount and a sliding performance is ensured according to the radiation sterilization method of the hydrophilic polymer-coated, disposable medical device and the manufacturing method.
US08968647B2	Fragrance delivery system A multi-layer article is provided containing a sorbent layer having a first side and a second side; a vapor permeable or microporous layer adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the first side and second side of the sorbent layer; optionally, a second vapor permeable or microporous layer on a side of the vapor permeable or microporous layer not adjacent to the sorbent layer; optionally, a vapor impermeable layer adjacent to a portion of the sorbent layer not adjacent to the vapor permeable or microporous layer; and an active composition having at least one volatile component; wherein the sorbent layer contains the active composition, and each layer is capable of being formed into a required shape or structure; and a method for its use in treating the atmosphere of an environment such as a compartment or localized space.
US08968646B2	Synergistic methods for odor control An odor control composition may be dosed to a wastewater treatment system to control hydrogen sulfide levels. The composition may include a sulfide-reducing agent and an oxidizer. Synergy between the compounds of the odor control composition may facilitate efficient reduction of hydrogen sulfide levels. The sulfide-reducing agent and the oxidizer may be present in a single odor control composition or may be dosed to the system separately.
US08968641B2	Porous metallic materials and method of production thereof The present invention relates to a process for producing porous metallic materials comprising the steps of: (a) miming metallic particles with a carbonate additive and a binder, wherein the quantity of carbonate additive in the mixture is in the range of 40 to 90 vol % and compressing the mixture beyond the yield strength of the metallic particles; (b) heating the mixture to a first temperature sufficient to evaporate the binder; (c) heating and maintaining the temperature of the mixture to a second temperature sufficient to sinter the metallic particles but insufficient to decompose or melt the carbonate additive; (d) removing the carbonate additive from the sintered porous metallic material; and optionally (e) heating and maintaining the temperature of the porous metallic material to a third temperature greater than the second temperature so as to enhance the sintering. The present invention also relates to metallic materials produced by such a process.
US08968639B2	Composition for extrusion-molded bodies A composition for extrusion-molded bodies which comprises a) an inorganic material that sets as a result of baking or sintering, and b) a methylhydroxypropyl cellulose having a DS(methyl) of from 0.8 to 2.5 and an MS(hydroxypropyl) of from 0.50 to 1.20 is useful for producing extrusion-molded bodies for use as a carrier for a catalyst, a catalyst, a heat exchanger, or a filter.
US08968637B2	Method and system for fabricating dome shaped LTCC substrates A system for the fabrication of dome shaped low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrates comprises a plurality of prefired substrates, a first mandrel, and a second mandrel. The prefired substrates may form a stack and each may include a circular central portion and a plurality of segments uniformly distributed along the circumference of the central portion. Each segment may include a first edge, an opposing second edge, and an end edge. The first and second edges each may have an inner end and an opposing outer end. The end edge may be coupled to the outer end of the first and second edges. The first mandrel may have a first circumference and may be configured to receive the prefired substrates while the stack is formed. The second mandrel may have a second circumference smaller than the first circumference and may be configured to retain the stack during a firing process.
US08968632B2	Label film for blow-moulding method The invention relates to a biaxial oriented film with a microporous layer, comprising a propylene polymer and at least one β-nucleating agent the microporosity of which is generated by conversion of β-crystalline polypropylene on drawing the film and the use thereof for the labelling of containers in blow molding. The Gurley value for the film is 10,000 to 300,000 Gurley.
US08968631B2	Process for making an embossed web A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.
US08968629B2	Apparatus and method for producing two-sided patterned web in registration An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.
US08968626B2	Electrospinning process for manufacture of multi-layered structures Devices and methods for high-throughput manufacture of concentrically layered nanoscale and microscale fibers by electrospinning are disclosed. The devices include a hollow tube having a lengthwise slit through which a core material can flow, and can be configured to permit introduction of sheath material at multiple sites of Taylor cone formation.
US08968623B2	Process and apparatus for demolding and palletizing cast concrete blocks A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.
US08968622B2	Device and method for ejecting at least one capsule A device and a method for ejecting at least one capsule are proposed, comprising at least two ejecting mechanisms for ejecting at least one capsule from a holder receiving the capsules. A drive control mechanism is provided in order to move the ejecting mechanisms independently of one another in the ejecting direction, depending on whether the capsule assigned to the ejecting mechanism is detected as defective.
US08968614B2	Method of making high-elongation apertured nonwoven web An extensible apertured nonwoven web, and a method for making such an apertured nonwoven web. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing an apertured nonwoven web, incrementally stretching it in a direction substantially parallel to the cross machine direction, and applying tension in the machine direction such that the web width after applying tension is less than the web width after incremental stretching. In another embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing a nonwoven web; weakening the nonwoven web at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations; applying a first tensioning force to the nonwoven web to cause the nonwoven web to rupture at the plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations creating a plurality of apertures in the nonwoven web coincident with the weakened, melt-stabilized locations, incrementally stretching the nonwoven web in a direction substantially parallel to the cross machine direction, and applying tension in the machine direction such that the web width after applying machine direction tension is less than the web width after incremental stretching. An apparatus for producing a web of the present invention by this method is also disclosed. The extensible apertured nonwoven web produced has a plurality of apertures each having a hole size greater than 2 mm2, and a hole aspect ratio less than 6, the nonwoven web having an open area greater than 15% and being capable of at least 70% extension in the cross machine direction at a loading of 10 g/cm.
US08968612B2	Manufacturing device and manufacturing method for absorbent An absorbent manufacturing device forms an absorbent by depositing a liquid absorbent fiber and a super absorbent polymer in a deposition part. The absorbent manufacturing device includes: a plurality of suction holes that are provided in the deposition part, wherein the liquid absorbent fiber and the super absorbent polymer flowing inside a scattering duct are deposited in the deposition part by suction; a suction duct that is provided in communication with the suction holes and draws air so that the suction holes perform suction; and a separator that separates a super absorbent polymer of size equal to or larger than a certain size from a flow of air flowing in the suction duct and returns the separated super absorbent polymer to the scattering duct.
US08968609B2	Dielectric materials for power transfer system A contactless power transfer system is proposed. The power transfer system comprises a field-focusing element comprising a dielectric material. The dielectric material comprises a composition that is selected from the family of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 or CaCu3Ti4O12. The compositions of the (Ba,Sr)TiO3 include the materials such as Ca1-x-yBaxSryTi1-zCrzO3-δNp, wherein 0
US08968608B2	Method for producing conductive material, conductive material obtained by the method, electronic device containing the conductive material, light-emitting device, and method for producing light-emitting device An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a conductive material that allows a low electric resistance to be generated, and that is obtained by using an inexpensive and stable conductive material composition containing no adhesive. The conductive material can be provided by a producing method that includes the step of sintering a first conductive material composition that contains silver particles having an average particle diameter (median diameter) of 0.1 μm to 15 μm, and a metal oxide, so as to obtain a conductive material. The conductive material can be provided also by a method that includes the step of sintering a second conductive material composition that contains silver particles having an average particle diameter (median diameter) of 0.1 μm to 15 μm in an atmosphere of oxygen or ozone, or ambient atmosphere, at a temperature in a range of 150° C. to 320° C., so as to obtain a conductive material.
US08968606B2	Components having voltage switchable dielectric materials Various aspects provide for structures and devices to protect against spurious electrical events (e.g., electrostatic discharge). Some embodiments incorporate a voltage switchable dielectric material (VSDM) bridging a gap between two conductive pads. Normally insulating, the VSDM may conduct current from one pad to the other during a spurious electrical event (e.g., shunting current to ground). Some aspects include gaps having a gap width that is greater than 50% of a spacing between electrical leads connected to the pads. Some devices include single layers of VSDM. Some devices include multiple layers of VSDM. Various devices may be designed to increase a ratio of active volume (of VSDM) to inactive volume.
US08968604B2	Single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion liquid and method for producing single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion liquid Disclosed is a single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion liquid containing a single-walled carbon nanotube, a fullerene and a solvent.
US08968603B2	Dielectric materials A dielectric material is provided. The material includes Ca1-x-yBaxSryTi1 -zCrzO3-δAp, wherein A is nitrogen, fluorine, or combinations thereof; x and y can vary between the value of zero and one such that 0
US08968588B2	Low electron temperature microwave surface-wave plasma (SWP) processing method and apparatus A surface wave plasma (SWP) source couples pulsed microwave (MW) energy into a processing chamber through, for example, a radial line slot antenna, to result in a low mean electron energy (Te). To prevent impingement of the microwave energy onto the surface of a substrate when plasma density is low between pulses, an ICP source, such as a helical inductive source, a planar RF coil, or other inductively coupled source, is provided between the SWP source and the substrate to produce plasma that is opaque to microwave energy. The ICP source can also be pulsed in synchronism with the pulsing of the MW plasma in phase with the ramping up of the MW pulses. The ICP also adds an edge dense distribution of plasma to a generally chamber centric MW plasma to improve plasma uniformity.
US08968582B2	Device for electrical characterization of molecules using CNT-nanoparticle-molecule-nanoparticle-CNT structure A method of forming an electrode is disclosed. A carbon nanotube is deposited on a substrate. A section of the carbon nanotube is removed to form at least one exposed end defining a first gap. A metal is deposited at the at least one exposed end to form the electrode that defines a second gap.
US08968581B2	Square ink filter vessel for a printing press A square ink filter vessel for a printing press, like a rotogravure printing press, a flexographic printing press, or other like printing presses, includes a container having a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section with an open top, an outlet port on one side approximate the bottom of the container, a sloped bottom, where the sloped bottom being toward the outlet port, an inlet port on one side approximate the top of the container, and an internal ledge. A lid is adapted to close the open top of the container. A hinge couples the lid to the container, where the lid is hinged to the container on one side. A lid compression device is adapted to compress the lid to the container. A containment basket is adapted to fit inside the container, and has a plurality of holes on all sides and a lip adapted to rest on the internal ledge of the container.
US08968580B2	Apparatus and method for regulating flow through a pumpbox A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.
US08968578B1	Water treatment system and method A method of treating water may comprise receiving water through an intake of a water treatment system, treating the water to neutralize contaminants, structuring the water by passing the water flow through a water structuring assembly and a plurality of structuring objects, injecting at least one biological component into the water passing through the water treatment system, and passing the water through an outlet of the water treatment system. A water treatment system may comprise a pump configured to move water between an intake and an outlet, a water pretreatment assembly configured to remove particles from the water, a water treatment assembly configured to neutralize contaminants in the water, a water structuring assembly having an entry and an exit and configured to passing the water flow about a plurality of structuring objects, and an injection apparatus configured to inject at least one biological component into the water.
US08968576B2	Nebulizing treatment method A method of treating contaminated air, gas and surfaces is accomplished through the nebulization of gas and/or liquid oxidants through a field of electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves. The contaminated gas and/or liquid streams are blended with gaseous and/or liquid oxidants by the nebulizer and directly injected in the energy field. Free radicals produced from oxidants in the presence of the energy field instantaneously oxidize a large effective surface area of the contaminated media. Surfaces are treated more efficiently with the energy field situated directly above and parallel to but not on the surface; a high-frequency energy field may be used to create a large concentration of free radicals without damaging the surface in a collimated beam of the field situated parallel to the surface. A catalyst may be employed at the tip (i.e. discharge orifices of gas and/or liquid) of the nebulizer or blended into the nebulized cloud to increase the formation of free radicals. The method may also be used to carry out a reduction instead of an oxidation reaction.
US08968574B2	Method and device for the wet oxidation treatment of liquid waste laden with mineral matter A method and device for the wet oxidation treatment of liquid waste laden with mineral matter in suspension. The device comprises a reactor including a treatment column, first and second heat exchangers placed upstream and downstream, respectively, of the reactor. The solution to be treated, laden with mineral matter to which an oxidizing gas has been added, is injected into the reactor for treatment after being preheated in the first heat exchanger. When the solution exits the reactor, the hot treated mixture is divided into two hot stream fragments. The first hot treated mixture stream fragment, the flow rate of which is kept constant by a diaphragm column, is used for controlling the temperature of the first heat exchanger and then discharged after being used in the first heat exchanger. The second hot treated mixture stream fragment is directly cooled and discharged when the second hot treated mixture stream fragment leaves the reactor.
US08968572B2	Method and apparatus for the purification of water contaminated with sulfate ions and with heavy metal ions In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.
US08968568B2	Water filtration system A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.
US08968566B2	Separator assembly A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least two permeate exhaust conduits and not comprising a concentrate exhaust conduit. Each permeate exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the permeate exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said permeate exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least two permeate carrier layers, and at least two membrane layers. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.
US08968565B2	No filter no run fluid filtration system Improvements to “no filter, no run” fluid filtration systems are described. In one example, a filter includes a movable pin cage that has a first pre-installation position adjacent the bottom end plate and is temporarily connected thereto by a snap connection system, and a second position adjacent the upper end plate where it performs a valve interaction function. In another example, a filter includes non-centered valve pins that are rotatable relative to an upper end plate of the filter.
US08968550B2	Apparatus and method for cleaning chlorobenzenes-contaminated soil and groundwater Apparatus and method for cleaning chlorobenzenes-contaminated soil and groundwater are provided related to environment protection. The apparatus includes a direct current power supply, permeable reactive barrier (PRB) reaction walls and electrodes, wherein the electrodes are arranged in a polluted area according the concentric circles, and are installed into electrode chambers; the PRB reaction walls are installed at ½ between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and at ¼ from the anode electrode. Chlorobenzenes in the soil and groundwater can be gathered in the PRB reaction walls through the arrangement of the electrode area; and then the chlorobenzenes can be further removed by oxidation-reduction reactions in the PRB reaction walls.
US08968549B2	Two stage cathodic protection system using impressed current and galvanic action Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.
US08968547B2	Method for corium and used nuclear fuel stabilization processing A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.
US08968545B2	Apparatus and method for molecular separation, purification, and sensing Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.
US08968544B2	Apparatus and method for removal of ions An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus having a housing including an inlet to let water in an interior of the housing, an outlet to let water out of the interior of the housing, a first electrode having a current collector, a second electrode, and a spacer to separate the first and second electrodes and to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a connector to connect the first electrode, or the second electrode, or both first and second electrodes, with an electrical source. The connector may have two connector parts to clamp the current collector in between the connector parts, the connector constructed and arranged to avoid water-metal contact.
US08968541B2	Rapid electrophoresis binding method and related kits and compositions An improved staining method is described for staining a biopolymer such as a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, an oligosaccharide or a complex containing a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, or an oligosaccharide in a matrix. The method includes the step of moving a staining reagent into the matrix using an electric force. The staining time can be dramatically reduced relative to conventional technologies. The improved staining method can particularly be used, for example, to stain proteins after gel separation. Other related methods and related kits are also described.
US08968540B2	Trans-base tunnel reader for sequencing A device for reading the sequence of a polymer, consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode being functionalized with a reader molecule strongly bonded to the electrodes, but forming weak bonds with a molecule to be sequenced. In particular, the reader molecule is designed to form bonds with at least two points on the target molecule such that the target molecule is trapped between a first reader molecule on one electrode and a second reader molecule on the second electrode, with the overall size of the molecular complex being small enough to permit significant electric current to flow.
US08968538B2	Sputtering device and sputtering method A magnetic film having excellent uniformity in in-plane distribution of film thickness or sheet resistance is formed when the film is formed by forming a magnetic field on a processing surface of a substrate (21) and performing oblique incidence sputtering by using high discharge power.A sputtering apparatus (1) is provided with a substrate holder (22) for holding rotatably the substrate (21) in the surface direction of the processing surface of the substrate; a substrate magnetic field forming device (30) which is disposed to surround the substrate (21) and forms a magnetic field on the processing surface of the substrate (21); cathodes (41) which are arranged diagonally above the substrate (21) and are supplied with electric discharge power; a position detecting device (23) for detecting a rotation position of the substrate (21); and a control device (50) which adjusts the rotation speed of the substrate (21) in accordance with the rotation position detected by the position detecting device (23).
US08968535B2	Ion beam source This invention relates an ion beam source (10) for use with a non-electrical conducting target (14) including a grid (13) for extracting ions and a power supply for supplying pass power to the grid (13) to extract the ions.
US08968530B2	Electrolytic treatment method and electrolytic treatment device An electrolytic treatment method and electrolytic treatment device are provided for electrolytic treatment of an aluminum web W by applying an alternating current to an upstream electrode and a downstream electrode disposed along a conveying direction a. At least one of a conveying velocity v of the aluminum web W, a frequency f of alternating current applied at the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode, and/or a web conveying direction separation distance d2 between the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode are set such that the alternating current and voltage waveform applied to the aluminum web W at the far end of the upstream electrode and the alternating current and voltage waveform applied to the aluminum web W at the near end of the downstream electrode do not reinforce each other.
US08968527B2	Micro-fluid ejection devices, methods for making micro-fluid ejection heads, and micro-fluid ejection head having high resistance thin film heaters Micro-fluid ejection devices, methods for making micro-fluid ejection heads, and micro-fluid ejection heads, including a micro-fluid ejection head. One such micro-fluid ejection head has relatively high resistance thin film heaters adjacent to a substrate. The thin film material comprises silicon, metal, and carbon (SiMC wherein M is a metal). Each thin film heater has a sheet resistance ranging from about 100 to about 600 ohms per square and a thickness ranging from about 100 to about 800 Angstroms.
US08968522B2	Recovery of butanol isomers from a mixture of butanol isomers, water, and an organic extractant A process for recovering butanol from a mixture of a water-immiscible organic extractant, water, butanol, and optionally a noncondensable gas, is provided. The butanol is selected from 1-butanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof An overhead stream from a first distillation column is decanted into two liquid phases. The wet butanol phase is returned to the first distillation column as reflux. A bottom stream from the first distillation column is refined in a second distillation column to obtain a second overhead stream and a second bottoms stream. The extractant may be C7 to C22 fatty alcohols, C7 to C22 fatty acids, esters of C7 to C22 fatty acids, C7 to C22 fatty aldehydes, and mixtures thereof.
US08968521B2	Trihalosilane refining method A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.
US08968517B2	Soft through air dried tissue A multi-layer through air dried tissue including an interior layer having an ionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant, introduced as wet end additives.
US08968512B2	Temperature adjusting mechanism and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus using temperature adjusting mechanism Provided is a temperature adjusting mechanism, which can keep deviation of a temperature of a portion in contact with the temperature adjusting mechanism to be small by controlling the temperature accurately at a high speed. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus using such temperature adjusting mechanism is also provided. A cooling jacket (6) is provided with a cooling channel (61), and a heat lane (62). The heat lane (62) is provided with a heat receiving section (63), and a heat dissipating section (64), and seals a two-phase condensable working fluid (hereinafter referred to as the working liquid) in an annular narrow tube alternately folds back and forth therebetween. The heat dissipating section (64) is a portion to be cooled by the cooling channel (61), and the heat receiving section (63) is a portion having a temperature higher than that of the heat dissipating section (64). In the heat receiving section (63), heat is received, the working liquid is self-excited by nucleate boiling, and the working liquid transfers sensible heat while being circulated. Furthermore, in the heat receiving section (63), a liquid phase absorbs heat and the phase is transformed into a vapor phase, and in the heat dissipating section (64), a vapor phase dissipates heat and is cooled and condensed, the phase is transformed into a liquid phase, and latent heat is transferred by vapor-liquid phase transformation. Heat is transferred between the heat receiving section (63) and the heat dissipating section (64), and the temperature is uniformized in a short time.
US08968510B2	Method of producing a transponder and a transponder In a method of producing a transponder, a substrate is provided. The substrate comprises a first area, a second area adjacent to the first area, and a first electric contact adjacent to the second area. An electric device is placed in or on the first area, preferably without touching the first electric contact. Subsequently, a conductive glue is applied on the second area and on the first electric contact so that the conductive glue electrically couples the first electric contact with the electric device.
US08968509B2	Methods and devices for printing seals for fuel cell stacks Various embodiments include a fuel cell stack seal application method including the step of applying a seal paste to a fuel cell, placing the fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, and thermally treating the fuel cell stack to set the seal paste into a seal. Further embodiments include applying the seal paste to an interconnect using stencil printing.
US08968506B2	Method for making touch panel This disclosure is related to a method for making a touch panel. The method includes following steps. A substrate having a surface is provided, wherein the surface defining a touch-view area and a trace area. A first mask layer is supplied to cover the trace area. An adhesive layer is applied on the touch-view area. A carbon nanotube film is placed on the adhesive layer and the first mask layer. The adhesive layer is solidified. The first mask layer and part of the carbon nanotube film on the trace area are removed to expose the trace area. An electrode and a conductive trace are formed on the trace area.
US08968505B2	Letterpress application of elastomeric compositions A process of manufacturing a stretch composite is disclosed. The process comprises providing a polyolefin based substrate, providing a letterpress adhesive application system comprising a pattern roll and an applicator roll, and depositing a molten, non-adhesive, elastomeric composition onto the applicator roll. The process further comprises transferring only a portion of the elastomeric composition that is on the applicator roll, from the applicator roll to the pattern roll, by contacting the pattern roll with the elastomeric composition that is on the applicator roll, and transferring substantially all of the elastomeric composition from the pattern roll to the substrate, by contacting the substrate with the elastomeric composition that is on the pattern roll, without damaging the substrate.
US08968504B2	Method for manufacturing laminated film and laminated film A method for manufacturing a laminated film according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a laminated film constituted by laminating a first film and a second film. The method includes a lamination step of pasting together the first film and the second film in a state where the first film is stretched to be longer than a natural length thereof in a predetermined direction.
US08968499B2	Optical sheet laminating method, optical sheet laminating device and program used therewith, and display device To provide a laminating method which achieve high accuracy and high quality in a laminating step of an optical sheet and a display panel. Contact areas between the optical sheet and the sheet holding head are read. At this time, an optical element face of the optical sheet is brought into contact with the sheet holding head, light is irradiated to the contact areas therebetween from a no-optical-element face, and positional information of the optical sheet is read based on the distribution of the reflected light thereof.
US08968498B2	Crystal-oscillator fabricating apparatus and method A method of fabricating a crystal oscillator includes applying an adhesive to an electrode pad; determining whether the applied adhesive is in an area outside of the electrode pad; removing at least part of the adhesive in the area outside of the electrode pad using a laser beam when a portion of the applied adhesive is determined to be in the area outside of the electrode pad; and disposing an electrode of a crystal resonator on the adhesive applied to the electrode pad.
US08968495B2	Methods of thermo-mechanically processing tool steel and tools made from thermo-mechanically processed tool steels A method of thermo-mechanically processing a preform composed of tool steel and a tool to modify a workpiece. The preform has a region containing austenite. The method comprises establishing the region at a process temperature between a martensitic start temperature and a stable austenitic temperature. While at the process temperature, the region is deformed to change an outer dimension and to modify the microstructure to a depth of 1 millimeter or more. The tool comprises a member composed of tool steel. The member includes a first region that extends from the outer surface to a depth of greater than 1 millimeter and a second region. The first region includes a plurality of grains having an average misorientation angle greater than about 34°, an average grain size that is at least 10% smaller than the second region, and has a different grain orientation than the second region.
US08968492B2	Lead-free free-machining brass having improved castability There is provided a brass free from lead (Pb) and possessing excellent machinability, castability, mechanical properties and other properties. A brass consisting of not less than 55% by weight and not more than 75% by weight of copper (Cu), not less than 0.3% by weight and not more than 4.0% by weight of bismuth (Bi), and y % by weight of boron (B) and x % by weight of silicon (Si), y and x satisfying the following requirements: 0≦x≦2.0, 0≦y≦0.3, and y>−0.15x+0.015ab, wherein a is 0.2 when Bi is 0.3% by weight ≦Bi<0.75% by weight; 0.85 when Bi is 0.75% by weight ≦Bi<1.5% by weight; and 1 when Bi is 1.5% by weight ≦Bi≦4.0% by weight, b is 1 when the apparent content of zinc (Zn) is not less than 37% and less than 41%; and 0.75 when the apparent content of Zn is not less than 41% and not more than 45%, the balance consisting of Zn and unavoidable impurities, is excellent in castability, as well as, for example, in machinability and mechanical properties.
US08968490B2	Ferromagnetic amorphous alloy ribbon with reduced surface protrusions, method of casting and application thereof A ferromagnetic amorphous alloy ribbon includes an alloy having a composition represented by FeaSibBcCd where 80.5≦a≦83 at. %, 0.5≦b≦6 at. %, 12≦c≦16.5 at. %, 0.01≦d≦1 at. % with a+b+c+d=100 and incidental impurities, the ribbon being cast from a molten state of the alloy with a molten alloy surface tension of greater than or equal to 1.1 N/m on a chill body surface; the ribbon having a ribbon length, a ribbon thickness, and a ribbon surface facing the chill body surface; the ribbon having ribbon surface protrusions being formed on the ribbon surface facing the chill body surface; the ribbon surface protrusions being measured in terms of a protrusion height and a number of protrusions; the protrusion height exceeding 3 μm and less than four times the ribbon thickness, and the number of protrusions being less than 10 within 1.5 m of the cast ribbon length; and the alloy ribbon in its annealed straight strip form having a saturation magnetic induction exceeding 1.60 T and exhibiting a magnetic core loss of less than 0.14 W/kg when measured at 60 Hz and at 1.3 T induction level in its annealed straight strip form. The ribbon is suitable for transformer cores, rotational machines, electrical chokes, magnetic sensors, and pulse power devices.
US08968485B2	Apparatus and methods for processing a substrate An apparatus for processing a substrate, comprising: a process chamber having a track; a carrier connected to the track; upper and lower proximity heads in the chamber and positioned along the path, the proximity heads having opposing faces that define a gap in which a meniscus of fluid is formed, the path being defined along the gap between the opposing faces; a first pre-wet dispenser and a second pre-wet dispenser disposed along side of the upper proximity head and directed toward the path; a drive for moving each of the pre-wet dispensers between a center position along the length of the upper proximity head and opposite outer positions near outer ends of the upper proximity head; and a pre-wet controller for causing the drive to move each of the first and second pre-wet dispensers based on a position of the carrier when moved under the first and second pre-wet dispensers.
US08968482B2	Method for hand washing dishes having long lasting suds The need for a method for hand washing dishes by direct application of an easily pourable liquid detergent composition, that delivers great grease cleaning with an excellent sudsing profile, is met by a liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition comprising small amounts of a branched alkoxylated nonionic surfactant.
US08968481B2	Pig receiver An apparatus for receiving a pig (12) comprising: a receiver housing (2) arranged to enable connection to a pipeline; a pig retention mechanism (4) mounted within said receiver housing (2), said pig retention mechanism (4) arranged such that it is operable to retain the pig (12) within the housing (2); a first sealing member (6) operable to seal the portion of the receiver housing (2) through which the pig (12) can be removed from the apparatus; a second sealing member (5) operable to seal the portion of the housing (2) that connects said receiver (1) to the pipeline; a fluid inlet (7); and a fluidization and transportation device (8) arranged to receive the fluidized debris, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that, in use, pressurized fluid is introduced into the enclosed interior of the housing (2) via the fluid inlet in order to fluidize debris which is then removed from the receiver housing (2) via the fluidization and transportation device (8).
US08968471B2	Apparatus for manufacturing silicon substrate for solar cell using continuous casting and having contacting solidification and stress relieving regions The present disclosure provides an apparatus for manufacturing a silicon substrate for solar cells using continuous casting, which can improve quality, productivity and energy conversion efficiency of the silicon substrate. The apparatus includes a crucible unit configured to receive raw silicon and having a discharge port, a heating unit provided to an outer wall and an external bottom surface of the crucible unit and heating the crucible unit to form molten silicon, a casting unit casting the molten silicon into a silicon substrate, a cooling unit rapidly cooling the silicon substrate, and a transfer unit disposed at one end of the cooling unit and transferring the silicon substrate. The casting unit includes a casting unit body having a casting space defined therein to be horizontally connected to the discharge port, and an assistant heating mechanism that preheats the casting unit body to control a solidification temperature of the silicon substrate.
US08968470B2	Graphite crucible for silicon electromagnetic induction heating and apparatus for silicon melting and refining using the graphite crucible Disclosed herein are a graphite crucible for electromagnetic induction-based silicon melting and an apparatus for silicon melting/refining using the same, which performs a melting operation by a combination of indirect melting and direct melting. The crucible is formed of a graphite material and includes a cylindrical body having an open upper part through which a silicon raw material is charged into the crucible, and an outer wall surrounded by an induction coil, wherein a plurality of slits are vertically formed through the outer wall and an inner wall of the crucible such that an electromagnetic force created by an electric current flowing in the induction coil acts toward an inner center of the crucible to prevent a silicon melt from contacting the inner wall of the crucible.
