最新美国发明专利第2011-09-13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
US08017317B2	gM-negative EHV-mutants This invention relates to Equine Herpes Viruses (EHV) wherein the protein gM is essentially absent or modified and non-functional with respect to its immunomodulatory capacity. Further aspects of the invention relate to nucleic acids coding said viruses, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these viruses or nucleic acids and uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods for improving the immune response induced by an EHV vaccine against wild type EHV infections, methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of EHV infections and methods for distinguishing wild type EHV infected animals from animals treated with EHV's according to the invention.
US08017312B2	Method for preserving cells, tissues or organs using a solution comprising alkyldiamine-beta-cyclodextrin A composition for protecting and/or preserving cells, tissues or organs, includes at least one cyclodextrin, preferably closely combined with an antioxidant. A process for producing this composition and its uses are also disclosed.
US08017311B2	Method for treatment of cellular materials with sugars prior to preservation Living cellular material may be preserved by incubating the cellular material in a culture medium containing at least one sugar, particularly for at least three hours, and then subjecting the cellular material to a preservation protocol, such as freezing, vitrification, freeze-drying and desiccation.
US08017309B2	Method of manufacturing wiring circuit board A method of manufacturing a wiring circuit board includes: preparing an insulating layer; forming conductive thin films on the upper surface and the side end surface of the insulating layer; covering the conductive thin films formed on the upper surface and the side end surface of the insulating layer with photoresists; arranging a photomask so that an end portion and a portion to be provided with a conductive layer in the conductive thin film formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer are shaded and exposing the photoresist covering the conductive thin film formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer from above through the photomask; exposing the photoresist covering the conductive thin film formed on the side end surface of the insulating layer from below; forming plating resists by removing unexposed portions of the photoresists so as to form exposed portions into patterns; forming an end portion conductive layer on the end portion of the conductive thin film formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer, and forming the conductive layer on the conductive thin film formed on the upper surface of the insulating thin film at the same time, on the conductive thin films exposed from the plating resists; removing the plating resists; and removing the conductive thin films having been covered with the plating resists.
US08017308B2	Patterning non-planar surfaces A pattern is formed on a non-planar surface by forming a layer of photoresist on a part having a surface comprising a non-planar surface area. A deformable mask is aligned over at least a portion of the non-planar surface area of the part such that the deformable mask substantially deforms in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the non-planar surface area of the part. The photoresist on the part is exposed through the mask so as to transfer a desired pattern onto the part while the deformable mask is maintained in a deformed state.
US08017307B2	Method for manufacturing minute structure, method for manufacturing liquid discharge head, and liquid discharge head A method for manufacturing a minute structure comprises a step of forming an ionizing radiation decomposing type positive type resist layer including a methyl isopropenyl ketone as a first positive type photosensitive material layer, a step of forming an ionizing radiation decomposing type positive type resist layer including a photosensitive material of a copolymer as a second positive type photosensitive material layer to be sensitized by an ionizing radiation of a second wavelength range on the first positive type photosensitive material layer, a step of forming a desired pattern in the above-mentioned second positive type photosensitive material layer, and development using a developing solution, and then, a step of forming a desired pattern in the above-mentioned first positive type photosensitive material layer to form a convex shape pattern.
US08017304B2	Pattern forming method, and resist composition, developer and rinsing solution used in the pattern forming method A pattern forming method comprising a step of applying a resist composition whose solubility in a negative tone developer decreases upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation and which contains a resin having an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure and a dispersity of 1.7 or less and being capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid, an exposure step, and a development step using a negative tone developer; a resist composition for use in the method; and a developer and a rinsing solution for use in the method, are provided, whereby a pattern with reduced line edge roughness and high dimensional uniformity can be formed.
US08017296B2	Antireflective coating composition comprising fused aromatic rings The present invention relates to an organic spin coatable antireflective coating composition comprising a polymer comprising at least one unit with 3 or more fused aromatic rings in the backbone of the polymer and at least one unit with an aliphatic moeity in the backbone of the polymer. The invention further relates to a process for imaging the present composition.
US08017293B2	Liquid toner-based pattern mask method and system A liquid toner-based pattern mask system and methods of masking and patterning a substrate employ a polymer-based liquid toner as a pattern mask. The liquid toner is deposited on the substrate in a masking pattern. The pattern mask is lifted off of the substrate after patterning the substrate using a lift-off technique that breaks a bond between the surface of the substrate and the pattern mask.
US08017291B2	Image-forming material An image-forming material includes a perimidine-based squarylium dye represented by the following Formula (I): wherein, in Formula (I), R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US08017290B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus Objects of the present invention are to provide an image forming method and image forming apparatus which can secure stable toner transferability, prevent reverse transfer of the toner back to a latent image bearing member, have excellent fixing ability and produce high-quality images. The image forming method includes a one-component developing step with a toner and transferring step with an intermediate transfer member, wherein the developing step uses a developing roller having a diameter of 8 mm to 15 mm, and the toner has an adherence Fh (nN) of the toner to a flat surface satisfying the relation represented by the formula (1) and adherence Fr (mN) among the toner particles satisfying the relation represented by the formula (2): 15≦Fh≦50 (1) 100≦Fr≦400 (2).
US08017288B2	Method for fracturing circular patterns and for manufacturing a semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device using a photomask and optical lithography is disclosed, wherein circular patterns on the semiconductor wafer are formed by using circular patterns on the photomask, which is manufactured using a charged particle beam writer. In one embodiment, circular patterns of varying sizes have been formed on the photomask using a single character projection (CP) character, by varying the charged particle beam dosage. A method for fracturing circular patterns is also disclosed, either using circular CP characters or using VSB shots wherein the union of the plurality of VSB shots is different than the set of desired patterns.
US08017287B2	Development method, method of manufacturing photomask, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A development method according to an embodiment includes exposing a photosensitive film formed on a substrate at a predetermined exposure amount, carrying out a first development process that develops the exposed photosensitive film at a predetermined first development condition so as to leave the photosensitive film, obtaining a sensitivity information of an unexposed photosensitive film on the substrate from a film thickness reduction of the photosensitive film developed by the first development process and the predetermined exposure amount, predicting pattern dimensions of multiple types of patterns to be formed when a second development process is carried out following the first development process from the sensitivity information, and determining a first acceptable range of a development condition in the second development process, determining a second acceptable range of the development condition in the second development process from the first acceptable range and a variation amount of pattern dimensions between the multiple types of patterns after the second development process and determining a second development condition in the second development process so as to satisfy both of the first and second acceptable ranges. The development method is used for forming a mask pattern on a photomask, which is then used for patterning a wafer in the manufacturing of a semiconductor device.
US08017285B2	Masking process using photoresist The invention provides a masking process using photoresist, comprising: attaching a compress mask plate to a substrate; coating photoresist in a mask pattern of the compress mask plate; baking the photoresist from the substrate side; removing the compress mask plate from the substrate to form a desired photoresist pattern on the substrate. The inventive method simplifies the photolithography process, thereby the process time is shortened and the yield is increased.
US08017282B2	Carbon nanotube, support catalyst, method of preparing the support catalyst and a fuel cell comprising the support catalyst Carbon nanotubes have an R value of at least 1.3, where R is defined as the ratio (ID/IG) of an integral value of D band intensity (ID) to an integral value of G band intensity (IG) in the Raman spectrum. Such carbon nanotubes can be used to form a support catalyst with good catalyst activity because the surface defects on the carbon nanotubes promote improved catalyst distribution in that the support catalyst includes catalyst particles having a small mean particle size and a slight variation in particle size. Such a support catalyst has particularly useful properties when used as a catalyst layer for a fuel cell electrode.
US08017279B2	Fuel cell fluid distribution plates A fluid flow field plate for use in a fuel cell, the plate comprising a first plurality of channels formed in a first surface thereof and extending across the first surface in a predetermined pattern, the plate having a folded region along a lateral edge, the folded region comprising a plenum and an interface region, the plenum having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to an edge of the plate, the interface region comprising two adjacent and facing portions of the first surface.
US08017277B2	Fuel cell system An object is to provide a fuel cell system capable of suitably avoiding damage to the equipment caused by abnormally high pressure of fuel gas and appropriately discharge fuel gas at a safe concentration to the outside. The fuel cell system (1) includes a fuel gas passage (38) that feeds fuel gas to a fuel cell (2), a relief valve (57) that is provided in the fuel gas passage (38) and discharges fuel gas to the outside when fuel gas in the fuel gas passage (38) is pressurized to a predetermined pressure or higher, an external discharge passage (59) that is provided on the gas discharge side of the relief valve (57), and a gas processing device (19) that is provided in the external discharge passage (59) and reduces the concentration of fuel gas discharged from the relief valve (57).
US08017276B2	Power output device with fuel cell and method therefor An output limitation warning lamp is turned on when a possible output Qf of the fuel cell is less than a predetermined value L2. The output limitation warning lamp is provided at a combination meter in an instrument panel. The output limitation warning lamp is also turned on when a possible output Qb of the secondary battery is less than a predetermined value L3. Furthermore, the output limitation warning lamp is also turned on when an allowable drive output Qh, which is the sum of the possible output Qf of the fuel cell and the possible output Qb of the secondary battery, has been less than a required output Ed* calculated at a step before carrying out output limitation to more than a certain extent for longer than a predetermined length of time.
US08017272B2	Anode of a lithium battery and method for fabricating the same An anode of a lithium battery includes a composite film, the composite film comprising a carbon nanotube film structure and a plurality of nanoscale tin oxide particles dispersed therein. A method for fabricating an anode of a lithium battery, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) pulling out, by using a tool, at least two carbon nanotube films from the array of carbon nanotubes to form a carbon nanotube film structure; and (c) dispersing a plurality of nanoscale tin oxide particles in the carbon nanotube film structure to form a composite film, and thereby, achieving the anode of the lithium battery.
US08017270B2	Electrochemical cell fabricated via liquid crystal templating An electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte is provided, wherein:the cathode comprises mesoporous nickel having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10−8 to 10−9 m; andthe anode comprises a mesoporous material having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10−8 to 10−9 m and selected from: carbon, cadmium, iron, a palladium/nickel alloy, an iron/titanium alloy, palladium or a mixed metal hydride.
US08017266B2	Battery having positive temperature coefficient element A highly reliable cylindrical primary battery is provided where the surface temperature of a body portion of which at the time of a short circuit is controlled to be low. The heat conductivity λ (W/m·K) of a resin sealing body of a sealing assembly having a PTC element and the amount of heat generation Q (W) in the PTC element at the time of tripping are set so that the relational expressions of: 0.12≦λ≦0.27; (1) 1.0≦Q≦1.5; and (2) Q≦−3.33λ+1.9 are met. (3)
US08017265B2	Can having electrolyte slots and lithium secondary battery using the same A can and a lithium secondary battery using the same. Electrolyte slots having predetermined shapes are formed at inner surfaces of short-sidewalls and a bottom wall of the can, and serve as an electrolyte path or an electrolyte receiving space, thereby allowing the electrolyte to be easily introduced into the can even if a jellyroll-type electrode assembly has been accommodated in the can, and increasing an amount of the electrolyte contained in the can.
US08017262B2	Lithium secondary battery with porous heat-resistant layer A lithium secondary battery including: an electrode group, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a battery case housing the electrode group and the non-aqueous electrolyte, the electrode group including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein an end-of-charge voltage and an end-of-discharge voltage are set in such a manner that the electrode group has an energy density of not less than 700 Wh/L, the separator layer includes a porous heat-resistant layer, and a short circuit area A produced when an internal short circuit has occurred between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a reduced area B of the porous heat-resistant layer that is produced by heat generation satisfy 1≦(A+B)/A≦10.
US08017261B2	Electrochemical cells utilizing Taylor Vortex Flows Electrochemical cells (10), such as fuel cells (12) and fuel reformers (14), with rotating elements or electrodes (34, 24) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28, 50) and Circular Couette Flows (58) in fluids such as electrolytes and fuels are disclosed.
US08017259B2	BMS having waterproof function Disclosed herein is a battery management system for controlling the operation of a middle- or large-sized battery pack, the battery management system comprising: a battery management system printed circuit board (BMS PCB) comprising a circuit and elements for controlling the operation of the battery pack; a connector attached to one side of the BMS PCB; a housing including a housing body for receiving the BMS PCB while partially exposing the connector and a cover for covering the housing body, the cover is coupled to the housing body while the cover is disposed on the housing body; and a waterproofing member interposed between the housing body and the cover, constituting the housing, such that the waterproofing member is in tight contact with the interface between the housing body and the cover, the waterproofing member being constructed in a structure to be coupled at coupling regions of the housing body and the cover. The battery management system according to the present invention is constructed in a structure in which moisture is prevented from permeation into the housing of the battery management system in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of preventing the damage to and the corrosion of the BMS PCB, and therefore, improving the reliability of the battery pack and increasing the service life of the battery pack.
US08017256B2	Dual-power-supply system A dual-power-supply system uses both a fuel cell and a chargeable secondary battery. A differential voltage adding unit adds a differential voltage between the voltage of the fuel cell and a necessary target output voltage to the voltage of the fuel cell by using the secondary battery, thereby obtaining an output voltage of the dual-power-supply system. A control unit detects the output voltage, and controls the differential voltage adding unit such that the output voltage is equal to the target output voltage.
US08017255B2	Electromagnetic noise suppressor, structure with electromagnetic noise suppressing function, and method of manufacturing the same An electromagnetic noise suppressor of the present invention has magnetic resonance frequency of 8 GHz or higher, and the imaginary part of complex magnetic permeability at 8 GHz is higher than the imaginary part of complex magnetic permeability at 5 GHz. Such an electromagnetic noise suppressor is capable of achieving sufficient electromagnetic noise suppressing effect over the entire sub-microwave band. The electromagnetic noise suppressor can be manufactured by forming a composite layer on the surface of a binding agent through physical deposition of a magnetic material on the binding agent. The structure with an electromagnetic noise suppressing function of the present invention is a printed wiring board, a semiconductor integrated circuit or the like that is covered with the electromagnetic noise suppressor on at least a part of the surface of the structure.
US08017251B2	Organic electroluminescent device The invention provides an organic electroluminescent device having one or more organic compound layers between a pair of electrodes, the one or more organic compound layers including at least a luminescent layer, wherein a host material and at least two different luminescent materials including at least one phosphorescent material are contained in the same luminescent layer, and the luminescent layer has a region containing the host material and one luminescent material and a region containing the host material and at least two luminescent materials in the thickness direction of the luminescent layer.
US08017249B2	Starch-containing compositions for use in imparting oil or grease resistance to paper Herein disclosed is a composition containing a thinned starch having from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % substitution with a hydrophobic substituent wherein, after cooking at from about 15% solids to about 30% solids, the composition has a viscosity of about 1000 cps at 35° C. Also disclosed herein is a paper product containing a substrate containing paper or paperboard and having a first surface and a second surface and a coating applied at least to substantially the entire first surface of the substrate, wherein the coating contains a thinned starch having from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % substitution with a hydrophobic substituent wherein, after cooking at from about 15% solids to about 30% solids, the coating has a viscosity of about 1000 cps at 35° C., wherein the paper product contains from about 5 lb starch to about 500 lb starch per ton of substrate.
US08017247B2	Self cleaning aluminum alloy substrates Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.
US08017246B2	Silicone resin for protecting a light transmitting surface of an optoelectronic device A silicone resin composition and process for coating a light transmitting surface of an optoelectronic device is disclosed. The process involves applying a silicone resin to the light transmitting surface, and causing the silicone resin to cure to form a light transmitting protective coating on the light transmitting surface, the silicone resin having a sufficiently low proportion of organosiloxanes having molecular weights of up to about 1000, such that the protective coating includes less than about 10% of the organosiloxanes having molecular weights of up to about 1000.
US08017240B2	Ternary carbide and nitride thermal spray abradable seal material An abradable seal positioned proximate a rotating element includes a substrate having a surface facing the rotating element and a coating positioned on the surface of the substrate. The coating has a matrix material and a filler material. The matrix material constitutes between about 30 % and about 80 % of the coating by volume.
US08017238B2	Tungsten oxide photocatalyst comprising platinum particles To provide a tungsten oxide photocatalyst which shows a high photocatalytic activity by irradiating with visible light even under the environment where ultraviolet light is not irradiated, the tungsten oxide photocatalyst has tungsten oxide particles and Pt particles having a primary particle size of 3 to 20 nm supported on the surface of the tungsten oxide particles in an amount of 0.03 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the tungsten oxide particles.
US08017232B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for plasma display and adhesive sheet prepared by forming the same Provided is a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for a plasma display in which a moire phenomenon can be prevented without disposing an anti-glare film and the like in order to decrease a thickness of an optical filter in a plasma display, improve a productivity of the optical filter and reduce a cost thereof and an adhesive sheet prepared by forming the same.The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition used for an optical filter of a plasma display comprises (A) a (meth)acrylic ester base copolymer having a cross-linkable functional group in a molecule, (B) a cross-linking agent and (C) an organic fine particle in which a difference in a refractive index from that of the above (meth)acrylic ester base copolymer is 0.03 or more and which has an average particle diameter of 1 to 15 μm and an adhesive sheet prepared by forming the same.
US08017223B2	Containment structure and method Containment structures for an organic composition, comprising a first zone having a first surface energy, and a second zone having a second surface energy different than the first surface energy, and methods for making the same.
US08017222B2	Water-based drawing surface and device utilizing same A water-based drawing surface and a toy employing same are disclosed. The drawing surface includes a plastic substrate layer and a fabric layer adhered to the plastic substrate layer. A substantially water-resistant layer is applied to the fabric layer, and an ink layer is applied to the substantially water-resistant layer. The ink layer includes ink imprinted thereon, the ink being water-soluble when initially applied to the substantially water-resistant layer and insoluble after the ink has dried on the substantially water-resistant layer. When water is applied to the ink layer after the ink has dried thereon, the ink layer darkens in the shape of the water applied thereto. The ink is preferably screen-printing ink and it is preferably hand brushed onto the fabric layer.
US08017221B2	Organic electrically bistable material and its use for producing a memory switch Disclosed is a fluoresceine derivative having the following formula: for the production of an electronic device, in particular a memory switch.
US08017220B2	Electronic device and method of making Disclosed is an electronic device comprising a glass, glass ceramic, or ceramic sheet having a thickness less than about 0.4 mm and wherein a minimum strength of the inorganic substrate is greater than about 500 MPa. Also disclosed is a method of making an electronic device including drawing a viscous inorganic material to form an inorganic ribbon having opposing as-formed edges along a length of the ribbon, separating the ribbon to form a substrate sheet of inorganic material comprising two as-formed edges and forming a device element on the inorganic substrate.
US08017218B2	Micro and nano structures in an elastomeric material The invention relates to an elastomeric device (105), wherein the elastomeric device contains a relief structure with indentations with respect to the base (110), (102) and wherein selected ones of said indentations comprise at least two indentation depths (112), (108) and indentation widths (101), (107). It also relates to a method of making a master for construction of said elastomeric device comprising a procedure to provide a pattern on a substrate of a suitable material. One step in. the construction of said elastomeric device comprises a molding procedure of an elastomer. Methods of using the elastomeric device in printing, fluidic control, sorting, lab-on-a-chip devices are also disclosed.
US08017217B1	Variable emissivity material A material of variable emissivity includes a first metallic layer having a first aperture, a second metallic layer having a second aperture, and a variable dielectric layer interposed between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer.
US08017215B2	Paper cushion A paper cushion includes a hollow, elongated, corrugated support member having a longitudinal section of U and two open ends; two hollow fixing members having a cross-section of U and comprising two leg members and a corrugated portion on an outer surface; and two brace members comprising a first leg, a second leg being in parallel with the first leg, and a connection member interconnecting the first and second legs. The leg members of the fixing members are inserted into both ends of the support member with the corrugated portions of the fixing members being exposed. The second leg of each brace member is inserted into a gap between an inner surface of the fixing member and the outer surface thereof with the first leg of each brace member being urged against the inner surface of the fixing member.
US08017213B2	Temperature tolerant hooks for hook and loop attachment A temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment, a method of forming a sheet of the hooks and, a method of insulating the skin of a flight vehicle. Temporary loops are formed in a fabric containing temperature tolerant fiber tows, e.g., the tows may be carbon, a metal, a carbide such as carbon silicide, a nitride, or an oxide. The temporary loops are stiffened (e.g., with resin, metal or ceramic), and severed to form temperature tolerant fiber composite hooks. The sheet may be cut and permanently applied, for example, to the skin of a spacecraft or aircraft. A fibrous material, e.g., fibrous insulation or batting, may be pressed in place or formed into the hooks, or the fibrous material may be attached to another structure and pressed in place for a temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment.
US08017209B2	Optical recording medium To provide an optical recording medium in which error-causing short marks are produced in numbers small enough excellent high-recording characteristics and in which amorphous marks are uniform in shape. The optical recording medium includes: a first protective layer; a recording layer containing Sb as a main ingredient; a second protective layer; and a reflective layer, the first protective layer, the recording layer, the second protective layer and the reflective layer being provided in the order in which light passes through the medium for recording and reproduction of information, wherein the first protective layer and/or the second protective layer, both of which are in contact with the recording layer, are/is formed of a crystalline oxide.
US08017206B2	Pipe systems made from random copolymers of propylene and α-olefins Pipe systems having at least one layer comprising a semi-crystalline random polymer of propylene and 0.2 to 5 wt % 1-hexen and optionally a recurring unit selected from ethylene and a C4-C10 α-olefin in an amount from more than 0 to 9% by moles. The polymer exhibits broad molecular weight distribution, in terms of the ratio of weight average molecular weight to numeric average molecular weight formula (I), ranging from 5 to 11, molecular weight distribution of monomodal type and hexen-1 content in the fraction with an intrinsic viscosity of equal to or higher than 3.3 dl/g lower than the hexen-1 content in the fraction with an intrinsic viscosity of less than 3.3 dl/g. ( Mw/ Mn) (I)
US08017203B2	Systems and methods for preventing and/or reducing corrosion in various types of tanks, containers and closed systems The present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, tanks (e.g., storage tanks, septic tanks, fuel tanks, etc.); containers (e.g., shipping containers, storage containers, etc.); semi-closed systems (e.g., fuel systems, septic systems, reservoirs, etc.); and/or closed systems (e.g., waste disposal systems, waste disposal drums or containers, etc.). In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention may be utilized to reduce and/or prevent corrosion in a variety of pipelines (e.g., gas/oil pipelines, water pipelines, sewage lines, etc.). More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, metallic tanks; metallic containers; pipelines; semi-closed systems; and/or closed systems which are constructed partially or totally from metal. (e.g., steel, iron, copper, brass, aluminum, etc.).
US08017199B2	Cellulose acylate film, process for producing cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device A cellulose acylate film comprising at least one retardation raising agent having specific rod-like polarizability anisotropy or specific plane polarizability anisotropy, and specific distance between terminals of a molecule in a specific amount; a process for producing the same; and a polarizing plate and liquid crystal display using the same.
US08017195B2	Method for vibrational damping of gas turbine engine airfoils A coating system and coating method for damping vibration in an airfoil of a rotating component of a turbomachine. The coating system includes a metallic coating on a surface of the airfoil, and a ceramic coating overlying the metallic coating. The metallic coating contains metallic particles dispersed in a matrix having a metallic and/or intermetallic composition. The metallic particles are more ductile than the matrix, and have a composition containing silver and optionally tin. The method involves ion plasma cleaning the surface of the airfoil before depositing the metallic coating and then the ceramic coating.
US08017193B1	Monomeric formulation for making polymer waveguides A monomeric formulation for creating self-propagating polymer optical waveguides and a system and a method of using the same. The monomeric formulation includes a plurality of unsaturated molecules, a molecule having a structure of R—X—H (e.g., X═O, S, N), and a photoinitiator. The monomeric formulation can further include a free radical inhibitor. The system includes a light source, a reservoir having a monomeric formulation and a patterning apparatus configured to guide a light beam from the light source into the monomeric formulation to form at least one self-propagating polymer waveguide.
US08017189B2	Recording materials for ink-jet printing A process for producing a recording material printable with an ink jet printer and having a gel layer for that purpose comprises a) coating a support with a dispersion or solution of an organic gel former that is chemically crosslinkable by polycondensation or poly adduct formation, b) then effecting gel formation by polycondensation or poly adduct formation, and c) finally drying the gel.
US08017185B2	Patterned inorganic film, piezoelectric device, and process for producing the same An inorganic film formed of an inorganic material on a metal film having a surface including surface-oxidized areas. The surface-oxidized areas are surface oxidized to different degrees. For example, the surface-oxidized areas are one or more lowly-surface-oxidized areas and one or more highly-surface-oxidized areas. The inorganic film includes regions which are respectively formed on the surface-oxidized areas, and the regions have different crystal structures according to the different degrees of surface oxidation. For example, a patterned inorganic film constituted by one or more protruding portions arranged on one or more lowly-surface-oxidized areas of the surface of the metal film can be produced by removing the portions of the inorganic film formed on highly-surface-oxidized areas.
US08017178B2	Coatings for implantable electrodes A method includes sandblasting an electrode surface, applying a conductive oxide precursor solution to the electrode surface, and heating the electrode for at least 5 minutes at a temperature between 350 degrees C. and 550 degrees C. to convert the precursor solution into an oxide coating. One method includes applying a composite material including a conductive component and a non-conductive component to an electrode and curing the composite material to form a coating on the electrode. One method includes providing a metallic oxide coating on an electrode surface and applying a galvanostatic treatment to the electrode to increase the effective surface area of the metallic oxide coating.
US08017176B2	Robust activation method for negative electron affinity photocathodes A method by which photocathodes(201), single crystal, amorphous, or otherwise ordered, can be surface modified to a robust state of lowered and in best cases negative, electron affinity has been discovered. Conventional methods employ the use of Cs(203) and an oxidizing agent(207), typically carried by diatomic oxygen or by more complex molecules, for example nitrogen trifluoride, to achieve a lowered electron affinity(404). In the improved activation method, a second alkali, other than Cs(205), is introduced onto the surface during the activation process, either by co-deposition, yo-yo, or sporadic or intermittent application. Best effect for GaAs photocathodes has been found through the use of Li(402) as the second alkali, though nearly the same effect can be found by employing Na(406). Suitable photocathodes are those which are grown, cut from boules, implanted, rolled, deposited or otherwise fabricated in a fashion and shape desired for test or manufacture independently supported or atop a support structure or within a framework or otherwise affixed or suspended in the place and position required for use.
US08017174B2	Densely packed sensor arrays A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.
US08017173B1	Dehydrated mash potato product and process Dehydrated potato pellets are made by preparing an aqueous mixture of dried potato pieces, an emulsifier, and oil, and, optionally, a freshly cooked potato, homogenizing the mixture to produce a pumpable, flowable aqueous dispersion, mixing the dispersion with more dried potato pieces and, optionally, freshly cooked potatoes, forming the mixture into pellets, and drying them.
US08017171B2	System and method for continuous steam injected citrus peel cellular expansion A system and method for processing citrus peel treating by injecting steam into citrus peel.
US08017168B2	High-potency sweetener composition with rubisco protein, rubiscolin, rubiscolin derivatives, ace inhibitory peptides, and combinations thereof, and compositions sweetened therewith The present invention relates generally to functional sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different functional sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one functional ingredient, such as rubisco protein, rubiscolin, rubiscolin derivatives, ACE inhibitory peptide, and combinations thereof. The present invention also relates to functional sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the functional sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08017166B2	Method of producing stackable low-fat snack chips Stackable, farinaceous based low-fat snack chips are produced from a thin chain link strip of dough blanks by baking the strip in an oven with the strip blanks supported and carried by a lower mold assembly. Alternatively, the strip may be partially baked and then fried with the strip blanks sandwiched between upper and lower molds to produce reduced fat stackable snack chips.
US08017161B2	Bowman-Birk Inhibitor compositions for treatment of muscular atrophy and degenerative muscle disease Methods for use of a composition comprising Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI) or a derivative thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, to improve of skeletal muscle function, and to alleviate symptoms and/or slow progression of degenerative skeletal muscle diseases or disorders are provided.
US08017160B2	Enhancement of magnesium uptake in mammals Disclosed are methods and complexes for increasing magnesium uptake in mammals. Increasing magnesium uptake in mammals is accomplished by concurrently administering one or more magnesium salts with one or more quaternary amines and/or phosphatides and one or more di- or tri-carboxylic acids.
US08017157B2	Method of treating a wound with acidified plasma or serum The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of wounds containing blood plasma or serum and a method for treating wounds effectively by applying said composition to the wound site to normalize the tissue-environment around the site.
US08017149B2	Modified release preparations containing oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.
US08017143B2	Coating agent for drug releasing stent, preparation method thereof and drug releasing stent coated therewith Disclosed are a coating agent for drug releasing stents, a method for preparing the same and a drug releasing stent coated therewith. The coating agent comprises a biologically active material and a coating material selected from among pullulan acetate, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, and a polyurethane-surfactant mixture.
US08017139B2	Blend hydrogels and methods of making The present invention provides blend water-swellable materials and hydrogels suitable for use in biomedical or other applications. The blend water swellable materials and hydrogels have at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one other polymer or oligomer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic recurring units where the blend phase separates and is opaque and immiscible in the presence of water. Methods of making these blend water-swellable materials and hydrogels are also described.
US08017134B2	Recombinant toxin fragments A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.
US08017133B2	Multicomponent vaccines Multicomponent vaccines are provided which aid in the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections and which include certain selected combinations of bacterial binding proteins or fragments thereof, or antibodies to those proteins or fragments. By careful selection of the proteins, fragments, or antibodies, a vaccine is provided that imparts protection against a broad spectrum of Staphylococcus and other bacterial strains and against proteins that are expressed at different stages of the logarithmic growth curve. In one embodiment of the invention, a composition is provided that includes a fibrinogen binding domain of a fibrinogen binding protein and a bacterial component such as a capsular polysaccharide, and both active and passive vaccines based on these components are also provided, along with methods of treating infection using these compositions and vaccines.
US08017130B2	Method of accelerated vaccination against Ebola viruses The present invention relates to genetic vaccines for stimulating cellular and humoral immune responses in humans and other hosts, and, in particular, relates to recombinant viruses that express heterologous antigens of pathogenic viruses, in single dose form.
US08017127B2	Influenza immunogen and vaccine A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (HBc) protein is disclosed that contains an immunogen for inducing the production of antibodies to the influenza M2 protein. An immunogenic influenza sequence in two to four copies is preferably expressed at or near the N-terminus or in the HBc immunogenic loop sequence. The HBc chimer preferably contains an influenza-specific T cell epitope and is preferably engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and enhanced yield of those chimeric particles. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.
