最新美国发明专利第2011-10-11期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08034614B2	Fluorescent protein The object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluorescent protein in which on and off of fluorescence thereof can be controlled by irradiation with lights of two different wavelengths. The present invention provides a fluorescent protein shown in the following (a) or (b); (a) a protein which has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 7; or (b) a protein which has an amino acid sequence comprising a deletion, substitution, and/or addition of one or several amino acids with respect to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 7, and which has fluorescence characteristics of exhibiting a photochromic effect.
US08034612B2	Animal cell colony picking apparatus and method An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
US08034610B2	Parallel processing fluidic method and apparatus for automated rapid immunohistochemistry A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve parallel or coincidental sample processing such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples arranged for coincidental movement perhaps by use of angular microscopic slide movements to cause processing activity that may include repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges. Through refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened.
US08034606B2	Acid tolerant Lactobacillus sakei probio-65 with the ability of growth suppression of pathogenic microorganisms and the anti-allergic effect Disclosed are a novel tactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus sakei Probio-65, and the use thereof. The L. sakei Probio-65 strain has acid tolerance, bile acid tolerance and antibiotic resistance, inhibits the growth of harmful pathogenic microorganisms in the body and the intestine of animals, and has immunuenhancing activity. In particular, the novel strain inhibits the growth of Staphylocccus aureus, which is known to be a factor aggravating atopic dermatitis. Thus, the novel strain is useful for preventing or treating atopic dermatitis and allergy-related disorders. Also, the novel strain stabilizes intestinal microflors by inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of harmful microorganisms in the intestine. The L. sakei Probio-65 strain or a culture thereof is useful in pharmaceutical, feed, food, and cosmetic compositions.
US08034602B2	Method for producing L-arginine using Corynebacterium glutamicum Disclosed herein are a microorganism producing L-arginine and a method of producing L-arginine using the same. The microorganism is a mutant strain of the genus Corynebacterium, Corynebacterium glutamicum CJR0500. The method for L-arginine production comprises activating the mutant strain C. glutamicum CJR0500 in a fermentation medium at 30° C. for 16 hours and then culturing the activated mutant strain for 72 hours with shaking.
US08034601B2	Feline probiotic bifidobacteria According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Bifidobacteria obtainable by isolation from resected and washed feline gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacteria of the present invention are also provided.
US08034599B2	Polypeptides having arabinofuranosidase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08034598B2	Engineered cleavage half-domains Disclosed herein are engineered cleavage half-domains; fusion polypeptides comprising these engineered cleavage half-domains; polynucleotides encoding the engineered cleavage half-domains and fusion proteins; and cells comprising said polynucleotides and/or fusion proteins. Also described are methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides, for example for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence.
US08034597B2	Microorganism-derived psychrophilic endonuclease A polypeptide having an endonuclease activity derived from a psychrophilic microorganism Shewanella sp. strain Ac10, which exhibits high activity at low temperatures, can remove any nucleic acid present in a protein solution and can reduce the viscosity of a protein extract; and a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide.
US08034594B2	Variant form of urate oxidase and use thereof The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.
US08034592B2	Fossil fuel-free process of lignocellulosic pretreatment with biological hydrogen production The invention provides an isolated haloalkaliphilic microorganism designated as strain sapolanicus belonging to the genus Halanaerobium, which is capable of producing hydrogen from biomass. Methods of producing biohydrogen comprising the fermentation of the microorganism with alkaline pretreated biomass are also provided. Fermentation is preferably carried out without neutralization of the pretreated biomass and at a pH of greater than or equal to about 10.
US08034591B2	Xylose-fermenting yeast engineered to increase flux of the pentose phosphate pathway The present invention relates to further genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers the host cell the ability of isomerizing xylose to xylulose. The further genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include e.g. reduction of unspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source.
US08034590B2	Expression of granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes in trichoderma and process for producing glucose from granular starch substrates The present invention relates to filamentous fungal host cells and particularly Trichoderma host cells useful for the production of heterologous granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes having glucoamylase activity (GSHE). Further the invention relates to a method for producing a glucose syrup comprising contacting a granular starch slurry obtained from a granular starch substrate simultaneously with an alpha amylase and a GSHE at a temperature equal to or below the gelatinization temperature of the granular starch to obtain a composition of a glucose syrup.
US08034589B2	Method of preparing a proliferation-regulated recombinant adenoviral vector efficiently and kit for preparing the same Provided is a method of preparing a proliferation-regulated recombinant adenoviral vector effectively, comprising preparing a proliferation-regulated vector plasmid by preparing a restriction enzyme-recognizing sequence in a vector plasmid having a proliferation-regulating unit and having an E1A region, a protein-coding region in a E1B region, a poly(A) signal sequence, and a recombinase-recognizing sequence in that order from upstream, by deleting an endogenous promoter in the E1A region or an endogenous promoter regulating expression of the protein-coding gene in one protein-coding region of the E1B region thereof and inserting the restriction enzyme-recognizing sequences in the deficient site, and introducing a promoter expressing specifically in a target organ in the restriction enzyme-recognizing sequence in the restriction enzyme-recognizing sequence; and additionally, integrating the proliferation-regulated vector plasmid into a vector plasmid having a adenoviral genome prepared by deleting the E1 region.
US08034587B2	Prokaryotic DNA repair ligases The present invention relates to the cloning and characterization of a prokaryotic DNA repair ligase, which is shown to possess a range of activities that allow the ligation and repair of non-compatible DNA ends and double strand breaks (DSBs). The enzyme has a range of applications in the manipulation and cloning of nucleic acids.
US08034584B2	Method for producing α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester and method for producing α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-α-methyl ester A method of producing an α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester by forming the α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester from L-aspartic acid-αβ-diester and L-phenylalanine using an enzyme or enzyme-containing substance that has an ability to selectively link L-phenylalanine to an α-ester site of the L-aspartic acid-αβ-diester through a peptide bond.
US08034580B2	Determining presence of antibiotic in a fluid The pressure of an antibiotic in a fluid is determined by contacting a sample of the fluid suspected of containing an antibiotic with a test medium containing a microorganism, a substance that provides a solid state and an indicator, such as Bromothymol Blue, incubating to grow the microorganism if present in the sample and detecting growth of the microorganism indicating absence of an antibiotic or inhibition of the growth of microorganism indicating the presence of an antibiotic.
US08034579B2	Proteins with enhanced functionality and methods of making novel proteins using circular permutation The present disclosure is relates to novel proteins and peptides having novel and/or enhanced functions and/or behaviors with respect to a native protein or peptide, and methods of making the novel proteins and peptides using techniques of circular permutation and protein engineering.
US08034577B2	Methods and probes for detecting esophageal cancer Probe sets and methods of using probes and probe sets for selectively detecting high grade dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma or low grade dysplasia from biologic samples are described. Methods of the invention include contacting a biological sample obtained from a subject with a set of chromosomal probes to selectively detect an esophageal carcinoma or precursor lesion in the sample, if any, under conditions for specifically hybridizing the probes to their nucleic targets present in the sample. The presence or absence of high grade dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma or low grade dysplasia is thereafter specifically determined from the hybridization pattern detected for the set of chromosomal probes to the biological sample.
US08034574B2	Screening method for prokinetic agent The present invention provides a screening tool and screening method for obtaining a substance useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic drug for diseases associated with 5-HT production/secretion abnormalities, including digestive organ diseases, and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic drug for diseases associated with 5-HT production/secretion abnormalities, including digestive organ diseases. Examples of digestive organ diseases in the present invention include constipation type irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and vomiting.
US08034572B2	Receptor for GDNF family ligands The present invention relates to an in vitro method for identifying a molecule, which interferes with the interaction between a glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor family ligand (GFL) and a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), by screening a library of molecules against a matrix anchored complex comprising at least one immobilized glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor family ligand (GFL) and at least one heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), wherein the interfering molecule is isolated based on its capacity to replace a glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor family ligand (GFL) in said anchored complex. The invention also relates to a complex for identifying such a molecule. The invention also relates to methods for preventing or delaying a neurodegenerative process as well as to method for prophylactic treatment or treatment of a disorder in the nervous system.
US08034570B2	Tagged oligonucleotides and their use in nucleic acid amplification methods Disclosed are methods for selective amplification of target nucleic acid sequence using a tagged oligonucleotide comprising a target hybridizing sequence that hybridizes to a 3′-end of the target nucleic acid and a tag sequence situated 5′ to the target hybridizing sequence. The tagged oligonucleotide is hybridized to the target nucleic acid and, after reducing the effective concentration of unhybridized tagged oligonucleotide having an active form, a primer extension reaction is initiated to produce a primer extension product. Further amplification also utilizes a first oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the 3′ end of the complement of the target nucleic acid and a second oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the complement of the tag sequence. Also disclosed are reaction mixtures for use in the disclosed methods comprising the tagged oligonucleotide hybridized to target nucleic and substantially free of an active form of unhybridized tagged oligonucleotide.
US08034567B2	Quantification of gene expression The present invention relates to a method for measuring the amount of a target nucleic acid in a sample using a standard which is designed to have one base difference compared with the gene of interest or a “target nucleic acid sequence.” Use of such standard in combination with a method of “enhancing” the difference in the standard and the test nucleic acid sample using, for example, a base extension reaction carried right at the mutation site allowing amplification of the standard and target nucleic acids with the same efficiency and facilitating quantification of the target nucleic acid. Thereafter a means of quantifying the “enhanced” standard and target nucleic acid samples is used to determine the amount of the target nucleic acid. In the preferred embodiment, the quantification means is Mass Spectrometry.
US08034566B2	Enhanced sequencing by hybridization using pools of probes The invention provides methods for sequencing by hybridization (SBH) using pools of probes that allow greater efficiency in conducting SBH by reducing the number of separate measurements of hybridization signals required to identify each particular nucleotide in a target nucleic acid sequence. The invention also provides pools and sets of pools of probes, as well as methods of generating pools of probes.
US08034564B2	Obesity gene and use thereof The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human obesity and diabetes predisposing gene, specifically the TBC1D1 gene, some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to obesity and/or diabetes. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the TBC1D1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to obesity and diabetes. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of the TBC1D1 gene for mutations/alterations, which are useful for diagnosing the predisposition to obesity.
US08034563B1	Activated joining of nucleic acid probes A process is provided to generate fluorescent molecules in the presence of target nucleic acids, but not in the absence of that target. Two probes, one bearing moiety A and the other bearing moiety B, bind to the target in a way that brings A and B together. A photon then converts A into A, which can react with B to form a new species Z that is fluorescent. If A does not encounter B, then A* reverts to form A. This allows the probe to have another opportunity to be activated should it be later bound near B. In one embodiment, a photoenolization creates A* as a diene; this reacts with a dienophile B in a Diels-Alder reaction. The linker Z may cause the linked probes to bind less tightly to the target, allowing the target to generate many fluorescent products, or be read through by a polymerase.
US08034557B2	LMNA gene and its involvement in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) and arteriosclerosis Disclosed herein are point mutations in the LMNA gene that cause HGPS. These mutations activate a cryptic splice site within the LMNA gene, which leads to deletion of part of exon 11 and generation of a mutant Lamin A protein product that is 50 amino acids shorter than the normal protein. In addition to the novel Lamin A variant protein and nucleic acids encoding this variant, methods of using these molecules in detecting biological conditions associated with a LMNA mutation in a subject (e.g., HGPS, arteriosclerosis, and other age-related diseases), methods of treating such conditions, methods of selecting treatments, methods of screening for compounds that influence Lamin A activity, and methods of influencing the expression of LMNA or LMNA variants are also described. Oligonucleotides and other compounds for use in examples of the described methods are also provided, as are protein-specific binding agents, such as antibodies, that bind specifically to at least one epitope of a Lamin A variant protein preferentially compared to wildtype Lamin A, and methods of using such antibodies in diagnosis, treatment, and screening. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods described herein.
US08034555B2	Particle analysis assay for biomolecular quantification A method is provided for carrying out multi-step separations of objects bearing at least two binding sites. In the first step, a first binder/bead composition is bound to objects that bear the first binding site, and then unbound objects, i.e. objects not bearing the first binding site, are separated from bound objects. In the second step, a second binder/bead composition is bound to the remaining objects that bear the second binding site, and then the objects that are bound to both beads are removed from those objects that are bound to only one bead. The beads can differ in magnetic responsiveness, charge, size, color, and the like, and these differences can be used to carry out the separation steps.
US08034554B2	Methods and compositions to detect nucleic acids in a biological sample Methods of the invention separate a target nucleic acid from a sample by using at least one capture probe oligonucleotide that contains a target-complementary region and a member of a specific binding pair that attaches the target nucleic acid to an immobilized probe on a capture support, thus forming a capture hybrid that is separated from other sample components before the target nucleic acid is released from the capture support and hybridized to a detection probe to form a detection hybrid that produces a detectable signal that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. Compositions for practicing the methods of the invention include a capture probe oligonucleotide made up a target-complementary region sequence and a covalently linked capture region sequence that includes a member of a specific binding pair.
US08034551B2	Method, reagent and kit for malaria testing The present invention provides a method for malaria testing which enables testing for the presence of malaria infection and the extent of the infection in a convenient manner; and a reagent or kit which can be used in the method. The method for malaria testing according to the present invention includes the step of detecting a liver-type fatty acid binding protein present in urine collected from a subject animal. The extent of infection is determined to be higher when a larger amount of the liver-type fatty acid binding protein is present in a test sample.
US08034550B2	Chemical screening system using strip arrays Arrays of distinct chemically reactive materials used for assaying or screening are assembled by arranging premanufactured strips, each having a linear array of chemically reactive materials on its surface, into a frame to be exposed to a substance to be analyzed. The strips provide great flexibility in generating different types of arrays while still permitting efficiencies to be gained by batch processing of each strip type. The arrays further provide for novel read-out and reaction promotion techniques making use of the ability of the strips to direct and received energy to and from particular sites.
US08034544B2	Method for forming fine contact hole pattern of semiconductor device A method for forming a fine contact hole of a semiconductor device comprises performing two-step etching processes using a first exposure mask including a plurality of rectangular light transmitting regions each having a given pitch and a second exposure mask including a plurality of rectangular light transmitting regions arranged a shielding region of the first exposure mask with a ‘cross (+)’ shape in the center of rectangular light transmitting regions of the second exposure mask. Each of four corner regions of the light transmitting regions of the first exposure mask is overlapped with four corner regions of rectangular light transmitting regions of the second exposure mask. As a result, the fine contact hole pattern obtained by the method has a uniform size.
US08034543B2	Angled-wedge chrome-face wall for intensity balance of alternating phase shift mask A method for forming a semiconductor device is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a photoresist thereon and transmitting a light source through a mask having a pattern onto the photoresist. The mask comprises a mask substrate having first, second and third regions, the third region is disposed between the first and second regions. The mask also includes a light reducing layer over the mask substrate having a first opening over the first region and a second opening over the second region. The first and second openings have layer sidewalls. The sidewalls of the light reducing layer are slanted at an angle less than 90 degrees from the plane of a top surface of the mask substrate. The method also includes developing the photoresist to transfer the pattern of the mask to the photoresist.
US08034542B2	Conductive film and manufacturing method thereof, and transparent electromagnetic shielding film An electromagnetic shielding film for plasma display which is excellent in electromagnetic shielding characteristics for effectively shielding electromagnetic waves, near infrared rays, stray light, external light, and the like and even when stored under a wet heat condition, is small in change of color tint and good in adhesion, with a blackening layer hardly peeled away, is provided by a transparent electromagnetic shielding film including a transparent support having thereon a conductive metal layer in a pattern-like state having an electromagnetic shielding ability and having a surface covered by a blackening layer, with the blackening layer made of an alloy of nickel and zinc in a nickel/zinc mass ratio of from 0.5 to 50.
US08034536B2	Resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A novel resist composition and method of forming a resist pattern that can be used in lithography applications. The resist composition includes a base component (A) that exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) contains a polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group that may include an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position, or R2 and R3 are bonded together to form an alkylene group, and W represents a cyclic alkylene group that may include an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position.
US08034535B2	Laser-decomposable resin composition and laser-decomposable pattern-forming material and flexographic printing plate precursor of laser engraving type using the same A laser-decomposable resin composition of the invention contains a polyurethane resin having a structure wherein an aromatic group is directly connected to a urethane bond.
US08034532B2	High contact angle topcoat material and use thereof in lithography process A topcoat material for application on top of a photoresist material is disclosed. The topcoat material comprises an acid-inert compound. The topcoat material also comprises a polymer or an oligomer or a cage structure which shows negligible intermixing with the imaging layer and is soluble in aqueous base developer. A method of forming a patterned material layer on a substrate and a coated substrate comprising the topcoat material is also disclosed.
US08034524B2	Toner and image forming method using the toner A toner satisfying at least one of the following relationships: 10° C.<(T1−T2)<60° C. and 0
US08034516B2	Photomasks, methods of forming photomasks, and methods of photolithographically-patterning substrates Some embodiments include methods of forming photomasks. A stack of at least three different materials is formed over a base. Regions of the stack are removed to leave a mask pattern over the base. The mask pattern includes a pair of spaced-apart adjacent segments of the stack. A liner is formed to cover sidewalls of the segments. Some embodiments include photomasks. The photomasks may include a transparent base supporting a pair of spaced-apart adjacent features. The spaced-apart adjacent features may include sidewalls, with inner sidewalls of the spaced-apart features being adjacent one another, and spaced from one another by a gap. A coating layer of from about 5 Angstroms thick to about 50 Angstroms thick may be along the entirety of the sidewalls of the spaced-apart adjacent features. Some embodiments include methods of photolithographically patterning substrates.
US08034515B2	Pattern forming method, pattern designing method, and mask set A pattern designing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: designing a first pattern for inspection formed by arraying a plurality of first mark rows, in which rectangular marks are arrayed at predetermined intervals in a first direction, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and designing a second pattern for inspection formed by arraying, in the second direction, a plurality of second mark rows in which rectangular marks are arranged among the marks arrayed in the first direction of the first mark row and a forming position in the second direction is arranged to overlap the first mark row by predetermined overlapping length.
US08034511B2	Insulating mount structure, insulation monitoring system, and insulation monitoring method for fuel cells An insulating mount structure for a fuel cell, which includes insulating mounts (2) for mounting the fuel cell stack (1) on a grounded structure (7), and a water barrier (3) extending in a space between the fuel cell a stack (1) and the grounded structure (7), being electrically isolated from both of the fuel cell (1) and the grounded structure (7). The water barrier (3) is formed in a container shape having an opening (3a) on upper side thereof.
US08034509B2	Polymer electrolyte membrane with an inorganic backbone The membrane electrode assembly 1 has an anode 10, a cathode 20, and an electrolyte membrane 30 disposed between the anode and cathode; the anode and cathode are gas diffusion electrodes; the electrolyte membrane contains a solid electrolyte in which a plurality of pores with mean pore diameters of 1 to 30 nm are formed; and the solid electrolyte has a backbone comprising organic groups having one or more metal atoms, oxygen atoms bonded to the metal atoms, and carbon atoms bonded to the metal atoms or oxygen atoms, and also has functional groups with ion-exchange capabilities that are bonded to the organic groups in the pores.
US08034505B2	Fuel cell separator that is excellent in workability and corrosion resistance A separator that is excellent in workability and corrosion resistance, and allows a reduction in the number of constituent components of a fuel cell and the number of manufacturing process steps, and a manufacturing method therefore are provided. A separator includes a separating section for achieving separation between a hydrogen gas channel and an oxygen gas channel, and a sealing section disposed along an outer periphery of the separator, for preventing leakage of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The separating section and the sealing section are formed integrally with each other by means of plastic deformation processing, e.g., press working, of a metal thin sheet. A coating layer is formed n the metal thin sheet to coat the metal thin sheet's surface, and a DC power generated at an interface between a high polymer membrane and a catalytic electrode on contact of the coating layer with the catalytic electrode is taken out as a DC current and is collected at a power collector plate after passing through an interior of the separator. A high polymer elastic layer is provided at the part contacting the high polymer membrane of a sealing projection of the sealing section. The polymer elastic layer contacts the polymer film to seal.
US08034503B2	Fuel cell stack A casing includes end plates, side plates, and a hinge mechanism for coupling the end plates and the side plates. A power generation area is defined by the distance L1 and the distance L2. When first hinges and second hinges of the hinge mechanism are provided alternately, the first hinges and the second hinges are positioned within the distance L1. Preferably, the length of the shaft of a coupling pin is not more than the length L1. When the first hinges and the second hinges are provided alternately, the first hinges and the second hinges are positioned within the length L2. Preferably, the length of the shaft of a coupling pin is not more than the length L2.
US08034502B2	Water removal system for non-reactive regions in PEFMC stacks A device and method to extract water from a moisture-rich fuel cell flowpath. A water transport unit is integrated into the fuel cell so that liquid water stagnation within flow channels and manifolds is reduced. In one embodiment, the device includes numerous flowpaths that include an active region and an inactive region. The water transport unit includes a hydrophilic member such that upon passage of a fluid with the excess water through the inactive region of the device flowpath and into the presence of the hydrophilic member, it absorbs excess water from the fluid.
US08034500B2	Systems and methods for starting and operating fuel cell systems in subfreezing temperatures Systems and methods for initiating use of, or starting up, fuel cell stacks in subfreezing temperatures. The fuel cell stacks include a thermal management system that is adapted to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with a fuel cell stack, such as to heat the stack during startup of the stack when the stack is at a subfreezing temperature or operated in a subfreezing environment. In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a heat exchange circuit that is configured to provide delivery of the liquid heat exchange fluid to the fuel cell stack even when the conduits are at a subfreezing temperature. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is configured to deliver liquid heat exchange fluid from the fuel cell stack and heat exchange circuit when the thermal management system is not being utilized.
US08034498B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a fuel cell, measurement means for measuring impedances of the fuel cell in two kinds or more of frequency regions, and first judgment means for judging two or more parameters concerned with an internal state of the fuel cell based on measurement results of the impedances in the respective frequency regions. According to such a constitution, the impedances in the two or more types of frequency regions (a high frequency region, a low frequency region and the like) are measured to judge two or more parameters such as a wet state of an electrolytic film of the fuel cell and a supply state of a fuel gas, which are concerned with the internal state of the fuel cell based on this measurement result. Since such judgment is performed, as compared with the conventional technology, the internal state of the fuel cell can accurately be grasped, and highly efficient and highly robust control of the fuel cell system can be performed.
US08034497B2	Control device of vehicular fuel cell system and related method A control device for a vehicular fuel cell system is provided with a warm-up output control section operative, when a fuel cell system is started up under a low temperature condition and in case that a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system is warmed up, causing the fuel cell stack to generate electric power to allow predetermined warm-up electric power to be taken out, and a run permission section operative, during a period wherein the warm-up electric power is drawn by the warm-up output control section, to determine whether the fuel cell stack assumes a predetermined warm-up condition on the basis of one of a voltage value and an electric current value of the fuel cell stack. When a determination is made that the fuel cell stack assumes the predetermined warm-up condition, the run permission section provides a vehicle with run permission.
US08034496B2	Fuel cell The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell having a fuel reformer which can efficiently recover the exhaust heat from fuel cell stacks and can realize high conversion. In a fuel cell (1), a large number of power generating cells (7) are laminated to constitute a fuel cell stack (3). At least four fuel cell stacks (3) are squarely-arranged in a plane direction in a housing (2). A fuel reformer (30) filled with a reforming catalyst (33) is arranged in a cross shape in between the mutually facing sides of the fuel cell stacks (3).
US08034495B2	Semi-autonomous central supply system for passenger seats A system for generating energy for a consumer element in an aircraft includes the consumer element with a fuel cell element and a rechargeable metal hydride storage cell. The rechargeable metal hydride storage cell is designed for supplying the fuel cell element with hydrogen such that energy can be generated for the consumer element. The rechargeable metal hydride storage cell is furthermore designed in such a way that it can be charged with hydrogen.
US08034494B2	Fuel cell systems with maintenance hydration by displacement of primary power Fuel cell systems and methods that perform maintenance hydration by supplying power to satisfy at least part of an applied load from an energy-consuming assembly while a primary power source is in electrical communication with and available to supply power to the energy-consuming assembly to satisfy the portion of the applied load. In some embodiments, the systems or methods may determine a start time, or start condition, for hydration of the fuel cell system. Power may be supplied from the activated fuel cell system at an output voltage that is higher than a voltage at which power from the primary power source is being supplied, such that the applied load is satisfied, at least in part, by power from the fuel cell system instead of from the primary power source. Upon operation for a period sufficient to rehydrate the fuel cell stack, operation of the fuel cell system may be discontinued.
US08034492B2	Fuel cell apparatus A fuel cell apparatus including a fuel cell module, a heat exchanging assembly, and an airflow producing element is provided. The fuel cell module is used to perform chemical reactions of a fuel cell. The heat exchanging assembly includes a first heat exchanging part, a second heat exchanging part, and a connection part. The connection part connects the first heat exchanging part and the second heat exchanging part respectively. The airflow producing element is adapted to produce an airflow, and the airflow flows through the first heat exchanging part, the fuel cell module, and the second heat exchanging part sequentially.
US08034491B2	Organic electrolytic solution and lithium battery employing the same An organic electrolytic solution is provided. The electrolytic solution comprises a lithium salt, an organic solvent comprising a first solvent having a high dielectric constant and a second solvent having a low boiling point, and a surfactant having a hydrophilic segment with two ends, each end being connected to a hydrophobic segment. The organic electrolytic solution effectively prevents the electrolytic solution from contacting the anode of the lithium battery to thereby suppress a side reaction on the surface of the anode. This enhances charge/discharge efficiency, lifespan and reliability of the battery.
US08034490B2	Solid electrolyte comprising fluorine-containing polymer having fluorine-containing ether chains There is provided a fluorine-containing polymer solid electrolyte which has an excellent ion-conducting property, is high in oxidation resistance, is stable electrochemically and thermally, has sufficient strength and is applicable to various electrochemical devices. The electrolyte comprises (I) a non-crystalline fluorine-containing polymer which has a polar nonionic functional group and has, in a side chain of the polymer molecule, a structural unit D having 1 to 4 units derived from a fluorine-containing ether in the form of continuous chain, (II) an electrolytic compound and as case demands, (III) a solvent. The electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of from 10—10 to 101 S/cm measured at 25° C. by an alternating current complex impedance method, and is useful for various electrochemical devices.
US08034486B2	Positive active material for rechargeable lithium battery and method of preparing same Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes a core and a surface-treatment layer on the core. The core includes at least one lithiated compound and the surface-treatment layer includes at least one coating material selected from the group consisting of coating element included-hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, oxycarbonates, hydroxycarbonates and any mixture thereof.
US08034482B2	Battery having current-collection structure The metal foil of the positive electrode 1a or the negative electrode 1b in the power generating element 1 is connected along the connecting plate portion 2b which is folded, twisted, and provided in a protruding condition from the main portion 2a of the current-collector connector 2; hence the shape of the current-collector connector 2 becomes easy to form, and a battery capable of enhancing current collection efficiency, reliability and workability can be provided.
US08034475B2	Anode for secondary battery and secondary battery using the same A secondary battery includes an anode for a secondary battery, a cathode which absorbs and discharges lithium ions, and an electrolyte which is placed between the anode for the secondary battery and the cathode. The anode for the secondary battery includes an anode active material layer which absorbs and discharges lithium ions, the anode active material layer including a first layer including carbon as a chief ingredient, and a second layer including at least one first element having a theoretical capacity greater than a theoretical capacity of graphite, and at least one second element which has a theoretical capacity equal to or less than the theoretical capacity of graphite. The second layer includes particles, and the particles include the first element and the second element.
US08034474B2	Battery pack with nondirectional terminal Provided is a battery pack with a nondirectional terminal, which includes a terminal part electrically connected to a connector part provided on a battery pack mounting surface of a body of an electronic device. The terminal part includes a plurality of individual terminals that are respectively connected to individual connectors of the connector part and are symmetrically installed to constantly and smoothly supply power even if the battery pack is reversely mounted in the electronic device.
US08034473B2	Storage battery air-cooling device A storage battery air-cooling device cools down, by forced air circulation, a heat generation of a storage battery mounted in a vehicle as a driving power source of the vehicle. The device includes a battery case containing the storage battery with a marginal space on an outer circumference; a cool box which can be placed and extracted from a vehicle cabin for refrigerating an object; a pair of ducts communicating a case chamber of the battery case with a box chamber of the cool box to form a closed air circulation path; and a fan being set in a halfway position of the closed air circulation path to drive to forcedly circulate air in the path.