US08968468B2	Method of controlling single crystal diameter When pulling and growing a single crystal from a raw material melt by the Czochralski method, a boundary between the single crystal and the raw material melt is imaged by an optical sensor, and also the weight of the single crystal is measured by a weight sensor, a diameter value of the single crystal is calculated on the basis of first measured values of the diameter of the single crystal derived from image data captured by the optical sensor and second measured values of the diameter of the single crystal derived from weight data captured by the weight sensor, and a pulling rate of the single crystal and the temperature of the raw material melt are adjusted on the basis of the calculated diameter value to thereby control the diameter of the single crystal, and thus it is possible to accurately measure the diameter of a growing single crystal.
US08968466B2	Sizing and rheology agents for gypsum stucco systems for water resistant panel production Emulsions, and processes for making the emulsions, useful for imparting water resistance to gypsum products are disclosed. Process for making the emulsion and gypsum products made from the emulsion are also disclosed. The emulsions of the invention include at least one paraffin wax and a hydrophilic metallic salt. The emulsions of the invention may further include a saponifiable wax substitute for montan wax. The emulsions of the invention may further include a biocide.
US08968465B2	Bone graft substitute composition A composition includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, stearic acid, an accelerant, and a mixing solution. The composition can be injected, e.g., through a needle, and is capable of setting, e.g., in vivo, in a relatively short period of time to a relatively high hardness.
US08968464B2	Plastic refractory material and refractory mortar A plastic refractory material or a refractory mortar which harden when dried and which contain at least one light-weight filler, a binder, fibers and/or wollastonite as well as water is characterized in that blown closed-cell volcanic ash is used as the light-weight filler, the ash being provided with a superficial water-protection layer, in that an inorganic-organic hybrid binder is used as the binder, the binder containing silicic acid and an organic polymer, and in that the material or the mortar contains kaolin or kaolinite and silicon dioxide.It is suggested to publish the abstract without a drawing.
US08968462B2	Inorganic pigment dispersions containing fatty acid ethanol amide ethoxylates and amines The subject matter of the invention relates to aqueous pigment preparations containing (A) 30 to 75% by weight of at least one inorganic white or colored pigment or a mixture of different inorganic white or colored pigments, (B) 0.01 to 15% by weight of at least one fatty acid ethanol amide ethoxylate of the formula (I), in which R1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical or alkenyl radical with 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and n is a whole number from 2 to 40, (C) 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one amine of the formula (II), in which R2 is a linear or branched alkyl radical or alkenyl radical with 8 to 22 carbon atoms, identical to or different from R1, A represents an iminopropyl group —NH—CH2—CH2—CH2—, an oxyethyl group —O—CH2—CH2— or an oxypropyl group —O—CH2—CH(CH3)—CH2—, and a is a whole number from 0 to 5, wherein the compound of the formula (II); can be present in the form of an ammonium salt, and (E) water.
US08968461B1	Concrete mix for electromagnetic wave/pulse shielding Conductive concrete mixtures are described that are configured to provide EMP shielding and reflect and/or absorb, for instance, EM waves propagating through the conductive concrete mixture. The conductive concrete mixtures include cement, aggregate, water, metallic conductive material, and conductive carbon particles and/or magnetic material. The conductive material may include steel fibers, and the magnetic material may include taconite aggregate. The conductive concrete mixture may also include graphite powder, silica fume, and/or other supplementary cementitious materials (SCM). The conductive carbon particles may comprise from about zero to twenty-five percent (0-25%) of the conductive concrete mixture by weight and/or the magnetic material may comprise from about zero to fifty percent (0-50%) of the conductive concrete mixture by weight.
US08968460B2	Composite oxide black pigment and method for producing same To provide a Cu—Mn—Fe-based complex inorganic oxide black pigment having a more vivid bluish hue than a Cu—Mn—Fe-based complex inorganic oxide black pigment obtained by a conventional wet method. A Cu—Mn—Fe-based complex inorganic oxide black pigment having a more vivid bluish hue is disclosed. The complex inorganic oxide black pigment has a spinel structure composed of oxides of copper, manganese and iron as main constituent metals, the molar ratio of copper/manganese/iron is in a range of 3 to 8/5 to 10/1, at least one divalent metal element other than the main constituent metals has been introduced, and the molar ratio of (copper+the divalent metal element)/(manganese+iron) is in a range of 1 to 1.6/2. A production process of the black pigment is also disclosed.
US08968459B1	Self-healing superhydrophobic coating composition and method of preparation A durable superhydrophobic coating, which coating has the ability to self-heal, similar to the regeneration function observed in biological systems. The coating composition comprises the reaction products of at least one fluorine-containing silane compound (A), at least one hydrolysable compound (B), at least one polysiloxane compound (C), at least one relatively large-sized ceramic particle (I), at least one nano-sized ceramic particle (II) and at least one solvent.
US08968457B2	Cationic minimal tracking asphalt emulsion The cationic asphalt material of the present invention has minimal tracking, fast drying bonding to material and allows for quick turn around in road construction. It has been designed as a joint sealer that can be used successfully as a tack coat or fog seal. The fast drying bonding material allows plant mix asphalt to be put clown in minutes from initial application.
US08968453B2	Anthrapyridone sulfonic acid compounds and their preparation methods and applications The present invention relates to a class of compounds of general formula (I) or their salts of general formula (II): In formula (I)-(II), the substituents (A)p and (SO3H)n on the benzene ring are at the ortho, meta or para position, n is 0-2, and p is 0-3; M is selected from Li+, Na+, K+, NH4+ or organic ammonium salt N+R1R2R3R4, where R1, R2, R3, R4 are the same or different H, C1-18 alkyl groups, cyclohexyl groups, CH2CH2OH, CH(CH3)CH2OH or benzyl groups; where p>0, A stands for the same or different groups selected from: H, CN, NO2, NH2, F, Cl, Br, C1-18 alkyl group, cyclohexyl group, phenyl group, benzyl group, phenoxy group, C1-18 alkoxy group, C1-18 alkylthio group, SO2CH═CH2, SO2CH2CH2A1, NR6COR5 or NR6SO2R5.
US08968452B2	Phase change inks containing crystalline trans-cinnamic diesters and amorphous isosorbide oligomers Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising: (a) a crystalline trans-cinnamic diester; and (b) an amorphous oligomer of isosorbide and a diacid.
US08968447B2	Separation membrane, method of manufacture thereof, and apparatus including the separation membrane A separation membrane including an alloy including a Group 5 element and Ir, wherein the alloy includes a body centered cubic crystal structure.
US08968441B2	Method and system for producing pig iron or fluid steel pre-products A method and a plant for the production of pig iron or liquid steel semi-finished products are shown, metal oxide-containing batch materials and, if appropriate, aggregates being at least partially reduced in a reduction zone by a reduction gas, subsequently being introduced into a smelting zone and being smelted along with the supply of carbon carriers and oxygen-containing gas and along with the formation of the reduction gas. The reduction gas formed in the smelting zone is supplied to the reduction zone, reacted there and drawn off as export gas, CO2 is separated from the export gas, and a product gas is formed which is utilized for the introduction of pulverulent carbon carriers into the smelting zone.
US08968437B2	Jet engine with deflector An air inlet deflector for a structure having an air inlet. The deflector may be retractable within the structure, may be integrally formed with the structure, and may prevent the structure from ingesting foreign matter, such as birds. The deflector may include a series of ribs, spokes, or vanes that may vary in width and/or thickness from fore to aft, and/or may be curvilinear in one or more planes of view, and/or may serve double duty as inlet vanes for redirecting inlet air.
US08968435B2	Abrasive products and methods for fine polishing of ophthalmic lenses A coated abrasive product including green, unfired abrasive aggregates having a generally spheroidal or toroidal shape, the aggregates formed from a composition comprising abrasive grit particles and a nanoparticle binder, wherein the abrasive aggregates are dispersed within a polymer resin coating, and wherein the coated abrasive product is capable of polishing an optical component, including ophthalmic lenses without the need to apply an abrasive slurry.
US08968433B2	Gasifier having integrated fuel cell power generation system A direct carbonaceous material to power generation system integrates one or more solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) into a fluidized bed gasifier. The fuel cell anode is in direct contact with bed material so that the H2 and CO generated in the bed are oxidized to H2O and CO2 to create a push-pull or source-sink reaction environment. The SOFC is exothermic and supplies heat within a reaction chamber of the gasifier where the fluidized bed conducts an endothermic reaction. The products from the anode are the reactants for the reformer and vice versa. A lower bed in the reaction chamber may comprise engineered multi-function material which may incorporate one or more catalysts and reactant adsorbent sites to facilitate excellent heat and mass transfer and fluidization dynamics in fluidized beds. The catalyst is capable of cracking tars and reforming hydrocarbons.
US08968432B2	Rapid start fuel reforming systems and techniques An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
US08968427B2	Blending fuels An additive composition for blending with fuel, the additive composition at least 3% w/w of a viscosity index (VI) improving polymer; and a solvent mixture including in the range of from 10 to 85% v/v of a middle distillate gas oil and at least 15% v/v of one or more components selected from aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenates.
US08968410B2	Glenoid support for shoulder prosthesis A glenoid support for shoulder prostheses, able to be applied to the glenoid cavity of a shoulder blade. The glenoid support includes at least an attachment plate, an anchoring pin, and a glenoid articulation element. The attachment plate and the anchoring pin are made in distinct parts and able to be selectively separated from each other.
US08968408B2	Devices for treating the spine Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.
US08968406B2	Spinal implant having a post-operative adjustable dimension A spinal implant (40) including first spinal attachment member (44) for attaching to a first spinal portion (41), second spinal attachment member (46) for attaching to a second spinal portion (42), and a post-implantation variable dimension device disposed between the first and second spinal attachment members, which is operable after completing surgery in which said spinal implant was installed into a patient, to cause relative movement between the first and second spinal attachment members.
US08968405B2	Interbody fusion device and method of operation An interbody fusion device is provided that includes an interbody cage, a fixation system and an actuation mechanism to deploy one or more blades. The cage acts as an intervertebral spacer and provides resistance to the compressive loads in the spinal column. The fixation system includes an anchor and a ramp. These components could be manufactured from various medical grade materials.
US08968380B2	Deployment handle for an introducer A handle for an implant deployment device converts rotational movement into longitudinal movement in order to provide controlled release of one or more trigger wires. The handle also allows the trigger wire to be withdrawn into the device so that it does not need to be separately removed. A preferred handle includes a rotatable portion (120) and a slidable portion (122). Releasable locks (88, 188) ensure that the handle is used to carry out implant deployment steps in a specific order.
US08968375B2	Method for patterned plasma-mediated modification of the crystalline lens A method of treating a lens of a patient's eye includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form a treatment pattern of the light beam, delivering the treatment pattern to the lens of a patient's eye to create a plurality of cuts in the lens in the form of the treatment pattern to break the lens up into a plurality of pieces, and removing the lens pieces from the patient's eye. The lens pieces can then be mechanically removed. The light beam can be used to create larger segmenting cuts into the lens, as well as smaller softening cuts that soften the lens for easier removal.
US08968372B2	Bone screw A bone screw is created, with a thread section (1) with a tip (6) at a first end and a head (8) for engaging with a screwdriver at the opposite second end, which serves as traction element to connect shattered or split off parts of bones to one another. So that fusion of the screw with the bones can take place, the thread section (1) is constructed as tubular and its wall has a plurality of recesses.
US08968371B2	Proximal humerus fracture repair plate and system Devices and systems for repairing bone fractures and more specifically a fracture repair plate that provides for fixation of a metaphysis to the diaphysis of a long bone, for instance a fracture between the proximal humerus and the diaphysis of the humerus. The fracture repair system includes an implantable repair fracture repair plate and a bone anchor for fixing the fracture repair plate to a bone. In one embodiment, the fracture repair plate may also be adapted to serve as an anchor for a suture. The fracture repair system may also include a fracture reduction mechanism attachable to the fracture repair plate for imparting a controlled translational movement between two bone segments along a plane that lies substantially parallel to the surface of the bone to which the fracture repair plate is attached and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone shaft.
US08968368B2	Plate and screws for treatment of bone fractures A plate for treatment of bone fractures with reduced potential contact to bone through a combination of annular recesses surrounding the screw holes at the lower, bone facing surface of the plate and transverse grooves between the holes, allows for use of locking as well as conventional bone screws. With the transverse grooves cut into the plate from the lower side, as well as from the sides, the strength of the plate at the span between the holes is lower than at the screw holes. The plate can be bent in both planes without undue deformation of the screw holes. Protection of the holes during bending is afforded by hole plugs, which may be provided pre-installed in order to reduce surgery time. Screw hole plugs may then be left in place in the holes not used for bone screws.
US08968367B2	Compression-distraction spinal fixation system and kit Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be unidirectionally ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply compressive or distractive forces. Tools for manipulation of the screw-rod constructs are also provided, which tools include distal tips configured to engage the bone screws.
US08968366B2	Method and apparatus for flexible fixation of a spine A flexible connection unit for spinal stabilization, including: a first end portion having a first longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a first securing member secured to a patient's spine; a second end portion having a second longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a second securing member secured to the patient's spine; and a flexible wire extending through at least a portion of the first and second longitudinal channels and flexibly linking the first and second end portions.
US08968363B2	Tissue retractor and methods of use Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate. Systems for securing a retractor system to a patient's spine, the systems comprising a retractor blade and a shim device.
US08968359B2	Surgical forceps A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A cutting member having a plurality of cutting edges symmetrically-disposed about a longitudinal axis thereof is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting member extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween when in the extended position. The cutting member is fixedly-oriented with respect to the shaft and is configured for translation between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween when the jaw members are rotated with respect to the shaft between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees in at least one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
US08968358B2	Blunt tissue dissection surgical instrument jaw designs A forceps for use in surgery for dissecting tissue includes a pair of jaw members movable from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position. The jaw members each have an outer housing extending along the length thereof to a distal end of the jaw members. The outer housing of one of the jaw members includes a textured surface at a distal end configured to interface with and dissect tissue during the movement of the jaw members from the closed to open positions. A dissecting tip may be selectively extendable from a channel defined in one of the jaw members to engage and separate tissue when in the extended position.
US08968352B2	Expandable body cavity liner device The present invention is a method for treating aneurysms of various shapes and sizes.
US08968347B2	Dual-mode illumination for surgical instrument An illuminated surgical instrument is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an illuminated vitrectomy probe. The vitrectomy probe has a cutting port disposed at a distal end of a cannula. An array of optical fibers terminates near the cutting port. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the cannula and encircling the cannula. The array of optical fibers can comprise two sets of fibers, one for providing illumination in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the vitrectomy probe and another for providing illumination in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vitrectomy probe. The light source providing light to each set of fibers can be independently controlled so as to provide illumination cooperatively or singly.
US08968343B2	Puncturing needle assisting tool A puncturing needle assisting tool. A first rotating portion 122 rotates from an open to a closed position, around a first hinge connecting portion 126 as the rotating center, to the surface side of an assisting tool main unit 112 to close the surface opening of a first guide groove 116a. A second rotating portion 124 rotates from an open position to a closed position, around a second hinge connecting portion 128 as the rotating center, to the surface side of an assisting tool main unit 112 to close the surface openings of second guide grooves 116b through 116d. The puncturing needles move along the guide grooves to puncture into the body in a proper state, without shifting. Locking protrusions 134, 130 maintain the closed positions of the first and second rotating portions 122, 124 respectively.
US08968339B2	Suturing device with deployable needle A surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic and/or laparoscopic procedures is provided. The surgical apparatus has an elongated body portion, a first jaw member extending from the body portion, and a second jaw member extending from the body portion and opposing the first jaw member. The second jaw member has a split nest slide coupled thereto that is configured to position a surgical incision member in a folded or unfolded position.
US08968334B2	Apparatus for delivering and anchoring implantable medical devices An apparatus includes an elongate member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The elongate member defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion of the elongate member defines a notch having a face defining an axis. The axis of the face and the longitudinal axis define an acute angle with respect to a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to retain a loop of a suture when the elongate member is moved through a tissue of a patient in the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to release the loop of the suture when the elongate member is moved through the tissue of the patient in a second direction different than the first direction. The suture has at least one tissue anchor configured to be disposed within the tissue of the patient.
US08968333B2	Support assembly for robotic catheter system A support assembly for supporting a remotely-controlled instrument driver, including a first member, a second member for supporting the instrument driver, and an interface assembly for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a first axis, and for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a second axis that forms an angle relative to the first axis, wherein the interface assembly comprises a ball that is rotatable relative to the first member, and a shaft extending through the ball, the shaft configured for coupling to the second member.
US08968328B2	Instrument for inserting intraocular lens An intraocular lens insertion instrument capable of smoothly pushing out a preset lens is provided. An intraocular lens insertion instrument (1) comprises: a main body (3) including a lens setting section (8) on which a lens (2) is set, a transition section (22) that deforms the lens (2), and a nozzle piece (21) that releases the lens (2); and a lens push-out mechanism (4) that pushes out the lens (2) set on the lens setting section (8). The instrument (1) further includes a releasing means (11) for releasing the lens (2) pushed by the lens push-out mechanism (4) from the lens setting section (8). The releasing means (11) has a posture holding mount (12) that holds the lens (2) with a forward tilt relative to an axial line (A) of lens movement. The posture holding mount (12) has a passage (15) through which the lens push-out mechanism (4) passes.
US08968325B2	Anterior spinal interbody fusion delivery system A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a base having a tray, a first member and a second member. A first and second top arm are coupled near the proximal end of the base. At least one bottom finger is coupled to the distal end of the first member and at least one top finger is coupled to the distal end of the first top arm. At least a first lifting arm is located between the first member and the first top arm, said lifting arm comprising a cam for engaging the first top arm. Rotation of an adjustment member positioned near the proximal end of the first member engages at least one lifting arm. As the lifting arm moves towards the distal end of the first member, the cam engages and lifts the first top arm, displacing the first top finger to a separation distance from the bottom finger.
US08968324B2	Adjustable jig and method for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail A targeting jig apparatus for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail. The targeting jig includes a support-arm extending substantially parallel to the intramedullary nail. A targeting mechanism including a pair of targeting mechanism drill-guide orifices is adjustably disposed on the support arm for aligning the targeting mechanism drill-guide orifice with the interlocking holes of the intramedullary nail. The targeting mechanism includes a saddle having a U-shape including a base and parallel legs that are slidable along the support-arm. A connection mechanism includes a horizontal slot on the support-arm aligned with a vertical slot on the targeting mechanism and a pivot screw extending through the slots for facilitating adjustment of the targeting mechanism relative to the support arm.
US08968323B2	Bone graft injection syringe A syringe that has a barrel with curvature is provided. The curvature enables a greater volume of bone graft materials to be housed than in a straight syringe without increasing the absolute distance from the handle of the plunger to dispensing end of the syringe. Additionally by maintaining a constant diameter, the barrel permits bone graft material to be dispersed with reduced likelihood of clogging.
US08968320B2	System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs Disclosed herein is a method of computer generating a three-dimensional surface model of an arthroplasty target region of a bone forming a joint. The method may include: generating two-dimensional images of at least a portion of the bone; generating an open-loop contour line along the arthroplasty target region in at least some of the two-dimensional images; and generating the three-dimensional model of the arthroplasty target region from the open-loop contour lines.
US08968312B2	Surgical device with powered articulation wrist rotation A surgical instrument for treating tissue, the instrument including a housing and a shaft with an articulating portion and an end effector. The surgical instrument including a first casing connected to and rotatable with the proximal end of said shaft with an internal frame housed within the first casing and a plurality of posts supported by the internal frame and connected on their distal ends to at least one drive wire, and connected on their proximal ends to a threaded shaft; and a second casing connected to the first casing and rotatable therewith, said second casing housing the threaded shafts. The surgical instrument includes a first electric motor driving a first gear interfacing with the threaded shafts such that a first pair of the plurality of threaded shafts rotate in the same direction and cause the articulating portion to articulate in a first plane.
US08968311B2	Surgical instrument with stamped double-flag jaws and actuation mechanism A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
US08968310B2	Electrosurgical instrument with a knife blade lockout mechanism An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.
US08968309B2	Surgical forceps An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.
US08968306B2	Surgical forceps A forceps includes a disposable shaft and a reusable shaft. The shafts each including a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shafts are releasably coupled to one another about a pivot and are moveable relative to one another for moving the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. The disposable shaft includes a first tissue sealing plate disposed thereon and an electrical, connector coupled thereto that includes a plurality of wires extending therethrough and into the disposable shaft member. One or more wires is coupled to the first tissue sealing plate and one or more wires is coupled to a second tissue sealing plate that is configured for releasable engagement with the jaw member of the reusable shaft member. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to conduct energy through tissue for sealing tissue grasped between the jaw members.
US08968302B2	Methods, apparatus, and systems for tissue dissection and modification Methods, apparatus and systems for tissue dissection and modification are disclosed herein. A method for tissue dissection and modification may comprise inserting a tissue dissecting and modifying wand (TDM) through an incision in a patient's body. The TDM may comprise a tip having a plurality of protrusions with lysing segments positioned between the protrusions to dissect and/or modify tissue. The TDM may also comprise an energy window positioned on top of the TDM that is configured to deliver energy to modify tissues. After separating tissue using the lysing segment(s) to define a target region, the energy window may be activated and moved around within the target region to modify tissues. In some implementations, the energy window may be activated prior to and/or during dissection of the tissue such that the tissue is separated while tissue is modified within the target region.
US08968297B2	Microwave and RF ablation system and related method for dynamic impedance matching An electrosurgical system and method for performing electrosurgery is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument, such as an electrosurgical antenna, knife, forceps, suction coagulator, or vessel sealer. The disclosed system includes an impedance sensor, a controller, dynamic impedance matching network, and an electrosurgical energy generator. The dynamic impedance matching network includes a PIN diode switching array configured to selectively activate a plurality of reactive elements. The disclosed arrangement of reactive elements provides real-time impedance correction over a wide range of impedance mismatch conditions.
US08968296B2	Energy-harvesting system, apparatus and methods An electrosurgical energy delivery apparatus includes an energy delivery circuit, a control circuit and an energy-harvesting system with a plurality of energy-harvesting circuits and a voltage regulator that provides a regulated DC voltage to the energy delivery circuit and/or the control circuit. The energy delivery circuit receives an electrosurgical energy signal having a primary frequency and selectively provides the electrosurgical energy signal to an energy delivery element. The control circuit connects to the energy delivery circuit and selectively enables the flow of electrosurgical energy to the energy delivery element. The plurality of energy-harvesting circuits each include an energy-harvesting antenna tuned to a particular frequency, a matched circuit configured to receive an RF signal from the energy-harvesting antenna, rectify the RF signal and generate a DC signal, and an energy storage device that connects to the voltage regulator to receive and store the DC signal.
US08968294B2	Single or limited use device designs The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and including a receptacle having at least one mechanical interface. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument adapted to connect to the electrosurgical generator and configured to deliver energy to tissue. Further, a plug is provided to engage the receptacle to electrically couple the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator. The plug includes a terminal electrically coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and a prong electrically coupled to the terminal that includes a recess defined therein and is configured to receive the at least one mechanical interface. When the plug is disengaged from the receptacle, the at least one mechanical interface cooperates with the recess to uncouple the prong from the terminal.
US08968292B2	Leaky-wave antennas for medical applications A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N−1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform.
US08968291B2	Dynamically matched microwave antenna for tissue ablation A microwave ablation probe for providing microwave energy to tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a secondary inner conductor, an insulating spacer, and an outer conductor. The inner conductor is slidably disposed within the secondary inner conductor. The feedline also includes a radiating portion having an extruded portion of the inner conductor centrally disposed therein, wherein longitudinal movement of the inner conductor relative to the feedline tunes the radiating portion.
US08968289B2	Microwave spacers and methods of use Disclosed is a spacer, configured to position microwave energy delivery devices, including a housing, with a housing body and a compression body, and at least one compression mechanism. The housing body forms a housing body cavity and a plurality of housing device apertures. The compression body forms a plurality of compression body apertures that each correspond to a housing device aperture. The compression body slideably engages the housing body cavity and at least a portion of the compression body is positioned within the compression body cavity. A compression mechanism is positioned between the housing body and the compression body and configured to provide a biasing force between the housing body and the compression body. In a first position the housing device apertures are misaligned with the compression body apertures and in the second position the housing apertures are aligned with the compression body apertures forming a plurality of aligned apertures.
US08968288B2	Ablation devices with dual operating frequencies, systems including same, and methods of adjusting ablation volume using same An ablation device includes a feedline including an inner conductor having a distal end, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween, an elongated electrically-conductive member longitudinally disposed at the distal end of the inner conductor and having a proximal end, a first balun structure disposed over a first portion of the outer conductor and positioned so that a distal end of the first balun structure is located at a first distance from the proximal end of the electrically-conductive member and a second balun structure disposed over a second portion of the outer conductor and positioned so that a distal end of the second balun structure is located at a second distance from the proximal end of the electrically-conductive member.
US08968286B2	Nano discharges in liquids The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generated a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.
US08968283B2	Ultrasound device for precise tissue sealing and blade-less cutting An electrosurgical instrument for sealing and cutting tissue is provided. The instrument includes a housing having a plurality of transducers included therein and a waveguide coupled to and extending from the housing. An end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the waveguide includes a pair of opposing jaw members, where at least one of the jaw members includes a transducer. The transducer is configured to receive an acoustic signal from the plurality of transducers in the housing.
US08968282B2	Plaque stabilisation using cryoenergy There is provided a method of supplying cryoenergy to a plaque within a blood vessel. The method comprises expanding an expandable membrane of a catheter apparatus with a pressure of less than 5 ATM (507 kPa), the catheter apparatus having been placed in thermal contact with the plaque within the blood vessel. The method also comprises establishing a temperature of between +15° C. (288K) and −35° C. (238K) at an interface of the expandable membrane and the blood vessel. A system and catheter apparatus are also provided.
US08968281B2	Handholdable laser device featuring sensor for eye safe activation A laser device for treating skin is provided which includes a handholdable housing; a laser member arranged within the housing emitting an output beam; a capacitance sensor arranged at the first end of the housing which includes a plate surrounding and defining a window through which the output beam exits, the plate having at least three segments with each flexibly movable in and out of a common plane, each of the segments being connected to an electrode, the electrodes operating to determine dielectric constants of a skin surface; a signal and control storage device communicating with the sensor comparing input signals of measured dielectric constant values to a stored standard dielectric constant value, and wherein emission of the output beam is activated to fire only when all of the at least three segments align in a plane and sense the stored standard dielectric constant value.
US08968276B2	Hand held surgical handle assembly, surgical adapters for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors, and methods of use Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.
US08968271B2	Connector for medical lines A connector for medical infusion lines, transfusion lines, and the like, includes a tubular body having at one end a male connector including an inner tubular element and an outer hollow element, which is internally threaded and can be coupled by screwing to a complementary female connector. The line connector further includes an outer maneuvering sleeve coupled in unidirectional rotation to the body in the direction corresponding to screwing of the male connector with respect to the complementary female connector and free to turn in the opposite direction, formed by two parts coupled together on the body of the connector.
US08968269B2	Multi-conduit balloon catheter A suctioning and irrigating sinus balloon catheter is provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities and choana. The catheter has a number of fluid carrying conduits to provide irrigation, suction and inflation/deflation to the distally mounted balloon. The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, choana or sinus to be excised. Some catheters can be hand bendable by the surgeon. Some catheters provide the capability of threading an endoscope through one of the conduits. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, choana, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.
US08968264B2	Comfort diaper assembly A diaper assembly 2 includes a diaper garment 10 and a fluid absorbent pad 60. The diaper garment 10 has an outer shell 12 from which a sling 20 is suspended. The sling 20 is fluid resistant and has front and rear pockets 34, 36 into which opposite ends of the fluid absorbent pad 60 can be inserted. The front pocket 34 is formed by fluid resistant shield 50 that is surrounded on three sides by gussets 40, 42 that are more skin friendly than the shield 50. Multilayer pads 60 can be carried by the sling 20.
US08968263B2	Absorbent article An absorbent article according to the present invention includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorber. The absorber has a body unit having a foreside constricted portion and a backside constricted portion, and a pair of extension units extending outside in the widthwise direction of the absorber from the body unit. An outer region is folded toward an inner region at the side of the topsheet, and the maximum length of the inner region along the longitudinal direction of the absorber is shorter than the maximum length of the outer region.