US08017126B2	Modified HIV-1 envelope proteins The present invention relates to modified HIV-1 envelope proteins which express epitopes that produce a broadly cross reactive neutralizing response, their methods of use and antibodies which bind to these epitopes.
US08017122B2	Methods of using IL-31 monoclonal antibodies to reduce inflammation The present invention relates to methods of treating pruritic diseases, including but not limited to Contact dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia wereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination thereof by administering IL-31 monoclonal antibodies. The invention further provides the hybridomas that generate the monoclonal antibodies.
US08017120B2	Method for inhibiting bone resorption The invention is directed to a method of inhibiting bone resorption. The method comprises administering to a human an amount of sclerostin inhibitor that reduces a bone resorption marker level for at least 2 weeks. The invention also provides a method of monitoring anti-sclerostin therapy comprising measuring one or more bone resorption marker levels, administering a sclerostin binding agent, then measuring the bone resorption marker levels. Also provided is a method of increasing bone mineral density; a method of ameliorating the effects of an osteoclast-related disorder; a method of treating a bone-related disorder by maintaining bone density; and a method of treating a bone-related disorder in a human suffering from or at risk of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia, a human in which treatment with a parathyroid hormone or analog thereof is contraindicated, or a human in which treatment with a bisphosphonate is contraindicated.
US08017119B2	Antibody against periostin, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising it for preventing or treating a disease in which periostin is involved The present invention provides an antibody against a periostin isoform having anti-cell adhesive activity, especially an anti-periostin antibody having the ability to neutralize anti-cell adhesive properties, as well as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for periostin-related diseases comprising the antibody. The present invention also provides methods for detecting and quantifying the periostin isoform in a sample by using the antibody, as well as a method for diagnosing periostin-related diseases comprising measuring the amount of the periostin isoform by the detection or quantification method.
US08017118B2	Anti-hDlk-1 antibody having an antitumor activity in vivo The present invention provides antibodies specifically against hDlk-1 and having anti-tumor activity in vivo (anti-hDlk-1 antibodies), a fragments of the antibodies, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, a complex of the antibody or antibody fragment and an agent, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody and the like, a tumor therapeutic agent, a tumor angiogenesis inhibitor, a tumor diagnostic agent, a method for detecting tumor, a kit for detecting and/or diagnosing tumor, etc.
US08017114B2	Human CTLA-4 antibodies and their uses The present invention provides novel human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4 and methods of treating human diseases, infections and other conditions using these antibodies.
US08017113B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating an inflammation A method of reducing an inflammatory response in a subject is provided. The method comprising providing to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of reducing activity and/or expression of a scavenger receptor or of an effector thereof, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the subject.
US08017110B1	Induction of and maintenance of nucleic acid damage in pathogens using riboflavin and light A process for damaging and maintaining damage to the nucleic acids of pathogens such as white blood cells, bacteria and viruses which may be contained in blood or blood components. This process comprises adding to the blood or blood component containing pathogens an effective amount of riboflavin, and exposing the fluid to light of an appropriate wavelength to damage the nucleic acid of the pathogen and to substantially maintain the damage to the pathogenic nucleic acids to allow for subsequent transfusion into a recipient.
US08017108B2	Conditioning composition comprising aminosilicone A conditioning composition containing an aminosilicone having a viscosity of from about 1,000 cs to about 1,000,000 cs, and less than about 0.5% nitrogen by weight of the aminosilicone, a cationic surfactant, a high melting point fatty compound, and an aqueous carrier. These compositions may optionally comprise a low viscosity fluid. The present invention is further directed to a method of making the conditioning composition and a method of using the conditioning composition.
US08017107B2	Perfluorocyclobutane crosslinked hydrogels This invention provides water-swellable articles and hydrogels that contain a hydrophilic polymer and perfluorocyclobutane crosslinking segments. The perfluorocyclobutane crosslinking segments are covalently attached to the polymeric chains of the hydrophilic polymer so that the crosslinking segments chemically link the polymeric chains to each other. The present invention also provides a method of making a crosslinked hydrogel by first attaching one or more substituted aromatic trifluorovinyl or aromatic trifluorovinyl ether moieties to a hydrophilic polymer to form a modified polymer and then heating the modified polymer at an elevated temperature to form perfluorocyclobutane segments from the trifluorovinyl or trifluorovinyl ether moieties. These water-swellable articles and hydrogels may be used in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications and may be suitable for implanted joint repair materials such as an articulating or bearing surface in a hip, knee, spine, finger, ankle, elbow, wrist, or shoulder joint.
US08017100B2	Conversion of urea to reactants for NOx reduction The invention provides a system for converting urea into reactants useful for removing NOX from industrial emissions. The system includes a urea inlet, a steam inlet, and a reactor in fluid communication with the urea inlet and the steam inlet. The reactor is configured and adapted to inject urea from the urea inlet into a steam flow from the steam inlet to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture. The invention also provides a method of converting urea into reactants for reducing NOX out of industrial emissions. The method includes injecting urea into a steam flow to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture.
US08017095B2	Mixing device for a down-flow reactor The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of gas and fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase and liquid phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the mixing device helps create a highly arcuate flow to incoming effluents and a high degree of mixing within a constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor.
US08017087B1	Device for oxygenating ground water An oxygenation device consists of a first vertically oriented tube having electrically conductive plates for forming oxygen by electrolysis. Above the plates is a pump formed by a second length of tube fitted within the first tube with a spacing between the walls of the first and second lengths of tubing thereby forming a cavity. Compressed air is admitted into the cavity. The second length of tubing has an open lower end for receiving air from the cavity. Air enters the second tube in belches that form large bubbles.
US08017085B2	Substrate mounting system A support system for a fragile substrate of an exhaust gas treatment device includes a microporous, inorganic insulating layer, which directly or indirectly engages at least a portion of the fragile substrate: and a flexible fibrous mounting mat which directly or indirectly engages at least a portion of said fragile substrate. The support system may support the fragile substrate of a catalytic converter, a diesel particulate trap filter, a selective catalyst reduction unit, or a NOx trap.
US08017082B2	Apparatus and method for making a peroxycarboxylic acid The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
US08017079B2	Apparatus for and method of measuring bio-chips using uniform total internal reflection illumination Disclosed herein is an apparatus for and method of measuring bio-chips, which can implement an illumination method of a novel type that illuminates a bio sample (which may be also referred to as a “bio specimen”) through a side face of a substrate using a diffusion plate to form an evanescent field by the illumination light over the entire surface of a substrate so as to uniformly secure brightness of the illuminated light over a wide area of a substrate, thereby more efficiently measuring fluorescence information of a bio-chip over a wide field of view.
US08017077B2	Staining and sticking system The staining and sticking system includes a staining device and a sticking device provided separately from the staining device. The staining device stains a specimen in a predetermined color by dipping a basket containing a glass slide with the specimen in a plurality of tubs sequentially. The sticking device sticks a cover film piece onto the stained specimen on the glass slide, which has been taken out of the basket transferred from the staining device by transfer means. A staining control unit and a sticking control unit are interconnected so as to communicate with each other. Sticking condition data, related to the basket fed from the staining device, out of staining condition data and sticking condition data inputted to the staining control unit correspondingly to baskets, are sent from the staining control unit to the sticking control unit, and then the sticking device sticks the cover film piece.
US08017076B2	Solid-solid direct-heating reaction disc arrangement The present invention discloses a solid-solid direct-heating reaction disc arrangement comprising a reaction disc body, clampers, a heater and a driving plate. Holding slots for receiving reaction cups are formed axially through the reaction disc body at constant intervals. The clampers are mounted to the bottom surface of the reaction disc body and each comprise an upper clamper and a lower clamper which are fastened together. The bottom surfaces of the reaction cups rest on the upper clamper. The heater is sandwiched between the upper and lower clampers for heating the reaction disc body and the reaction cups. The driving plate is mounted to a supporting plate of the reaction disc body. By arranging the reaction disc body, the clampers, the heater and the driving plate in a receiving chamber defined by a cover and an insulation casing, a closed temperature control system is formed.
US08017074B2	Sterilization system and device A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that by exposing the object to a sterilant gas comprised of one or more oxides of nitrogen, such as NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5, N2O and mixtures thereof. The source of the sterilant gas can be generated from a sterilant gas-generating composition or provided by a source of the sterilant gas.
US08017072B2	Dispersion strengthened L12 aluminum alloys An improved L12 aluminum alloy having magnesium or nickel; at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium; and at least one ceramic reinforcement. Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, titanium boride, titanium diboride and titanium carbide are suitable ceramic reinforcement particles. These alloys derive strengthening from mechanisms based on dislocation-particle interaction and load transfer to stiffen reinforcements.
US08017068B2	Inducing swirl in a gas flow An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel supporting a metallurgical process is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas flow duct, an elongate central structure extending within the gas flow duct, and a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes disposed about the central tubular structure adjacent the forward end of the duct. The flow directing vanes are formed with internal water flow passages for flow of cooling water internally along each vane. The elongate central structure is formed with a cooling water supply passage for supply of cooling water to the internal water flow passages in the vanes and a water return passage for outflow of cooling water which has passed through the internal water flow passages in the vanes.
US08017066B2	Method and apparatus for forming melt spun nonwoven webs A method and apparatus for forming nonwoven melt spun webs by spinning a curtain of filaments into a pressurized chamber where they are contacted with pressurized quenching fluid, then using the fluid to draw the filaments through a slot at the bottom of the chamber. The slot is a narrow two dimensional impingement point running the length of the filament curtain where the pressurized quench fluid passes through, escaping to atmosphere. The fluid pressure (potential) energy in the chamber is exchanged for velocity (kinetic) energy at the slot impingement point. The fast moving stream of fluid inside and exiting the slot acts to pull, or draw the filaments through the slot. The fluid and fiber stream is deposited onto a porous collection conveyor belt, forming a fleece web. The invention is more efficient, less complicated, easier to maintain and easier to control than prior systems for melt spinning nonwoven webs.
US08017062B2	Semiconductor processing components and semiconductor processing utilizing same A semiconductor processing component includes a substrate and a layer overlying the substrate. The layer has a composition ReAyO1.5+2y, wherein Re is Y, La, a Lanthanoid series element, or a combination thereof, A is (Si1−aGea), 0.25≦y≦1.2, and 0≦a≦1.
US08017058B2	Castable refractory powder composition, premixed material prepared therefrom, method for casting premixed material, and hardened refractory body obtained therefrom A premixed material is obtained by tempering a castable refractory powder composition comprising refractory aggregate, fine refractory powder, alumina cement, a dispersing agent and an alumina cement hydration stopper with water. The hydration stopper is acidic in a state of an aqueous solution. The amount of the hydration stopper is controlled such that the premixed material has a pH of 2 to 7. Immediately after adding and mixing an alumina cement hydration starter to the premixed material, the resultant mixture is cast into a mold. The addition of the hydration starter can be carried out 5 days or more after the production of the premixed material.
US08017051B2	Process for producing acrylic artificial marble having natural pattern The artificial marble with good natural pattern and color in accordance with the present invention is prepared mixing ununiformly at least two liquid resins through a line mixer 1, feeding the ununiformly mixed resin on a moving steel belt 4 at a constant speed through a flexible hose 2 and an exit nozzle 3, and reciprocating the exit nozzle perpendicularly to the steel belt by a predetermined program for the exit nozzle to stop at different positions for different durations. The line mixer used in this invention is a Kenics type and has inner elements of eight or less than eight. A line mixer with four to eight elements can be more preferably used.
US08017049B2	Apparatus and method for producing resin product An apparatus produces a resin product which includes a first resin layer partially covered with a second resin layer so that a boundary line between the first and second resin layers is visible from the outside. The apparatus may include a first mold side having a recess, a second mold side configured and dimensioned to enclose the recess of the first mold side ,a slide core movably fitted in the recess of the first mold side, which may be movable toward the second mold side to an extracted position to define a first cavity, and may be movable rearward to a retracted position after a first resin is injected into the first cavity to form the first resin layer, thus defining a second cavity into which a second resin is injected to form the second resin layer, the slide core including a dam dimensioned and configured to form a groove in the first resin layer during the formation of the first resin layer, wherein the dame partially positioned in the groove during the formation of the second resin layer, a first resin supply unit for supplying the first cavity with the first resin, and/or a second resin supply unit for supplying the second cavity with the second resin. The resin product produced by the apparatus is excellent in appearance, and obviates the post-processing formation of a tear line. Methods of forming the resin product are also described.
US08017046B2	Skin cosmetic composition A skin cosmetic composition comprising: a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein dispersed in an aqueous medium; a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein; and a process for preparing a hydrogel particle comprising the steps of discharging an oil component-emulsified or dispersed solution prepared by dissolving a non-crosslinked hydrogel in an aqueous solution, with vibration from an orifice to form droplets; and cooling the droplets to solidify.
US08017039B2	Fluorescent body for use in a near-ultraviolet excitation light-emitting element Provided is a fluorescent body for use in a near-ultraviolet excitation light-emitting element, comprising the compound given by formula (1), having part of element M1 and/or M2 therein replaced by an activation element (M3). M1aM2bPcO15(1) (Here, M1 represents one or more elements chosen from the group comprising Ca, Sr, and Ba; M2 represents one or more elements chosen from the group comprising Mg and Zn; a is a number between 1.5 and 2.5, inclusive; b is a number between 2.5 and 3.5, inclusive; and c is a number between 3.5 and 4.5, inclusive.) A fluorescent body in which M1 is Sr and M2 is Mg, and a fluorescent body in which M3 is Eu are preferable. Also provided are a fluorescent paste having the fluorescent body, and a near-ultraviolet excitation light-emitting element having the fluorescent body and having a high luminescent intensity.
US08017036B1	Single step gas phase flame synthesis method to produce sub-10 nanometer sized rare earth doped nanoparticles Methods for forming rare earth element doped oxide, oxyhalide and oxysulfide activated nanoparticles by the following method steps: (a) providing a precursor solution of a water- or alcohol-soluble host metal salt or host metalloid compound and one or more water- or alcohol-soluble rare earth element salts in a polar solution; (b) forming an aerosol of the precursor solution and oxygen; (c) feeding the aerosol to a heated Laval tube (d) igniting the aerosol with a reactive gas flame at the apex of the Laval tube to pyrolyze the salts; and (e) expanding and cooling the pyrolysis gases emerging from the Laval tube so that rare earth element doped nanoparticles precipitate therefrom; wherein one or more of the aerosol particle size, flow rate through the Laval tube and pyrolysis temperature are selected to provide a predetermined particle size and degree of crystallinity without particle aggregation. Rare earth element doped oxide, oxyhalide and oxysulfide activated mono-disperse nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US08017035B2	Silicate-based yellow-green phosphors Novel phosphor systems are disclosed having the formula A2SiO4:Eu2+D, where A is at least one of a divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn, and Cd; and D is a dopant selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, P, S, N, and B. In one embodiment, the novel phosphor has the formula (Sr1−x−yBaxMy)2SiO4:Eu2+F (where M is one of Ca, Mg, Zn, or Cd in an amount ranging from 0
US08017034B2	Polyamide composition The present invention can provide a polyamide composition that is more excellent in the heat resistance and tensile elongation of molded products and also more excellent in a balance between these properties than those given by conventional polyamide compositions. The present invention relates to a polyamide composition comprising polyamide, liquid-crystalline polyester, and non-liquid-crystalline polyester, characterized in that Ma part by mass of the polyamide, Mb part by mass of the liquid-crystalline polyester, and Mc part by mass of the non-liquid-crystalline polyester with respect to 100 parts by mass in total of the polyamide, the liquid-crystalline polyester, and the non-liquid-crystalline polyester satisfy the following formulas: 60≦Ma≦90, 2≦Mb≦38, and 2≦Mc≦Ma×0.2−2.
US08017033B2	Solid oxygen scavenger composition and process for producing the same A molded oxygen absorbent composition is composed of a molded product of an oxygen absorbent composition which contains an oxygen absorbing substance, water or moisture, and a swelling component capable of being swelled with water or moisture. The molded oxygen absorbent composition is reduced in its size and excellent in oxygen absorbing property.
US08017031B2	Biocompatible magnetic nanocrystal, powder of a biocompatible magnetic nanocrystal bearing a surface reactive group and preparations thereof This invention is concerned with biocompatible magnetic nanocrystals highly soluble and dispersible in a physiological buffer, powder of biocompatible magnetic nanocrystals and nanocrystals bearing surface reactive N-hydroxysuccinimide ester moiety, and preparations thereof. The magnetic nanocrystals in powder form are highly soluble in a physiological buffer. The resultant aqueous colloidal solution presents long term stability in ambient conditions. Moreover, the carboxyl group on the surface of the magnetic nanocrystals can be converted to N-hydroxysuccinimide ester moiety in an organic solvent. The resultant powder of the magnetic nanocrystals carrying surface N-hydroxysuccinimide ester moiety is soluble and dispersible in an aqueous solution. Different types of biomolecules bearing amino group can covalently be attached to the magnetic nanocrystal simply by mixing them in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the powder of the magnetic nanocrystals bearing surface N-hydroxysuccinimide ester moiety retain reaction activity with biomolecule after long-term storage.
US08017028B2	Method of increasing etchability of metals having chemical etching resistant microstructure A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The invention also includes an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.
US08017023B2	Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording medium According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming a resist on a magnetic recording layer, imprinting a stamper to the resist to transfer patterns of protrusions and recesses, and partially etching the magnetic recording layer in areas not covered with patterns of the resist used as masks by ion beam etching using a mixed gas of He and N2 as well as modifying a remainder of the magnetic recording layer to leave behind a nonmagnetic layer having a reduced thickness.
US08017022B2	Selective electroless plating for electronic substrates In some embodiments, selective electroless plating for electronic substrates is presented. In this regard, a method is introduced including forming a film on a surface of a substrate, the film designed to prevent the seeding of an electroless plating catalyst, laser ablating the surface of the substrate through the film to form trenches, and seeding the surface of the substrate with an electroless plating catalyst. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08017020B2	Method for determining the filterability of jet fuel containing additive(s) and conditions for the delivery of acceptable water content fuel It has been discovered that jet fuel containing enhanced thermal stability additives and water can be delivered with a final water content of 15 ppm or less via existing jet fuel distribution system by controlling the fuel flow rate through the fuel delivery system comprising one or more filter coalescers and separator systems, said controlled fuel flow rate being determined by passing a sample of actual fuel through a sample of the fuel filter at various fuel flow rates to identify the flowrate at which the fuel effluent contains 15 ppm or less.
US08017014B2	Method for improving flux in a membrane bioreactor The invention pertains to a method(s) of improving flux in a membrane bioreactor by adding an effective amount of catonic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof. The membrane bioreactor impacted by the addition of these polymers is made up of a combination of anaerobic reactors, anoxic reactors, and aerobic reactors and anaerobic digesters.
US08017013B2	Apparatus, methods and systems for handling and processing waste material Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disrupter, wherein the waste disrupter disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disrupter, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.
US08017012B2	Apparatus, system and method for remediation of contamination An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
US08017010B2	Device for filtering a liquefied synthetic material A device for filtering a liquid synthetic material. The device has a housing, a feed channel, a discharge channel, and backflow channels. The feed duct is subdivided into split-feed channels (2A, 2B). The cross-section of the orifice of the split-feed channels, where they open into the filter chambers, is smaller than the normal cross-section of the feed channels.
US08017009B2	Fuel filter The present invention relates to a fuel filter having a filter element and connections for the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. In order to permit a more compact design, the fuel filter employs flat, block-shaped filter element.
US08017004B2	Storm drain and filter system A filter system for a storm drain having a bottom, side walls, and an outlet formed in the side wall. The filter system includes a main section having an array of openings formed therein for permitting water to flow through the filter. The main section is configured to be mounted adjacent the side wall and aligned with the outlet. In some cases, the bottom of the storm drain includes a depression for feeding water to the outlet. The filter system includes a flexible mesh that extends from the bottom of the main section into the depression for filtering water flowing in the depression. In addition, the filter system includes a mounting structure that enables the main section to be slidably mounted into an operative position and also enables the main section to be removed by slidably moving it from the operative position.
US08016996B2	Method of producing a sparged cleaning liquid onboard a mobile surface cleaner A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.
US08016992B2	Reference electrode including electrolyte containing optically-active material and automatic electrochemical potential correction apparatus using the same Disclosed herein is a reference electrode including an electrolyte containing an optically-active material, including: an electrode body provided at an end thereof with an electrolyte separation membrane and charged therein with an optically-active material and an electrolyte solution; an inner electrode disposed in the electrode body to be immersed in the electrolyte solution; and an absorbance measurement probe for transmitting light to the electrolyte solution and collecting reflected light waves, which is disposed in the electrode body to be immersed in the electrolyte solution. Since the concentration of an electrode reaction material, such as Cl−, in the electrolyte is calculated using the absorbance of the electrolyte solution containing the optically-active material, the change in potential of the reference electrode can be properly corrected even when the reference electrode is exposed to a test environment for a long period of time and thus the concentration of the electrolyte changes. Thus, the functions of the reference electrode can be maintained for a long period of time, thereby rapidly monitoring the abnormal states caused by damage to the reference electrode.
US08016991B2	Potentiometric sensor device A potentiometric sensor device for measuring pH value is provided, which sensor device has two electrodes situated on a substrate and applied with the aid of thick-film technology. The two electrodes form an interdigital comb structure on the substrate. The interdigital comb structure allows the sensor device to be manufactured without a reference electrode having a glass body, so that the sensor device may easily be used where the sensor device is subjected to high mechanical loads.
US08016990B2	Protective covers for gas sensor, gas sensor and gas sensor manufacturing method A gas sensor comprises a cylindrical metallic housing, a sensor element having at a front end thereof a sensing portion and disposed axially in the housing with the sensing portion protruded from a front end of the housing, a sensor terminal fitted to a rear end of the sensor element to produce a signal output from the sensing portion, a first protective cover attached to a front end portion of the housing to cover the sensing portion and a second protective cover attached to a rear end portion of the housing to cover the sensor terminal. The first and second protective covers includes attachment portions attached around the front and rear end portions of the housing, respectively. At least one of the attachment portions of the first and second protective covers has a lower hardness than a remaining portion of the protective cover.
US08016988B2	Gas sensor A gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a post, an ion conductive layer, a first sensing portion and a second sensing portion. The post includes a first end, a second end, a side surface and a groove, wherein the groove is formed on the side surface of the post, and an opening is formed on the first end connecting with the groove. The ion conductive layer is formed on the side surface of the post, including a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface, and the ion conductive layer and the groove compose a chamber. The first sensing portion is formed on the first surface. The second sensing portion is formed on the second surface corresponding to the first sensing portion, wherein the first sensing portion is located in the chamber.
US08016986B2	Electrochemical sensing test piece without hemocyte interference The present invention provides an electrochemical sensing test piece without hemocyte interference, including a main body, electrode unit, reaction tank and chemical reaction zone. The detection zone of the electrode unit corresponds to the inserting end of the main body, and the reaction zone of the electrode unit corresponds to the sensing end of the main body. The reaction tank is arranged onto the sensing end correspondingly to the reaction zone of the electrode unit. The reaction tank is provided with a porous filter layer, whose aperture must be less than 6 μm for or separation of hemocyte in the blood sample. A chemical reaction zone is arranged between the porous filter layer and the reaction zone of the electrode unit. The hemocyte of the blood sample can be blocked and filtered by the porous filter layer, ensuring that the serum of blood sample can enter into the chemical reaction zone.
US08016983B2	System and method for producing copper powder by electrowinning in a flow-through electrowinning cell This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.
US08016979B2	Chemical solution-containing thin paper A chemical solution-containing thin paper wherein a chemical solution is contained in an amount of 5 to 40% by weight with respect to base paper, powders are included in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight with respect to the chemical solution, the powders are formed by blending first powders each having an average particle size of 3 to 15 μm and second powders each having an average particle size of 15 to 40 μm with a weight ratio of the first powders with respect to the second powders of 0.1:1.9 to 1.9:0.1, and the chemical solution does not include an adhesive ingredient.
US08016976B2	Film removing device and film removing method A film removing device includes an approach stage having a flat approach part having a surface substantially flush with the surface of a substrate supported on a support member. The flat approach part faces a first side surface of the substrate at a corner of the substrate where the first side surface and a second side surface of the substrate join. A film removing nozzle spouts a solvent toward a peripheral part of the substrate and sucks a solution while being moved along the second side surface and the approach stage. A gas is spouted into a gap between the flat approach part and the corner of the substrate so that the gas flows through the gap toward the second side surface.
US08016975B2	Etching system An etching system. An etching chamber includes an exhaust port. A gas input pipe is connected to the etching chamber, inputting etching process gas thereinto. A top RF electrode is disposed above the etching chamber. A bottom RF electrode is disposed under the etching chamber and opposite the top RF electrode. The etching process gas is transformed into plasma by operation of the top and bottom RF electrodes. An exhaust pump is connected to the exhaust port, expelling the plasma from the etching chamber. A base is disposed in the etching chamber. A focus ring is disposed on the base, accommodating a wafer. The wafer is etched by the plasma. A barricade is disposed on the focus ring and corresponds to the exhaust port, regulating the plasma flowing through the wafer.
US08016973B2	Film bonding method, film bonding apparatus, and semiconductor device manufacturing method A film bonding method of bonding a die bond film without causing any breakage. The die bond film is pressed against a wafer having a surface protective tape bonded thereto using a film-setting roller and a film-bonding roller, and a laser beam having a predetermined shape is irradiated to an area between the rollers. While rotationally moving the film-setting roller and the film-bonding roller, the laser beam is scanned on the wafer in accordance with their motion, and a portion of the die bond film, melted by the laser beam, is pressed against the wafer by the film-bonding roller following the film-setting roller to bond the die bond film to the wafer. Since the die bond film is bonded to the wafer by melting the same by the laser beam, even if the wafer is thin and reduced in its strength, it is possible to avoid the wafer from being damaged e.g. by thermal contraction of the surface protective tape.
US08016968B2	Process for producing an imaging member belt having an angular seam There is provided a process for producing a seamed, flexible electrostatographic imaging member belt comprising providing a flexible, substantially rectangular, electrostatographic imaging sheet having a first major exterior surface opposite and parallel to a second major exterior surface and a first marginal end region of said sheet opposite and parallel with a second marginal end region; shaping said first marginal end region at an angle to form a first new sloping surface between the first major exterior surface and the second major exterior surface, shaping said second marginal end region at an angle to form a second new sloping surface between the first major exterior surface and the second major exterior surface, wherein the second new sloping surface is substantially parallel with the first new sloping surface; forming the sheet into a loop and overlapping said first new sloping surface with said second new sloping surface to form a mated region; and, joining said first new sloping surface to said second new sloping surface in the mated region to form a thin profile butt-lap seam. The sloping surfaces may be formed using a cutting assembly in accordance with the disclosure.
US08016967B2	Multilayer ceramic substrate, method for manufacturing the same, and method for reducing substrate warping In the manufacture of a multilayer ceramic substrate including a ceramic laminate by a so-called non-shrink process in which the ceramic laminate disposed between shrinkage control layers is fired, first and second surface conductive films formed on first and second main surfaces of the ceramic laminate may cause warping of the multilayer ceramic substrate after the shrinkage control layers are removed. After the firing step, in removing the shrinkage control layers from a composite laminate, the thickness of at least one of first and second reaction layers formed at interfaces between ceramic green layers and the shrinkage control layers in the firing step is reduced such that the thickness of the first reaction layer is different from the thickness of the second reaction layer, thereby controlling the compressive stress generated by the reaction layers to reduce the warping of the multilayer ceramic substrate.
US08016965B2	Information storing, readout and calculation system for use in a system for continuously manufacturing liquid-crystal display elements, and method for producing the same An information storage-readout-calculation system for use in a continuous manufacturing system of liquid-crystal display elements, comprising information storage medium for storing information of defects detected through a preliminary inspection of a continuous polarizing composite film included in a continuous optical film laminate, a roll of a continuous inspected optical film laminate being provided with identification means and a slitting position calculation means for determining defective-polarizing-sheet slitting positions to define defect-containing polarizing sheets having defects and normal-polarizing-sheet slitting positions to define defect-free polarizing sheets by using defect position information read out from the information storage medium based on the identification means, an, a method for manufacturing the information storage-readout-calculation system.
US08016964B2	System to prevent overloads for ultrasonic staking applications A system for performing an ultrasonic staking operation in order to join a first part having a post protruding therefrom and a second part having a hole through which the post is passed includes a horn having an end vibrating at a frequency in the ultrasonic range and a motion system operatively connected to the horn, the motion system being capable of selectively moving the horn toward and away from the parts. The motion system moves the horn, with the end of the horn in contact with the post, toward the parts at a first speed such that the ultrasonic vibrations of horn cause melting of the post, and once a determination is made that the end of the horn has contacted a surface of the second part, the motion system moves the horn toward the parts at a second speed, the second speed being slower than the first speed.
US08016963B2	Precision lamination of multilayered structures This document describes the methodology for laminating layers of converted materials to form a precision laminated multilayered structure. With this methodology the pattern in the next layer to be laminated to create the multilayered structure can be adjusted based upon first or prior layer that the next layer is to be laminated to. The next layer will then be precisely aligned to the first or prior layers creating a precision laminated multilayer structure.
US08016962B2	Devices for conveying and labelling containers and method for connecting a labelling unit to a conveyor unit A device having a conveyance device for conveying containers, to which at least one labeling unit for containers may be connected, wherein at least identification data of the labeling unit can be transmitted to the conveyance device. In addition, a device having a labeling unit for labeling containers, which can be connected to a conveyance device for conveying the containers, wherein at least identification data of the labeling device can be transmitted to the conveyance device. In addition, a corresponding device having a conveyance device and a labeling unit. Also, a method for connecting a labeling unit for labeling containers, to a conveyance device for conveying the containers, wherein at least identification data is transmitted from the labeling unit to the conveyance device.
US08016960B2	Methods of and systems for adding a high viscosity gypsum additive to a post-mixer aqueous dispersion of calcined gypsum Provided are methods and systems for introducing a wet gypsum accelerator or other high viscosity production additive to an aqueous dispersion of calcined gypsum in a discharge apparatus downstream of a stucco mixer in which the dispersion was prepared. These methods and systems are useful in the production of various gypsum products such as board including wallboard and ceiling tiles.