US08034472B2	Magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus The present invention provides a magnetic recording medium which is capable of improving the perpendicular orientation of a perpendicular magnetic recording layer while maintaining a writing performance during recording and obtaining both an improvement in the perpendicular orientation and fine magnetic crystal particles with a uniform diameter, and which enables information to be recorded or reproduced at high density, a method of manufacturing the same, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. A magnetic recording medium 10 according to the present invention includes at least a soft magnetic underlayer 2, an orientation control layer 3, a magnetic recording layer 4, and a protective layer 5 formed on a non-magnetic substrate 1. The orientation control layer 3 has a seed layer 6 and an intermediate layer 7. The seed layer 6 is made of a Cu—Ti alloy that has a face-centered cubic structure and includes Cu as a main component. The Cu—Ti alloy has a (111) crystal plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the non-magnetic substrate 1 and has a pseudo-hexagonal structure.
US08034468B2	Translucent ceramic, method for producing the same, optical component, and optical device A translucent ceramic having a high linear transmittance and a high refractive index, substantially not causing double refraction, and exhibiting a high anomalous dispersion has a pyrochlore compound represented by the general formula AxByOw (wherein 1.00≦x/y≦1.10 and w represents a positive number maintaining electroneutrality) as a main component. The main component has a cubic crystal system. Preferably, the A site comprises a trivalent metallic element, and the B site comprises a tetravalent metallic element. More preferably, A is at least one of La, Y, Gd, Yb, and Lu, and B is of at least one of Ti, Sn, Zr, and Hf. The translucent ceramic is useful as a material of, for example, an objective lens used in an optical pickup.
US08034464B2	Fluorene derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same A fluorene derivative represented by the following structural formula. An organic electroluminescence device including a pair of electrodes, and at least one layer containing an organic compound interposed between the pair of the electrodes. The at least one layer containing the organic compound contains the fluorene derivative. The layer containing the fluorene derivative serves as a light-emitting layer.
US08034463B2	Fibrous structures Fibrous structures that exhibit a Wet Burst of greater than 30 g as measured according to the Wet Burst Test Method and that may also exhibit a Geometric Mean (“GM”) Modulus and/or CD Modulus of less than 1320 at 15 g/cm and/or less than 875 at 15 g/cm as measured according to the Modulus Test Method are provided.
US08034462B2	Wood treated by impregnation with mixed anhydrides Process for the chemical treatment of lignocellulose materials, in particular of at least one piece of wood, characterized in that said materials are subjected to impregnation by a chemical agent comprising hydrocarbonaceous chains, this agent being chosen from mixed anhydrides, except for the mixed anhydride of acetic/benzoic acid, said agent being suitable for providing covalent grafting of a plurality of hydrocarbonaceous chains to said materials.
US08034461B2	Preparation of multilayer polyethylene thin films A method for making multilayer thin films is disclosed. The method of comprises orienting a thick multilayer film in the machine direction at a drawdown ratio effective to produce a multilayer thin film. The thick multilayer film has a thickness within the range of 1 mil to 5 mils and comprises at least one layer of a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and at least one layer of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) or a medium density polyethylene (MDPE).
US08034459B2	Erosion resistant coatings The present disclosure relates to a coating and a method of applying such coating that may include nanocrystals of a transition metal compound embedded in an amorphous phase or layered structure of transition metal compounds with an amorphous phase. The transition metal compound may be selected from the group consisting of metal nitrides, metal carbides, metal silicides and combinations thereof. The amorphous matrix may include a ceramic.
US08034455B2	Coating composition, substrates coated therewith and methods of making and using same Multilayer radiation curable liquid coating compositions are provided that include one or more UV oligomers including at least one aliphatic urethane acrylic oligomer; at least one acrylate diluent monomer selected from a mono-, bi-, and tri-functional reactive acrylate diluent monomers; at least one photo-initiator; at least one UV absorber; at least one hindered amine light stabilizer; and at least one antioxidant, where the liquid composition does not comprise a solvent and does not comprise an adhesion promoter. The UV oligomer in the base coat composition has elongation higher than 200% and tensile strength lower than 1000 psi. The UV oligomer in the top coat composition has tensile strength higher than 5000 psi. A coating system is provided that includes a liquid primer coat composition, a liquid base coat composition and a liquid top coat composition. The cured film has good electrical insulation and UV resistance, and passes thermal cycle, damp heat and humidity freezing tests that are part of UL certification processes. The coating compositions are useful for coating substrates including SiOx substrates.
US08034454B2	Antimicrobial compositions containing colloids of oligodynamic metals The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, methods for the production of these compositions, and use of these compositions with medical devices, such as catheters, and implants. The compositions of the present invention advantageously provide varying release kinetics for the active ions in the compositions due to the different water solubilities of the ions, allowing antimicrobial release profiles to be tailored for a given application and providing for sustained antimicrobial activity over time. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer compositions containing colloids comprised of salts of one or more oligodynamic metals, such as silver. The process of the invention includes mixing a solution of one or more oligodynamic metal salts with a polymer solution or dispersion and precipitating a colloid of the salts by addition of other salts to the solution which react with some or all of the first metal salts. The compositions can be incorporated into articles or can be employed as a coating on articles such as medical devices. Coatings may be on all or part of a surface.
US08034453B2	Composite materials with improved burn properties Epoxy resins and composite materials that generate reduced levels of sulfur dioxide and which unexpectedly have reduced self-extinguishing times. The epoxy resins are composed of from 50 to 70 weight percent of an epoxy resin component. The epoxy resin composition also includes from 20 to 35 weight percent of a thermoplastic blend that is composed of polyetherimide and polyamideimide. The epoxy resin composition further includes from 5 to 25 weight percent of a curative agent. The composite materials may be used for primary structures in aircraft and other load-bearing structures.
US08034448B2	Fibrous composites comprising carbon nanotubes and silica Fibrous composite comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a silica-containing moiety having one of the structures: (SiO)3Si—(CH2)n—NR1R2) or (SiO)3Si—(CH2)n—NCO; where n is from 1 to 6, and R1 and R2 are each independently H, CH3, or C2H5.
US08034446B2	Composite solid surface article with a backing and method of forming the same A composite solid surface article includes a surface layer with at least one first polymeric resin and a filler, and a backing layer on the surface layer with at least one second polymeric resin and wood particles.
US08034438B2	Coated cutting tool for general turning in heat resistant super alloys (HRSA) The present invention relates to coated cemented carbide inserts, particularly useful in general turning of superalloys. The inserts are characterized by a cemented carbide of WC, about 5.0-7.0 wt-% Co, and about 0.22-0.43 wt-% Cr, where the substrate has a coercivity (Hc) of about 19-28 kA/m. The coating contains a single (TixAl1-x)N-layer, where x is about 0.25-0.50, with crystal structure of NaCl type, total thickness of about 3.0-5.0 μm, (200)-texture, and compressive residual strain of about 2.5×10−3-5.0×10−3, optionally containing an outermost TiN-layer.
US08034435B2	Plastic film with a multilayered interference coating The invention relates to a plastic film with an interference multilayer system applied thereon that comprises at least two layers. Said layers can be obtained by hardening and/or applying thermal treatment to a coating composition containing nanoscale inorganic solid particles having polymerizable and/or polycondensable organic surface groups, thereby forming a layer that is crosslinked by means of the polymerizable and/or polycondensable organic surface groups. The films can be used as an optical laminating film.
US08034434B2	Transparent molded body and antireflective member using the same The present transparent molded body is a transparent molded body including a transparent substrate and an uneven layer composed of a cured product of an active energy ray-curable composition formed on at least one surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the uneven layer has an uneven structure having a gap between the adjacent convex portions equal to or less than the wavelength of a visible light, the water contact angle of the surface of the uneven layer is equal to or less than 25°, and the modulus of elasticity of the surface of the uneven layer is equal to or more than 200 MPa.
US08034431B2	Intermittently bonded fibrous web laminate There is provided a laminate of a thermoplastic backing to a fibrous web. This laminate, for example, could be used as a loop laminate for use in a hook and loop fastening system or an intermittently bonded elastic fibrous laminate. The laminate comprises a thermoplastic backing layer, having a first face and a second face. The backing layer has a plurality of projections extending from at least the first face of the backing. A fibrous web is attached to the backing at the location of at least some of the projections. The thermoplastic material of the backing, at the location of the projections, penetrates into the fibrous web encapsulating at least in part fibers of the fibrous web. The fibrous web preferably penetrates into at least some of the projections. The fibrous web is generally not attached, or very lightly attached, to the backing layer over at least some portion of the distance between adjacent projections. This allows for a low cost fibrous web laminate that can be directly extrusion formed with a backing without compromising the fibrous web's performance between the attached projections.
US08034429B2	Special turf filler An aggregate turf filler for use with the turf of athletic fields and landscaped areas which comprise crushed silica sand particles (SiO2) which are substantially round in shape and are sized to be between 12 and 40 mesh. An acrylic based sealer covering the outer surface of each of the silica sand particles. Finally, providing that the silica sand particles have a smooth outer surface, possess an angle of repose of less than 30°, repel water, resist compacting, present no damaging sharp edges when incorporated with the turf and are environmentally safe.
US08034425B1	Business form for laser and inkjet printing devices, and method for producing same A form or printing product and method for fabricating same on label formation equipment. The form includes first and second layers of material adhesively secured together. The first layer includes a card or label and a surrounding region, wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the card or label are substantially co-planar with the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the surrounding region. The second layer is adhered over the card or label and the surrounding region. By compressing the leading edge or trailing edge of the elevated second layer in tandem with the first layer, and thereby creating a small indentation, allows a sheet exiting a printer to bypass, travel over, or not come into contact with the second layer of the previously printed form resting in an output tray.
US08034421B2	Polymerizable composition comprising low molecular weight organic component Polymerizable compositions comprising particularly useful for brightness enhancing films.
US08034419B2	Method for making a graded barrier coating Disclosed is a method relating to graded-composition barrier coatings comprising first and second materials in first and second zones. The compositions of one or both zones vary substantially continuously across a thickness of the zone in order to achieve improved properties such as barrier, flexibility, adhesion, optics, thickness, and tact time. The graded-composition barrier coatings find utility in preventing exposure of devices such as organic electro-luminescent devices (OLEDs) to reactive species found in the environment.
US08034417B2	Process film for use in producing ceramic green sheet and method for production thereof There can be provided a casting film for producing a ceramic green sheet which film comprises a substrate film, an undercoat layer and a cured layer, wherein the undercoat layer is composed of a condensation polymer from a metal alkoxide and/or a partially hydrolyzed product of a metal alkoxide, and the cured layer is formed by heat treating at 40 to 120° C., an addition reaction type silicone resin composition containing a photosensitizer in a coating amount of 0.01 to 0.3 g/m2 expressed in terms of solid content, and thereafter ultraviolet irradiating the composition to cure the same. The casting film, which is employed for the production of a ceramic green sheet to be used in a ceramic capacitor, a laminated inductor element and the like, can easily be produced, has favorable adhesiveness to a substrate film, is excellent in ceramic slurry coating property and releasability from a ceramic green sheet, and possesses high flatness that has never been realized by any of the prior arts together with high antistatic property.
US08034415B2	Formaldehyde-free phenolic resin binder The present invention concerns a composition containing: an aqueous dispersion of at least one phenol-formaldehyde resin; at least one amine compound, wherein the molecular mass of the amine compound does not exceed approximately 20 000 g/mole, at least one activated silane, as well as at least one aromatic hydroxyl compound. The composition may be employed as a formaldehyde-free binder for the manufacture of mineral wool.
US08034414B2	Printing process and method for improving side-bottom ratio A printing screen, printing process and method for improving side-bottom ratio are provided. The printing screen mainly comprises a plurality of printing units, wherein each of the printing units comprises a body and a protrusion structure. The body has an ink aperture, and the protrusion structure extends from a surface of the body into the ink aperture. The printing process of a fluorescent layer in a plasma display panel utilizing the said printing screen can enhance the uneven film thickness of the fluorescent layer on the bottom of a discharge chamber, and further improve the side-bottom ratio of the fluorescent layer in a plasma display panel.
US08034412B2	Treatment of items A method of forming a ramp of material on a stepped portion of an item, comprises applying material in liquid form to the item in the vicinity of the stepped portion, the liquid having properties such that the liquid moves by capillary attraction to the stepped portion, and causing or allowing the material to solidify to form a ramp on the stepped portion. By using capillary flow, it is not necessary for the material to be placed in position very accurately. Variations in position of placement can be accommodated by the flow to the stepped region. The greater tolerance in accuracy of positioning means that processing can be performed more quickly.
US08034411B2	Method of preventing abnormal large grains from being included into thin nano-crystalline diamond film The present invention relates to a method of preventing abnormal large grains from being included in a NCD thin film during a hot filament CVD process by appropriately controlling the deposition condition regarding a temperature-measuring means, a deposition pressure, an electrical potential and/or the composition of a raw material gas flow.
US08034407B2	Chemical vapor deposition of high conductivity, adherent thin films of ruthenium A multi-step method for depositing ruthenium thin films having high conductivity and superior adherence to the substrate is described. The method includes the deposition of a ruthenium nucleation layer followed by the deposition of a highly conductive ruthenium upper layer. Both layers are deposited using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing low deposition rates.
US08034404B2	Method for producing white powder comprising titanium oxide film and metallic silver film A method for producing a white powder, which includes forming on a surface of a base particle a titanium oxide film and a metallic silver film contiguously one upon another in this order, wherein the base particle includes a magnetic material, and wherein said step of forming on the surface of the base particle the titanium oxide film includes dispersing the base particle in a buffer solution and adding a titanium salt aqueous solution while agitating the dispersion.
US08034403B2	Method for forming copper distributing wires A method of forming a primary coat, which consists of a V- or Ti-containing film, formed on the surface of a subject on which holes or the like have been formed, according to the CVD technique, while using, for instance, a tetravalent amide-type vanadium-containing organometal compound as a raw gas and using, for instance, tertiary butyl hydrazine as a reducing gas, and a copper-containing film is then formed on the primary coat, according to the CVD technique, to thus fill the holes or the like with the copper-containing film and to thus form copper distributing wire, which is excellent in the hole-filling properties and excellent in the adhesion to a primary coat, this process can be applied to the field of copper distributing wires used in the semiconductor industries.
US08034397B2	Methods of making assay devices utilizing hollow particles Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.
US08034396B2	Bioadhesive composition formed using click chemistry The present disclosure provides compositions which may be utilized as adhesives or sealants in medical and surgical applications. The compositions may, in embodiments, be formed from the cycloaddition reaction of a first component possessing at least one azide group with a second component possessing at least one alkyne group.
US08034393B1	Steam crushed whole grains A steam crushed whole grain for reducing the wetting time necessary prior to use of a whole grain baking ingredient in a baking application. A whole grain kernel is formed into a whole grain flake with a plurality of exterior fractures. As the flake is formed, the flake is exposed to steam such that an interior starch portion of the flake is heated by penetration of the steam through the fractures. As the interior starch portion is heated, the flake is partially gelatinized within a range of about 15% to about 35%. The partially gelatinized grain is then milled and crushed for use as a baking ingredient. Prior to use, the partially gelatinized whole grain baking ingredient is wetted for a time less than 4 hours as is typically recommended for traditionally processed whole grains.
US08034391B2	Polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing oil product and uses and production thereof The present invention includes a solid fat composition that includes an oil having saturated fat and a microbial oil having a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an emulsifier. In particular, the solid fat composition can have high levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and low amounts of emulsifiers. In preferred embodiments, the polyunsaturated oil is an unwinterized microbial oil. The invention also relates to methods for making such compositions and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products comprising said compositions. The present invention also includes a microbial oil product prepared by extracting an oil-containing fraction comprising at least one LC-PUFA from a microbial biomass, and treating the fraction by a process of vacuum evaporation, wherein the oil product has not been subject to one or more of a solvent winterization step, a caustic refining process, a chill filtration process, or a bleaching process.
US08034390B2	Automated food processing system and method An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.
US08034386B2	Extract from Agaricus blazei Murill capable of suppressing breast cancer A food material capable of suppressing the genesis of breast cancer or proliferation of terminal breast cancer. An extract of Agaricus Blazei Murill comprising an ingredient capable of suppressing the genesis of breast cancer or proliferation of terminal breast cancer is provided. This ingredient can be a chromatographic main elution fraction of 100 to 2000 molecular weight obtained through the steps of extracting the fruit body of Agaricus Blazei Murill with hot water, dialyzing the obtained extract and subjecting the obtained dialysis external fluid to chromatography. Alternatively, the above ingredient can be a dialysis external fluid obtained through the steps of extracting the fruit body of Agaricus Blazei Murill with hot water, adding ethanol to the obtained extract to thereby obtain precipitates, and dissolving the precipitates in water and dialyzing the resultant solution.
US08034382B2	Preparation method for biodegradable micro-particles containing drugs The disclosure provides a method to form sustained release drug-containing microparticles with a biodegradable polymer. The method involves forming a polymer-drug-organic solvent phase, and dispersing the polymer-drug-organic solvent phase in an aqueous suspension of an inorganic gel, which may be hydroxyapatite. The hydroxyapatite appears to coat the polymer-drug-solvent droplets to prevent them coalescing. The solvent then evaporates with stirring of the dispersion, at which time the droplets solidify to drug-containing microparticles. The inorganic gel allows suitably small microparticles to form without use of an organic emulsifier.
US08034380B2	Immediate release pharmaceutical tablets with height greater than width An immediate release compressed pharmaceutical tablet that has two or more segments and a top and a bottom and has a height that exceeds the width of the tablet. The height is measured vertically from the top to the bottom of the tablet while it is in the tablet die in which it is fully compressed, after compression has been completed. The width is measured as the greatest horizontal dimension of the tablet at a location halfway between the top and the bottom of the tablet, except that when the horizontal cross-section of the tablet is substantially rectangular, the width is defined by locating the two shorter sides of the perimeter of the horizontal cross-section, and measuring the length of a line that is at right angle to the shorter sides.
US08034377B2	DHA esters and use thereof in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease The present invention relates to a docosahexaenoic acid ester with an alcohol chosen among the group-B vitamins or provitamins, advantageously comprised by: nicotinyl alcohol of the following formula (I), panthenol of the following formula (II), and inositol of the following formula (III) or with isosorbide of the following formula (IV) or isosorbide mononitrate of the following formula (V). It also relates to a method of preparation of same, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same and the use of same in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease, in particular auricular fibrillation.
US08034376B2	Lipid containing formulations Compositions and methods useful in administering nucleic acid based therapies, for example association complexes such as liposomes and lipoplexes are described.
US08034370B2	Ocular implant made by a double extrusion process The invention provides biodegradable implants sized for implantation in an ocular region and methods for treating medical conditions of the eye. The implants are formed from a mixture of hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end PLGA, and deliver active agents into an ocular region without a high burst release.
US08034369B2	Controlled release bioactive agent delivery device The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device for treatment of an eye that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The first polymer and the second polymer are hydrophobic, and the body member has a length such that, upon placement of the device at an implantation site within a posterior segment of an eye, the device does not enter a central visual field of the eye. The invention also provides methods method of delivering bioactive agent to a posterior region of an eye.
US08034368B2	Drug delivery device for providing local analgesia, local anesthesia or nerve blockage The invention relates to a drug delivery device for providing local analgesia, local anesthesia or nerve blockade at a site in a human or animal in need thereof, the device comprising a fibrillar collagen matrix; and at least one drug substance selected from the group consisting of amino amide anesthetics, amino ester anesthetics and mixtures thereof, the at least one drug substance being substantially homogeneously dispersed in the collagen matrix, and the at least one drug substance being present in an amount sufficient to provide a duration of local analgesia, local anesthesia or nerve blockade which lasts for at least about one day after administration.
US08034366B2	Ocular implant made by a double extrusion process The invention provides biodegradable implants sized for implantation in an ocular region and methods for treating medical conditions of the eye. The implants are formed from a mixture of hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end PLGA, and deliver active agents into an ocular region without a high burst release.
US08034365B2	N-substituted monomers and polymers Described herein are N-substituted monomers and polymers, methods of making such monomers and polymers, and methods of using them in various applications, such as medical devices. In preferred embodiments, the medical device is a stent.
US08034364B2	Implantable medical device comprising a pro-healing(ester-amide) The present invention relates to implantable medical devices, in particular stents, comprising pro-healing poly(ester-amide)s.
US08034363B2	Sustained release systems of ascorbic acid phosphate A novel method of preparing a controlled release composition is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of preparing controlled release compositions of ascorbic acid phosphate and absorbable polymers. Also disclosed is a novel controlled release composition of ascorbic acid phosphate made by the method of the present invention.
US08034362B2	Chemical composition of hydrogels for use as articulating surfaces The present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising at least one polymer with functional groups including alcohol groups, acid groups, and amide groups and where the ratio of the functional alcohol groups to functional acid groups in the hydrogel composition ranges from about 16:1 to about 3:2. The present invention also provides a method of repairing an articulating surface in a body using the inventive composition. The inventive hydrogel composition is created by blending two or more polymers to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups, reacting at least one polymer with a reagent that results in the formation of alcohol, acid, and/or amide functional groups of the desired ratio, and/or polymerizing at least one monomer to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups.
US08034361B2	Stent coatings incorporating nanoparticles Coatings for implantable medical devices including nanoparticles incorporating an active agent, and methods for fabricating the coatings.
US08034356B2	Monoparamunity inducers based on attenuated rabbit myxoma viruses The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.
US08034354B2	Intergenic regions as insertion sites in the genome of modified vaccinia virus ankara (MVA) The present invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of exogenous sequences into the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus genome. The present invention further provides plasmid vectors to insert exogenous DNA into the genome of MVA. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant MVA comprising an exogenous DNA sequence inserted into the new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.
US08034349B2	Peptides that mimic non-human cross-reactive protective epitopes of the group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharide Peptides that mimic the antigenic features of non human-cross-reactive protective epitopes of the MenB CP and nucleic acids encoding the peptide mimetics are disclosed. Antibodies elicited by these peptides do not bind to polysialic acid in host tissue and thus provide a safe and efficacious method for the treatment and/or prevention of Meningitis B.
US08034346B2	Methods for treating pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID and compositions containing the same The present invention features methods for treating or preventing pain comprising administering an amount of a nerve growth factor antagonist (such as an anti-NGF antibody) and an amount of an NSAID such that together they provide effective pain relief. The invention also features compositions comprising a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID and kits containing the same.
US08034344B2	Anti-IL-6/IL-6R antibodies and methods of use thereof This invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies that recognize the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further provides methods of using such monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic.
US08034343B2	Methods of treating inflammatory disorders of the lungs 2F1 polypeptides are provided, along with DNA sequences, expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing the polypeptides. Soluble 2F1 polypeptides find use in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and treating inflammation.
US08034341B2	Methods of inhibiting tumor growth using blocking antibodies to IL-23R Provided are methods of treatment for tumors. In particular, methods are provided for modulating activity of a cytokine molecule and its receptor.
US08034336B2	Antibodies against a peptide epitope of apoliprotein B The present invention relates to antibodies raised against fragments of apolipoprotein B, in particular defined peptides thereof, for immunization or therapeutic treatment of mammals, including humans, against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, using one or more of the antibodies.
US08034335B2	High-titer retroviral packaging cells The present invention relates to non-replicative recombinant retrovirus packaging cells able to grow in suspension in a serum-free medium. In particular, the present invention relates to a human embryonic 293SF-based cell line stably expressing gag and pol gene products from the murine Moloney leukemia virus (MLV) and either the feline RD114 env gene, the gibbon ape leukemia virus (GLV) env gene, or the amphotropic 4070Aenv gene. This particular combination allows the production of high titer of non-replicative retrovirus pseudotyped and prevents the recombination of plasmids. The recombinant retroviruses produced from these cells are safer and easier to produce for clinical use in gene therapy.
US08034333B2	Solenopsis invicta virus Unique Solenopsis invicta viruses (SINV) have been identified and their genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV. The viruses are used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.
US08034330B2	Modified organs and cells for xenotransplantation It has been discovered that there are at least two significant antigens present on the cells of animal species such as pigs that elicit an immune or inflammatory response immediately upon implantation into humans or contact with human serum. The first is an α-galactosyl (Gal) epitope, for example, Galα(1→3)Galβ(1→4)GlcNac (linear B type 2) or Galα (1→3)Galβ(1→4)Glc (linear B type 6). The second is an N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) structure. By eliminating these epitopes, preferably by genetically engineering the animal so that the epitope is either not produced or is greatly reduced, or by chemical or enzymatic treatment of the animal's cells to remove the epitopes, it is possible to produce organs, tissues and cells suitable for xenotransplantation into humans. Cells can be rendered even more compatible by genetically engineering the animal to express a human complement regulatory protein (inhibitor), such as CD59, on its cells, or to express an excess of a pig complement regulatory protein.
US08034327B2	Hyperglycosylated IL-7, preparation and uses The present invention relates to new and improved interleukin-7 polypeptides, as well as compositions comprising the same, their preparation and uses. The invention more particularly relates to hyperglycosylated IL-7 polypeptides having improved properties, as well as their manufacture and therapeutic uses. The invention also discloses novel IL-7 polypeptides having modified amino acid sequences containing artificially created glycosylation site(s), as well as corresponding nucleic acid molecules, vectors and recombinant host cells. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides, cells or nucleic acids for curative or preventive treatment of mammalian subjects, including human subjects.
US08034320B2	Microwave treatment of magnetite iron ore pellets to convert magnetite to hematite A method and apparatus for producing iron ore pellets containing hematite is described. The pellets containing magnetite are exposed to microwave energy in a heat treatment furnace under oxidizing conditions to convert magnetite to hematite.
US08034319B2	Method for producing complex oxide of metal A process for producing a complex oxide containing the valuable metal and an alkali (earth) metal salt, which comprising co-milling a mixture of the valuable metal oxide and/or a precursor thereof, or a mixture of a substance containing the valuable metal oxide and/or a precursor thereof, with an alkali (earth) metal salt to a particle size of the valuable metal oxide or a substance containing the oxide, of 10 μm or less, and heating the co-milled product to a temperature of at least 200° C. so as to induce a solid-phase reaction of the valuable metal oxide with an alkali (earth) metal salt.
US08034318B1	Process for preparation of calcium thiosulfate liquid solution from lime, sulfur, and sulfur dioxide An efficient batch or semi-continuous method of production of relative high concentration, low byproduct-containing, calcium thiosulfate (CaS2O3) from lime, sulfur or calcium polysulfide, and sulfur dioxide under elevated reaction temperature conditions is described. The product is an emulsion of liquid calcium thiosulfate and solid byproducts. Under the conditions of the art, including the mole ratios of lime to sulfur, the temperature of the reaction process and the sulfur dioxide reaction conditions, including rate and duration, the byproducts are reduced to about 2% by weight.
US08034317B2	Assemblies of anisotropic nanoparticles A composition of matter, includes a plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles that are in physical contact with one another, each of the plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles having a) a first dimension that is substantially different than both a second dimension and a third dimension and b) a non-random nanoparticle crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with the first direction. The plurality a anisotropic nanoparticles are substantially aligned with respect to each other to define a substantially close packed dense layer having a non-random shared crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with a basal plane of the substantially close packed dense layer. The plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles includes a member selected from the group consisting of (In,Ga)y(S,Se)1-y, an In2Se3 stable wurtzite structure that defines a hexagonal rod nanoparticle, Cux(Se)1-x and Cu(In,Ga)y(S,Se)1-y.
US08034316B2	Carbon blacks having low PAH amounts and methods of making same Carbon blacks, such as rubber blacks, having a low PAH concentration are described. Furthermore, elastomeric or rubber compositions containing the carbon black of the present invention are further described, as well as methods of making carbon black having a low PAH concentration.
US08034314B2	Photoreactive compound specifically binding to calcium binding proteins The present invention provides a photoreactive reagent that binds specifically to Ca2+-binding proteins, links to them covalently after photo-activation, and labels them. The novel reagent enables the characterization, purification, inhibition and screening of Ca2+-binding proteins, as well as the preparation of a new affinity chromatography matrix and a new protein biosensor. The invention also relates to the use of the reagent in inhibiting apoptosis and necrosis and in diagnosing a disorder associated with a defect in the function of a Ca2+-binding protein, and in the preparation of a medicament for treating such disorders.