US08968253B2	Catheter securement device A catheter securement device includes a flexible base member having an adhesive side and an opposite non-adhesive side. A elastomeric anchoring member is mounted on the nonadhesive side of the base member. The anchoring member integrally includes a body attached to the base member, a pair of opposing pull tabs freely extending outwardly from the body, a keeper disposed in each of the pull tabs, and a T-shaped strap freely extending from the body.] The T-shaped strap terminates in a pair of opposing heads that are disposed generally parallel to the pull tabs. Pulling the opposing pull tabs opens the keepers for receiving the heads of the T-shaped strap, and the heads of the T-strap are selectively insertable into the keepers for securing a catheter between the anchoring member body and the strap.
US08968251B2	Access assembly An access assembly is provided. The access assembly includes an access member defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough for reception and passage of surgical instrument, the access member dimensioned for positioning within tissue to provide access to underlying tissue, and first and second seal members mounted to the access member in juxtaposed relation, the first seal member defining an opening therethrough, the second seal member defining an elongated arcuate passage, wherein the first and second seal members are adapted for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis whereby the opening of the first seal member is axially alignable with the elongated arcuate passage of the second seal member to permit reception and passage of the surgical instrument in substantial sealed relation therewith, the first and second seal members further adapted for relative rotational movement whereby the first seal member is capable of rotating relative to the second seal member during manipulation and traversal of the surgical instrument through the elongated arcuate passage of the second seal member to maintain the substantial sealed relation about the instrument.
US08968250B2	Surgical access port A surgical access port or trocar is provided. The trocar has a trocar seal housing and a trocar cannula with an optical obturator insertable through the trocar seal housing and the trocar cannula. The trocar is configured to access a body cavity, to maintain positive pressure and to prevent loss of surgical insufflation gas used in laparoscopic procedures. The trocar seal housing can be releasably attached to the trocar cannula. The trocar seal housing may also have a shield and/or alignment channel that provide protection or assist in operation of instrument and zero seals housed in the trocar seal housing.
US08968249B2	Introducer seal assembly A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
US08968246B2	Syringe adapter Syringe adapter 300 has base member 310 and flange lock member 320. Flange lock member 320 is formed in generally arc shape as a whole so as to receive a cylinder flange inside. Flange lock member 320 has look hook 323 and engagement hook 324 formed thereon. Look hook 323 locks the cylinder flange by rotation of a syringe received in flange lock member 320 about its axis. Engagement hook 324 locks syringe adapter 300 to the apparatus so as not to release lock to the apparatus in the state in which the cylinder flange of the syringe is received in flange lock member 320.
US08968245B2	Sensor assembly and medical device incorporating same Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a rigid structure and a beam structure having an outer portion in contact with the rigid structure and an inner portion. The beam structure includes one or more beams extending between the outer portion and the inner portion of the beam structure and a cantilevered portion extending from the inner portion to inhibit displacement of the inner portion toward the rigid structure. Each beam has a sensing element disposed thereon.
US08968244B2	System and method for drug preparation and delivery A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
US08968243B2	Device and method for delivering medicine into the tympanic cavity,with sliding assist A device for substance delivery to and/or extraction from the tympanic cavity, comprising: a stationary body having a distal surface, a proximal surface; a movable body having a distal surface and a proximal surface, disposed within the stationary body and free to move relative to the stationary body; at least one piercing element having a distal end and a proximal end, disposed in the movable body; and a means for moving the movable body relative to the stationary body.
US08968242B2	Inflatable elastomeric pump for an infusion assembly An improved elastomeric pump for an infusion assembly. The pump includes a generally cylindrical mandrel body with first end, an opposed second end, a length, an outer diameter corresponding to a first radius (Rmandrel), a central bore extending through the length, a first port extending from the outer diameter to the bore to provide a fluid passageway, a fill port and an exit port in fluid communication with the bore. The pump includes an inflatable elastomeric tube disposed concentrically about the mandrel, the tube being sealingly secured on the mandrel near the respective ends of the tube and having an original inner diameter that corresponds to a second radius (r) so that it approximately matches the outer diameter of the mandrel (Rmandrel), a length (L) less than the length of the mandrel, a wall thickness (t) such that: (0.4225×r)
US08968240B2	Method of making a needle shielding device Methods of manufacturing a catheter introducer or needle assembly and needle shield are disclosed. A needle shield has a blocking object (preferably a ball) which moves from an non-shielding position to a shielding position. The catheter introducer is made by placing the blocking object into the shield and inserting the proximal end of the needle into the shield while the blocking object is in the shielding position. The catheter introducer is made using extruded polymeric tubes which may have coextruded reinforcing.
US08968239B2	Catheter device for the dynamic regulation of the venous return to the heart for the treatment of patients with heart failure This invention relates to a method that comprises the introduction of a catheter via left subclavian vein, advancing into the right atrium and then positioning it in the inferior vena cava, just at the cava-diaphragm junction, where it is anchored at its extreme; and thereafter an external inflation of a balloon positioned in said catheter takes place through a physiological solution to reach a diameter corresponding to half the diameter of the inferior vena cava, resulting in hemi-occlusion in the expiration phase (breath-out) and total occlusion for a short period during the inspiration phase (breath-in), regulating (normalizing) the venous return and decreasing the cardiac volume overload, as a treatment for heart failure. The invention also comprises hydromechanics devices to normalize the venous return in the circulatory system. Said venous return is increased in 90% of patients with heart failure. In particular, it refers to a combined catheter with an inflatable balloon, producing said balloon a cyclical occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The said balloon is adaptable to the area of its location in the inferior vena cava, proximal to the right atrium (RA), which comprises of means for its fixation within said vein, as well as the capacity of modifying the volume in response to the requirements of the patient. This device is implanted for an extended period of more than three months. The final objective is to treat and stop the progression of heart failure.
US08968232B2	Heat exchange systems, devices and methods Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to heat-exchanger systems that can be used to heat or cool a fluid such as blood. Pod pumps that provide low shear and low turbulence may be used in such systems, particularly for systems that pump blood. A certain heat-exchanger system used to heat blood or other fluids may be used to provide whole-body hyperthermic treatments or regional hyperthermic chemotherapy treatments. A disposable unit may be used to separate the fluid path from the fluid control systems. The disposable unit typically includes a heat-exchanger component that is received by a corresponding heat exchanger in a base unit. Fluid pumped through the heat-exchanger component is heated by the heat exchanger.
US08968229B2	Disposable two-part orthotic foot support strap system and method A method for treating plantar fasciitis and foot pain utilizes a pre-cut sole support strap and an arch support strap formed of flexible woven material having an adhesive layer on an underside surface that are adhered to a foot individually or in combination. The sole strap is adhered to the skin surface along the sole from the ball of the foot to the heel and the back and lateral sides of the heel, and provides stability and support to the foot and, when subjected to forces induced during walking, absorbs tensile loads and stresses to prevent damage to the plantar fascia by reducing tensile stress carried by the plantar fascia. The arch support strap is adhered transversely over the sole support strap and arch of the foot to maintain the sole support strap in engagement with the sole of the foot and provide additional support and stability.
US08968223B2	Motion assist device Second joints are provided in positions where a seating unit is restrained from swinging relative to leg links due to a force acting on the seating unit from upper limb links through the intermediary of the second joints. A motion not intended by a user can be restrained from being generated due to a force acting from the upper limb links provided in the upper limbs.
US08968222B2	Wearable material handling system An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators.
US08968219B2	Muscle tonus measuring apparatus A detection unit (10) detects a joint angle and a joint torque for causing the joint of a subject (1) to undergo passive flexion and extension movement, and an arithmetic unit (50) performs arithmetic processing on an output signal from the detection unit. The arithmetic unit divides the relationship between the joint torque and the joint angle in at least one of the extension phase and the flexion phase into two or more portions including a proximal-side portion and a distal-side portion according to a joint angle, and obtains the elastic coefficient of the joint from the relationship between the joint torque and the joint angle in at least one of the distal-side portion and the proximal-side portion. This enables distinguishing between a healthy subject and a Parkinson's disease patient with a simple configuration, without the measurement of surface myoelectric potential.
US08968217B2	Method and system to determine an optimal tissue compression time to implant a surgical element An apparatus for determining an optimal amount of tissue compression for applying a surgical element to tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for compressing tissue which supports a measuring device adapted to detect a tissue parameter upon the compression of tissue. The measuring device communicates with an indicator. Upon compressing tissue, when the measuring device determines that the compressed tissue parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, the measuring device sends a signal to the indicator such that the indicator provides an indication to a surgeon that the threshold has been reached. The measuring device may include a load cell and the tissue parameter may be a viscoelastic reactive force of the tissue per unit time.
US08968216B2	Medical guide wire An outer coil and an inner coil are joined in parallel with a distal end portion of a core of a guide wire. A winding direction of a strand of the outer coil is the same as that of a strand of the inner coil. Diameters of the outer and inner coils increase or decrease when rotation of the core is transmitted and thereby rotation transmission capability is improved. An outer space wound portion and an inner space wound portion are formed in corresponding positions in the outer coil and the inner coil, respectively, in a core direction. Even if the guide wire has a double-coil structure, the outer and inner space wound portions improve flexibility of the guide wire. A coil pitch of the outer space wound portion differs from a coil pitch of the inner space wound portion. Thereby, engagement of the strands is prevented.
US08968214B2	Protector A protector which is used to cover a distal portion of a guide wire protruding from a distal opening of a tube body includes a first half body and a second half body which are movable between an open state and a closed state. Each of the first half body and the second half body includes a guide wire sandwiching and holding portion which mutually sandwich and hold the distal portion of the guide wire cooperatively in the closed state of the protector. Each of the first half body and the second half body also includes a tube body sandwiching and holding portion which mutually sandwich and hold the tube body cooperatively in the closed state of the protector.
US08968211B2	Adjustable sample size tissue sampling device Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle capable of taking samples of varying size. In particular embodiments, a user selects one of a plurality of sample-size settings, which sets the needle to a particular cannula throw-length by moving an internal wall against which a spring engages. For a shorter throw, the wall is in a forward position and the cannula is retracted the smaller amount to compress the spring. For a longer throw, the wall is in a rearward position and the cannula is retracted a larger amount to compress the spring.
US08968207B2	Methods and apparatus for visually representing a cardiac status of a patient Method and apparatus are provided for computing signals related to cardiac output from physiologic input signals related to circulatory pressures or flows. Method and apparatus are provided for constructing a transforming filter and applying said filter to the physiologic input signals in order to obtain a signal proportional to phasic cardiac output or time-averaged cardiac output. This invention provides a means for real-time monitoring of cardiac output and stroke volume which is of great clinical importance but not otherwise feasible by present techniques.
US08968201B2	Lesion assessment using six degree of freedom ultrasound thermography A diagnostic device and method for assessing lesion formation by measuring temperature changes during endocardial ablation. Intracardiac echo catheter data is accurately mapped into a model maintained by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system using the position and orientation of the intracardiac echo catheter transducer within the model. For each point in the model, either a frequency shift or echo time shift is calculated from the intracardiac echo data to determine local temperature changes, and the local temperature changes are displayed within a rendering of the model for the user.
US08968197B2	Directing a user to a medical resource A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product directs a user using a physiological sensor to a needed medical resource. A real-time state of a medical condition of a user is determined based on readings from a physiological sensor on a user. A processing system correlates the real-time state of the medical condition of the user to a medical resource, which has been predetermined to have a capability of ameliorating the real-time state of the medical condition of the user. Directions are then sent, to the user, for a temporally nearest medical resource that has been predetermined to have the capability of ameliorating the real-time state of the medical condition of the user.
US08968193B2	System and method for enabling a research mode on physiological monitors The present disclosure may provide a system and method for analyzing data acquired using a physiological monitor. In one embodiment, the analysis is performed on the physiological monitor and results in the analysis of data collected by the physiological monitor over an interval of time. The analysis may include comparing the data to sample data representative of known disease states and/or may include performing statistical analyses or recalculations of the data based on adjusted monitor settings. In one embodiment, the settings of the physiological monitor may be adjusted based on the results of the analyses.
US08968191B2	Expandable access assembly including an internal thread mechanism An access assembly is provided. The access assembly includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member including a threading extending at least a portion of an internal length of the tubular member. The access assembly further includes a first ring secured at the proximal end of the tubular member and a second ring secured at the distal end of the tubular member. The first ring and the second ring are expandable rings.
US08968187B2	Articulating laparoscopic surgical access instrument A surgical instrument includes proximal and distal shaft components, an articulation assembly, and an outer sleeve. The shaft components are pivotably coupled to one another. The distal shaft component is articulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a substantially aligned configuration and an articulated configuration. The articulation assembly includes a rack and a pinion gear engaged with one another. The rack and the pinion gear cooperate to permit incremental articulation of the distal shaft component relative to the proximal shaft component between the substantially aligned and articulated configurations. The outer sleeve is disposed about the proximal shaft component and is manipulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a first position and a second position for articulating the distal shaft component between the substantially aligned configuration and the articulated configuration.
US08968186B2	Handle for fiber optic device A laryngoscope handle for use with a fiber optic laryngoscope blade having fiber optics includes a laryngoscope handle body configured to be gripped by a handle of a user; one or more power sources carried by the handle body; a light source assembly carried by the handle body and powered by the one or more power sources; a connection section for mechanically connecting the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically coupling the light source assembly in the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade, wherein the light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mix to create a combined, mixed light that is transmitted to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade for emission there from.
US08968183B2	Support apparatus A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.
US08968182B2	Implantable mesh combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers Disclosed are mesh materials adapted for use in an implantable sling. The mesh materials include biodegradable and non-degradable components that may be adapted to facilitate scar-tissue ingrowth as the biodegradable components degrade.
US08968178B2	Transobturator surgical articles and methods Described are surgical articles, implants, and components suitable for surgical implant procedures including transobturator surgical procedures.
US08968176B2	Guide glasses A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light pulses at brain wave frequencies so as to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user, while simultaneously providing music. The SLM includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) and headphone speakers. A microcontroller runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers so as to produce a plurality of dominant brainwave frequencies. Binaural voices produce a melody of music without interfering with the brainwave frequencies. Each note of the melody is sounded at a specific pitch based on information in a Tone Object, which includes a state variable index holding the note's current position within a waveform array and a state variable step, which is an amount by which to increment the state variable index at each iteration. The index is set to 0 at startup and the step is calculated from the initial note desired.
US08968175B2	Treating dysfunctional cardiac tissue Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two points in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure and often in a minimally invasive manner. An anchor is inserted along an insertion path through a first wall of the heart. An arm of the anchor is deployed and rotationally positioned according to a desired alignment. Application of tension to the anchor may draw the first and second walls of the heart into contact along a desired contour so as to effect a desired change in the geometry of the heart. Additional anchors may be inserted and aligned with the first anchor to close off a portion of a ventricle such that the ventricle is geometrically remodeled and disease progression is reversed, halted, and/or slowed.
US08968172B2	Handheld cell excitation terminal capable of dynamic optimization of therapeutic effect and remote therapeutic system A cell excitation terminal and a therapeutic system using customized electromagnetic (EM) waves varying dynamically with time for excitation include one or more EM wave generators, each of the EM wave generators is connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU controls, according to a signal detected by a human body status detection device, the EM wave generator to send EM waves corresponding to a detected subject. The therapeutic system can perform remote management. A remote server optimizes and updates therapeutic waveforms of a patient constantly according to a therapeutic effect of the patient, thereby improving the therapeutic effect constantly.
US08968168B2	Electrically conductive roller and image-forming device This invention provides an electrically conductive roller capable of forming an image without fogging even in a low humidity environment and an image-forming device. Specifically, the invention relates to an electrically conductive roller has an elastic layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of a shaft and a urethane coat layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the elastic layer, wherein the urethane coat layer includes a urethane resin, and at least one ionic liquid selected from the group consisting of pyridinium ionic liquids and amine ionic liquids, in an amount from 1 to 20 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass of the urethane resin; and an image-forming device equipped with the electrically conductive roller.
US08968167B1	Resistance system for an exercise device A resistance system for an exercise device includes a plurality of cord plates which may be selectively engaged by one or more pins which may include an engagement lock. One or more of the cord plates may be received by a pin with each cord plate that is received by a pin being secured relative to a frame. A cord plate that has received a pin is engaged and a cord plate that is not received by a pin is disengaged. A carriage may be provided which receives a plurality of elastic cords which may be attached to the cord plates. The carriage may be displaced relative to a base frame, to provide elongation of the elastic cords coupled to engaged cord plates and no elongation of the cords coupled to the disengaged cord plates which provide a selective resistance for a user.
US08968165B2	Structure for securing weight plates The means for securing weight plates (16) on weight rods (10′, 12) or holder bars provides at least one groove (14) formed in an end region (10′) of a weight rod (10′, 12) or in the holder bar. The weight plates (16) are formed with a radial protrusion (17) in their central bore, preferably extending over only a portion of the circumference. The diameter of the bore at the protrusion (17) is greater than the diameter of the end region (10′) of the weight rod (10′, 12) or holder bar axially next to the groove (14). The protrusion (17) falls into the groove (14) and prevents the weight plate (16) from slipping off the weight rod (10′, 12) or holder bar.
US08968163B1	Unweighted therapy and training device An unweighted therapy, exercise and training device includes a device frame including a device frame base having a treadmill space sized and configured to accommodate a treadmill platform of a treadmill, an upper frame portion carried by the device frame base and having a frame interior and a pelvic suspension saddle and brace assembly having a saddle carried by the device frame and disposed in the frame interior.
US08968151B2	Method and system for controlling driveline lash in a hybrid vehicle A vehicle has an engine, an upstream clutch, an electric machine, a downstream clutch, a transmission gearbox, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) control engagement of the downstream clutch, (ii) monitor a vehicle torque, and (iii) control electric machine torque to a designated rate when the vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes engaging a clutch downstream of the electric machine, monitoring a vehicle torque, and controlling electric machine torque to a designated rate when vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A hybrid vehicle system has an electric machine and a controller configured to (i) control electric machine torque to a designated rate within a time zone, and (ii) control at least one of the electric machine torque and an engine torque to meet driver demand outside of the zone.
US08968149B2	Wind turbine gear mechanism A wind turbine gear mechanism with a planetary gear stage arranged on the drive input side and with first and second spur gear stages arranged, in a gear mechanism housing, downstream of the planetary gear stage. The first spur gear stage rotationally and functionally connects a sun gear shaft of the planetary gear stage to an intermediate shaft, the second spur gear stage rotationally and functionally connects the intermediate shaft to a drive output shaft, and only one intermediate shaft is provided. In this case, the gear mechanism housing has a separation joint along which the gear mechanism housing can be divided into a main housing portion and a housing cover in such manner that a separation joint plane passes through the central axis of the intermediate shaft and the separation joint plane extends a distance away from the central axis of the sun gear shaft.
US08968144B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets arranged in two planes to reduce axial length. Six shift elements, including two input clutches, two output clutches, and two brakes, are engaged in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The two output clutches may be assembled into a module suitable for testing before installation.
US08968141B2	Uninterruptible oil supply in planetary system A planetary carrier includes a journal bearing for supporting a planetary gear. The journal bearing receives lubricant to produce a lubricant film to support gear loads. A torque frame is attached to the carrier housing to transmit torque and to prevent twisting of the carrier housing. The torque frame includes several lubricant communication passages to provide lubricant to each of the separate journal bearings. Each of the lubricant communication passages includes an accumulator for storing lubricant during normal operation. The accumulator stores a desired amount of lubricant to provide lubricant to the adjacent journal bearing for the interim period between primary system stoppage and reestablishment of lubricant flow by a secondary system.
US08968140B1	Electronically actuated clutch for a planetary winch An electronically operated clutch for planetary winch where the clutch is disengaged by a first current level and maintained in the disengaged position by a second current level. The second current level being less than the first current level.
US08968137B2	Motor vehicle drive train Drive train for a motor vehicle, having an electric machine for providing motive power, and a transmission arrangement. The transmission arrangement has a transmission input shaft and a first and a second gear stage. The transmission input shaft is connected to the electric machine. The drive train has a differential, which is connected to an output of the transmission and is set up to distribute motive power to two drive shafts. The differential is connected to a helically toothed driving gear, which is in engagement with a helically toothed pinion of the transmission output. A pressure pad arrangement absorbs axial forces arising from the helical toothing.
US08968136B2	Dual clutch transmission having simplified controls A dual clutch transmission (500) having a plurality of forward gears and at least one reverse gear (582) where the first gear is operatively engaged by a one-way clutch (594). A pair of actuator control valves (270, 272) is employed to move actuators to engage selective ones of the forward gear sets. A multiplex valve (284) is disposed in fluid communication between the pair of actuator control valves (270, 272) and the actuators associated with the forward gears of the transmission and is adapted to selectively provide fluid communication to the actuators to thereby select the forward gear ratios. A manual valve (185) is operatively connected to the gear shift selector (187) to control the actuator associated with reverse gear (582).
US08968135B2	Hydrostatic regenerative braking transmission for motor vehicles A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
US08968134B2	Power transmission apparatus using a planetary gear A power transmission apparatus which includes a planetary gear set with a planetary carrier of which one side extending to form gear teeth, wherein rotating speed input from a driving power source is reduced and then input to one actuating means, rotating speed of a gear-shifting power source is input to another actuating means to achieve a plurality of gear shifts, generating power is obtained from an output shaft to store electricity to a storage battery, the stored electric energy is utilized as controlling energy for gear-shifting power so that a transmission input shaft can be easily controlled.
US08968132B2	Chain In a transmission chain including alternately interleaved and articulably connected sets of link plates, the link plates of least one of the sets have back surfaces arranged for sliding contact with a chain guide. These back surfaces have a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the widthwise direction. The radius of curvature of the widthwise curve of the back surface of each of the link plates of the at least one set is at least as great as the radius of curvature of the curve of the same link plate in the longitudinal direction.
US08968127B2	Tensioner A tensioner having a simplified structure, using engaging teeth having increased strength and reduced backlash, constructed from a reduced number of parts, reduced in cost, and having increased design freedom. A tensioner comprises: a tubular member (1) having engaging teeth (1b) formed thereon; one or more engaging elements (2) having formed thereon engaging teeth (2a) engaging with the engaging teeth (1b); and a shaft member (3) provided inside the tubular member (1) and having an engaging-element receiving section (3c) or an engaging-element supporting section which receives the engaging elements (2) of the tubular member (1). Either the tubular member (1) or the shaft member (3) functions as an advancing member which is moved by urging force in an advancing and retracting manner. The tensioner is provided with a ratchet mechanism which, when the engaging elements (2) move in a diameter reducing direction and move over the engaging teeth of the tubular member (1), allows the advancing member to advance forward, and when the engaging elements (2) move in a diameter expanding direction and engage with the engaging teeth of the tubular member (1), prevents the advancing member to retract.
US08968120B2	Baseball and softball fielding aid A fielding aid for a baseball or softball glove having an insert composed of a vibration dampening material for slowing or impeding the movement of a ball; the insert having an interior portion and exterior portion. In certain aspects, the interior portion has a convex shape that aids in fielding balls.
US08968116B1	Golf club head with adjustable characteristics A golf club head with means for adjusting a center of gravity along more than one axis and means adjusting at least one of a characteristic selected from the group consisting of face angle, loft angle, and lie angle is disclosed herein. The golf club head comprises one or more adjustable features such as weight bars, weight screws, weight cartridges, and adjustable sole members, and preferably includes structural features such as pegs, teeth, and polymeric dampeners that serve to preload the one or more adjustable features on the golf club head and prevent or reduce unwanted vibrations when the golf club head is in use.
US08968112B1	Golf hole cup setter A golf hole cup setter for inserting a cylindrical golf hole cup into a golf hole so that its longitudinal axis is in vertical alignment. The cup setter has a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A cup insertion member extends downwardly from the lower surface of the base plate, and is configured to contact the upper rim of the cup. A level is attached to the base plate and is positioned to allow a user to step on the base plate without interference during cup insertion, and to determine whether the longitudinal axis of the golf hole cup inserted into the golf hole by the cup setter is in vertical alignment.
US08968108B2	Axially restraining torsional spring utilizing a tapered shaft A rotational and axial control spring includes a tubular casing, a shaft, and a plurality of elongated elastomeric members. The casing comprises a tubular cross sectional equilateral convex polygon shape, the tubular shape extending uniformly between a first and second casing end. The shaft is fabricated having a cross sectional shape mimicking the equilateral convex polygon casing shape, a series of exterior surfaces extending longitudinally between a first smaller end and second larger end, wherein the exterior surfaces form a square frustum shape. The elastomeric members are formed as cylindrical frustums. The shaft is inserted within the casing interior. Each elastomeric member is positioned contacting a respective shaft exterior surface and a pair of adjacent casing interior surfaces. The elastomeric members provide rotational spring with adjustable resistant force and dampening functions. The tapered features provide an axial retention function.
US08968107B2	Flex shaft-drive motor connection for power operated rotary knife A flexible shaft drive transmission for transmitting rotational power between a drive motor and a gear train of a power operated tool. The flexible shaft drive transmission includes an elongated drive shaft assembly including a rotatable drive transmitting shaft assembly extending through an outer casing. The shaft drive transmission includes a motor end coupling affixed to one end the outer casing and adapted to be releasably connected to a mating coupling of the drive motor. The motor end coupling includes a coupling body having an outer surface tapered region tapering from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter at a distal end of the tapered region to facilitate insertion and proper alignment with the drive motor coupling. The drive transmitting shaft assembly includes a driven fitting having a plurality of drive faces surrounding an axially extending locating member for engagement with a mating drive fitting of the drive motor.
US08968103B2	Systems and methods for digital multimedia capture using haptic control, cloud voice changer, and protecting digital multimedia privacy Provided are computer implemented methods and systems for multimedia capture and encrypting. According to the method, a first user input is received. Based on the first user input, one or more sensors are initiated to capture multimedia to obtain captured multimedia. The method further comprises receiving a second user input. Upon receiving the second user input, data associated with the first user input and the second user input are analyzed. Based on the analysis, one or more multimedia types are selected for recording from the captured multimedia based on predetermined rules. The selected one or more multimedia types are recorded to a memory. The recorded multimedia types are modified by a cloud-based voice changing unit. Furthermore, the recorded multimedia types and the modified multimedia types are encrypted to prepare the one or more multimedia types for sending to an intended recipient.
US08968101B2	Wireless communication game system A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device. Then, transmitting a child device number CID of the user's own apparatus at the E slot designated by the parent device packet, the user's own apparatus transmits a connection request to the parent device.
US08968092B2	Integrating wagering games and environmental conditions A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting characteristics of at least one environmental condition in an external environment that is external to a wagering game machine in a casino (e.g., detect activity that occurs in the casino, detect appearance of people and objects in the casino, detect light and sound events, etc.). The operations can further include generating an animated wagering game effect in a wagering game animation, using the detected characteristics of the environmental condition. The animated wagering game effect can affect one or more wagering game objects within the wagering game animation in a way that emulates the environmental condition.
US08968088B2	Controlling priority of wagering game lighting content A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving emotive light presentation data from a variety of emotive light control sources and determining presentation priorities for the emotive light presentation data. The operations can further include controlling the emotive light presentation data, from the variety of emotive light control sources, based on prioritization of the presentation priorities. In some embodiments, the operations can include controlling priorities based on locations of emotive lighting devices on a wagering game machine. In other embodiments, the operations can include assigning priorities based on wagering game types and other classifications. In yet other embodiments, the operations can utilize priority values to determine lighting prominence, which in conjunction with transparency values, can generate blended, or composite lighting effects.
US08968085B2	Networked gaming system and method A method and apparatus for allowing remote players to participate in live games offered by a central gaming server. In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving authentication information from a person wishing to participate in the live games offered by the central gaming server, storing the authentication information in a memory, receiving an authentication request from an individual over a network interface, the authentication request comprising authentication information sent by the individual wishing to participate in the live games, comparing the authentication information in the authentication request to the authentication information in the memory by a processor, receiving a scaled commission determined by the authorized authentication center, the scaled commission comprising a portion of a fee received from game players during game play, and granting access the individual access to the central gaming server if the authentication information in the authentication request matches the authentication information in the memory.