US08016957B2	Magnesium grain-refining using titanium The grain size of magnesium alloys is effectively refined and made smaller by the addition of a small amount of titanium. The effect of the reduction of grain size is often an improvement in the strength and processability of a cast magnesium alloy. Often less than about 0.1% by weight of titanium need be used. It may be preferred to incorporate the titanium with another alloying constituent (such as aluminum) for addition to a melt of a magnesium base alloy.
US08016947B2	Cleaning method and system A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.
US08016945B2	Hafnium oxide ALD process A method and apparatus for performing ALD deposition of hafnium oxide on a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a process chamber, a precursor delivery subsystem, an oxidizer delivery subsystem, a purge gas subsystem, a solvent flush subsystem, and optional solvent recovery and purification subsystems. The method includes pulsing precursor compounds into the process chamber in sequence. While one precursor is pulsed, purge gas is provided through the other precursor line. After pulsing, precursor lines are purged, and the chamber is evacuated and purged. A solvent flush step is employed to remove precursor deposits that build up in piping over time.
US08016944B2	Process and apparatus for forming nanoparticles using radiofrequency plasmas Methods and apparatus for producing nanoparticles, including single-crystal semiconductor nanoparticles, are provided. The methods include the step of generating a constricted radiofrequency plasma in the presence of a precursor gas containing precursor molecules to form nanoparticles. Single-crystal semiconductor nanoparticles, including photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles, having diameters of no more than 10 nm may be fabricated in accordance with the methods.
US08016940B2	Processing method for organic crystal, processing device for organic crystal, and observing device for organic crystal The short-pulse laser light 9 emitted from the short-pulse laser light source 1 is focused on and caused to irradiate an organic crystal 8 contained in a sample container 6 via a shutter 2, intensity adjusting element 3, irradiation position control mechanism 4, and focusing optical system 5. The sample container 6 is carried on a stage 7, and can be moved in three dimensions along the x axis, y axis and z axis in an x-y-z orthogonal coordinate system with the direction of the optical axis being taken as the z axis; furthermore, the sample container 6 can be rotated about the z axis. Working of the organic crystal 8 is performed by means of short-pulse laser light that is focused on and caused to irradiate the surface of the organic crystal 8. Prior to working, nitrogen is caused to jet onto the sample container 6 by a low-temperature gas jet device C that is a cooling device; consequently, the organic crystal 8 is cooled to −150° C. or below. As a result, it is possible to work the object of working in a fixed state, and to increase the working efficiency by means of the short-pulse laser light that is used.
US08016934B2	Pearlescent pigment The present invention relates to a pearl pigment obtained by coating the surface of a flaky powder with a colored metal or a colored metal oxide and further coating the surface of the above colored metal- or colored metal oxide-coated flaky powder with a colorless metal or a colorless metal oxide, wherein when the pearl pigment is applied onto the surface of black artificial leather in an average amount of 0.05 mg/cm2 and the intensity of light reflected from the pearl pigment is measured using illuminant C at a 2° viewing angle with a spectrophotometric colorimeter which is provided with a sheet polarizer S on the light incident side and a sheet polarizer P on the light receiving side, the powder reflection light which is incident to the pearl pigment as a measurement sample at an angle of 45° to the direction normal to the surface of the sample and is received in the direction normal to the surface of the sample has absolute values a* and b* of 10 or less, and make-up cosmetics containing the pearl pigment.
US08016932B2	Aqueous ink, ink set, image forming method and image forming apparatus An aqueous ink used together with a black ink containing a self-dispersion pigment, wherein the aqueous ink contains a reactive component for destabilizing the dispersion state of the self-dispersion pigment, the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 30 milliseconds is 41 mN/m or more, and the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds is from 28 mN/m or more to 38 mN/m or less as determined by a maximum bubble pressure method.
US08016927B2	Computing device filter system A computing device having a cooling fan, a heat exchanger, and a filter disposed between the heat exchanger and the cooling fan.
US08016924B2	Device for gas separation and method for producing such a system A system for gas separation has a mechanically stable metallic substrate layer having a pair of opposite faces and formed throughout with open pores. Respective functional layers laminated on each of the faces are composed of TiO2 or ZrO2. These functional layers are formed throughout with pores having an average pore diameter of less than 1 nm.
US08016923B2	Combustion systems, power plants, and flue gas treatment systems incorporating sweep-based membrane separation units to remove carbon dioxide from combustion gases Disclosed herein are combustion systems, power plants, and flue gas treatment systems that incorporate sweep-based membrane separation units to remove carbon dioxide from combustion gases. In its most basic embodiment, the invention is a combustion system that includes three discrete units: a combustion unit, a carbon dioxide capture unit, and a sweep-based membrane separation unit. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a power plant including a combustion unit, a power generation system, a carbon dioxide capture unit, and a sweep-based membrane separation unit. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a flue gas treatment system that incorporates three membrane separation units with a carbon dioxide liquefaction unit.
US08016922B2	Air filter with composite end cap The air filter element may include an inner metal liner, an outer metal liner, a filter media, an annular end cap, and a composite end cap The annular end cap is formed over the metal liners such that the metal liners are secured and at least a portion of the filter media is sealed. The composite end cap has a foamed urethane portion and a rigid urethane portion. The foamed urethane portion, which has a central aperture and stand-off apertures, is molded about the central aperture and the stand-off apertures such that the metal liners are secured, at least a portion of the filter media is sealed, and urethane flashing occurs proximate one or more of the central aperture and an outer liner periphery. The rigid urethane portion is molded over the foamed urethane portion such that the stand-off apertures are filled, blocked, and/or sealed.
US08016919B2	CO2 recovery system and solid-particles removing method for use in the same A solution contained in a regeneration tower is supplied to a filtering unit. The filter unit filters out solid particles contained in the solution. A washing unit washes out with backwash water solid particles filtered out by the filter unit. An evaporating unit receives the backwash water containing the solid particles, and heats received backwash water thereby obtaining solid-particles concentrated backwash water.
US08016918B2	Performance stability in rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption systems Pressure swing adsorption process for producing oxygen comprising (a) providing at least one adsorber vessel having a first layer of adsorbent adjacent the feed end of the vessel and a second layer of adsorbent adjacent the first layer, wherein the surface area to volume ratio of the first layer is in the range of about 0.75 to about 1.8 cm−1; (b) introducing a pressurized feed gas comprising at least oxygen, nitrogen, and water into the feed end, adsorbing at least a portion of the water in the adsorbent in the first layer, and adsorbing at least a portion of the nitrogen in the adsorbent in the second layer, wherein the superficial contact time of the pressurized feed gas in the first layer is between about 0.08 and about 0.50 sec; and (c) withdrawing a product gas enriched in oxygen from the product end of the adsorber vessel.
US08016916B2	Apparatus and method for separating gas There is provided a gas separation apparatus for separating a specified gas from a gas to be treated containing a plurality of gases. The gas separation apparatus includes a plurality of serially-connected separation units that separate the specified gas from other gases by using a column, and a suction unit that controls an inside of the column to a reduced pressure. At least two of the plurality of separation units differ from each other in at least one separation condition.
US08016914B2	Adsorption control method and controller The present invention provides a method and a control system for controlling an adsorbent bed unit in which an adsorbent bed concentration of an impurity within an adsorbent bed of the adsorbent bed unit is measured. The adsorbent bed concentration is controlled by manipulating the feed cycle time during which an adsorbent bed is adsorbing the impurities to maintain the adsorbent bed concentration at a targeted adsorption bed concentration. The targeted adsorption bed concentration is determined such that the product impurity concentration is maintained at product impurity concentration targets. The method and control system can incorporate a supervisory level of control reactive to product impurity concentration levels and related targets to determine the targeted adsorption bed concentration and a primary level of control that calculates the feed cycle time based upon an error between the measured and targeted adsorption bed concentrations. Proportional integral control can be used for such purposes.
US08016913B2	Nickel-laterite process An improved method for processing of nickel-bearing ores, laterite ores, saprolite and limonite ores, oxidic and sulfide ores, metallurgical wastes, and other metal-bearing materials, to recover the valuable minerals contained therein, comprising comminuting ore to a desired size; leaching the ore at about 70 C to 130 C for about 30 minutes to 4 hours with nitric acid, raising the temperature of the solution to form a liquid/solid residue in which nickel, cobalt and magnesium values are in solution, and iron, manganese, and aluminum are solid residues in oxide form; conducting a liquid-solid separation and removing the solids; and recovering the nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the liquid-metal concentrate. The leachate is recovered and the nitric acid from the leachate is recycled.
US08016912B2	Process for recovering platinum group metals using reductants In the process of recovering platinum group metals from platinum group metal- and base metal-containing materials, the present invention uses reductants and a sulfur-deficient matte to aide the separation of the furnace matte from the furnace slag and therefore improve recovery of platinum group metals.
US08016911B2	Use of a protective gas composition for preventing oxidation or combustion of molten magnesium A method of using a protective gas composition comprising a fluorine-containing organic compound and a carrier gas for preventing a rapid oxidation or combustion of a molten magnesium/magnesium alloy alloy in a magnesium or magnesium alloy production process.
US08016909B2	Process for producing metal flakes The present invention provides a jetting process for the production of flakes with uniform size distribution to be used in pigments comprising the steps of ejecting molten metal from a jet head and collecting droplets of metal on a solid collecting substrate or collecting droplets of metal in or on a collecting substrate.
US08016907B2	Quick drying polymeric coating Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.
US08016906B2	Honeycomb filter elements An improved ceramic honeycomb filter wherein the ceramic honeycomb filter has at least one outer corner having a shape, when viewed looking down the channels of the honeycomb, that is comprised of (i) at least two circular arcs wherein at least one of said circular arcs has a different radius of curvature than the other circular arc or arcs, (ii) a non-circular arc, or (iii) at least four straight chamfers in the absence of any arcs.
US08016900B2	Carbon monoxide remover and reformer for fuel cell Disclosed are a carbon monoxide remover and a fuel cell reformer including the same. In the reformer, a reformed gas produced from a reforming reaction unit when the reformer is initially driven is used as a fuel for a heat source unit supplying heat to a water gas shift reaction unit. The carbon monoxide remover is connected to the reforming reaction unit that changes fuel into reformed gas with hydrogen. The carbon monoxide remover lowers carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas. The carbon monoxide remover includes a heat source unit employing the reformed gas as a fuel; and a water gas shift reaction unit provided with a shift catalyst using heat from the heat source unit. The shift catalyst lowers the concentration of carbon monoxide in the reformed gas through reaction between water and carbon monoxide.
US08016899B2	Composite fuels for hydrogen generation Composite fuels for hydrogen generation include materials that endothermically release hydrogen, materials that exothermically release hydrogen, and additives to promote endothermic reaction and to inhibit exothermic reaction.
US08016898B1	Method for producing Mannich adducts that contain polyisobutylene phenol Polyisobutenylphenol-containing Mannich adducts are prepared by a) alkylation of a phenol with highly reactive polyisobutene having a number average molecular weight of less than 1000 and a polydispersity of less than 3.0, at below about 50° C. in the presence of an alkylation catalyst; b) reaction of the reaction product from a) with b1) an aldehyde chosen from formaldehyde, an oligomer and a polymer of formaldehyde and b2) at least one amine which has at least one primary or one secondary amino function and are used as detergent additives in fuel and lubricant compositions, and additive concentrates, fuel compositions and lubricant compositions contain these Mannich adducts.
US08016897B2	Aviation fuel lead scavenging additive An aviation 100LL fuel additive formulation for lead scavenging which mitigates the detrimental effects of lead, cleans up the combustion chamber and also allows shipping and distribution by common carrier, such as UPS or FedEx. A fuel additive composition is described for aviation 100 octane Low Lead fuel, containing: (1) glycol ether 10 to 90% by volume; (2) tricresyl phosphate 5 to 10% by volume; and, (3) Polyetheramine 15 to 30% by volume. The described composition has a flash point above 141 degrees F. to enable safe shipping by common carrier. The described composition also contains polyetheramine to create a mixture which is shown to be effective in preventing plug fouling by lead and be effective in reducing combustion chamber deposits, thus providing a smooth running engine during ground operations.
US08016894B2	Side-specific treatment of textiles using plasmas An apparatus and method for generating gas-phase active chemical species suitable for selectively processing one side of a textile or nonwoven material are described. Processing includes etching or stripping coatings, as examples. A low-temperature plasma is used to produce an ionized gas containing radical species, atoms, ions, and electrons, some of which are suitable for removing or modifying the coating. For the purposes of the present invention, the plasma may be generated in a vacuum, or at atmospheric pressure. Dielectric-barrier discharges, atmospheric-pressure plasma jets, micro hollow-cathode discharges, coronas, or plasmas produced by a microwave discharge or laser-supplied energy may be used to generate the required species.
US08016890B2	Total disc implant A total disc implant (TDI) is provided for total replacement of a spinal disc or discs in a human patient or other mammal, wherein the TDI is designed to maintain a substantially full range of natural motion (ROM) following implantation. The TDI generally comprises, in one preferred form, upper and lower end plates for affixation to adjacent vertebral bodies, with an intervening insert disposed therebetween. The end plates each include elongated part-cylindrical surfaces oriented generally perpendicular to each other, with one of said surfaces extending in an anterior-posterior direction and the other extending in a medial-lateral direction. The intervening insert defines concave upper and lower part-cylindrical seats oriented for respectively engaging these part-cylindrical surfaces, wherein these part-cylindrical seats are defined by offset radii to include a somewhat flattened central base region merging smoothly with upwardly curving radiused sides.
US08016888B2	Intervertebral disc prosthesis with transversally arched, curved cyclindrical articulation surfaces for the lumbar and cervical spine An intervertebral disc prosthesis for the total replacement of a intervertebral disc within the lumbar and cervical spine is disclosed. The intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises articulating sliding partners, wherein the upper sliding partner has means for a firm assembly to an upper vertebral body and the lower sliding partner has means for a firm assembly to a lower vertebral body and at least one sliding surface that is between two sliding partners. Functional two- and three part designs are planned and both prostheses have in common, that only a dorsoventral- and rotation movement is possible as a result of laterolaterally aimed, transversally arched, ventrally curved cylindrical convexity(ies) and corresponding concavity(ies), however without an inclination of the sliding partners in a lateral direction. In a further design, the cylindrical articulation surfaces have no curvature, enabling a motion of the sliding partners in only a ventrodorsal direction. According to the invention, the intervertebral disc prostheses are suited for implantation from lateral and ventrolateral, particularly in revision surgeries.
US08016887B1	Spinal implant with overlay A spinal implant and an overlay for interlocking with the face of the spinal implant. Grooves and/or channels of the overlay interlock with the face of the implant. The overlay assists in securing the implant within the surgically created cavity.
US08016884B2	Tensioned meniscus prosthetic devices and associated methods A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device is pre-tensioned to improve the fit of the prosthetic device within the knee joint and, thereby, maximize the contact area of the load-bearing surfaces to distribute loading through the prosthetic device in a manner substantially similar to that of a healthy natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the pre-tensioned prosthetic device is smaller, or scaled-down, relative to the size of a healthy natural meniscus.
US08016882B2	Devices, systems, and methods for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a heart with the struts engaging tissue at or near the leaflet commissures of a heart valve annulus, to reshape the annulus for leaflet coaptation. The implant further provides a neoleaflet element coupled to the scaffold within pseudo-annulus, to provide a one-way valve function.
US08016881B2	Sutures and surgical staples for anastamoses, wound closures, and surgical closures The invention relates to sutures and surgical staples useful in anastomoses. Various aspects of the invention include wound closure devices that use amphiphilic copolymer or parylene coatings to control the release rate of an agent, such as a drug or a biological material, polymerizing a solution containing monomers and the agent to form a coating, using multiple cycles of swelling a polymer with a solvent-agent solution to increase loading, microparticles carrying the agent, biodegradable surgical articles with amphiphilic copolymer coatings, and sutures or surgical staples the deliver a drug selected from the group consisting of triazolopyrimidine, paclitaxol, sirolimus, derivatives thereof, and analogs thereof to a wound site.
US08016880B2	Stent having spiral channel for drug delivery A drug delivery stent is formed by a metallic or polymeric tubular strut which is shaped into a generally cylindrical configuration, the tubular strut having a central lumen for containing a therapeutic substance or drug therein. The tubular strut has a continuous channel extending from the inside surface of the strut to the outside surface of the strut positioned spirally about or in a corkscrew fashion around a circumference of the tubular strut for delivering the therapeutic substance or drug to a stenotic lesion. The spiral or corkscrew channel width may be varied along the length of the strut to control elution rate and/or flexibility of the stent. The pitch of the spiral or corkscrew channel may also be varied along the length of the strut to control flexibility of the stent. The stent may be carried on a balloon of a balloon catheter to a site of a stenotic lesion where the stent is implanted.
US08016877B2	Prosthetic valve for transluminal delivery A method for deploying a prosthetic valve assembly is provided. The prosthetic valve assembly replaces a deficient native valve and comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary oslia. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart.
US08016869B2	Guidewire-less stent delivery methods The invention provides an atraumatic, low profile device for the delivery of one or more implants into tubular organs or open regions of the body. The implant delivery device may simultaneously or independently release portions of the implant, e.g., the proximal and distal ends of the implant. This independent release feature allows better implant positioning at the target site. Upon deployment, the implants may be placed at the target site without a sheath.
US08016867B2	Graft fixation device and method A graft fixation device. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The graft fixation device comprises two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough.
US08016863B2	Anterior lumbar plate and method A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.
US08016856B2	Removable handle for medical device A removable and replaceable handle for a medical device includes a main body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends and a slider disposed within the main body that is translatable along the longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends. A first gripper is disposed within the slider and a second gripper is disposed within the main body, which are capable of retaining a control portion of the medical device when the slider is in the first position with a working portion of the medical device in a biased position, and allows the medical device to be removed from or inserted into the handle when the slider is in the second position.
US08016852B2	Bioactive components for incorporation with vaso-occlusive members A vaso-occlusive device is disclosed. The device includes a vaso-occlusive member having a coating disposed thereon. In accordance with one embodiment, the coating comprises a polyacrylic material. In accordance with another embodiment, the coating comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based material. In accordance with other embodiments, various other materials and coatings are applied to at least a portion of a vaso-occlusive device.
US08016841B2	Mesh implant with an interlocking knitted structure A resorbable polymeric mesh implant is provided for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant is provided with an interlocking knitted structure comprising two or more sets of fibers with different times of degradation, allowing a stepwise increase in the relative distension of the overall mesh over time. The filamentous fibers are knitted together, wherein the filaments of the first set of fibers are interlaced into the filaments of the second set of fibers and at least partly traverse the knit pattern of the second set of fibers such that the filaments of the first set of fibers lock the movement of the part of the mesh formed by the second set of fibers.
US08016831B2	Instruments and techniques for guiding instruments to a spinal column Systems and methods of shaping surfaces of vertebral bodies include a reference guide instrument that can be positioned relative to a disc space between vertebral bodies and referenced to the caudally located endplate of the disc space. The reference guide instrument can then be employed to guide preparation instruments to the vertebral bodies in an orientation and spacing referenced to the caudal endplate of the subject disc space to shape vertebral surfaces to receive an implant.
US08016830B2	Devices and methods for grasping an elongated medical element Devices to grasp a medical element that may include a first member, a second member that fits within the first member, and a locking element. The first and second members may move relative to one another to move the locking element between locked and unlocked positions. In an unlocked position, the device may move along the element. In the locked position, the device may lock to the element and motion is prevented. In one application, the device can be placed in the locked position to maintain a desired amount of tension on the element. Methods of grasping the medical element may include moving the first and second members relative to each other thereby moving the locking element to grasp and release the medical element.
US08016828B2	Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the spine through an access device An apparatus for stabilizing vertebrae while permitting a range of motion therebetween may include first and second fasteners for engaging adjacent vertebrae and a motion preserving device that can be coupled to the first and second fasteners. The motion preserving device may include a longitudinal member that includes an array of load-bearing elements. The longitudinal member may be configured to permit the load-bearing elements to move relative to each other and/or relative to other portions of the member. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member is relatively inflexible along a longitudinal axis and relatively flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US08016825B2	Radio knife An electrode portion is provided with a rod-shaped portion extending in the direction of a flexible sheath. An insulating tip which closes the distal end portion of the sheath is provided with a slide hole and openings for liquid feed. The rod-shaped portion is passed through the sheath for axial movement, and cannot get into the openings.
US08016823B2	Medical instrument and method of use This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue using a a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue. The system provides a second port coupled to a suction source that cooperates with the first vapor port to suction tissue debris from the targeted site.
US08016820B2	Electrothermal instrument for sealing and joining or cutting tissue An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.
US08016818B2	Tactile amplification instrument and method of use The invention relates to a tool comprising a handle and a tip, which provides amplified tactile feedback to a user regarding the material with which the tip of the tool is in contact. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to the user via the handle of the tool, in the form of movements which correspond at least partially to those experienced by the tip of the tool as it interacts with the material. The tool optionally provides audio and/or visual feedback regarding the material. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a surgical instrument.
US08016816B2	Fecal management appliance and method and apparatus for introducing same The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity or vessel is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon formed in its fully inflated shape. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity. After the appliance is separated from the apparatus, the apparatus is withdrawn.
US08016804B2	Hygienic band having three-dimensional structure and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed herein are a hygienic band having a three-dimensional structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The hygienic band is inserted naturally along a corresponding curved surface of a user's body to be in close contact with the body, thus improving her dressing style without affecting her health, and preventing menstrual blood from leaking along the curved surface of the body. The hygienic band has a pad having an absorbent layer and a cover. A rear folded part is provided at a central region on a rear portion of the pad, and has first and second folded surfaces, each having the shape of a triangle which is inclined such that a rear portion thereof is higher. When she wears the hygienic band, the rear folded part protrudes inwards in the shape of a triangular pyramid and is inserted to be in close contact with a curved surface of her body.
US08016801B2	Exfoliating device A unitary device for exfoliating and applying emollient balm to lips of a user. The device is in the form of a hollow body having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end thereof, a brush having bristles emanating from a support and an applicator extending from a second end of the hollow body together with the supply of emollient balm.
US08016800B2	Test method for assessing irritation of skin Test methods for assessing irritation of portions of skin and/or assessing inhibition and/or reduction of such irritation are provided.
US08016791B2	Valve body and medical tool A valve body formed from an elastic member in the form of an elliptical or circular film (disk shape) has upper and lower surfaces. A first concave portion is formed on the upper surface side of the valve body. The valve body further has an opening and closing section which is opened and closed in response to insertion and pulling out of a dilator and is formed from a first slit, a second slit, a second concave portion and two third concave portions. The second concave portion is formed at a portion of the concave surface side of the valve body corresponding to an intersecting portion, and the third concave portions are formed at the opposite end portions of the first slit. The second concave portion extends, in a thickness wise direction of the valve body, to an intermediate portion of the first slit but not to the second slit.
US08016786B2	Dual modulus balloon for interventional procedures A device for interventional surgical or medical procedures is presented. The device is generally in the form of a balloon and is used to position itself or other working elements up against or through lumen walls in the body. The balloon is comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. The elastomeric component is fixedly attached to the flexible but relatively non-distensible component and together they form a pressure vessel that can be inflated within the lumens of the body.
US08016783B2	Method and apparatus for modulating cellular metabolism during post-ischemia or heart failure A drug delivery system detects a cardiac condition indicative of a need for increasing a cardiac metabolic level and, in response, releases a drug into tissue or blood to shift a source of metabolically synthesized energy fueling cardiac contraction from fatty acid to glucose. One example of such a system includes an implantable device detecting an ischemia and a transdermal drug delivery device delivering a drug when an ischemic condition is detected. Another example of such a system includes one or more implantable devices detecting a predefined change in cardiac metabolic level and delivering a drug when the change is detected. Such systems are applied to treat, for example, patients suffering ischemia and/or heart failure and patients having suffered myocardial infarction.
US08016774B2	Tissue penetration device An agent injection device is provided that is capable of injecting an agent to a known predetermined tissue depth. An injection member has an elongate injection shaft with an outlet port configured to dispense an agent at a controllable time. A controllable driver is coupled to the elongate injection shaft and is configured to drive the injection member into target tissue. A velocity control system is in communication with the controllable driver and is configured to control the velocity of the elongate injection shaft.
US08016772B2	Biopsy device for removing tissue specimens using a vacuum A biopsy device for taking tissue samples, includes a housing, a removable element and a control panel. The housing contains an electric power source and a tension slide connected to the power source. The tension slide may be brought into a cocked position against the action of a spring by the power source. The removable element is configured for insertion into the housing and includes a biopsy needle unit, a vacuum pressure-generating device and a control panel. The removable element may be provided as a sterile package unit. The biopsy needle unit can be arranged on the tension slide and includes a hollow biopsy needle with a sample removal chamber and a cutting sheath. The biopsy device can be held in one hand and is fully integrated with all components required to perform a vacuum biopsy such that no cables or lines are required to other external units.
US08016771B2	Minimally invasive removal device with breakaway sheath A tissue removal device is disclosed which includes an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis, a bag support defining an opening, the bag support being collapsible and expandable to open and close the opening, a bag operatively attached to the bag support, the bag having an open first end operatively secured to the bag support and a closed end, the first end being connected to the support so that when the bag support is in the collapsed position the bag opening is substantially closed, the bag having folds including at least one transverse fold. The tissue removal device may further include a tube for receiving the shaft, bag support and bag.
US08016769B2	Retractable neurosensory evaluation tool The tool is an instrument including a filament which is brought into contact with an individual to test sensory perception of the individual. When the filament resiliently buckles a standard force is applied to the individual. The filament is retractable within a housing. The filament is mounted upon a shuttle which moves relative to the housing to position the filament either in a stored position within an interior chamber of the housing or in a deployed position outside of the housing. The filament both translates and rotates to move from the stored position to the deployed position. The instrument is configured to securely hold the filament in both the stored position, where the filament is kept safe when not in use, and a deployed position, where the filament is held firm during use of the filament for sensory perception testing.
US08016755B2	Surgical access apparatus and method A surgical access device includes an access seal adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access seal has an external flange adapted to be disposed external to the abdominal wall and an internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal with flanges is formed monolithically. There are access channels through the access seal. The access channels span the thickness of the abdominal wall and form working channels between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal is formed of an elastomeric material adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to form an instrument seal along a length spanning the thickness of the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material is adapted to form an abdominal seal within the abdominal wall.
US08016754B2	Endoscope apparatus An endoscope apparatus includes a front end section which is rigid, and a flexible tube which has a bent portion. One end of a tube which can be bent is fixed to a lens barrel which holds an optical mechanism having a movable section. The tube is extended in a longitudinal direction of the flexible tube of the endoscope apparatus, and at least a part of a shape memory element is accommodated inside the tube. One end of the shape memory element is fixed to an end of the tube, which is not fixed to the lens barrel, and the other end of the shape memory element is mechanically connected to the movable section of the optical mechanism which includes the movable section. Due to expansion (elongation) and contraction of the shape memory element, relative positions of the movable section of the optical mechanism which includes the movable section, and one end of the tube fixed to the lens barrel are changed.
US08016749B2	Vision catheter having electromechanical navigation Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a visualization system including a small gauge vision catheter that is designed to be standalone or received within an instrument channel of a larger endoscope. The vision catheter has imaging means disposable within an imaging channel, a working channel, and an electromagnetic sensor element insertable into the working channel of the catheter to provide position tracking. The working channel of the catheter also provides access for therapeutic and diagnostic tools.
US08016747B2	Capsule endoscope capable of performing stereoscopic imaging A capsule endoscope capable of implementing stereoscopic photography, with which protruding/recessed states are easily recognized, for a nearby subject. The capsule endoscope includes imaging devices for respectively imaging a common subject, a driving/sampling section which drives the imaging devices, focusing optical systems which correspond one-to-one with the imaging devices and focus subject images onto imaging regions of the corresponding imaging devices, and a control section which controls imaging operations of the imaging devices with the driving/sampling section. At least one of the focusing optical systems is inclined such that an optical axis direction thereof is oriented forward in a direction of imaging by the plurality of imaging devices and toward a perpendicular direction that passes through a central point between the imaging regions of the plurality of imaging devices.
US08016744B2	External pressure-based gastric band adjustment system and method An external pressure sensing system may include an attachment for a syringe. The attachment may comprise a connector positioned between the barrel and the needle of the syringe. A pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with the connector, such that the pressure sensor may sense the pressure of fluid within the connector as the syringe is used to add fluid to or withdraw fluid from an injection port. Where an injection port is a component of an adjustable fluid-based gastric band system, pressure data obtained with the pressure sensor may be indicative of the pressure of fluid within the gastric band. The pressure sensor may communicate pressure data to a display device. A user may adjust the pressure of fluid within the gastric band using the syringe while viewing the display device for pressure-related readings.
US08016739B2	Heart assist devices, systems and methods An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implanatable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.
US08016738B2	Methods and apparatus for selecting intra-aortic balloon deflation timing The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selecting a deflation timing mode for an intra-aortic balloon (IAB) based on comparison of the time required to deflate the IAB and the time between the ECG R wave and systolic upstroke.
US08016731B2	Abdominal exercise machine A sports fitness/rehabilitation machine assists in strengthening the abdominal muscle region and includes a base having a main adjustment assembly, an upper adjustable support pivotally attached to the main adjustment assembly, and a lower adjustable support pivotally attached to said main adjustment assembly. The machine may also include an upper adjustable support arm, handle bars, a back and headrest pad, a leg adjustment member, and a foot rest, or any combination of these additional features.
US08016727B2	State-of-exercise measuring apparatus and biometric apparatus The invention provides a state-of-exercise measuring apparatus and a biometric apparatus configured to measure a state of exercise of a user accurately and easily in real time by calculating biometric impedances of the user doing an exercise and utilizing a change of the biometric impedances. A state-of-exercise measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a conducting electrode configured to come into contact with the user to supply an electric current; a measuring electrode configured to acquire a voltage of the electric current being supplied from the conducting electrode and flowing in the user's body; a biometric impedance calculating unit configured to calculate a biometric impedance of the user from a current value supplied from the conducting electrode and a voltage value measured by the measuring electrode; and a state determining unit configured to determine a state of exercise on the basis of a first biometric impedance value of the user in a predetermined state and a second biometric impedance value of the user in a state of exercise different from the predetermined state.