US08034309B2	Photocatalytic process using hydrophilifiable material In a formulation comprising titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst and an amphoteric metal oxide (alumina or the like) or a basic metal oxide (barium oxide, strontium oxide or the like) as a material having a base point, when a nitrogen oxide (nitrogen monoxide) comes into contact with or approaches titanium dioxide, upon exposed to light, the carbon monoxide is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (gas) by hydroxy radicals as an active oxygen species produced by titanium dioxide. As is apparent from the molecular structure, nitrogen dioxide is an acidic gas, alumina is an amphoteric metal oxide, and barium oxide and strontium oxide are a basic metal oxide. The oxygen atom thereof serves as a base point to an acid gas. Therefore, nitrogen dioxide is attracted and chemically bonded to the oxygen atom, held on the metal oxide, and kept close to titanium dioxide as the photocatalyst.
US08034308B2	Multi-stage multi-tube shell-and-tube reactor A multi-stage, multi-tube, shell-and-tube reactor which contains reaction zones and interstage temperature control (cooling/heating) zones in series. The reactor has at least two types of zones which both contribute to removing or supplying heat to the system depending on the system's need. The reactor will have a group of reaction zones which contain tubes packed with catalyst to progress the reaction and remove or supply heat simultaneously. There are also a number of interstage temperature control (cooling/heating) zones which are designed to supply or remove heat to or from the system. The positioning, number, and design of the zones will depend on the amount of temperature control desired and exothermic or endothermic nature of the processes to be conducted in the reactor.
US08034306B1	Reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus including a flexible microtitre plate A reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus includes a substrate carrying a plurality of reaction surfaces and, a plate having a plurality of wells, alignable with one of the reaction surfaces and forming a fluid tight well about each reaction surface when the plate and the substrate are sealingly affixed to each other in a frame. The plate is formed of a flexible material which may have an adhesive on one surface. Interlocking latch members are formed on the plate and the frame for releasably latching the plate and the frame in a position for sealing attachment to the substrate.
US08034303B2	Sample arraying/assembling device, its method, and apparatus using sample assembly The present invention relates to a sample arraying/assembling device, its method, and an apparatus using a sample assembly, and has an object of providing a sample arraying/assembling device which is adapted to various microplates of International Standards, and is capable of efficiently and quickly arraying and assembling various samples; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.The present invention is constituted to comprise: a distributing section which is capable of holding respective solutions containing samples to be distributed, and which has a plurality of holding ends arranged in a predetermined matrix; and a wound body which has a plane surface wound with a string-like or thread-like slender foundation member on which samples are to be distributed at distribution intervals of column or line of the matrix, which is arranged in parallel at the winding intervals of the line or column on the plane surface, so that the respective holding ends can come into contact therewith.
US08034302B1	Transparent conducting composites (TTCs) for creating chemically active surfaces Disclosed are chemically active surfaces for the detection of nitroaromatic, nitramine, and nitrate ester compounds, the primary constituents of explosive devices. Transparent conductive composites (TCCs) combine with gold nanoparticles in a conducting polymer matrix to create a conductive, flexible, and electrochromic material. Hybrid, nanostructured surfaces constructed from TCCs are decorated with conjugated conductive oligomer wires. Selective binding of the target to the oligomer alters the electron charge mobility in the TCC, affecting the redox state. The binding event is identified by measuring the conductivity of the TCC and/or through color changes of the TCC. Conjugated oligomers that are functionalized with thiol groups at one end and nitro-derivative receptors at the other provide the bases for selectivity and sensing. The thiol group anchors the oligomer to the metal sites on the TCC surface and the receptor starts the charge transfer mechanism when targeted with the appropriate molecule.
US08034300B2	Apparatus for producing trichlorosilane This apparatus for producing trichlorosilane includes: a vessel having a gas inlet that introduces a feed gas into the vessel and a gas outlet that discharges a reaction product gas to the outside; a plurality of silicon core rods provided inside the vessel; and a heating mechanism that heats the silicon core rods, wherein a feed gas containing silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen is reacted to produce a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane and hydrogen chloride. The silicon core rods may be disposed so as to stand upright on the bottom of the vessel, and the heating mechanism may have electrode portions that hold the lower end portions of the silicon core rods on the bottom of the vessel and a power supply that applies an electric current to the silicon core rods through the electrode portions to heat the silicon core rods.
US08034298B2	Fluid bed reactors and associated methods In one embodiment of the present invention a fluid bed reactor is provided, comprising: a housing, at least one tray disposed within the housing, at least one motor operatively connected to the at least one tray, wherein the motor rotates the at least one tray; and at least one wiper associated with at the at least one tray which directs product on a top surface of a respective tray down through at least one radial slot in each respective tray as each respective tray is rotated by the motor. At least one of the trays is at least partially perforated material which a gas to flow up out of the top surface of the tray, at least partially fluidizing product on the top surface of the tray.
US08034295B2	Ion analyzing apparatus and ion analyzing method An ion analyzing apparatus includes a sensor; a counter electrode having openings, the counter electrode being positioned so as to substantially surround the sensor; and a bias generating circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the sensor includes quartz crystal and a pair of electrodes positioned on surface of the quartz crystal, and one of the pair of electrodes is coupled to the bias generating circuit.
US08034286B2	Ultrasonic treatment system for separating compounds from aqueous effluent Novel ultrasonic treatment systems for separating compounds in an aqueous effluent and processes for using the ultrasonic treatment systems are disclosed. More particularly, the ultrasonic treatment systems use ultrasonic energy to energize adsorbent to provide efficient and effective removal of compounds from aqueous effluents, such as textile effluents.
US08034284B2	Bleeder valve for pressurized furnace A shaft furnace bleeder valve for controlling a gas outflow from the interior of a pressurized furnace to the ambient atmosphere through an exhaust conduit is proposed. The bleeder valve comprises a valve seat associated with the exhaust conduit, a movable closure member having a central closure surface and a peripheral sealing surface cooperating with the valve seat, the closure surface comprising a convex surface at least in proximity to the sealing surface. The valve further has an actuating mechanism, which is connected to the closure member for moving the closure member between a closed position on the valve seat and an open position distant from the valve seat. According to the invention, the closure member comprises a recurved deflection portion at the periphery of the peripheral sealing surface, the recurved deflection portion comprising a deflection surface inclined against the convex surface by an angle in the range of 30° to 70° for imparting to a gas outflow passing between the valve seat and the closure member a velocity component which is opposite to the initial opening movement of the closure member.
US08034283B2	Rotary hearth furnace and method of operating the same A rotary hearth furnace includes an exhaust gas eductor. The exhaust gas eductor includes a compartment-defining portion and an exhaust duct. The compartment-defining portion is provided on part of a ceiling of the rotary hearth furnace in an exhaust gas discharge region, and an exhaust duct is connected to the compartment-defining portion. The lower surface of the compartment-defining portion lies higher than the lower surface of the other portion of the ceiling. The compartment-defining portion defines a compartment where the exhaust gas stays. The exhaust duct can include a cooling medium injection nozzle. The furnace increases fuel efficiency by completely burning combustible components remaining in exhaust gas generated in the rotary hearth furnace so as to use the combustible components efficiently for the heating and reduction reaction in the rotary hearth furnace, without problems in producing reduced iron.
US08034282B2	Thermal energy machine with interchangeable components for processing different sized parts A thermal energy machining (“TEM”) machine is designed with interchangeable components for processing different sized parts within a single frame. The frame weldment includes a base, an upper mounting plate and intermediate mounting plates. In one embodiment, a TEM machine for processing short parts includes a ram cylinder directly secured to the base, a chamber spacer directly secured to the upper mounting plate and a thermal chamber directly secured to the chamber spacer. In another embodiment, a TEM machine for processing long parts includes a thermal chamber directly secured to the upper mounting plate, a ram spacer directly secured to the base, and a ram cylinder directly secured to the ram spacer.
US08034278B2	Pressurized molding of composite parts Apparatus and methods for molding composite bodies into composite parts using pressure. A lower inflexible mold is combined with an elastic upper mold layer to form a molding cavity in which the composite body to be molded is placed. An elastic pressure layer is used in combination with the upper mold layer to form a pressure chamber. A flexible expansion control layer is used to limit the increase in surface area of the pressure layer during pressurization. A perimeter retention lock is provided to prevent the perimeters of the elastic and flexible layers from moving inward or away from the lower mold during application of pressure to the pressure chamber.
US08034276B2	Pump housing for a domestic appliance A domestic appliance includes a pump that establishes and directs a flow of washing fluid into a tub during a washing operation. The pump includes a pump housing having a rigid main body portion that defines an inlet section and an outlet section, as well as a plurality of resilient members that are over-molded onto the inlet and outlet sections. The rigid main body portion includes a mounting element for supporting the pump. An insulation grommet is positioned in the mounting element to minimize any transfer of vibration from the pump to the appliance. The inlet nipple, outlet nipple and insulation grommet are joined through a plurality of web members. The rigid main body also includes a secondary outlet section that is adapted to directly receive a hose or is connected to a hose through a secondary outlet nipple.
US08034275B2	Assembly having a component enclosed by a housing, and device and method used in its manufacture To provide an assembly which is as small as possible which contains a well-protected component and effectively dissipates heat, and to provide a device and a method for use in the rapid manufacture of such an assembly, an assembly includes a component and a housing from which the component is partially separated by narrow casting gaps filled with a casting compound containing a relatively large amount of filler. For the manufacture of such an assembly, a device is used for filling with casting compound and which includes a mounting for securing the assembly in a position which permits air to escape from the casting gaps, which have an external connection during filling. Also there are supply containers and supply lines for the casting compound which open into the casting gaps, and an apparatus for generating pressure. A method which is used to fill narrow casting gaps with casting compound by using such a device. The method involves introducing a casting compound of predetermined viscosity under pressure through the supply lines into the casting gaps, from which the air is displaced.
US08034272B2	Method of preparing a closure for container for holding biological samples A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a cap having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening capable of communicating with the mouth of a container, the second opening sealed by an exterior seal, and intermediate the first opening and the exterior seal, an interior seal. The invention also provides an assembly comprising the closure of this invention and a container. The invention also provides a method for preparing the closure.
US08034271B2	Process for making composite products from fibrous waste material A process for making composite products from waste material comprises the steps of a) obtaining fibrous material produced by the thermal treatment of waste materials with pressurized steam; b) mixing the fibrous material with a binding material; c) forming the resulting mixture into a shape; d) pressing the shaped mixture under pressure; and e) hardening the mixture; wherein the process also comprises the steps of the separating out the fibrous material and deodorizing the fibrous material. The waste material may be domestic bin liner waste.
US08034269B2	Process for the compounding of polymers A compounding process is disclosed. The process includes (i) melt blending in an extruder at least two polymeric resins to produce a mixture that includes at least one resin that dissociates to yield monomers and/or oligomers upon heating, said mixture containing less than 1 percent of volatile components, (ii) introducing into said extruder an inert entraining agent, and (iii) removing said entraining agent together with said volatile components from said extruder. The extruder includes at least one melting zone, at least two degassing zones and at least one mixing zone. The end product has a particularly low content of residual solvent and at the same time a low content of monomers or oligomers.
US08034260B2	Gel electrolyte of dye sensitized solar cell and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed is a gel electrolyte for a photosensitive dye and method for manufacturing the same. First, bismaleimide and barbituric acid are dissolved in Brönsted base solution to form a gelling additive. Subsequently, the gelling additive is added into an ionic liquid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte is then gelled at room temperature to form a gel electrolyte for the photosensitive dye utilized in dye sensitized solar cells. In addition, barbituric acid is further added into the gelling additive to enhance the gelling rate of the ionic liquid electrolyte.
US08034257B2	UV solid light source of inorganic powder An inorganic powder uses a UV solid light source applied for the UV LEDs, in which an inorganic powder is based on the inorganic powder of n-silicate group II elements, and its ingredients have valence 2 ions, such as Eu+2, Sm+2, Yb+2 and Dy+2, valence 3 ions Ce+3, Tb+3 and/or Eu+3. The chemical formula of the components is Me+21-xLn+32-ySi2O8:TR+2x:TR+3y, and x=0.0-0.2, y=0.0-0.1. A main structure thereof is a hexagonal crystal structure. When the indium gallium nitride and gallium nitride based allomorphous semiconductor short wave UV light is used under conditions of excitement, the multiple band white light can be obtained.
US08034252B2	Metal-polishing liquid and chemical-mechanical polishing method using the same A metal-polishing liquid includes colloidal silica and a compound represented by Formula (I) or a compound represented by Formula (II). The colloidal silica is substituted by aluminum atoms at least one portion of the silicon atoms on the surfaces thereof. In Formula (I), R1 represents an alkyl group, alkynyl group, alkenyl group, allyl group or aryl group; R2 represents hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, alkynyl group, alkenyl group, allyl group or aryl group; m represents an integer from 0 to 6. In Formula (II), R3 represents an alkyl group or aryl group; n represents an integer from 1 to 30. R1—OOC—(CH2)m—COO—R2 Formula (I) R3—O—(CH2CH2O)n—SO3H Formula (II)
US08034250B2	Piezoelectric material Provided is a piezoelectric material including a lead-free perovskite-type composite oxide which is excellent in piezoelectric characteristics and temperature characteristics and is represented by the general formula (1): xABO3-yA′BO3-zA″B′O3 in which A is a Bi element; A′ is a rare earth element including La; B is at least one element selected from Ti, Zn, Sn and Zr; A″ is at least one element selected from Ba, Sr and Ca; B′ is at least one element selected from divalent, trivalent, pentavalent, tetravalent, and hexavalent elements; and x is a value of 0.10 or more and 0.95 or less, y is a value of 0 or more and 0.5 or less, and z is a value of 0 or more and 0.7 or less, provided that x+y+z=1.
US08034249B2	Piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramics sintered body A piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic sintered body has a microstructure in which a matrix phase and an additional material phase having different compositions coexist and the additional material phase is dispersed in the matrix phase. A residual strain ratio of the additional material phase alone is larger than a residual strain ratio of the matrix phase alone. The matrix phase and the additional material phase have a composition in which a Mn compound containing Mn atoms of 0 parts by mol or more and 3 parts by mol or less and a Sr compound containing Sr atoms of 0 parts by mol or more and 1 part by mol or less are contained in a composite of 100 parts by mol represented by a general formula {Liy(Na1-xKx)1-y}a(Nb1-z-wTazSbw)O3, where a, x, y, z and w satisfy 0.9≦a≦1.2, 0.2≦x≦0.8, 0.0≦y≦0.2, 0≦z≦0.5 and 0≦w≦0.1, respectively.
US08034248B2	Dry etching method for oxide semiconductor film Provided is a dry etching method for an oxide semiconductor film made of In—Ga—Zn—O, in which an etching gas containing a hydrocarbon is used in a dry etching process for the oxide semiconductor film made of In—Ga—Zn—O formed on a substrate.
US08034244B2	High efficiency ion exchange system for removing arsenic contaminants from water The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.
US08034241B2	Spiral membrane module A spiral membrane module where membrane elements are easily connected to each other and the connection thereof is prevented from being loosened. The spiral membrane elements (20) are each formed in multiple layers by winding membranes and channel materials around a center tube (3) having holes and are received in a pressure vessel (10) such that they are connected in series with connection mechanisms (J) placed between the membrane elements (20). Each connection mechanism (J) has a movable member (M) installed at either the upstream side end part or the downstream side end part of each membrane element (20) and having an engagement part (9d) engageable with the other of the upstream side end or the downstream side end. The movable member (M) has a contact part (9c) coming into contact with the inner wall (10a) of the pressure vessel (10) and locking the engagement by the engagement part (9d).
US08034238B2	Waste water storage and treatment system A multi-chamber basin is sized to collect excess waste water exceeding the processing capacity of a sewage system. In order to disinfect the waste water exceeding the basin capacity, disinfectant is added at a point in the system after the first basin. After the rain event is over and there is excess sewage treatment capacity, the sewage treatment in the multi-chamber basin is returned to the sewage system. By not disinfecting the waste water in the first basin chamber, the overall disinfectant usage can be minimized.
US08034237B2	Backwashing filter basket The present invention is for a self-cleaning filter basket for an overflow structure for a retention pond or storm water system. The filter basket is attached to the overflow structure over the outlet weir so that floating debris, such as trash, leaves, glass clippings, tree stems, and the like, is captured by the filter basket while sand, gravel and non-floating materials pass through the filter screen. The self-cleaning filter basket screens are cleaned by water, such as rain water, being directed through openings in the top of the filter basket to impinge against the angled screen sides in the filter basket to flush accumulated debris therefrom.
US08034234B2	Floating skimmer apparatus with up-flow filter The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system. The storm water filtering system has a floatable skimmer therein for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water and a separate filtration system to filter non-floatable pollutants from water passing therethrough.
US08034232B2	Methods for increasing catalyst concentration in heavy oil and/or coal resid hydrocracker Methods and systems for hydrocracking a heavy oil feedstock using, a colloidally or molecularly dispersed catalyst (e.g., molybdenum sulfide) which provide for concentration of the colloidally dispersed catalyst within the lower quality materials requiring additional hydrocracking. In addition to increased catalyst concentration, the inventive systems and methods provide increased reactor throughput, increased reaction rate, and of course higher conversion of asphaltenes and lower quality materials. Increased conversion levels of asphaltenes and lower quality materials also reduces equipment fouling, enables the reactor to process a wider range of lower quality feedstocks, and can lead to more efficient use of a supported catalyst if used in combination with the colloidal or molecular catalyst.
US08034228B2	Method and device for the production of components having a three-dimensionally formed surface A method and device for the production of components having a three-dimensionally formed surface by a lowering operation with an electrochemical ablation process, namely a Precise Electro Chemical Machining (PECM) process, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a specially pre-formed workpiece featuring a specific dimensional allowance; b) providing at least one working electrode, in which case the contour of the working electrode, or of each working electrode, is adapted to the contour of the three-dimensionally formed surface to be produced; and c) lowering the three-dimensionally formed surface by placing the pre-formed workpiece and the working electrode, or each working electrode, in an electrolyte and by applying an electrical voltage or an electrical current, in which case the working electrode, or each working electrode, is moved in the sense of a circular advance motion in the direction toward the workpiece.
US08034223B2	Methods and apparatus for low resistance electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media Methods and apparatus are presented that facilitate electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media, usefully immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. The method exploits the swelling of prior-cast, hydratable separation media upon rehydration to help lodge the media in an enclosing member that permits spaced electrical communication with the enclosed separation media. The electrical communication permits a voltage gradient to be established in the enclosed separation medium sufficient to effect separation of analytes therein. Cassettes, buffer cores, electrophoresis systems and kits are presented for effecting the methods of the invention.
US08034216B2	Roll cover The invention relates to a roll cover for treating a paper, cardboard, tissue or other fibrous web in a machine for manufacturing and/or converting them, comprising one or more plastic layers, of which at least one is of compressible configuration, and at least one carrier element in the form of a woven fabric, laid scrim or the like. Here, the loading of the support structure is intended to be reduced by at least one carrier element being embedded into a compressible plastic layer.
US08034215B2	Patterned fibrous structures Patterned fibrous structures, more particularly to fibrous structures that comprise a pattern that conveys to a user a characteristic of the fibrous structure and/or single- or multi-ply sanitary tissue product comprising such a patterned fibrous structure and methods for making same are provided.
US08034214B2	Reciprocating evaporator A reciprocating film type evaporator for solvents and other chemicals which eliminates the need for a large powerful motor, and other associated equipment such as rotary gaskets, by using reciprocation, versus 360 degree rotation.
US08034213B2	Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing vessel capable of being vacuum evacuated; a first electrode disposed in the processing vessel in a state electrically floating via an insulating member or a space; a second electrode, arranged in the processing vessel to face and be in parallel to the first electrode with a specific interval, supporting a substrate to be processed; a processing gas supply unit for supplying a desired processing gas into a processing space surrounded by the first electrode, the second electrode and a sidewall of the processing vessel; and a first radio frequency power supply unit for applying a first radio frequency power to the second electrode to generate a plasma of the processing gas in the processing space. An electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the processing vessel is set such that a desired plasma density distribution is obtained for the generated plasma.
US08034211B2	Thermoplastic element for protection against corrosion in the thermofusion coupling of a thermoplastic tube It is the object of the present invention a thermoplastic element for the protection against corrosion in the thermofused splicing of a thermoplastic tube to a thermoplastic connection, which element has the shape of a fully thermoplastic tubular sleeve, able to be introduced into a socket mouth formed by the expansion of the tube end, said splice element bearing only one internal diameter and two external diameters which define a cylindrical external portion of larger diameter and a tubular projection which diameter is smaller than the former, and which is introduced into the thermoplastic tube, a lateral wall of the external portion defining a front butt of said thermoplastic element against the end of the thermoplastic tube. Said splicing element also exhibits an auxiliary ring which operates as a reference point for the assembly thereof.
US08034207B2	Printing method and a printing apparatus A printing method comprising a process of forming an ink pattern on a silicone rubber blanket having a plate function, or a process of forming an ink pattern from a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, a process of transferring the pattern to a substrate, and a process of forming a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, pressing the uniform ink against on the ink pattern formed on the substrate, and laminating a uniform ink on a portion thus pressed, only on the ink pattern.
US08034203B2	Gypsum wallboard with improved nail pull strength and the method for making same Repulped fiber that has been treated with an aqueous solution of a caustic selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, is used to make wallboard paper that is used to make a gypsum wallboard having improved nail pulling strength compared to gypsum wallboard made with fiber wallboard paper that has not been treated with caustic.
US08034201B2	Induction hardening method and jig used in induction hardening process The present invention provides a method for induction hardening of a steel member having an outer ring portion and, more specifically, for induction hardening of an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring portion. The method uses two pressing members, each of which includes a flat basal surface and a projecting portion projecting therefrom. Each of the projecting portions has a cross-section in the shape of a perfect circle. Also, the projecting portions have, on the outer circumferences thereof, respective pressing surfaces. While gaps are maintained between axial end faces of the outer ring portion and the basal surfaces of the pressing members, the pressing members are pressed against the outer ring portion so that the pressing surfaces each abut against the inner circumference side of the outer ring portion. While a biasing force is applied to the pressing members, the induction hardening process is applied to the outer circumferential surface. During the induction hardening process, the pressing members are moved toward each other until the basal surfaces abut against respective axial end faces of the outer ring portion.
US08034194B2	Pallet for fixing work and liquid applying apparatus provided with same [Object] To provide a pallet capable of reliably holding a board-like work on a table and applying a liquid to a desired position on an upper surface of the work, and to provide an applying apparatus provided with the pallet. [Solving Means] A pallet for fixing a board-like work is arranged on a table of a liquid applying apparatus, which applies a liquid by moving a nozzle for discharging the liquid and the table relatively to each other. The pallet comprises a base having a work area in which a plurality of works are arranged in parallel in a row direction and/or a column direction, and a holding plate for holding the work at both ends thereof, the holding plate having a window (69) which is positioned to make open central portion of the works arranged in the work area.
US08034193B2	Endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus 1 according to the prevent invention includes an apparatus body 2 including a cleaning tank 6 for storing an endoscope retaining tray 4 in which an endoscope 5 is stored, a top cover 3 provided to the apparatus body 2 and caused by a cover body opening/closing mechanism unit to rotationally move between an open-state stop position and a closed-state stop position, a wireless tag 14 provided to either one of the endoscope retaining tray 4 and the endoscope 5 stored in the endoscope retaining tray 4 and transmitting information for identifying the type of the endoscope 5, a wireless receiver unit 22 provided to the apparatus body 2 and receiving the information of the wireless tag 14, and a control unit 10 provided to the apparatus body 2 and determining whether or not to cause an opening movement of the top cover 3 on the basis of the information obtained by the wireless receiver unit 22 to thereby control the rotational movement by the cover body opening/closing mechanism unit. Accordingly, cleaning and disinfection of the used endoscope can be hygienically and effectively performed.
US08034190B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method A substrate processing apparatus comprises an indexer block, an anti-reflection film processing block, a resist film processing block, a development processing block, and an interface block. An exposure device is arranged adjacent to the interface block. The interface block comprises washing processing units and an interface transport mechanism. Before a substrate is subjected to exposure processing by the exposure device, the substrate is transported to a washing processing unit by the interface transport mechanism. The substrate is washed and dried by the washing processing unit.
US08034189B2	Processes for surface cleaning Described and claimed are apparatuses and systems for surface cleaning comprising a pump and an applicator connected to the pump through which one or more cleaning agents can be applied to the surface at an operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less and an operating flow rate that is about 1 gal/min or less.
US08034186B2	Method for, and apparatus for, cleaning tubes The invention relates to a method of cleaning tubes, in which the tube is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium, wherein a cleaning medium is atomized, in which case the droplets of cleaning medium are accelerated, at least in part, essentially in the direction of a center axis of the tube.
US08034183B2	Cleaning method and plasma processing method In a RLSA microwave plasma processing apparatus that radiates microwave from a microwave generator into a chamber by using a planer antenna (Radial Line Slot Antenna) having many slots formed according to a certain pattern, the chamber contaminated with Na or the like is cleaned by using a cleaning gas containing H2 and O2.
US08034182B2	Apparatus for forming a film and an electroluminescence device A device having three evaporation sources and a unit for moving the respective evaporation sources in one chamber is used, whereby it becomes possible to increase efficiency of use of an evaporation material. Consequently, manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a uniform thickness can be obtained over an entire surface of a substrate even in the case in which a large area substrate is used.
US08034176B2	Gas distribution system for a post-etch treatment system A post-etch treatment system is described for removing photoresist and etch residue formed during an etching process. For example, the etch residue can include halogen containing material. The post-etch treatment system comprises a vacuum chamber, a remote radical generation system coupled to the vacuum chamber, a radical gas distribution system coupled to the radical generation system and configured to distribute reactive radicals above a substrate, and a high temperature pedestal coupled to the vacuum chamber and configured to support the substrate. The gas distribution system is configured to efficiently transport radicals to the substrate and distribute the radicals above the substrate.
US08034174B2	Diarylide yellow pigments A diarylide yellow pigment formed by a coupling reaction of a benzidine and a mixture comprising 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxy-acetoacetanilide and 2,4-dimethyl-acetoacetanilide. The diarylide yellow pigment has a desirable reddish shade than C.I. Pigment Yellow 83, exists in a solid solution, and contains fewer aromatic amine impurities.
US08034166B2	Carbon dioxide absorbent requiring less regeneration energy A description is given of an absorption medium for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream, which comprises an aqueous solution of at least one amine and at least one aminocarboxylic acid and/or aminosulfonic acid. The concomitant use of an aminocarboxylic acid or aminosulfonic acid reduces the energy required for regeneration of the absorption medium.
US08034162B2	Dust filtration in an automated fiber placement process A method and apparatus are provided for substantially containing dust generated along a fiber tow path extending from a creel to a compression roller in an automated fiber placement machine, by enclosing substantially all of the path of the fiber tows between the creel and the compression roller within a barrier that is substantially impermeable to dust. A dust collection apparatus may have a porous media and/or utilize an electrostatic charge for entrapping the dust.
US08034161B2	Carbon dioxide gas removal from a fluid circuit of a dialysis device The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.
US08034160B2	Non-cryogenic nitrogen generators and methods of use This invention relates to gas generators and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of generating a gas enriched in a specific component. In other embodiments, the devices are configured to pressurize and regulate the temperature of atmospheric air prior to passing said air through a selectively permeable gas membrane. In further embodiments, a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane.
US08034153B2	Wear resistant low friction coating composition, coated components, and method for coating thereof A composition for coating sliding or rolling or fretting or impacting members is formed by preparing a composite powder of TiB2 and BN, with a TiB2 to BN ratio ranging from 1:7 to 20:1, and a metallic matrix selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, aluminum, tungsten, carbon and alloys thereof.
US08034152B2	Composite materials and method of its manufacture A novel solution route has been developed that after heat-treatment to 500-600° C. under inert atmosphere, yields highly porous composites of nano-sized metal (Ni) particle inclusions in ceramics (Al2O3). Metal loadings could be made from <1% to >95% Ni. The metal inclusion sizes in the Ni—Al2O3 system with the 10 atom % Ni sample were 4-7 nm, while for the 75 atom % Ni sample they were 5-8 nm. It was shown that the 10 atom % Ni sample could be used as a catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and CH4 in the temperature range 550-700° C., while higher temperatures led to growth of the Ni particles and carbon poisoning over time. The solution routes could also be deposited as thin dense films containing <10 nm Ni particles. Such films with high Ni-particle loadings deposited on aluminium substrates have shown very good solar heat absorber proficiency and provide good substrates for carbon tube growth.