US08968084B2	Processing metadata in wagering game systems This description describes wagering game systems that process metadata. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wagering game presentation unit configured to present wagering games and create extended metadata and wager gaming content. The apparatus can also include operating system modules configured to store the wager gaming content as a file in a file system and to store the extended metadata at locations associated with the file.
US08968076B2	Gaming device with wild activation symbols and wild termination symbols A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.
US08968072B2	Gaming machine and control method thereof A gaming machine and a controlling method thereof are provided. The gaming machine includes a mechanical symbol display unit which includes: a rotatable reel having a peripheral face with a plurality of symbols thereon; an illuminating device that is provided within a space on an inner periphery side of the rotatable reel and is controlled to emit light of at least two different colors; and an illumination controller. The symbols include a special symbol having at least two translucent portions each having a unique color that is the same as one of the at least two different colors. The at least two colors are selected in a way that, the special symbol is observable as a symbol in one single color or a symbol with a pattern of at least two colors according to the color of the emitted light.
US08968071B2	Method and system for weighting odds to specific gaming entities in a shared bonus event Methods of weighting odds in shared bonus events and gaming systems and devices configured for weighting odds in shared bonus events. A number of participations or entries by the same gaming machine or player entity may be obtained for a shared bonus event in association with play of a base or primary game, allowing the odds of winning the shared bonus event to be weighted.
US08968067B1	Providing personalized leaderboards to users of a game An approach to facilitate providing personalized leaderboards based upon user parameters, game parameters or a combination thereof. The personalized leaderboard determined by identifying a group of users (i) to which the first user belongs, and (ii) among which performance in the online game by the first user as characterized by the first set of game parameter values is relatively high. Providing leaderboards where the user features relatively high incentivizes the user to continue playing the game to continue progressing toward the top of the leaderboard, improving player retention.
US08968066B2	Method and apparatus for modifying gaming machines to provide supplemental or modified functionality A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for transferring credits from one gaming device to another via the use of coded scrip is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a cash-out command in the gaming device, scanning a magnetically manifested code uniquely identifying a scrip stored in the gaming device, transmitting a cash-out message comprising the code to a remote processor having access to a database configured to store and retrieve codes from a plurality of gaming devices, receiving a scrip dispense message from the remote processor, and dispensing the scrip. The apparatus comprises a scrip storage unit, a scrip dispensing unit having a scrip transducer for reading and recording a magnetically manifested code on a scrip retrieved from the scrip storage unit, and a processor, communicatively coupled to the scrip transducer and a remote computer having access to a database for storing and retrieving code information from the plurality of gaming devices.
US08968064B2	Agricultural combine harvester with harvesting and winnowing optimization control system An agricultural combine has a threshing assembly for threshing a crop to produce chaff and grain, a cleaning assembly for removing the chaff from the grain, and a control system. The threshing assembly and the cleaning assembly operate at threshing and cleaning settings, respectively, for tending to produce a balance between a threshing load applied across the threshing assembly and a cleaning load applied across the cleaning assembly that tends to have a favorable influence on grain loss. The control system is for sensing an imbalance between the threshing load and the cleaning load tending to have an unfavorable influence on grain loss, and for concurrently adjusting the threshing and cleaning settings of the threshing and cleaning assemblies, respectively, for tending to convert the imbalance between the threshing and cleaning loads to a balance between the threshing and cleaning loads tending to have a favorable influence on grain loss.
US08968061B2	Containment hood A containment hood may include a first shell portion, a second shell portion and a lid portion. The first shell portion may include a first interior-facing surface. The second shell portion may be spaced apart from the first shell portion and may include a second interior-facing surface. The first and second interior-facing surfaces may oppose each other. The lid portion may extend between and engage the first and second shell portions. The lid portion may cooperate with the first and second shell portions to form at least a partial enclosure defining an interior volume. The first and second shell portions and the lid portion may cooperate to define a first opening through which a user is able to access the interior volume.
US08968060B2	Automated poultry hanging system and method This invention relates to automated systems and methods for hanging live poultry for further processing. The system has an alignment conveyor, an alignment stunner, a hanging box, and a shackle. The alignment conveyor conveys poultry from an input point to the alignment stunner. The alignment stunner urges the poultry to move to a desired position on the alignment conveyor and stuns the poultry. The hanging box grasps the stunned poultry and places the poultry into the shackle for further processing. A computer and at least one sensor control operation of the system so that human intervention is minimized.
US08968058B2	Polishing pad with alignment feature Polishing pads with alignment marks are described. Methods of fabricating polishing pads with alignment marks are also described.
US08968056B2	System for machining the running surface on skis and snowboards The system for machining the bottom of skis comprises a machine frame, in which a ski is stationary supported by roller carriers. The machining is performed by machining tools on a carriage, which extends throughout under the ski. During the machining, the carrier rollers that are alternately arranged behind each other, take over the support of the ski. There are always so many carrier rollers directly under the ski that its bottom remains in a stationary position.
US08968055B2	Methods and apparatus for pre-chemical mechanical planarization buffing module The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a pre-CMP semiconductor substrate buffing module. The invention includes a polishing pad assembly adapted to be rotated against a major surface of a substrate; a chuck adapted to hold the substrate and to rotate the substrate against the polishing pad assembly as the polishing pad assembly is rotated; and a lateral motion motor adapted to oscillate the polishing pad assembly laterally across the major surface of the substrate while the polishing pad assembly is rotated against the rotating substrate. Numerous additional features are disclosed.
US08968053B2	Method for the treatment of steel surfaces, particularly of cheesemaking machines In order to avoid using anti-stick paints, based on polytetrafluoroethylene or the like, on parts of cheesemaking machines which are to be in contact with hot curds (pastafilata), their surfaces are sandblasted with preferably virgin white corundum powder having a granulometry of about 180 mesh. Surprisingly, surfaces so treated are non-stick for the purposes mentioned above.
US08968048B2	Activity mat An infant activity device comprising two or more arches configured for creating an activity space therebelow defined by a location of articulation of the arches, and further comprising an arch configuration member configured for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch and further configured for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration to thereby alter the activity space.
US08968046B2	Toy couplers including a plurality of block retaining channels Building sets including a plurality of blocks and a plurality of clips configured to engage a thickness of one or more of the blocks. Each clip includes a base and first and second substantially parallel extensions extending from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which a thickness of a block is receivable. The width of the channel is substantially equal to and slightly less than the thickness of the block receivable within the channel so that the thickness is frictionally retained therein. The clip may include a magnet enclosed within the base so that the base of a first clip may be magnetically coupled to the base of another clip, and each clip may in turn be frictionally coupled to a block received between the extensions of the respective clip. In one embodiment, the clip includes a plurality of channels.
US08968043B1	Method and apparatus for total control handle By using the intelligent ski handle capable of communicating with a tow boat, a towed user can control functions such as raising a warning flag, changing the speed and direction of the boat, sounding a horn, etc. thus promoting safety of the rider. When the towed user is separated by a prespecified distance from the ski handle, the handle can sense a fallen rider and wirelessly transmit a control signal to a receiver on the towing boat.
US08968039B1	Interface assembly having electrically connected stab coupling and secondary coupling assemblies An interface assembly for a panel board is provided. The interface assembly includes an interface assembly body and a number of conductor assemblies. The interface assembly body includes a front side and a back side, said body further defining a number of conductor passages. Each conductor passage extends from said interface assembly body front side to said body back side. The conductor assemblies each includes a stab coupling assembly and a secondary coupling assembly. Each stab coupling assembly and each said secondary coupling assembly are coupled and are in electrical communication. Each stab coupling assembly is disposed in a conductor passage. When the interface assembly body is mounted in a panel board, each stab coupling assembly is coupled to, and in electric communication with a stab. Each secondary coupling assembly can be coupled to another panel board device.
US08968037B2	Subsea container electrical through connector A subsea container electrical through connector for providing an electrical connection from an interior of a subsea container to an exterior of the subsea container is disclosed, wherein the connector extends partially into or fully through a hole in a subsea container. The connector comprises a conductive bolt having a conical bolt portion with an outer diameter increasing in a longitudinal direction. Further, the connector comprises an electrical insulator having a conical insulator portion with an inner surface, facing the conical bolt portion of the bolt, and an outer surface having an outer diameter which increases in the longitudinal direction.
US08968035B2	Communications plugs and patch cords with mode conversion control circuitry Patch cords include a communications cable that has first through eighth conductors that are arranged as four twisted pairs. A TIA 568B type plug may be attached to the cable. This plug includes a housing that receives the cable and first through eighth plug contacts that include plug contact regions that are substantially aligned in a row in numerical order. The plug further includes a printed circuit board that has first through eighth conductive paths that connect the first through eighth conductors to the respective first through eighth plug contacts. A first portion of the first conductive path and a first portion of the second conductive path are routed as a transmission line, and a first portion of the sixth conductive path is routed therebetween.
US08968032B2	Structure including an interface section having displaceable contact portions with reinforced portions An interface section 200 of a structure 100 includes a plurality of contacts 120, each of the contacts having a contact portion 122 and a spring portion 126 which supports the contact portion 122 so that the contact portion 122 is displaceable in an up-down direction. The contact portions 122 of the contacts 120 are arranged in a pitch direction (X direction), and reinforcement portions 166 are positioned between the contact portions 122, respectively. The structure reinforces a side portion of the contact portion 122. Therefore, even if the contact portion 122 receives a force along the pitch direction (X direction), damage of the contact 120 can be prevented.
US08968025B2	Coupling continuity connector A coaxial cable connector including a continuity element extending between a nut shroud and a body base.
US08968017B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first semiconductor layer is a first conductivity type. The second semiconductor layer is provided in a surface region of the first semiconductor layer and is the first conductivity type. The first electrode is provided inside a first trench extending in the first direction and opened to a surface of the second semiconductor layer. The second electrode is provided in a second trench extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and opened to the surface of the second semiconductor layer. A dimension from the surface of the second semiconductor layer to a lower end of the second electrode is shorter than a dimension from the surface of the second semiconductor layer to a lower end of the first electrode.
US08968013B2	Modular jack A modular jack is composed of: a base connector installed on a printed circuit board, and a socket connector with a parallel crank mechanism at an extremity thereof, the parallel crank mechanism being slidably connected to the base connector and switching an upper housing between a raised state and a lowered state. When the upper housing is laid toward the front side of the socket connector, the socket connector can be housed inside the casing and both faces of the upper housing, the socket housing, and the base housing are made in a flat plate-like shape. This contributes to height reduction in the modular jack. The socket connector is configured such that, when the upper housing is pulled out from a side face of the casing and raised outside the casing, a plug can be electrically connected to the socket connector.
US08968009B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector is provided in the present invention, including an insulating housing, multiple power terminals and multiple signal terminals. The insulating housing has at least one upright power receptacle body and at least one upright signal plug body parallel to the power receptacle body. Wherein the power receptacle body forms an upright power port on a front surface thereof, and the signal plug body forms at least one signal port on a front surface thereof. Each power terminal has a plate-shaped base plate, at least one spring connection end and multiple tails. The power receptacle body and the signal plug body of the present invention are designed to be upright for saving the edge space of a circuit board. Moreover, the electrical connector of the present invention also has a character of zero insertion force by controlling the length of the signal terminal and the power terminal.
US08968005B2	Circuit-terminal connecting device A circuit-terminal connecting device comprising a first connector having a first housing fixed to a main circuit board and first contacts supported by the first housing to be connected with first circuit-terminals provided on the main circuit board and a second connector having a second housing attached to a flat circuit member and second contacts supported by the second housing to be connected with second circuit-terminals provided on the flat circuit member. The first housing of the first connector fits into a hole formed in the second housing of the second connector so as to create an electrical piling connection between the main circuit board and the flat circuit member wherein the flat circuit member is laid on top of the main circuit board and the first circuit-terminals are electrically connected with the second circuit-terminals through the first and second connectors.
US08968000B2	Mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation A mixing and application capsule for producing and discharging a dental preparation is disclosed. In order to prevent a liquid loss, a mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation is proposed according to the invention, which has: a capsule body (31) with a mixing chamber (32) for receiving a mixing component (41) and for mixing the dental preparation (43) from the mixing component (41) and a fluid (42) and with an outlet opening (33) for discharging the dental preparation (43), a first plunger body (11) which can be displaced in the capsule body (31), delimits the mixing chamber (32) in the capsule body (31) and has a channel (19) to guide the fluid (42) from a cavity (22) into the mixing chamber (32) and a projection (12), and a second plunger body (21) which can be displaced in the capsule body (31) relative to the first plunger body (11) and has the cavity (22) to receive the fluid (42), the cavity (22) being configured to receive the projection (12) of the first plunger body (11).
US08967998B2	Rotary kiln lining and method Provided is a rotary kiln having a cylindrical shell having an inner cylindrical surface and a longitudinal axis and a kiln lining disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the shell. The kiln lining includes one or more radial portions of a first size of shaped refractory material disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the shell along the longitudinal axis for at least a portion of the shell and one or more lifter sections comprising a second size of shaped refractory material that extend along the longitudinal axis for at least a portion of the shell and are between radial portions of the first size of shaped refractory material, wherein the second size of shaped refractory material is greater than the first size of shaped refractory material, such that the second size of shaped refractory material extends orthogonally from the inner cylindrical surface for a greater portion of the diameter of the shell than the first size of shaped refractory material, the second size of shaped refractory materials thereby forming a series of blunt faces. Also included are methods of processing materials using the inventive kiln lining, and methods of assembling the inventive kiln lining.
US08967992B2	Optically absorptive material for alignment marks Imprint lithography templates having alignment marks with highly absorptive material. The alignment marks are insensitive to the effects of liquid spreading and can provide stability and increase contrast to alignment system during liquid imprint filling of template features.
US08967988B2	Apex and face seals with rotary internal combustion engine In one aspect, described is a rotor for a rotary internal combustion engine where a first face seal biased axially outwardly away from the first end face has opposed curled ends abutting a first seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies, and a second face seal biased axially outwardly away from the second end face has opposed curled ends abutting a second seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies.
US08967987B2	Scroll compressor having at least one bypass hole A scroll compressor is provided, in which at least one bypass hole that bypass a portion of a refrigerant before the refrigerant is discharged through a discharge hole is formed at a position where a bypass section that bypasses the refrigerant through the at least one bypass hole overlaps a discharge section that discharges the refrigerant through the discharge hole. The at least one bypass hole is formed at a position where a wrap volume ratio (Vs/Vd), which is a ratio of a suction volume (Vs) with respect to a discharge volume (Vd) in a compression chamber, is within the range of about 1.8˜2.2. With this configuration, over-compression of refrigerant may be prevented in a low speed driving mode, and efficiency of the compressor may be enhanced in the low speed driving mode and under a low load condition.
US08967984B2	Rotary compressor A twin rotary compressor is provided. In the twin rotary compressor, a refrigerant suction pipe may be connected to a middle plate positioned between a first cylinder and a second cylinder to reduce a height of the first cylinder, so that heights of a first rolling piston and a first vane may also be lowered. This may allow a contact area between the first rolling piston and the first vane to be decreased so as to reduce refrigerant leakage from a first compression space of the first cylinder, resulting in improvement of compression efficiency of the compressor.
US08967980B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly includes a nozzle and a system for creating a primary air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an outlet for emitting the primary air flow, and defines an opening through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the primary air flow emitted from the outlet. To allow a parameter of an air flow, formed from the combination of the primary and secondary air flows, to be adjusted by a user, the nozzle has an adjustable configuration.
US08967977B2	Locked spacer for a gas turbine engine shaft A shaft assembly that includes a locked spacer mounted to a shaft shoulder.
US08967976B2	Wind turbine with multi-panel blade A wind turbine blade transversely divided in an inboard module (13) and an outboard module (33) provided on their end sections with connecting means, comprising, respectively, an inboard spar (15), an inboard upper shell (17) and an inboard lower shell (19); an outboard spar (35), an outboard upper shell (37) and an outboard lower shell (39); and arranged so that the aerodynamic profile of said inboard and outboard modules (13, 33) is defined by said upper and lower shells (17, 19; 37, 39), in which the inboard spar (15) is composed of two cap prefabricated panels (21, 23) and two web prefabricated panels (25, 27), and the outboard spar (35) is composed of first and second prefabricated panels (41, 43) integrating its caps (45, 47) and webs (49, 51). The invention also refers to a method of fabricating said wind turbine blade.
US08967971B2	Fluid pump An apparatus for pumping or compressing a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a front wall, a rear wall and one or more side walls interconnecting the front and rear walls to define a fluid rotation chamber; at least one inlet located substantially centrally in the front wall; an impeller located at least partially within the at least one inlet such that at least a portion of the impeller extends outwardly beyond at least a portion of the front wall; and at least one outlet, wherein rotation of the impeller causes fluid entering the apparatus through the at least one inlet to rotate within the fluid rotation chamber prior to exiting the apparatus through the at least one outlet.
US08967968B2	Turbine rotor blade A concave (a relief portion) is formed along a circumferential direction of a rotor in a trailing-edge end surface of a platform. In the trailing-edge end surface disposed outside of the relief portion in the radial direction of the rotor an opening of a cooling channel is provided. The end surface is formed thicker in the radial direction of the rotor at the opening of the cooling channel than at a position corresponding to a trailing-edge end of a hub of an airfoil portion connected to the platform.
US08967966B2	Hub for a propeller having variable pitch blades A hub for a propeller having variable pitch blades for a turbine engine, for example for a propfan turbine engine. The propeller hub includes: a polygonal ring having substantially radial cylindrical housings distributed about a central axis of the ring for receiving the blades; a rotor element for the turbine of the turbine engine; a supporting flange attached to the ring so as to connect the ring to the rotor element; and a plurality of backup retaining members linked to the rotor element, and each of which includes at least one bearing surface opposite an outer surface of the ring with a radial spacing.
US08967964B2	Boundary layer energiser A boundary layer energizer (20) for energizing a boundary layer flow over a surface (22), the boundary layer energizer (20) comprising a plurality of passages (24), each passage terminating in a respective hole (26) provided on the surface (22), the holes being arranged in a cluster (23) on the surface, wherein the plurality of passages are angled with respect to one another at the surface such that, when in use, a vortex (24) is formed by a fluid flowing through the plurality of passages.
US08967962B2	Centrifugal fan A centrifugal fan includes a housing and an impeller. The housing includes a first surface and a flow channel wall. The first surface has a surrounding section and an air inlet section. The surrounding section encircles the air inlet section. The flow channel wall defines a flow chamber and an air outlet, and at least a sidewall of the flow channel wall has a tongue portion close to the air outlet. The impeller is rotatably connected within the flow chamber. The surrounding section plus the air inlet section is an area on the first surface, on which the impeller is projected, and the surrounding section has a convex structure.
US08967956B2	Turbocharger variable-nozzle assembly with vane sealing arrangement A variable-nozzle assembly for a turbocharger includes a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes can be pivoted about their axes for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. A unison ring engages vane arms that are affixed to axles of the vanes, such that rotation of the unison ring causes the vanes to pivot between a closed position and an open position. The vanes have proximal ends that are adjacent a face of the nozzle ring. A vane sealing member is supported on the nozzle ring and has a portion disposed between the proximal ends of the vanes and the face of the nozzle ring. The unison ring includes cams that engage cam followers. Rotational movement of the unison ring causes the cam followers to be moved axially and thereby urge the vane sealing member against the proximal ends of the vanes.
US08967951B2	Turbine assembly and method for supporting turbine components According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a first static structure and a second static structure radially outward of the first static structure. The assembly also includes a support member placed in a recess of the second static structure, wherein the support member includes first and second curved surfaces to contact the first and second static structures, respectively, and wherein the support member includes a biasing structure to retain the support member in the recess.
US08967949B2	Sound-proofed helicocentrifugal fan A sound-proofed helicocentrifugal fan includes a helicocentrifugal propeller associated with a motor, housed in a casing formed by a central piece and respective end pieces, which pieces are perforated with holes distributed over the entire surface except for the area around the propeller. A sound-absorbing blanket surrounds the casing, and an outer casing is disposed around the entire assembly.
US08967939B2	Aircraft transporter dolly with hinged gate for moving aircraft An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with a tractor via an aircraft lift dolly which includes a hinged gate to entrap the aircraft nose gear. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably detachably coupled to the tractor through two attachment points to an intermediate connecting towbar. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that it repositioned longitudinally with respect to the forward chock and is hingedly coupled. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
US08967938B2	Transport tray A transport tray for use in an installation for manufacturing food products, the installation having actuators. The transport tray has a chassis and a bottom having two panels mounted on the chassis, each having a first parallel edge and being able to move in rotation about a rotation axis parallel to the first edges between a transport position in which the distance between the first edges is less than the diameter of the fruit products and an unloading position in which at least one of the first edges is lowered so that the distance between the first edges is greater than the diameter of the food products. Each panel cooperates with an actuator for passing it from the transport position to the unloading position. Apparatus is provided to prevent lifting of the first edge of each panel beyond the transport position.
US08967936B2	Sump clearing device A sump clearing device having a elongated tube attached to a backboard of a sweep auger. A second tube is attached to and extends through a sidewall of a grain bin. The second tube is aligned with the elongated tube. An elongated member having a clearing device is inserted through the second and elongated tube such that the clearing device is positioned above a center sump of the bin.
US08967935B2	Substrate loader and unloader A substrate loader adapted to load and unload a substrate to and from a moveable holder having a seal. The substrate loader has a base and a holder support frame coupled to the base, the holder support frame adapted to repeatably position the moveable holder relative to a predetermined datum. The substrate transport is coupled to the base and having a substrate chuck and adapted to move and transport the substrate relative to the holder. The substrate transport is deterministically positioned relative to the predetermined datum and is adapted to move the substrate from a first position, with the substrate captured by the moveable holder, to a second position with the substrate disengaged from the holder and the seal, the substrate transport movement of the substrate from the first to the second position effecting disengagement from the holder and the seal substantially without contacting the substrate.
US08967931B1	Apparatus for securing cargo An apparatus for securing a cargo item within a cargo area that is defined by a pickup truck bed and a bed liner that is disposed within the pickup truck bed, the bed liner defining a plurality of elongate grooves. The apparatus includes a rod that extends along an axis in an axial direction of the rod. An engaging structure is receivable within at least one groove from the plurality of elongate grooves of the bed liner for engagement with the bed liner. An adjustable connecting structure connects the engaging structure to the rod and allows adjustment of an axial position of the engaging structure along the rod in the axial direction of the rod. A body is connected to the rod for engaging the cargo item.
US08967930B2	Transport system for large items A transport system for transporting large items wherein the large items comprise at least three through going holes and said system comprises a frame to support the items. Said frame has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises two parallel longitudinal beams connected by two parallel transverse beams and further comprises at least two transverse support bars to support the items, which transverse support bars are located between the two parallel transverse beams. The transport system further comprises a first and a second rod to be mounted in two through going holes in the items where each end of the first and second rod can be connected to the longitudinal beams to secure the items to the frame in such a way that no part of the large items extends over the rectangle defined by the two parallel longitudinal beams and the two parallel transverse beams.
US08967925B2	Machine tool A machine tool re-machines a workpiece after positioning drive motors, a hob and the workpiece by stopping the drive motors with the rotational positions of the drive motors, the hob and the workpiece corresponding to their respective zero positions. For this purpose, a drive control section recognizes, based on the rotational-speed ratio of the drive motor corresponding to the hob and the hob and/or the rotational-speed ratio of the drive motor corresponding to the workpiece to the workpiece, and detection signals from detection sensors detecting that the rotational positions of the drive motors are at their respective zero positions, detections signals when the rotational positions of the drive motors and the rotational positions of the hob and the workpiece correspond to their respective zero positions, and stops the drive motors with the rotational positions of the drive motors, the hob and the workpiece corresponding to their respective zero positions.
US08967924B2	Core drilling machine having an interchangeable drill bit A core drilling machine having an axial extending hollow drill shaft supported rotatably in a housing and rotated by means of a drive unit; a coaxial tool holder receiving an axially displaceable drill bit, the tool holder having a locking mechanism securing the drill bit in a rotationally fixed manner to the hollow drill shaft; wherein the hollow drill shaft is suitable for receiving a shaft of an interchangeable centre drill, the center drill axially supported against a first spring element; and an axial stop element preventing in a first position a complete displacement of the center drill into the interior of the hollow drill shaft and allows in a second position a complete displacement of the center drill into the interior of the hollow drill shaft; and an activation device for activating the first or second positions of the stop element.
US08967921B2	Cutting insert and cutting tool A cutting insert is capable of boring or drilling without the formation of a prepared hole in a workpiece. A cutting edge includes a cutting edge portion extending from the outer peripheral side to the tool center axis side of a cutting tool body when the cutting insert is attached to a mounting seat, reaching a first plane including the tool center axis, and traversing from one side to the other side of a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane and which includes the tool center axis.
US08967920B2	Cutting insert and chip-control arrangement therefor A cutting insert has at least first and second side surfaces, with a chip-control arrangement. The chip-control arrangement includes at least one projection disposed at an intersection of a corner of the cutting insert. When the chip-control arrangement includes two projections they can be disposed symmetrically on both sides of the intersection. Each of the at least one projections is elongated and extends longitudinally along an associated side surface.
US08967919B2	System and process for injecting catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.
US08967918B2	Anchor arrangement for use with open mat system; open mat system; and methods for reinforcing earth An open mat system to reinforce turf includes an anchor arrangement to help secure the mat to the turf. The anchor arrangement includes an anchor head embedded in the earth, a cable connected to the anchor head, a cable connector device, and a brace. The cable is inserted into the connector device, which holds the cable against withdrawal from the connector device. The brace includes a receiver, in which the cable connector device is removably oriented in the receiver.
US08967917B1	Retaining wall system A retaining wall system has a plurality of pilasters, a plurality of spiralnails, a wire truss system, and a plurality of face panels. The plurality of pilasters are horizontally spaced along the earthen embankment, and each have an elongate pilaster body that is vertically mounted on the earthen embankment. The plurality of spiralnails that have each been driven into the earthen embankment are attached to one of the plurality of pilasters to anchor the pilasters in the earthen embankment. The wire truss system is operably mounted on the plurality of pilasters, and includes a pilaster attachment portion, a wire lattice body with a V-shaped portion, and an interlocking portion that interlocks with at least one adjacent truss element. The plurality of face panels are operably attached to the wire truss system to cover the V-shaped portions of the truss elements.
US08967914B2	Riser protection structures The present invention provides a riser protection structure being suitable to be employed in a Jackup rig. The riser protection structure comprises a plurality of piles, an upper module, wherein the upper module comprises a main protection tubing for receiving a riser, a plurality of sleeves to be installed over the plurality of piles, and a connecting network; wherein the plurality of sleeves are disposed around the main protection tubing; and wherein the main protection tubing and the plurality of sleeves are connected together by the connecting network, and a lower module, wherein the lower module comprises a plurality of tubular guides for guiding and later fixing the piles and a connecting structure, wherein the plurality of piles are securely disposed into the seabed for providing the requisite support for the upper and lower modules when they are assembled.
US08967907B2	Artificial flagstone for providing a surface with a natural random look An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.
US08967904B1	Tactile plate assembly A tactile plate assembly used as a tactile warning device on walkways comprises a plurality of tactile plates with texture for providing tactile awareness. A connecting bracket attaches first and second tactile plates to each other to form a pair of tactile plates. Interlocking brackets, having first and second ends, attach two pairs of tactile plates together, forming a tactile plate subassembly. The interlocking brackets each includes a first end with a tab extending at an angle and a second end with a hole. The interlocking brackets can mate with one another to allow connection of multiple tactile plate subassemblies together. The interlocking brackets include multiple holes of sufficient size to allow a substrate such as concrete or asphalt to flow therethrough to anchor the tactile plate assembly in place. The connecting brackets may also include similar holes of sufficient size to allow a substrate to flow therethrough.
US08967900B2	Hygienic writing instrument and method of using A hygienic modular writing utensil and method of using for eliminating or minimizing the spread of germs, bacteria and the like between a first and a second user. The utensil has an External Protective Shield with a first holding area for use by the first user and a removable Internal Writing Utensil with a second holding area for use by the second user. The External Protective Shield has an internal cleaning element and the Internal Writing Utensil has a removable cap on its outer end, whereby when the first user pulls the Internal Writing Utensil out from the External Protective Shield or reinserts the Internal Writing Utensil back into the External Protective Shield by grasping the exterior surface of the removable cap, an outer surface of the Internal Writing Utensil, including the second holding area is cleaned.