US08016726B2	Portable exercise device and system Disclosed is a portable exercise device for enabling a user to perform sit-up exercises. Also disclosed is a portable exercise system that comprises the portable exercise device, and a mat for supporting a back portion of the user while performing the sit-up exercises. The portable exercise device comprises a base member having a pair of base portions foldably coupled to each other and a pair of pedal portions configured on the pair base portions, a pair of strap members coupled to the pair of pedal portions, a pair of support members removably coupled at end portions of the pair of pedal portions, and a counting unit movably mounted on the base member. The counting unit comprises a timer adapted to determine a period of the sit-up exercises, at least one pressure, and a counter operatively coupled to the at one pressure sensor to determine a number of the sit-up exercises.
US08016725B2	Variable resistance system A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses multiple weight plates that are selected by selector assemblies. A series of actuators that are not directly connected to the selector assemblies actuate the selector assemblies to engage and disengage the weight plates. The actuators are in communication with a controller, which is connected to a user interface console. The user interface console accepts input from a user and instructs the controller to adjust the amount of weight engaged by the selector assemblies based on input from the user and various sensors.
US08016719B2	Method for selecting a neutral position of a motor vehicle transmission and for selecting a parking device of the motor vehicle A method for selecting a neutral position of a transmission and for selecting a parking device intended for immobilizing a vehicle, wherein the neutral position and the parking device can be engaged or actuated as a function of a position chosen by the driver on a selector device and as a function of other vehicle operating parameters. It is proposed that only if the vehicle has come approximately to a stop and simultaneously an ignition circuit acting on a driving motor of the vehicle is electrically interrupted and simultaneously a “Neutral” position is specified by way of the selector device, an N-holding phase, in which the transmission is in a neutral position having no frictional connection, can be activated by way of a separate control device provided in addition to the selector device, as long as an energy management system of the motor vehicle allows the activation of the N-holding phase.
US08016717B2	Motor vehicle drive train and method for controlling a drive train In a drive train of a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electrical machine which can be operated at least as a motor or as a generator, and a stepped automated manual transmission and at least one control device for controlling the internal combustion engine, the at least one electrical machine (P1, P2) and the stepped automated manual transmission and a method of operating the drive train, a braking torque on the driven wheels is kept approximately constant before, during and after a gear-shifting operation to a gear with a higher transmission ratio so as to avoid any jerks during such down shifting procedure.
US08016716B2	Planet carrier of a planetary stage with a bogie plate A planet carrier of a planetary stage, the planet carrier having a bogie plate, both sides of which planet wheels can be mounted, characterized in that the planet carrier with its bogie plate is made as one monolithic piece.
US08016710B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are clutches and a brake.
US08016705B2	Bicycle component positioning device A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a fixed structure, an input member and a positioning member. The input member is movably coupled relative to the fixed structure. The input member has a first moving direction and a second moving direction. The positioning member is operatively coupled to the input mechanism to selectively move between a plurality of predetermined positions. The input member and the positioning member are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the positioning member is initially moved by the input member in a direction different from the first and second moving directions in response to movement of the input member both in the first moving direction and in the second moving direction.
US08016704B1	Arrowhead with pivoting blade An arrowhead for use with an arrow in archery includes a body, at least one blade pivotally mounted at the body, and a retaining mechanism disposed at the body. The blade has a cutting edge and a rear edge, with the rear edge having a notch. The blade pivots relative to the body and about a pivot axis between a generally centered position and an angled position. The retaining mechanism engages the notch when the blade is in the centered position, impeding pivotal movement of the blade about the pivotal connection.
US08016703B1	Arrow shaft insert An archery projectile insert is provided with a rigid hollow tube having a collar at one end and an internally threaded bushing at an opposite end wherein the collar and bushing are cemented within the rigid tube; and wherein the three piece insert, formed into a unitary structure, is inserted into the hollow end of an archery shaft and cemented in place. A projectile tip having a shank and a threaded extension threadedly engages the internally threaded bushing to secure the tip in place to the projectile shaft.
US08016700B2	Tennis backboard The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored. Because of the addition of a soft deadening layer, the firm backing layer of the backboard can also be thin and made of lighter and weaker material than a conventional backboard, reducing the weight of the backboard.
US08016698B2	Golf ball marker A golf ball marker that includes a body having a geometric shape and an arcuate ball location reference for easily positioning a golf ball. The body may also include alignment indicia for aligning the golf ball with an intended ball path.
US08016689B2	Golf ball aiming device A golf ball aiming device is provided that allows a golfer to accurately position a ball relative to its intended target. The device includes a laser for aiming and pointing the device along with an alignment feature for aligning the ball relative to the device.
US08016688B2	Method and apparatus for measuring ball launch conditions A method and apparatus for measuring ball launch conditions is disclosed. Specifically, the accuracy of the calculations used to determine the kinematic characteristics may be increased. A background image of a field of view, without a golf ball present, may be acquired. Two or more images of a golf ball in motion are then be acquired based on positive or negative imaging. The background image is subtracted from each of the two or more images of the golf ball. After subtracting the background image, the two or more images of the golf ball are analyzed to determine the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball. Based on the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball, the location of the center of the golf ball may be calculated. Knowing the location of the center of the golf ball increases the accuracy of measurements of kinematic characteristics such as sidespin, backspin, velocity, and launch angle.
US08016686B2	Retractable challenge course A retractable challenge course having a support beam (15); an overhead tracking member (120) secured with respect to the support beam (15); a vertical support member (125) pivotally connected via a pivot aperture (220) to the support beam (15), the vertical support member (125) extending downwardly from the support beam (15) to support an element (40) disposed below the support beam (15).
US08016684B2	Centrifugal advance mechanism A centrifugal advance mechanism has drive and driven members connected with one another to rotate about a common axis as they move toward and away from each other along the common axis. A resilient element biases the members toward each other. A ramp on one of the members has an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The inner end portion is closer to the common axis than the outer end portion, the ramp rising as it moves from the inner end portion toward the outer end portion. A ba1l contacts the ramp and the other member. The resilient element biases the ball down the ramp, the ball traveling radially outward and up the ramp as the members rotate at increasing angular velocity thereby causing the members to separate from each other against the bias of the resilient element and to rotate with respect to each other.
US08016683B2	Gaming cabinet constructed from connectable components A gaming machine cabinet or housing is constructed from a plurality of connected components. In one embodiment, the cabinet is assembled from base, side, top, back and door components or sections. The housing may have a basis configuration constructed from a base, sides, top, back and a first door. The housing may have a plurality of modified configurations constructed from various of the basic configuration components, such as the base, sides and back, and an extension and modified door. In accordance with the invention, the gaming machine housing may be manufactured in one location and then conveniently shipped in unassembled form to another location for assembly and use. The gaming machine housing may also be constructed in a variety of configurations utilizing a small number of components.
US08016681B2	Memory card for a game console A portable game system includes two display screens, at least one of which is touch-sensitive. A memory card or other device is selectively connectable to the portable game system via in insertable connection port.
US08016678B1	Massively multiplayer educational online role playing game A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.
US08016677B2	System and method for configuring game data about players Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.
US08016672B2	Device and method to control game where characters are moved on map A game device includes a player's character controller operative to control the movement of a player's character on a map, a non-player character controller operative to cause, of those non-player characters located on the map, non-player characters located within a predetermined range from the position of the player's character to join a procession following the player's character, and to move the non-player characters belonging to the procession to the position previously occupied by the player's character to allow the non-player characters to follow the player's character, and a procession controller operative to increase, upon receipt of a predetermined control input, the speed at which the non-player characters belonging to the procession to move to the position previously occupied by the player's character and to gather the non-player characters near the player's character.
US08016664B2	Systems and methods for simulating a particular user in an interactive computer system The field of the invention relates to interactive computer systems and more particularly to systems and methods for simulating a particular user's behavior in an interactive computer system. In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events. The simulator is further configured to record one or more user inputs in response to the occurrence of the one or more events, store the one or more user inputs in one or more data fields, and associate the one or more data fields with the one or more events and the one or more current circumstances. During the simulation mode of operation, the simulator is configured to monitor the computer program for the one or more particular events, retrieve the one or more data fields associated with the one or more particular events, analyze one or more current circumstances upon the occurrence of the one or more particular events, and invoke one or more simulated inputs based on the value of the one or more data fields in response to the occurrence of the one or more events and the one or more current circumstances.
US08016662B1	Game-winner selection based on verifiable event outcomes A gaming system includes a game server and a client device. The game server accepts the publicly-verifiable outcome of a non-deterministic event as an input. The game server creates a seed from the outcome and inputs the seed into a random number generator to generate a random number. The game server generates a winner using the random number and communicates the winner to the client device.
US08016659B2	Electronic gaming machines with different player or dealer assigned virtual card stacks or other symbol sets A gaming apparatus and methods which include multiple virtual stacks of symbols, such as cards, numbers, picture symbols or other symbols. In one form each player has an individual virtual stack and the dealer has one stack. In another form each player has one stack and the dealer has individual virtual stacks for each player. In some preferred forms, the symbol sets for each participant are stripped or reduced during the game as various symbols are assigned thereto. Other alternatives are also described.
US08016658B2	Method and apparatus for enhanced play of a gaming device An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a slot machine identifies a tracked symbol and initializes a running count representing active occurrences of the tracked symbol generated during a play session. During the session, the slot machine generates at least one outcome represented by a set of symbols and determines whether the outcome includes an occurrence of a tracked symbol. The slot machine adjusts the running count, increasing the running count to reflect occurrences of the tracked symbol and, in some embodiments, decreasing the running count to reflect expiration of occurrences of the tracked symbol. Once the running count reaches a predetermined level, the slot machine determines a bonus payout based on the running count.
US08016652B2	Airflow diffuser (diffuser fan) and air conditioner An airflow diffuser (diffuser fan) comprises: a blade wheel formed of blade members 30, spoke members 40 and a hub member 50; a shaft member 20 forming an axis of rotation of the blade wheel; and a suspension member 10 suspending the shaft member 20 from a ceiling surface. This airflow diffuser (diffuser fan) is located so that air blown out from the air outlets of an air conditioner comes in contact with and rotates the blade members. Also, the rotating blade members receive the blown air in succession, and by deflecting the air, diffuse the blown air throughout the entire air-conditioned space.
US08016651B2	In-molded venturi for a vehicle HVAC system A is provided for aspirating air in a HVAC module assembly having a first HVAC module housing section including a first venturi portion. A second HVAC module housing section includes a second venturi portion. The first and second HVAC module housing sections form a HVAC mixing chamber and venturi chamber. The first venturi portion mates with the second venturi portion to cooperatively form the chamber.
US08016650B2	Adjustable cabin nozzle An aircraft air distribution system includes a base and first and second arrays of nozzle air transfer ports in the base. An adjustable flow plate is positioned over the nozzle air transfer ports. A compressible member is located between the base and the adjustable flow plate and between the first and second arrays. First and second air ejector regions are located, respectively, on the sides of the compressible member between the base and the adjustable flow plate to connect to the first and second arrays, and direct air from the first and second arrays from the sides of the base. Fasteners moveably connect the adjustable flow plate to the base and are adjustable to change a size of different sections of the first and second air ejector regions to change an amount of airflow originating from the different sections of these regions.
US08016648B2	Squirrel skinner and method The invention is a method and apparatus for quicker, easier and more injury-free skinning of small to medium size game utilizing a dual fish skinner in conjunction with game skinning attachment, whose spike provides support and accessibility.
US08016645B2	Chamfering apparatus for chamfering glass substrates A chamfering apparatus is used to chamfer a peripheral edge of a glass substrate. The chamfering apparatus includes a grindstone having a cylindrical hollow end portion; a grindstone driving unit that rotates the grindstone around an axis of the cylindrical hollow end portion; a substrate rotation-driving unit that rotates the glass substrate around either one of an axis of the outer periphery and an axis of the center circular hole; and a pressing unit that presses the grindstone to the glass substrate such that an annular end surface of the grindstone contacts with an edge of either one of the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the glass substrate while the cylindrical hollow end portion of the grindstone faces with one of the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the glass substrate.
US08016643B2	Wafer grinding method A method of grinding the rear surface of a wafer having a plurality of dividing lines which are formed in a lattice pattern on the front surface and devices which are formed in a plurality of areas sectioned by the plurality of dividing lines, comprising a protective film forming step for forming a protective film by coating the front surface of the wafer with a liquid resin; a flattening step for scraping the front surface of the protective film formed on the front surface of the wafer to flatten the protective film; and a rear surface grinding step for placing the protective film side of the wafer on the holding surface of a chuck table for holding a wafer and grinding the rear surface of the wafer by a grinding means to a predetermined thickness.
US08016642B2	Blasting device for steel pipe inner surface, blasting method for steel pipe inner surface, and method for producing steel pipe with excellent inner surface texture A blasting device for blasting steel pipe inner surface includes a tubular carrier fluid inflow unit connected to one end of a horizontal steel pipe, and a negative pressure suction unit connected to the other end of the steel pipe. A polishing material or a wiping material is injected horizontally into the carrier fluid inflow unit along with a carrier fluid from a hole formed in the edge face of the tubular carrier inflow unit. The device provides improved blast performance as well as the capability to blast the inner surface from beginning portion to an end portion to provide an excellent inner surface texture.
US08016636B2	Joining apparatus with rotatable magnet therein and built-up type toy with the same Disclosed is a built-up type toy having plural parts 10a of polyhedron shape equipped with joining surfaces 11a that are joined with other joining surfaces 11b of other parts 10b. The built-up type toy of the present invention has the parts respectively having magnet portions 100a on the joining surfaces 11a thereof, wherein the magnet portion 100a of the part 10a and the magnet portion 100b on the joining surface 11b of the parts 10b are joined with each other by magnetic force thereof.The built-up type toy of the present invention provides the effects that it is easy to assemble and disassemble, the assemble state is not likely to be demolished easily, and it is helpful to develop the initiative of infant as it can be assemble to various shapes.
US08016634B2	Children's learning device with countdown timer A child's learning device includes a housing, a countdown timer and a driving mechanism. The housing includes a main body and an appendage attached to the main body, the appendage pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation. The countdown timer includes a control mechanism for designating one of a plurality of designated time periods. The driving mechanism is connected between the countdown timer and the appendage. The driving mechanism and countdown timer are configured such that manually pivoting the appendage from the first orientation to the second orientation sets the countdown timer for the designated time period, and the appendage is driven back from the second orientation to the first orientation over the course of the designated time period by mechanical force provided by countdown timer to the driving mechanism.
US08016632B2	Light emitting display device and method of fabricating the same Disclosed is a light emitting display device including a seal and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting display device includes a first substrate composed of a pixel region and a non-pixel region disposed around the pixel region; a pad portion formed in the non-pixel region to supply a signal to the pixel region; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate; and a seal provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed to surround the pixel region. Here, the seal is disposed on a first side between the pixel region and the pad portion, on a second side facing the first side, and on an outer ring of third sides contacting both ends of the first side and the second side, and the seal disposed in the outer ring of the third sides is filled up to contour lines of the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08016631B2	Desiccant sealing arrangement for OLED devices A method of encapsulating an OLED device includes forming an OLED device on a substrate; providing a protective cover surrounding the OLED device and the substrate; providing a first sealing arrangement between the protective cover and top surface of the substrate, to define a first chamber enclosing the OLED device; providing a second sealing arrangement sealed to define a second chamber sealed from and enclosing the first chamber; and providing first desiccant material in the first chamber and providing second desiccant material in the second chamber closer to the bottom surface of the substrate than the top surface.
US08016629B2	Method of producing a display device The invention provides a method of producing an organic electroluminescent device comprising applying a composition containing an organic electroluminescent compound onto multiple electrodes to form an organic electroluminescent layer on each of the electrodes, wherein the substrate on which the composition is applied is a substrate with the portions between electrodes and/or the surface of the electrodes having been subjected to water-repellent treatment. By using this method, deterioration of a device and reduction in performance due to existence of an insulating layer which is indispensable for segregation of each polymer light-emitting compound in conventional process of applying polymer light-emitting compounds can be avoided.
US08016627B2	Personal water safety device A personal water safety device includes a strap and a housing attached to the strap. The strap includes a cinch and a fastening device. The housing includes an inflatable bladder, an inflation assembly disposed within the inflatable bladder, and an actuator. The actuator includes a lanyard and a ring. The inflation assembly includes a frame and a gas container. The frame includes a retaining clip to prevent the gas container and a portion of the inflatable bladder from prematurely dislodging. The gas container deploys gas to the inflatable bladder for inflation. The inflatable bladder remains attached in a substantially stationary position adjacent to the upper arm of the user by the strap. The inflatable bladder can be disposed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The inflatable bladder can be formed from a highly visible material. A second strap can be attached to the inflatable bladder for stability.
US08016625B2	Marine propulsion system A marine propulsion system includes a power source, a propeller, a shift mechanism, a control lever, a rotational speed sensor, and a control device. The shift mechanism is switchable among three shift positions including forward, neutral, and reverse. The control lever is operable by the marine vessel operator to switch the shift position of the shift mechanism. The rotational speed sensor detects the rotational speed of the propeller. The control device controls at least one of the power source and the shift mechanism so as to reduce the rotational speed of the propeller if the rotational speed sensor detects a rotational speed of the propeller when the control lever is in a position corresponding to the neutral shift position. As a result, the propeller is prevented from rotating when a control lever is in a neutral position.
US08016623B2	Socket terminal for grid array connector Disclosed is a socket terminal for grip array connector, including a plurality of conductive terminals. The conductive terminal comprises a base and a pair of arms. Each arm includes a connection part extending forwardly from the base, a first bending part bent and extending upwardly from the connection part, a second bending part bent upwardly from the first bending part, a first elastic arm extending upwardly from the second bending part, and a contact section formed at a rear end of the first elastic arm. The first bending part bends away from the other arm and the second bending part locates away from the other arm while the first elastic arm extends toward the other arm. The minimum distance between the two first elastic arms and that between the two second bending parts are larger than the minimum distance between the two connection parts and that between the two contact sections.
US08016622B2	Mains-power electrical connector with a light penetrable cover The present invention relates to a mains-power electrical connector. The connector includes a core defining passages for receiving respective cables, and apertures for receiving fasteners to fasten the cables within the passages. Windows terminate the passages. A light penetrable cover is provided for covering the core and the windows. The fasteners may be in the form of shear bolts.
US08016619B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector for transmitting data signals between the insulated conductors of a first data cable and corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including a first part having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a plug of said first data cable; a second part having a plurality of insulation displacement contact slots shaped to receive end sections of the conductors of the second data cable; a plurality of electrically conductive contacts including resiliently compressible spring finger contacts extending into the socket for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the first cable; insulation displacement contacts seated in corresponding insulation displacement contact slots for effecting electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the second data cable; and mid sections extending therebetween; and a plurality of capacitive plates coupled to respective ones of said mid sections of the contacts by electrically conductive stems, wherein the capacitive plates are arranged side by side, extend in a substantially common direction, and are separated by a dielectric material extending at least partially therebetween.
US08016617B2	Wire connection module The invention relates to a wire connection module, comprising a two-part housing and a number of contact elements (10), the contact elements (10) having at least one connection side, which is in the form of a contact for connecting wires, the contact element (10) further having an interface, via which surge protection elements can be connected, the first housing part (2) being formed with receptacles (20, 21), into which two-pole surge arresters (24) are inserted, the contact element (10) has a contact face (13), which is in the form of an interface for the surge arrester, protrudes into the receptacle (20, 21) and makes contact with a first pole of the surge arrester (24), contact being made with the other pole of the surge arrester (24) by means of a ground element.
US08016614B2	RF coaxial connector The invention discloses a RF coaxial connector, which includes a socket and an adapter. The socket includes an outer conductor and a center conductor. The adapter includes a plug capable of being inserted into the socket. The adapter also includes an outer conductor and a center conductor that can be in contact with the outer conductor and the center conductor of the socket, respectively. A dumbbell-shaped first insulating body is disposed inside the plug of the adapter and filled between the outer conductor and the center conductor of the adapter. The first insulating body has a middle portion narrower than two end portions thereof such that an annular gap is formed between the middle portion of the first insulating body and the outer conductor of the adapter, thereby forming different impedance regions at the connection regions of the plug and the socket. Therefore, a high impedance region and a low impedance region can compensate each other so as to decrease the adverse effect of the high impedance region on the connector performance and improve electrical and RF performance of the product. Compared with the prior art, the connector of the present invention allows a larger axial offset.
US08016608B2	Pull through modular jack The present invention relates to a pull-through modular jack and method of use thereof. The modular jack allows wires to be fed through the housing and pulled tight prior to terminating. This ensures that the wires terminate with the insulation displacement contact very close to the point at which the wires are still twisted. Termination is made by moving a pressing portion to a pressed position, which then pushes the wires into the insulation displacement contacts that displace the wire insulation to make contact.
US08016605B2	Connector sleeve and method of use thereof Disclosed herein is a connector sleeve includes a first rib portion consisting essentially of a first material, and a second web portion consisting essentially of a second supple material and attached to the first rib portion to define the sleeve. The second supple material is softer and more elastic than the first material, and the sleeve is dimensioned to circumferentially surround a revolving portion of a connector in an interference fit such that rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the revolving portion. The sleeve may be used to enhance torque for rotation of a nut used on a coaxial cable connector.
US08016599B1	Magnetic jumper for bypassing electrical circuits A magnetic jumper for bypassing electrical circuits. The jumper includes a magnet at each end of a wire. Each magnet can be attached to a terminal of a low voltage electrical circuit in order to bypass that circuit for testing and troubleshooting purposes. The magnetic jumper works with almost any terminal that has steel screws.
US08016596B2	Literacy system A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills. In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words. Also, the literacy system may have a language skills section that includes exercises to collectively teach all four of the language skills of phonology, semantics, syntax, and text.
US08016594B2	Method of training utilizing a threat fire simulation system A threat fire simulation system (40) for simulating a projectile impacting a user (26) includes an electrical impulse element (44) configured for physical contact with the user (26). A controller (42) is in communication with the electrical impulse element (44). The controller (42) enables receipt of a signal (54) for activating electrical impulse element (44) to deliver a non-disabling electrical pulse (46) to the user (26). The electrical pulse (46) simulates an impact of the projectile on the user (26).
US08016590B2	Combustion burner resulting in low oxides of nitrogen A combustion burner resulting in low oxides of nitrogen includes a primary combustion zone, for use as an ignition source. The primary combustion zone locating within a combustion chamber, and being separated from the base of the combustion chamber by a wall. A burner provides a secondary oxidant stream that is delivered to the combustion chamber at the base of an exterior wall, to entrain and mix with flue gases present in the combustion chamber. Then secondary fuel is injected into the resulting secondary oxidant-flue gas mixture. Combustion of the secondary fuel with the oxidant flue gas mixture results in lower concentration of oxides of nitrogen emitted to the atmosphere.
US08016589B2	Method of starting up a direct heating system for the flameless combustion of fuel and direct heating of a process fluid Included is a method of starting up a direct heating device having a fuel introduction zone, a combustion zone and a process zone that is in heat exchange relationship with said combustion zone. Prior to the introduction of a fuel fluid into said combustion zone, an oxidant fluid, having a high temperature, is passed through the combustion zone for a warm-up time period sufficient to raise the temperature of the direct heating device to a desired temperature. Steam or a process fluid is passed through the process zone followed by the introduction of a fuel fluid into the fuel introduction zone. After the device has been heated up a process fluid is introduced through the process zone. Thereafter, the introduction of steam through the process zone may be stopped.
US08016583B2	Apparatuses and method An apparatus comprises a conveying device provided with seat elements arranged for receiving objects, the seat elements being movable along a curved path, and a further conveying device provided with a transferring arrangement arranged for delivering the objects to, and/or removing the objects from, the conveying device, wherein the transferring arrangement comprises coupling elements arranged for engaging the seat elements in such a way that the seat elements and the transferring arrangement are maintained mutually coupled along a portion of the curved path.
US08016573B2	Piezoelectric-driven diaphragm pump A piezoelectric-driven diaphragm pump is comprised of a driving unit (1) having a driving diaphragm (12) and a first housing (11), a replaceable driven unit (2) having a driven film (241) and a second housing (21), and a fixing unit (3) for fixing the driven unit (2) to the driving unit (1). A vibration transmitting face (14) of the driving diaphragm (12) from which displacement of the driving diaphragm (12) is transmitted to the driven film (241) and a vibration transmitted face (241a) of the driven film (241) to which the displacement of the driving diaphragm is transmitted are not parallel to a reference plane (11b) of the first housing (11) which faces the second housing (21), and the vibration transmitting face (14b) of the driving diaphragm (12) contacts with entire of the vibration transmitted face (241a) of the driven film (241). Thereby, the displacement of the driving diaphragm (12) is efficiently transmitted to the driven film (241), so that a capacity of a pump room (25) can be varied largely.
US08016572B2	Pump with axial conduit In one aspect, a pump for moving air includes an inlet, an outlet, an outer housing adapted to couple to an inflatable device, and an inner housing located within the outer housing. An air conduit is defined between the inner housing and the outer housing. A motor is at least partly positioned within the inner housing, and a plurality of vanes are positioned within the air conduit.
US08016568B2	Wind turbine blade Disclosed is a blade including a blade body including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least one trailing edge cavity defined by a blade area disposed in at least partial alignment with the trailing edge, the at least one cavity extending a desired depth into said blade body in a direction of the leading edge.
US08016564B1	Turbine blade with leading edge impingement cooling A turbine rotor blade with a low cooling flow serpentine circuit to provides cooling for the airfoil. The circuit includes a first 3-pass serpentine flow circuit with a first leg located adjacent to the leading edge to provide impingement cooling air into a leading edge impingement cavity. The remaining cooling air flows through the first serpentine circuit to provide cooling for the blade forward mid-chord region and is discharged through film cooling holes on the pressure and suction side walls. Some of the impingement cooling air for the leading edge is discharged as film cooling air for the leading edge surface while the remaining spent cooling air flows through a blade tip channel and then into the second aft flowing 3-pass serpentine circuit to provide impingement cooling for the trailing edge region before being discharged out through exit slots and blade tip corner discharge holes.
US08016563B1	Turbine blade with tip turn cooling A turbine blade with a conical shaped tip for use in a first or second stage of a turbine. The airfoil includes an aft flowing 3-pass serpentine flow cooling circuit with a serpentine tip turn located between the first and the second legs and underneath the tip. Mini serpentine flow cooling circuits are formed in the end of the first leg and the beginning of the second leg to reduce or eliminate the cooling flow separation and over temperature issues at the tip portion of the blade. A leading edge cooling supply channel is located forward of the first leg and has a decreasing flow area with an exit cooling hole at the tip to discharge cooling air. The last leg of the main serpentine circuit is formed by a slanted rib that produces a decreasing flow area in the last leg and includes an exit cooling hole on the tip to discharge cooling air. The last leg is connected to a row of exit cooling holes or slots formed along the trailing edge of the airfoil. The main serpentine flow circuit is separated from the leading edge cooling channel so that no cooling air mixes.
US08016561B2	Gas turbine engine fan assembly and method for assembling to same A method for operating a turbofan engine includes providing a first fan disk configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, coupling a first fan blade to the first fan disk, the first fan blade including a dovetail, an airfoil coupled to the dovetail, and a plurality of channels extending through the dovetail, and channeling airflow through the at least one fan blade such that the airflow is discharged from the airfoil trailing edge to facilitate reducing the operational noise level of the turbofan engine and improve.
US08016554B2	Combination hydrodynamic and rolling bearing system The present invention is directed toward a hybrid bearing which will have the advantages of ball bearings as well as hydrodynamic oil films. The present invention is a hybrid bearing assembly for a turbocharger unit, having an inner race track with a series of grooves, and one or more roller balls located in the grooves of the inner race track. There is also an outer race track having a series of grooves for receiving the one or more roller balls, where the outer race track circumscribes the inner race track. The hybrid bearing also includes a sleeve made from an established tribological material located inside the inner race track, with a shaft located inside the sleeve. A hydrodynamic oil film is located between the sleeve and the shaft, wherein the hydrodynamic oil film allows the shaft to spin at greater speeds than the inner race track.
US08016552B2	Stator—rotor assemblies having surface features for enhanced containment of gas flow, and related processes A stator-rotor assembly which includes at least one interface region between the stator and rotor is described. At least one stator or rotor surface in the interface region includes a pattern of concavities. The concavities restrict gas flow through a gap between the stator and the rotor. Various turbomachines which can contain such a stator-rotor assembly are also described. The disclosure also discusses methods to restrict gas flow through gaps in a stator-rotor assembly, utilizing the concavities.
US08016550B2	Direction-switchable pneumatic cylinder A direction-switchable pneumatic cylinder includes: a cylinder body with two intakes, several exhaustion ports and a rotary shaft; and a predetermined number of movable wheels and fixed wheels arranged in the cylinder body and interlaced with each other. Each of the movable wheels and fixed wheels is formed with several vents concentrically arranged into an inner circle and an outer circle. The rotary shaft is fitted through the movable wheels and fixed wheels. The fixed wheels are not rotatable, while the movable wheels are synchronously rotatably with the rotary shaft. The outer circles of vents of the fixed wheels and the movable wheels are aligned with one intake, while the inner circles of vents of the fixed wheels and the movable wheels are aligned with the other intake. When high-pressure gas is guided into the pneumatic cylinder from one intake, the airflow will flow through the outer circles of vents to drive the movable wheels and the rotary shaft in one direction. When high-pressure gas is guided into the pneumatic cylinder from the other intake, the airflow will flow through the inner circles of vents to drive the movable wheels and the rotary shaft in another direction.
US08016546B2	Systems and methods for providing vane platform cooling Systems and methods for cooling vane platforms are provided. In this regard, a representative method for cooling a vane platform includes: providing a cooling channel on a platform from which a vane airfoil extends, the cooling channel being defined by a cooling surface and a channel cover, the channel wall being spaced from the cooling surface and located such that the cooling surface is positioned between a gas flow path of the vane and the channel cover; and directing a flow of cooling air through the cooling channel such that heat is extracted from the cooling surface of the platform by the flow of cooling air.
US08016544B1	Vertical windmill The vertical windmill includes a rotatable wind wheel column mounted to a base. The column includes a plurality of hollow wheel hubs stacked vertically atop each other. Each wheel hub includes a plurality of radiating mounting arms equidistantly spaced around the axis of the wheel hub such that the arms of an adjacent hub are angularly offset with respect to the other. A plurality of mounting assemblies is disposed on each of the mounting arms for mounting an array of wing blades. Each alternate stacked wheel hub and mounting arms together forms a wind wheel with vertically oriented wing blades mounted between upper and lower spaced arms such that the top wheel is interconnected with the lower wheel at a height less than the height of the blades. Each array of blades may freely rotate or be positively rotated to orient the blades for optimum usage of wind power in rotating the column.