US08034149B2	Process for obtaining a fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus The present invention relates to obtaining a fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with other macro and micronutrients, which can be produced by pyrolysis of pyrobituminous shale, in combination with calcareous shale and with natural phosphatidic rocks. The invention presents a process for obtaining a solid fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with Ca, Mg, S, Si and micronutrients, by a combination of pyrolysis of a pyrobituminous shale at a temperature of 450-500° C., with the addition of calcareous shale and of a phosphatidic rock, which represents a promising innovation compared to the prior art, and will certainly serve to fill a gap in the availability of fertilizers permitted for use in agroecological systems.
US08034147B2	Complete plant growth medium A naturally occurring zeolite is coated with a special nanophase Fe oxide, thereby forming a nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite. The composition thus formed can be used for a variety of horticultural and floricultural end applications. When the nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite is dosed with plant nutrients and is then mixed with a suitable potting compound, the result is a Complete Plant Growth Medium (CPGM). Blending 5% to 25% CPGM by weight with sand, peat, compost, vegetable and flower beds, and native and manufactured soils, provides a number of beneficial properties. Also, CPGM alone can be used for growing indoor plants to avoid plant pests and compost odor.
US08034146B2	Filter element, method of manufacture and use The invention provides a filter element which has a reduced initial pressure loss, can reduce an energy cost and can secure a high air flow rate, a filter element which has an elongated gas removing service life and filtering service life while keeping a high gas removing performance and a high dust removing efficiency, a manufacturing method and a method of use of the same. In a filter element (10) in which a pleated composite substrate (11) obtained by lapping or laminating an nonwoven fabric sheet including a fiber constituted by a thermoplastic resin and a gas removal sheet is pleated, and a pleated shape of the pleated composite substrate (11) is held by a shape retaining member (12a), a thickness of the nonwoven fabric sheet is increased at least 5% when heated to 60 degree C.
US08034137B2	Shaped, fractured abrasive particle, abrasive article using same and method of making Precursor alpha alumina abrasive particles in a mold are subjected to a drying process that cracks or fractures at least a majority of the precursor abrasive particles into at least two pieces thereby producing abrasive shards having a smaller size than the mold cavity from which they were made. The smaller abrasive shards, once formed, could be reassembled like jigsaw puzzle pieces to reproduce the original cavity shape of the mold from which they were made. The cracking or fracturing of the precursor abrasive particles is believed to occur by ensuring that the surface tension of the abrasive dispersion to the walls of the mold is greater than the internal attractive forces of the abrasive dispersion as the abrasive dispersion is dried within the mold cavity.
US08034136B2	Methods of fabricating superabrasive articles In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabricating a superabrasive article is disclosed. A mass of unsintered diamond particles may be infiltrated with metal-solvent catalyst from a metal-solvent-catalyst-containing material to promote formation of a sintered body of diamond grains including interstitial regions. At least a portion of the interstitial regions may also be infiltrated with silicon from a silicon-containing material. The silicon reacts with the sintered body to form silicon carbide within a portion of the interstitial regions.
US08034135B2	Fuel modification apparatus having an evaporator arranged around a superheater A fuel modification apparatus is equipped with evaporators for evaporating a raw fuel as a fuel to be modified, a super heater for elevating the temperature of the above evaporated raw fuel to a temperature required for the modification, a modification vessel for modifying the above raw fuel having an elevated temperature to form a modified gas, and a preheater for preheating a heating fluid for evaporating the above raw fuel in the evaporator. The evaporators are arranged on a concentric circle, surrounding the superheater.
US08034133B2	Gas generating composition There is provided a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and a high burning rate.The gas generating composition comprises fuel and an oxidizing agent, and as necessary a binder and additives, the gas generating composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of glycine and a derivative thereof as the fuel. A combination of glycine as the fuel, basic copper nitrate as the oxidizing agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof as the binder is preferable.
US08034132B2	Process and apparatus for transforming waste materials into fuel A process and method transforms solid waste into fuel. The system uses a pressure vessel; a condenser tank to permit selective addition of water to and evacuation of steam from the vessel; a heater to increase the temperature of the vessel; a vacuum pump to selectively reduce pressure within the vessel and to help evacuate steam from the vessel to the condenser tank; and a water pump to selectively add water from the condenser tank to the interior volume of the vessel.
US08034129B2	Aqueous solutions of direct dyes The invention relates to an aqueous dye solution comprising a) 5 to 30% by weight of an anionic or cationic direct dye, b) 0.01 to 5% by weight of the compound of formula (1), in which M represents hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or ammonium, that is mono-, di-, tri- or tetra-substituted by C1-C4alkyl or C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or mixtures thereof, c) 0 to 10% by weight of an inorganic or an organic acid, d) 0 to 20% by weight of further additives and e) water to complete to 100%, with the proviso that direct dyes of the formula (2) in which K is a residue of a coupling component of the acetoacetanilide, pyridone, pyrazolone or pyrimidine series and M is as defined above, are excluded, a process for their preparation and the use thereof for dyeing paper.
US08034128B2	Thickened hair colourant and bleaching compositions The present invention relates to hair colouring and hair bleaching compositions comprising a first component comprising at least one oxidizing agent and a C6 to C16 alkyl glucoside and a second component comprising an anionic surfactant and a fatty alcohol. The compositions surprisingly provide improved hair colourant and bleaching compositions which deliver lift, lightening and colour, whilst minimizing damage and which provide the required viscosity both pre and post mixing of the first and second components.
US08034124B2	Azo derivatives containing a pyrazolinone unit for dyeing keratin fibres The subject of the present invention is azo derivatives containing a pyrazolinone unit having the following formula (I), their mesomeric forms, their addition salts with an acid and their solvates and their use for dyeing keratin fibers. The subject of the invention is also a composition for dying keratin fibers comprising at least one azo derivative containing a pyrazolinone unit of formula (I) as direct dye, and the method for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain chromatic colors that are resistant to the various attacks to which the hair may be subjected, in particular to shampoos and to light.
US08034122B2	Bleaching agent comprising 2-acylpyridinium derivatives Agent for lightening keratin fibers containing in a cosmetic carrier (1) at least one cationic 2-acylpyridinium derivative of formula (I), wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group, a C2-C6 hydroxyalkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxy C2-C6 alkyl group, a carboxy C1-C6 alkyl group, an aryl C1-C6 alkyl group, a heteroaryl C1-C6 alkyl group, a mono- or di-(C1-C6 alkyl)amino C2-C6 alkyl group, a 3-oxobutyl group, a 2-oxopropyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, R′ is a C4-C4 alkyl group, a C2-C6 hydroxyalkyl group or a C1-C6 alkoxy C2-C6 alkyl group, and X− is a physiologically acceptable anion, (2) at least one alkyl ether sulfate, and (3) an oxidizing agent, especially hydrogen peroxide.
US08034121B2	Prosthetic foot with two leaf-springs joined at heel and toe A prosthetic foot includes a pair of elongated forefoot leaf springs with proximal ends coupled to an attachment member and extending in an arc to distal ends with the forefoot leaf springs being oriented with one over another. The pair of forefoot leaf springs has different lengths and is coupled to one another at the proximal and distal ends defining an open, uninterrupted gap between the forefoot leaf springs. A pair of hinge connections can be disposed each at a different one of the proximal and distal ends of the pair of elongated forefoot leaf springs. The pair of forefoot leaf springs together has a non-linear force deflection under loading during gait.
US08034120B2	Suspension liner system with seal A suspension liner sleeve adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, and having outer and inner surfaces. The liner sleeve includes an elongate, generally conical body portion formed from at least one material segment defining the liner outer surface. The at least one material segment being at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas. The liner sleeve includes a layer of polymeric material disposed on the at least one material segment and defining the liner sleeve inner surface, and a plurality of resilient seal elements protruding radially from the liner sleeve outer surface. The plurality of seal elements extend around at least one peripheral portion of the liner body portion. A pair of opposed annular recesses may be adjacently located above and below each of the at least one seal element.
US08034117B2	Bone replacement material Bone replacement material to be used by being packed into a bone defective part, wherein the bone replacement material consists essentially of a calcium phosphate based compound and is formed into a pellet and satisfies both of the following conditions (I) and (II): (I) porosity is equal to or less than 75%; and (II) collapsing strength is equal to or more than 15 Mpa. The pellet has a roughly polyhedral shape and is defined by a plurality of surfaces including a pair of opposite, non-parallel surfaces and a surface adjoining to the pair of opposite, non-parallel surfaces, one of the opposite, non-parallel surfaces being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the other of the opposite, non-parallel surfaces. The one of the opposite, non-parallel surfaces is non-adjoined with the other of the opposite, non-parallel surfaces in the pellet. The other of the opposite, non-parallel surfaces is perpendicular to the surface adjoining to the pair of opposite, non-parallel surfaces.
US08034116B2	Prosthetic implant and assembly method An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113), which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end to which crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117), preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite, is joined. The head interfaces with human bone, and its effective joinder to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) of proportional shape and design which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. The method of joinder allows the construction of composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.
US08034110B2	Spinal fusion implant The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect the first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.
US08034093B2	Endoscopic delivery device An endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device (1) includes first and second separately manipulable introducers (3, 5) with a laparoscopic conduit (80) having first and second ends (83, 84) and an intermediate portion being mounted onto the introducers in a substantially U shape. The first end and a first portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained onto the first introducer and the second end and a second portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained on the second introducer and the intermediate portion extends between the first and second introducers. A main sheath (42) is over the first and second introducers. The endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device is introduced to a body cavity through an endoscopic or laparoscopic port (50).
US08034091B2	Method for the ablation of cartilage tissue in a knee joint using indocyanine A method for the ablation of human or animal articular cartilage is disclosed that employs an exogenous absorber, such as a compound having the molecular formula C43H47N2NaO6S2, to coat or color the surface of the articular cartilage. The coated or colored cartilage surface then has an energy absorption peak at a specific wavelength due to the exogenous absorber, which makes it possible to employ a simple and cheap laser diode to generate a pulsed laser beam at the specific wavelength so as to superheat the coated or colored cartilage thereby causing at least partial ablation of cartilage.
US08034090B2	Tissue fixation device A method for securing a graft to a bone includes forming a tunnel in the bone, positioning the graft in the tunnel, and securing the graft in the tunnel with an anchor. The method also includes attaching a distal end of an elongated anchor sleeve to a proximal end of the anchor and inserting a pre-compressed harvested bone material having a cruciate cross-section through the anchor sleeve into to a bore defined in the anchor. The bore has a mating cruciate cross-section. The method also includes removing the anchor sleeve after inserting the bone material into the anchor.
US08034088B2	Surgical instrumentation and method for treatment of a spinal structure Instrumentation and method for treatment of a spinal structure, comprising an elongate member including a deformable distal portion having an initial configuration for placement within the spinal structure and a deformed configuration wherein the distal portion is outwardly deformed to form a cavity in the spinal structure. The elongate member comprises a cannula member and an actuator member that is removably positioned within the cannula member and configured to transition the deformable distal portion from the initial configuration toward the deformed configuration. The actuator member is selectively removed from the cannula member to provide a passageway for delivery of a material into the cavity formed in the spinal structure.
US08034085B2	Non-fusion spinal correction systems and methods Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate to the spinal anchoring element to lock the at least one spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the spinal anchoring element.
US08034083B2	Artificial ligament assembly An artificial ligament assembly for spinal stabilization includes an outer hollow elastic longitudinal member, a rigid inner member, a bone anchor mechanism, a bone anchor, and a buffered space. The artificial ligament assembly further includes a clamp that controls a torsional motion of the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member with respect to the bone anchor mechanism. The outer hollow elastic longitudinal member is at least as long as the inner rigid member. The rigid inner member is configured in a substantially same shape as the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor mechanism is coupled to the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor connector may further include an insert end. The bone anchor is coupled to the bone anchor mechanism. The buffered space allows any of a compression and an extension of the bone anchor mechanism inside the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member.
US08034073B2	Stretch resistant embolic coil A vasoocclusive embolic device deployment system for use in the placement of an embolic coil at a treatment site within a vessel. The embolic coil includes an elongated stretch resistant fiber having one distal end bonded to the distal end of the embolic coil. The stretch resistant fiber includes portions which take the form of periodic undulations separated by portions which are straight. The stretch resistant fiber extends through the lumen of the coil and the other distal end is bonded to the proximal end of the coil. The stretch resistant fiber may be attached to the embolic coil at additional points between the proximal and distal ends of the coil. Additionally, a headpiece is mounted on the proximal end of the embolic coil and serves to couple the embolic coil to a deployment catheter.
US08034066B2	Multi-layer medical balloons The invention relates to multi-layer medical balloons. In one aspect, a medical device includes an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon includes a first layer including a material having a first modulus of elasticity, and a second layer adjacent the first layer, the second layer including a material having a second modulus of elasticity that differs from the first modulus of elasticity by at least about 2,000 psi. A cutting element is carried by the balloon.
US08034065B2	Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive pressure control using a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can be disposed between an implantable restriction device and a fluid source and include an adjustable, variably-sized fluid communication member in fluid communication with the restriction device and the fluid source. The geometry of the fluid communication member can control a rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source, thereby also regulating a rate at which a pressure of fluid within the restriction device changes. Alternatively, the fluid flow control mechanism can include a biasing mechanism that can control the rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source.
US08034064B2	Methods for forming an anastomosis opening in a side of a blood vessel The present invention relates to new and useful apparatus, systems and methods for providing an effective tool for intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis of a graft vessel to a receiving blood vessel that is performed according to a minimally invasive procedure. The intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis does not require the interruption of blood flow in the receiving blood vessel and it is versatile enough to suitably combine a variety of cutting, welding, soldering, sealing, and joining techniques. The intraluminally directed anvil apparatus comprises an anvil and a wire used for signaling the optimal anastomosis site; this signaling can be performed when the initial exploration is performed. An anastomosis device is used in conjunction with the intraluminally directed anvil apparatus for opening the anastomosis fenestra and joining the anastomosed structures.
US08034059B2	Acetabular shell removal instrument An acetabular shell or cup removal instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a first end capable of being received within an acetabular cup and a cutting element pivotally attached. Cutting motion is provided to the instrument by a powered handpiece, so that the cutting element is capable of cutting a bone surface adjacent to an outer surface of the acetabular cup when the first end is within the acetabular cup.
US08034055B2	Method and apparatus for providing access to a presacral space Methods and apparatus for providing percutaneous access to the presacral space in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. A number of related methods and surgical tool sets form a percutaneous pathway from an incision through the patient's skin adjacent to the coccyx and inserting an elongated guide assembly through the incision to locate the guide assembly against the anterior surface of the sacrum to access a presacral target point. The provision of the percutaneous pathway described herein allows for the introduction of therapeutic devices or media, diagnostic instruments, and/or drug delivery to the presacral space.
US08034048B2	Tissue patches and related delivery systems and methods A tissue patch for treatment of a lesion in an alimentary tract of a patient includes a tissue implant having a top surface and a bottom surface. The tissue patch also includes a substrate completely surrounding the tissue implant such that the substrate forms a first layer on the top surface and a second layer on the bottom surface. At least one of the first and second layers contacts the respective top or bottom surface and is entirely bio-absorbable so that the tissue implant touches an area of the patient's tissue upon dissolving of the at least one of the first and second layers. The first layer has a first predetermined thickness and the second layer has a second predetermined thickness different from the first predetermined thickness.
US08034045B1	Flexible sheath A medical device including a sheath having an inner liner and an outer layer attachable to a coil independent from each other to allow the inner liner and the outer layer the freedom to move coaxially independent from each other. The coil can be closely wound at a predetermined coil spacing sufficient to inhibit portions of the outer layer from entering into voids between the adjacent coil windings. Intermediate layers for bonding between the coil and the inner liner and/or the outer layer may also be provided. A filler material can be disposed within the voids between the adjacent windings of the coil. The filler material has a dimension sized to bridge the void between adjacent coil windings in order to inhibit portions of the outer layer from bonding to the inner liner. The filler material can be in the form of a ribbon.
US08034044B2	Systems and methods for combining materials A method of combining a drug in a first container and a liquid in a second container includes placing the first container and the second container in fluid communication with a housing, combining the liquid and the drug in the first container, transferring the liquid and the drug from the first container to the housing, and transferring the liquid and the drug from the housing to a third container.
US08034043B1	Devices and methods for preventing distal embolization using flow reversal by partial occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter is adapted for use with therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter. The constrictor/occluder is mounted at the distal end of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during extracranial or intracranial carotid procedures or vertebral artery procedures by reversing blood flow in an internal carotid artery, an external carotid artery, and/or a common carotid artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.
US08034042B2	Port closure system for intravenous fluid container A port closure system for use with a fluid container having fluid ports includes administrative and additive port closure assemblies. The administrative assembly receives a piercing pin and includes an administrative housing which seals closed one fluid port. A sleeve extends from an interior surface past a base surface in the administrative housing. The sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion, of differing diameters. A cap assembly mates with the administrative housing, sealing the interior surface of the administrative housing. A removable cap provides access to the interior surface. The additive assembly receives a needle and includes a reseal housing which seals closed another fluid port. Another cap assembly mates with the reseal housing, sealing an interior face of the reseal housing. Another removable cap provides access to the interior face. A reseal element is mechanically retained between the reseal housing and cap assembly.
US08034040B2	Pull-on disposable diaper A pull-on disposable diaper includes in a waist covering region thereof a tape tab extending in a waist-circumferential direction. The tape tab includes a fixed tape section secured to an outer sheet of the diaper and a movable tape section contiguous to the fixed tape section. The movable tape section has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion is formed with a finger grip zone and an attaching element located short of this finger grip zone. The proximal end portion is contiguous to one end portion of the fixed tape section. The attaching element is releasably attached to a zone of the fixed tape section in which the fixed tape section is curved to bulge in a direction spaced apart outwardly from an outer surface of the waist covering region.
US08034039B2	Disposable pants Disposable pants allow a crotch section and a front abdominal section to be bonded securely while ensuring the stretchability of the front abdominal section in a pants structure in which the crotch section and front abdominal section formed as separate members are bonded. The disposable pants have functions of both pants and a diaper, and a left front abdominal part and a right front abdominal part can be developed to the left and right by breaking left and right breaking parts. The left front abdominal part and right front abdominal part are provided with adhesive pieces to be attached/detached to/from adhesive parts of a central front abdominal part. A crotch section on which an absorber is provided is connected to the central front abdominal part using sheet members so as not to interfere with stretchability of the central front abdominal part resulting from an elastic member.
US08034037B2	Vacuum wound dressing Provided, in one embodiment, is a vacuum wound dressing for covering a wound bed comprising: a wound contact layer comprising a fibrous blend or fibrous material that forms a cohesive gel when wetted by wound exudate; a source of vacuum situated to be separated from the wound bed by the wound contact layer; and a vacuum sealing layer covering the wound contact layer and adapted to retain relative vacuum in the wound contact layer, wherein (i) the dressing is essentially missing a non-gelling, foam layer in which the source of vacuum is situated or (ii) the vacuum sealing layer comprises as an outer layer a foam layer.
US08034032B2	Multi-angled duckbill seal assembly A seal assembly for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted for movement for selectively opening and substantially completely closing the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a longitudinal axis extending therethrough with a transverse plane substantially perpendicular thereto. The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end making a first angle with respect to the transverse plane and the distal end making a second angle with respect to the transverse plane, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle.
US08034029B2	Multi-reservoir implantable pump with patient controlled actuation A multiple reservoir or chambered implantable pump is disclosed. The pump according to the present invention is particularly useful in allowing for multiple constant flow rates to be provided from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. The pump is also useful in allowing for housing of multiple active substances. A multiple reservoir implantable pump is also disclosed, which has at least one chamber capable of providing a constant flow rate and at least one chamber capable of being utilized for patient controlled injections.
US08034026B2	Infusion pump assembly An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.
US08034025B1	Disposable safety syringe A disposable safety syringe in one embodiment includes a syringe barrel; a plunger comprising a push rod; hollow first, second, and third adapters for forming an airtight engagement with an inner surface at one end of the syringe barrel; and a needle threadedly secured to the first adapter to establish a communication with inside of the syringe barrel prior to beginning a liquid dispensing operation with respect to a subject. After injection and pulling the needle out of a subject, a pulling of the plunger can be stopped, a further pulling of the plunger can also be stopped when an annular cutting groove of the plunger is about flush with the other end of the syringe barrel with the needle being retracted into the syringe barrel, and a breaking operation along the cutting groove can break the plunger.
US08034023B2	Emboli protection devices and related methods of use An evacuation sheath assembly and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. A method of treating a lesion within a blood vessel, includes providing an evacuation sheath assembly having a multi-lumen tube with proximal and distal ends, first and second lumens therebetween, and at least one sealing surface mounted on the distal end of the multi-lumen tube. The evacuation sheath assembly is advanced to a region of interest within a blood vessel. The sealing surface is deployed upstream of the region of interest to occlude antegrade flow adjacent to the lesion to be treated. A dilation catheter is advanced through the multi-lumen tube such that the dilation balloon is positioned across the lesion and the lesion is dilated. Suction is applied to induce retrograde blood flow to carry dislodged embolic material into a lumen of the evacuation sheath assembly.
US08034016B2	Flow regulating implants and methods of implanting A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.
US08034014B2	Angiogenesis initation and growth Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
US08034001B2	Sensors for inductive plethysmographic monitoring applications and apparel using same This invention includes improved IP sensors that both have improved sensitivity, performance, and other properties and are multifunctional. The improved IP sensors have IP sensor conductors with waveforms having legs that are substantially parallel throughout the operating range of stretch. The multifunctional IP sensors include, in addition to IP sensors, accessory conductors, additional sensors, and other compatible modules. This inventions also includes embodiments of apparel incorporating the improved IP sensors. This apparel can range from band-like to shirt-like, and so forth, and include one or more IP sensors sensitive to expansions and contractions of underlying regions of a monitored subject.
US08033994B2	Endoscopic apparatus An endoscopic apparatus comprises: a movable lens that is movably built in an objective optical system arranged at an tip of an insert part of an endoscope; a piezoelectric-element drive mechanism that causes the movable lens to move forward and backward in an optical axis direction due to driving of a piezoelectric element; a control circuit that provides a drive pulse to the piezoelectric element; and a storage section that stores respective ones of drive-pulse count data for moving the movable lens forward and backward equally in amount, wherein the control circuit performs control of providing a drive-pulse count, different in between forward and backward movement, to the piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric-element drive mechanism so as to move the movable lens forward and backward equally in amount depending upon drive-pulse count data read out of the storage section.
US08033990B2	Endoscope insertion portion An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a distal end portion, and a plurality of image pickup portions each including an image pickup device for obtaining an endoscope image, wherein the plurality of image pickup portions are disposed in the distal end portion such that agreement is made between first and second electric charge transfer directions in which electric charges are transferred from each photoelectric conversion device of the respective image pickup devices, thus avoiding a sense of incongruity (stress to a user) from being caused by endoscope images displayed on a monitor, which are obtained by a plurality of image pickup units.
US08033988B2	Endoscope with angled inflation channel An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope comprising an insertion portion, wherein an air hole is formed at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a balloon attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, the balloon being expanded by supply of air through an inlet/outlet port of the air hole and contracted by suction of air through of the inlet/outlet port, wherein the inlet/outlet port of the air hole is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to an axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
US08033987B2	Medical instrument The invention relates to a medical instrument consisting of at least two instrument parts, which is provided with a coupling for releasably connecting the two instrument parts, wherein the coupling having a locking element which may be moved between a released and a locked position, as well as at least one magnet element which produces a magnetic restoring force which retains the locking element in the locked position.
US08033985B2	Sexual stimulation apparatus A sexual stimulation apparatus comprising a phallic shaped member having a handle disposed at its base. The handle has a convex surface substantially facing away from the phallic shaped member. The convex surface has at least one projection member extending therefrom. In use, the convex surface sits snugly against the palm and fingers of a user's hand, and the projection member interdigitally engages with the user's hand.
US08033983B2	Medical implant Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed.
US08033979B2	Split-ring brachytherapy device and method for cervical brachytherapy treatment using a split-ring brachytherapy device Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.
US08033972B2	Roller, moving unit and method of producing roller The roller can be suitably used for a guide section of a moving unit capable of moving a heavy matter without enormously increasing rigidity of a rail and is capable of reducing weight and production cost of the moving unit. The roller comprises: a tubular core having an outer circumferential face, in which a groove section is formed; and a resin coat section continuously coating the outer circumferential face of the tubular core, an inner face of the groove section, both ends of the tubular core and at least parts of an inner circumferential face thereof.
US08033970B2	Adjustable user support platform for an inclinable exercise device and method of use A method of using an adjustable user support platform with an inclinable exercise device includes providing an adjustable user support platform movably attached to an adjustable incline of the inclinable exercise device for movement of the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline, the adjustable user support platform including a support platform frame with a support platform and a support frame, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; inclining the support platform frame with the support platform relative to the support frame to a desired tilt angle; and securing the support platform frame with the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame.
US08033969B2	Pilates exercise barrel An exercise apparatus comprised of a base, a plurality of walls, and a user area, said user area being comprised of a sitting portion and a bending portion, wherein said bending portion is above the sitting portion when a user is seated on said sitting portion, wherein said base is formed by said walls; and wherein said walls, sitting portion, and bending portion to an opening.An exercise apparatus comprised of a base and a rocking portion, said base being comprised of a plurality of walls, and a user area, said user area being comprised of a sitting portion and a bending portion, wherein said bending portion is above the sitting portion when a user is seated on said sitting portion, wherein said base is formed by said walls; and wherein said walls, sitting portion, and bending portion form an opening.
US08033968B2	Multi-functional yoga brick A multi-functional yoga brick comprises a multi-sectional holding portion at a middle section thereof. The holding portion has a shape of “8”, or a round shape or an elliptical shape. The holding portion has a through hole or no through hole. The holding portion has a plurality of layers. The multi-functional yoga brick is an elastic body. The multi-functional yoga brick is made of elastic plastics or rubber or injected plastic material. The user has a better balance in exercise and can support effectively so as to expand the body.
US08033966B2	Safety device for exercise resistance bands An elastic resistance band for use in an exercise device. The resistance band comprising a center portion having opposed ends and having a shape and comprised of a material which presents a substantial friction against air, so to create a wind resistance effect which slows down movement of the center portion when the center portion is forced to move through air, and an elastic band portion attached to each of the opposed ends of the center portion. The elastic band portions having at their free ends means for attaching the elastic resistance band to an exercise device.
US08033965B1	Adjustable weight kettlebell apparatus An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that houses a vertical stack of weights. Shelves on the housing portion of the weight lifting member are rotatable into and out of underlying engagement with respective weights.
US08033960B1	Non-linear resistance based exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a base. A first and second vertical support members are coupled to the base. Additionally, a resistance assembly is coupled to the first and second vertical support members. When viewed from the base, the first and second support members converge relative to one another until mutual vertices. The first and second support members then diverge relative to one another above the vertices.
US08033959B2	Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring system includes: a portable fitness monitoring device; a sensor in wireless communication with the portable fitness monitoring device for sensing performance parameters during a physical activity conducted by the user and communicating performance parameter data to the dedicated portable fitness monitoring device; a music device directly coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device; and an audio output device directly coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device, wherein music is transmitted from the portable music device to the audio output device through the portable fitness monitoring device.
US08033956B2	Hydraulic control unit A hydraulic control system of a friction device where fail-safe is required is provided with one oil pressure switch and one pressure changeover valve. The pressure changeover valve is switched by auxiliary oil pressure based on an operation of the oil pressure control valve. When an auxiliary port communicates with an input port and the pressure changeover valve is switched to the filling determination side, the oil pressure switch is turned on and “filling determination” can be carried out. When the auxiliary port is disconnected from the input port, the pressure changeover valve is switched to the fail-safe determination side. The oil pressure switch is supplied with the same driving oil pressure as of the friction device and “fail-safe determination” can be carried out from the on/off state of the oil pressure switch.