US08967898B1	Multi-function back and body scrubber A multi-function back and body scrubber to enable a user to wash, scrub, massage and exfoliate his back and other areas of his body while taking a bath or a shower. The multi-function scrubber includes a shaft that is filled with fluid (e.g., body wash), a flexible thumb pump detachably connected to one end of the shaft, and a double-sided scrubbing head connected to the opposite end. The scrubbing head has first and second cleaning surfaces (e.g., a loofah sponge and a plurality of raised bumps) that are detachable and interchangeable with one another. When the thumb pump is squeezed, fluid is forced from the shaft to one of the cleaning surfaces of the double-sided scrubbing head. The scrubbing head is detachable from the shaft to be held in a hand of the user so that fluid can be dispensed from the shaft thereto.
US08967897B2	Cosmetic dispensers with a translucent wall and an opaque housing A cosmetic dispenser includes a translucent reservoir sandwiched in-between a shelled wall and a solid wall of an opaque housing. The shelled wall provides exposure to a portion of the translucent reservoir, the exposed portion of the translucent reservoir defines a flexible wall. The translucent reservoir being formed of a substantially more supple material than the opaque housing, thereby providing the flexible wall to displace a portion of product stored in the translucent reservoir.
US08967893B2	Printer with cutter protection mechanism A printer includes a main body case in which a sheet roll is installed, a sheet discharge port from which a printed sheet of paper is discharged, an opening/closing cover that opens and closes with respect to the main body case, a cutter that is attached to the opening/closing cover and configured to cut the printed sheet of paper from the sheet roll, and a cutter protection mechanism configured to move in correspondence with an opening movement or a closing movement of the opening/closing cover. The cutter protection mechanism is configured to expose the cutter at the sheet discharge port when the opening/closing cover is in an open state and conceal the cutter when the opening/closing cover is in a closed state.
US08967888B2	Dry silicone gels and their methods of making using thiol-ene chemistry Methods and systems are provided for a dry silicone gel. The dry silicone gel comprises a base polymer having a vinyl-silicone group and a crosslinker having thiol groups. The dry silicone gel may be made without the use of a catalyst by reacting the base polymer and crosslinker in the presence of a photo or thermal initiator. In some embodiments, the gel also comprises a chain extender having thiol groups. In certain embodiments, the dry silicone gel may comprise: (1) a hardness between 100 g and 300 g, (2) a stress relaxation between 30% and 60% when subjected to a deformation of 50% of the original size of the gel, (3) a compression set between 4% and 20% after 50% strain has been applied to the gel for 1000 hours at 70° C., and/or (4) less than 10% oil bleed out under compression of 1.2 atm after 60 days at 60° C.
US08967886B2	Optical connector with printed circuit board and lens element bonded to each other An optical connector includes a substrate and a lens element. The lens element includes a first bottom surface contacting with the substrate, and the lens element defines a groove in the bottom surface.
US08967883B2	Modular surgical laser systems Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.
US08967882B2	Optical fiber connector An optical fiber connector for positioning a number of optical fibers is provided. The optical fiber connector includes an assembling portion and a number of guiding blocks protruding from the assembling portion. The assembling portion defines a number of positioning holes corresponding to the optical fibers in position. The guiding blocks and the positioning holes are alternatively arranged on the assembling portion. Each guiding block includes a wedge portion at an end away from the assembling portion for guiding a corresponding one of the optical fibers into a corresponding one of the positioning holes.
US08967879B2	Cage for rolling bodies of a bearing A cage for rolling elements of a bearing, which has a plastic base body and a metal coating fixed to the base body and at least partially covering the the base body. The cage provides mechanical stability, wear-resistance and corrosion resistance. This is achieved by the metal, at least sections, having a nanocrystalline granular structure.
US08967878B2	In-transit mixing machine drive An in-transit mixing machine drive (2) having an output bearing (8) for supporting an output shaft for rotation relative to a drive housing, in which the output shaft is arranged inclined relative to a horizontal plane (5) at an angle (α) and the output bearing (8) is formed by a pendulum roller bearing (9) whose rolling bodies (13, 14) roll in two bearing rows (10, 11) at pressure angles (β, γ) about a bearing axis (12). The pressure angles (β, γ) of the two bearing rows (10, 11) differ from each other or the rolling bodies (13, 14) of the two bearing rows (10, 11) differ from each other.
US08967873B2	Flexible bearing cage A rolling element guide for a bearing assembly formed with cantilevered arms, the arms flexibly adjusting to contact with a guide surface of an inner or outer ring of a bearing. Lubrication channels in a surface of the cage are also disclosed.
US08967872B2	Bearing assemblies, and related methods Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.
US08967869B2	Component with a sliding surface for bearing another component, and method for producing a sliding layer Particles, embedded into a sliding layer, have a coating, within which a lubricant, e.g., a liquid, is contained. A component with the sliding layer provides a sliding surface that can be used as a backup bearing to ensure emergency operating properties, for example, of a shaft that is mounted in a main bearing. When the shaft strikes the bearing surface, the coating of the particles that are exposed on the bearing surface are destroyed and the lubricant can exit. Advantageously, the sliding properties of the sliding surface are thereby improved.
US08967865B2	Bearing apparatus, spindle motor, and disk drive apparatus A bearing apparatus includes a first cup portion defining a portion of a stationary portion of a bearing apparatus includes a first circular plate portion and a first cylindrical portion projecting downward from an outer edge portion of the first circular plate portion. A rotating portion of the bearing apparatus includes an annular recessed portion arranged to accommodate at least a lower end portion of the first cylindrical portion. The stationary portion includes a second cup portion including a second circular plate portion arranged to extend radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of a stationary shaft below the first cup portion and a second cylindrical portion arranged to project upward from an outer edge portion of the second circular plate portion. One of the first and second cup portions is integral with the stationary shaft defining a single monolithic member, and the other is fixed to the stationary shaft.
US08967863B1	Bearings, bearing apparatus, and systems including the same A bearing ring for use in bearing apparatuses is disclosed. Such a bearing ring may comprise a body having a first array and a second array of bearing elements mounted to the body. The body may have an annular shape and the first array and the second array may be a concentric elliptical shapes, including circles. The body may comprise a plurality of bearing element pockets into which the bearing elements are disposed. In one aspect of the instant disclosure, the material of the bearing elements comprises polycrystalline diamond. A bearing apparatus comprising a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring is also disclosed. A drilling system for use in drilling subterranean formations employing the bearing apparatus is also disclosed.
US08967861B2	Radiographic image detection apparatus A radiographic image detection apparatus includes a detection panel and a housing for containing the detection panel. The housing consists of a front surface member, a back surface member, and a carbon plate attached so as to cover an opening formed in the front surface member. The carbon plate is faced to the detection panel. To the carbon plate is adhered a transparent sheet having transmissivity to radiation and visible light. A first index and a second index are printed on an inner surface of the transparent sheet. The first index is a square-frame shaped index showing a radiation detection range of the detection panel. The second index is a cross-shaped index showing a center position of the radiation detection range. The first and second indices are formed of nonmetallic UV curable ink having no radiation shielding properties.
US08967860B2	Low temperature measurement and control using low temperature pyrometry Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for measuring, calibrating, and controlling substrate temperature during low temperature and high temperature processing. In one embodiment, the method includes epitaxially forming a layer stack on a substrate placed on a support plate, measuring a temperature of the substrate with a first pyrometer disposed over the substrate, measuring a temperature of the support plate with a second pyrometer disposed below the support plate, calibrating the first pyrometer at multiple temperature points based on actual temperature readings of the substrate to generate a first set of calibrated temperature readings associated with the substrate, calibrating the second pyrometer using the set of calibrated temperature readings as a reference to generate a second set of calibrated temperature readings associated with the support plate, and controlling a power supplied to a heat source configured to heat the substrate based on the second set of calibrated temperature readings.
US08967856B2	Semiconductor temperature sensors A temperature sensing device for an integrated circuit comprises an oscillator (2) having a characteristic frequency dependent on the temperature and a digital counter (16) arranged to count a number of pulses generated by the oscillator (2) in a given time interval, or the time taken for the oscillator to generate a given number of pulses. Either of these gives a measured value. The device is configured to use a difference between the measured value and a stored reference value in a linearisation algorithm to estimate a temperature.
US08967851B1	Spectral monitoring of ingredient blending Spectral and hyperspectral imaging systems allow monitoring of pharmaceutical or other industrial blending processes to establish the characteristics of the blend. To illustrate, a batch type blender may be equipped with a computer controlled drive mechanism that is slowed down at a predetermined point during rotation to assess the progress of the blending through an imaging window mounted on the blender. A fast hyperspectral imaging device can be provided directly on the blender to view the blend through the imaging window, or can be placed in a fixed position relative to the rotating blender. The image of the blend is preferably captured line-by-line at a location at or near the bottom of the blender synchronously with the blender's rotation. The spectral information acquired from the blend at each rotation can be used to assess whether the nominal blend composition is achieved, or to reveal uniformity of the blend.
US08967846B2	Solid state continuous white light source A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in life sciences including, microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. The white light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 650 nm and is suitable for imaging all the most common fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. In embodiments, an LED light pipe engine is used to generate a portion of the spectral content of the white light output. In alternative embodiments the solid state illumination system produces light output of a selectable color.
US08967844B2	Low profile light and accessory kit for the same A luminaire includes a heat spreader, a heat sink, a light source and an outer optic. The heat sink is substantially ring-shaped and is disposed around and in thermal communication with an outer periphery of the heat spreader. The light source is disposed in thermal communication with the heat spreader, the light source having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are disposed in thermal communication with the heat spreader. The outer optic is disposed in optical communication with the plurality of LEDs. The heat spreader, the heat sink and the outer optic, in combination, have an overall height H and an overall outside dimension D such that the ratio of H/D is so dimensioned as to: cover an opening defined by a nominally sized four-inch can light fixture; and, cover an opening defined by a nominally sized four-inch electrical junction box.
US08967843B2	LED vehicle headlamp A vehicle headlight includes at least one stationary reflector and at least one reflector adjustable with respect to the at least one stationary reflector. The headlight includes at least two light sources including at least one LED, wherein each of the reflectors is assigned at least one of the light sources, and an assembly body for fastening the at least one stationary reflector and the at least two light sources. The assembly body includes a main body, on which the at least one stationary reflector is assembled. and an exchange body, on which the at least two light sources are fastened. The main body has a through-opening for insertion of a light source support element from the side facing away from the reflectors. Referencing or positioning means are provided on the exchange body in order to fasten the two bodies to one another in a positionally accurate manner.
US08967837B2	Solid state light with features for controlling light distribution and air cooling channels A solid state light having a shell forming an interior volume and with surface texture for redirecting light. A light section is coupled to the shell, and a light source board in the light section includes at least one solid state light source such as an LED. The shell, light section, and light source board have apertures for providing an air cooling channel through the light. The solid state light source transmits light into the interior volume, and the light exits from the shell and is redirected by the surface texture, providing for various light distribution curves of the light.
US08967835B2	Lens having positioning structure for accurately mounting the lens over a light source module An exemplary lens for regulating light of an LED includes a light guiding portion and a latching portion extending downwardly from the light guiding portion. The light guiding portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. A center of the bottom surface is depressed toward the top surface to form an optical concave. The latching portion is formed at the bottom surface and located around the optical concave surface. The latching portion defines an engaging hole to fittingly receive the LED therein. A light source module having the lens is also provided.
US08967833B2	LED lens and light source device using the same The present invention discloses an LED lens and a light source device using the same. The light source device includes the LED lens and a LED. The LED lens comprises a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, and a bottom surface. The light emitting surface includes a recession portion disposed at the central thereof and a convex portion connected to the recession portion. The light incident surface is a concave surface and comprises a first optically active area and a second optically active area. The first optically active area is disposed at the central of the light incident surface; the second optically active area is connected to the first optically active area and the bottom surface. At the junction between the first optically active area and the second optically active area, it is an optical path inversion point that is disposed satisfying specific condition.
US08967829B2	Illumination device employing LEDS that has equivalent light distribution characteristics of incandescent lamps An LED bulb (100) including a light source device (105) provided on a mounting plate (102) and covered by a globe (104) in a shape of a spherical shell is configured such that the light source device (105) includes: a reflecting member (108) in a truncated cone shape; and a plurality of LED chips (15) provided on a top surface of the substrate (11), at least a side face of the reflecting member (108) has a light reflecting function, and the light source device (105) is provided on the mounting plate (102) in such a way that a bottom surface of the substrate (11) faces the mounting plate (102).
US08967822B2	Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display module using the same A backlight assembly includes at least one backlight sub-unit, the backlight sub-unit including a light emitting diode (LED) unit that includes at least one LED that emit a predetermined color arranged in a predetermined pattern and a sidewall surrounding the LED unit.
US08967821B2	Lighting device with low glare and high light level uniformity A lighting device, comprising at least a first light control element, at least a first light source positioned so that at least a portion of light emitted by the first light source passes through at least a portion of the first light control element and at least a first luminescent material, at least a portion of the first luminescent material being spaced from the first light source, the first luminescent material being positioned so that at least a portion of light emitted by the first light source excites at least a portion of the first luminescent material.
US08967819B2	Light curing device A light curing device (10) for dental purposes which is provided with a housing (12), at least one control element for controlling the operation of the light curing device and an actuating member (26) which is mounted moveably relative to the housing for the actuation of the control element. The light curing device is provided with at least two control elements (44, 46) spaced apart from each other which are electrically connected in parallel. Furthermore, at least one of the control elements (44, 46) can be actuated by actuation of the actuating member (26).
US08967817B2	Imaging optical system with at most 11.6% of the illuminated surfaces of the pupil plane being obscured The disclosure generally relates to imaging optical systems that include a plurality of mirrors, which image an object field lying in an object plane in an image field lying in an image plane, where at least one of the mirrors has a through-hole for imaging light to pass through. The disclosure also generally relates to projection exposure installations that include such imaging optical systems, methods of using such projection exposure installations, and components made by such methods.
US08967813B2	Lens frame, lens holding device, and projector A lens frame configured to hold a lens of an optical system of a projector comprising: a holder being formed along the periphery of the lens, holds the lens which is inserted by an elastic force of the frame main body, the holder includes a first holding portion configured to hold a peripheral end surface of the lens, and a second holding portion configured to hold a luminous flux incidence surface and luminous flux exit surface of the lens.
US08967811B2	Solid state continuous white light source A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in life sciences including, microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. The white light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 650 nm and is suitable for imaging all the most common fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. In embodiments, an LED light pipe engine is used to generate a portion of the spectral content of the white light output. In alternative embodiments the solid state illumination system produces light output of a selectable color.
US08967809B2	Methods and systems for intelligent visual function assessments A system and method of testing vision performance includes displaying a visual recognition test to a subject and receiving from the subject a response to the visual recognition test. After receiving the response to the visual recognition test, a subsequent visual recognition test is selected based on the response received from the subject, the subsequent visual recognition test is displayed, and a response is received from the subject. The subsequent visual recognition tests are repeated until a predetermined criterion is reached. A vision performance score is determined based on the visual recognition tests displayed and the set of responses received from the subject and output from the system.
US08967806B2	Fundus camera with strip-shaped pupil division, and method for recording artifact-free, high-resolution fundus images A fundus camera for the recording of high-resolution color images of the fundus of non-dark-adapted eyes, and without the use of a mydriatic. The fundus camera has a strip-shaped pupil division, and includes a coherent or incoherent illumination source with illumination optics, a deflection mirror and an ophthalmoscope lens for illuminating the eye, detection optics and a detector for detecting the light reflected by the eye, and a control and evaluation unit. The deflection mirror has a strip shape, and the spatially resolving detector can be activated and read out in sectors. The control and evaluation unit connects the data read out in sectors in the form of a bright image from the detector and produce a resulting fundus image. The fundus camera records images of the fundus when the eyes are not dark-adapted for this purpose and no mydriatic has been used.
US08967802B2	Ophthalmic apparatus An ophthalmic apparatus which is configured to inspect a plurality of eye characteristics of an eye to be examined which is fixed by a face support unit, the apparatus comprises: an optometric unit configured to include a first optometric portion including a first optical system for inspecting a first eye characteristic of the eye, and a second optometric portion including a second optical system for inspecting a second eye characteristic different from the first eye characteristic; and a changing unit configured to change a direction of the optometric unit relative to the eye to switch to inspection by one of the first optometric portion and the second optometric portion.
US08967800B2	Method of making eyewear having flexible frame with rigid lens retainer A lens is permanently engaged with a substantially rigid lens retaining apparatus to form a lens unit during a formation molding process of the lens retaining apparatus. The rigid lens retaining apparatus is permanently engaged with a substantially flexible eyewear frame during a formation molding process of the frame. Therefore, a secure attachment of lenses to the substantially flexible eyewear frame through rigid lens retaining apparatus is provided.
US08967797B2	Adjustable focus spectacles Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
US08967791B2	Method of printing blinds with a fixed bed inkjet printer A method of producing a set of blinds with a custom printed graphic image disclosed. The set of blinds have slats which are not connected and thus the set of blinds can be assembled easily after having been printed on.
US08967787B2	Recording apparatus with extended fixing unit There is provided a recording apparatus. The recording apparatus includes: a support member which supports a recording medium; a recording head which applies a recording material to one surface of the recording medium supported on the support member; and a fixing unit which fixes the recording material adhered to the one surface of the recording medium transported from the support member, wherein the support member and the fixing unit are arranged to be partly overlapped with each other in an up and down direction.
US08967784B2	Method and apparatus for improving printed image density A method of increasing the optical density of a printed image includes treating a first layer of deposited ink with a corona discharge. An apparatus for increasing the optical density of a printed image includes a print head for depositing a first layer of ink; and at least one electrode in proximity to the print head for treating the first layer of ink with a corona discharge.
US08967783B2	System and method for printing a cancellation mark on a ticket What is disclosed is a system and method for printing a cancellation mark on a ticket using inks having thermo-reactive properties. One embodiment of the present method for printing a cancellation mark onto a ticket involves the following. A ticket, which has a security mark printed thereon, is received into a slot of a housing of a device which contains therein an inkjet printhead. The received ticket portion comes into proximity with an inkjet printhead configured to print a cancellation mark on the ticket using the thermo-reactive ink. The cancellation mark is printed to at least partially overlap the security mark. In one embodiment, a user activates a switch which causes the inkjet printhead to print the cancellation mark on the ticket upon the ticket having been inserted into the slot. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08967782B2	Non-aqueous ink and method of producing same A non-aqueous ink comprising a carbon black and a non-aqueous solvent is provided, wherein the carbon black comprises: a carbon black (A) having a primary particle size of at least 18 nm but less than 30 nm, a DBP absorption of at least 80 cm3/100 g but not more than 130 cm3/100 g and a pH of at least 6.0 but not more than 9.0, and a carbon black (B) having a primary particle size of at least 30 nm but not more than 50 nm, a DBP absorption of at least 40 cm3/100 g but less than 80 cm3/100 g and a pH of at least 6.0 but not more than 9.0.
US08967778B2	Cartridge A cartridge includes a printing material supply port which is configured and arranged to be connected to a printing material supply pipe provided in a printing device. An effective area T of the printing material supply port is the same or more and five times or less than an effective area S of the printing material supply pipe. The effective area T may be set as two times or more and is 4.5 times or less than the effective area S. The effective area T may be set as three times or more and is four times or less than the effective area S.
US08967771B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus and method for manufacturing liquid ejecting head A liquid ejecting head includes a communication hole that has a first opening which communicates with a pressure chamber side where pressure is applied to a supplied liquid at one end and a second opening which communicates with a nozzle side ejecting the liquid to which the pressure is applied at the other end, and communicates the pressure chamber and the nozzle with each other, an opening area of the second opening being larger than an opening area of the first opening. An inclined surface that is directed to the second opening is provided on a side where a distance between an edge of the first opening and an edge of the second opening in the first direction is shorter than on the other end side so that stagnation in the flow of the liquid and reduction in bubble discharge are prevented and stable liquid ejection is achieved.
US08967770B2	Inkjet printer and printing method In a head (21) of an inkjet printer, a plurality of outlet rows are arranged in a scanning direction, the plurality of outlet rows each having a plurality of outlets arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning direction. The plurality of outlets are each capable of forming dots of a plurality of sizes on printing paper upon receiving different driving signals from an ejection control part (44). In the inkjet printer, under control of the ejection control part (44), some of the outlet rows form dots of only one size out of the plurality of sizes, and the other outlet rows form dots of only another size. In this way, causing the plurality of outlets in each outlet row to form dots of only one size makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of satellite droplets or the like and improve print quality.
US08967765B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting head that has a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto a medium, a carriage that holds the ejecting head and can be moved in a predetermined direction, a maintenance member that can be moved up and down with respect to a nozzle formation surface where the nozzle is formed in the ejecting head, and performs maintenance on the nozzle formation surface, a lock member that can be moved up and down with respect to the carriage and fixes a position of the carriage, and a movement member that moves the lock member and the maintenance member such that a lifting amount of the lock member is different from a lifting amount of the maintenance member.
US08967764B2	Ink jet textile printing apparatus and method of producing printed textile An ink jet textile printing apparatus includes a textile printing head having a nozzle line for discharging a coating solution containing an abrasion resistance-improving resin in a content of A and a textile printing head having a nozzle line for discharging an ink containing the abrasion resistance-improving resin in a content of B, wherein the content A and the content B satisfy a relationship of A>B.
US08967763B2	Liquid containing chamber and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid containing chamber that supplies liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first liquid container that is capable of containing the liquid and has a vertically long shape in a mounted position when mounted in the liquid ejecting apparatus, a first projection provided in the first liquid container and a first stirring member supported by the first projection, wherein when the first liquid container in the mounted position is divided into an upper container which is located above the first projection and a lower container which is located below the upper container, the lower container contains the liquid and the upper container contains the liquid and a predetermined amount of air.
US08967762B2	Inkjet printer with dot alignment vision system Image processing of printed patterns of arrays of dots generated by an array of inkjet heads uses a vision system, including an HD color camera that can be a fixed focus or include autofocus and zoom capabilities. Pattern recognition techniques are used to analyze as many patterns as necessary to perform multiple alignment functions, such as dot size, shape, and integrity; unidirectional, bidirectional, and step alignments; physical position and straightness of jet packs; flatness of platen or media belt; mapping imperfections in rods and rails of guiding systems; and checking jet alignments from a reference jet to all other jet packs. From such image analysis, correction values are generated that are used to effect manual or automatic adjustment of the inkjet heads physical position, voltage, temperature, and firing pulse timing and/or duration; and to position the printed dots fired from the nozzles in the inkjet heads in the appropriate position.
US08967757B2	Systems and methods for print head calibration Systems and methods for print head calibration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may include scanning an image on a print media to obtain an optical density profile. The method may also include selecting at least one window in the optical density profile. The method may also include generating an average profile for each window. The method may also include identifying variations in uniformity.
US08967755B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a print medium, a conveyance unit, art image forming unit, a cutter unit, a holding unit, a sensor, and a controller. The print medium has an adhesive face with no separation sheet. The cutter unit cuts the medium having an image formed into a print medium piece. The holding unit is configured to hold the piece in a state in which the piece is drawable from outside of the body. The holding unit has a surface separatable from an adhesive face of the piece to hold the adhesive face of the piece. The sensor detects presence or absence of the piece held by the holding unit. After the sensor detects that the piece is drawn out, the controller controls the conveyance unit to convey the medium to the holding unit and controls the holding unit to hold the medium.
US08967754B2	Printing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention sets a printing condition, which specifies a condition for permitting printing using a sheet, for that sheet in accordance with an instruction from a user. The printing apparatus then decides on a sheet feed tray, from a plurality of sheet feed units, for which printing using the sheet contained in the sheet feed unit is permitted, as a sheet feed source, based on the printing condition and printing settings including a setting regarding the sheet feed source for the sheet to be used in a print job. Furthermore, the printing apparatus executes the print job using the sheet contained in the sheet feed tray that has been decided on.
US08967749B2	Printing device To reduce noise during paper conveyance while ensuring printing efficiency of an inkjet printer, a printing device is equipped with a control unit for moving a recording head back and forth in the scan direction according to the rotation of a carriage motor, a conveyance unit for extracting and feeding paper, conveying the paper in the sub scan direction to match the movement of the recording head to print the fed paper, and ejecting the printed paper according to the rotation of a conveyance motor, a paper reversal unit for coordinating with the rotation of the rotation means of the conveyance motor to reverse the front and back of the paper, and a printing control unit for controlling spraying of the ink from the recording head, as well as controlling the carriage motor and the conveyance motor.
US08967746B2	Inkjet printer configured for printhead priming and depriming A fluid distribution system for a printhead. The system having a first fluid container a fluid connector for connection to a fluid input of the printhead; and a second fluid container connected between the first container and the connector for delivering fluid from the first container to the connector, wherein the second container is located relative to the first container and the connector so that a fluid pressure difference between fluid contained within the second container and fluid at the connector is independent of the amount of fluid contained within the first container.
US08967744B2	Reinforcement device for slide assembly A reinforcement device includes a rail, a reinforcement member and an extension support which is connected to the reinforcement member. The rail has a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall connected between the top and bottom walls. The sidewall has a first face and a second face which is located opposite to the first face. A space between the top wall, the bottom wall and the first face of the sidewall defines a slide path. The reinforcement member is connected to the reinforcement path of the rail. The extension support is engaged with the rail. The rail is reinforced by the reinforcement member and the extension support.
US08967743B2	Furniture component with floating top A furniture component includes a base having a back wall with a first outer vertical face, a first inner vertical face and a first upper edge. A pair of horizontally spaced apart side walls each have a second outer vertical face, a second inner vertical face and a second upper edge. The first and second upper edges are substantially coplanar. An outer top includes a bottom surface spaced above the first and second upper edges and defines a visible gap therebetween. The outer top has a rear edge and a pair of horizontally spaced apart side edges. The rear edge and the first outer vertical face are substantially coplanar, and the side edges and second outer vertical faces are substantially coplanar. A method of assembling and using the furniture component are also provided.
US08967742B1	Roof shoe storage attic A shoe storage system disposed on ceiling or roof. The system comprises a multiple compartment shoe attic and a mounting base. The mounting base has a base board and two flanges. The base board is attached on a ceiling via a plurality of mounting rod through mounting holes. The shoe attic is pivotably attached to the mounting base via two mounting hinges on both flanges. The shoe attic comprises a plurality of storage compartment with each compartment for a pair of shoes. Each compartment has a clear plastic door pivotably attached to the compartment via a door hinge disposed on the top the compartment. The shoe attic can be moved between a storage position hidden within the mounting base and deployed position. The attic comprises a handle for the convenience of user grip when a user moves the attic from storage position to deployed position.
US08967739B2	Modular exhibit structure Components for assembling a modular exhibit structure are provided. These components include: frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels (for mounting within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust covers (for mounting over top of connected frames). These components are configured to allow a single person to assemble an exhibit structure without any specialized tools or mechanical skills.
US08967736B2	Rotatable track drive A track drive includes a primary driven gear configured to attach to a vehicle hub plate and an annular gear having gear teeth on in inner circumference and an outer circumference. The track drive can also include a plurality of intermediate gears disposed between the primary driven gear and the inner circumference of the annular gear, and a plurality of track drive wheels having an integrated gear configured to mate with gear teeth on the outer circumference of the annular gear. The track drive can further include a continuous track configured to be driven by the plurality of track drive wheels.
US08967734B2	Electronically controlled brake system for trailer tractors An electronically controlled brake system for trailer tractors. The system having a device for braking the tractor and trailer, and for steer-by-braking the tractor only, tractor brakes, and further devices for braking the trailer only. The further devices include a normally-ON valve allowing simultaneous braking of the tractor and trailer. The valve is switched to OFF when the steer-by-braking function is activated.
US08967732B2	Rim of a fibrous composite material for at least partially muscle-powered bicycles A rim for a bicycle having a rim body including a rim well and a rim base and rim flanks connecting the rim base and the rim well wherein the rim flanks and the rim base consist of a fibrous composite material. A minimum wall thickness of the rim flanks is thinner in one radial region than in another radial region. The rim body is bulbous in cross-section. A maximum height from the rim base to the rim well is less than 1.5 times and in particular less than 1.2 times the maximum width.
US08967723B2	Adjustable seat assembly An aircraft seat assembly including multiple seats together having a total seating area. The aircraft seat assembly also includes an armrest separating a first seat of the multiple seats from a second seat of the multiple seats and a sliding mechanism coupled to the armrest. The sliding mechanism enables movement of the armrest to change a portion of the total seating area that is associated with at least one seat of the multiple seats. The aircraft seat assembly also includes a controller that controls movement of the armrest responsive to a control command.