US08016543B2	Composite case armor for jet engine fan case containment A gas turbine fan blade containment assembly includes a fan case having an inner surface surrounding a jet engine fan and an outer surface. Mounted on the inner surface and across a blade containing region of the fan case is a load spreader layer for initially receiving a point load from a fan blade release (a “blade-out event”). A band layer is mounted to an outer surface of the fan case for carrying at least a portion of a hoop tensile load on the fan case resulting from the blade-out event, and separator film layer is mounted between the outer surface of the fan case and the band layer to retard the formation of stress concentrations in the band layer. In one embodiment, the load spreader layer includes a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed load spreader layer segments.
US08016542B2	Methods and apparatus for extending the reach of a dual scara robot linkage Methods and apparatus are provided for the use of a dual Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) robot. In some embodiments two SCARAs are provided, each including an elbow joint, wherein the two SCARAs are vertically stacked such that one SCARA is a first arm and the other SCARA is a second arm, and wherein the second arm is adapted to support a first substrate, and the first arm is adapted to extend to a full length when the second arm supports the first substrate, and wherein the first substrate supported by the second arm is coplanar with the elbow joint of the first arm, and the second arm is further adapted to move concurrently in parallel (and/or in a coordinated fashion) with the first arm a sufficient amount to avoid interference between the first substrate and the elbow joint of the first arm. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
US08016535B1	Spin lock A wheel lock device wherein a locking lug nut is threadably engaged on a vehicle wheel. A security sleeve is removably secured over the hex portion of the lug nut preventing unauthorized engagement and removal thereof. A retainment fastener secures the security sleeve to the modified lug nut by an integrated removal and placement rotational key tool.
US08016533B2	Lock nut with low on/high off torque control A lock nut having a plurality of sides having a radius crimp which is consistent with the radius of the threaded bore in the lock nut. Preferably, the lock nut is crimped using a three sided die, each die having a radius crimp with relief angles. The relief angles are provided at a desired angle to result in the desired amount of contact area between the lock nut and the die. The device includes a housing, and the housing includes at one end a threaded bore which is configured to mount on a ram. An opposite end of the housing provides a tapered die section in which the three sided die is disposed. The three sided die is engaged with a locking die base which is movable within the housing.
US08016531B2	Axle spindle nut assembly for heavy-duty vehicles An axle spindle nut assembly secures a wheel end assembly on an axle spindle. The wheel end assembly includes outboard and inboard outboard bearings that are immovably mounted on the axle spindle, and a wheel hub which is rotatably mounting on the bearings. The spindle nut assembly includes a nut that threads onto an outboard end of the axle spindle, and is tightened against the outboard bearing to a selected torque level. The nut includes an outboard surface that is formed with a plurality of features. A washer is formed with a tab that engages a keyway of the axle spindle outboardly of the nut, and with a plurality of mating features that mechanically engage the features formed in the outboard surface of the nut to prevent substantial rotation of the nut after the nut has been tightened to the selected torque level.
US08016530B2	Panel fastener A nut fastener adapted for insertion into an opening in a panel. The nut fastener includes a platform including an upper face and a lower face. A sleeve defining a sleeve axis extends through the platform. The sleeve includes a sleeve inlet opening at the upper face adapted to receive an elongate fastening member along the sleeve axis. A first retention arm extends downwardly from a first position on the platform. At least a second retention arm extends downwardly from a second position on the platform. The first position and the second position are disposed on substantially opposing sides of the sleeve axis. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are adapted to rotate to outboard locking positions upon insertion of the elongate fastening member.
US08016529B2	Spring captive loaded fastener retainer A spring-loaded captive fastener retainer provides a user-friendly system to mechanically fasten units (e.g. panels, cabinets, etc.) to other units. Generally, the retainer is spring-loaded to force a fastener to extend beyond the unit. The retainer has a housing that provides guidance to the fastener so that it is secured within the unit and travels in a predictable path.
US08016526B2	Tie down anchor device A tie down anchor device useful, for example, in providing a securement surface for holding cargo within a sled or trailer via a strap or other tie down implement. The tie down anchor device includes an extension body, an attachment assembly, and a loop body. The extension body is flexible but substantially inelastic, formed from a fabric material. The attachment assembly is configured for removably mounting the anchor device to a surface, and is connected to a trailing section of the extension body. The loop body is movably maintained by a leading section of the extension body. With this configuration, upon mounting of the anchor device to a surface (e.g., floor of a sled), the loop body is readily available for connection to an end of a tie down implement (e.g., a hook provided with a rubber strap).
US08016524B2	Trailer for transporting golf carts and recreational vehicles A semi-trailer for is converted for transporting motorized golf carts and side by side recreational vehicles which are loaded onto the floor and an upper support level with detachable two tier loading ramps and receivers. The upper support level includes transverse shore beams connected to the logistic posts in the side wall of the semi-trailer which then supports and stabilizes a foldable floor system defined by pivotal panels which hinge upwardly into a stored position. The ramps are carried in a rack under the trailer floor.
US08016520B2	Connector for releasable connection between an anchorage in the form of a female part arranged on a floating means and a male part formed at the end of a retrievable umbilical A connector (10) for releasable connection between an anchorage in the form of a female part (1) arranged on a floating means and a male part (2) formed at the end of a retrievable umbilical (3) provided with a bend stiffener (4) is disclosed. The male part (2) comprises a mandrel body (5) having a pulling head (6) for connection to a pulling means at one end and the umbilical (3) at the other end. The male part (2) comprises a sleeve formed body (7) that is fixed to the mandrel body (5) by shearable elements (8). The bend stiffener (4) is fixed directly to the sleeve formed body (7) and is designed for abutment against and parking together with the bend stiffener (4) within the female part (1) while the remaining part of the male part (2) including the umbilical (3) is designed to be pulled further up through the female part (1) for fluid communication and connection on a floating means or a vessel.
US08016518B2	Sheet pile for the subterranean support of underground conduits In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of individual curved sheet piles that are positioned beneath an underground conduit, such as a raceway, to support the conduit during excavation. In one exemplary embodiment, the individual sections of curved sheet pile are interfit and/or interconnected. This allows the individual sections to work in combination with one another to support the conduit. Specifically, opposing ends of a length of interfit and/or interconnected curved sheet piles extend into unexcavated soil on both sides of an excavated hole to form a bridge across the hole that supports the conduit and any soil or other subterranean material positioned above the curved sheet pile.
US08016511B2	Metallic structural part joined from at least two components A metallic structural part is described which is joined from at least two components (1, 2), of which one component (1) comprises a hub-like nose (3) for receiving the other annular component (2) without play, which is placed on the nose (3) so as to be stopped there and is secured against axial withdrawal by a latching ring which engages in a circular latching recess (8) of one of the two components (1, 2). In order to provide simple constructional conditions it is proposed that the latching ring engaging in the latching recess (8) of the one component (1) consists of a radially projecting ring segment (7) of the other component (2) and that the radial projecting portion (r) of the ring segment (7) corresponds at most to the magnitude of the maximum elastic deformation of the ring segment (7) in the radial direction.
US08016504B2	Printer having platen roller and module that are engageable with each other for printing on paper A printer having a platen roller and a module that are engagable with each other for printing on paper is disclosed. The printer includes a status detecting mechanism including a detecting part having a detection function for detecting a status of the printer, a restricting part for restricting the detection function of the detecting part, and a function restriction releasing part for releasing the restricted function of the detecting part. The engagement of the platen roller and the module displaces the function restriction releasing part. The displacement causes the function restriction releasing part to release the restricted function of the detecting part.
US08016503B2	Inkjet printer assembly with a central processing unit configured to determine a performance characteristic of a print cartridge Provided is an inkjet printer assembly having a cartridge with an integrated pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC), and a cradle configured to receive the cartridge such that the printhead IC is adjacent a media feed path. Also included is a driven mechanism configured to maintain the printhead and to feed print media through the media feed path, and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to control operation of the IC to determine a performance characteristic of the cartridge to control operation of the driven mechanism and printhead IC in response to the determined performance characteristic of the cartridge. The assembly also includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) subsystem configured to store print data and to arbitrate requests received from the CPU, and a print engine pipeline (PEP) subsystem configured to accept compressed pages from the DRAM subsystem and to render said pages to bi-level dots for printing by the IC.
US08016502B2	Cutter device and recording apparatus A cutter device includes a medium supporting surface that supports a recording medium being transported, and a cutter carriage that has a cutter blade for cutting the recording medium and that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium. An opening that forms a passage region for the cutter carriage is provided in the medium supporting surface so as to extend in the moving direction of the cutter carriage. The opening is provided with a cover capable of switching between a first state in which the cover covers the opening and forms part of the medium supporting surface and a second state in which the cover is retracted to form the passage region for the cutter carriage.
US08016499B2	Printing method with respect to scanning a medium A user operates the operation panel portion 6 and selects an image quality mode in a pre-stage of carrying out CD-R printing. If an operation of commencing CD-R printing on the operation panel portion 6 is enabled, the CPU 16 causes the scanner unit 21 to scan a sample CD-R 25 and takes in the image data. The CPU 16 causes the taken-in image data to be subjected to an image working process and masks pixels not required to be printed. The ASIC 20 transfers the processed image data to the printer unit 22 and executes CD-R printing. At this time, the CPU 16 carries out scanning and printing at a resolution responsive to the image quality mode.
US08016497B2	Image pickup apparatus The image pickup apparatus includes a lens barrel, and two barrier blade groups each configured to include a first barrier blade, a second barrier blade and a third barrier blade, each barrier blade group being movable between a closing position for covering a front face of the lens barrel and an opening position for opening the front face of the lens barrel. In each of the barrier blade groups at the opening position, the first and second barrier blades overlap with each other in an optical axis direction of the lens barrel, and the third barrier blade overlaps with the first and second barrier blades in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction without overlapping therewith in the optical axis direction.
US08016496B2	Imaging apparatus having retractable barrier on an imaging side of an electrical component and retraction space below the lens A lens barrier is arranged on a front face of a photographic lens. The lens barrier can move into a lens barrier retraction space at an angle which is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the photographic lens. The lens barrier retraction space is provided under the photographic lens. As a result, a remote control light receiving element and a microphone can be arranged on an object side of the lens barrier retraction space, whereby the object side surface area of a camera body can be made smaller due to the configuration of the lens barrier.
US08016492B2	Wrist or arm strap with hinged mount for camera A device capable of attaching a portable handheld camera to the wrist or arm of a human user is disclosed. The device is a multi-component detachable band of fabric or other material designed to encircle a user's wrist or arm, and hold a small handheld camera to the user's arm by way a camera mounting screw that attaches, by way of a rigid or semi-rigid hinged camera mounting bracket affixed to the band, to the camera's tripod socket. The device will often additionally contain a built-in second band of fabric or other material that can be positioned over the majority of the camera's front, and both hold the camera tightly to the user's wrist or arm when photography is not desired, as well as help protect the camera from accidental damage. The device is particularly useful for action sports photography.
US08016488B2	Fluid dynamic bearing device The fluid dynamic bearing device includes a housing, two bearing sleeves fixed to the housing at positions axially spaced apart from each other, and a shaft member inserted along inner peripheries of the bearing sleeves. The housing includes a spacer portion protruding further radially inwardly than inner peripheral surfaces to which the bearing sleeves are fixed. An axial fluid path is formed in the spacer portion, and the axial fluid path communicates to flow paths formed by axial grooves of the bearing sleeves.
US08016484B1	Convertible towel A convertible sport and recreational accessory which is easily convertible for use either as a towel or as a tote bag. The planar towel configuration has an elongate, fabric body with a pair of side panels. Two opposed pairs of drawstrings are encased in seams arranged longitudinally and transversely which, when pulled, will form a pouch. The ends of the body and the side panels may be used as a cover or flap extending into the pouch opening or may be tucked into the pouch. Handles are provided for convenience when the combination towel/tote is in the tote mode or configuration.
US08016483B2	Positioning apparatus for dental x-ray procedures A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20). An alternative guide arm (100) has more than one attachment site (101a, 101b) for removably affixing a sensor holder (102, 103, 104) to the guide arm (100).
US08016477B2	Rotary throttle assembly for operating a power unit in two power settings A rotary throttle assembly is disclosed for operating a power unit such as an engine or a motor in either a first power setting or a second power setting. The rotary throttle assembly may be used in a concrete vibrator to operate the vibrator in either an idle power setting or a desired power setting. The throttle assembly includes a rotatable throttle handle, a linkage mechanism contained in a casing, and means for urging the throttle assembly selectively to adopt a first position or a second position.
US08016475B2	Prismatic film backlight A selectively light-reflecting sheet (30) includes a prismatic film (1) with parallel prisms (10) on its face, a low-index film (3) on the prisms and a layer (5) on the low-index film, this layer having a substantially flat surface. This results in a low effective index, which means that light incident at steeper angles on the prismatic film (1) will pass through it. This “leaky” effect can be used in conjunction with a reflector sheet (20) in a tapered-waveguide arrangement to construct a lightweight backlight.
US08016473B2	Symmetrical light guide structure for LED-based lighting device A device (100) for diffusing light comprising a light guide (101), light input means (102), and light output means (103). The light input (102) and light output (103) means are connected to the light guide (101), and the device (100) is arranged to allow light of at least two separate frequencies from a light source (108, 109, 110) to enter the light guide (101) through the light input means (102), propagate through said light guide (101) and exit at the light output means (103). The light guide (101) is circumferential, such that light is allowed to propagate for a distance greater than the external dimensions of said light guide (101) before reaching the output means (103), and hence, producing a mix of the light from said at least two frequencies. A display apparatus in which the invention is implemented is also disclosed.
US08016472B2	Optical plate and backlight module using the same An optical plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface defines a plurality of elongated arcuate troughs therein. The second surface defines a plurality of triangular pyramid depressions and a plurality of hexagonal pyramid depressions therein. Each side of the triangular pyramid depressions borders three hexagonal pyramid depressions. A backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.
US08016468B2	Signal indicator lamp assembly for a vehicle A signal indicator lamp assembly (10) for a vehicle (14) has an LED assembly (16) that emits electromagnetic radiation (20), which is visible light, such as white light, that is composed of at least two wavelengths. A collimating optic (18) is positioned forwardly of the LED assembly (16) for providing substantially parallel light rays of the emitted radiation (20). A second optic (22) is positioned forwardly of the collimating optic (18), the second optic (22) having a first planar surface (33) facing the collimating optic (18) and a second, outer surface (35), the first planar, surface (33) having an interference coating (24) thereon, the interference coating (24) reflecting back toward the LED assembly (16) at least some of the first wavelengths (31) of the radiation (20) and transmitting at least some of the second wavelengths (39).
US08016467B2	License plate assembly The present invention provides a license plate assembly comprising: (i) a housing comprising a back plate and upstanding side walls defining a cavity; (ii) a light guide having first and second major sides that are opposite to each other and one or more side faces defining a thickness of side light guide, said light guide being disposed in said housing and being arranged on said back plate of said housing; (iii) a light source mounted along one or more side faces of said light guide; (iv) a transparent and retroreflective license plate mounted on said first major side of said light guide; and wherein a cushioning layer is provided between said back plate of said housing and said light guide.
US08016463B2	Transom drain light Disclosed is an underwater lighting apparatus securable in the transom drain hole of a vessel. The apparatus is formed from a support structure having a chamber for housing at least one LED or the like lighting element. An outer surface of the support structure is sized and arranged to sealingly secure to the transom drain hole of a conventional boat to prevent water passage. The apparatus includes an internal power source, namely disposable cell batteries or a rechargeable cell, for providing power to the lighting element.
US08016462B2	Motorcycle adjustable light bar assembly A motorcycle light bar assembly has two light bar arms that are mountable to a mounting bracket secured on a structural member of the front fork of the motorcycle. Each of the two light bar arms is a mirror image of the other and includes a first portion that extends along an axis in an X direction and a second portion the curves off axis in a Y direction. The first portion of each of the light bar arms is mountable to the mounting bracket. A lighting component is connectable to a free end of each of the second portions of the two light bar arms. Mounted to the mounting bracket in a first configuration the free ends of the two light bar arms are positioned forward of the axis of the respective first portions. Mounted to the mounting bracket in a second configuration, the free ends of the two light bar arms are positioned rearward of the axis of the respective first portions. In both the first and second mounting configurations, mounting of the light bar arms to the mounting brackets is adjustable to vary a width of the light bar assembly defined by the free ends of the two light bar arms. A cover is mountable to the two light bar arms to hide the mounting bracket and first arm portions when they are in any of the aforementioned mounting configurations so as to give the light bar assembly the appearance of being a unitary light bar.
US08016459B2	Illuminating device incorporating optical lens An illuminating device includes a light source module for emitting light and an optical lens for adjusting the light. The light source module includes a reflecting unit and LEDs. The reflecting unit includes strip-shaped grooves each extending along a first direction. The LEDs are mounted on the reflecting unit in the grooves. The optical lens includes an array of lens units each including a main body, a light diverging portion and a light converging portion. The light diverging portion is for expanding a light field of the LEDs along the first direction. The light converging portion is for compressing the light field along a second direction. The reflecting unit is for further compressing the light field along the second direction.
US08016458B2	LED illumination device An LED illumination device includes a hollow lamp housing, an optical part having a light source, a circuit board and a heat dissipation part received in the hollow lamp. The optical part and the circuit board are located at front and rear ends of the lamp housing, respectively. The heat dissipation part is located between the optical part and the circuit board, and includes a cylindrical air guider, a heat sink and a cooling fan received in the air guider. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins. The light source is arranged on a heat absorbing surface of the base. The air guider includes an annular ring and a plurality of spaced vanes extending axially from the annular ring. The lamp housing defines a plurality of first and second air holes through a circumferential surface thereof corresponding to the air guider.
US08016455B2	Optical device for creating an illumination window An optical device for creating an illumination window includes radiation sources and an optical element. The optical element is arranged to create a substantially collimated radiation beam from radiation generated by the radiation sources, in which the radiation generated by the respective sources is substantially unmixed. The optical device further includes a first lens plate having first sub-lenses, in which each first sub-lens projects a part of the radiation beam at an illumination window, such that the projections of each first sub-lens at least partially overlap.
US08016454B2	Light emitting diode illuminator A light emitting diode illuminator includes at least one light source, a receiving seat and a power source arranged on the receiving seat for supplying currents to the at least one light source for causing the at least one light source emitting light. The receiving seat includes a panel and a back plate assembled to the panel. At least one receiving chamber is defined between the panel and the back plate. The receiving chamber defines an opening at a lateral side of the receiving seat. The at least one light source is mounted into the at least one receiving chamber via the opening of the receiving chamber. A block extends outwardly from the back plate to the opening of the receiving chamber to prevent the at least one light source from falling out from the at least one receiving chamber of the receiving seat.
US08016453B2	LED lamp assembly An LED lamp assembly includes a lamp supporter and an LED lamp supported by the lamp supporter. The LED lamp includes a lamp cover defining a first opening, a reflector received in the lamp cover and defining a second opening, a heat sink secured to a top of the lamp cover and a plurality of LED modules attached on the heat sink. The heat sink has a plurality of heat-conducting faces formed on a periphery thereof and the LED modules are attached on the heat-conducting faces to generate a wide illumination. The heat sink defines a through hole. Heat generated by the LED modules is absorbed by the heat-conducting faces and directly dissipated to an exterior through the first opening of the lamp cover. The first and second openings and the through hole of the heat sink are communicated with each other.
US08016452B2	Advertising displays Exemplary embodiments comprise static and dynamic advertising displays where the backlight is provided by any one of the following: LED's, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), field emitting display (FED), light emitting polymer (LEP), and organic electro-luminescence (OEL). The backlights for both the static and dynamic advertising displays may be constructed of multiple tiles of lights, such that a single tile may be replaced without having to replace the entire backlight assembly. The display may be mounted on a vertical surface, and components may be repaired or replaced without having to remove the entire display from its mounted position.
US08016451B2	Variable spot size lenses and lighting systems Improved lighting devices and methods are provided. In many embodiments, the devices and methods provide the capability to change a spot of light projected onto a target surface. In other embodiments, the devices and methods are fixed-focus. In one embodiment a lens can have a lens body with anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface can be adapted to receive light from a light source. The posterior surface can have a central portion and a peripheral portion. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the central portion of the posterior surface via refraction. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the peripheral portion of the posterior surface via both refraction and reflection at various surfaces of the lens.
US08016446B2	Optical plate and backlight module using the same An optical plate includes a first surface, an opposite second surface, a plurality of triangular pyramidal micro-depressions formed in the first surface, and a plurality of elongated arc-shaped depressions formed in the second surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.
US08016444B2	Washing machine having lamp device and control method of the same A washing machine and a method for controlling the same are provided. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a door on a front thereof, a tub in the cabinet that holds washing water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a gasket mounted to connect openings of the door and the tub, and a lamp device having light emitting devices (LEDs) mounted on the gasket providing light an inside the washing machine. The method for controlling the washing machine includes turning on the LEDs providing light to the inside of the washing machine upon receiving an order of turning on a lighting through an LED input device, and turning off the LEDs upon receiving an order of turning off the lighting through the LED input device after the turning on the LEDs.
US08016443B2	Remote-phosphor LED downlight An embodiment of a collimating downlight has front-mounted blue LED chips facing upwards, having a heat sink on the back of the LED chips exposed in ambient air. The LED chips are mounted in a collimator that sends their blue light to a remote phosphor situated near the top of the downlight can. Surrounding the remote phosphor is a downward-facing reflector that forms a beam from its stimulated emission and reflected blue light. The phosphor thickness and composition can be adjusted to give a desired color temperature.
US08016439B2	Solar simulator A solar simulator that simultaneously solves problems of high parallelism and high illuminance of emission light and increases uniformity of the emission light is provided.The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance: Instant application claims and discloses a solar simulator that allows light radiated from a light source to be incident on an integrator, allows light emitted from integrator to be incident on a collimation lens, and allows parallel light to be emitted from collimation lens when a circumradius of integrator is r, a parallelism angle of parallel light is .phi., and a focal distance of collimation lens is f=r/tan.phi., focal distance f is selected so parallelism angle .phi. becomes less than 2.5.degree., and when an emission angle of light emitted from integrator is .theta., a diameter of collimation lens is D, and a viewing angle of collimation lens when viewed from integrator is .theta.X=2.times.a tan (D/2f), emission angle .theta. is configured to be smaller than viewing angle .theta.X.The combination of limitations claimed is not found, taught or suggested by the prior art.
US08016436B2	Vehicle door mirror There is provided a vehicle door mirror capable of restraining whistling sounds produced by an airflow passing through a gap between a mirror base and a mirror housing when the vehicle is running. A vehicle door mirror is formed by rotatably supporting a mirror housing on a mirror base. A concave part is formed in a downward surface of the mirror housing that is rotated relative to the mirror base in a state in which the downward surface faces to an upward surface of the mirror base. Protrusions are formed in the entire region of the concave part. The protrusions project to a position close to the upward surface of the mirror base beyond the position of the outside portion of the concave part of the downward surface. The cross section of a front edge of the concave part is formed so as to be rounded.
US08016430B2	Mobile communication terminal having projector A radiation structure of a mobile communication terminal having a projector which rapidly dissipates heat generated from the projector and other elements built into the terminal. The mobile communication terminal includes a projector implementing an image-projection function, and a projector cover, which is composed of a heat conductive material such that at least one inner surface thereof is brought into close contact with the projector so as to dissipate heat generated from the projector to the outside of the terminal.
US08016422B2	Etendue maintaining polarization switching system and related methods Etendue maintaining polarization switching occurs, according to various embodiments, with a mirror that quickly transitions between two positions. Light having uniform polarization is transmitted to the mirror. Light reflected off of the mirror in one of the two positions has its polarization changed, whereas light reflected off of the mirror in the other of the two positions has its polarization maintained. Thereafter, the polarization-changed light and the polarization-maintained light easily may be recombined in an entendue-maintaining manner. Because the recombined light includes two different polarization states, stereoscopic images may be generated.
US08016411B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes a first transport belt group including endless belts arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting a transport direction of a printing medium, a second transport belt group including endless belts arranged so as to oppose the first transport belt group and configured to transport the printing medium while the printing medium is clamped between the first transport belt group and the second transport belt group, and a group of liquid ejecting heads provided between the endless belts of the first transport belt group or between the endless belts of the second transport belt group and configured to eject liquid onto the printing medium being transported.
US08016410B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus including a feeding device feeding a recording medium in a first direction along a first path, a recording portion disposed in the first path and located between an upstream and a downstream connecting portion of the first path to record an image on the medium, a second path connecting the downstream connecting portion to the upstream connecting portion, a path switching portion including a roller pair disposed downstream of the downstream connecting portion in the first direction and being capable of (i) ejecting the medium such that a first edge thereof is the leading edge, by rotating in a forward direction while the medium is nipped therebetween, and (ii) feeding the medium into the second path such that a second edge thereof opposite to the first edge is the leading edge, by rotating in a reverse while the medium is nipped therebetween.
US08016409B2	Printing system for cured 3D structures A printing system is provided having a plurality of printers, a conveyor for serially conveying a print medium past each printer so that voxels printed by the successive printer form successive layers of a three dimensional printed structure on the conveyed print medium, and a plurality of curing mechanisms between the printing devices for curing the printed voxels.
US08016406B2	Aqueous ink, aqueous ink set, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus, ink-jet recording method, and image-forming method An aqueous ink comprises water, a water-insoluble coloring material, and plurality of water-soluble organic solvents and the plurality of water-soluble organic solvents including a good medium or good mediums for the water-insoluble coloring material and a poor medium or poor mediums for the water-insoluble coloring material. The ratio of the content of the poor medium and the content of the good medium is in a specific range. A water-soluble organic solvent showing the maximum Ka value out of respective Ka values of the plurality of water-soluble organic solvents is the poor medium. When the aqueous ink is in contact with a specific reaction liquid, the dissolution state or dispersed state of the water-insoluble coloring material in the ink is made unstable. As a result, an image which has a sufficiently large area factor even with a small amount of ink droplets and is excellent in image density, bleeding resistance, and fixability can be obtained. In addition, the aqueous ink is excellent in storage stability.
US08016404B2	Pretreatment liquids, ink sets, ink-jet recording apparatus, methods of recording, and recording media A pretreatment liquid for ink-jet recording by applying the pretreatment liquid to a predetermined portion of a recording medium to form a pretreatment layer on the pretreatment portion in advance of dispensing at least one ink onto the pretreatment layer by an inkjet method, the pretreatment liquid includes fine particles and a solvent. Specifically, a contact angle between a surface of the pretreatment layer and the at least one ink is between about 12 degrees and about 25 degrees.
US08016396B2	Method for manufacturing liquid supply system, and liquid ejection apparatus A liquid retainer support is arranged in a body of a liquid ejection apparatus in an immovable manner or in such a manner as to allow reciprocation of the liquid retainer support. A liquid retainer is secured to the liquid retainer support. A liquid retainer chamber is defined in the liquid retainer in such a manner as to allow communication between the liquid retainer chamber and the atmospheric air. A liquid supply system of the liquid ejection apparatus is manufactured by blocking the liquid retainer chamber from the atmospheric air and connecting a liquid passage defining body to the liquid retainer for supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir to the liquid retainer chamber. The liquid passage defining body includes a liquid passage that communicates with the liquid reservoir. In this manner, the cost for manufacturing the liquid supply system is reduced.
US08016395B2	Device for controlling direction of fluid A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, the fluid control surface including a pattern that guides the fluid; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device by guiding the fluid using the pattern of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the pattern of the fluid control device such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device.
US08016393B2	Liquid transport apparatus and method for producing liquid transport apparatus A method for producing a liquid transport apparatus comprises positioning and joining a vibration plate formed with recesses and a flow passage unit formed with pressure chambers, detecting a positional deviation amount of the recess from a reference position in a predetermined direction, and forming an electrode having a length adjusted on the basis of the detected positional deviation amount. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the decrease in the pressure to be applied in the pressure chamber. Further, it is possible to appropriately discharge a liquid such as an ink or the like from a discharge port.
US08016391B2	Inkjet recording head and inkjet recording device The present invention provides an inkjet recording head and inkjet recording device which can eject a high viscosity ink at ordinary temperature. The inkjet recording head has a nozzle portion ejecting an ink drop; an ink flow path member including the nozzle portion; and a driving section moving the ink flow path member in an ink drop ejecting direction and an opposite direction. The driving section moves the ink flow path member in the ink drop ejecting direction, and applies inertia in the ejecting direction to internal ink by one of suddenly stopping the ink flow path member and moving the ink flow path member in the opposite direction, and makes the ink drop be ejected from the nozzle portion.
US08016388B2	Ink jet recording head An ink jet recording head is constituted by a recording element substrate provided with an energy generating element for generating energy for ejecting ink from an ink ejection outlet, an electric wiring member electrically connected with the recording element substrate, a mounting portion for mounting the recording element substrate, and an opening provided in the mounting portion. The electric wiring member penetrates through the opening.
US08016382B2	Inkjet printer and inkjet printing method The present invention provides an inkjet printer and an inkjet printing method, which enable an ink that overflowed to the outside from the edge of a printing medium to be fully absorbed by a platen. More specifically, the present invention provides an inkjet printer, including a platen, which absorbs a pigment ink that overflows to the outside of a printing medium when edgeless printing is carried out on the printing medium by using an ink that employs a pigment as a colorant, moving a printing head along a guide shaft, and ejecting the pigment ink from the printing head, and also an inkjet printing method, wherein the platen is impregnated with a humecant, a base, and the like.
US08016379B2	Printhead controller for controlling printhead on basis of thermal sensors A printhead controller is provided for supplying dot data to a printhead module having a plurality of nozzles for expelling ink. The printhead module includes a plurality of thermal sensors. Each of the thermal sensors is configured to respond to a temperature at or adjacent at least one of the nozzles. The printhead controller is configured to modify operation of at least some of the nozzles in response to the temperature rising above a first threshold. The printhead module is a thermal inkjet printhead module and each of the nozzles includes a thermal ink ejection mechanism. Each thermal sensor comprises at least part of one of the thermal inkjet mechanisms.