US08033953B2	Gearless speed reducer or increaser A gearless speed reducer or increaser consists of an input shaft, an output shaft, and a motor connected to the input shaft. There is an external race connected to one of the shafts, and an internal race attached to the other shaft. Two ball bearings are disposed between the races. After the ball bearings have been inserted, the shafts are tilted relative to each other so that the balls become fixed in pockets created between the races and cannot slide within the races. Rotating one of the shafts thus rotates the other shaft, since the balls do not slip but only rotate between the races. The system acts as a speed reducer or increaser due to the different diameters of the inner and outer races. The system can be uncoupled by pivoting the shafts back into alignment so that the balls can slide freely within the races.
US08033951B2	Gearbox for a wind turbine A gearbox device adapted for converting a first torque at a first rotational speed into a second torque at a second rotational speed is provided. The gearbox device includes a hollow gearbox input shaft adapted for inputting the first torque, a transmission unit arranged at least partially within the hollow gearbox input shaft and adapted for converting the first rotational speed into the second rotational speed, and a gearbox output shaft adapted for outputting the second torque.
US08033948B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission of the present invention has 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 may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08033942B2	Manufacture and use of parallel eccentric electro-mechanical actuator A parallel eccentric electro-mechanical actuator provides motive power and includes an electric prime mover that drives the reducer's pinion gear. This pinion drives minimum three star gears with stationary shaft bearings. Each shaft contains an eccentric which are completely in parallel with each other. These eccentrics can be thought of as parallel/in-phase driven crankshafts. Each eccentric drives the parallel eccentric (PE) gear through a bearing. The PE gear exhibits a circular motion (without rotation) which in itself is unbalanced. The crankshafts have another eccentric which create an opposite inertia force to balance that of the PE gear. The PE gear contains an external toothed gear on its periphery. It meshes with the internal teeth of the output ring gear. The relative motion between the PE gear and the ring gear is that the PE gear rolls inside the ring gear. This relative motion is called hypo-cycloidal motion.
US08033937B2	Actuator device and relative nut for a bicycle gearshift, with an elastically yielding member An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift is provided. The actuator comprises an actuation mechanism, driven by a drive member and in turn to drives a derailleur of the gearshift. The mechanism comprising a member which—in the case of a knock to the mechanism—is subjected to a stress; the member is capable of elastically yielding when subjected to a stress above a predetermined stress threshold.
US08033933B2	Golf ball surface patterns comprising variable width/depth multiple channels A golf ball having an improved surface pattern is disclosed. The golf ball has one or more bands on its surface. These bands may be either channels or raised beads. The bands have variable widths and/or heights/depths, either within the same band or between bands. These bands may decrease drag, or may increase lift. These bands may be linear, or may be curved, and may or may not fully circumscribe the golf ball. These channels or ridges may also be combined with traditional or non-traditional dimples.
US08033931B2	Golf club head An iron-type golf club head is disclosed including a main body including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. The main body has a recessed region including a relief region in the front portion. A replaceable striking plate is inserted into the recessed region and the relief region. The replaceable striking plate includes a front surface and a rear surface. A threaded opening is located on the rear surface of the replaceable striking plate and receives a fastener to retain the replaceable striking plate on the front portion of the main body and within the recessed region and relief region.
US08033930B2	Weight element for a golf club Wood-type golf club heads (e.g. drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a crown portion, the crown portion including a fixed portion proximal to the ball striking face, and a removable weight portion, which is configured to be coupled with the fixed portion on a side of the crown potion away from the ball striking face. The club head body may further include an interior portion with a frame member defined therein. The crown weight may further include a weight member attached to the frame member, the weight member including at least one receptacle defined therein. The removable weight portion may further include at least one weight insert supported within the weight member in the at least one receptacle.
US08033927B2	Iron-type golf clubs The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
US08033926B2	Golf swing training device A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device includes an indicator securable to a shaft or handgrip of a golf club by an attachment device such that it points along a line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably, the indicator is movable relative to the attachment device. In this case, a clamp is provided that allows movement of the indicator, such that it can be moved to point along a range of acute angles relative to the shaft and that can be tightened to clamp the indicator at a selected angle of the range. A plate with a scale marked thereon can also be provided and the indicator can include one or more needles that can be moved relative to the plate across the scale.
US08033924B2	Game table assembly The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a number of improvements to the assembly and installation of a game tables, such as a pool table. Particularly, the improvements include an indexing system for assisting in the placement of the slate segments on a table frame; for assisting in the placement of a synthetic table bed on a table frame; a magnetic interlock system for sealing the seams of table leaves; an interlocking interface for accurately assembling the slate segments of the playing surface; a pocket and rail assembly system for easily assembling the pockets to the rails; a leg leveling system; a systems for attaching the rail cloth to the rails, and an engineered box beam table frame.
US08033923B2	Locking mechanism for a convertible game table A game table assembly comprises a game table having opposing first and second game playing surfaces, with the game table being rotatable to orient a desired one of the game playing surfaces facing upward. The game table assembly includes opposing and non-rotatable end sections positioned adjacent the width ends of the game table and a cross member engaged with and extending between the end sections, with the game table being rotatable about the cross member. The game table assembly further includes at least one corner bracket pivotally mounted to either the corresponding end section or the game table such that the corner bracket may be horizontally pivoted into and out of selective locking engagement to prevent rotation of the game table and thereby selectively lock the game table in the desired orientation with the desired one of the game playing surfaces facing upward.
US08033921B2	Bungee teeter-totter A single rider teeter-totter has a support frame and a longitudinal beam member pivotally coupled to the support frame. A seat for a user is attached to a first end of the beam member. A counterbalancing resistance is provided by a plurality of elastic members, each of which is attached at a first end to the support frame. A number of the elastic members appropriate to the weight of the user are secured to a securing station disposed on the beam member. The unused elastic members may be secured to a second securing station attached to the support frame.
US08033920B1	High torque, flexible, dual, constant velocity, ball joint assembly for mud motor used in directional well drilling A flexible, dual ball joint assembly used for increasing the wear life of a mud motor. The ball joint assembly includes an drive shaft with a drive shaft hollow ball joint. An outer circumference of the hollow ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft ball bearings. An inner circumference, inside the hollow ball joint, includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft grooves. Also, the ball joint assembly includes an annular shaped torque coupler with a torque coupler ball joint. An outer circumference of the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart torque coupler ball bearings. The torque coupler ball bearings are received in the drive shaft grooves for providing lateral movement between the drive shaft and the torque coupler. An outer circumference of the torque coupler next to the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of torque coupler lobes equally spaced apart therearound. Further, the ball joint assembly includes a sliding torque sleeve used to secure the drive shaft to the torque coupler during the operation of the ball joint assembly.
US08033918B2	Damper mechanism A damper mechanism 4 has an input rotary member 2, a hub flange 6, a large coil spring 8 and a friction generating mechanism 5. In a state in which the input rotary member 2 is twisted to one side in the rotational direction with respect to the hub flange 6, the friction member is pressed in the rotational direction against the hub flange 6 in a state in which at least part of the friction member has been elastically deformed in the relational direction, so that the friction member and the hub flange 6 function as an integral member in the rotational direction. In a state in which the input rotary member 2 is twisted to one side in the rotational direction with respect to the hub flange 6, the friction member is capable of relative rotation with respect to the hub flange.
US08033914B2	Game apparatus, storage medium storing a game program, and game control method A game apparatus includes an LCD and is provided a touch panel in relation to the LCD. The LCD displays a game screen for making a player character hit a ball. For example, when touch-on is performed on the LCD (touch panel), the stance and shot power of the player character are decided according to coordinates of the touch-on position. With this, the path of the ball is decided to be a straight ball, draw ball or fade ball, and the carry of the ball is decided with regard to the shot power. Following the touch-on, when a slide operation is performed, an impact is decided according to the slide operation. For example, the path of the ball is changed by the decided impact.
US08033913B2	Gaming machine update and mass storage management Different mechanisms are provided to enable a gaming machine to download files/images, move/copy the files/images from one folder to another without breaking authentication, and resume interrupted file manipulation operations such as move/copy operations and/or download operations which have been interrupted by a power hit. In this way, the technique of the present invention is able to provide a self-diagnostic system for ensuring authenticated, atomic transactions, and for automatically handling detected error conditions. Additionally the technique of the present invention is able to provide a mechanism for seamlessly updating gaming machine components at runtime. This may include, for example, the automatic mounting and/or unmounting of selected games to/from the gaming machine memory during runtime.
US08033910B2	Gaming method and machine with bonus round The present invention provides a gaming method and machine with bonus round that allow a player select the risk level of the bonus play. Thus the player has control over risk during their bonus round. As the player becomes more familiar with the game, they can select a higher risk for the bonus round and be rewarded accordingly. The bonus may include a fixed or variable number of additional turns. The gaming method and machine may include a progressive counter incremented in dependence upon at least one of regular play and bonus play. The gaming method and machine may allow a player to win an additional bonus play during the bonus play.
US08033909B2	Random selection program for an optical disc and related method A random selection program stored on an optical disc, which is played on an electronic device. The electronic device is coupled to an audio/visual output device. The electronic device includes a random number generator. The random selection program includes a random selection module and a program selector module. The random selection module is programmed to initiate the random number generator to generate randomly a selection. The program selector module is programmed to receive the selection and to initiate an audio/visual presentation that corresponds to the selection on the audio/visual output device.
US08033907B2	Slot machine and control method of game A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) conducting a payout of a predetermined number of game media which accompanies the number of games reaching a specific number, and also conducting payout of game media in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof, in a game in which the number of games counted in said processing (C) reaches said specific number.
US08033905B2	Preprinted lottery tickets using a player activated electronic validation machine A lottery game played on an electronic game machine using a pre-printed lottery ticket is disclosed. The lottery ticket is embedded with game and prize information that can be read by the game machine. After inserting the lottery ticket into the game machine, the player may play a game using the game machine based upon the information on the lottery ticket. If the player is a winner, an award is given to the player. The player can redeem the award for cash with the lottery authority.
US08033900B2	Low profile animal restricting vent for fluid discharge conduits A vent assembly for attachment to a fluid discharge conduit of the type connected to a clothes dryer, room exhaust fan, or the like is adapted to reduce or prevent the trapping of dirt or lint as well as flapping or vibration of the door in windy conditions. A mount having an opening is received on the conduit and a door is pivotally received by the mount. The door is operable for displacement with respect to the opening between an open position and a closed position when engaged by a fluid, such as air from a clothes dryer, flowing through the discharge conduit. A hood is pivotally mounted over the door and mount opening, and is operable for displacement with respect to the mount when engaged by the door and/or by fluid flowing through the discharge conduit.
US08033896B2	Protective cover for a hand-held cut-off machine A protective cover of a hand-held cut-off machine has a bracket that is secured on the exterior side of the protective cover. The bracket is locked in at least one locked position with at least one locking projection in at least one receptacle of the protective cover. The bracket is releasable from the locked position by a movement of the bracket in the release direction. A simple release of the bracket can be achieved in that the protective cover has means that move the locking projection upon movement of the bracket in the release direction at least partially out of the receptacle.
US08033895B2	Retaining ring with shaped profile Retaining rings with curved surfaces are described. The curved surfaces prevent damage to a fixed abrasive polishing pad when the retaining ring is used in a polishing process. The curved surfaces are on the bottom surface of the ring, such as along the outer diameter and/or along the sidewalls of channels formed in the bottom of the ring.
US08033893B2	Grinding method of a disk-shaped substrate and grinding apparatus The grinding method of a disk-shaped substrate that grinds a disk-shaped substrate including a portion having a hole at the center thereof while rotating the disk-shaped substrate is provided with: grinding an inner circumference of the disk-shaped substrate while an inner circumference grinding device is fed in a radial direction toward an outer circumference of the disk-shaped substrate and grinding the outer circumference of the disk-shaped substrate while an outer circumference grinding device is fed in the radial direction toward the inner circumference of the disk-shaped substrate; and stopping the feedings of the inner circumference grinding device and the outer circumference grinding device at the same time.
US08033892B2	Toy systems with separate accessory pieces engageable by part of a plaything A toy system with a body part insertable into an opening substantially defined by a separate band, retains the band to accessorize playthings by pushing them into a separate piece bearing accessories on the outer surface. Retention is by frictional or magnetic engagement. For frictional engagement, resilient material is used. A separation in the band allows it to spread apart; a coupling may limit the extent of separation. Geometric shapes of the part and opening may be substantially the same or different, as long as there are at least two points of contact for frictional engagement. A second part fits into the opening without engaging the piece and telescopes against a spring into the part engaging the piece. Removal is facilitated by a component that receives the second part, but not the part engaging the piece. Chamfers on the part inserted into the opening and/or on the opening facilitate insertion.
US08033889B1	Novelty drinking cup A drinking cup that has a removable lid with three different types of drink delivery novelties. The first is a rotary drive dispenser. In which fluid is drawn up in a straw. At the top of the straw is a rotary arm, which is free to rotate. As the fluid is brought up through the straw, it is forced out of holes formed in the rotary arm causing the arm spins around the straw. As it rotates, the fluid is dispensed into a sump where a drinking straw is used to remove it. In the second design, fluid rises up through the straw where it exits the straw like a fountain spray. In the third design, a tall tube extends up from the lid. A ball sits in the tube. As the fluid is brought up, the ball is propelled upward inside the tube.
US08033887B2	Method for manufacturing field emitter A method for manufacturing a field emitter, includes the steps of: providing a CNT yarn segment; attaching the CNT yarn segment to a heat conductor; and burning the CNT yarn segment thereby yielding a remaining portion of the CNT yarn segment for use as a field emitter. It is proper to manufacture a plurality of field emitters with essentially even field emission properties using the present method.
US08033886B2	Manufacturing method of airtight container and image displaying apparatus An airtight container manufacturing method includes the steps of exhausting an inside of a container through a through-hole provided in the container, and arranging a spacer member along a periphery of the through-hole on an outer surface of the container. Additional steps include arranging a plate member having, at its periphery, grooves penetrating the plate member in its plate thickness direction so that a sealant will flow from the grooves to a side surface of the spacer member, with the spacer member and the through-hole covered by the plate member, and a gap is formed along the side surface of the spacer member between the plate member and the outer surface of the container, and sealing the container by arranging a cover member to cover the plate member via a sealant. The sealing step includes hardening the sealant after deforming the sealant by pressing the plate member with the cover member so that the sealant flows between the cover member and the outer surface of the container via the grooves and the gap is infilled with the sealant.
US08033885B2	System and method for applying a conformal barrier coating with pretreating In a method for depositing a barrier coating, a device is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion where a surface of the second portion is in a shadow zone. The device is pretreated wherein the pretreating alters a deposition rate of the barrier coating on a surface exposed to the pretreating. The shadow zone is substantially unexposed to the pretreating. A barrier coating is deposited wherein the barrier coating substantially conforms to a profile of the device. The coating may be a graded-composition barrier coating wherein a composition of the coating varies substantially continuously across a thickness thereof. The first portion may include a flexible, substantially transparent substrate. The second portion may include an electronic device. The barrier coating and first portion may encapsulate the second portion. The method is a single, commercially advantageous, barrier deposition process, enabling increased product throughput and low process tact time.
US08033881B2	Method of manufacturing field emission device A method of manufacturing a field emission device comprises: sequentially forming cathodes and a light blocking layer on a substrate, and patterning the light blocking layer to form blocking layer holes; sequentially forming an insulating layer and a gate material layer on the light blocking layer, and patterning the gate material layer to form gate electrodes in which gate electrode holes are formed; coating a photoresist on the gate electrodes, and exposing and developing the photoresist to form resist holes inside the gate electrode holes; isotropically etching portions of the insulating layer exposed through the resist holes to form insulating layer holes; etching portions of the gate electrodes exposed by the insulating layer holes to form gate holes, and removing the photoresist; and forming emitters on the cathode electrodes exposed by the blocking layer holes.
US08033879B2	Biophysical geoengineering compositions and methods Described here are compositions, methods and apparatus for biological and physical geoengineering. Disclosed are inorganic particles, prill, pucks, or floats for dispersal on a body of water, the compositions having several properties: 1) positive buoyancy, 2) a sustained-release matrix for delivery of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, boron, selenium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, preferably as a combination thereof, at biologically efficacious levels, and synergically, 3) a light-reflective surface for increasing planetary albedo when dispersed over large surfaces. These compositions are found to A) increase yields for pelagic aquaculture, B) increase carbon sequestration, and C) provide immediate relief from global warming by directly increasing surface albedo and indirectly by increasing cloud nucleation activity. A preferred composition comprises a mixture of inorganic salts and binders (such as a glass or ceramic) effective for increasing the growth of primary aquatic producers such as coccolithophorids, diatoms, silicoflagellates, dinoflagellates, and microalgae (and higher trophic levels) in a sustained-release composition having a T1/2 of 0.5-3 years. To validate resultant carbon fixation and sequestration, a vertical spar buoy is provided. The buoy is designed to resist wave motion while supporting a stable long-term platform and submerged spaceframe with laser particle counters suspended below the 100 year horizon. Validation of exsolation energy credits, issuance of an associated financial instrument, and trading markets for those instruments are also described.
US08033877B2	Connector for microelectronic devices One embodiment is a connector for making electrical connection to a bulbous terminal, the connector including: a metal tube with a cylindrical wall extending from a mating end, wherein: (a) two or more slots perforate the wall and extend from the mating end along the tube; (b) two or more apertures perforate the wall and are disposed in a circumferential array disposed a distance from the mating end; and (c) each of the two or more slots transects one of the two or more apertures to divide the mating end of the tube into resilient prongs.
US08033874B2	Cable connector with improved contacts ensuring reliable connection with cables A cable connector includes an insulating housing having a plurality of cavities, a plurality of contacts received in corresponding cavities of the housing, and a plurality of cables terminated to the corresponding contacts. Each contact defines an intermediate portion, a pair of side contact beams extending from two opposite sides of the intermediate portion and a tail portion extending from an opposite end of the intermediate portion. The tail portion defines a second pair of gripping wings, each gripping wing defines a first locking portion and a second locking portion connecting with the first locking portion, the first locking portion and the second locking portion have a different height.
US08033872B2	Contact terminal for test socket An electrical connector contact comprises an upper and lower contact pins and a spring device disposed between the upper and lower contact pins. The upper contact pin includes a main portion, two pair of stopping portions respectively projecting from two sides of the main portion, and two guiding slots each formed between two stopping portions located at a same side of the main portion. The lower contact pin has a pair of elastic arms directly made from lacerating and bending a metallic plate and received in the guiding slots, a pair of clamping portions clamping the main portion, and two hooks abutting against the stopping portions to prevent the upper and lower contact pins separating from each other.
US08033868B2	Electrical connector with a tongue An electrical connector (100) including an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) and a pair first insulators (22). The insulative housing (1) has a body portion (11) and a tongue (12) extending from the body portion (11). The tongue (12) defines a plurality of passageways (132) at two sides thereof. Each contact (21) has a securing portion (212), a contact portion (211) extending to the tongue (12) from the securing portion (212) and a tail portion (213) extending out of the insulative housing (1). The contact portions (211) are arranged in two rows and respectively located at two sides of the tongue (12). Each first insulator (22) is insert molded around the securing portions (212) corresponding to the contact portions (211) of each row. Each first insulator (22) has a first post (228) and a first recess (229) at an inner side thereof to engage with each other.
US08033867B1	Universal power adapter A universal multi-outlet power strip adapter having a series of removable power adapters in electro-mechanical communication with a respective series of receptacle assemblies. The receptacle assemblies are disposed within a casing, in electrical communication with a power input plug extending outward from the casing. Each removable power adapter includes an adapter body, an adapter receptacle, and an adapter contact configuration. Each adapter contact configuration is configured to mate with a power outlet receptacle of a different country outlet configuration. The adapter receptacle is configured to electro-mechanically engage with each of the various country outlet configurations. In use, an individual user removes the removable power adapter for a desired country and inserts the removable power adapter between the power input plug and the power supply outlet. The user connects power plugs from electrically operated devices to the series of removable power adapters connected to the respective receptacle assembly within the casing to distribute power to the devices.
US08033866B2	Receptacle connector having reinforced bracket increasing overall rigidity A receptacle connector comprises an insulative housing having a base portion; a plurality of terminals retained in the insulative housing; a shielding shell assembled on the base portion of the insulative housing and defined a mating cavity. A reinforced bracket includes a main portion attached to a bottom of the shielding shell and a pair of mounting portions extending from two ends of the main portion. Therefore, overall rigidity of the receptacle connector may be increased.
US08033864B1	Electrical plug with a sliding cover extending from a front of an internal contact holder An electrical plug includes an internal contact holder, which comprises a holder base, a top cover covering the holder base and a sliding cover slidably coupled to two sliding grooves in an opening in the top cover and movable along the sliding grooves in and out of the top cover to close/open the opening, a first metal conducting member installed in the holder base and extending out of the front and rear sides of the holder base and a second and third metal conducting members installed in the holder base and respectively extended out of the front and rear sides of the holder base, and a fuse electrically connected between the second and third metal conducting members and suspending in the opening of the top cover.
US08033863B2	Modular connector plug having a wire guide filter with an impedance containing portion and a cable guide portion A modular connector plug for high speed applications includes a wire guide filter at least partially situated in the conductor-receiving cavity of the housing of the plug. The wire guide filter includes an impedance containing portion comprising a longitudinally extending body having a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways and an internal cable guide portion comprising a longitudinally extending body defining a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways.
US08033852B2	Connector assembly for coupling circuit boards A connector assembly includes a housing, a connector interface body, an elongated shaft, and a cam. The housing has an opening extending into the front face and an elongated channel oriented along the longitudinal axis. The cam is within the opening of the housing and includes a passageway through which a shaft of the housing extends. Rotation of the shaft rotates the cam to engage and drive the connector interface body away from the housing. The cam includes a collar protruding from the cam and extending along a periphery of the passageway. The collar has a clearance dimension along a first direction that is smaller than a gap between the retention features of the housing and an interference dimension along a transverse direction that is larger than the gap. The cam is retained in the housing when the collar engages retention features of the housing across the interference dimension.
US08033844B2	Lever type connector A connector comprises housing, a lever and a lock portion. The lever, attached to the housing, is configured to be rotatable between a first position, where the connector is initially fit to another is established, and a second position, where the fitting is completed. The lock portion is capable of locking the lever at the second position, is slidably attached to a body portion of the lever, and is configured to be slid between a lock position (where the lever is locked) and a lock release position (re-leased). The lever is provided with a positioning latch-portion, which is configured to latch the lock portion at the lock position and the lock release position and is pro-vided with a concaved latch-portion and a convexed latch-portion that is configured to be elastically displaced to be engaged in or disengaged from the concaved latch-portion.
US08033839B2	Socket connector with contact terminal having waveform arrangement adjacent to tail portion perfecting solder joint A socket connector is configured with an insulative housing defining a mating interface surrounded with peripheral walls and a mounting surface. A plurality of passageways is defined between the mating interface and the mounting surface and having an opening at the mounting surface. The insulative housing includes an encampment associated with each of the passageway at the mounting surface, and includes an extension crossing over an inner wall of the passageway to substantially narrow the opening of the opening. The socket connector furthers includes a plurality of contact terminals each received in the passageway and further includes a curvilinear solder portion extending beyond the mounting surface. And the socket connector further is incorporated with a plurality of solder balls each disposed between the encampment and the curvilinear solder portion.
US08033833B1	Rotatable connector A rotatable connector includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first rotating member includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface forms first pins, and the second surface forms fixing bodies each comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion cooperatively define a latching groove therebetween. The second rotating member includes a third surface opposing the first rotating member and an opposite fourth surface. The third surface forms circular latching bodies rotatably retained within the latching groove. The fourth surface forms second pins. The fixing bodies and the latching bodies cooperatively define cavities fully filled in electrical conductive material. The wires that are respectively fixed to the first pins and the second pins are capable of being electrically connected by the electrical conductive material.
US08033832B1	Systems and methods for performing virtual cosmetic and reconstructive surgery The virtual surgery systems and methods that provide for the prediction, evaluation, and validation of certain cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. The virtual surgery systems and methods allow a user to predict, evaluate, and validate various breast reduction surgical procedures.
US08033824B2	Self-ligating orthodontic bracket and devices for deploying same An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body having an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire therein and a movable member engaged with the bracket body and movable between an opened position and a closed position. A securing mechanism is configured to secure the movable member in at least the closed position and includes a projecting portion and a receiving portion. The projecting portion may include a generally elongate pin capable of flexing relative to a central axis thereof to secure the movable member in at least the closed position. An orthodontic assembly includes an orthodontic bracket and an alignment device for positioning the bracket on the tooth.
US08033822B2	Artificial campfire apparatus A portable, self-contained artificial campfire apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base container which can house an internal fuel source, a removable lid for accessing the container base, a fiber-ceramic log assembly connected to the removable lid, and a second lid for protecting and transporting the apparatus. The use of fiber-ceramic artificial logs allows for a more realistic campfire because the logs will glow as they are heated, just as a wood campfire does. The artificial campfire preferably also includes a tapered burner unit to produce an even more realistic campfire appearance.
US08033818B2	Injection mold An injection mold for insert molding includes a stationary plate, a first core and a second core. The stationary plate defines an upper surface and a side surface perpendicular to the upper surface. The upper surface has a slot at a middle portion thereof. The slot extends perpendicular to the side surface and reaches the side surface. The first core is received in the slot of the stationary plate and defines a holding element on a top surface thereof for securing an insert. The second core is closed with the first core to form a mold cavity, with the insert extending into the mold cavity. The first core is capable of being taken off from the slot of the stationary plate when the first core and the second core are detached from each other.
US08033816B2	Apparatus and method for making cobble-like blocks A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.
US08033810B2	Lock for core assembly for injection molding tool An injection molding tool having a core assembly with a shaft that is lockably or securedly mounted within a bore of a plate or within another suitable lock element. Rotational or other suitable movement of the lock results in or translates into axial movement of and/or axial forces apply to the core assembly. A guide ring assembly has a center ring with a non-circular bore and a correspondingly shaped core assembly, to prevent rotational movement of the core assembly with respect to the guide ring assembly.
US08033809B2	Machine for forming containers A machine for forming containers having a blowing module containing a drivable rotor, a heating module containing a drivable conveyor and feeding the blowing module, and a main drive which is associated with both the blowing and heating modules and which is adapted to be selectively operated either in a continuous mode or in a clocked mode. A power train includes a decoupling unit which is arranged between the rotor and the conveyor and which is selectively actuable, and an auxiliary drive, which can be switched on selectively, is provided for the power train component that is separated from the main drive in the actuated condition of the decoupling unit.
US08033802B2	Stator casing for eccentric worm pumps The invention relates to a stator casing for eccentric worm pumps comprising an elastic lining, the cylindrical stator casing having a surface on the inner side, along the longitudinal axis whereof grooves are incorporated.
US08033800B2	Built-in electric air pump for inflatable product The present invention disclosed a built-in electric air pump for inflatable product, including a housing, a panel cover, an impeller, a motor, an intake, an air valve orifice, an air valve and an air passage part forming a motor chamber, an impeller chamber and an air passage in the housing, wherein an air passage directional chamber is formed by the air passage part, which is the junction of the air passage, the intake and the air valve orifice; an air passage directional valve is mounted within the air passage directional chamber; a motor chamber's air inlet is located on the wall of the air passage directional chamber; and the air passage directional valve has a heat dissipation and pressure release outlet which is used for pressure release, air exhaust and heat dissipation during the inflation process and used for drawing-in cool air from the environment during the deflation process. The present invention has a simple structure. A heat dissipation and pressure release outlet is arranged in the passage directional valve, which results in good heat dissipation and prevents the inflatable product from exploding as excess inflation pressure. Furthermore, the additional seal assembly with double leakproof function prevents the airbed inflated with air from leaking for a long time.
US08033794B2	Wind turbine A wind turbine includes a nacelle that houses a dynamo and a vane wheel coupled to an end of the dynamo. The nacelle is movably mounted to a post. The nacelle has a body forming a circumferentially extending curved slot that has a front portion forming a reducing section and a rear portion forming an expanding section. The vane wheel has a hub at a center thereof and including a plurality of blades radially extending therefrom. Each blade has an end forming a down wash. With the curved design of the nacelle body, the rising angle of airflow exiting the nacelle is improved and with the down wash, the occurrence of tip vortex is suppressed, whereby the utilization efficiency of wind energy in the wind generation operations is improved.