US08967718B2	Rocking-reclining seating unit A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a rocker assembly fixed to the base; and an arm frame fixed to the rocker assembly, wherein the rocker assembly is configured such that the arm frame experiences rocking motion relative to the base. The seating unit further comprises: a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the arm frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the arm frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the arm frame, and in the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the arm frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat, the footrest mechanism configured to move the footrest between a retracted position, in which the footrest is positioned beneath the seat, and an extended position, in which the footrest is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat. The footrest mechanism is decoupled from the reclining mechanism. When the backrest moves between the upright and reclined positions, the footrest unit moves relative to the arm frame in concert with the seat.
US08967713B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat comprising a pair of side frames configuring a portion of a seatback frame serving as framework for a seatback; a deformation origin portion provided to at least one of the pair of side frames and acting as an origin when the side frame deforms due to a collision force imparted to the seatback frame during a rear-on collision; and a deformation suppression unit provided to the side frame provided with the deformation origin portion, permitting deformation of the side frame originating at the deformation origin portion and suppressing deformation of the side frame by a reference amount or greater by the deformation suppression unit making contact with a contacted member provided to the seatback frame when the deformation amount of the side frame has reached the reference amount.
US08967711B2	Swivel joint for seating implement A swivel joint for pivotably coupling a tray to a support element of a seating implement. The swivel joint includes a tubular inner structure arranged substantially coaxially with and non-rotatably connectable to the support element, and a mounting structure at least partially surrounding the tubular inner structure in a radial direction. The mounting portion is pivotable relative to the tubular inner structure and rigidly coupled to the tray. The tubular inner structure includes at least one opening extending in the peripheral direction between two angular positions, and the mounting structure has at least one projection which projects in a radial direction and engages with the at least one opening of the tubular inner structure. The swivel joint provides additional structural integrity to compensate for loads on the tray and also provides a pivoting point to allow the tray to move easily between positions of use and non-use.
US08967709B2	Vehicle sunroof apparatus A vehicle sunroof apparatus includes: a pair of first and second opening and closing drive units provided in a widthwise direction, the pair of first and second opening and closing drive units each including: a rail extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle; a movable body provided so as to be movable on the rail; and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the movable body to a movable panel provided in a roof opening portion, and arranged at widthwise both end portions of the roof opening portion so as to be capable of opening and closing the movable panel; and a control device configured to control operations of the opening and closing drive units.
US08967708B2	Vehicle sunroof apparatus A vehicle sunroof apparatus includes: a pair of first and second opening and closing drive units arranged in a widthwise direction, the pair of first and second opening and closing drive units each including: a rail extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle; a movable body provided so as to be movable on the rail; and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the movable body to a movable panel provided in a roof opening portion, and arranged at widthwise both end portions of the roof opening portion so as to be capable of opening and closing the movable panel; and a control device configured to control operations of the opening and closing drive units.
US08967707B2	Initialization stop for a sliding roof control mechanism What is proposed is a vehicle roof which has a cover element which can be used to selectively close or at least partially expose a roof opening and which, with respect to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane, has a control mechanism for the cover element on each of the two sides, said control mechanism comprising a drive carriage which can be moved in a respective roof-mounted guide rail and controls a pivoting and/or displacement of the cover element, wherein the drive carriages are each connected to a pressure-resistant drive cable which can be driven by means of a drive motor. At least one of the control mechanisms has an initialization stop which, in a front or a rear end position of the cover element, engages in a corresponding guide rail cutout whose edge forms a counter-stop for the initialization stop.
US08967705B2	Front fascia or grill support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.
US08967704B2	Vehicle body skeleton structure Obtained is a vehicle body skeleton structure having increased rigidity achieved without making the structure complex.A skeleton body comprises a rocker rear, a rear pillar, and a rear wheel house which are joined together. An inner corner portion which forms a rocker reinforcement is formed on the inner side of a bent portion located near the joint portion. A bulging portion having a three-dimensional curved surface shape bulging in a convex shape is formed at the inner corner portion. The rocker reinforcement is formed in such a manner that an upper wall portion, an upper end flange portion, and a rear end standing wall portion are formed on the inner side of the bent portion so as to be directed in three directions and so as to continue to the bulging portion at a position at which the upper wall portion, the upper end flange portion, and the rear end standing wall portion surround the bulging portion. Also, the upper end flange portion is joined to both a rocker inner panel and a pillar inner panel, and the rear end standing wall portion is joined to a wheel house outer panel.
US08967703B2	Reinforcement for a vehicle pillar A reinforcement for a vehicle pillar, for example, the B pillar of a vehicle is provided. The reinforcement includes a reinforcing structure and a stiffening structure. The reinforcing structure is configured with an upper end region for connection to the vehicle roof and with a lower end region for connection to the underfloor and/or a sill structure of the vehicle. The stiffening structure is connected to the reinforcing structure in order to stiffen the reinforcing structure against a side impact of the vehicle. The reinforcing structure has at least one material section which projects with respect to the stiffening structure, which serves to connect the reinforcing structure to the outer skin and/or the inner skin of the vehicle pillar. The reinforcing structure comprises a weldable non-boron steel and the stiffening structure comprises a hardened boron steel. A vehicle pillar having such a reinforcement is also provided.
US08967701B2	Integrated shotgun rail deflector A shotgun rail, or deflector, is provided as part of a front end structure of a vehicle. The shotgun rail includes a triangular shaped bulkhead having a front surface disposed at an oblique angle relative to the front of a vehicle and a rear surface that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the rear of the vehicle. A laterally facing surface of the bulkhead is attached to a frame rail. Loads resulting from an impact with a small offset rigid barrier are distributed between longitudinal load paths and lateral load paths through the shotgun rails, frame rails, and sub-frame.
US08967698B2	Crash structure for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a crash structure (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) for a motor vehicle, having a crash element (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f), which is made at least partially of a fiber composite material, and a support unit (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f) having at least one support element (14a, 14.1b, 14.2b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f) and being connectable to a load-bearing structure (18) of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the crash element (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f) is made of an undulated component with waves (22) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (20) and an end region (24) which is supported on the load-bearing structure (18) of the motor vehicle at least via the at least one support element (14a, 14.1b, 14.2b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f) of the support unit (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f) in the vehicle transverse direction (26).
US08967697B1	Automotive floor mat structure The present invention discloses automotive floor mat structures. The automotive floor mat structure comprises a containing plate, a bottom surface, a raised edge, a guarding edge, at least one plateau bump and a foot resting pedal. The cross-section of the guarding edge is an inverse-V shape, and one side of the inverse-V is longer than the other side. With the implementation of the present invention, the snow, water, mud, rocks, or foreign bodies carried into the chamber of the automotive can be greatly reduced, the resisting force by the foot resting pedal can prevent the automotive floor mat from being set off by foot accidently, and the plateau bump further prevents snow, water, mud, rocks, or foreign bodies on the containing plate from falling into the car chamber.
US08967696B2	Fuel port and method The present application discloses a fuel port and methods of installing a fuel port. In certain embodiments, the fuel port comprises a fuel receptacle, a body portion that forms a cavity for the fuel receptacle, and one or more securing portions movably coupled to the body portion. The body portion comprises a first end, a second end, at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and at least one flange extending from the sidewall. The one or more securing portions are configured to hold a portion of a device between the flange of the body portion and the one or more securing portions to secure the fuel port to the device.
US08967691B2	Chute arrangement with strip-off feature Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for a chute arrangement comprising an element for objects, such as, test tubes, caps, etc. released by a gripper unit such that the released objects may be collected in a container. The element may comprise a plurality of slots for a plurality of gripper fingers in the gripper unit to pass through. The element may be configured to restrain the object as the plurality of gripper fingers release the object.
US08967690B2	Strap guide insert A strap guide used in connection with a container having at least one opening for receiving a strap. The strap guide can include a boss defining a strap slot. The boss can have a periphery and two sides. A lip on the one of the two sides can extend outward relative to the boss, and a flange on the other of the two sides can also extend outward relative to the boss. At least a strap protector and a container for use with strap guide inserts can also be provided.
US08967688B2	Device and method for collection of material from a surface The invention provides a device (10, 210, 510) for collecting material from a surface. The device is particularly but not necessarily exclusively suited to collection of animal excreta, it has a jaw arrangement (22, 224, 524) which is able to be opened to define a mouth (28) for receiving the material to be collected, and to be closed to collect the material. A conveyor mechanism (44, 46, 364) is provided for advancing collected material into a housing (12, 512). A liner (33) is placed over the jaw arrangement to separate it from the material being collected. The conveyor mechanism serves to advance the liner along with the material collected therein, whereby the material is able to be collected into the housing and retained in the liner without making contact with surfaces of the device.
US08967685B2	Electromagnetic doorlock with button detection and power saving device An electromagnetic doorlock with button detection and power saving device includes an electromagnet assembly and a corresponding adsorption assembly. The electromagnet assembly is connected to a button detection module and the adsorption assembly has a pressing member to abut the button detection module. When the door is closed, the electromagnet assembly with electromagnetic attraction attracts the adsorption assembly and the pressing member presses the button detection module. That is, the electromagnetic doorlock usually stays in a low-energy attraction state; however, when the button detection module is triggered, the electromagnetic doorlock returns to a normal lock state for achieving power saving effect and control of the external force detection improvement.
US08967683B2	Automotive door latch device Provided is an automotive door latch device, including: a latch pushed to rotate by a striker; a latch return spring for biasing the latch toward a return position thereof; a pawl engageable with the latch to inhibit the latch to pivot in a door opening direction (return position); and a pawl return spring for biasing the pawl toward a return position thereof. A housing part of a body, which houses the latch and the pawl, is opened downward at a position below the pawl on one side of the body. The pawl return spring is assembled to a spring mounting part formed on another side of the body at a position spaced downward from a rotational support part of the pawl, and includes a pawl-side end part that engages with the pawl through a through hole provided in the body. Thus, dust or the like entering the housing part of the body, which houses the latch and the pawl, can be discharged out of the body with higher efficiency.
US08967682B2	Vehicle door latch with motion restriction device prohibiting rapid movement of opening lever In a vehicle door latch, a motion restriction device is coupled to an auxiliary pawl that is connected to the pawl of a ratchet and pawl combination. The auxiliary pawl must be actuated by one or more release levers in order to actuate the pawl and release the ratchet from a striker-containing position and open the latch. Because the only criterion for selectively prohibiting movement of the auxiliary pawl is its speed, it is possible to prevent the latch from unintentionally opening in a crash situation regardless of the direction the inertial forces of the crash are applied to the latch or the release levers therein or the outside or inside handles.
US08967681B2	Locking apparatus for openable window A locking apparatus for an openable window disposed in a cabin provided with a beam that has a first face and a second face includes a lock main body that is attached to the first face so as to be swingable between a closed position and a half-closed position, and a half-lock striker that is disposed on the lock main body. The half-lock striker is engageable with an operation piece provided on the openable window when the lock main body is at the half-closed position. The half-lock striker is positioned on a second face side of the beam at the closed position.
US08967675B2	Elliptical undercut shoulder for specialty pipe connections A tubular connector connects two tubulars of a string of tubular members. The tubular connector has a pin end tubular member having an axis and a pin end. A pin end flange is positioned on an outer diameter of the pin end and has an undercut adjacent the union of the pin end flange with the pin end. The tubular connector also has a box end tubular member having a box end. A box end shoulder is adjacent the union of the box end with the box end tubular member. The box end shoulder has an undercut thereon. The pin end is secured to the box end so that the pin end tubular member and the box end tubular member are joined, stresses applied to the pin end tubular member and the box end tubular member are distributed through the undercuts.
US08967673B2	Trailer having an enclosed tank area with integral toolbox A trailer having an enclosed area with an integral toolbox is presented. The trailer includes a bulk tank with at least a first hopper and a second hopper. The first hopper has a first discharge port and the second hopper has a second discharge port. A discharge pipe is connected to the first and second discharge ports. A storage box is formed between and integral with the first hopper and the second hopper to define a storage chamber. A door is mounted on the storage box having open and close positions for respectively providing access to and blocking access to the storage chamber.
US08967669B2	Low floor vehicles for transporting passengers In one embodiment, a vehicle for transporting passengers can include a chassis, a support member, and a labyrinthine girder. The support member can be rigidly engaged to and project from the chassis. The labyrinthine girder can include a coupling platform that is coupled to the support member. The labyrinthine girder can form a partial enclosure that surrounds a portion of the frame rail. An offset distance can be disposed between the labyrinthine girder and the frame rail.
US08967652B2	Manually operated wheelchair having integrated differential to allow full range of motion under one-handed operation A wheelchair includes a seat for supporting an occupant and a frame supporting the seat, where the frame further includes a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels connected by a differential for reversibly locking the second pair of wheels such that propulsion of only one of the wheels in the second pair of wheels results in both of wheels in the second pair of wheels moving in an identical direction.
US08967651B1	Multipurpose bicycle trailer A bicycle trailer that is foldable into a small storable position that expands to include a bicycle trailer that can be configured to convert into a lounge chair, a dolly, a baby bed with or without a canopy, a table or a wagon using an improved tow bar and trailer hitch that easily attaches and detaches to a bicycle as desired.
US08967646B2	Axle suspension and axle lift for a vehicle axle An axle suspension for a vehicle axle guided by a trailing arm and also, furthermore, an axle lift for a vehicle axle are proposed. The axle lift includes a force element (11), a pressure transmission means (18, 20) which is movable towards an axle link (5) of the vehicle axle by actuation of the force element, and a bracket (12). The bracket (12) is provided with a supporting means (10) for the force element (11) and the pressure reaction forces acting on the latter and, in addition, for the fastening to a support (2) is provided with a bracket part (31), on which a plug-in or hook connection (36A) for engagement in the support (2) is formed. With the aim of being able to fit the bracket (12) in a fixed basic setting on the support (2) with just a few actions, it is proposed that the bracket part (31), at a distance from the plug-in or hook connection (36A) thereof, is provided with at least one further connecting means (33), which is designed for engagement in the support (2).
US08967642B2	Walker An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod.
US08967635B2	Brakes for mobile medical device A brake system for a medical device, such as a cot, stretcher, bed, wheeled chair, or other medical device, includes a pin and toothed wheel arrangement wherein the selective insertion of a pin between teeth on the toothed wheel brakes the system, while the removal of the pin from between the teeth unbrakes the system. Multiple pins may be used with a single toothed wheel wherein the pins are offset from each other relative to the teeth so that, when one pin is inserted between teeth, the other pin is at least partially blocked from being inserted between the teeth. This effectively increases the resolution of the toothed wheel. The toothed wheel may be axially spaced from wheel(s) that roll on the ground. When so spaced, the toothed wheel, and all of the braking components associated therewith, may be enclosed within a housing separate from the rolling wheel(s).
US08967634B2	Article transport vehicles and methods of transporting articles An article transport vehicle including a frame and at least one wheel supporting the frame on a substrate. The vehicle further includes a support surface extending outwardly from the frame and a lift device secured to the support surface. The lift device is capable of axial movement at an angle relative to the support surface to selectively establish a raised position or lowered position of the support surface relative the substrate.
US08967632B1	Tool cart caddy A tool cart caddy suitable for carrying a tool cart as well as tools and materials at a construction site moves easily around a construction site. An especially successful version of this tool cart caddy is as a transport or another cart, such as a cart for an electrician or plumber to transport the required tools and materials around the construction site. The tool cart caddy has a base can both support a cart and carry additional tools or materials. The lower base is generally rectangular with a caster, preferably a lockable caster, mounted at each corner thereof. Thus, the tool cart caddy can be moved on the casters, with the casters being locked or unlocked as desired.
US08967630B2	Device for adjusting the height of a vehicle The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.
US08967629B2	Suspension control apparatus for a vehicle A first communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at an upper vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at a lower vehicle side to be communicated with each other, and a second communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the lower vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the upper vehicle side to be communicated with each other. Between the first and second communication passages is a valve mechanism so that the first and second communication passages are normally communicated with each other, and fluid flow from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other is blocked, when a pressure difference, caused when fluid moves from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
US08967624B1	Receptacle for catching a disc A receptacle for receiving a disc thrown in a disc game includes a vertically extending cylindrical sidewall presenting upper and lower portions, an upper edge, a lower edge, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a floor. The inner surface and the floor cooperatively define an open-topped interior chamber configured for receiving and retaining the disc. When the receptacle is installed in the ground surface or an elevated playing surface, the lower portion of the cylindrical sidewall extends approximately 3 to approximately 10 inches below the ground surface or playing surface and the upper portion of the cylindrical sidewall extends approximately 0.125 to approximately 5 inches above the ground surface or playing surface to block and reject discs sliding along the ground surface or playing surface or travelling lower than the upper edge of the cylindrical sidewall.
US08967623B1	Beverage game playing table having moving water troughs The subject game table apparatus comprises a generally flat play surface configured for placement between opposing players. The play surface is preferably rectangular in shape and is equipped with at least one water trough set into a channel in the top side of the table. The trough is parallel and proximal to a side edge of the table and near but outside of a generally central play area. The water trough has a drain at one end and a nozzle at the opposite end of the trough, such that liquid will flow from the nozzle end of the trough to the drain end. The trough is configured to collect and rinse thrown play pieces, usually balls, and return such objects to a player located near the drain end of the trough. The trough further has a liquid pump and tubing configured to convey flowing water from the trough drain to the opposite nozzle, for recirculation.
US08967622B2	Apparatus and method for playing a bingo-type game Disclosed are a game apparatus and a method of playing a game. According to the method, a plurality of gifts is purchased from a gift list. The gifts are associated with a gift identifier. A participant is provided with a card imprinted with a plurality of gift identifiers in defined spaces, with each defined space aligned on a card. A guest of honor is instructed to open the gifts. The method includes the participants viewing the opened gifts and marking off the corresponding gift identifier on the provided card until the participant has marked off a specified number of gift identifiers. The participant that completes the task first is declared the winner.
US08967620B2	Sheet transport device A sheet transport device includes a device body that transports a sheet; a pair of transport rollers that come into contact with each other and transport the sheet toward a downstream side in a transport direction of the sheet; a transport member that guides and transports the sheet toward the transport rollers; and an open and close member that opens and closes a side surface of the device body. One of the transport rollers is provided at the device body and the other transport roller is provided at the transport member, and the transport member is rotatable around an axis parallel to the transport rollers. When the open and close member moves to an open position at which the side surface is open, the open and close member rotates around the axis and the contact between the transport rollers is allowed to be released.
US08967619B2	Image reading apparatus An image reading apparatus has a separation section configured to supply a sheet one by one, at least three driving rollers arranged downstream of the separation section in a sheet conveying direction and configured to convey the sheet, at least three driven rollers configured to be urged by the driving rollers and driven to rotate by rotation of the driving rollers, respectively, and an image reader unit configured to read an image of the sheet conveyed in the conveying direction. Sheet conveying forces by one of at least three driven rollers and one of at least three driving rollers arranged at the central portions in the sheet width direction is greater than sheet conveying forces by others of the at least three driven rollers and others of the at least three driving rollers arranged at both side portions in the sheet width direction.
US08967612B2	Medium processing device A medium processing device includes holding section that temporarily retains a medium therein. A gear inside the holding section drives a mechanism that stores the medium into and feeds out from the holding section. A main body includes a mounting location at which the holding section is mounted, and transfers the medium to and from the holding section at a time at which the holding section is mounted. An operation knob transmits, to the gear, a rotary operation applied from outside the holding section. An operation restriction portion at the main body, blocks transmission of the rotary operation from the knob to the gear in a mounted state in which the holding section is mounted at the mounting location, and allows transmission of the rotary operation from the knob to the gear in a detached state in which the holding section is detached.
US08967610B2	Sheet processing device and image forming system A sheet processing device includes a clamp configured to clamp an edge portion of a sheet, the edge portion being on a side of an edge parallel to a direction in which the sheet has been conveyed; a first processing unit configured to perform a first process on the sheet at the side of the edge, the first processing unit being disposed at a first position; a second processing unit configured to perform a second process on the sheet at the side of the edge, the second processing unit being disposed at a second position that is different from the first position in a vertical direction; and a moving unit configured to move the clamp from the first position to the second position or vice versa so that the clamp moves on a loop passing through the first position and the second position.
US08967609B2	Method for operating a thread stitching machine A method for operating a thread stitching machine for processing printed sheets to form book blocks includes providing at least one sewing station with an active connection to at least one stitching saddle and providing the at least one stitching saddle with an active connection to at least one transporting system. The printed sheets are supplied to the at least one stitching saddle, using the at least one transporting system, in at least one of a substantially vertical and a substantially horizontal plane relative to the at least one stitching saddle. At least the printed sheets in the substantially vertical plane are supplied directly onto the at least one stitching saddle or to a region of the at least one stitching saddle. The printed sheets are supplied to the at least one sewing station resting astride the at least one stitching saddle.
US08967607B2	Multifunction work table A work table having removably attachable support members extending between opposing frame members and a tool guide retention member extending along at least a portion of the frame. The work table may be collapsible. The tool guide retention member may be defined by a channel extending along at least a portion of the frame member. In turn, tool guides may be attached to the frame using the tool guide retention member. As such, various guides for various operations to be performed on a work piece may be provided. The work piece may be indexed using indexing members or may be clamplingly engaged to the work table.
US08967606B2	Pipe vise stand A pipe vise stand having increased utility and greater useable work space, particularly during use of vise provisions associated with the stand, is described. The stand features a base plate having a unique configuration in which one or more pipe benders are located within a workpiece support region defined along an upwardly directed face of the plate between vise provisions and corresponding support provisions.
US08967593B2	Wheelset press In a wheelset press for pressing or pulling wheels, brake disks or the like on/off axles (RA) of rail vehicles, two piston/cylinder units are directed toward one another and stationarily arranged on a common straight line, wherein said piston/cylinder units serve for exerting the required pressing power and, if applicable, for displacing the axle in its longitudinal direction to bring about the pressing-on or pulling-off process. Pressure pistons are provided on the piston/cylinder units to transmit the pressing power onto the facing end of the axle. At least one press abutment for supporting a wheel, a brake disk or the like during the pressing process is designed in such a way that it can be transferred into its support position by means of a relative movement of the axle transverse to its longitudinal direction and otherwise situated outside the press area. The at least one press abutment can be fixed in different positions along the axle. Connecting columns that are rigidly arranged between press beams feature abutments that are axially spaced apart from one another for this purpose. To achieve, among other things, a compact structural shape, the abutments on the connecting columns are realized in the form of slideways for directly accommodating the at least one press abutment, wherein said slideways make it possible to transfer the press abutment from a position outside the press area into a non-tilting support position for the pressing-on or pulling-off process.
US08967588B2	Concrete sideform system A concrete side form system suitable for factory casting or site casting concrete. The side form includes a substantially rigid longitudinally extending wall. The wall has a first face to define the edge profile of a concrete panel poured onto a casting bed bounded by the wall and a second face opposite the first face having formation to enable the wall to be secured to the casting bed. The wall includes a longitudinally extending frame having formation along at least one of its edges to removably receive a removable longitudinal insert to provide a shape along an edge of the concrete panel. The removable inserts provide the system with the ability to simply, easily and cost effectively change the edge profile of concrete poured against the side form.
US08967587B1	Arcuate concrete form and system for forming arcuate concrete flatwork A fixed form suitable for use in framing concrete with arches is described as is an adjustable form and a system for forming concrete. The fixed form has an arch with a fixed radius terminating at arch ends. At least one frame element is attached to the arch wherein the frame element terminates at an arch end at a frame face and the frame face is perpendicular to a tangent of the arch at the arch end. The adjustable form has an adjustable radius.
US08967586B2	Heat dissipating device supporting apparatus A supporting apparatus, configured to support a heat dissipating device, includes a bracket, two adjusting structures, and two mounting portions. Each of the two mounting portions defines a mounting hole. Each of the two adjusting structures is engaged in each of the mounting holes and includes an adjusting member and an installation member engaged with the adjusting member. Each of the adjusting members defines a through hole. The two adjusting members are rotatable relative to the two mounting portions from a first position to a second position. When the adjusting members are in the first position, a first line is running through the two through holes. When the adjusting members are in the second position, a second line is running through the two through holes, and a length of the first line is less than a length of the second line.
US08967585B2	Stand for musical instrument A guitar stand has a base section, a pair of first frames arranged at an opened position or a closed position, a pair of second frames and a pair of third frames arranged at the use position or the folded position. A slider for holding the first frames at the closed position and the second frames at the folded position is mounted to upper ends of the first frames. The first frames, second frames and the third frames are opened at the same time by unlocking the slider, and the guitar stand in a folded state can be brought into a use state.
US08967584B2	Power slide device for vehicle seat A power slide device for a vehicle seat includes a lower rail and an upper rail slidable relative to the lower rail, a front support member fixed to the lower rail, a screw rod, a rear support member provided with a rear orthogonal plate portion and a fixed plate portion, a movement limiter which limits movement of the screw rod, a worm wheel, and a collision load receiving portion which limits forward tilting of the rear orthogonal plate portion by contacting the base surface of the lower rail when a force is exerted on the screw rod forwardly from the worm wheel. The collision load receiving portion is positioned in front of the rear orthogonal plate portion and is spaced downward from the screw rod and integrated with the rear support member that is mounted to the screw rod.
US08967574B2	Reinforcement of hang tags Hang tags are provided for mounting on merchandise in a retail setting. The hang tags include a card with a plurality of edges, with a region of reinforcing material located at or adjacent to the top edge of the card, surrounding an aperture through which a fastener is received. The region defines the shape of a pair of intersecting elongated shapes such as ovals or ellipses, thereby positioning the reinforcing material in the locations where it is most needed to prevent theft-based removal of the tag from the merchandise, while omitting reinforcing material from the locations where it is not needed. Also provided is an attachment device, such as an applicator gun, for substantially simultaneously applying the reinforcing material to the tag and fastening the tag to a piece of merchandise.
US08967572B1	Holding apparatus systems for injectable fluid bottles A holding apparatus system for releasably holding injectable fluid bottles, comprising a pair of elongate elements for releasably gripping a neck portion of a bottle, and a retaining structure for permitting the elongate elements to be moved between a closed position configured to grip the neck portion of the bottle and an open position configured to release the neck portion of the bottle from being gripped by the elongate elements. In other embodiments, the elongate elements each have a first end and a second end, and the first ends of the elongate elements being relatively closer together than the second ends of the elongate elements so that the elongate elements diverge toward the second ends. A method of dispensing an injectable substance from a bottle using a bottle holder apparatus is also disclosed.
US08967569B2	Support structure The present invention relates to a support structure. A main hinge of the structure is installed with a stop mechanism, so when an object to be supported is placed at a higher location while being in an unfolding state, the object to be supported is restrained from being rotated from a vertical state to a horizontal folding state, thereby preventing falling due to the unstable gravity center; when a connection unit is folded towards a base, an upper end of a first auxiliary connection member links the stop mechanism to rotate for gradually altering the stopping location, so the object to be supported is enabled to be horizontally folded; as such, the object to be supported can be maintained in a stable state during the folding process, thereby preventing the occurrence of falling.
US08967564B2	Tree mount bracket A tree mount bracket having a threaded member and a fixture support member that are joined to one another. The threaded member includes a shaft with a tip and a head and external threads. The fixture support member has a housing that includes a cylindrical wall and a base wall that defines a base wall opening. The cylindrical wall also defines a wire slot for accommodating a wire. The fixture support member can be embodied as a side mounted fixture support member; two side mounted fixture support members; a fixture support plate; a fixture support assembly; and, a ball shaft and a tightening ring.
US08967562B1	Mountable object holder The mountable holder comprises a body having a cavity, an upper face, a first side portion, a second side portion and a back portion, with the back portion extending between the first and second side portions and the cavity defining an opening on an upper face and being useable to selectively receive objects. The holder further includes a pair of magnetic connectors, with one of the magnetic connectors extending between the back portion and the first side portion and the other magnetic connector extending between the back portion and the second side portion. The magnetic connectors operatively enable the holder to be magnetically mounted to a metallic surface when the back portion is positioned adjacent the metallic surface, and the magnetic connectors operatively enable the holder to be magnetically connectable to additional holders at the first and second side portions.