US08016377B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus has a head which includes, a plurality of nozzles each of which jets ink containing spacer beads dispersed therein on a substrate; a plurality of pressure chambers each of which communicates with each of the nozzles; and an plurality of electromechanical transducers which change a capacity of each of the pressure chambers by applying a voltage pulse, wherein the ink is jetted from each of the nozzles by applying to each of the electromechanical transducers the voltage pulse which includes a first pulse for increasing the capacity of the pressure chamber and then decreasing the capacity after a lapse of a predetermined time, wherein, when a half of an acoustic resonance period of a pressure wave in the pressure chambers is assumed as AL, a width of the first pulse is twice of the AL or more.
US08016376B2	Liquid cartridge and liquid ejecting system A liquid cartridge is detachable mounted in a liquid ejecting device and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting device when mounted. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid accommodating chamber, a float member movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber, a detection member that moves in conjunction with the float member and is subject to be detected by an external light detector, and a restricting portion that restricts movements of the float member and the detection member along a predetermined path. The detection member includes a light transmission section and first and second light blocking sections and moves past a predetermined detection position when moving the predetermined path. The liquid accommodating chamber includes wall sections that interpose the detection position therebetween, a portion of which has light transmissive characteristics so that light from the light detector can exit outside via the detection position. The detection member moves, in conjunction with the float member, from a first position where the first light blocking section is in coincidence with the detection position, to a second position where the light transmission section is in coincidence with the detection position, and finally to a third position where the second light blocking section is in coincidence with the detection position.
US08016373B2	Drawer A drawer can be displaced relative to a basic furniture structure, via a pull-out guide. The drawer has, on the opposite sides, in each case at least one gearwheel which meshes with a rack, secured on the basic furniture structure, and is coupled to a gearwheel on the opposite side. The racks can be extended in length in each case via a pivotable lever, in order to ensure that the drawer is also guided by the gearwheels in the pulled-out position. A pivotable lever can be disengaged from the meshing gearwheel in order for it to be possible to correct skewed positioning of the drawer. This ensures that the drawer is guided by the gearwheels over its entire displacement path.
US08016370B2	Storage system A storage device includes a framework (100) comprising upper (102′, 104′, 106′) members and lower (102, 104, 106) members connected together in a spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of struts (108). The storage device further includes a container-supporting arrangement (210) slidably mounted within the framework, the container-supporting arrangement being moveable between a retracted position configured to store a supported container within the framework, and an extended position configured to position at least part of the supported container outside the framework.
US08016369B2	Traction chain assembly for elastomeric tracks A traction chain assembly for providing improved traction to elastomeric tracks is provided. The traction chain assembly comprises two side brackets adapted to be mounted on each side of the track and generally to the drive lugs thereof. The traction chain assembly further comprises generally two laterally extending chains which are attached to the side brackets and which further extend at least partially over the traction lugs located on the outer surface of the track and over which the assembly is disposed. Some of the chain links of the chains of the traction chain assembly are also generally equipped with outwardly projecting grousers for increasing the traction thereof.
US08016367B2	Apparatus and method for controlling braking-force distribution in vehicle collision An apparatus and method for controlling a braking-force distribution in a vehicle collision is used in a vehicle including at least one electric storage device and at least one motor-generator for driving and braking. When the vehicle decelerates or stops in response to a brake operation, regenerative cooperative brake control is performed in which a braking force of a frictional brake is reduced or eliminated while a braking force of a regenerative brake applied by the motor-generator is increased by an amount corresponding to the reduction in the braking force of the friction brake. When the vehicle collides, the apparatus reduces the braking force of the regenerative brake applied by the motor-generator and increases the braking force of the friction brake.
US08016362B2	Occupant restraint apparatus An occupant restraint apparatus includes an anchor adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body, a lap belt having a tip side fixed to the anchor, and an inflatable portion formed at the tip side, an inflator for introducing gas from the tip side to inflate the inflatable portion, and a cover. The cover includes a first masking portion for covering the anchor, and a second masking portion formed separately from the first masking portion and attached to the first masking portion for covering at least the tip side of the lap belt.
US08016361B2	Composite seat back structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.
US08016357B2	Automatic rotation system for tilting seats of chairs or armchairs Disclosed is an automatic rotation system for tilting seats of chairs or armchairs, comprising a seat fastener having at least one holder formed by first and second parts rotatably coupled together; first and second conformations respectively attached to the first and second rotatably coupled seat fastener parts; and a spring incorporated between the first and second rotatably coupled seat fastener parts.
US08016354B2	Vehicle seat assembly with stand up position A seat assembly has a seat cushion that is pivotally mountable to a vehicle floor. The seat cushion is selectively movable between an operative condition and a standup condition. A seat back is pivotally mounted to the seat cushion and is selectively movably angularly relative to the seat cushion. A pair of hinges pivotally receives the seat back and is linked to the seat cushion, whereby movement of the seat cushion from the operative condition to the standup condition rotates the pair of hinges, generally aligning the seat cushion and the seat back when the seat cushion is tumbled forward.
US08016349B2	Motorized bicycle seatpost assembly A motorized bicycle seatpost assembly is basically provided with a first tube, a second tube, a motor and a movement mechanism. The first tube has a first end and a second end. The second tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second tube is open such that the second end of the first tube is telescopically disposed in the first end of the second tube. The motor is arranged in at least one of the first tube and the second tube. The movement mechanism is connected to the motor to change a relative axial position between the first and second tubes.
US08016346B2	Vehicle body A vehicle body of a motor vehicle has a central tunnel which is connected on its open lower side to at least one transverse bridge support. The bridge support is mounted to the lower side of bent limb portions of the central tunnel and is connected via at least two bolted connections, which are offset in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle, to a supporting bracket arranged on the upper side of the bent limb portions. The bridge support together with the supporting bracket faces an end side of the seat crossmember in an exposed manner. Furthermore, two bridge supports which are connected to each other via longitudinal struts can be provided on the central tunnel.
US08016338B2	Seat-form storage apparatus A seat-form storage apparatus for preventing a passenger from sitting on a portion for storage. A protruding part protruding from a vertical wall part toward a concave storage part is provided. The protruding part prevents sitting on the concave storage part.
US08016336B2	Mobile radiation therapy A mobile radiation therapy apparatus includes a vehicle cabin including driving controls for the vehicle cabin. A patient treatment compartment is rigidly attached to the vehicle cabin. A high dose rate radiation source configured to emit radiation is disposed within the patient treatment compartment. A patient treatment table is disposed within the patient treatment compartment and in proximity to the radiation source. A radiation shield is disposed around the patient treatment table, the radiation shield including a plurality of radiation shield sections rigidly attached to the patient treatment compartment and configured to substantially impede the radiation emitted from the radiation source.
US08016332B1	Method and apparatus for a crumple zone with selectable volume A container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is within the container. A plate is located within the container. An elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is located with the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to the plate. A first bumper is integral with the distal end of the elongated member. A first engagement mechanism is proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member. A first sensor is located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper. The sensor communicates with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed.
US08016329B2	Latch A latch is disclosed that can releasably secure a door or panel in a closed position. The latch includes a rotary pawl, a pawl catch, an actuating member, a pivotally movable handle, and a gear train for moving the pawl to provide compression in response to the movement of the handle to the closed position.
US08016325B2	Self-positioning adapting system between aircraft and preconditioned-air supply hose A system and method for connecting a traditional air chute to an air hose delivering preconditioned air to an aircraft includes an adapter system. The adapter system includes a flexible stage having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The adapter system also includes a rotational stage coupled to the flexible stage and having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The flexible stage is adjustable relative to the rotational stage to selectively move the hollow interior of the flexible stage between extending along a common axis through the air chute and the rotational stage and not extending along the common axis.
US08016323B2	Self-adhesive labels and method of manufacture thereof The self-adhesive label (3) is provided on a web of siliconised polyester liner (4) and has a base label (30) with an upper printable surface and a lower adhesive coated surface and at least one patch of release material (38) located between the base label (30) and the web of siliconised polyester liner (4). By forming the patches of release material (38) on the adhesive surface of the base label (30) and then applying a siliconised polyester liner (4) over the patches (38) and the exposed adhesive surface of the base label (30), the resultant self-adhesive label is more robust and as the siliconised polyester liner (4) has a substantially continuous upper surface, the risks of snagging as a result of edges and windows in the web of backing material is avoided.
US08016322B2	Composite wall structure, tank trailer formed therefrom and method of manufacturing same A composite wall structure formed from a plurality of layers. The composite wall structure can be used to form a composite storage tank having a tank cavity and a longitudinal axis. A composite tank trailer can be formed using the composite tank, a platform structure and a suspension and wheel assembly.
US08016321B2	Straddle type vehicle A straddle type vehicle with its fuel tank covered with a tank cover, in which misalignment between a filler opening on an upper part of the fuel tank and an orifice for exposing the filler opening out of the tank cover is restrained. The tank cover includes a center cover on which the orifice is formed, and right and left side covers molded separately from the center cover and disposed on right and left sides of the center cover for covering the fuel tank from the side.
US08016319B2	Vehicle occupant weight classification system A vehicle occupant classification system categorizes vehicle occupants into various classes such as adult, child, infant, etc. to provide variable control for a vehicle restraint system such as an airbag. The classification system utilizes sensors that are installed in various locations in the vehicle. The sensors are used to generate a three-dimensional profile for the vehicle occupant. Various factors can affect the accuracy of this three-dimensional profile. Fuzzy logic is used to reduce some of the inaccuracies by providing multiple decision levels for various stages of the classification. Inaccuracies are also caused by sensors shifting within the system from their original position. This condition creates offset and the system evaluates this offset and generates a correction factor to provide a more accurate three-dimensional profile. Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory is used to reduce complications and inaccuracies associated with seat occupant weight sensors that have mounting configurations that vary depending upon the vehicle.
US08016315B2	Modular binding for sports board Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
US08016314B2	Electronically controlled tow hitch assembly An electronically controlled tow hitch assembly for a vehicle is provided which has a controller for locking and unlocking the assembly. The assembly has a locking unit with a receiving aperture into which a connector attached to a flange for holding a load or trailer is inserted. The locking unit has a locking shaft that extends through the aperture of the unit and passes through a groove in the wall of the aperture and an aligned groove in the connector for locking. An electric motor with a reduction gearbox is utilized to lock and unlock the connector from the locking unit. A spring loaded safety pin is used for locking the locking shaft with the tip of the safety pin entering the aperture and locking the locking shaft in position. The locking unit has an activation switch that determines when the connector has been fully inserted into the unit.
US08016313B2	Tow rack A tow rack comprises a tongue releasably couplable to a towing vehicle and a beam assembly having a cradle for securing therein a tire of a towed vehicle. The beam assembly is couplable to the tongue and horizontally pivotable relative to the tongue. The beam assembly also comprises an anti-pivot mechanism to selectively prevent horizontal pivoting of the beam assembly relative to the tongue.
US08016311B1	Tricycle with front and rear steering A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.
US08016310B2	Wheelchair retrofit assembly with multiple dimensions of adjustment An assembly for attachment of a propulsion system to a wheelchair frame includes a clamp which remains fixed to the frame, while an attachment device that enables three dimensions of adjustability permits quick release of a main wheel and the propulsion system (e.g., lever drive, pushrim and motor drive) that propels the main wheel. The clamp includes a first alignment feature, such as a pin. A spring-loaded latch may also be included. The attachment device includes a second alignment feature, such as a hole or slot, configured to mate with the first. To permit alignment for a number of different wheelchair frame geometries, the attachment device is rotatable to provide angular adjustability, structured to permit lengthwise adjustability, and coupled using hardware which provides offset adjustability in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wheel.
US08016309B2	Running board for vehicle A running board assembly for mounting to a vehicle such as a truck includes an extruded running board body and a cover member. Advantageously the extruded running board body is made from an extrudable plastic and the cover member is advantageously made of a material having the desired exterior finish. The cover member may be metallic and have the appearance of a chrome or polished finish. The cover extends over the upper and outboard surface of the running board body to provide the desired appearance characteristics. The running board assembly is affixed to the vehicle by a plurality of mounting brackets.
US08016306B2	Vehicular suspension A suspension including a first support member and a second support member supporting an end portion of a suspension spring located on a side toward a vehicle body and an end portion of the suspension spring located on a side toward a suspension member, respectively, and a motion transmission mechanism adapted to convert a vertical motion of the suspension member to a relative motion in a form of a change in distance between the first support member and the second support member and to transmit the relative motion to one of the first and second support members. The transmission mechanism continuously and nonlinearly varies the ratio of the amount of motion of a motion transmission target to the amount of motion of a motion transmission source according to motion of the motion transmission source, thereby continuously and nonlinearly varying the ratio of the amount of the relative motion to the amount of motion of the suspension member according to the vertical motion of the suspension member.
US08016305B2	Height adjustment mechanism for baby walker A height adjustment mechanism for baby walkers includes a locating member disposed on the bottom of a top plate of a main body, a first side bar and a second side bar crossed pivoted with each other, and a movable control member arranged at the bottom end of the locating member and also connected with the first side bar. The locating member and a connection plate are respectively disposed with a locking part and at least one adjustment member, corresponding to each other. The control member is pivoted with a protection cover and a control button is disposed on the front side of the control member while a stopping part is arranged projectingly at the front end of the control button for stopping the protection cover and fixing the control member.
US08016304B2	Board sliding device for sliding on ground A sliding device for sliding on the ground down a sloped or inclined surface (grass, dirt, sand, synthetic turf, etc.) has an upper deck and a slide mechanism mounted below and in parallel with the upper deck. The slide mechanism has a slide base of an elongated planar member with opposite radiused ends, and an endless anti-friction belt entrained to slide around the slide base. A pair of outboard side rails is mounted on opposite transverse sides of the slide base extending longitudinally. Each side rail has a plurality of mounting cutouts in a row spaced along the length thereof for mounting a plurality of wheels on the outboard side of the side rail for making turns. The wheels are preferably mounted with rubber inserts in the cutouts to allow for slight deflection of the wheels upward and rearward for better tracking in a turn. The device may be used for sliding down a hill like a body board, boogie board, surfboard, sled, ski, or skateboard.
US08016303B1	Wheeled-vehicle dolly A dolly is particularly adapted to lift, support and maneuver a four-wheel vehicle. The dolly comprises an adjustable, generally U-shaped frame assembly for each vehicle tire. The frame assembly has pairs of reciprocally opposed first and second frame members adapted to be positioned adjacent opposite sides of a tire and to lift the vehicle by way of the tires. A castering wheel assembly supports the vehicle on a ground surface. The frame assembly is pivotably mounted on a tractor.
US08016297B2	Gas turbine engine seals and engines incorporating such seals Gas turbine engine seals and engines incorporating such seals are provided. In this regard, a representative seal includes: an annular seal body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the seal body extending along an axis of symmetry between a first end and a second end; the seal body being formed of a strip of material having first and second opposing edges, the strip of material being deformed to exhibit a first sealing surface at the first end, a second sealing surface at the second end, and a third sealing surface along the inner diameter, the first edge being located adjacent to the third sealing surface, the second edge being located adjacent to the second sealing surface; the first edge being spaced from the second edge to define an annular opening, the annular opening providing access to an annular cavity of the seal body.
US08016294B2	Sealing device A sealing device formed to seal between a fixed side member and a rotating side member, comprising a slinger having a fitting cylindrical part fitted to the rotating side member and a flange part formed at one end part of the fitting cylindrical part positioned on the outer side of a sealed portion so as to be extended in the radial direction. A core comprises at least a fitting cylindrical part fitted to the fixed side member. The sealing device is characterized in that one end part of the fitting cylindrical part positioned on the outer side of the sealed portion is projected outward more than the sealed portion side inner surface position of the flange part of the slinger and a part of a seal lip part is formed to be brought into elastically slidable contact with the extended end face of the slinger.
US08016292B1	Game machine A game machine includes a main frame standing on a supporting surface, a move assembly and a rack respectively disposed in the main frame. An operating unit and a slot unit are respectively disposed on the main frame. A prize dispensing hole is defined in the main frame. The moving assembly includes an X-axis drive unit, a Y-axis drive unit and a Z-axis push unit. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein and each room has a prize received therein. The player can control the X-axis drive unit and the Y-axis drive unit to make the Z-axis push unit linearly corresponding to one of the rooms for pushing the prize in the corresponding room such that the pushed prize falls into the prize dispensing hole and the player can take the fallen prize from the prize dispensing hole.
US08016291B2	Multifunction target actuator A multifunction target actuator allows a bullet target to be selectively presented to a shooter such that a first side may be presented, a second side opposite the first side may be presented, and the target may be oriented so as not to be presented to the shooter. The actuator allows for quick and accurate movement of the target.
US08016289B2	Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player.
US08016285B2	Sheet package and printing unit In a sheet package, the degree of stiffness of a side end portion on a side wall portion side making contact with a contact member in a storage portion of a printing unit is greater than the degree of stiffness of a side end portion on the side wall portion side that is pressed by a pressing guide member. Accordingly, when the sheet package is stored in the storage portion, even if the lid body is closed in a condition in which the sheet package is not loaded properly, that is, even if the side end portion of the sheet package is sandwiched between the lid body and the contact member, or a top face on the side on which the contact member is provided, the sheet package is never crushed and the sheet package can be correctly pushed into the storage portion by a pressing force of the lid body.
US08016284B2	Sheet feeding device and document reading device An operation of a pickup roller to be performed upon powering on or after paper jam elimination is adjusted according the presence or absence of a document on a document sheet support. When the document is absent on the sheet support, the pickup roller is moved down sufficiently and then moved up by a first distance to assume an upper limit position. When the document is present on the sheet support, the pickup roller is moved up by a second distance which is shorter than the first distance.
US08016282B2	Transport for singulating items A method of singulating overlapping items includes receiving the overlapping items in a singulation device, the device including a first transport element configured for rotation in a first direction and a second transport element in opposing relation to the first transport element, wherein the second transport element is configured for rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method further includes rotating the first transport element at a first transport speed, rotating the second transport element at a second transport speed substantially equal to the first transport speed, conveying the overlapping items between the transport elements along a transport path, decreasing the second transport speed to singulate the overlapping items, decreasing the first transport speed to reduce a speed of a lead item, and transporting the lead item away from the singulation device.
US08016279B1	Jaw assembly A jaw assembly to hold hooks when tying artificial lures and flies for fishing is disclosed. The jaw assembly utilizes jaw members with angled surfaces and a cam with an off-center pivot pin to open and close the jaws. A tension spring may be used to lessen the clamping force so that the angle of the hook shank can be adjusted before clamping it securely.
US08016277B2	Flexure based macro motion translation stage Described are flexure-based high precision positioning stages. The stages are constrained to motion along each axis by a system of symmetrical flexure linkages. The linkages may be formed of link coupled by flexure joints. Magnetic linear servomotors may provide motive force for the stages. In some embodiments, the stages may have no frictional contact joints.
US08016276B2	Incremental gear for bar clamp The invention relates to a clamping and/or spreading tool having a stationary jaw and a support to which the stationary jaw is fixedly connected. A push or pull rod is slideably supported on the support and a movable jaw is fixedly arranged on the push or pull rod, wherein the clamping and/or spreading tool is designed to displace the push or pull rod relative to the fixed jaw in an advance direction. The clamping and/or spreading tool further comprises at least one trigger with at least two lever configurations, wherein a mechanism for switching from a first lever configuration to a second lever configuration is provided. At least two active levers are engageable with the push or pull rod via at least one driver to displace the push or pull rod in an advance direction.
US08016275B2	Resilient vibration isolator having a plurality of bumps on an engagement surface thereof A dual-rate resilient isolator having a plurality of raised, generally conical bumps formed on an engagement surface thereof. The bumps in combination with a main body of the resilient isolator provide a dual-rate for isolating CRFM noise vibration and or other vibrations (via the relatively softer resiliency of the bumps) and isolating road vibration and shock (via the relatively harder resiliency of the main body) even though the bumps and the main body are composed of the same resilient material.
US08016273B1	Aerator An improved aerator for creating gas-enriched water in aquaculture bodies of water, as well as other shallow ponds and lagoons, comprising a dual diffuser system providing for a large bubble water-mixing phase coupled with a small bubble water-aeration phase.
US08016272B2	Retrievable diffuser module with truss construction A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each header pipe is equipped with a truss for enhanced structural strength and resistance to bending. The truss may take the form of a buoyancy/ballast pipe connected with the header pipe by purlins.
US08016270B2	Portable misting device An improved portable misting fan device of the type formed by a body carrying fan means for creating and moving a stream of air, the body further provided with a reservoir and having a power source for driving the fan means and electrical means for driving the power source which further includes a powered mist generator having driving means and an actuator for actuating the mist generator, the mist generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir and a mist nozzle adapted to receive a fluid mist from the mist generator and deliver the same into the air stream created by the fan means.
US08016266B2	Portable apparatus and method for lifting a vehicle that compensates for lateral motion of the vehicle A lift apparatus for lifting a structure includes a base, a bell crank pivotably coupled to the base, a coupling member for engaging a portion of the structure, pivotably coupled to the bell crank device via at least one lift member, and a longeron assembly having a pivoting apex and configured to pivot about the base. The apparatus also includes a biasing device having a first end pivotably coupled to the bell crank device for applying a force thereto, the bell crank device converting the first force to a second force and applying the second force to the coupling member via the lift member for lifting the structure. A movement of the structure is compensated by rotation of portions of the longeron assembly which repositions the apex, the bell crank, and lift arm to maintain the structure in the lifted position.
US08016264B2	Rotary-valve and adsorption separation system A rotary valve comprising sliding members for supplying treatment gas containing water vapor to a plurality of treatment processes is provided. The rotary valve comprises sliding members (1, 2; 4, 6), through which open flow passages (8, 9, 10), having sliding surfaces slidable to each other and a mechanical seal mechanism for switching the flow passages (8, 9, 10) while sealing fluid by preliminarily pressing the sliding surfaces, wherein the sliding surface of each sliding members (1, 2; 4, 6) is made of hydrophobic material (2, 4) different in hardness from the other.
US08016262B2	Motorized automate/manual push button system A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
US08016257B2	Trailer support safety stand The present invention relates to a trailer safety stand for temporarily supporting a conventional trailer having a landing gear, wherein the stand comprises a pedestal having a top for engaging the underside of the nose portion of a trailer and a bottom for engaging the ground; means for adjusting the height of the pedestal; a locking device for fixing the height of the pedestal; and means for actuating and de-actuating the locking device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the means for actuating and de-actuating the locking device is a lever that is pivotally connected to the pedestal at a first point along the lever and connected to the locking device at a second point along the lever. When a force is applied away from the pedestal at a third point along the lever, the locking device is actuated and the height of the pedestal is fixed. When a force is applied toward the pedestal at the third point along the lever, the locking device is de-actuated and the height of the pedestal is adjustable.
US08016252B2	Display support A display support includes a sliding module and a base module detachably connected to each other. The sliding module includes a first integral-formed frame and a second integral-formed frame movably disposed therein. When using the display support, the sliding module is joined in a receiving portion of the base module.
US08016250B2	Multipurpose portable ergonomic workstation A portable ergonomic workstation that is substantially a multiple purpose apparatus with applicable uses for small electronic repair, costume jewelry, factory assembly, hobbyists, craft workers, the physically challenged, etc. It includes a support frame that is attached to an arm rest base with an arm rest pad while accommodating multiple removable adjustable attachments that secure working materials. The apparatus allows optimal positioning of the upper body and the secured working materials. In one embodiment, the arm rest base attaches to incline extensions in an adjustable elevated pivotable position over the frame and attachments. This embodiment can also function as a standalone apparatus without attachments, in conjunction with existing non-ergonomic apparatuses or working materials. In another embodiment when a height adjustment is not desired or efficient the the support frame does not include the incline extensions.
US08016249B2	Shape-changing structure member with embedded spring A shape-changing structural member has a shape-changing material, such as a suitable foam material, for example a polymer foam capable of withstanding at least 300% strain or a metal alloy foam capable of withstanding at least 5% strain. Springs, such as one or more coil springs, provide structural support for the shape-changing material. The springs may also be used to provide forces to expand and contract the shape change material. The springs may include pairs of concentric springs, one inside of another. The concentric springs may surround an underlying skeleton structure that supports the shape-changing material and/or aids in changing the shape of the material. The concentric springs may or may not be wrapped around the underlying skeleton structure. Multiple springs or pairs of springs may be coupled together using a sheet metal connector.
US08016247B2	Plasma flow control actuator system and method A plasma actuator system and method especially well adapted for use on airborne mobile platforms, such as aircraft, for directional and/or attitude control. The system includes at least one plasma actuator having first and second electrodes mounted on a surface of an aircraft. The first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to a boundary layer flow path over the surface. A third electrode is mounted between the first and second electrodes and laterally offset from the first and second electrodes. A high AC voltage signal is applied across the first and third electrodes, which induces a fluid flow between the energized electrodes that helps to delay separation of the boundary layer. Applying the AC voltage across the second and third electrodes causes an induced fluid flow that creates the opposite effect of influencing the boundary layer flow to separate from the surface. A plurality of the actuators can be selectively placed at various locations on the aircraft, and selectively energized to provide directional control and/or attitude control over the aircraft.
US08016235B2	Cover for an aircraft access opening The invention relates to a cover for the access opening in a composite material aircraft structure, characterized in that it comprises the following elements: an outer cover (18) arranged on the outer part of the aircraft skin (28), the carbon fiber layers (14) forming the skin (28) being deformed towards the inner part of the aircraft structure, leaving enough space between the aircraft structure and the outer part of the skin (28) for the seating of the outer cover (18). a composite material plate (15) arranged in the outer part of the skin (28) and surrounding the area for installing the outer cover (18); an inner cover (27) arranged on the inner part of the aircraft skin (28).
US08016231B2	Force supporting device A force supporting device for assisting a force required to move a flap of an overhead baggage compartment from an open position to a closed position includes a blockable piston cylinder unit attached to the flap for assisting the force required to move the flap, and a triggering device for blocking and releasing the blockable piston cylinder unit as a function of loading of the flap.
US08016227B2	Non-handed engine cowl doors for fuselage mounted turbine engines An engine cowl door assembly is provided for fuselage mounted turbine engines to minimize manufacturing costs and part counts. In one embodiment, the engine cowl door assembly includes at least one non-handed engine cowl door, a pylon apron coupled to the fuselage of an aircraft and providing an attachment point for a first portion of the engine cowl door and a fairing coupled to the turbine engine and providing a latching point for a second portion of the engine cowl door to the turbine engine. The pylon apron, positioned on an inboard side of the turbine engine, and the fairing, positioned on an outboard side of the turbine engine, are identically shaped to provide interchangeability of the engine cowl door from a turbine engine mounted on a first side of an aircraft fuselage to a turbine engine mounted on a opposed second side of an aircraft fuselage.
US08016226B1	Vertical take off and landing aircraft system with energy recapture technology A fuselage has laterally extending wing-like structures. The wing-like structures have an aperture. A can is positioned in the aperture. The can has an axle. The axle rotatably couples the can to the aperture. The can has an upper cylindrical section and a lower rectilinear section. A multi-blade rotor is rotatably mounted in the upper section. A battery of airfoils is pivotally mounted in the lower section.
US08016225B2	Damage resistant aircraft Integration of structure and aerodynamic shape results in a Damage Resistant Unmanned Aircraft, Capable of surviving ground handling and impacts with plants, wires, solid objects and water. The structure dismantles for transport and storage into a small space, that is resistant to damage. The aerodynamic arrangement has a improved ability to fly controllably in the gusty environment that causes difficulty for small light weight aircraft. A method of mounting pneumatic and fabric shapes onto a Damage Resistant Aircraft with parts facilitating a round structure. Use of the pneumatic shapes to adjust the length and stiffness of the post. The post produces tension on the structure that It presses against. Inflatable post ends and an attachment system. Multi piece removable wing tips which allow deflation, access and small folding volume of the inflatable structure. All tension rudders are formed inside the net structure where it is protected from damage.
US08016223B2	Process and apparatus for loading and unloading an unwinding machine This core plugging station relates generally to preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. The core plugging station improves the automation of moving rolls of sheet form material and the like to be loaded in preparation for unwinding. When a previously loaded roll has been unwound a spent core station disposes of the remaining core. The process sequentially moves rolls of material having cores from a core plugging station to an unwinding station and sequentially moves spent rolls of material from the unwinding station back to a spent core station.
US08016220B2	Mill liner assembly A liner assembly for use in a grinding mill, the liner assembly including a liner body including a mounting member, and an elastomeric cushioning member operatively connected to the mounting member. The cushioning member includes a plurality of support cavities therein, and a plurality of wear elements mounted within the support cavities.
US08016219B2	Impact crusher wear components including wear resistant inserts bonded therein A wear component for use in an impact crusher having a forward depression on the face of the wear component which is exposed to aggregate wear. Wear resistant inserts, for example cemented tungsten carbide inserts, are bonded within the forward depression to prevent rapid abrasion of the wear component. Joints are formed between wear resistant inserts and joints are also formed between wear resistant inserts and the wear component. Bonding material fills the joints to further secure the wear resistant inserts and to prevent crack propagation.
US08016218B1	Linear specimen shaker Disclosed is a linear shaker apparatus capable of effectively mixing a wide variety of large volume liquid samples that provides a near linear mixing motion so as to allow for the easy break up of solids suspended in the fluid sample. The longer shaking distances and slower operating speeds employed by the linear shaker described herein, which resembles the motion a scientist or lab technician might employ when shaking such a vial by hand, does not lend itself to the electromagnetic technique employed in various prior art shakers. The linear shaker described herein employs an electric motor and linkage that allows varying the speed and stroke of the mixing operation to accommodate different laboratory protocols.
US08016216B2	Mobile oil sands mining system A relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system is provided for preparing an aqueous oil sand slurry amenable to pipeline conveyance while producing minimum overall rejects, comprising (a) a relocatable rotary digester for slurrying oil sand and water and digesting oil sand lumps to form a pumpable slurry, the rotary digester having a feed end for receiving oil sand and water, a slurrying chamber comprising a plurality of lifters for slurrying the oil sand and water, and a trommel screen end for screening out oversize rejects from the oil sand slurry which falls through the trommel screen; and (b) a relocatable rejects recirculation unit operably associated with the rotary digester for receiving oversize rejects and delivering the rejects back to the rotary digester for further digestion. In a preferred body, relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system further comprises a rejects crusher for crushing oversize rejects prior to delivering rejects back to the rotary digester.