US08033793B2	Impeller The present invention provides an impeller in which a metallic bush can be inserted correctly into a synthetic resin impeller main body manufactured by resin molding using a die, and a determination as to whether or not the impeller has been manufactured correctly can be made easily. The impeller comprises: a metallic bush comprising a circumferential boss portion having a substantially truncated cone-shaped throttle portion positioned on a front surface axial end side, a periaxial support boss portion positioned in an axial center, and a circumferential protruding portion positioned on a back surface axial end side; and an impeller main body made of synthetic resin and formed with a V-shaped bulging portion that bulges axially in the center of a front surface side of a disk-shaped vane portion fulcrum, in which a plurality of vanes are formed integrally on the periphery of the V-shaped bulging portion. An outer diameter of the circumferential protruding portion of the bush is formed to be smaller than an outer diameter of an axial end location of the throttle portion, the circumferential protruding portion is positioned on a back surface side of the V-shaped bulging portion, and the bush is inserted into the V-shaped bulging portion.
US08033790B2	Multiple piece turbine engine airfoil with a structural spar A multiple piece turbine airfoil having an outer shell with an airfoil tip that is attached to a root with an internal structural spar is disclosed. The root may be formed from first and second sections that include an internal cavity configured to receive and secure the one or more components forming the generally elongated airfoil. The internal structural spar may be attached to an airfoil tip and place the generally elongated airfoil in compression. The configuration enables each component to be formed from different materials to reduce the cost of the materials and to optimize the choice of material for each component.
US08033788B2	Method for determining fatigue load of a wind turbine and for fatigue load control, and wind turbines therefor A method of determining fatigue load of at least one operative wind turbine, comprising: providing a transfer function that associates an obtained at least one measurement value of a first sensor to an obtained at least one measurement value of a second sensor the at least one measurement value of the first sensor and the at least one measurement value of the second sensor being obtained by use of a reference wind turbine at which the first sensor and the second sensor are located; obtaining at least one measurement value of a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is located at the at least one operative wind turbine, and wherein the third sensor corresponds in type and position to the first sensor at the reference wind turbine; calculating at least one transfer function value corresponding to the obtained at least one measurement value of the third sensor by use of the provided transfer function; calculating the fatigue load of the at least one operative wind turbine based on the calculated transfer function value.
US08033784B2	Compressor rotor A compressor has a rotor (13), which rotor (13) has a number of rows of rotor blades (14, 14′) which are at a distance from one another, one behind the other in the axial direction, with a number of thermal barrier segments (10), which are detachably attached to the rotor (13) and are mounted such that they can move in the circumferential direction, being arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction on the circumference of the rotor (13), and with securing devices (15) being provided on the thermal barrier segments (10), which secure the thermal barrier segments (10) against being moved in the circumferential direction. In the case of such a rotor (13), production and assembly are simplified in that only some of the thermal barrier segments (10) are equipped with the securing devices (15).
US08033781B2	Method for loading and unloading a transport device A transport device for transporting elongated substrates through a vacuum coating system comprises an essentially rectangular frame and two groups of holding elements, which are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the frame in such a manner that any pair of opposite holding elements can be connected to both ends of a substrate. Furthermore, at least one retainer bar is provided that is operatively connected to a group of holding elements in such a manner that the holding elements of this group are moveable in order to increase or decrease by choice their distance from the holding elements of the other group. Also provided are a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the transport device, and a method for loading and unloading the transport device.
US08033779B2	Pipe handling apparatus and methods Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.
US08033778B2	Elevating conveyance device The present invention proposes an elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc., and according to a first aspect of the invention, the elevating conveyance device includes a multistage extensible column, a transfer means, and an extending and contracting drive mechanism, where the multistage extensible column includes a fixed column portion, one or more mid-stage elevating column portions, and a final-stage elevating portion, the transfer means is provided on the final-stage elevating portion, and the extending and contracting drive mechanism includes a counter weight supported on the fixed column portion movably vertically in a range of the height of the fixed column portion, a winding transmission tool which applies the gravity of the counter weight upward to the next mid-stage elevating column portion, an elevating drive means which drives and elevates the next mid-stage elevating column portion with respect to the fixed column portion, and winding transmission tools which convert an upward movement of the mid-stage elevating column portion into an upward movement of the next mid-stage elevating column portion or final-stage elevating portion.
US08033773B2	Parking facility for motor vehicles and method of operating same A parking facility for motor vehicles having fixed parking places arranged above each other and each having a guide for a pallet that is displaceable along the guide as well as a lift, which is disposed alongside the fixed parking places and which also carries a guide for the pallet is provided. For displacement of the pallet between the respective guides of a parking place and the lift, the lift is stopped alongside a parking place such that the respective guides are aligned with one another. The guide of the lift at its end facing the parking place is supported on a supporting surface connected to the parking place. The guide of the lift after being set down onto the supporting surface is pivoted about a horizontal pivotal axis until the guide of the lift is in a horizontal position.
US08033771B1	Minimum contact area wafer clamping with gas flow for rapid wafer cooling Apparatuses and methods for cooling and transferring wafers from low pressure environment to high pressure environment are provided. An apparatus may include a cooling pedestal and a set of supports for holding the wafer above the cooling pedestal. The average gap between the wafer and the cooling pedestal may be no greater than about 0.010 inches. Venting gases may be used to increase the pressure inside the apparatus during the transfer. In certain embodiment, venting gases comprise nitrogen.
US08033769B2	Loadlock designs and methods for using same Provided are apparatuses and methods disclosed for wafer processing. Specific embodiments include dual wafer handling systems that transfer wafers from storage cassettes to processing modules and back and aspects thereof. Stacked independent loadlocks that allow venting and pumping operations to work in parallel and may be optimized for particle reduction are provided. Also provided are annular designs for radial top down flow during loadlock vent and pumpdown.
US08033768B2	Railroad car coil restraint system A transverse railroad coil car coil restraint apparatus or system which includes a plurality of coil restraints attachable to each trough in a transverse railroad coil car to reduce the sideways shifting of coils positioned in the troughs. In certain embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough and extend across the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, the coil restraints are attached in each trough along the length of the trough. In certain embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the coil restraints and does not compress other of the coil restraints which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car. In other embodiments, when a coil is positioned in the trough, the coil compresses certain of the compression members and does not compress other of the compression members which prevents the sideways shifting of the coil during movement of the transverse coil car.
US08033755B2	Safety device, diving equipment and safety method for scuba diving The present invention relates to a method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, inflation of the diving jacket being initiated when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period. The invention also relates to a safety device and diving equipment.
US08033752B2	System for generating energy from sea waves A system for generating energy from sea or ocean waves flowing toward a shore, comprises a channel or a container and a slanting structure constructed above the surface of the sea. The slanting structure is located in the way of waves toward the channel or container so the waves are lifted along the slanting structure wherein the wave energy is transformed into a generally homogenous flow. The water flow enters the channel or container to fill it to a level higher than sea level. Preferably, the slanting structure is placed in a location where the horizontal distance between adjacent waves is twice the depth (vertical distance) between the adjacent waves.
US08033748B2	Pivoting arrangement An arrangement for the articulated connection of wagons of a multiple-element vehicle with the aid of joint having spherical bearing faces, wherein comprising a radial pivoting bearing having an inner ring with a convexly curved spherical bearing face and an outer ring with a concavely curved spherical bearing face, the radial pivoting bearing being installed with a vertical bearing axis Z and the inner ring and the outer ring each being held by one connecting construction, the bearing of asymmetric configuration, the inner ring and the outer ring being arranged offset with respect to one another in the direction of the bearing axis Z, and, that in relation to a center point (M) of the inner ring, the bearing faces are larger in the direction of a negative Z axis extending downwards from the center point along the bearing axis, than the bearing faces in the direction of a positive Z axis extending upwards from the center point along the bearing axis.
US08033747B2	Binder with multi-access pocket A binder including a first cover and a second cover pivotally coupled to the first cover, both of the covers being generally flat and planar and having a first and second opposite sides thereof. The binder further includes a pocket coupled to the first cover, wherein the pocket can be accessed from both the first and second sides of the first cover.
US08033744B2	Keyboard for a handheld computer device A keyboard for a hand held computer device including an array of keys representing characters of an alphabet of a language, wherein the array includes: (a) keys representing frequently used vowel characters of said alphabet arranged together in series; (b) keys representing frequently used consonant characters of said alphabet arranged adjacent to said keys representing vowel characters; and (c) keys representing infrequently used consonant characters of said alphabet arranged in positions remote from said keys representing vowel characters, wherein the keys representing frequently used consonant characters are arranged in alphabetical order around the keys representing the vowel characters.
US08033742B1	Telescoping camera crane A camera crane includes an arm having a back section, a middle section telescopically extendible into and out of the back section, and a front section telescopically extendible into and out of the middle section. A camera platform is pivotally attached at or near the front end of the front section. A counterweight is movable along the back section. An arm support can support the back section at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. An electronic controller is linked to a motor and a sensor on a camera head, with the motor acting to keep the head level.
US08033741B2	Optical transceiver with enhanced EMI tolerance A pluggable optical transceiver with an enhance EMI tolerance is disclosed. The optical transceiver provides an electrically conductive receptacle, a ground member made of metal sheet, and a cover also made of metal sheet. The ground member is assembled so as to surround a periphery of the receptacle. The cover provides a first bridge in a front portion thereof, while, the ground member provides fingers and a second bridge connecting the fingers in the tip portion. Fully setting the optical transceiver in the cage, the finger comes in contact with the inside of the cage and the first bridge comes in securely contact with the second bridge so as to shield a gap between the transceiver and the cage.
US08033739B2	Optical connector with improved retaining element An optical connector (1) includes an housing (2) having a front wall, an upper wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a receiving cavity (215) formed therebetween for receiving a mating plug; and an optical member (3) having an optical portion (31) for receiving or emitting light and a number of contacts connected to the optical portion; an insulative cover member (25) attached to the housing and defining a first portion (251) covering an upper portion of the housing and a second portion (258) enclosing a rear portion of the housing, the first portion defining a cutout (252) extending therethrough along an up-to-down direction; a metal lock member (6) defining a lateral arm (61) being retained in the cutout and a locking portion (62) extending downward from the lateral arm and projecting through the housing to be soldered to a printed circuit board, the locking portion locks with the housing.
US08033737B2	Rolling bearing with improved rim geometry A rolling bearing which has at least one bearing ring and a plurality of rollers. The bearing ring has a raceway for the rollers and at least one lateral rim for axially guiding the rollers. The roller has front face facing the rim and the rim has a rim hearing surface facing the roller. At least sections of at least the front face or the rim bearing surface have a toroidal camber in the direction of the rim bearing surface or the front face.
US08033732B2	Hydrodynamic bearing device, and spindle motor equipped with same In a hydrodynamic bearing device with which the lubricant is prevented from leaking to the outside, and good seal performance can be maintained, and in a spindle motor equipped with this hydrodynamic bearing device, the hydrodynamic bearing device includes a shaft, a sleeve, a lubricant that fills a microscopic gap, a radial bearing portion, a thrust bearing portion, and a bearing seal portion. The value of a function P1/V1, where V1 is a fluctuation volume of the sleeve in the axial direction and P1 is a capillary pressure index at a vapor-liquid interface located near the opened end of the bearing seal portion, is at least a specific value.
US08033730B2	Linear motion guide unit with rollers A linear motion guide unit with high stiffness, high accuracy and long-lasting service life is provided in which a rolling element is a roller and a carriage of a slider is made long to allow a crowning profile to be long. The carriage has an overall length equivalent to substantially four times a width of a guide rail. The carriage is made thereon with a raceway surface that is modified near lengthwise opposite ends thereof crowning profiles each of which has a crowning length equivalent to four times as long as a diameter of the roller and also has a crowing depth equivalent to an amount of elastic deformation that occurs in the raceway surfaces and the roller when the slider undergoes a load reaching a half of a static nominal standard load.
US08033728B1	Method of closing a bag A method of closing a bag includes providing a band. A connector extends into the band and connects together opposite portions of the band and to divide the band into a first loop and a second loop. The flexible bag has a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has a terminal end having an opening therein. The band is extended around the peripheral wall and the first loop extended into the second loop to tighten the band around the bag and close the bag.
US08033727B2	Transparent bag for carrying, displaying, chilling and serving a beverage in a beverage container A collapsible rectilinear or cylindrical ice bucket for transporting, displaying and chilling a wine bottle or other beverage container is fabricated from a deformable, water-impermeable and polymeric material, and is dimensioned to receive the bottle and a sufficient quantity of crushed ice or ice cubes. The upper edges of the collapsible ice bucket have a double thickness of the material for retaining the opening in a substantially non-collapsed state during use, and is provided with a handle.
US08033724B2	Rapid assembly and operation of an X-ray imaging system Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object.
US08033719B2	Gas turbine with protective sheath for a probe and method for protecting an instrument lead which is laid in a protective sheath The invention relates to a gas turbine, with a flow path for a hot gas, enclosed by a channel wall with at least one measuring probe, arranged in the channel wall, for determination of a parameter of the hot gas, said measuring probe comprising a temperature-resistant measuring tip in contact with the hot gas and a measuring line, arranged outside the flow path in a protective sleeve. According to the invention, such a gas turbine with a structurally uncomplicated protective sleeve for measuring lines from measuring probes, in which the measuring lines can be economically fitted and securely protected from excessively high operating temperatures, may be achieved, whereby the protective sleeve has a flow of coolant running therethrough which may be taken from a coolant supply connected to the protective sleeve.
US08033718B2	Temperature detector A temperature detector for measuring temperature of a heat exchanger of a vehicular air-conditioning unit includes a holder holding temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the exchanger and a harness connected to the measuring means. The holder has a through hole through which a measuring section of the measuring means extends, and first and second grip parts through which the harness extends. The first grip part has such a width dimension that the harness having a width dimension in the horizontal direction can be inserted therethrough, and the second grip part has such a width dimension that the harness having the width dimension in the vertical direction can be inserted therethrough and that the harness having the width dimension in the horizontal direction can not be inserted therethrough. Accordingly, a portion of the harness between the first and second grip parts is twisted and held by the holder.
US08033717B2	Device for measuring temperature in molten metals A device is provided for temperature measurement in metal melts, particularly in iron or steel melts, having a thermoelement, which is arranged in a thermoelement tube, and having an exterior protective body, which is essentially formed of graphite and metal oxide. The thermoelement tube is arranged in the protective body with a spacing, forming an intermediate space, and an insulating material and an oxygen-reducing material are arranged in the intermediate space. The insulating material and the oxygen-reducing material, as a powder mixture, form a tube (2), which surrounds the thermoelement tube (3) with a spacing and/or which is surrounded by the protective body (1) with a spacing.
US08033716B1	Refrigeration temperature monitoring system and associated temperature display The invention is a system for monitoring a plurality of cold cases located in a retail food establishment. The system employs a wireless mesh network, which uses monitoring computers in communication with the cold cases for sending temperature data to a master control computer located in a retail establishment, by the most efficient route, even if the most efficient route is first through a second monitoring computer and secondly to the main computer. The invention also employs an inventive microprocessor-controlled temperature monitoring and display device which mounts on each cold case and which emits various colored lights to serve as a visible indicator of the temperature condition of a cold case. The emitted, colored, light is visible from both the front and side of the display device, which allows untrained store personnel to readily determine the temperature condition of a cold case by referring to a color coding chart.
US08033715B2	Nanoparticle based thermal history indicators An indicator composition for determining a thermal or chronological history during shipping or storage of a product. The composition includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed throughout a matrix. The nanoparticles turn color while dispersed in the matrix as a function at least one of time and temperature.
US08033714B2	Fluid mixing apparatus A cylinder-shaped flow passage in which a first fluid flows includes an internal cylinder which is smaller in diameter than the flow passage. A swirl-generating stator having four vanes is radially fixed in the internal cylinder. A header space for supplying a second fluid is provided to the outer circumference of a wall surface of the internal cylinder in contact with flow separation areas which are formed along downstream surfaces of the swirl-generating stator as the first fluid runs into the swirl-generating stator. The wall surface of the internal cylinder is formed with openings through which the flow separation areas communicate with the header space. The second fluid supplied into the header space flows through the openings into the flow separation areas, and is diffused along the vanes of the swirl-generating stator to be swirled and mixed into the first fluid applied with swirling force by the swirl-generating stator.
US08033697B2	Automotive headlight system and adaptive automotive headlight system with instant control and compensation An automotive headlight system and an adaptive automotive headlight system with instant compensation control are provided. The automotive headlight system includes a light source, a total internal reflection prism, a digital reflecting element, a freeform lens, and a multi-curve-reflector. The total internal reflection prism is used for redirecting and reflecting light beams from the light source. The digital reflecting element is controlled to switch to a plurality of states with regard to reflected light beams from the total internal reflection prism then compensation patterns will be promptly given during different states. The freeform lens is used for controlling directions of the light beams from the digital reflecting element. The multi-curve-reflector has a plurality of radii of curvature for reflecting the light beams from the freeform lens. As the automotive headlight system merely uses optical refractive and reflecting elements so that the number of components and cost is greatly reduced as compared with the prior art. Furthermore, the most important is that this invention proposes a new design and instant and personalized compensation solution to reduce more driver's risks.
US08033696B2	Heat sinks and other thermal management for solid state devices and modular solid state systems A luminaire module comprising an LED on an optical axis, thermally mounted to a heat sink, said heat sink comprising openings for which air can circulate; said opening of each portion offset from each other so that light emanating from said LED can pass through the holes from one said portion, said light blocked by the solid area of the other portion.
US08033695B2	Active enclosure for computing device A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
US08033691B2	LED lamp producing sparkle A substantially hemispherical lens surrounding an LED die is described that creates a sparkle as an observer views the lens from different angles. The lens is formed of an interconnected array of 100-10,000 or more lenslets. Each lenslet focuses an image of the LED die at an output of the lenslet such that the LED die image area at the output is less than 1/9 the area of the LED die to create a substantially point source image of the LED die at an outer surface of the lens. When the LED die is energized, the shape of each lenslet causes point source images of the LED die to be perceived by an observer at various viewing angles, such that the emitted LED light appears to sparkle and speckle as the observer moves relative to the lens.
US08033689B2	Fluid pipe heat sink apparatus for solid state lights One embodiment of the current invention seeks to increase heat dissipation in solid state lights used in track lighting systems, by utilizing a track with a fluid channel. Convective heat transfer within this fluid channel acts to dissipate more heat than can be typically dissipated by conventional solid state lights themselves, thus allowing for brighter, higher-powered lights. The track and fluid channel can take on various forms.
US08033686B2	Wireless lighting devices and applications In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that employ a control component and/or power source integrated in an LED based light source to control and/or power the LED light source wirelessly. In embodiments, the LED based light source may take the form of a standard light bulb that plugs into a standard lighting socket or fixture.
US08033679B1	Self-mounting shelf with light The self-mounting shelf with a light includes a base, an overhead light, and a shelf. The base attaches to a wall or vertical surface via at least one of adhesives, nylon hook and loop strips, or mounting screws. The self-mounting shelf with a light is designed to be positioned adjacent to an electrical wall outlet in order to ensure ease of access to an electrical supply for the overhead light. The shelf may be substituted with alternate designs designed to accommodate a plurality of needs.
US08033676B2	Optical assembly, backlight unit having the same, and display apparatus thereof The backlight unit may include a plurality of optical assemblies, which each include a light emitting module having a substrate, a plurality of light emitting devices on a top surface of the substrate, and a connector provided on a bottom surface of the substrate and electrically connected to a power supply unit. The optical assembly may also include a light guide plate including a first part through which the light is received and a second part to output the light, which is laterally received from the first part, through a top surface thereof. A first side cover may be provided over the light emitting module and the first part of the light guide plate. A second side cover may be formed under the light emitting module and the light guide plate, the second side cover having a plurality of connector holes. The connector may be provided in one of the connector holes.
US08033673B2	Illumination device and vision measuring instrument A light source (110) is fixed at a position and emits light in a direction away from an optical axis (A) of an objective lens. An outer reflecting mirror (an optical member) (130) and an inner reflecting mirror (an optical member) (140) are provided as a unit so that relative positions thereof are fixed. A reflecting mirror unit (120) can be moved in directions along the optical axis (A), i.e. up and down relative to the light source (110). A free-form curved surface portion (131) of the outer reflecting mirror (130) and a reflecting surface of the inner reflecting mirror (140) reflect light in different directions depending on a position of the light incident thereon.
US08033672B2	Glare protection device for GPS or similar apparatus In a glare protection device for navigation apparatus or similar apparatus, comprising a glare protection wall structure of upside down U-shape having a horizontal upper wall and two side walls extending from the opposite ends of the horizontal upper wall downwardly and a spring bracket for the selective attachment of the glare protection device to an apparatus, each of the side walls is pivotally supported on the horizontal upper wall by way of a hinge so as to be movable between a downwardly extending use position and an ineffective position in which the side walls are pivoted inwardly against the bottom side of the horizontal upper wall.
US08033670B2	Manually adjustable ruggedized focus mechanism The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals (e.g., O-rings) between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly (or sub-assemblies thereof) in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment (and vice versa) while, at the same time, providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices include, in one aspect of the invention, an image capture medium (e.g., a CMOS sensor, CCD array, etc.) that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure, rotatably. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal (e.g., an “O-ring”) is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure, e.g., along these corresponding lengths. That seal permits rotation of the optics assembly for purposes of focusing the lens, while preventing (or reducing a risk of) contamination from the environment (e.g., water, chemicals, dirt, dust, etc.) from entering into the enclosure and vice versa.
US08033669B2	Projection display apparatus and method Not only abnormality of a light output to an exterior but also overturning, vibration, disassembly, deformation, or breakage of a display apparatus including a case and a screen are reliably and promptly detected. A projection display apparatus includes a light source (22) for generating illumination light, which is provided in a case (28) having a light-shielding function, a movable aperture (23) for adjusting the amount of illumination light from the light source (22), a light valve (9) for adjusting the amount of light based on an image signal to generate image light for forming an image from the illumination light, a projection optical system (10) for enlarging the image light from the light valve (9), and a transmission-type screen (29) for displaying the image, which is provided to a window of the case (28). The projection display apparatus further includes first to ninth detectors (41 to 49) for detecting the abnormality of the light output of the light source (22) to the exterior and the abnormality of the case (28) or the transmission-type screen (29), a warning and alarm unit (30) for notifying the abnormality by sound or light, and a control unit (32) for controlling an internal operation when the abnormality is detected.
US08033668B2	Imaging displacement module for increasing image resolution of projection apparatus An imaging displacement module including a frame, an optical element, a carrier, a connecting portion and at least a first actuator is provided. The frame has a first opening, and the optical element, the carrier, the connecting portion and the first actuator are all disposed in the first opening. The carrier is capable of carrying the optical element, and the connecting portion connects between the frame and the carrier and capable of generating an elastic torsion around an axis. The first actuator is disposed at a side of the carrier and capable of driving the carrier to vibrate periodically.
US08033667B2	Image display device An image display device includes: a screen having a fluorescent region including a fluorescent material; a light irradiation system, including: a first light source outputting excitation light exciting the fluorescent material; a second light source outputting visible light; a driving unit individually operating the first light source and the second light source corresponding to image information; and a scanning unit scanning with a light beam output from each of the first light source and the second light source in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction on the screen; andan excitation light wavelength band reflector having a function to reflect light in a wavelength band of the excitation light toward the screen, and formed on an output side of a light beam from the light irradiation system with respect to the screen. The visible light output from the second light source develops a first color by diffusion by being projected on the screen, while the excitation light output from the first light source develops a second color by fluorescence by being projected in the fluorescent region, the second color being different from the color developed by the visible light so as to display an image corresponding to the image information on the screen.
US08033666B2	Beam alignment system using arrayed light sources A beam alignment system for generating an aligned two-dimensional array of parallel light beams, comprising a beam alignment chamber including a base extending in a length direction and a plurality of reflectors mounted on the base, each having independent yaw and pitch adjustments. The beam alignment system further includes a plurality of arrays of light sources, each generating an array of light beams and being paired with a corresponding reflector, the reflectors being disposed to direct the light beams along the length of the beam alignment chamber forming an aligned two-dimensional array of parallel light beams.
US08033661B2	Method for inkjet printing with light-curable ink A method for inscribing a substrate with an inkjet printer using a light-curing ink. The method includes traversing, by the carriage, to the first end position at a first travel speed. The light-curing ink is sprayed-on along an inscription row onto the substrate using the print head during the traversing to the first end position. The sprayed-on ink is irradiated, for curing, using the illumination head during the traversing to the first end position. The carriage is traversed from the first end position to the second end position along the inscription row at a second travel speed, the second travel speed being lower than the first travel speed. The print head is inactive during the traversing to the second end position. The sprayed-on ink is irradiated using the illumination head during the traversing to the second end position. The substrate is then advanced using the transport apparatus.
US08033660B2	Active-energy ray curable ink-jet recording apparatus An active-energy ray curable ink-jet recording apparatus includes: an active-energy ray irradiation source; a plurality of full-line ink-jet heads which eject a liquid functional material that is curable by an active-energy ray, onto a recording medium which is scanned and transported; and a head controller for controlling the heads to form an image on the recording medium, wherein the plurality of full-line ink-jet heads include at least a black head and a yellow head on an extreme downstream side in a direction of transporting the recording medium.
US08033659B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head has a pressure chamber into which liquid flows from a liquid reservoir through a liquid passage, and a pressure generating unit operable to pressurize the liquid in the pressure chamber to eject the liquid through a nozzle opening. A gas trapping chamber is formed in the liquid passage and adapted to trap gas mixed in the liquid. A gas collecting chamber is formed adjacent to the gas trapping chamber. A gas permeable wall is interposed between the gas trapping chamber and the gas collecting chamber. A pressure difference generating unit is operable to generate a pressure difference between the gas trapping chamber and the gas collecting chamber so that a pressure in the gas collecting chamber is lower than a pressure in the gas trapping chamber, thereby collecting the gas trapped in the gas trapping chamber in the gas collecting chamber through the gas permeable wall.
US08033653B2	Liquid discharge head and recording device A liquid discharge head include a discharge port for discharging liquid; a liquid chamber communicating to the discharge port; a piezoelectric element including one electrode layer, another electrode layer, and a piezoelectric film sandwiched between the one electrode layer and the other electrode layer independently arranged in correspondence to the liquid chamber, and including a piezoelectric drive portion at where the piezoelectric film deforms and displaces in correspondence to the liquid chamber; and a vibration plate interposed between the piezoelectric element and the liquid chamber, wherein a bending rigidity of both ends in an arranging direction of the one electrode layer of a portion corresponding to the piezoelectric drive portion of the vibration plate is greater than the bending rigidity of a region between both ends.
US08033652B2	Liquid discharge head and recording apparatus having the same A liquid discharge head includes a discharge port array having discharge ports for discharging liquid, a liquid chamber for supplying liquid to the discharge port array, and a liquid introduction passage for introducing liquid to the liquid chamber. A vertical cross section of the liquid chamber has an elongated shape. The liquid introduction passage is wider than the liquid chamber in a width direction of the elongated shape. A communicating portion is longer than a width of the liquid chamber and shorter than the liquid chamber, and is projecting from the liquid introduction passage for the liquid chamber. A bottom of the liquid introduction passage is disposed at a lower position than a top of the liquid chamber in the communicating portion, and a distance between the top and the bottom is longer than half of the width of the liquid chamber.
US08033650B2	Paired drop ejector A paired drop ejector includes a chamber having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall and a dividing wall disposed between the first and second wall; wherein the first and second wall include a first length and the dividing wall includes a second length less than the first length in which the dividing wall forms first and second portions of the chamber; a first heater disposed in the first portion of the chamber in fluid relation with a first nozzle in which the first heater provides thermal energy to eject a droplet of ink through the first nozzle; and a second heater disposed in the second portion of the chamber in fluid relation with a second nozzle in which the second heater provides thermal energy to eject a droplet of ink through the second nozzle.
US08033646B2	Liquid drop dispenser with movable deflector A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel and a liquid ejector channel that includes an outlet opening. A liquid supply provides a flow of a pressurized liquid through the liquid ejector channel from the liquid supply channel. The pressurized liquid has a momentum as the liquid moves through the liquid ejector channel. A liquid return channel receives the liquid after the liquid passes through the liquid ejector channel. A diverter member forms at least a portion of a wall of the liquid ejector channel. A portion of the diverter member is selectively movable away from the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel. The momentum of the liquid causes some of the liquid to be diverted through the outlet opening when the portion of the diverter member is moved away from the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel.