US08967560B2	Cam balance mechanism systems and methods Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
US08967559B2	Stand mounting structure and rear cabinet This invention relates to a stand attachment structure for attaching a stand that supports a low-profile display unit, such as a liquid crystal display, in an upright position, and to a rear cabinet. In the rear cabinet (1), a stand mounting part (10) including a temporal fixing means (13) is provided to allow temporal fixation of a stand (5) to the rear cabinet (1). The stand mounting part (10) includes a hook (11) for retaining the stand (5) in a predetermined orientation, and a reinforcing rib (12) having functions of reinforcing the hook and of guiding an engagement tab (52) disposed on the stand (5) for insertion. Then, the stand (5) is temporarily fixed to a display unit (P) by engaging the engagement tab (52) disposed on the stand (5) with the hook (11), and finally secured to the display unit (P) with a set screw (B1) after temporal fixing.
US08967558B2	Device for inserting a food stuff into a pliable bag A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.
US08967557B2	Lightweight portable lawn caddy A lawn caddy for receiving and transporting waste such as grass clippings, leaves, plant vegetation and compost waste. The lawn caddy transports yard waste from one location to another without heavy lifting. It is light and durable, having a maximum weight of 10 to 12 pounds and can contain up to 40 pounds of waste or less. By filling refuge bags and transporting waste to a curb side shortens time spent in cutting and cleaning lawns.
US08967556B2	Two shot tube retention clip with resilient living hinge A retention clip includes first and second body portions created of a first polymeric material. The body portions when angularly rotated apart define an open position, and when rotated into direct contact defining an engaged position. An isolation portion is created of a resilient second polymeric material. The isolation portion includes isolation members connected to the body portions. The isolation members are positioned facing each other when the retention clip is in the engaged position. The isolation members frictionally contact and retain a tubular shaped member in the engaged position. A living hinge integrally connects the body portions allowing the body portions to rotate with respect to each other. The living hinge provides the only connection between the body portions as the body portions transition between the open position and the engaged position. A frangible connector initially integrally connects the first and second body portions only in the open position.
US08967555B2	Portable electric cable support tower A support for electrical cables having a nonconductive telescoping pole. A frictional locking collar couples sections of the telescoping pole to one another. The bottom end of the pole fits into a round conical base formed of recycled tires. The top end of the pole is affixed to a nonconductive head that is shaped to cradle electrical cables.
US08967548B2	Direct to facility capture and release A method for delivering a payload to a space facility is provided. The method includes detecting the relative position and velocity of a launch vehicle stage, the launch vehicle stage including the payload and one or more thrusters. The method also includes providing guidance information to the launch vehicle stage. The launch vehicle stage does not include a relative navigation system. In response to receiving the guidance information, the method further includes activating one or more thrusters corresponding to the guidance information, and guiding a capture head of a boom into capture proximity to the payload. One end of the boom is coupled to the space facility and the other end of the boom is coupled to the capture head. The method also includes capturing the payload, removing any residual relative velocity of the payload relative to the space facility, and moving the captured payload to the space facility.
US08967540B2	Anti lateral-torsional buckling structural member of an aircraft fuselage A frame of an aircraft fuselage structure made from composite material, which includes a skin and several stringers fixed on the skin. The frame includes a profile elongated in a longitudinal direction which is hollow over at least a portion of its length. The profile is mounted on two legs. Each leg, intended to be fixed on the skin, includes a first portion extending continuously over the whole length of the profile and a second portion extending from this continuous portion so as to form several openings spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the profile, in each of which a stringer passes. The presence of the hollow profile in the frame and the structure of the legs makes it possible to dispense with clips and cleats.
US08967538B2	Headrest for an aircraft pilot's seat and seat comprising a such headrest A headrest includes a first part referred to as the lower part, equipped with a connecting unit enabling an adjustable connection of the headrest to the seat back of a pilot seat, and a second part referred to as the upper part, located opposite the lower part, as well as a front face intended to serve as a support surface for the head of a user. A receptacle, connected to the mask, stores an oxygen mask and/or a supply line. The upper part of the headrest forms a hinged cover on the lower part of the headrest and it closes the receptacle. A seat, a cockpit, and an aircraft include such headrest.
US08967536B2	Landing gear vibration absorber and method of operating said landing gear vibration absorber A landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2) with a landing gear (3) comprising a pair of skids (4, 5) and at least one cross tube (6, 7) for mounting the skids (4, 5) to a helicopter's fuselage (8). At least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is mounted to the landing gear (3). Said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is tuned to the helicopter's main excitation frequency and said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) being located at or near at least one antinode of the landing gear (3). The invention is related as well to a method of operating a landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2).
US08967532B2	Rotary wing aircraft provided with propulsion means, and a method applied by said aircraft An aircraft (200) provided with a power plant (300) driving a rotary wing (60) and at least one propulsion means (7, 7′) possessing a propeller (6, 6′), said power plant (300) including at least one engine (1, 1′) having an outlet shaft (2, 2′) driving a drive train (400) in order to drive said rotary wing (60). The aircraft includes one coupling member (8, 8′) per engine (1, 1′) provided with a drive shaft (4, 4′) and with a first toothed wheel (13) that are coupled together by a clutch (15) and by a main controllable freewheel (25) arranged in parallel with the clutch, said drive shaft (4, 4′) driving at least one propulsion means (7, 7′) provided with brake means (9, 9′) for braking its propeller (6, 6′), said first toothed wheel (13) meshing with said drive train (400).
US08967531B2	Aircraft and airborne electrical power and thermal management system A unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system and a unique aircraft having a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system are provided. The electrical power and thermal management system includes a turbine, which may power loads, for example but not limited to, a generator and a refrigerant compressor. The turbine may be in fluid communication with a gas turbine engine bleed air source to extract power from bleed air for powering the loads. A combustor may be fluidly disposed between the bleed air source and the turbine. The turbine may be part of a gas turbine engine distinct from a propulsion gas turbine engine. In one aspect, at least a portion of the electrical power and thermal management system may be disposed within an aircraft external pod. The pod may be configured to appear similar to a conventional external fuel tank pod employed by the aircraft.
US08967523B2	Sheet roller dispenser A sheet roller dispenser has a case with an interior for an accommodating space to receive a sheet roll. The case has an elongated hole longitudinally defined on a side face. An extension plate with a tongue extending upward is formed below the elongated hole at a central section of the elongated hole, and a corresponding pressing block is formed above the elongated hole to align with the extension plate. The sheet roll has a dotted line formed between two adjacent sheet units, and a slit is defined at a center section of the dotted line. When a free end of the sheet roll is pulled out from the case via the elongated hole, the tongue inserts into the slit of the dotted line to act as a stop, so that the pulled out sheet unit is separated apart from sheet roll easily and conventionally in operation by tearing along the dotted line.
US08967520B2	Wire retaining ring for a welding system The subject embodiments are directed to a system to allow an uninterrupted flow of a coil welding wire from one container to another container, the coil of welding wire including a coil top and a coil bottom. Each container includes at least one vertically extending side wall, a closed bottom, a top opening for removing the welding wire and a wire coil receiving cavity within the outer packaging for receiving the wire coil, the feeding end and the trailing end being positionable near the top opening. A wire retaining ring is disposed on the coil top in the container and another said container, the wire retaining ring includes a slot that extends radially from a center of the coil to allow the trailing end of the coil to be drawn at a location away from the center of the coil.
US08967512B1	Systems and methods for processing cells The present invention efficiently and cost-effectively extracts and collects cells from a tissue. The inventors have discovered that the tissue can be effectively fragmented and the resulting cells can be purified using a system or kit with multiple components. An advantage of the present invention is that tissue processing takes place in a closed system such that sterility can be maintained throughout the process, even if certain components are removed during processing, for example through the use of valves, clamps, and heat seals. Furthermore, any or all of the steps can be automated or manually accomplished, according to the specific needs of the application or the user.
US08967506B2	Treatment of fly ash contaminated with activated carbon Fly ash contaminated with activated carbon is treated to neutralize the activated carbon by placing the contaminated fly ash in a rotary mill and introducing ozone. The result is that entrained air in concrete made from activated fly ash will contain greater than 4 percent entrained air.
US08967503B2	Method and device for comminuting refrigerator appliances The invention relates to a method for comminuting refrigeration appliances (12), in which the refrigeration appliances (12) are introduced into the comminution chamber (16) through a supply opening (14) of a comminution chamber (16), are continuously comminuted in the comminution chamber (16), and comminuted refrigeration appliance material (24) is discharged from the comminution chamber (16) through a discharge opening (26) of the comminution chamber (16), the comminution chamber (16) is flushed with air in that, per time unit, a predetermined volume (L1) of the air which is present in the comminution chamber (16) and which is enriched with process gases which occur during comminution of the refrigeration appliances (12) is supplied to the gas processing means (34) through a gas conveying line (32) which is connected in a gas conveying manner to the discharge opening (26) and a gas processing means (34), and a volume of air (L4) corresponding to that predetermined volume (L1) is supplied to the comminution chamber (16) through the supply opening (14).
US08967502B2	Dual fuel injector and engine using same A dual fuel injector may be used to injector both gas and liquid fuel into a cylinder of a compression ignition engine. An injector body defines a first set of nozzle outlets, a second set of nozzle outlets, a first fuel inlet and a second fuel inlet. A dual solenoid actuator includes a first armature, a first coil, a second armature and a second coil that share a common centerline. The dual solenoid actuator has a non-injection configuration at which the first armature is at an un-energized position and the second armature is at an un-energized position. The dual solenoid actuator has a first fuel injection configuration at which the first fuel inlet is fluidly connected to the first set of nozzle outlets, the first armature is at an energized position and the second armature is at the un-energized position. The dual solenoid actuator has a second fuel injection configuration at which the second fuel inlet is fluidly connected to the second set of nozzle outlets, the first armature is at the un-energized position and the second armature is at an energized position. The dual solenoid actuator may also include a combined fuel injection configuration.
US08967490B2	Wear-leveling for components of an auxiliary heat source In at least some embodiments, an air handler includes a coil and a fan. The air handler also includes an auxiliary heat source having a plurality of heat elements. The auxiliary heat source implements a wear-leveling algorithm to cycle use of the heat elements over multiple auxiliary heat cycles.
US08967489B2	Removable component for a consumable with identifying graphic A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information, and a composite structure formed by the patterned graphic, the body, and the reservoir.
US08967486B2	Radio frequency ID tag having structure for inlay spacing A radio frequency identification, RFID, security system tag is provided. The tag includes an RFID element and a first housing portion. The first housing portion defines an interior and an opening. The interior of the first housing portion includes an inner periphery and a shelf disposed about at least a portion of the inner periphery. The interior of the first housing portion also includes a plurality of protrusions in which the plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the shelf toward the opening. The RFID element is disposed at least in part on the plurality of protrusions.
US08967483B2	Encoding of microcarriers Encoded microcarriers, and more specifically microcarriers having codes written on them. Methods for writing the codes on the microcarriers, methods of reading the codes, and methods of using the encoded microcarriers. A preferred method of encoding the microcarriers involves exposing microcarriers containing a bleachable substance to a high spatial resolution light source to bleach the codes on the microcarriers. The encoded microcarriers may be used, for example, as support materials in chemical and biological assays and syntheses.
US08967482B2	Image selection method using machine-readable codes A method of selecting digital images includes using a processor to store the digital images in an electronic storage and retrieval system, forming a corresponding machine-readable code for each stored digital image, the machine-readable code encoding a reference to the storage location of the corresponding digital image in the electronic storage and retrieval system, providing a viewable image that includes a representative image of each digital image in the first collection of digital images in association with its associated machine-readable code, selecting one or more but not all of the digital images by receiving references or photographs of the machine-readable codes and extracting the references from the received photographs, and compiling the digital images corresponding to the received or extracted references into a second image collection.
US08967478B2	Apparatus for and method of electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light by rejecting the ambient light A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light to be rejected, includes a laser for emitting a laser beam, a scan component for scanning the laser beam over a scan angle across the target, a photodetector for generating an output signal by detecting return laser light from the target to generate an information signal bearing information related to the target, and by concomitantly detecting the ambient light to generate an ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring the ambient light signal to determine a threshold, for processing the output signal by passing the output signal through a filter having a bandwidth, and for rejecting the ambient light signal from the output signal by adjusting the scan angle and/or the bandwidth when the ambient light signal exceeds the threshold.
US08967469B2	System and method for tracking items by means of longwave, magnetic signal tagging The invention relates to a system and method for tracking items of interest using one or more signal tags, configured to receive information and transmit information using a longwave frequency in the magnetic field. Additional components include one or more data entry devices; one or more tag readers; and one or more database components, configured to transmit information to and receive information from the one or more data entry devices and the one or more tag readers.
US08967468B2	Terminal including imaging assembly A terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, and an imaging assembly. The imaging assembly in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends externally from the housing. The imaging assembly can be utilized for capture of images disposed externally to the housing. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be processed for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be stored.
US08967466B2	Automatic authentication for service access for fueling of vehicles Systems, methods, and devices for refueling a vehicle are discussed herein. According to one embodiment, a vehicle charging station includes a power distribution interface, a receiver component, and an authorization component. The power distribution interface is configured to electrically couple with and provide electrical power to a power receiving interface of a vehicle. The power distribution interface includes a power cable extending from the vehicle charging station and the power cable includes an outlet plug. The receiver component is located within the power cable and is configured to receive identification information that uniquely identifies the vehicle from an identification component of the vehicle. The receiver component is positioned to align with the identification component to allow electrical communication between the identification component and the receiver component when the power receiving interface is electrically coupled to the power distribution interface. The authorization component is configured to allow flow of electrical power to the vehicle in response to authorization based on the received identification information.
US08967465B1	Audio signaling training for bidirectional communications Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a card reader for receiving payment card information at a mobile point-of-sale terminal. In some implementations, a reader of the subject technology can include a memory, a conditioning module and a 3.5 mm audio plug including an audio bus that is configured for insertion into a headphone port of a host device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Implementations of the subject technology also include a microprocessor configured to perform operations for tuning communication parameters. That is, upon connection of the reader device to the host computing device, the devices can engage in an exchange of carrier waves which the devices exchange can used to not only determine and negotiate operational parameters for the devices that support a highest possible connection speed with acceptable connection quality.
US08967464B2	System and method for electronic prepaid account replenishment A method for crediting a customer account maintained by a vendor of services in response to payment received from a customer is disclosed herein. The method includes issuing, to the customer, a membership account number associated with at least the customer account. A membership account number and a payment corresponding to a requested amount of a service offered by the vendor are received from the customer at a point-of-sale. The method further includes generating, at the point-of-sale, an authorization message including at least the membership account number and embedded transaction information identifying the service offered by the vendor and the requested amount. The embedded transaction information is then communicated from the point-of-sale to a database server. The customer account is credited, in response to the embedded transaction information, based upon an amount of the payment. The method also includes electronically transferring funds based upon the amount of the payment from a first account associated with the point-of-sale to a second account associated with the vendor.
US08967462B2	Receipt number generation The present subject matter relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a receipt number. The computer-implemented method includes generating a receipt number generation request in response to transaction involving an item to be purchased, wherein the generating is based at least on input data. The computer-implemented method further includes obtaining the receipt number based on the receipt number generation request and one or more predefined rules. In one implementation, the receipt number is indicative of a mode field, a receipt type field, a format type field, a store number field, a till number field, and a transaction number field.
US08967460B1	System and method for servicing a device having a matrix barcode A method of servicing a target device having a matrix barcode comprises analyzing data from a scan of the matrix barcode on the target device to obtain device identification information encoded in the matrix barcode; obtaining secondary information related to the target device; associating the device identification information with the secondary information; and transmitting the device identification information and secondary information over a network to a back office system.
US08967458B1	Messages associated with unopened delivered packages This disclosure is directed at least in part to providing coded messages associated with unopened delivered packages. The coded messages may help recipients determine information about the contents of packages without opening the packages, and thereby help prevent spoiling surprises (e.g., holiday gifts, etc.) or otherwise preventing other unwanted behavior. In some embodiments, the coded messages may be decrypted or otherwise received by an authorized recipient of the package.
US08967456B2	Method for tagging elements in a user interface A user interface element identification system, including: a display device to display the user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to: assign at least two machine readable visual artifacts to a graphical element in the user interface; position the machine readable visual artifacts in different locations within the element, wherein the locations of the artifacts designate a metadata attribute for the element; and display the machine readable visual artifacts in the user interface on the display device.
US08967455B2	Carton structure A carton structure is disclosed, which includes a side wall panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, a first lateral panel, and a second lateral panel. The first and second end panels are connected to the side wall panel, respectively. The first and second lateral panels extend outwardly from two opposite edges of the second end panel, wherein the first and second lateral panels are pressed by edges of the first end panel to abut the side wall panel such that the opening of the carton structure can be closed.
US08967454B2	Envelopes and folders with digital media storage Packaging systems, such as envelopes and folders, with digital media storage are disclosed. In some embodiments, an envelope may include a unitary planar material folded along first and second transverse folds forming a first end panel, a second end panel, and a middle panel disposed between the first end panel and the second end panel, along the second transverse fold to form a closure for the document receptacle, and a lateral projection on one of the first and second end panels folded along a longitudinal fold onto another portion of the one of the first and second end panels and affixed along an edge of the lateral projection opposite the longitudinal fold to the another portion of the one of the first and second end panels to form a pocket between the lateral projection and the another portion of the one of the first and second end panels.
US08967452B2	Thermal compression bonding of semiconductor chips A die is prepared for thermal compression bonding by first aligning electrical contacts on the die to bond pads on a substrate onto which the die is to be mounted. Those electrical contacts are held against the bond pads on the substrate with a bonding tool. Partially bonding the die onto the substrate by providing heat to a portion of the die to elevate a temperature there to above a melting point of solder in the electrical contacts so as to melt at least some of the solder. Then thermally compress the whole die and heat it to above the melting point of the solder of the electrical contacts so that the solder of the electrical contacts outside the portion of the die are also melted to bond the die to the substrate.
US08967451B2	High-speed friction stir welding Contemplated systems and methods significantly improve friction stir welding of hard metals and particularly steel and stainless steel. Among other factors, the inventors found that high transverse velocity of the tool is critical to obtain predictable and desirable weld quality, which is preferably achieved in such materials by minimizing spindle run out. Moreover, the transverse and angular velocities are preferably selected such as to achieve a temperature in the weld that is below the phase change temperature and/or the solid state transformation point of the materials.
US08967447B2	Surgical instrument including firing indicator A surgical instrument including a loading unit and an indicator that provides an indication whether the loading unit has been used. The indicator provides an indication by transitioning from a first position to a second position that is viewable by a user to prevent inadvertent reloading of the loading unit after use.
US08967446B2	Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge A non-reloadable surgical fastener cartridge is provided. The non-reloadable surgical fastener cartridge includes a cartridge body that includes a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. Each surgical fastener includes first and second legs of different lengths. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. One or more of the pushers is configured such that, upon formation of a corresponding surgical fastener, a first area defined by the first leg is smaller than a second area defined by the second leg. The non-reloadable surgical fastener cartridge also includes an actuation mechanism operably associated with the plurality of pushers.
US08967436B2	Dispensing system An actuator includes a conduit and first and second tabs protruding from the conduit. Each tab includes a first angled face and a first flat face disposed adjacent a first end of the tab and a second angled face and a second flat face disposed adjacent a second end of the tab.
US08967433B2	Bag-in-box dispensing spout capture mechanism A capture mechanism for a dispensing spout of a bag-in-box liquid dispenser. The dispenser is adapted to enable the dispensing spout protrude through at least the base of its box. The capture mechanism contains a component for capturing a dispensing spout of a bag-in-box liquid dispenser. When in use with at least a portion of the capture mechanism cooperating with the box of a bag-in-box liquid dispenser adapted to enable its dispensing spout protrude through at least the base of its box, the capturing component is positioned to maintain the dispensing spout in a low dispensing position relative to the level of the base of the box.
US08967432B2	Refrigerator appliance with hot water dispenser A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
US08967429B2	Coating-powder-supply apparatus The coating-powder-supply apparatus according to the invention comprises a powder-storage container, a powder conveyor, in order to convey powder out of the powder-storage container, and a set of scales, in order to weigh the powder located in the powder-storage container.
US08967426B2	Medicine feeder and medicine dispenser A medicine feeder's drive unit includes a drive motor, a gear transmission device, an output shaft and a switcher. The gear transmission device is constituted by a normal-rotation transmission path and a reverse-rotation transmission path provided between a motor shaft of the drive motor and the output shaft. The switcher selects one of the transmission paths for output of driving power from the drive motor. Thus, a jammed tablet in the medicine feeder can be cleared upon detection thereof, and reverse rotation of a rotor can be achieved without driving the motor in a reverse rotating direction, i.e., while the motor is in normal rotation setting.
US08967425B2	Cover apparatus for electronic device A cover apparatus for an electronic device is provided. The cover apparatus includes a cover configured to be pivotably coupled to a body of the electronic device to open or close a portion of the body, and an elastic member, one end of which is supported by the cover, and the other end of which is supported by the body. The elastic member provides a driving force to pivot the cover in a direction for opening the portion of the body, and the cover includes a seating portion configured to fix the one end of the elastic member.
US08967424B2	Sealing structure of fuel tank and vehicle provided with same A sealing structure of a fuel tank includes: a hollow circular cylinder part, having an inner circumferential part, formed near opening of the fuel tank to extend outward; a cap body having a hollow cylindrical part inserted into the inner circumferential part to face the inner circumferential part; and a seal member disposed between the inner circumferential part and the hollow cylindrical part. A protruding part is provided on an outer circumferential side of the hollow circular cylinder part of the fuel tank. A locking part formed on an outer circumferential part of the cap body and the protruding parts are fixed.
US08967422B2	Multilevel sheet metal container with outwardly beaded end faces A multilevel container having a circumferentially continuous wall or bottom elements of sheet metal with radially outwardly beaded end faces. The wall and bottom elements are placed on top of each other on butt joints so as to seal the end faces and are detachably braced with a minimum of one neighboring container level. The multilevel container also comprises one or more sealing rings and bracing components that act on neighboring end faces. In order to provide a readily manufacturable and form a stable multilevel container without multiple beads in alternating directions or weldings in the butt joint portions, a separate and independent shape retaining ring is provided. This ring reinforces the container and has shape retaining surfaces on its two end faces. In the region of their end faces, the neighboring wall and bottom elements are set on and tightly braced against the shape retaining surfaces of the reinforcing shape retaining ring. Radially inside or radially outside the reinforcing shape retaining ring, a separate sealing ring is inserted between the radially outwardly beaded sheet metal end faces of the neighboring bottom or wall elements of the multilevel container or between these end faces and the reinforcing shape retaining ring.
US08967421B2	Container securing base and tray A container base and tray has a container securing portion and a tray or tote portion. The container securing portion secures a container, such as a paint container, to the base and allows a user to transfer the container base and tray (when the container is secured thereto) by way of the container handle. The container securing portion and the tray or tote portion may comprise a single component or may comprise separate, connectable, components. In one embodiment, the tray may secure containers having different sized bases.
US08967417B2	Anti-extrusion sealing system for the outlet of a plastic-lined compressed gas cylinder A sealing system for an outlet of a plastic-lined cylinder has a plastic liner outlet extending into a bore of a boss. An insert is engageable with the bore, forming a primary seal between the insert and portion of the liner outlet. Further, a tapered compression surface of the insert engages a tapered bore portion of the liner outlet adjacent the primary seal for compressing the liner outlet and closing any annular assembly clearance at the primary seal for obviating opportunity for seal extrusion under pressure. An axial position in the boss, and dimensional integrity, of the liner outlet is maintained by engaging an annular distal end of the liner outlet in the bore by a stop. The stop can be integral with the boss. Reverse extrusion of the primary seal due to trapped gas and rapid decompression of the cylinder can be defeated by providing a leak path.
US08967414B2	Beverage container system with latch to manage lid position A drinking mug includes a lid affixed at the mouth of the mug. The lid includes fluid openings between a bottom portion of the lid and sidewalls of the lid about the circumference of the lid to permit drinking from any position along the circumference. The lid has a gasket that seals the mug closed when the lid is threaded to a closed position. When the lid is partially unscrewed, the gasket opens, permitting liquid to be consumed from the beverage container through the fluid openings in the lid. The lid includes a ramp-shaped cam and the mug includes a pivotable latch that engages the cam that prevents the lid from being unscrewed from the mug. The latch has a push button that releases the latch from the cam to permit removal of the lid.
US08967413B2	Vacuum lid for use with baby food jars The present invention relates to a vacuum sealable container system comprising a container and a lid assembly having a movable valve insert. The valve insert includes a vacuum indicator for informing the user when a vacuum is present in the container. The valve insert is pneumatically movable within a chamber by way of a pump assembly to open and close a fluid communication between the container and the exterior of the container to remove fluid to form the vacuum. The vacuum indicator collapses into an opening formed in the lid assembly to inform the user of the vacuum as well as reinforce the seal formed by the valve insert.
US08967411B2	Pressure relief device for pressurized container A pressure relief device of domed construction for venting an internally pressurized container. The pressure release device includes a coined pressure vent and is characterized by a relatively high venting pressure in combination with a failure pressure in the absence of venting which is higher than the intended venting pressure. The pressure relief device includes a sloped sidewall having an outer annular segment and a sloped annular intermediate segment. The sloped annular intermediate segment has a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the outer annular segment. A circular central plateau defines a flat dome top. The circular central plateau has a center point with an arc shaped coin line extending about an arc with the apex of the arc positioned at the center point of the circular central plateau.
US08967399B2	Convertible display fixture A display fixture includes a base, a platform, a lattice structure, a raised shelf and a plurality of bins. The base includes an open top, a bottom floor and walls that define an interior space that is divided into sections using a plurality of partitions. The platform is located on top of the base. The raised shelf is located over the lattice structure and on top of a portion of the platform. The plurality of bins are located on the platform and on the raised shelf and are configured to display merchandise. The lattice structure and the raised shelf provide structural support for bearing a weight of merchandise located on the raised shelf. The base and the partitions dividing the base provide structural support for bearing a weight of merchandise located on the raised shelf and the platform.
US08967395B1	Golf club shaft clamp A golf club shaft holder assembly includes an adjustable base clamp member suitable for mounting to a vertical support rod of the canopy of a golf car, the spine of a golf bag cart or a suitable vertical portion of a golf bag. A sling shot shape shaft holder is mounted on the adjustable base clamp member and provides a pair of spaced apart C-shape clip members positioned thereon, capable of retaining the shaft of a desired, frequently used golf club thereon. A pair of Y-shape shield members are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the cross member to protect the C-shape clamps. The entire assembly includes a new means for selectably releaseably mounting a frequently used or desired golf club in a position which is easily accessible to a golfer for ease of use thereof.
US08967393B2	Display tray assembly The system of the present application includes a display tray assembly having base and center tray sections that are configured to form a gap that receives a side tray section on either side. The side tray sections are configured such that they may move laterally with respect to the base and center tray section in order to adjust the width of the entire display tray assembly to accommodate any size product in a retail environment. In lieu of side tray sections, the display tray assembly may include union tray sections that may engage two separate base and center tray section assemblies in order to create a continuous display tray assembly with adjustable widths.
US08967392B1	Stabilizing rack systems for seismic loads A system for performing computing operations includes a rack that rests on a floor and a stabilization device coupled on the top of the rack. The stabilization device includes a mounting portion coupled to the rack, a ballast member, and one or more spring devices coupled between the ballast member and the mounting portion. The ballast member reduces displacement of the rack from seismic loads transmitted from the floor to the rack to mitigate effects of the seismic loads on the rack.
US08967385B2	Separating method and apparatus for non-ferrous metals An installation for clear separation in one cycle of a conglomerate of different metals into individual material components. The installation involves the conglomerate of different metals being comminuted in a machine for producing a homogeneous mixture of metals and being transported to a feeding device. The conglomerate is transported to a highly magnetic rotating drum that separates ferrous-magnetic materials together with fluff and then conveys remaining nonferrous materials to a slowly running conveyor belt, underneath the conveyor belt, slowly rotating discs are mounted in a row that carry on their outer surface area a plurality of permanent magnets of an alternating pol direction. The nonferrous materials include particles that are stripped into a collection bin.
US08967378B2	Handheld toothpaste dispensing system A handheld toothpaste dispensing system that dispenses single serving portions of toothpaste in preformed shapes includes an outer housing surrounding an interior chamber. To load the dispensing system, a replaceable or refillable disk containing single serving portions of toothpaste assembled in spaced arrangement is inserted into the interior chamber of the dispensing device and is supported on a disk advancing mechanism. In operation, a button on the dispensing device is pressed to operate the disk advancing mechanism, thereby advancing the disk through a partial rotational movement and exposing the subsequent compartment on the disk within a dispensing opening on the housing of the device. The preformed shapes of toothpaste are removed from the disk for brushing by inserting the bristles of the user's toothbrush into the preformed shape of toothpaste and subsequently pulling the toothbrush away from the disk with the single serving toothpaste shape clinging to the bristles.