US08016214B2	Fuel injection valve and method for forming orifice thereof A fuel injection valve comprises a convex portion prominently formed on an outer end surface of a nozzle body, stepped recesses each of which has plural steps formed by press forming on the convex portion, and multi orifices as fuel nozzle holes formed by press forming so that an outlet of each of the orifices is located at a bottom face of each of the stepped recesses. Furthermore, the fuel injection valve has plural sets each of which comprises one of the stepped recesses and the relevant orifice, the orifices incline to each other, and a step on a downstream side in each of the stepped recesses has a larger diameter than a step on an upstream side thereof.
US08016202B2	Archiving printed content A system for printing a greeting card on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the greeting card on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.
US08016201B2	Authorized sample receiver In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an authorized sample receiver (ASR) comprises a processor that is configured to verify biometric sample data in order to create registered biometric sample data. The ASR may also comprise a communications device configured to receive a transaction request from an RF transaction device, wherein the transaction request comprises transaction biometric sample data, a reload protocol update request, and an RF device identification code. The ASR may also be configured to authorize the transaction request in response to the transaction biometric sample data substantially matching the registered biometric sample data. The ASR may further comprise a reload protocol data file associated with the device identification code, and the reload protocol data file may be configured to be updated in accordance with the reload protocol update request.
US08016198B2	Alignment and non-alignment assist images Various apparatus and methods relating to the use of alignment assist images and non-alignment assist images for capturing images of one or more targets are disclosed.
US08016196B2	Decoder board for an optical reader utilizing a plurality of imaging formats The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.
US08016191B2	Smartcard transaction system and method A method for facilitating biometric security in a smartcard-reader transaction system is provided. The method includes determining if a transaction violates an established rule, such as a preset spending limit. The method also includes notifying a user to proffer a biometric sample in order to verify the identity of said user, and detecting a proffered biometric at a sensor to obtain a proffered biometric sample. The method additionally comprises verifying the proffered biometric sample and authorizing a transaction to continue upon verification of the proffered biometric sample.
US08016186B2	Automated teller machine having a cassette apparatus An automatic teller machine (ATM) has a cassette apparatus, detachably accommodated in a cassette accommodating space of the ATM, for storing the cheques endorsed by a printing unit therein. The cassette apparatus includes a storage cassette for stacking the cheques in a cheque storage position thereof, a transfer unit for transferring the cheques provided thereto, a cassette driving unit for driving the transfer unit when the storage cassette is accommodated into the cassette accommodating space, and a stacking unit installed in the cassette accommodating space for taking out the cheques transferred to a designated position and stacking the cheques on the cheque storage position.
US08016182B2	Wire loop, semiconductor device having same and wire bonding method A wire loop includes a wire connecting a first bonding point and a second bonding point therethrough, wherein an additional wire loop is formed after wire bonding at the second bonding point without cutting the wire and the additional wire loop is bonded to the second bonding point or to the vicinity thereof while part of the wire is crushed.
US08016181B2	Method of producing electro-optical device using anisotropic conductive adhesive containing conductive particles to bond terminal portions and electro-optical device A method of producing an electro-optical device for electrically connecting a first terminal portion provided on an electro-optical panel to a second terminal portion of a substrate includes applying an anisotropic conductive adhesive containing conductive particles made of a low-melting-point material onto either the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion, and electrically connecting the first terminal portion to the second terminal portion by eutectic bonding by melting the conductive particles by application of heat in thermocompression bonding of the second terminal portion to the first terminal portion with the anisotropic conductive adhesive therebetween.
US08016180B2	Thermode cleaning method A method for cleaning a thermode tip including applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip. The energy pulse involves raising the temperature of the thermode tip higher than the working temperature of the thermode tip. A method for cleaning a thermode tip may include periodically performing a predetermined number of soldering cycles at a working temperature; and applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip.
US08016177B2	Staple buttress retention system A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.
US08016176B2	Surgical stapling instrument with independent sequential firing An end effector for a surgical fastener applying instrument including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes first and second cartridges each containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, wherein each of the first and second cartridges is configured to move independently with respect to the first jaw member between a proximal position and a distal.
US08016173B2	Bag for carrying concrete finishing tools An apparatus for carrying concrete finishing tools comprised of: a front panel, a rear panel, first and second side panels, and a bottom in which the front panel, rear panel, side panels, and bottom form an inner compartment with having an opening to allow access to the inner compartment, a flap extending over the opening, a locking mechanism for temporarily securing the flap to the front panel, at least one shoulder strap to allow the user to carry the apparatus without using their hand(s), and a divider separating the inner compartment into first and second portions.
US08016171B2	Vehicle article carrier having single sided release cross bar A vehicle article carrier system incorporating at least one single sided release cross bar assembly. The cross bar assembly includes first and second end support assemblies. Detachment or adjustable positioning of the cross bar assembly is made by a user engaging a locking element in a first one of the end support assemblies and moving a cross bar of the cross bar assembly linearly, telescopically slidably into a second one of the end support assemblies. This causes a release of tension provided by a biasing element in the second end support assembly, thus enabling the entire cross bar assembly to be removed from the side rails. The single biasing element in the second cross bar assembly provides a constant tension on latching elements mounted in each of the first and second end support assemblies, which maintain each of the assemblies in locking engagement with the side rails.
US08016170B2	Garment hanger having single handed locking device and method therefor A garment hanger has a pair of clamping members. Each clamping member comprises a pair of planer end sections and a central curved section attached to the pair of planer end members. The pair of end sections of a first clamping member will touch a corresponding pair of end sections of a second clamping member and the central curved section of the first and second clamping members form an elongated oval when the pair of clamping members is placed together in a closed position. A locking device is attached to the central curved section of the first and second clamping members. The locking device secures the pair of clamping members together. When pressure is applied to the locking device, the locking device forces opens and separates the pair of clamping members. A hook assembly is attached to the locking device.
US08016169B2	Distributor of natural antagonists or the like The present invention relates to a device to be used for the mechanized distribution of natural antagonists for the treatment of crops grown in greenhouse or in open field, under organic and/or integrated regimen, improving uniformity of distribution and concomitantly reducing the time spent in the distribution, with respect to other known systems in the current state of the art.
US08016168B2	Dispense valve A dispense tap for a frozen beverage machine has a transition section defining a tapered bore with an inlet for frozen beverage from a freeze barrel of the machine and an outlet for frozen beverage controlled by a valve operable by a handle. The handle is rotatable to allow frozen beverage to flow from the transition section through a dispense cavity in the valve for exiting the tap. The outlet has a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the inlet which prevents ice conglomerating and forming a plug in the bore of the transition section.
US08016164B2	Low height precompression pump A low height precompression pump having a piston with a lower outwardly flaring lip seal and an inwardly flaring lip seal rimming a central aperture of the piston, and which may include a first elastic member housed in the cylinder and a second elastic member having an upper bearing point applied directly on the plunger rod above an upper retention cover.
US08016154B2	Sensor dispenser device and method of use Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.
US08016153B2	Method and apparatus for attaching a lid to an insulated container A connecting device for attaching a lid to an insulated container. The connecting device has a barb arranged and configured to be inserted into a socket and to engage the walls of the socket upon rotation. The barb may engage the walls of the socket by displacing material or engaging receptors, such as threads, in the socket. The geometry of the barb is such that, after rotation, the barb remains connected to the body and lid without the aid of screws, rivets, or other means. The connecting device may also have a sliding or other connector for connecting the connecting device to the lid. The connector may be in the shape of a dovetail and the lid may have a recess configured to receive the dovetail.
US08016152B2	Container sidewall connector An improved structural panel and connector sidewall construction is presented. While maintaining the benefits of standard structural panel designs, a two post connector construction achieves many benefits of traditional sidewall designs, including simplified replacement of damaged panels. The novel sidewall construction also achieves the important objective of providing smooth trailer walls without rivets and minimal recesses, protrusions and snag points. The easy panel replacement of the novel sidewall construction is achieved by utilizing interlocking posts as connectors. An interior post and an exterior post interlock to form a panel connector. Adhesive is also used to secure the posts together, and the strength of the adhesive bond is aided by the posts having a substantial area of contact with each other. The posts of the panel connectors may be designed to be easily separable by bonding the two posts together with a thermally degradable adhesive. Because the posts are connected by interlocking features and adhesives, rivets are unnecessary, and a smooth inner surface for the container is provided.
US08016150B1	Used cooking grease disposal and storage device A grease disposal and storage system for the efficient and safe disposal of hot grease and unhealthy fats from food items. The grease disposal and storage system generally includes a container including a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined within the container. A receptacle is positioned within the cavity of the container. A support is positioned within the cavity, wherein the support is positioned near an opening of the receptacle. A funnel is positioned within the cavity, wherein the funnel is stabilized by the support. The funnel is aligned with the opening of the receptacle so as to guide a disposable substance through the funnel and into the receptacle.
US08016149B2	Communications box A communications box for use beneath the surface of a track or artificial turf in an athletic field. The communications box has includes a base two major sides, and two minor sides. A partition is located between the major sides and generally parallel to the minor sides. The partition is secured to partition brackets. A cover bracket is located below the top edge of the major sides. Stud nuts are affixed to the outside of the major sides and minor sides. Stud bolts which engage the stud nuts retain the cover bracket and the partition bracket in place. Bolt holes for the stud bolts in the cover bracket are in pairs to permit the partition and the cover bracket to be raised and lowered for use with a turf cover under artificial turf and with a track cover under a track.
US08016148B2	Necked-in can body and method for making same A metal container is described. The metal container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has an enclosed bottom and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the enclosed bottom portion. The cylindrical sidewall has a diameter and is centered about a longitudinal axis. The upper portion has a circumferential shoulder portion, a circumferential neck and an open end. The shoulder is integral with an uppermost portion of the cylindrical side wall and is smoothly tapered radially inwardly. The circumferential neck extends upwardly and radially inwardly from an uppermost portion of the circumferential shoulder. The open end is connected to the circumferential neck and has threads for threadable attachment to a closure member.
US08016142B2	Vent valve assemblies for baby bottles A vent valve, and a vent valve assembly, for a liquid dispensing container, employ a vent disc having small open vent holes in cooperation with an overlying thin flexible flap that covers and closes the vent holes to limit liquid pressure on the holes when the container is upright, yet require little suction pressure to move the flap to draw liquid or vent through the holes. The vent valve can be used in a bottom cap that is attachable to the bottom open end of the container. The vent valve assembly includes such a bottom cap, a sealing member for sealing the bottom cap to the container, and a vent valve. The vent valve and/or bottom cap have an elevated vent disc and a top portion having the thin flexible flap.
US08016138B2	Hanger retainer device, system, and methods for retaining hangers on a rod A hanger retainer for securing hangers to a garment-supporting rod. The hanger retainer generally includes first and second side portions spaced apart from each other, a hooked portion extending from at least one of the side portions, and first and second retaining portions extending between the side portions. The hooked portion is designed to hook around a garment-supporting rod such that the first retaining portion is spaced a first distance from the rod, and the second retaining portion is spaced a second distance less than the first distance from the rod. The hanger retainer is rotated about the rod from a first position in which a hanger is received between the side portions on the hanger rod, and a second position in which the hanger is secured to the rod, thereby enabling transport one or more hangers on the rod without concern that the hangers may fall from the rod.
US08016131B2	Display tray Tray units adapted to be mounted on and extend from the front edges of conventional display shelves for supporting and displaying merchandise are provided with mounting support means which attach the tray to the display shelf. The support means includes a first member which extends horizontally from the back side of the tray and a plurality of posts which depend from the first member and extend parallel therewith and rearwardly therefrom. The tray may be simply attached to and supported from the front edge of the shelf by inserting the posts into holes in the shelf so that the first member rests on the top surface of the shelf and the posts rest on the bottom surface of the shelf.
US08016128B2	Wheeled pusher system A wheeled pusher system is provided. Situated upon a retail merchandise shelf is pusher assembly interposed between a pair of partition walls for facing retail merchandise. Various improvements are disclosed including the incorporation of wheels with the pusher assembly to reduce jamming and drag as the pusher assembly faces retail merchandise, a single and separate mounting rail to facilitate easier assembly of the system, and a ramped product support surface integral to the partitions to more effectively face the retail merchandise.
US08016127B1	Device for storage of shoes A shoe storage device adapted for deployment upon a horizontal support surface has upper and lower elongated insert members positioned one above the other in vertical alignment for securing a pair of shoes. The upper shoe is held upside down and both shoes point in opposite directions.
US08016126B1	Cabinet structures resistant to racking deformation for rack mounted computing systems Cabinet structures resistant to racking deformation for rack mount computing systems are disclosed. The cabinet structure may generally include a first and a second side wall each extending between a front side and a rear side. The first side wall includes a first front corner post, a first rear corner post, and two first rails each extending between the first corner posts, at least one of the first rails being a first angled rail having a first angled face with a first outer edge and a first recessed edge recessed from an exterior surface of the first corner posts relative to the first outer edge, the first angled face further having two first end edges each extending between the first outer and recessed edges, the two first end edges being at an angle less than 90° relative to the exterior surface of the first corner posts and being substantially attached to the first corner posts. The second side wall may include a second front corner post and a second rear corner post.
US08016124B2	Thin film gas separation membranes A gas separation membrane comprises a blend of polyethersulfone (PES) and aromatic polyimide polymers that may comprise a plurality of first repeating units of formula (I), wherein X1, X 2 and X3 are herein defined.
US08016123B2	Filter element with active carbon coating A filter element has a first filter layer that has an active carbon layer, a top cover layer connected to the active carbon layer and a bottom cover layer connected to the active carbon layer opposite the top cover layer, wherein the first filter layer is folded to a first bellows. At least one second filter layer having an active carbon layer, a top cover layer connected to the active carbon layer and a bottom cover layer connected to the active carbon layer opposite the top cover layer is provided. The at least one second filter layer is folded to a second bellows. The first and second bellows are folded identically. The at least one second filter layer is arranged on the first filter layer in a positive-locking way by fold alignment of the first and second bellows to form a composite of filter layers.
US08016121B2	Droplet separator system Disclosed is a droplet separator system which is disposed in or on a flow duct and is used for separating liquid and/or solid particles from the medium flowing in the flow duct. The system comprises a frame with a base plate, a cover plate, and a trough that is located at the bottom end of the frame and is used for collecting and discharging liquids/solids, a cap area and a lateral area. A plurality of profiled droplet separators (3) is retained by the frame. The frame is provided with at least one device for deflecting and/or increasing the resistance and/or reducing the rate of the flow, the device being arranged in and/or adjacent to the trough area, cap area and/or lateral area of the frame. This allows entrainments or leakage flows to be largely eliminated.
US08016119B2	Apparatus and method for separating plastic film from waste In an apparatus for separating plastic film material from waste, a plurality of hooks is mounted on a hook carrier for circulating the hooks along a trajectory through an engagement area near a supply track and through a disengagement area downstream of the engagement area. The engagement area is located higher than the supply track and/or in supply direction beyond the downstream end of the supply track, such that, in operation, a remainder of the waste passes by the trajectory of the hooks without contacting the hooks. The hooks project from the drum via openings in the circumferential surface of the drum and are retractable into a circumferential surface of the drum. A method for separating plastic film material from waste is also described.
US08016118B2	Digger sifter with ergonomic handle A sifter device includes a proximal end having an arm support ring through which a user's hand and lower arm passes. A pair of elongated arms is arranged on opposite sides of the arm ring. A basket scoop, having a cutting edge, is arranged at a distal end of the device for scooping a medium that contains a detected metallic object that is retrieved. A grip is arranged along the pair of elongated member and includes an end that extends beyond the elongated members to be used in hanging the device from an article of clothing during metal detecting search activities when not digging or sifting in the medium. For example, an operator's belt or pants pocket may be used to hang the device from an article of clothing when not in use, preferably on the back pocket out of the way of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector.
US08016110B2	Air packaging product An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each consisting of at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
US08016107B2	Holder for portable electronic device A holder for portable electronic devices is provided. The holder seats the portable electronic device upon a tray, and secures the device in such position preferably via a compression fit where the walls of the tray engage against and hold the edges of the device. The holder further provides a user the ability to adaptably position the display of the device relative to vertical or horizontal surfaces through use of a mounting assembly and support assembly that are connected to the back side of the tray.
US08016102B2	Conveyor chain for mining machinery A chain for a conveyor comprising an elongated base means (8, 9) having a bottom and upstanding side guides or flanges (11, 12) is provided. The chain is a continuous chain adapted to be driven so that one of its spans moves longitudinally along the upper surface of the base means bottom (10) and between side guides or flanges in a conveying direction so as to advance the material being conveyed. The chain comprises a plurality of Y-shaped connector links (20) and a plurality of flight arms connecting links (34) having arms attached thereto and normally extending substantially transversely of the conveying direction. Adjacent elements (41) are joined together by a series of bearing and retaining pins (30, 31) so as to permit vertical and horizontal articulation. The flight arms are attached to the flight arm connecting links (34) independently of the main bearing pins (30) that hold the various links of the chain together.
US08016100B2	Module for a conveyor mat, modular conveyor mat and conveyor A conveyor, comprising a modular conveyor mat (2) driven by sprocket wheels (19), wherein the conveyor mat is driven by the sprocket wheel on the hinge pins (9). The modular conveyor mat comprises a number of modules (1) successive in conveying direction, which are each provided with a body part extending transversely to the conveying direction and having rows of hinge loops (6) reaching forward and rearward in the conveying direction, wherein the hinge loops of successive modules cooperate and are coupled using hinge pins.
US08016098B2	Snowthrower belt-driven chute rotation system Embodiments of the invention provide a belt-driven chute rotation system for a snowthrower having a chute and an engine. The chute rotation system includes a chute rotation mechanism rotating the chute around a first axis of rotation. The chute rotation system includes an actuation mechanism having a belt and at least one pulley. The belt moves substantially continuously when the engine is running. The at least one pulley moves from a first position adjacent to the belt to a second position engaging the belt. The at least one pulley is coupled to the chute rotation mechanism.
US08016095B2	Device for offloading capped vials useful in system and method for method for dispensing prescriptions An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes: at least one chute including a receiving section and a pick-up section. The receiving section and the pick-up section are divided by an inlet. The receiving section has a concave sloping ramp and side walls. The pick-up section has a trough with a floor that slopes relative to a horizontal surface and a front wall at one end of the trough. The inlet is defined by a rear wall and the upper edge of the trough. The chute also includes dividers mounted to and rising above the trough and attached to the rear wall. The inlet and dividers are configured and positioned such that an object as defined in UL 61010A-1, 1740 cannot pass through the inlet from the trough.
US08016088B2	Damping mechanism A damping mechanism (1) that generates a damping force in response to a liquid flow between a first liquid chamber (R1) and a second liquid chamber (R2) comprises a partitioning member (2) separating the first liquid chamber (R1) and the second liquid chamber (R2) and a flow passage (P) formed in the partitioning member (2) to connect the first liquid chamber (R1) and the second liquid chamber (R2). The flow passage (P) comprises an odd number of through-holes (10-14) greater than three which penetrate the partitioning member (2) and are connected in series. A large amount of frictional energy loss due to a long path length occurs in the flow passage (P) and causes the damping mechanism (1) to generate a sufficient damping force.
US08016087B2	Fluid damper In a fluid damper that autonomously changes a damping force in accordance with movement of a piston, the fluid damper having: a fluid 8 having magnetic properties; a piston 2 formed of a magnetic material; a cylinder 3 that encapsulates the fluid 8 having magnetic properties and accommodates the piston 2; a piston rod 4 that pierces the cylinder 3 to support the piston 2; a magnetic field generation device 6 provided outside the cylinder 3; a first yoke 5 arranged around the cylinder 3; and a second yoke 7 arranged around the piston rod 4 outside the cylinder 3, a magnetic circuit is partially formed.
US08016086B2	Friction lining A method for the production of a friction lining. The friction lining is produced in alternating layers wound in a helical shape and a star shape.
US08016085B2	Disk brake, in particular for commercial vehicles, and hold-down spring of such a disk brake The invention relates to a disk brake, particularly for commercial vehicles, comprising a hold-down spring (2) for holding down a force transmission device of the disk brake, wherein the hold-down spring comprises a first holding region (4) having a first support device for support on a hold-down device in the one circumferential direction of the brake disk of the disk brake and having a second support device for support on the hold-down device in the other circumferential direction of the brake disk. The hold-down spring comprises a second holding region (5) having a third support device for support on a hold-down device in the one circumferential direction of the brake disk and having a fourth support device for support on the hold-down device in the other circumferential direction of the brake disk. The first holding region is located symmetrically to the second holding region in regards to an axis of symmetry of the hold-down spring that is provided transversally to the longitudinal extension of the hold-down spring.
US08016084B2	Brake pad for a disc brake A brake pad for a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, has a pad retaining spring which is configured as an arcuate leaf spring and is held in a manner which is secured captively and can be deflected radially on a lining carrier plate of a brake pad which carries a friction lining. The pad retaining spring is connected in a form-fitting manner to the pad carrier plate by a hood which is fastened to the pad retaining spring.
US08016079B1	Fold out sawhorse with pivotable, cantilevered support members A sawhorse having a pair of legs supporting a beam and a pair of corresponding cantilevered support member with each hingedly attached across the beam members whereby the legs can be divergently extended with a spanner fastened to opposing legs restricting the angular separation. The user selectively moves one or both of the fold outs as needed creating a desired work surface on a horizontal plane.
US08016072B2	Composite headliner with improved acoustic performance A composite headliner material allows sound waves originating within a vehicle to penetrate deeply into the headliner where all of a significant portion of their energy is absorbed rather than reflected back into the vehicle. The coverstock sheet is backed by a multilayer material with a foam core coated above and below by a fibrous glass mat impregnated with an adhesive with scrim layers above and below glass mat layers.
US08016063B2	Structure for mounting power supply apparatus on vehicle A structure for mounting a power supply apparatus on a vehicle includes a driver's seat and a passenger's seat installed within a vehicle compartment and aligned in the vehicle width direction, an instrument panel provided at the vehicle front inside the vehicle compartment and equipped with electronics, a battery pack assembly located between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, and wire harnesses electrically connected to the battery pack assembly. The vehicle front side and the vehicle upper side of the wire harnesses face the battery pack assembly. With the above-described configuration, there is provided a structure for mounting a power supply apparatus on a vehicle where the electronics provided at the instrument panel are appropriately protected from an electromagnetic wave.
US08016060B2	Vehicle A vehicle has a drive wheel, a seat, an attitude sensor, a balancer movable relative to the seat, a drive control, an attitude control for controlling the attitude of the seat by moving the balancer and a main controller. The main controller calculates a torque T1 for tilting the seat and a torque T2 for moving the balancer forward, compares T1 with T2max (the maximum torque which can be generated by the balancer), and outputs commands to the drive control and the attitude control. When the calculated torque T1 exceeds T2max, responsive to a command for T2max, the attitude control moves the balancer to generate a reaction torque corresponding to T2max, and the main controller supplies an adjustment torque value T3 for the drive wheel. The drive control controls the drive wheel in accordance with the drive command and the adjustment torque value T3.
US08016051B2	Drilling apparatus and method for drilling wells A device for boring a well. The device is attached to a motor that has a power shaft for imparting rotational movement. The device includes a driver operatively connected to the power shaft, with the driver containing a cylindrical body, a first bit having a first end connected to the driver so that rotational movement of the driver is imparted to the first bit, and a sleeve disposed about the power shaft. The device further includes a housing disposed about the driver, and a second bit attached to the housing. Through engagement of cogs and pinions, rotation of the first bit in a first direction using the driver causes counter rotation of the second bit in an opposite direction, significantly reducing or eliminating reactive torque produced during drilling.
US08016049B2	Method and apparatus for installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth In a method of installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth, a channel is formed in the earth by means of a pushing device, thereby causing a compression of the earth as a result of earth being displaced, and inserting a borehole heat exchanger in the channel, causing an elastic component of the earth to move toward the heat exchanger as the earth relaxes in order to provide an intimate contact between the earth and the heat exchanger. Installation of the borehole heat exchanger in elastically displaced earth ensures not only a stable and lasting securement of the heat exchanger in the earth but also the intimate contact between earth and heat exchanger wall so important for heat exchanger.
US08016047B2	Electrical power tool with anti-vibration mechanisms of different types An electrical power tool includes a motor, a casing, a casing, a piston, an intermediate shaft, a motion conversion mechanism, and a plurality of types of anti-vibration mechanism. The motor has a drive shaft. The casing accommodates at least the motor. The piston is driven by a rotary motion of the drive shaft. The intermediate shaft extends parallel to the drive shaft and is driven to rotate by the rotary motion of the drive shaft, the intermediate shaft defining an axial direction. The motion conversion mechanism is disposed on the intermediate shaft and is capable of moving in association with the intermediate shaft for converting the rotary motion of the drive shaft to a reciprocating motion. The motion conversion mechanism includes a first motion conversion mechanism that is connected to the piston and moves the piston in a reciprocating motion in directions substantially parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate shaft. The plurality of types of anti-vibration mechanism is accommodated in the casing.
US08016041B2	Treatment for recycling fracture water gas and oil recovery in shale deposits A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.
US08016037B2	Drilling rigs with apparatus identification systems and methods Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to devices and methods for energizing and detecting a wave-energizable apparatus on an item movable with respect to a working surface of a drilling rig. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes at least one mat adapted to be positioned on a working surface of a drilling rig and a plurality of spaced-apart energizing apparatuses operatively coupled to the at least one mat. Additionally, each of the plurality of spaced apart energizing apparatuses of the disclosed device is adapted to energize a wave-energizable apparatus attached to an item that is movable adjacent to the mat and relative to the working surface.
US08016017B2	Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.
US08016014B2	Combination garage door and roll-up curtain system A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.
US08016005B1	Combination mortise and tenon jig A combination mortise and tenon jig has a body including a platform having an open section with first and second clamp legs on opposite sides for holding a workpiece therebetween with the workpiece part in which a mortise or tenon is to be cut facing toward the open section. A plurality of adjustable members extend from the first clamp leg to engage a workpiece face and the second clamp leg is movable relative to the open section with the extending members and the second clamp leg holding the workpiece at a selected position in the open section. A pair of guide arms pivotally mounted below the platform swing across the platform open section to engage the workpiece part and make it parallel to the platform and a template having a cutout pattern of one of a mortise or tenon overlies the platform open section to guide a router bit to cut the mortise or tenon in the workpiece end.
US08015996B2	Gas turbine engine air valve assembly A gas turbine engine air valve assembly has first and second valving elements. The second element is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first element. The rotation controls a flow of air through the first and second elements. An actuator is coupled by a linkage to the second element. The linkage includes a spindle having a first portion coupled to the actuator to rotate the spindle about a second axis. A guided spherical bearing couples a second portion of the spindle to the second element.
US08015995B2	System and method for flow monitoring and control One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device that comprises an inlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a pressure sensor, which may or may not be the only pressure sensor of the fluid control device, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller can be configured to generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a single pressure sensor.
US08015994B2	Hydraulic unit A hydraulic unit is provided with a housing having two planar portions neighboring at a predetermined angle between them. At least one opening is formed on each of the planar portions. For example, one opening and at least two openings are formed on the two planar portions, respectively. A protective tape is adhered to the two planar portions of the housing for covering each opening formed on each of the two planar portions. The protective tape is cut by a laser beam, for example, to be separated into at least each one of a part for covering one opening and a part for covering at least two openings.
US08015991B2	Manifold-type solenoid valve apparatus having stop valve A plurality of solenoid valves are installed on a valve mount surface of a manifold base to receive a pressure fluid supplied from a supply passage of the manifold base via a supply communication hole. A stop valve base connected to a side surface of the manifold base has a stop valve mount surface formed on the upper surface to the side of the valve mount surface. The stop valve is attached to the stop valve mount surface to open and close the supply communication hole by pushing and pulling the stop valve from a side with the solenoid valve.
US08015990B2	Needleless access port valves Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.
US08015986B2	Apparatus for cleaning substrate and method for cleaning substrate Provided is an apparatus for cleaning a substrate. The apparatus includes a stage on which a substrate is loaded, a cleaning liquid supply unit supplying a cleaning liquid to the substrate, an oscillator transmitting sound waves to the substrate for cleaning the substrate, and at least two piezoelectric members disposed on an end portion of the oscillator at a predetermined distance apart from each other so as to generate the sound waves.
US08015980B2	Methods and apparatuses for applying eyelash extensions An applicator for use with an eyelash extension system that has a backbone and a backbone surface. A plurality of eyelash extensions are attached to the backbone. The applicator has a closure having a closure surface facing the backbone surface, and a pair of clips, each clip including a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot attached to the first arm and the second arm. A first holder is attached to each of the first arms to releasably attach the backbone to the first arms. Further there is a second holder attached to each of the second arms to releasably attach the closure to the second arms. The first and second arms are moveable between a first state wherein the first and second arms are spaced relative to each other and a second state wherein the first and second arms abut each other.
US08015979B2	Cigar A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.
US08015978B2	Locating an implanted object based on external antenna loading In general, the invention is directed to techniques for locating an implanted object using an external antenna. The implanted object may be, for example, an internal antenna that facilitates recharging of and/or communication with an implantable medical device. An external device coupled to the external antenna drives the antenna with a plurality of waveforms. Asymmetry in the loading profile of the external antenna when it is driven by the plurality of waveforms allows the external device or another device to determine the location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna. The external device or other device may provide information to a user based on the determined location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna, such as information to help a user position the external antenna with respect to an internal antenna in embodiments in which the implanted object is an internal antenna.
US08015977B2	Indicator tool for use with an implantable medical device The invention is directed toward a magnetic indicator tool used to determine the setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically earth's magnetic field, may interfere with a conventional compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The magnetic indicator tool estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.
US08015973B2	System and method for aircraft cabin atmospheric composition control Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure. When it is determined that reduced oxygen concentration is required in the occupant cabin, the reservoired high-concentration nitrogen is moved into the passenger cabin diluting the oxygen-elevated environment.
US08015961B1	Long time period combustion chamber system with engine applications A hot combustion chamber (CC) is designed to completely extend the combustion process over 80% to 90% of the cycle period of an internal combustion engine. The long time period combustion (LTPC) provides a large period of time for control of required fuel/air requests and ignition. The CC is supplied with variable quantities of high pressure air from an energy conserving air compressor (AC) through a combustion chamber supply (CCS) and exhales precisely timed expandable combustion products to a two cycle piston (TCP) or rotary drive. The invention solves past problems associated with ignition timing, inefficient combustion, mechanical efficiency and pollution. This CC design makes possible an engine-system for use in transportation vehicles that provides energy storage in a hybrid configuration.