US08033645B2	Orifice plate for an ink-jet print-head and a method for manufacturing the orifice plate An orifice plate for an ink jet print-head for ejecting drops of an ink, wherein the orifice plate includes an outer surface, which has a wettability with the ink, and at least one orifice arranged in the outer surface, said orifice being configured for ejecting ink drops, each orifice having an edge, the edge defining a transition boundary between the orifice and the outer surface, wherein the wettability of the outer surface is poor near the edge of the at least one orifice and the wettability increases with increasing distance from the edge of the orifice, the increasing wettability with the increasing distance from the edge of the orifice providing a driving force for moving residual ink drops away from the edge towards a wettable region, thereby reducing the risk of disturbing the trajectories of subsequent ejected ink drops.
US08033642B2	Ink jet recording head and ink jet recording apparatus An ink jet recording head includes a flow passage for a liquid for cooling a recording element substrate. The flow passage is provided inside a support plate that supports the recording element substrate along a recording element array of the recording element substrate. The shortest distance between a recording element and the flow passage at the end of the support plate is larger than the shortest distance between a recording element and the flow passage in the middle of the support plate.
US08033637B2	Image forming apparatus with maintenance-and-recovery mechanism An image forming apparatus has a liquid discharge head to discharge droplets of a recording liquid to form an image on a recording medium and a maintenance-and-recovery mechanism to perform a maintenance and recovery operation on the liquid discharge head. The maintenance-and-recovery mechanism includes a suction device, a control unit, a drain tube, and a drain reservoir. The suction device suctions droplets of the recording liquid from the liquid discharge head. The suctioned droplets are not used for an image forming operation. The control unit controls a suction speed of the suction device. The drain reservoir stores the suctioned droplets drained from the drain tube. The drain tube is inclined relative to an opening portion of the drain reservoir. The control unit controls the suction speed of the suction device to change a drain speed of the suctioned droplets drained from the drain tube.
US08033636B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus can reduce operations or time for preliminary discharge and reduce the influence of mist. A recovery mechanism portion is provided in which a slide member on which a cap is mounted is moved along cam surfaces following a movement of a carriage to cause the cap to abut against a recording head for capping. A first preliminary discharge position where ink is discharged from the recording head into the cap and a second preliminary discharge position where a distance between the recording head and the cap is shorter than the distance in the first preliminary discharge position are provided between a recording area where the recording head forms an image on a recording medium and a capping position.
US08033634B2	Liquid discharging apparatus, method of controlling the same, and program that implements the method A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharging device, a liquid receiving device, a voltage applying device, and a control device. The discharging discharges liquid from a nozzle to a target on the basis of discharge data, where it is received by a liquid receiving device. The voltage applying device applies a predetermined voltage between the discharging device and the liquid receiving device. When discharging on the basis of the discharge data, the control device controls the discharging device to discharge using a generated discharge data driving signal. When performing nozzle testing, the control device controls the voltage applying device to apply the predetermined voltage between the discharging device and the liquid receiving device and controls the discharging device using a generated test driving signal to discharge liquid from the nozzle to determine on the basis of a detected electrical change whether liquid is discharged from the nozzle.
US08033632B2	Method for adjusting ejection timing and ejection timing adjusting apparatus The invention relates to a method for adjusting ejection timing including forming adjustment patterns on a medium by shifting relative ejection timings of liquid droplets from a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row lined up in a direction intersecting a row direction in which nozzles of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row are lined up, while shifting relative positions of the first nozzle and the second nozzle, and the medium in the intersecting direction; and determining adjustment amounts of relative ejection timings of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row based on the adjustment patterns, wherein the adjustment patterns are formed in the intersecting direction in a plural number separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the ejection timing is adjusted based on an average of the adjustment amounts determined based on the adjustment patterns.
US08033628B2	Signal processing of indicia for media identification A method of identifying a type of recording medium includes moving the recording medium relative to a sensor at a substantially uniform speed; processing a signal from the sensor to provide digitized data of the signal; identifying a plurality of peaks in the digitized data; determining at least one of the heights and widths of each of the plurality of peaks; determining a peak to peak distance between two adjacent peaks of the plurality of peaks; determining the position of a peak corresponding to the reference mark using a combination of parameters related to at least two of the peak heights, the peak widths, and the peak to peak distance; determining a configuration of a peak corresponding to the identification mark by locating a peak that is spaced apart from the position of the peak corresponding to the reference mark; and identifying the type of recording medium using the configuration of the peak corresponding to the identification mark.
US08033623B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator includes a main body in which storage space is formed, a door pivotably mounted at a front of the main body, a hinge member connecting the main body with the door, and a receiving member which is mounted at an upper surface of the main body and accommodates a lead wire extended from at least one of the main body and door.
US08033620B2	Toolbox with elevating display backwall A toolbox with drawers for holding tools and the like and a display rack for holding and displaying such tools. The display rack is movable vertically relative to the toolbox and may assume a first tool accessible and tool visible position and a second position where the tools are not accessible and are not visible. A locking mechanism maintains the inaccessible tool position of the display rack. Preloaded struts operate to extend the display rack to its tool accessible and tool visible condition when the retaining force on the display rack is released. A retaining mechanism is used to hold the display rack in its elevated position.
US08033619B2	Endless track An elastomeric endless track for use on tracked vehicles or with wheel replacing traction assemblies is provided. The track generally comprises a ground-engaging outer surface provided with traction lugs generally disposed longitudinally according to a traction lug pitch, and a wheel-engaging inner surface provided with drive lugs disposed longitudinally according to a drive lug pitch and guide lugs disposed longitudinally according to a guide lug pitch. Such a track comprises the feature of having the guide lug pitch and/or the length of the guide lugs chosen so as to reduce the distance between consecutive guide lugs in order to reduce and/or prevent occurrences of detracking.
US08033618B2	Optimized hydraulic brake system In an optimized hydraulic brake system, a pedal travel sensor is used to improve pedal feel. In order to improve pedal feel, a low pressure is detected in the brake booster and the brake hydraulic system is used to increase wheel pressure. This prevents the operator from having to exert an increasing large force on the brake pedal during a deceleration situation.
US08033613B2	Patient chair A chair back has a shell and a cushion overlying the shell for a patient chair configured to move from a generally upright sitting position to a generally supine position. A patient contact surface is bounded in part by a top edge and an opposing bottom edge, and has resiliently deflectable opposed wing sections extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. A stiff support region is centrally positioned relative to and at least partially recessed from the outer wing sections. The support region is configured to support a patient's spine when the patient chair is positioned in a generally supine position. The opposed wing sections extend laterally outwardly of the support region and are configured to support the arms of the patient when the patient chair is positioned in the generally supine position.
US08033608B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat is provided with: a rotation lock mechanism for inhibiting or permitting rotation of the both support arms placed at a fixed position relative to base frames and a support arm operation mechanism for actuating the rotation lock mechanism by tilting of a backrest. In the vehicle seat, when the backrest is tilted forward beyond a maximum forward adjustment angle of a reclining angle range, the rotation of the both support arms from the fixed position is permitted. When the backrest is tilted further backward than the maximum forward adjustment angle, the rotation of the both support arms from the fixed position is inhibited.
US08033604B2	Vehicle seat system and motor vehicle having a vehicle seat system A motor vehicle includes a vehicle seat system, the vehicle seat system including a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat part. The seat part and the seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a first axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The vehicle seat system includes a folding vehicle seat capable of being folded up and situated next to the vehicle seat having a folding vehicle seat seat part and having a folding vehicle seat seat back. The folding vehicle seat seat part and the folding vehicle seat seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a second axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, which with respect to the first axis of rotation is offset or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The folding vehicle seat in the folded state is able to be situated, e.g., substantially entirely, below the seat part and/or the vehicle seat and the folding vehicle seat are mechanically connected to each other.
US08033603B2	Vehicle seat neck protection device A vehicle seat neck protection device (8) that protects and supports the nape of the neck (4) of a user wherein the device (8) has a body (27) of a predetermined size and shape and a convex surface (6) for positioning the device (8) behind the nape of a neck (4), a rear wall (10) located on the body (27) and at least one securing means (7) located on the rear wall (10) for securing the vehicle neck protection device (8) to at least one post (3) of a vehicle headrest (1). The body (27) may include a cushion area (12) that forms the convex surface (6) and a dense area (11) located between the cushion area (12) and the rear wall (10). In the alternative, an inflatable bladder (17) may form the convex surface (6) wherein a user may selectively adjust the degree of inflation of the bladder (17). The bladder (17) may also be automatically inflated upon strong impact against the vehicle itself. The device (8) may be retroactively fit onto an existing vehicle headrest (1) or may built-into a vehicle headrest (1).
US08033602B2	Vehicle seat The present invention relates to a vehicle seat that receives by a seatback a load that is input from the side of a vehicle, the vehicle seat including a plate member that has a plurality of uneven portions in which a ridgeline portion extends along the vehicle width direction and is attached to a seatback frame.
US08033601B2	Vehicle seat There is provided a head rest moving mechanism of moving a support portion of a head rest relative to a seat back when a vehicle is subjected to a back collision. The head rest moving mechanism moves the support portion from an initial position to a collision corresponding position in a front upper direction. The head rest moving mechanism includes a base installed at an upper portion of the seat back, link means for linking the support portion and the base, an engaging pin moved integrally with the support portion for operating an attitude of the support portion in accordance with a relative movement thereof, and a guide path slidably engaged with the engaging pin for guiding to slide the engaging pin in accordance with the relative movement of the support portion.
US08033598B2	Mesh folding chair A folding mesh chair includes a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides. The chair has an unfolded seating position in which the seat pivots to extend from the frame sides and bottoms of front and rear legs move apart, and a folded position in which the seat pivots toward the frame sides and the front and rear legs move together. One or both of the seat and the backrest have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an all-plastic hoop fixed between the frame sides.
US08033597B2	Glazed transit vehicle door or window A transit vehicle glazing assembly comprises a window pane, a box-shaped first frame that surrounds the opening covered by the window pane, a second frame sized to fit within the space enclosed by the first frame secured to the window pane by an adhesive, an elastomeric strip positioned in the space between the flanges and a plurality of U-shaped clips securing the second frame to the first frame.
US08033596B2	Body structure A body structure of a motor vehicle has a rear side wall which is constructed in a simple manner. It is important for the side wall to have at least the following components configured as light metal diecast parts: a support, a suspension strut mount and a bracket for a rollover protection device.
US08033590B2	Tractor An object is to provide an assist grip for an operator to easily ride on/off an operation section.An assist grip 31 for supporting a weight of an operator riding on/off an operation section 4 is disposed in front of a steering wheel 11 so as to overlap steering wheel 11 when viewed in front.
US08033589B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat of the present invention has an engaged member, an engagement member and a guide portion. The engagement member is provided on the seat body so as to be movable between a restraint position and a restraint release position. The engagement member is capable of moving to the restraint position, so as to be advanced to a position in which the engagement member faces the engaged member, and is capable of moving to the restraint release position, so as to be retracted to a position in which the engagement member does not face the engaged member. The guide portion is capable of moving the engagement member to the restraint position when the seat body moves to the retracted position, and is capable of moving the engagement member to the restraint release position when the seat body is advanced from the retracted position.
US08033588B2	Sliding lid guard A guard for a sliding lid that acts as a cover for a cargo area of a center console. The center console includes a bottom, sidewalls, a front wall, and a back wall. Movement of the sliding lid is slidingly restricted by guide rails. The guard includes a body and a wiper section that has a contact edge. The guard is secured to the center console and disposed above the sliding lid and prevents objects from riding on the sliding lid past the guard.
US08033587B2	Frame molding fastening structure A frame molding fastening structure is disclosed. The frame molding includes a first molding, a second molding, and a bracket that fastens the first and second molding to each other. The bracket includes a fixed portion fixed to the first molding and an insertion portion inserted into the second molding. The insertion portion includes a main body and a resin member. The main body includes a first portion, which is located at one end side of a cross-section perpendicular to an insertion direction of the insertion portion relative to the second molding, and a second portion, which is located at an end portion at an opposite side of the first portion. The resin member is arranged in at least either one of the first portion and the second portion to abut an inner surface of the second molding.
US08033584B2	Opening/closing device for vehicle door A vehicle door opening/closing device having a latch mechanism, a locking mechanism, an actuator, and a canceling mechanism is provided. The actuator has an electric motor and a pivotable drive lever. The canceling mechanism operates to block transmission of power between the electric motor and the drive lever when manipulation force of a vehicle door handle is transmitted to the canceling mechanism through the locking mechanism. The manipulation force of the door handle is transmitted to the canceling mechanism only when the vehicle door is in an unlocked state.
US08033583B2	Electric lock device A lock device includes a tongue slidably engaged with a housing and extendible out of the housing, an anchoring device slidably disposed in the housing and having two anchoring members for selectively aligning with the tongue and having a compartment formed between the anchoring members, and a moving device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing to selectively align either of the anchoring members with the tongue and for preventing the tongue from being engaged into the compartment of the anchoring device. The moving device includes an electromagnetic mechanism coupled to the anchoring device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing.
US08033582B2	Side lock device A side rock device attaches a first member to a second member to be openable. The side rock device includes a pair of lock arms, a housing which holds the lock arms movably, a slider defining inclining holes which engage with the lock arms and urge the lock arms to protrude and retract, the slider disposed in the housing, and an elastic member which elastically urges the slider toward a predetermined direction. When the slider is operated against an elastic urging force of the elastic member, the lock arms are retracted.
US08033581B2	Universal attachment flange A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.
US08033577B2	Flared screw fitting A flared screw fitting has a pipe expanded in an end section into a tulip flare. A connecting piece has a conical stop face situated on an end section, which is joined in the direction of a forward front face of the connecting piece by a groove. An internal mantle surface of a union element contacts an external mantle surface of the tulip flare in an area whose smallest diameter is larger than the smallest diameter of the stop face of the connecting piece. The union element may be provided with an external threaded section which works together with an internal threaded section of the connecting piece.
US08033576B2	Pipe guide for expansion joint A pipe guide is described for providing axial alignment to two pipes connected by an expansion joint. The pipe guide comprises a pipe guide sleeve that covers the expansion joint and is connected at its first end to the first pipe. It also comprises a guide ring that is connected to the second pipe and slidably engages the interior of the pipe guide sleeve. In one embodiment, the pipe guide also comprises restraint rods to limit the axial extension and compression of the pipe guide.
US08033573B2	Rollover protection system with improved supporting device A rollover protection system for motor vehicles with a roll bar, which can be moved by a drive unit from a position of rest to a protection position, is secured in the protection position by a locking device and prevented from retracting, and is fixed in the position of rest by a holding device, wherein the holding device has a movably arranged catch element which can be disengaged abruptly by a pyrotechnic actuator. For such cases in which the catch element can move beyond the release point and there is a danger of a rebounding, because a path-limiting stop is present, a structural part is provided that prevents a return movement of the catch element into the holding position.
US08033572B2	Vehicle, in particular construction vehicle The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a construction vehicle, comprising a detachable ballast weight, a lifting means for lifting the ballast weight from a set-down position into a mounting position on the vehicle and a support means having at least one extendable support foot. An especially compact construction is achieved in that for extension of the at least one support foot the support means has at least one positioning cylinder and that the at least one positioning cylinder is designed at the same time for lifting and lowering the ballast weight.
US08033571B2	Energy dissipative cushioning elements An apparatus, method, computer program product, and/or system are described that determine an event, actuate a cushioning element in response to the determining the event, the cushioning element including one or more tension-bearing members, and dissipate at least some of an energy associated with a collision based on deforming at least one of the tension-bearing members during the collision, the deforming including substantially inelastically stretching the at least one of the tension-bearing members. Other example embodiments are also provided relating to actuatable cushioning elements.
US08033570B2	Side airbag apparatus An airbag 40 is partitioned into a shoulder protecting portion 57 and a lower region protecting portion 56 by a partition portion 45. The shoulder protecting portion 57 is inflated in a space that is beside the shoulder PS of an occupant P and beside and in the vicinity of the top 16 of a door trim 14, thereby protecting the shoulder PS. The lower region protecting portion 56 is inflated below the shoulder protecting portion 57, thereby protecting a part below the shoulder PS of the occupant P. The shoulder protecting portion 57 has a support portion 66 and a shoulder receiving portion 67. When the inflated shoulder protecting portion 57 falls outward of the vehicle while pivoting on the partition portion 45, the support portion 66 contacts a part that is inward of and below the top 16, thereby supporting the shoulder protecting portion 57. When the shoulder protecting portion 57 is supported by the door trim 14 at the support portion 66, at least a part of the shoulder receiving portion 67 is located above the top 16 and contacts the shoulder PS of the occupant P at a position inward of an end 45A of the partition portion 45 on the vehicle outer side. In this manner, the shoulder receiving portion 67 receives the shoulder PS.
US08033561B2	Sway control device for trailers A new apparatus for reducing sway of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle has a draw bar for linking a trailer to a vehicle, a ball for hitching the trailer to the draw bar, and a pin for hitching the draw bar to the vehicle. The apparatus also has a body that is associated with the ball in such a way that horizontal angular movement of the draw arm relative to the draw bar causes a substantially equivalent horizontal angular movement of the body relative to the draw bar. A hydraulic dampener linked to the body dampens horizontal angular movement of the body and, thereby, dampens horizontal angular movement of the trailer.
US08033558B2	Bicycle rear suspension system A bicycle rear suspension system includes a front part including a top tube, a down tube, a head tube and a seat tube. A rear part of the bicycle rear suspension system includes two seat stays and two chain stays. The seat stays have first ends pivotally connected to the dropouts on the first ends of the chain stays and two second ends pivotally connected to a first end of a connection member at a first pivot point. Two second ends of the chain stays are pivotally connected to a bridge between the down tube and the seat tube. A second end of the connection member is pivotally connected to the top tube. A cylinder has a first end pivotally connected to the bridge and a second end pivotally connected to a mediate portion of the connection member at a second pivot point.
US08033554B2	Stroller system A stroller system includes a stroller frame and a seat system. The stroller frame includes first and second frame supports spaced apart from each other, at least one third frame support attaching the first frame support to the second frame support, and wheels rotatably attached to one or more of the frame supports. The seat system is removably attached to the stroller frame and includes a seat support having first and second end portions, and first and second end connectors disposed on the corresponding first and second end portions of the seat support. Each end connector includes a connector body having first and second end portions, where each end portion defines a recess configured to receive one of the frame supports. The recesses arranged substantially in opposition to engage the received support in substantially opposing directions.
US08033550B2	Piston ring having hard multi-layer coating A piston ring (22) is covered at least partially with a layered structure (30). The layered structure (30) comprises: —a first intermediate layer (32) comprising at least one element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB; —a second intermediate layer (34) deposited on top of the first intermediate layer (32) and comprising a diamond-like nanocomposite composition; —a diamond-like carbon layer (36) deposited on top of the second intermediate layer (34).
US08033547B1	Die structure In one of the die structures provided herein, there includes first and second housing structures defined to secure to each other to form a plurality of sides. An internal wheel is provided with an aperture for receiving a peg extending from the first housing structure, such that the internal wheel is rotatably secured thereto. The internal wheel has a perimeter edge defined with spaced apart curved grooves positioned on the periphery thereof. A portion of the perimeter edge is accessible through the first housing structure. Lastly, there is a plurality of labels having indicia printed thereon and separately affixed to the plurality of sides. One of the plurality of labels is defined as an internal wheel label affixed to the internal wheel such that the indicia is visible through a window defined on the first housing structure.
US08033541B2	Image forming apparatus and method of feeding a sheet An image forming apparatus includes a tray, a sheet conveying path through which sheets are conveyed, a sheet feeding unit including a sheet feed roller for feeding a first sheet to a sheet holding position, a sheet conveying unit having a conveyor roller that intermittently rotates and holds the sheets. The sheet conveying unit is upstream from a recording position, and downstream from the sheet feeding unit. The image forming apparatus also includes a recording unit, and a controller. The recording unit forms an image onto the first sheet while the conveyor roller is not rotating. The sheet feeding unit feeds a leading edge of a second sheet to the sheet conveying unit and maintains the leading edge of the second sheet colliding against the sheet conveying unit at the sheet holding position by rotating the sheet feed roller prior to completing image formation on the first sheet.
US08033540B2	Image forming apparatus having pick-up roller cover An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a printable medium; a casing to accommodate the image forming unit; a feeding cassette coupled to the casing and arranged so as to move between a feeding position where the feeding cassette is separated from the casing and used to store the printable medium and a waiting position where the feeding cassette is folded up against the casing; a main feeding unit arranged within the casing to store another printable medium and to supply the another printable medium to the image forming unit; a pick-up roller to feed the printable medium from the feeding cassette to the image forming unit when the feeding cassette is in the feeding position; and a pick-up roller cover coupled to a main feeding unit so that the pick-up roller cover can rotate between an open position and a closed position.
US08033539B2	Pressdown cam for post processing device A sheet post process device with a stapler mechanism includes a conveying path configured to convey a sheet on which an image is formed to the stapler mechanism; a first sensor disposed along the conveying path and configured to detect a moving position of the sheet; and a tray in which the sheets are stacked to undergo a stapling process; and a rotary cam having a spiral shape disposed at a conveying path outlet through which the sheet is ejected from the conveying path to the tray. When the sheet passes through the conveying path outlet, the cam rotates and comes into contact with the sheet to move the sheet to the tray.
US08033536B2	Coupling with direct transmission of the rotational movement of an actuation bolt to a clamping jaw driven in translation by the latter A coupling for securing a first element to a second element includes an actuation bolt, a clamping jaw mounted on the first element which comprises a bore having a threaded part which defines a nut that threadedly engages the actuation bolt, and a torque limitation device positioned between the actuation bolt and the bore for transmitting the rotational movement of the actuation bolt directly to the clamping jaw to thereby rotate the clamping jaw about the axis. In operation, when an external force acting on the clamping jaw is greater that the force generated against the bore by the torque limitation device, rotation of the actuation bolt will result in translation of the clamping jaw, and when the external force acting on the clamping jaw is less than the force generated against the bore by the torque limitation device, rotation of the actuation bolt will rotate the clamping jaw about the axis.
US08033532B2	Humidifier A humidifier 10 has a water circuit 20 that switches the flow of water between a first flow state, in which hot water introduced from a first inlet 21 flows through a first heat exchanger 32 and flows to a first outlet 22 and in which cold water introduced from a second inlet 23 flows through a second heat exchanger 42 and flows to a second outlet 24, and a second flow state, in which the hot water introduced from the first inlet 21 flows through the second heat exchanger 42 and flows to the first outlet 22 and in which the cold water introduced from the second inlet 23 flows through the first heat exchanger 32 and flows to the second outlet 24. The water circuit 20 has a bypass passage 36 for connecting the inlets 21, 23 to the outlets 22, 24 respectively at the time of switching the flow of water. With this, even if the respective three-way valves 31, 33, . . . cause a faulty operation, the cold water and the hot water surely flow through the bypass passage 36 and flow to the respective outlets 22, 24.
US08033530B2	Stair rail assembly A stair rail assembly for easy and rapid installation. The assembly includes a baluster, baluster shoe, and a rail. The baluster shoe comprises an anchor and a base having an opening extending through the anchor and base. The base fits flush against a rail and the anchor fits within a baluster to connect the baluster to the rail. The anchor contains flexible walls which expand upon insertion of a screw to frictionally engage the baluster.
US08033528B2	Lift assembly, system, and method A lift assembly system and method can include a substantially rectangular tube, a motor operably connected to first and second traction drives and a rotatable drum and structurally connected to one end of the tube, a head block fixed to the opposite end of the tube, and a plurality of loft blocks positionable at an infinite number of locations within the tube. An elongate member attached on one end to the drum can be routed through a generally horizontal path from the drum to the first and second traction drives, the head block, and the loft blocks, and then through a generally vertical path from the loft block to an attached article. The elongate member can be wound about the drum to raise the article, and unwound from the drum to lower the article. The system can further include a load-side braking mechanism. The tube can include a compressible material adapted to absorb at least a portion of a horizontal load placed on the lift system.
US08033526B2	Land clearing device A land clearing device that is sized and configured to be attached to a small earth moving machine, such as a skid loader. The land clearing device has a pusher assembly with telescopically extendable actuator arms that are operated by a control unit accessible from the interior of the earthmoving machine. When the actuator arms are extended, the forward end of the pusher assembly applies lateral force on a trunk of a tree, pushing the tree until uprooted. The pusher assembly is supported by a pair of upright legs that rest on the ground and provide stability to the pusher assembly, which cantilevered from the upright legs. A Y-shaped grabber assembly has a front hook that partially encircles and holds the tree below the location of contact with the pusher assembly. A mounting assembly is secured to the pusher assembly and the grabber assembly by a common securing rod about which the pusher assembly and the grabber assembly can pivot. The mounting assembly is configured for detachable mounting on a front of an earthmoving machine.
US08033523B2	Systems and methods for two stage fluid path attachment to pressurized fluid reservoirs A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.
US08033519B2	Projector mount with Phillips screw driver angle adjustment Improvements in a mount for attaching a television of projector to an overhead or ground structure is disclosed. The mount allows for spin, side to side and front to back angle adjustment. The adjustment components are formed from the present projector mount uses metal component having a rack comprising a plurality of formed teeth that are engageable in the recessed side of a crosshead screwdriver that is trademarked as a Phillips screwdriver. The recesses of the crosshead screwdriver act as a pinion gear in the rack to adjust the mounted angle of a projector on the projector mount. This configuration reduces parts count, size and cost without compromising functionality. The axis of rotation of both the side-to-side and front-to-back pass through the projector mount.
US08033506B2	Apparatus and method for refueling aircraft A method and apparatus for aiding pilots in aerial refueling comprises a primary auto-throttling system (ATS) disposed in a primary aircraft and a secondary ATS disposed in a secondary aircraft. The primary ATS includes logic which generates and transmits an anticipatory signal to the secondary ATS. Based upon the received anticipatory signal, the secondary ATS automatically controls a throttle of the secondary aircraft so as to maintain an airspeed of the primary aircraft. The anticipatory signals include rate of change information including at least one of rate of change of airspeed of the primary aircraft, rate of change of pitch of the primary aircraft, and rate of change of weight of the primary aircraft.
US08033505B2	Aircraft door window An airplane door window of a passenger plane, includes an outer pane, an inner pane, an intermediate pane situated parallel between the outer pane and inner pane and designed as an optical lens body for the inspection of impact surfaces for emergency slides, portable staircases or boarding fingers. The outer pane and the inner pane are spaced apart from each other, arranged substantially parallel to each other in a continuous window gasket, and form an intermediate space. The intermediate pane is inserted into a continuous groove of the window gasket, and extends essentially parallel to the outer pane and the inner pane over a partial area of the intermediate space.
US08033504B2	System, method and apparatus for windblast reduction during release or ejection from aircraft The invention reduces the impact of flowfield forces on objects launched from high speed aircraft during flight. For example, the invention provides a solution for overcoming ejection windblast injuries to pilots and increases the probability of injury-free or low-injury ejection. The gas flow is used to rapidly create a very short duration protective “bubble” in the incoming air flow ahead of the ejecting pilot. The bubble reduces the local flow velocity and aerodynamic forces on the pilot during the injury-critical time period of ejection. The invention also is suitable for reducing the intensity of flowfield forces that act on released military aircraft ordnance, such as bombs and missiles.
US08033502B2	Modular aircraft interior configuration and methods Modular configuration for an aircraft interior floor plan design is provided by an fuselage having starboard and port side attachment rails disposed longitudinally parallel to one another. Each of the starboard and port side attachment rails are comprised of outboard and inboard rails and a center rail positioned therebetween. A plurality of interior fixtures are provided with fixed attachment posts asymmetrically oriented relative to a longitudinal centerline plane of the fixture. Such fixtures can therefore be attached to predetermined pairs of the starboard and port side attachment rails to provide for a desired configuration of the fixtures within the fuselage.
US08033495B2	Flying paster arrangement This invention relates to flying paster, comprising a frame (1), a turret (46) rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis (L1) inside of said frame (1), reel arms (3, 5; 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) arranged on said turret (46), at least one of said reel arms (3, 5; 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) arranged to be axially movable on said turret (46), said moveable reel arm (3; 3A, 5 5B) holding at least one chuck arrangement (30A, 30B; 50B) for paper rolls (R1, R2; R1′, R2′), said at least one chuck arrangement (30A, 30B; 50B) having a driven spindle (328, 329) to drive at least one of said paper rolls (R1, R2; R1′, R2) and at least one motor (20; 20A, 20B) which via at least one transmission arrangement (21-27) is arranged to drive said spindle (328, 329), wherein that said at least one motor (20; 20A, 10 20B) is arranged outside of said frame (1) and that said transmission arrangement (21-27) is arranged to transmit the driving force to said spindle (328, 329) by means of a coaxially extending device that extends coaxially with said horizontal axis (L1).