US08967377B2	Protective case for portable electronic device with foldable lens cover and storage compartments A protective case for a portable electronic device. The protective case including a plurality of storage compartments for retaining a series of items. The protective case includes a removable upper portion allowing unobstructed access to the portable electronic device camera and includes a plurality of corner accessories disposed within and forming the corners of the protective case.
US08967376B1	Deployable accessory assemblies Described herein is an accessory assembly that includes a deployable arm that is configured to host multiple different removable accessory devices, each of which may include accessory functionality to facilitate or enhance user operation of an electronic device. The accessory functionality of the accessory devices may be far-ranging and may include reading lights, covers, projectors, universal serial bus (USB) drives, cameras, page-turn buttons, audio jacks, expansion headers, Bluetooth devices, biometric sensors, ambient light sensors, speakers, microphones, styli, and more, as discussed in detail below. These accessory devices may complement the operation of any number of electronic devices, including electronic book (eBook) reader devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, or any other mobile or stationary electronic devices.
US08967374B2	Delivery device with separate chambers connectable in fluid communication when ready for use, and related method A device and method are provided for storing medicaments and foods and/or beverages separately during shelf life, and for mixing the medicaments and foods and/or beverages when ready for use. A body of the device defines a plurality of first chambers for receiving a medicament, and a plurality of second chambers for receiving a food and/or beverage. A first sealing portion is located between the first and second chambers and is movable between a closed position preventing fluid communication between the chambers, and an open position permitting fluid communication between the first and second chambers for mixing the medicament and the food and/or beverage when ready for use. First and second penetrable and thermally resealable portions are in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, respectively, and are penetrable by an injection member to form an injection aperture therethrough and introduce the medicament or the food and/or beverage through the injection member and into the respective chamber, and are thermally resealable to seal the injection apertures and the medicament or food and/or beverage within the respective chamber by applying energy thereto.
US08967372B2	Image forming apparatus and method of detecting index for use in image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a belt, a detector, a determining section, a skew correcting section, and a storage section. The belt is stretched around rollers and provided with an index. The detector provides an output value. The determining section determines the index that is passing through the detection region on the basis of a change in the output value, the change exceeding a threshold. The skew correcting section performs control relating to skew correction of inclining the roller and correcting the position of the belt. The storage section stores the threshold having a value between the measured maximum amount of change in the output value when the skew correcting section inclines the roller at the maximum angle and the amount of change in the output value resulting from the index when the index arrives at or passes through the detector.
US08967369B2	Transferring apparatus The present disclosure provides a transferring apparatus, which includes a driving device, a number of guiding rollers arranged on two sides of the driving device and a number of vacuum cleaners arranged on the guiding rollers. The transferring apparatus of the present disclosure can remove the impurities generated in the transferring process of the substrate when transferring the substrate, which eliminates the bad effect on the following manufacturing processes of the substrate caused by the impurities generated in the transferring process of the substrate.
US08967367B2	Article transport facility An article transport facility includes an article transport vehicle and a rotatable member transporting device. The article transport vehicle is configured to travel along a predetermined travel path by obtaining propelling force by drivingly rotating a propelling rotatable member with the propelling rotatable member in contact with a contact portion. The propelling rotatable member can be in contact with the rotatable member transporting device. And the rotatable member transporting device transports, in an advancing direction, the propelling rotatable member in contact with the rotatable member transporting device, and is provided in place of the contact portion in a specific section included in the predetermined travel path. The propelling rotatable member is configured to be able to be drivingly rotated while in contact with the rotatable member transporting device.
US08967366B2	System and method for singulating and separating a plurality of non-oriented items An aspect of the present invention provides a system for transferring a plurality of non-oriented items. The system includes a feeding area, a conveyor and a rail. The feeding area can accept the plurality of non-oriented items. The conveyor has a first end, a second end, a conveyor length disposed between the first end and the second end, a conveyor first side, a conveyor second side, a conveyor width disposed between the conveyor first side and the conveyor second side, and a conveyor ledge along the second side. The rail is disposed above the conveyor and from the conveyor ledge at a distance equal to one of the item height, the item width and the item length. A first portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will convey along the conveyor path. A second portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will fall off the conveyor ledge.
US08967357B2	Grain auger blow-out door A grain auger having a discharge chute with a primary opening is also provided with at least one secondary opening and a door movable between opened and closed positions relative to the secondary opening. The door is normally closed by spring bias, but will open if the primary discharge opening becomes blocked, thereby releasing grain through the secondary opening, to prevent damage to the auger.
US08967353B2	Transmission with internal isolator and by-pass clutch A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.
US08967352B2	Low driven inertia dual clutch A clutch apparatus includes a clutch pack having a plurality of friction disks. The clutch pack will selectively transfer torque from a torque supplying member to a first torque receiving member. The apparatus also includes a first piston chamber positioned radially outward of the clutch pack. The first piston chamber is operably connected to the clutch pack for exerting a compressive force on at least a portion of the clutch pack as a first fluid is pressurized into the first piston chamber.
US08967348B2	Mass damper A tuned mass damper comprising a frame, at least one bendable spring element being connected from its ends to the frame, and at least one mass element being connected to the spring element at a distance from the ends of the spring element, at least one movable spring support element for adjusting the tuning frequency of the damper, and means for moving the spring support element.
US08967345B2	Adjustable rebound buffer An adjustable rebound buffer includes: an outer perimeter, a central shaft hole and at least one adjustable hole. The outer perimeter is sized to fit inside a buffer cavity of the hydraulic damper. The central shaft hole is sized to fit around a damper shaft and position the adjustable rebound buffer on the damper shaft. The at least one adjustable hole provides an adjustable bleed path through the adjustable rebound buffer. A hydraulic damper with the adjustable rebound buffer includes the buffer cavity, wherein, the outer perimeter of the adjustable rebound buffer is adapted to fit inside the buffer cavity as the hydraulic damper approaches full extension.
US08967343B2	Shock absorber for a bicycle A shock absorber for a bicycle has a damper device with first and second damper chambers. The damper chambers are connected by way of a controllable throttle valve. A changeable electronic unit has a control device for controlling the electrically controllable throttle valve. The control device thereby influences the damper characteristics.
US08967341B2	Wheel-mounted brake disks Wheel-mounted brake disks which are arranged on both sides of a wheel base of a railway wheel and are fastened by through bolts, the bolt head of every through bolt lying in a countersink of one wheel-mounted brake disk and a nut screwed onto the through bolt lying in a countersink of the other wheel-mounted brake disk, each resting either directly or indirectly on the bottom of the countersink. The wheel-mounted brake disks are designed so that every countersink has an undercut portion that extends down to the bottom.
US08967340B2	Plate element, and friction clutch device and brake device provided with the plate element A friction clutch device includes clutch plates which are retained through meshing engagement on the inner peripheral surface of an outer case, which is rotatably driven by an engine. Each clutch plate includes a flat, annular pressing element which is pressed against a clutch friction plate for frictional contact therewith. Engagement protrusions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing element. The engagement protrusions fit into recessed engagement grooves provided on the outer case and mesh with the outer case. Proiectinq portions which project toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer case are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing element.
US08967336B2	Elevator car with maintenance window The invention relates to an elevator car which is suitable for elevators in which all of the elements which are to be maintained and checked are arranged outside the elevator car, opposite only one side of the elevator car. The elevator car comprises, on said side, one part (3) that is arranged more than 85 cm above the elevator base (1) on the elevator wall (2) and that can be removed from inside the elevator. The part (3) is as least 95 cm in height and, after being removed, can rest vertically on the base of the elevator (1), against the elevator wall (2), in order to form a balustrade (4). At least one spacer (5, 19) is arranged between the removable part (3) and the lower part (6) of the elevator wall (2) so that the distance from the inner side of the side wall part (3) that is placed on the base (1), facing the elevator, to the elements (7, 8) of the elevator drive moving past the travelling elevator car is at least 10 cm.
US08967334B2	Gear unit at least partially filled with oil A gear unit at least partially filled with oil,wherein a device is provided in the gear unit for lowering the oil level, especially of the oil pan of the gear unit, during operation, the device including at least one temporary storage.
US08967329B2	Sound absorbing and sound blocking reinforced board for vehicle and method manufacturing the same A sound absorbing and sound blocking reinforced board for a vehicle is provided, which has advantages of simultaneously satisfying sound absorbing properties. The sound absorbing and sound blocking reinforced board is capable of reducing environmental pollutants and improving economic efficiency by including a sound absorbing layer, which includes a recycled polyurethane foam, a binding material, a web forming material, and a rigid reinforcement material; and a sound blocking layer.
US08967326B2	Channeling gas flow tube A channel for moving gas between an entry into which gas is introduced and an exit through which gas exits, comprising a plurality of adjoining adjacent guides, each guide comprising an outer portion of a smoothly-curved, modified torus whose inner wall has concave curvature on the gas inlet and convex curvature on the gas outlet and has an inflection point of curvature axially downstream of the inlet of the respective guide. Each guide forms a smoothly curved internal cavity with a cavity mouth opening into the gas flow channel, the cavities shaped such that a vortex forms within each of the cavities as gas passes through the channel. Flow of fluid in the channel is unidirectional and axial from the entry to the exit.
US08967323B1	Multi-directional foldback and front of house speaker enclosure The enclosure comprises a seven-sided prism on which loudspeakers or other devices for sound reproduction are mounted at a substantial angle to each other. Using its primary base, speakers are angled obliquely upward. Speakers mounted on the enclosure can share a single audio signal. Multiple signals can be sent to speakers on different sides of the enclosure. It can be used as a double floor monitor, a wide-dispersion main speaker, a simultaneous combination of double floor monitor and audience-facing main speaker, or a combination of wide dispersion main speaker and a single floor monitor. It reduces the number of speaker enclosures necessary for a stage production. It can be manufactured simply and affordably from many materials using standard construction methods. The enclosure may be useful for any other application where it may be advantageous, including but not limited to, audio speakers for computer, television, radio, or music playback.
US08967315B1	Police motorcycle kit A kit for converting a motorcycle into a police motorcycle includes right and left-side drop bars, a rear drop bar, and a front impact guard. The kit further includes right and left-side saddlebags that open in a clamshell position or in a side-opening position. A controller compartment positioned above and between the saddlebags contains a controller for operation of the various electrical components of the police motorcycle, including visual and audio effects. The kit also includes flashers integrated into the front headlight and front handlebar risers that raise the handlebars sufficiently to allow a rider to sit upright, instead of prone, for better observation of the surroundings.
US08967313B2	Front hood for a motor vehicle A front hood is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to damping element of plastic arranged between a top structure and a bottom structure. The damping element is glued to the top structure and the bottom structure. In the event of a head impact on the front hood the deformation of the top structure is retarded by the damping element. The damping element in the process supports itself on the bottom structure.
US08967309B2	Construction machine An upper revolving structure (3) includes a revolving frame (5), a floor member (9) which is provided on the revolving frame (5) and a front side of which serves as a footrest section (11) on which an operator rests his or her feet, a cab box (17) which forms an operating room (18) above the floor member (9), and an indoor unit (23) disposed on the floor member (9) to supply sucked air as conditioned air. A lower surface (11B) side of the footrest section (11) of the floor member (9) is formed as a unit mounting surface (12), and, as for the indoor unit (23), a box body (24) is disposed on the lower side of the unit mounting surface (12) and, in this state, the box body (24) is mounted on the unit mounting surface (12) by means of a plurality of bolts (32).
US08967305B2	Drive system for a motor vehicle and method therefor An apparatus for generating an electric current to drive a vehicle has at least one electric drive motor coupled to each rear wheel of the vehicle. The electric motors are used to drive each rear wheel. A motor controller is coupled to each electric motor. Kinetic energy converting generators power the electric drive motor. Optionally, a flywheel is coupled to an electrical generator which is electrically coupled to the motor controller. Also optionally, at least one kinetic energy converting generator may be coupled to at least one of the vehicle wheel in order to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy to power the drive motor, via the motor controller.
US08967304B2	Driven vehicle axle The embodiments relate to a driven vehicle axle, which is coupled or can be coupled to an internal combustion engine and/or at least one electric machine that optionally can be operated as an engine or generator and which includes a brake device having an eddy current brake (10).
US08967300B2	Pressure activated flow switch for a downhole tool A downhole tool includes a pressure activated flow switch for selectively actuating and deactuating a device, such as a reaming block. The flow switch is deployed external to the flow bore and includes a flow piston configured to reciprocate between axially opposed open and closed positions such that the device is actuated when the flow piston is in the open position and deactuated when the flow piston is in the closed position. The flow piston is configured to translate from the closed position to the open position when a differential pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The flow piston may be further configured to remain in the open position at differential pressures less than the threshold.
US08967298B2	Transmission of light through light absorbing medium A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.
US08967296B2	Rotary steerable drilling apparatus and method The present invention relates to a rotary steerable drilling apparatus which separates the drill string from the bottom hole assembly thereby allowing the biasing means to push the bit in a given direction without having to lift the drill string along with the bottom hole assembly.
US08967293B2	Rock drilling in great depths by thermal fragmentation using highly exothermic reactions evolving in the environment of a water-based drilling fluid A method and a device to thermally fragment rock for excavation of vertical and directional boreholes in rock formations, preferentially hard rock, using highly exothermic reactions. Exothermic reactions are initiated directly in the pressurized, aqueous environment of a water-based drilling fluid preferably above the critical pressure of water (221 bar). After reaction onset temperatures within the reaction zone exceed the critical temperature for water (374° C.) providing supercritical conditions, which favor the stabilization of the reaction, e.g. a supercritical hydrothermal flame. Since reactions can be run directly in a water-based drilling fluid, the method proposed here allows high density drilling action as in conventional rotary drilling. A part from the hot reaction zone of the proposed reaction can be brought directly to the rock surface in case of hard polycrystalline rock, where high temperatures are required.
US08967292B2	Method and device for establishing a borehole in the seabed A method and device for establishing a borehole (26) in the seabed (4), comprising setting of a conductor (1), wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises:—providing the conductor (1) with a suction module (6);—then lowering the conductor (1) down to the seabed (4); and—displacing the conductor (1) down into the seabed (4).
US08967290B2	Fuel-Powered rock breaker The invention relates to a fuel-powered breaker machine (1) which has a cylinder (2, 2.3, 2.4) with two pistons (3, 4) disposed therein. The first of the pistons (3) is adapted to opening and closing at least an inlet aperture (5, 6) on an inlet side (I) in a cylinder shell wall (7), and an outlet aperture (8) on an opposite outlet side (O) in the cylinder shell wall (7), and, when the apertures (5, 6, 8) are closed, to compressing against the second piston (4), which acts as the working piston of the breaker machine (1), an ignitable air/fuel mixture which is admitted via the inlet aperture/apertures (5, 6). The first piston (3) has a crown (11) which is shaped correspondingly to a crown (10) of the second piston (4) and which on said inlet side (I) has a recess (12) which serves, when the first piston (3) is at an upper dead center position, as a combustion chamber into which a spark plug (16) protrudes via the cylinder shell wall (7) on the inlet side (I), and, when the first piston (3) is at a lower dead center position, as an inlet chamber into which the inlet aperture/apertures (5, 6) leads/lead.
US08967288B2	Anti-vibration structure for operation lever of portable brush cutter According to one embodiment, there is provided an anti-vibration structure for an operation lever of a portable brush cutter, in which a lever device includes: a main body through which a pole is inserted in an axial direction, the main body including protrusions protruding from both ends in the axial direction; support members provided on the pole to support the both ends of the main body such that the main body is separated from the pole, each support member including a recess; and anti-vibration materials accommodated in the recesses of the support members so as to be sandwiched between the support members and the main body in the axial direction, respectively, each anti-vibration material including a groove to which a respective one of the protrusions of the main body is inserted.
US08967282B2	Enhanced bitumen recovery using high permeability pathways Heavy oil recovery from oil sand reservoirs is enhanced through the creation of subsurface high permeability pathways distributed throughout the oil sand reservoirs. The high permeability pathways may be boreholes that extend through the oil sand reservoir. A portion of the high permeability pathway may be packed with high permeability particulate to provide structural support and allow for high permeability throughout the boreholes. After establishing the high permeability pathways throughout the oil sand reservoir, solvent may be introduced into the oil sand reservoir. The solvent has the beneficial effect of lowering the viscosity of the heavy oil, which aids in the extraction of the heavy oil. Thermal recovery processes and other enhancements may be combined with these methods to aid in reducing the viscosity of the heavy oil. Advantages of these methods include, accelerated hydrocarbon recovery, higher production efficiencies, lower costs, and lower extraction times.
US08967274B2	Self-priming pump A pumping system is disclosed comprising a supply pipe, a delivery pipe, a pump capable of pumping a liquid, a first tank with a top port and a bottom port, a second tank with top port and a bottom port, a first pipe switcher operable to switch connections the supply/delivery pipes and the top ports, and a second pipe switcher operable to switch connections between the bottom ports and the pump inlet/outlet. The pipe switchers serve to switch input and output connections such that the tanks are swapped from a position between the supply pipe and the pump inlet and a position between the pump outlet and the delivery pipe. Uses for cooling systems, air compressors, deep wells, and oil extraction are also disclosed.
US08967272B2	Annular pressure relief system A modified casing coupling houses a pressure relief valve body having a through bore with opposing end openings. The through bore communicates with the interior of the modified casing coupling at one end opening thereof and with an area surrounding the modified casing coupling at an opposite end opening. The through bore includes a ball seat adjacent one end opening thereof which receives a sealing ball. The ball is urged in the direction of the ball seat by a tensioning element. The ball is exposed to annular pressure trapped between successive lengths of well casing located in the well borehole. The amount of tension exerted on the ball by the tensioning element is selected to allow the ball to move off the ball seat to release trapped annular pressure between the selected casing strings once a certain annulus pressure is reached.
US08967270B2	Rigless abandonment system A rigless abandonment system including a surface vessel having an attached lifting device and a moonpool. The system further includes a cutting module configured to connect to a subsea wellhead, the cutting module having a wellhead connector having an actuatable lock and release mechanism, a motor assembly, and a cutter. An umbilical line connects the cutting module to the surface vessel, wherein the lifting device is used to raise and lower the cutting module connected to the surface vessel through the moonpool. A method for performing rigless casing cutting and wellhead removal operations, the method includes positioning a surface vessel above a subsea wellhead, where the surface vessel has a moonpool and a lifting device. The method further includes providing a cutting module, and deploying the cutting module through the moonpool, wherein the cutting module is connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical line.
US08967263B2	Methods of treating a subterranean formation with stress-activated resins Methods of treating a subterranean formation including introducing a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a crosslinking agent, and a stress-activated resin comprising a stress-activated moiety, wherein the stress-activated resin does not substantially react with the crosslinking agent until placed under stress; introducing the treatment fluid into the at least one fracture of the subterranean formation; removing the pressure in the subterranean formation such that the fracture closes on the treatment fluid and applies a stress to the stress-activated resin; and crosslinking the resin with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a resinous proppant pack therein.
US08967261B2	Oil shale processing A method of in-situ processing of a subterranean oil shale formation to produce hydrocarbons comprising contacting the oil shale with (i) a carbon monoxide/water mixture or (ii) a carbon monoxide/water/hydrogen mixture together with at least one liquefaction promoter, under pressure and heat to produce hydrocarbons.
US08967260B2	System and method for enhancing the production of hydrocarbons A method for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from a reservoir using a heating well to reduce overburden stress over portions of the reservoir and the heating well is located in a subsurface formation proximate to the reservoir. The method may include heating the subsurface formation via the heating well above the reservoir, below the reservoir, or both, to form an expansion pillar and producing a hydrocarbon from the reservoir.
US08967258B2	Formulations and methods for removing hydrocarbons from surfaces The invention provides formulations for facilitating the removal of oil from a surface using a chisel composition, wherein the chisel composition includes a polymer having one or more binding points with a high affinity for the surface, and one or more hydrophilic segments that form a hydrophilic coating on the surface, rendering the surface water-wet and thereby facilitating the removal of oil from the surface. The invention also provides for methods of use of such formulations.
US08967256B2	Wellbore perforation tool A perforation tool comprises an explosive charge comprising an explosive focal axis, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool and disposed along the explosive focal axis. The flowable material is configured to be released by detonation of the explosive charge and flow to create at least a partial barrier to flow through the aperture in response to the perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body.
US08967252B2	Systems, methods, and devices for tagging carbon dioxide stored in geological formations The invention provides methods and systems for tagging carbon dioxide to be stored in a geologic formation. In some embodiments, a method includes: providing a carbon dioxide tracer that is quantifiable and distinguishable versus non-anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide; providing carbon dioxide to be stored in the geologic formation; determining what portion of the carbon dioxide is anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide; and mixing a predetermined quantity of the carbon dioxide tracer with the carbon dioxide stored to develop a tagged quantity of carbon dioxide for storage in the geologic formation. In some embodiments, a system for tagging a stream of carbon dioxide includes a tagging module and a mixing module. Tagging module includes a carbon dioxide tracer that is quantifiable and distinguishable versus non-anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide. Mixing module includes mechanisms for containing and injecting the carbon dioxide tracer into a stream of carbon dioxide.
US08967251B2	Method of a formation hydraulic fracturing Method of a formation hydraulic fracturing provides injection of a hydraulic fracturing fluid into a borehole with the increase of a fluid flow rate to a working value. During the injection a power consumption of a pump used for the injection is measured continuously. A pump power consumption jump indicates the fracturing fluid flow turbulization in the borehole.
US08967250B2	Well pumping and control system A well pumping and control system that is capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions. The system automatically maintains fluid level in a fluid storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump fluid only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low fluid level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water or liquid hydrocarbons, whichever is being pumped into the fluid storage vessel by the system.
US08967249B2	Reservoir and completion quality assessment in unconventional (shale gas) wells without logs or core Embodiments herein relate to a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a formation including collecting and analyzing a formation sample, drilling operation data, and wellbore pressure measurement, estimating a reservoir and completion quality, and performing an oil field service in a region of the formation comprising the quality. In some embodiments, the formation sample is a solid collected from the drilling operation or includes cuttings or a core sample.
US08967247B2	Multi-tasking rod guide A multi-tasking downhole rod guide for centralizing a downhole pump rod production tubing within production tubing, while simultaneously reducing abrasion and deterioration of the production tubing and engendering auxiliary pump-boosting functions. The rod guide is configured with an elongate helix having a continuous trough-like channel through which hydrocarbons flow upwardly under high pressure. As the pressurized hydrocarbons flow through a succession of plates at each equidistant helical level, the elongate helix rotates synchronously with the upwardly flowing hydrocarbons within the production tubing string.
US08967246B2	Downhole actuator An actuator for connecting to and displacing of a component in a well tubular is disclosed. The actuator includes a tool shaft provided with a radial direction spring-loaded gripping device which are complementary fitting in the component.
US08967242B2	Auxiliary flow line filter for sampling probe An apparatus includes a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a focused sampling probe that includes a piston movable between an open position and a closed position, an auxiliary filter coupled to the piston, and a scraper that interfaces with the auxiliary filter. Movement of the piston may cause the auxiliary filter to move against the scraper.
US08967240B2	Gravel packing apparatus having a jumper tube protection assembly A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. A jumper tube protection assembly extends between the first and second joints and is positioned exteriorly about the at least one jumper tube.
US08967237B2	Connection device for a coaxial tube heat exchanger A connection device of a double-walled heat exchanger tube is provided, in particular for the heat exchanger of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. The heat exchanger tube has an outer tube and an inner tube that runs coaxially inside the outer tube spaced radially apart from it. The connection device further has a fitting for accommodating radially overlapping end sections of the inner and outer tube. The outer and inner tubes according to the invention are at least sectionally joined together without soldering in the area of the fitting, and with the fitting.
US08967236B2	Inorganic aqueous solution (IAS) for phase-change heat transfer medium An inorganic aqueous solution for use in a phase-change heat transfer device comprises an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO4), potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), chromium trioxide (CrO3), silver chromate (Ag2CrO4), strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
US08967233B2	Latent cold storage device The invention relates to a latent cold storage device with an improved structure and an improved mode of operation by means of a sandwich-type arrangement of the heat conducting elements and cold storage elements, whereby the cold storage elements made in the form of pockets containing a cold storage medium, are deformable.
US08967231B2	Centrifugally cast pole and method Herein disclosed is a centrifugally cast pole having a substantially uniform wall thickness along the long axis of the pole. During centrifugal casting, molten metal is poured inside a rotating, tapered mold. As chilled liquid is poured over the outside of the rotating mold, the metal forms, or paints, to the contour of the mold interior creating a metal pole. By precisely controlling casting gyrations such as the spin, travel, pitch, and yaw of the rotating mold and the calibration and physical mechanisms of the casting machine, hollow, tapered, tubular metal poles are produced with previously unknown uniformity of wall thickness. The controlling principles, designs, and mechanisms of this centrifugal casting method enable wall uniformity to extremely high tolerances. By extension, the ability to precisely control the metal volume painted inside the mold allows, as a design choice, wall thickness variation in any embodiment if so desired.
US08967223B2	Method for mounting A tyre on a rim or demounting A tyre from a rim and apparatus therefore The invention relates to a method for controlling a current fed to an electric motor during an operation to mount a tire on a rim of a wheel including the tire and the rim, or to demount the tire from the rim. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor about an axis, and the motor current fed to the electric motor is controlled dependent on the rotational speed and torque required for the mounting and/or demounting operation. The motor current is automatically changed to cause the electric motor to apply a high torque peak to rotate the wheel, when the motor current is measured to be greater than a preset limit at a low rotational speed during a preset time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a tire on a rim or demounting the tire from the rim.
US08967215B2	Labeling device for labeling objects, in particular moving objects A labelling device includes a linearly displaceable piston operably connectable to a moving mechanism for moving the piston from a resting position to a labelling position. A label carrying mechanism is arranged at the distal end of the piston for carrying an adhesive label and affixing the adhesive label to an object via physical contact at the labelling position of the piston. A force-switching-state system is provided to maintain the piston in relation to the moving mechanism in an attracting force state and the piston moves with the moving mechanism. The physical contact creates an opposite repelling force from the object onto the label carrying mechanism causing separation of the displaceable piston from the moving mechanism. This separation causes a change of the force state of the displaceable piston from an attracting to a repelling force state, causing the linearly displaceable piston to move back to the resting position.
US08967214B2	Pneumatic radial tire A wind-up side cord of a chafer is arranged in such a manner that an angle of inclination of a first line connecting a first point and a second point with respect to a tire circumferential direction is 20 to 40 degrees, and is formed as a circular arc shape which is convex to an outer side in the tire radial direction, a turn-up side cord of the chafer is arranged in such a manner that an angle of inclination of a second line connecting a third point and a fourth point with respect to the tire circumferential direction is 30 to 50 degrees, and is equal to or less than 5 degrees in a change of the angle of inclination with respect to the tire circumferential direction, and a distance in the tire circumferential direction from a fifth point to the first line is 2 to 12 mm.
US08967208B2	Secured system for fire suppression refill and recovery A secured system for fire suppression refill and recovery and a method for using such system. Operation of the system involves the refilling of an extinguisher tank with matter from a storage tank, the recovery of matter from an extinguisher tank to a storage tank, the cleansing of matter within a tank, and the purging of matter from a tank. The system includes a secure recovery unit, secure tank units, and equipment for connecting the recovery unit to the tank units. The system is configured such that, during its operation, safety and security risks commonly associated with the transfer of matter to and from extinguisher tanks are greatly reduced.
US08967206B2	Flexible fluid conduit A process for producing a fluid conduit by forming a fluid delivery channel along the outer surface of a first elongate tubular body member. A second elongate tubular body having an inner circumference is fitted about the outer circumference of the first tubular body so as to seal the at least one fluid delivery channel on the outer surface of the first tubular body. A section of the fitted first and second tubular assembly is removed therefrom so as to define a fluid delivery channel in the form of a sealed fluid conduit.
US08967203B2	Foreign material exclusion device Foreign material exclusion devices especially adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off a potentially sensitive area of the construction from foreign materials or debris. In one embodiment the device includes a specifically defined, fixed-size eyelet to assist with insertion and/or removal of the device from a construction. Still other embodiments of the device include cavities that retain a trackable coating applied to the device. Further embodiments include identification elements embedded and thus protected within the frame of the device.

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