US08015957B2	Apparatus for controlling variable valve device A variable valve device modulates movement of a valve for an internal combustion engine by using hydraulic fluid pressure. The variable valve device is controlled by a control device via a control valve that modulates hydraulic fluid pressure supply to and discharge from the variable valve device. The control device offsets an operating amount of the control valve by an offset component that shifts the operating amount outside a dead band. The control device sets the offset component smaller as the hydraulic fluid temperature increases. The control device sets the offset component smaller when a controlling direction coincides with a biasing direction of a biasing member than that when the controlling direction opposes the biasing direction. Further, the control device cancels the offset component when actual valve movement is sufficiently close to target valve movement.
US08015955B2	Variable stroke A variable stroke characteristic engine is provided in which a piston (11) and a crankshaft (30) are linked to a control shaft (65) via a variable stroke link mechanism (LV), and the variable stroke link mechanism (LV) is operated by an actuator (AC) that drives the control shaft (65) to thus make the stroke travel of the piston (11) variable, wherein a housing (HU) of the hydraulic actuator (AC) for operating the variable stroke link mechanism (LV) is provided in a bearing member (54) of a lower block (41) supporting the crankshaft (30), and the housing (HU) is thus made small, thereby suppressing any increase in the dimensions of the engine. Furthermore, a hydraulic switching valve unit (92) for controlling operation of the hydraulic actuator (AC) is directly mounted on the housing (HU), thereby enhancing the responsiveness of the hydraulic actuator (AC).
US08015951B2	Apparatus with mixed fuel separator and method of separating a mixed fuel Systems and methods are provided for extracting components of a mixed fuel into at least one substantially non-polar component and at least one polar fuel component. In one example approach, a volume of a mixed fuel is added to an extractor and a polar solvent is used to extract components of the mixed fuel. The extracted components may be selectively provided to an engine in a ratio based upon engine operating conditions.
US08015944B2	Indexed feed dispensing mechanism An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.
US08015941B2	System and method for adjustment of a milking location The present invention relates to a system (10) for automatic adjustment of at least one interior dimension of a milking location (12) for an animal. The milking location (12) comprises an enclosure formed by e.g. four confining means (121, . . . , 124), whereby at least one of the confining means (121, . . . , 124) is movable. The system (10) comprises a first sensor means (14) operable to detect the presence of an animal In the milking location (12). The system (10) also comprises a control means (18) connected to the first sensor means (14), When an animal is detected in the milking location (12), the control means (18) is operable to move the at least one movable confining means (121, . . . , 124) stepwise, in order to adjust the at least one interior dimension of the milking location (12) to the animal.
US08015939B2	Imprintable medium dispenser An imprintable medium dispenser includes a chamber, a nozzle, and an actuator connected to the chamber and configured to be actuated and thereby generate a pressure wave within the chamber such that imprintable medium is dispensed from the nozzle. The imprintable medium dispenser is provided with a control circuit which includes a monitoring apparatus configured to receive a transient oscillation signal generated when the actuator is actuated, and to monitor the operation of the imprintable medium dispenser by monitoring the transient oscillation signal.
US08015938B2	Coating zone and coating plant Coating zones having guide elevated rails for coating and/or handling robots are disclosed. The coating zones may include walk-in control areas positioned one above the other on the outside of the side walls. In the upper control area, in which control and supply devices for robots on elevated guide rails may be provided, the side wall may generally slant inward. Load-bearing structures for the elevated guide rails may be braced by supporting members extending generally perpendicular to the line of conveyance of the application objects on or under the floor level or at the ceiling.
US08015936B2	Rowing boat footrest assembly A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a stationary boat mounting, a shoe support and a lateral adjustment mechanism. The stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat, the stationary boat mounting structure. The first shoe support unit stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat. The shoe support includes an attachment member adjustably coupled to the stationary boat mounting structure, and a footrest member attached to the attachment member. The lateral adjustment mechanism is disposed between the stationary boat mounting structure and the shoe support to slidably mount the shoe support on the stationary boat mounting structure. The lateral adjustment mechanism is arranged to selectively secure the shoe support in at least two different lateral foot positions with respect to the stationary boat mounting structure.
US08015934B2	Thread cutting device of sewing machine A thread cutting device of a sewing machine is provided. The thread cutting device cuts a thread extending between a horizontal shuttle and a throat plate of the sewing machine. The thread cutting device includes a fixed blade, a first thread catcher, a second thread catcher, a driving assembly which moves the first and second thread catchers such that the first thread catcher catches the thread before the second thread catcher catches the thread and pulls the thread toward the fixed blade to cut the thread, and a guide member disposed between the first thread catcher and the driving assembly. The guide member guides the first thread catcher from an advanced position to a thread catching position to catch the thread, and further guides the first thread catcher from the thread catching position to a standby position to turn the first thread catcher toward the fixed blade.
US08015929B2	Tray apparatus A tray apparatus has a tray base assembly, a tray member and a tray articulating member. The tray base assembly includes a stop member positioned on a front surface thereof and a tray articulation coupling member. The tray member has a top surface and a bottom surface and a first and second side edge. The tray articulating member has a bracket rotatably coupled to the tray articulation coupling member of the tray base assembly, a first side region rotatably coupled to the first side edge and a second side region rotatably coupled to the second side edge. The tray member is movable between a collapsed configuration wherein the top surface of the tray member substantially abuts the front surface of the tray base assembly, and an articulated configuration wherein the top surface of the tray member substantially abuts the stop member of the tray base assembly.
US08015928B2	Foldable table having multiple functions A foldable table includes a stand, a rack, multiple placement boxes, a platform, and a wine storage rack. The stand is foldable. The foldable table can function as a bar table, desk, counter, sink, water tank, cabinet, shelf, wine compartment, by provision of the rack, the placement boxes, the platform and the wine storage rack. The foldable table can be folded when not in use, thereby facilitating packaging, transportation and storage of the foldable table. The foldable table is expanded and folded easily and quickly. The foldable table is folded to have a smaller volume and to have the shape of a luggage, thereby facilitating the user carrying the foldable table.
US08015922B2	Control system for right circular cylinder bodies A technique for controlling the pitch of a supercavitating projectile is disclosed. For example, the illustrative embodiment controls the pitch of a supercavitating projectile by shifting its center of gravity. The center of gravity of the projectile is shifted by moving a ferromagnetic mass inside the projectile forward or backward, depending on the desired pitch. In some embodiments of the present invention, the position of the ferromagnetic mass is directed by a controller that has a predetermined trajectory stored in its memory.
US08015920B1	Solid fuel rocket thrust control A solid fuel rocket burn rate control employing electrical energy preheating of the fuel grain at a plurality of locations dispersed over the grain burn face cross-section as a thrust control arrangement. The electrical energy of the preheating is generated by electrical battery cells which are dispersed across the grain cross-section and are triggered from an inert state into energy generation by burn face heat. The preheating situs moves continually in response to movement of the grain burn face; this is achieved through the use of high temperature electrical battery cell materials responding to the approach of the grain burn face by increased chemical activity and decreased electrical resistance. Preferably, the preheating is directly accomplished by the heat from electrical and other losses in the battery cells.
US08015913B2	Pneumatic cylinder for precision servo type applications A pneumatic cylinder designed to convert compressed air into mechanical output is disclosed. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston and rod assembly with supporting components coaxially disposed and arranged to achieve a linear mechanical force in accordance with a differential pressure across the piston. A cylindrical sleeve, secured to end caps on both openings, encircles the piston and rod assembly and helps guide the piston during travel. A conductive coil is coupled to the cylindrical sleeve to provide sensing of a position of the piston. Additionally, a manifold, which serves as a conduit for airflow between each individual cylinder volume and an external air control device, is disposed such that the cylindrical sleeve and end caps are nested, in a concentric manner, within the manifold. A manifold divider assembly is disposed such that a plurality of end channels are isolated from each other. This arrangement results in a dynamic relationship between airflow and differential pressure that is conducive to precision force and motion control.
US08015908B2	Firearm silencer and methods for manufacturing and fastening a silencer onto a firearm A firearm suppressor includes a unitary, hollow outer can and a monolithic extruded baffle. The outer can has an interior-threaded proximal end and a radially closed distal end with a longitudinal bore opening the interior of the can to the environment. The monolithic extruded baffle has a proximal end having outer circumferential threads shaped to secure removably inside the proximal end of the outer can and defines a proximal longitudinal bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the firearm barrel and removably secure thereto a distal end defining a distal longitudinal bore with a diameter sufficient to permit a projectile to pass therethrough. The baffle has central baffle walls disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. Each baffle wall has a longitudinal bore axially aligned with the proximal longitudinal bore and the distal longitudinal bore.
US08015904B2	Die holder assembly for rotary cutting system The present invention provides a die holder with one or more pre-located recessed areas or voids into which cutting dies can be quickly and easily inserted and secured. The die holder mounts quickly to the cylinder, and can be quickly removed for alternative operations. The die holder can be made according to the operator needs for different types, sizes and positions of dies. Unused voids can be filled with ‘blank’ blocks to achieve a consistent or uniform surface height for the full 360 degree area of the die cylinder. The present invention further provides a removable scrap control apparatus that is not attached permanently to the die cylinder on which it is used, which permits the use of a multiple blade die or a plurality of single blade dies on the same die cylinder without requiring permanent holes, slots or other means to accommodate the scrap control apparatus on the die cylinder or anvil cylinder.
US08015901B2	Tie rod adjustment open-end wrench A clamping mechanism includes a pair of contact portions facing each other which is capable of directly contacting a tie rod hexagonal portion, and an open-close drive mechanism that causes the both contact portions to move away from and approach the tie rod hexagonal portion. By appropriately changing the distance between surfaces of the mutually facing pair of contact portions, the tie rod hexagonal portion will be securely clamped by the pair of contact portions, regardless of the size of the diameter of the tie rod. Then, the tie rod hexagonal portion is rotated to adjust the toe angle, by rotating the clamping mechanism via the rotation drive mechanism.
US08015898B2	Air breather structure for automatic transmission An air breather structure for an automatic transmission. The structure includes a transmission case housing a power train accommodating a plurality of friction engagement devices, and an extension case housing a rotational member. The extension case and the transmission case are united with each other to constitute an automatic transmission housing. A breather chamber is located upside the automatic transmission housing in a state where the automatic transmission is mounted in a vehicle, and formed with an air vent for communication with outside air. An end wall is provided for partitioning the transmission case and the extension case therebetween to define a transmission case-side space and an extension case-side space. In this structure, the automatic transmission housing is formed with a transmission case-side communication passage through which the breather chamber communicates with the transmission case-side space, and an extension case-side communication passage through which the breather chamber communicates with the transmission case-side space.
US08015894B2	Intelligent transmission element An intelligent transmission element includes a first element formed in a strip shape and disposed with a slot therein; a second element disposed with a containing space for placing the first element, wherein the inner side of the containing space is disposed with a tank corresponding to the plurality of slots, the tank and the plurality of slots forms a loading path for disposing a plurality of rolling elements and a silencing element. The silencing element is placed between the plurality of rolling elements and contains a dye container for a dye. When the silencing element is damaged due to an external force, the dye inside the dye container of the silencing element would color the transmission element to let the user notice that the silencing element is damaged.
US08015888B2	Thin-film sample holder A gas sorption sample chamber contains a plurality of thin-film substrates and fluidly couple said substrates to a Sieverts' device or other gas sorption analyzer. The thin-film substrates are held in proximity to each other in the sample chamber in a columnar arrangement, either in a stacked or slightly spaced configuration, to reduce free-gas volume in the sample chamber, thereby improving sorption test accuracy. The interior geometry of the chamber is configured to provide a minimal clearance between the thin-film substrates and the internal surfaces of the chamber, so that essentially all of the chamber volume is occupied by thin-film sample material and inactive substrate material. To facilitate use in a glove box, the chamber may be configured with a removable sample cartridge in which thin-film substrates are placed so that all substrates may be loaded and unloaded as a group.
US08015887B2	Instrumented pipette tip An improved pipette tip (100) including an elongate body stretching between a proximal end (116) and a distal end (114). The body (112) is typically made from a plurality of layers (e.g. 130, 132, 134, 136, 138) configured and arranged to provide a fluid path extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The improved pipette tip (100) includes a sensor component disposed to electrically interrogate fluid flowing along the fluid path. An operable sensor component includes an electrode (e.g. 154, 192) that is disposed in the fluid path to contact fluid therein. A pipette tip (100) may be embodied to: count particles, verify sample integrity (e.g. freedom from bubbles), monitor sample flow rate, and confirm an inspired volume, among other uses.
US08015886B2	Torque measurement within a powertrain Aspects of the present invention are directed to using surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors mounted on a disc coupling component in a powertrain to measure the torque generated by an automobile engine. The sensor may be positioned and oriented on the disc coupling component so that the phase velocities of SAWs propagating through active elements of the SAW sensors are aligned with principal strain components due to torque in the disc coupling component. The torque may be calculated by determining the difference between resonant frequencies of the active elements to suppress common-mode interference factors. In addition, SAW resonant frequencies may be communicated in a non-contacting manner by utilizing rotary and stationary couplers employing radio frequency (RF) signals. Moreover, SAW sensors may be activated and interrogated by employing targeted RF pulses having different carrier frequencies at or near respective resonant frequencies of each resonator in a SAW sensor.
US08015885B2	Torque detector A torque detector (16) is provided with first and second units (38, 39). The first unit (38) includes a first synthetic resin (40) formed by molding a pair of magnetic flux collector rings (34A, 34B). The second unit (39) includes a second synthetic resin (41) fixed to a magnetic shield plate (37B) containing a metal; an insertion protruding part (44) arranged on the synthetic resin (41); and magnetic sensors (35A, 35B) held by the insertion protruding part (44). The first synthetic resin (40) includes a receiving plate (38a) whereupon a base (38e) for receiving the magnetic shield plate (37B) is formed. In a status where the receiving plate (38a) exists between the magnetic shield plate (37B) and an object (30) to be attached, both the magnetic shield plate (37B) and the receiving plate (38a) are fastened to the object (30) by a pair of fixing screws (32).
US08015882B2	Industrial process control pressure transmitter and flange coupling A pressure transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid in an industrial process, includes a pressure sensor having an output related to an applied pressure. Measurement circuitry coupled to the pressure sensor is configured to provide a transmitter output related to sensed pressure. A pressure coupling face having an opening therein is arranged to transfer the applied pressure to the pressure sensor. A pressure coupling flange having a flange face abutting the pressure coupling face is configured to convey the process fluid to the opening of the pressure coupling face. Features are provided to control distribution of a leading force across the pressure coupling face and the flange face.
US08015875B2	Sensor device and method for fabricating sensor device The sensor device includes a dead-weight portion, a frame portion disposed so as to surround the dead-weight portion, a supporting portion provided at the frame portion via a first insulating layer, a mass portion provided at the dead-weight portion via a second insulating layer, a beam portion connecting the supporting and mass portions, a first concave portion, and a second concave portion, wherein a depth of the first or second concave portion is from 3.3% or more to 5.0% or less of the width of the frame portion.
US08015873B2	Detector housing A duct detector housing includes a housing cover and a housing body defining a midline between the center of a detector and a printed circuit board within said body. Gas inlet and outlets are off axis of the midline to allow water that collects in conventional housing to drain from the housing. A maintenance mode button associated with a duct detector housing cover that is secured to a housing body of the housing provides a preselected time period during which removal of the cover is independent of a cover removal alarm. A printed circuit board within the housing has dedicated terminal blocks providing grouped connections with each of the groups segregated from another. An improved duct detector terminal has a hole in the terminal adapted to receive a test meter probe therethrough to provide an electrical contact between the wire.
US08015867B2	Elongated probe A formation testing probe assembly comprising an elongated packer having a surface configured to be urged by the probe assembly towards a wall of a wellbore extending through the formation. The formation testing probe assembly further comprises a plate embedded in the elongated packer and including a central structural portion extending along a centerline of a substantial length of the plate, wherein the central structural portion is substantially thicker than remaining portions of the plate.
US08015865B2	Wind turbine foundation monitoring system A load measuring system for measuring the loads on a foundation for wind turbines is disclosed. A load measuring device is mounted on a rock anchor pad for a turbine and measures the loads on the anchor. Signals from the load measuring device are transmitted to a remote location. The load measuring device is installed on selected rock anchor pads, distributed evenly about the foundation pad. The signals from the load measuring are transmitted to a control station at a remote location, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the loading conditions on the rock anchors. The signals from a plurality of load measuring systems may be transmitted to the control station, so as to allow monitoring of a group of wind turbine foundation pads at a single location.
US08015862B2	Method and device for operating a particle sensor Method and device for operating a particle sensor arranged in an exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The particle sensor including a sensor carrier having two sensor electrodes arranged at a predetermined distance from one another on one side of the sensor carrier. The two sensor electrodes are exposed to an exhaust gas stream in the exhaust tract. The at least two sensor electrodes are acted upon with a collective potential, the collective potential having a value such that electrically charged particles are attracted out of the exhaust gas stream in the exhaust tract. The attracted particles in this case accumulate on and/or between the two sensor electrodes.
US08015860B2	Method of measuring deposition onto a substrate A method of measuring the deposition of a composition onto a substrate. This information can be used to correlate how the composition will deposit on sanitary ware, such as shower cubicles, baths, and wash basins. The composition can be a liquid personal cleansing composition.
US08015857B2	Method for measuring the gas permeability of containers and sealing members in general A device that carries out a method for measuring permeability to a gas sample through a container (2) comprises an inlet duct for the gaseous carrier, in particular, nitrogen, both as inlet in the container (2) and as inlet in the chamber (1) and out of the container (2) of which permeability has to be measured. The inlet duct that exits in the container (2) comprises two ducts (11 and 8), whereas the inlet duct that exits out of the container (2) comprises two ducts (6 and 7). Such inlet ducts have an origin in common in order to allow the distribution between them of the flow (200) of gas carrier as input. An inlet duct is provided (10) for a test gas flow, such as oxygen, which ends in the duct (7) to be measured, with the gas carrier in the chamber (1). A gas-mass regulator is provided for each inlet duct (5, 4 and 3).
US08015855B2	Exhaust gas sensor A method of manufacturing an exhaust gas sensor allows the manufacturer to selectively control the air-voltage range of the manufactured sensor between a first air-voltage range and a second air-voltage range. The sensor includes a signal wire and a ground wire. The method includes using a high nickel alloy for both of the signal wire and the ground wire to manufacture a sensor in the first air-voltage range, and using a high nickel alloy for only one of the signal wire and the ground wire to manufacture a sensor in the second air-voltage range. The air-voltage ranges are those associated with a lean-application normalized air/fuel ratio of λ>1.
US08015852B2	Metallic cover and method for making the same An exemplary metallic cover (20) includes a bottom base (21) and a side wall (22) extending from the bottom base. The side wall is formed by cold forging so that a thickness of the side wall is greater than that of the bottom base. A method for making the metallic cover described above, includes: drawing a metallic sheet into a preformed cover (30) having a bottom base (31) and a number of side walls (32); forging the preformed cover by a first forming die (200) to thicken the side walls; forging the preformed cover by a second forming die (300) to further thicken the side walls; and machining an end of each of the side walls of the preformed metallic cover to form the metallic cover.
US08015850B2	Spring manufacturing machine A swing bar is connected to a slide by attaching a first pivot to one end of the swing bar, and a bending die is mounted to the other end. A connecting piece is provided on the upper surface of the swing bar, and a second pivot capable of freely turning is inserted into a through-hole formed in the connecting piece, and then fitted into a guide groove formed parallel to the wire feeding direction in a guide member mounted to a second bending unit. Motors are connected to the slide and the second bending unit, respectively.
US08015849B2	Method of forming metal Electromagnetic forming can lead to better formability along with additional benefits. The spatial distribution of forming pressure in electromagnetic forming can be controlled by the configuration of the actuator. A type of actuator is discussed which gives a uniform pressure distribution in forming. It also provides a mechanically robust design and has a high efficiency for flat sheet forming.
US08015848B2	Acoustic panel An acoustic panel for reducing the transmission of noise therethrough is provided. The acoustic panel may include a sound-absorbing surface with a plurality of convex and concave structures. The convex and concave structures may be organized in a regular array and may be spatially arranged to be alternating with one another. A dishwasher may use such an acoustic panel including a panel of sound absorbing material by placing such a panel inside the door, in or around the walls of the tub of a dishwasher, or the panel can also be used to reduce the transmission of noise with other products. A method of inserting a panel of sound-absorbing material into the door of a dishwasher is also provided. The panel may include protrusions extending from one of its surfaces in order to engage a supporting surface of the product to which it is attached.
US08015847B2	Optical fiber manufacturing, cooling and coating method An optical fiber apparatus and manufacturing method thereof includes: forming a bare optical fiber by melting and deforming an optical fiber preform; cooling the bare optical fiber after the bare optical fiber forming step by passing it through a flow channel of a cooling unit through which cooling gas flows; and forming a protective coating layer by supplying a molten resin to a periphery of the bare optical fiber after the cooling step thereby forming an optical fiber. The cooling gas flowing toward a vertically lower end of the flow channel is blocked by the molten resin used to form the protective coating layer, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied toward the flow channel from a position which is vertically below the supply position of the cooling gas and vertically above the blocking position of the molten resin.
US08015846B2	Elongation method for producing an optical component of quartz glass and preliminary product suited for performing the method This method for drawing a quartz glass optical component shortens the pulling process and minimizes loss of material. An end face of a quartz glass hollow cylinder forms a tapered end portion to an attachment piece of quartz glass having a bore. The inner bore of the hollow cylinder and the bore of the attachment piece are at least temporarily interconnected fluidically as a passage bore. A cleaning fluid is passed through the inner bore of the hollow cylinder and the passage bore. A core rod of quartz glass, which rests on a contact surface of the attachment piece, is inserted into the inner bore of the hollow cylinder, and the hollow cylinder is continuously supplied to a heating zone, heated therein so as to form a drawing bulb, and the component is continuously drawn therefrom.
US08015843B2	Method and device for selectively changing the contour of the surface of an optical lens made of glass or a glass-type material A method and a device are disclosed for follow-up treatment of the contour of the surface of at least one optical lens, in particular a microlens which is made of glass or a glass-type material and which has a convex lens surface delimited by a circumferential line abutting on a plane section surrounding the circumferential line and which has a lens underside facing the convex lens surface. Along the circumferential line of the optical lens on the plane section is placed a device perfectly matching the circumferential line and at least laterally bordering the convex lens surface, the optical lens is heated to a temperature of at least the transformation temperature of glass or glass-type material, pressure equalization prevails between the convex lens surface and the lens underside, after a certain period of time, during which the optical lens undergoes the temperature treatment and subsequent cooling below the transformation temperature, the device is removed from the optical lens.
US08015841B2	Cryogenic refrigeration system for lyophilization A cryogenic refrigeration system includes a cryogenic heat exchanger system adapted for vaporizing a liquid cryogen and using the gaseous cryogen to cool heat transfer fluid and a heat transfer cooling circuit that cools the lyophilization chamber as well as the condenser. The disclosed heat transfer cooling circuit includes a primary recirculation loop adapted for cooling the lyophilization chamber with the heat transfer fluid, a secondary recirculation loop adapted for cooling a condenser with the heat transfer fluid, and one or more valves operatively coupling the cryogenic heat exchanger system, the primary recirculation loop, and the secondary recirculation loop.
US08015840B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator which includes an outer case defining the outer appearance of the refrigerator, the inner case received in the outer case and defining a storage compartment, the insulation member filled in a gap between the outer case and the inner case for heat insulation, and a noise attenuation member disposed between an outer surface of the inner case and the insulation member to induce a sliding movement between the inner case and the insulation member. The insulation member is slidable relative to the insulation member when the inner case expands or contracts in accordance with a variation of temperature, whereby the generation of frictional noise due to friction between the inner case and the insulation member can be greatly reduced.
US08015835B2	Internal cooling apparatus for automobiles An internal cooling apparatus for automobiles includes a first expansion valve for spraying a coolant to a main evaporator through a high-pressure pipe, a compressor receiving the coolant evaporated in the main evaporator through a low-pressure pipe, a condenser receiving the coolant compressed in the compressor, and a plurality of sub-evaporators each being installed inside of a seat to contact an automobile passenger. One end of each of the sub-evaporators is communicated with the high-pressure pipe and the other end thereof is communicated with the low-pressure pipe such that part of the coolant sprayed through the first expansion valve is supplied to the compressor via each of the sub-evaporators.
US08015834B2	Rotation speed control device, air conditioner, and rotation speed control method An outdoor control unit includes a first control unit, a second control unit, and a switching unit. The outdoor control unit controls the rotational speed of an outdoor fan. The first control unit executes a first control for controlling the rotational speed of the outdoor fan based on the operation frequency of the compressor. The second control unit executes a second control for controlling the rotational speed of the outdoor fan based on a parameter other than the operation frequency of the compressor. The switching unit executes a switching control for switching between the first control and the second control according to a predetermined switching condition, when a cooling mode is being operated under a low outside air condition. The low outside air condition refers to a state that the outside air temperature is lower than a first temperature.
US08015830B2	Heat pump for high temperature environments A component has an outer wall defining an interior chamber to be cooled. Electronic equipment is mounted within the outer wall in the chamber. A thermoelectric cooler has a cool node positioned to be within the chamber, and a hot node positioned outwardly of the outer wall. A fuel cell provides electricity to the thermoelectric cooler. The fuel cell is mounted outwardly of the outer wall.
US08015828B2	Power take-off system and gas turbine engine assembly including same A power take-off system for a gas turbine engine includes a starter coupled to a second spool, and a clutch assembly coupled between the starter and a first spool, the clutch assembly configured to couple the first spool to the starter when starting the gas turbine engine assembly. A method of assembling a gas turbine engine assembly that includes the power take-off system, and a gas turbine engine assembly including the power take-off system are also described.
US08015827B2	Arrangement for controlling fluid jets injected into a fluid stream In an air mixing arrangement wherein a primary fluid is introduced through an opening in a wall to be mixed with a secondary fluid flowing along the wall surface, the opening is airfoil shaped with its leading edge being orientated at an attack angle with respect to the secondary fluid flow stream so as to thereby enhance the penetration and dispersion of the primary fluid stream into the secondary fluid stream. The airfoil shaped opening is selectively positioned such that its angle of attack provides the desired lift to optimize the mixing of the two streams for the particular application. In one embodiment, a collar is provided around the opening to prevent the secondary fluid from contacting the surface of the wall during certain conditions of operation. Multiple openings maybe used such as the combination of a larger airfoil shaped opening with a smaller airfoil shaped opened positioned downstream thereof, or a round shaped opening placed upstream of an airfoil shaped opening. Pairs of openings and associated collars maybe placed in symmetric relationship so as to promote mixing in particular applications, and nozzles maybe placed on the inner side of wall to enhance the flow characteristics of the primary fluid.
US08015825B2	Fast acting aircraft engine bleed air check valve An engine air supply system includes an air source, which is a gas turbine engine in one example. A component, such as an environmental control system component, is interconnected to the air source by a conduit that includes a supply flow direction. A check valve is arranged in the conduit. The check valve includes a valve portion moveable in the supply flow direction from a closed position to an open position. The closed position is arranged at an acute angle relative to the supply flow direction. The check valve includes first and second valve portions that are hemi-elliptical in shape. The first and second valve portions are non-planar and arranged approximately 90 degrees apart when in the closed position. The first and second valve portions move toward one another from the closed position to the open position. Each of the first and second valve portions moves approximately 30-40 degrees from the open position to the closed position in response to a stall condition, which significantly reduces the response time and forces generated by the first and second valve portions when closing.
US08015819B2	Wet active chevron nozzle for controllable jet noise reduction Disposed at or toward the trailing edge of one or more nozzles associated with a jet engine are injection ports which can selectively be made to discharge a water stream into a nozzle flow stream for the purpose of increasing turbulence in somewhat of a similar fashion as mechanically disposed chevrons have done in the known art. Unlike mechanically disposed chevrons of the known art, the fluid flow may be secured thereby increasing the engine efficiency. Various flow patterns, water pressures, orifice designs or other factors can be made operative to provide desired performance characteristics.
US08015806B2	Process and apparatus for treating exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine and vehicle having the apparatus A process and an apparatus for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine include at least two exhaust-gas treatment modules. An exhaust gas stream can be at least partly deflected depending on a load state of the internal combustion engine in such a way that at least parts of the exhaust gas flow through one or more modules. This makes it possible to advantageously construct and operate even an exhaust gas system of large-volume internal combustion engines, in which conversion and treatment of the exhaust gas is carried out in individual modules, even in no-load operation, basically at very low exhaust gas mass flow rates. The individual modules can be adapted to various load levels of the internal combustion engine. A rail-borne vehicle and a water-borne vehicle having the apparatus are also provided.
US08015803B2	Operating method for a system composed of a reformer and a catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment device An operating method for a system including a reformer which in reformate mode can convert hydrocarbon-containing fuel to a hydrogen-rich reformate gas, and a catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment device which is acted upon by reformer gas to reach the catalytic converter light-off temperature more rapidly. During cold starts, the reformer, after its own starting phase, is initially operated in a so-called lean-burn mode, and the reformer is switched from lean-burn mode to reformate mode as soon as combustible constituents in the catalytic aftertreatment device can be independently oxidized. During the reformer lean-burn mode, the combustible constituents of the engine's exhaust gas react with the hot reformer gas, such that the cumulative exhaust gas flow has the composition of exhaust gas generated by stoichiometric combustion.
US08015801B2	Management of a plurality of reductants for selective catalytic reduction A method of operating a reductant delivery and storage system of a vehicle, comprising of storing an ammonia-containing fluid in a first storage device, generating ammonia vapors in the first storage device, storing said generated ammonia vapors in a second storage device, purging said stored vapors from the second storage device to an exhaust of the engine, and relieving pressure or vacuum build-up during at least one of said storing and purging is provided via an atmospheric vent coupled in the reductant delivery and storage system.
US08015797B2	Thrust reverser nozzle for a turbofan gas turbine engine The thrust reverser comprises a first reverser door and a second reverser door asymmetrically pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, one having a pivot axis closer to the central axis than the other.
US08015795B2	Aircraft combination engines plural airflow conveyances system An engine combination for generating forces with a gas turbine engine generating force, and an internal combustion engine provided in the combination as an intermittent combustion engine generating force having an air intake, there being a plurality of air transfer ducts each extending from a different location in the gas turbine engine so as to be capable to provide air in each of those air transfer ducts at one end thereof at pressures differing from one another and connected at the other end of each to the air intake to transfer air thereto.

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