US08033494B2	Belt retractor with axial securing and method for the production thereof The invention is concerned, inter alia, with a belt retractor (10) for a seat belt, with a belt reel (20) for winding up and unwinding the seat belt, and a lockable locking flange (40) which is connected to the belt reel and, prior to a locking action, is rotated together with the belt reel and, after a locking action, is blocked in its rotational movement.According to the invention, it is provided that the locking flange and the belt reel are secured against relative axial displacement.
US08033493B2	Leader block rotating mechanism, read/write device, and method of rotating leader block A leader block rotating mechanism for selectively rotating a leader block to a holding position of holding a film of a web, and to a release position of releasing the film of the web, includes an elastic member that biases the leader block to the holding position.
US08033492B2	Fishing spinning reel A fishing spinning reel that includes a rotor having a pair of opposing arms on both sides of a rotor body, wherein one of the pair of arms is provided with, at a forefront end thereof, a supporting member including a fishing line guide; a spool configured to wind up a fishing line through the fishing line guide; and a stiffening member extending from each of fore portions of the pair of the arms towards a rear portion of the rotor body. In one embodiment, the stiffening member is formed to be more spaced apart from the pair of the arms as approaching butt ends of the pair of the arms. In one embodiment, a portion of the stiffening member apart from the pair of arms may be connected to the rotor body.
US08033488B2	Ergonomic portable pill crusher tool and system An ergonomic portable pill crusher tool includes an elongate handle having a first axis, and a shaft having an offset portion and a work portion. The offset portion is connected to the handle. The offset portion has a second axis arranged to be oblique with respect to the first axis of the handle at a first angle facing a central portion of the handle. The work portion has a third axis arranged to be oblique with respect to the second axis of the offset portion at a second angle facing away from the central portion, such that an extent of the work portion along the third axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the handle at the central portion of the handle. A distal end of the work portion has a tip to facilitate application of a working force to crush the pill(s).
US08033481B2	Structure for fixing reducer for sprinkler in side wall The present invention relates to a structure for fixing a reducer for a sprinkler in a side wall, and more particularly, to a structure for fixing a reducer for a sprinkler for side wall construction, in which since the reducer can easily adjust a distance from the side wall in the horizontal direction, a connection work between the reducer and the sprinkler head for the side wall construction connected to the reducer can be conveniently performed.
US08033480B2	Arrangement for fastening railroad rails to a sleeper Fastening for a rail and arrangement for fastening of rails The invention relates to a fastening for a rail for securing a rail (10) whose foot is resting on a concrete sleeper (16), comprising at least one elastic clip (20) having several legs of which at least one leg extends inside a shoulder (42, 44) or channel of a holder (24) that is connected to the concrete sleeper, and at least one further leg rests on the rail foot. For securing a rail to the necessary extent with simple design means and in space-saving form, it is suggested that the holder (24, 26) is arranged detachably in the concrete sleeper (16) or in a plate element resting thereon and is connected to the concrete sleeper by a bolt element.
US08033477B2	Optically variable personalized indicia for identification documents The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process. The thermally transferred optically variable ink can be selected and printed such that the first indicium has at least one of a luster, shine, sheen, pearlescent appearance, iridescent appearance, and mirror-like appearance. This technology enables the creation of a halftone “mirror image” over a color ghost image to achieve a layered and linked multiple personalization scheme of ID documents.
US08033475B2	Method and system for providing a notebook stored value token A method and system provides a stored value token that comprises a notebook with a plurality of sheets fastened together by a binding device. The sheets may have one or more parallel lines for guiding handwritten text. The lines may be formed from ink. The notebook may further comprise a cover and a back. The cover may have human-readable media that identifies the token as a gift card and that may illustrate the type of consumer goods which may be purchased by with the notebook stored value token. The human-readable media can be formed from ink which is placed on a sheet that is attached to the cover by an adhesive. The back of the notebook stored value token can comprise a machine-readable code can that can be applied to a sheet which is attached to the back of the notebook stored value token by an adhesive.
US08033473B2	Packaging for a portable consumer device A portable consumer device having an information bearing region is packaged with an anti-tampering member. The region includes information pertaining to an account associated with a payment processing system. With a permanent alteration of the anti-tampering member so as to make the region accessible, a merchant's point of service terminal can interact with the region so as to change a state of the account.
US08033472B2	Electro-optical imaging reader having plural solid-state imagers with shutters to prevent concurrent exposure A bioptical workstation includes plural image capture modules for capturing images of indicia along different fields of view. Each module includes an illuminator for illuminating the indicia with illumination light, a megapixel imager with a rolling shutter for sequentially capturing the return light, and a shutter element for passing the return light to its imager in an open state, and for blocking the return light from other modules from reaching its imager in an closed state. A controller prevents interference among the modules by controlling the shutter element to assume the open state only during a respective exposure time period during which its imager produces an electrical signal indicative of the indicia, and by controlling the shutter element to assume the closed state at all times other than the respective exposure time period to prevent capture of the return light from the other modules.
US08033471B2	Optical image reader An optical image reader is provided. The image reader includes, for example, a targeting system for an imager, which includes a light device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), each for emitting light, and a device for shaping a single targeting light based on the outputs of the plurality of LEDs. The image reader includes, for example, an image system for capturing image of an indicia on an object, which includes a targeting light source for providing a targeting light to the indicia on the object; and an optical system for focusing reflection from the object, having a liquid focus lens element having a variable focus, and a controller for controlling the focus of the focus lens. The image reader includes, for example, a system for capturing an image of an indicia on an object, which includes an image sensor for sensing reflection from the object, and an ambient light sensor for sensing the reflection from the object prior to the sensing by the image sensor to calculate a first estimate for exposure of the image sensor.
US08033468B2	Apparatus, method and system for an image scanner with differential panning An image scanner apparatus, method and system to scan a bar code or other optical code using an image capture device where the blurring associated with the movement of the bar code pass the image scanner is reduced or eliminated by using differential panning of the bar code. An image of the bar code is panned or moved across the image capture device in a direction that negates at least some of the apparent movement of the bar code past the image scanner. The apparent motion of the bar code to the image capture device is reduced thus reducing the blurring of the bar code in the captured image.
US08033462B2	Wireless tracking system and method for sterilizable object The present invention is a method for real-time location monitoring of a sterilizable object. The method includes tracking a location of a sterilizable object bearing a tag. The tag includes a sealed housing, means for detecting a sterilization event and means for transmitting data concerning the sterilization event. The method also includes detecting a sterilization event. The method also includes transmitting a signal that the sterilization event has been detected by the tag.
US08033460B2	System and method for obtaining product information through a cellular telephone A mobile communication device scans a barcode of a product and comprises a scanner, a processing module, and a receiving module. The scanner scans the barcode. The processing module is in communication with the scanner, and sends a coded information received from the scanner to an information provider. The receiving module is in communication with the processing module, and receives a product information from the information provider as a voice message and sends the product information to the processing module.
US08033459B2	System and method for secure electronic data delivery Electronic data is securely delivered from an issuer to a recipient, in the form of an encrypted object. Data belonging to the issuer to be delivered is first selected and then encrypted into the object. The object is registered with a transaction archive for tracking the object prior to transmitting the object to the recipient. Upon receipt, the recipient is prompted for an access code. Attempts to enter the access code by the recipient are registered with the transaction archive. The data is displayed to the recipient only after a correct access code has been entered and only after an attempt to enter the access code by the recipient is registered with the transaction archive.
US08033452B2	Receipt printing processing method, receipt printing processing system, and printer When a customer places a special order that changes the content of a product, a receipt printing processing system also produces a special order seal when the sales receipt is printed. The receipt printing processing system has a receipt printer and a label printer that is in communication with the receipt printer. When the receipt printer receives transaction processing data generated by a POS register used to take orders, the receipt printer prints a receipt, determines if special order information is contained in the transaction processing data, and generates seal printing data for printing a special order seal, if the special order information is contained in the transaction processing data. The receipt printer also sends the seal printing data to the label printer for printing a special order seal. Because the receipt printer generates the seal printing data, special order seals can be printed without modifying the application program run by the POS register.
US08033451B2	System and method for funding a collective account by use of an electronic tag A system and method for funding a collective account via aggregating usage of electronic tags is disclosed. The system and method promotes the use of electronic tags, and the funding of collective accounts that may be associated with charitable or other philanthropic causes. Further benefits may be realized by replenishing the prefunded account that serves as the source of funds for the electronic tag to an affinity account that also benefits the charitable or other philanthropic cause.
US08033449B2	Cartons having dispensing configurations Cartons can be placed in dispensing configurations by separating the carton into carton sections. The carton sections may be connected by a hinge that allows the carton sections to stand side-by-side. The carton sections can have a dispenser section in at least one of the side panels for dispensing articles from the carton sections.
US08033448B2	Tray insert movable between collapsed and erected positions A collapsible insert includes a series of adjacent cells. Each cell may include a support surface capable raised to an elevated position above the bottom of the tray by a pair of legs. Each leg may have a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of each leg extends below the support surface and can rest on the bottom of the tray, and functions to raise the support surface to the elevated position. The upper portion of each leg extends above the support surface and is used to divide each cell and partially constrain food product within a cell while the insert is in the erected position and disposed within a tray.
US08033446B2	Manufacturing method of solid-state image pickup device After a wiring substrate having, on its lower surface, an opening and terminals arranged therearound is provided, a sealing material is supplied to the lower surface of the wiring substrate, and a sensor chip is flip-chip mounted on the lower surface of the wiring substrate. The sensor chip has, on its front surface, a sensor surface and bump electrodes, and each bump electrode is thermocompression-bonded onto each terminal of the wiring substrate and the sensor surface is exposed from the opening. The sensor chip has, in its outer peripheral portion of the front surface, a first region where the bump electrodes are arranged and a second region where no bump electrode is arranged. The sealing material is supplied to a region planarly overlapped with the first region when the sensor chip is mounted later, and no sealing material is supplied to a region planarly overlapped with the second region.
US08033445B1	Nano-soldering to single atomic layer A simple technique to solder submicron sized, ohmic contacts to nanostructures has been disclosed. The technique has several advantages over standard electron beam lithography methods, which are complex, costly, and can contaminate samples. To demonstrate the soldering technique graphene, a single atomic layer of carbon, has been contacted, and low- and high-field electronic transport properties have been measured.
US08033437B2	Staple refill, stapler, and cartridge A refill for staples, which can not be removed from a cartridge unless all sheet-type connected staples in a stapler body are delivered. A refill for staples is installed in a detachable manner in a stapler body, and includes a refill body which holds the sheet-type connected staples, and a pressing member which presses the sheet-type connected staples. A delivery port delivering the sheet-type connected staples and a locking plate provided with a locking section which locks a locked section in the stapler body are formed in the refill body. When the sheet-type connected staples are pressed, the pressing member is engaged with the locking plate not to allow rotation of the locking plate, and, when the sheet-type connected staples are not pressed, the pressing member is disengaged from the locking plate to allow rotation of the locking plate. Thereby, the locking section of the locking plate can be removed from the locked section in the stapler body.
US08033436B2	Method for separating a web material An apparatus and method for separating a web material are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a bedroll and a chop off roll. The bedroll includes a bedroll blade and a bedroll web pin. The chop off roll includes a pin pad and a plurality of chop off roll blades. The bedroll web pin and the bedroll blade mesh with the pin pad and the chop off roll blades. The chop off roll blades are moved relative to the bedroll blade, stretching and separating the web material. The web pin perforates the web material and may completely or partially separate a portion of the web material. The web pin and the separated portion perforate the pin pad. The separated portion is stripped from the web pin as the pin passes out of the pin pad.
US08033428B1	Toothpaste dispenser device An apparatus and method for dispensing toothpaste is disclosed herein whereby a user may depress a depressor to extract a pre-determined quantity of toothpaste from a tube of toothpaste. The present invention includes a toothpaste dispenser body forming a radius resiliently and integrally securing together a substantially flat first coextensive member and a substantially flat second coextensive member. The second coextensive member may comprise a downward first curvature towards the first coextensive member and an upward second curvature away from the first coextensive member. The second coextensive member comprises a depressor comprising resilient material. The radius may be used to contain and roll the portion of the toothpaste tube that has been evacuated of toothpaste, thereby allowing the second coextensive member to remain in contact with the filled portion of the toothpaste tube.
US08033426B2	Apparatus, method and system for reconfiguring items Apparatuses, methods, and systems for reconfiguring some or all content from one or more first containers into a second container are provided. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a dispensing system having a dispenser to dispense content from one container into another, and a delivery system adapted to reconfigure the dispensed content from the one container into another container. In another example, a method includes dispensing selected contents from one container and reconfiguring the dispensed contents from the one container into another. In another example, the system includes a controller, a machine controlled by the controller, wherein the machine has a pair of container handlers, a content dispenser, and a content delivery system. The controller is adapted to control the machine using a selection criterion to operate the content dispenser to dispense selected content from one container to move with the delivery system into another container.
US08033424B2	Automatic prescription drug dispenser An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the doctor to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the prescriber, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. Also described are various embodiments of apparatus and method of the invention useful in pharmacy settings as for example found in drug stores or “big box” retailers or other such settings. Other methods include providing a remote dispenser in virtually any location.
US08033422B2	Pill dispenser The pill dispenser is a rotary container and dispenser for medications and the like. The pill dispenser includes a base having a lower wall and a plurality of radially extending inner walls mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall. The plurality of radially extending inner walls define a plurality of pill-receiving compartments therebetween. Additionally, a plurality of peripheral walls are mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, with each peripheral wall partially extending between an adjacent pair of the plurality of radially extending inner walls to define an access opening therebetween. A cover, mounted on the base, includes an upper wall and a circumferential sidewall secured to a lower surface of the upper wall. An opening is formed in the circumferential sidewall. A locking device is further provided for selectively locking rotation of the cover with respect to the base, controlling access to the compartments.
US08033421B2	Refillable travel dispenser for wet wipes A dispenser configured to close and fold into a small, compact, refillable package for storing personal care products is disclosed. Specifically, the dispenser has significantly less surface area in the closed (i.e., folded) position as compared to the unfolded personal care product that is stored within the dispenser.
US08033419B1	Closure with unitarily-molded tamper-evident feature A bottle closure includes the unitarily-molded combination of: an internally-threaded sidewall; a tamper indicator ring; and a hinge connecting the ring to the sidewall. The hinge permits the ring to be shifted from an initial position to an installation position. The installation position is essentially coaxially aligned with the sidewall.
US08033418B2	Sealed chassis, a seal and method of assembling and disassembling a sealed chassis A chassis includes two or more chassis parts that include sets of interconnecting structures. The chassis forms a closed space the chassis parts and a sealing structure sealingly connects the chassis parts. The sealing structure includes a light receiving window formed in the chassis, a light-sensitive glue, and a light guide formed within the chassis adapted for passing light from the light receiving window to the light-sensitive glue. The light sensitive glue is provided between the chassis parts and/or between at least one of the chassis parts and the light guide.
US08033417B1	Apparatus for holding a stackable bucket in place when mixing materials therein An apparatus for holding a stackable bucket in place when mixing materials therein which comprises the stackable bucket having a bottom wall joined to a continuous tapered side wall extending upwardly therefrom to form a rim larger than the bottom wall. The stackable bucket can be placed into another stackable bucket for storage when not in use. A pair of rectangular shaped footpads are provided. A mechanism is for pivotally securing each rectangular shaped footpad into the bottom wall of the stackable bucket at an opposite side of the stackable bucket. When the rectangular shaped footpads are pivoted outwardly away from opposite sides of the side wall of the stackable bucket and the bottom wall of the stackable bucket is placed upon a floor, a person will stand upon the pair of rectangular shaped footpads to prevent rotation of the stackable bucket when mixing the materials within the stackable bucket.
US08033415B2	Structure of opening section of fuel tank A structure of an opening section of a fuel tank, which is capable of detaching a tank cap without damaging positioning projections provided in the tank cap. The opening section has a cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a tank main body, and a metallic annular tank cap engaging member having a plurality of engaging holes is attached to the cylindrical portion. A plurality of engaging claw parts of a metallic annular attaching member are engaged in the engaging holes of the tank cap engaging member to hold the tank cap with the attaching member and the tank cap engaging member. The tank cap has tank cap positioning projections, and the tank cap engaging member has positioning holes for insertion of the tank cap positioning projections, and at least one engaging claw part and at least one engaging hole are respectively made longer in a circumferential direction than remaining engaging claw parts and remaining engaging holes.
US08033413B2	Liquid supply assembly A connector system for attaching a liquid container to a spray gun includes a lid with a liquid outlet and an adapter that connects the outlet with the liquid inlet port of the gun. The lid includes interlocking tab assemblies for releasably attaching the adapter to the lid. The connector system combines with an outer cup, a ring for insertion into the mouth of the cup and a collapsible liner for insertion into the ring to form a liquid container system. The ring includes internal threads that cooperate with a peripheral flange on the lid to lock the lid to the ring, securing the lip of the liner. The lid includes a flexible gasket to form a liquid tight seal with the liner. The lid-liner-ring forms a liquid tight unit that may be inserted into and removed from the outer cup while containing a fluid such as paint.
US08033412B2	Double-wall decorative drinking vessel A double-walled drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, is described that is constructed of a downwardly tapered outer wall with a bottom and a continuous side wall with an upper rim; a inner wall with a bottom and a continuous side wall with an upper rim, the inner wall being spaced inwardly from the outer wall and including a first downwardly tapered section extending downwardly from the rim, a second downwardly tapered section extending upwardly from the bottom, and a continuous cylindrical section of a given height and diameter between the first and second tapered sections; and a decorative fabric band secured around the cylindrical section, the band having a width approximately equal to the width of the cylindrical section and a length at least as great as the diameter of the cylindrical band.
US08033410B2	Collapsible container A collapsible container for containing goods, including a liquid and/or solid/liquid mixture, configured to be assembled and disassembled manually without the use of tools. The container includes a plurality of upright panels coupled to a base by their bottom portions. The bottom portion of each panel has a relieved portion that extends into a corresponding groove formed in the base. The panels include panels of a first type and panels of a second type, with the relieved portion of the panels of the first type differing from the relieved portion of the panels of the second type. Each panel of the first type is flanked along its opposing upright edges by a pair of adjacent panels of the second type. Each of the edges of each of the panels is coupled by an edge joining assembly to one of the edges of one of the flanking panels.
US08033402B1	Bottle holder A bottle holder is provided for holding wine bottles or other types of bottles in a vertical or horizontal position. The bottle holder can be mounted to a wall or underneath a cabinet in a kitchen. The bottle holder has a rectangular base with circular openings for holding the wine bottles by their necks. The feet of the bottle holder use a universal key hole mount for ease of installation. The bottle holder is made from one piece of material, preferably metal, and is durable, stable and non-corrosive.
US08033401B2	Wafer guide for preventing wafer breakage in semiconductor cleaning apparatus A wafer guide for preventing a wafer breakage in a semiconductor cleaning apparatus includes a lower supporter, side supporters, fixing units and stoppers. The lower supporter is provided with a plurality of slots formed with the same interval in a length direction to vertically stand a plurality of wafers thereon. The side supporters are structured and arranged in parallel at each side above the lower supporter. The side supporters support side end parts of the wafers. The fixing units are adapted to support both end parts of the lower supporter and the side supporters, and may be fixed to a bath. The stoppers are individually coupled to each of the fixing units. The stoppers are operable to generate an error in a close operation of holder units of the robot chuck when the robot chuck deviates from a normal alignment range, so as not to perform a wafer chucking, thereby preventing a wafer breakage during the wafer chucking.
US08033400B2	Non-woven polymeric fabric including agglomerates of aluminum hydroxide nano-fibers for filtering water The invention concerns the production of filter materials for the purification and disinfection of water, water solutions and other liquids, as well as for sterilizing filtration of injections and other solutions, for concentration of biomolecules in physiological liquids, concentration and extraction of viruses, preparation of apyrogenic water, in biocatalytic diaphragm reactors. The invention solves the problems of a new filter material production, characterized by high sorption properties, high retention efficiency of submicron electronegative particles, microorganisms, submicron non-polar particles and chemical contaminations, and, at the same time, characterized by low hydrodynamic resistance. A base of filter material is the nonwoven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, modified by the aluminum hydroxide particles, fixed to the surface of base fibers for improvement of its sorption properties and for making it positively charged. A method of filter material production comprises: applying the modifying composition onto the fibrous base in the form of organic nonwoven synthetic polymeric fabric, wherein said modifying composition comprises the particles of the aluminum-based material, hydrolysis thereof results to formation and fixation of the aluminum hydroxide particles to the base fibers. A method of fluid filtration is carried out using the filter material as a non-woven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, to the fibers of which the aluminum hydroxide particles are fixed.
US08033397B2	Cover tape for packaging semiconductor device and package for semiconductor device The present invention provides a cover tape for packaging a semiconductor device which protects the outer shape of the semiconductor device, and is capable of improving the mounting speed of the semiconductor device by shipment in tape, and a package for the semiconductor device using the cover tape for packaging the semiconductor device. The cover tape for packaging the semiconductor device has a net-shaped structure at least in a portion, and the cover tape for packaging the semiconductor device is pasted onto an embossed tape which has a number of pockets containing semiconductor devices. The package for the semiconductor device contains an embossed tape which has a number of pockets which contain semiconductor devices, and the cover tape for packaging the semiconductor device.
US08033392B1	Mouth guard holding assembly and method A mouth guard holding assembly includes a housing assembly with a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. An intermediate wall is attached to and is coextensive with an inner surface of the perimeter wall. The intermediate wall has an outer edge and a central area. The intermediate wall is contoured downwardly toward the bottom wall from the outer edge to the central area. The intermediate wall has a plurality of drainage apertures extending therethrough. A cover is removably attached to the perimeter wall and closes the access opening. A cleansing solution is positionable in the housing and a mouth guard is positionable on the intermediate wall so that the cleansing solution cleans the mouth guard when the housing is titled and the cleansing solution enters a space between the intermediate wall and the cover through the apertures.
US08033389B2	Conveyor chain having a low friction liner A conveyor chain including a chain pin having an exterior surface; a bearing having a generally tubular body portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the chain pin disposed in the generally tubular body portion of the bearing so that the interior surface of the bearing surrounds the exterior surface of the chain pin; and a low friction liner material secured to a surface selected from the exterior surface of said chain pin, the interior surface of the bearing, the exterior surface of the bearing, or combinations thereof.
US08033386B2	Skirtboard apparatus, system and method A skirtboard system for a conveyor belt or line comprising at least two skirtboards mutually opposed to one another. Each one of the skirtboards is positioned near the perimeter of the conveyor. Each one of the skirtboards comprises a support plate, a plurality of elements, each one of the elements mutually coupled with the support plate, a liner formed in interstices between the plurality of elements, a beveled nose formed along an edge of the skirtboard panel, the beveled nose complementary to the angle of the conveyor.
US08033377B2	Folding unloading auger engagement assistors An unloading auger for an agricultural harvester includes an inner auger having an outer end and a first coupler at the outer end. The first coupler includes a first engagement cog. An outer auger is pivotally attached to the outer end of the inner auger. The outer auger has an inner end and a second coupler at the inner end. The second coupler includes a second engagement cog. The first coupler or second coupler includes at least one engagement assistor configured to rotate the outer auger prior to engagement between the first engagement cog and the second engagement cog.
US08033375B2	Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
US08033372B2	Overrunning clutch An overrunning clutch has a first race, a second race, a set of pawls between the first race and the second race and a set of springs between the first race and the second race, one spring for each pawl and each corresponding spring biasing the corresponding pawl into a position in which the first race and the second race are engaged with each other in a driving direction and are disengaged from each other in a free wheeling direction. Each spring is received in a spring receiving recess of one of the races and biases a rearward portion of the corresponding pawl radially inwardly into a pawl receiving recess of the race.
US08033370B2	Device to dampen vibrations, especially a torsional vibration damper and force transmission device A device for damping vibrations, especially a torsional vibration damper, comprising at least one primary part and a secondary part that are coaxial in relation to each other and limited rotatably relative to each other in a peripheral direction, whereby the primary part and secondary part (4) are coupled with each other by a vibration damper, and the secondary part can be at least indirectly coupled to a connecting element, especially a transmission input shaft. A ramp is provided that is at least indirectly connected to the secondary part, extends in a peripheral direction over a section, has an axially changing slope and acts on at least one counter element braced against a connecting element via a pretensioning unit.
US08033369B2	Fully recessed translation biased cantilever leg luggage device A luggage device having fully recessed legs that may be selectively engaged to translate and pivot about an axis to facilitate controlled movement from a fully recessed storage position to an operative position for conveniently transporting large heavy objects within the luggage. The fully recessed translation biased cantilever leg luggage device includes a dextral leg recess for receiving a dextral leg, and a sinistral leg recess for receiving a sinistral leg. Each leg recess has an engagement region, a storage region, and a pivot. Additionally, the engagement region includes a leg engagement region storage location, a leg engagement region operative location, and a leg engagement region transition region; through which a portion of the leg pivots about the axis and transitions from the fully recessed storage position to an operative position.
US08033366B2	Cycle brake cooling article Cycle brake cooling articles are secured at and offset from braking elements of a wheel of a cycle, each article having a Venturi-like rigid surface, including a central portion that defines a void space, which in combination with said braking element, defines an air deflection and concentration path focused upon the brake element of the cycle wheel to effect a cooling of the element and escape of heat thru the void space. A distal portion of each rigid surface is securable to a front fork of the cycle. The Venturi-like surface may include a proximal intake section and a distal focusing section.
US08033364B2	Gap adjusting mechanism of a wet brake By rotating a regulating bolt about an axis thereof to move forward/backward with respect to a protrusion portion, a lever is rotated about a shaft portion of an adjusting member. Therefore, the shaft portion of an adjusting member is rotated together with the lever to adjust a gap formed between a disk and a piston. After the gap is adjusted, the regulating bolt is fastened owing to a lock nut and a screw hole of the protrusion portion to thereby fix an forward/backward position of the regulating bolt with respect to the protrusion portion. In addition, a fixing bolt is screwed into a screw hole of a second housing portion to thereby fix a rotational position of the lever. Accordingly, the rotational position of the lever is double-locked.
US08033360B2	Interlayer film for laminated glass and laminated glass It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlayer film for a laminated glass excellent in a sound-insulating property, which is preferably usable for a head up display and the like wherein a driver can look at the front view and an instrument display simultaneously without requiring to look down, and to provide a laminated glass.The present invention is directed to interlayer film for a laminated glass, which comprises at least a pair of protection layers and a sound-insulating layer sandwiched between the pair of the protection layers, and which has ah wedge shape as a cross-sectional shape, a wedge angle θ of 0.1 to 0.7 mrad, the maximum thickness of 2000 μm or thinner, and the minimum thickness of 400 μm or thicker, the minimum thickness of the sound-insulating layer being 20 μm or thicker.
US08033355B2	Idle-adjusting apparatus for a motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating same In a motorcycle engine, an air-intake port is opened upwardly, a throttle body is arranged so as to be inclined toward the front, and an idle-adjusting apparatus having an idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a position above a cylinder head and close to a cylinder head cover. The idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a relatively high position where a driver's hand reaches easily, thereby improving operability thereof. A fuel injection apparatus integrally includes the throttle body, an injector, and the idle-adjusting lever. The idle-adjusting lever is ergonomically arranged at a position substantially surrounded by the cylinder head cover, the throttle body and the injector, such that the idle-adjusting lever is arranged in a compact space, by which a compact layout of the engine is achieved.
US08033341B2	Lawn perforating tool and method of using same Disclosed herein is a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of seed, example of which include, but are not limited to, grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is particularly configured to provide in the soil and dead grass holes or indentations of a size, shape, and depth that is optimal for receiving and germinating new grass seed and of a density and distribution suitable to provide the resulting grass with a visually desirable pattern, rendering new growth indistinguishable from old growth.
US08033338B2	Wellbore continuous circulation systems and method Systems and methods for continuously circulating fluid, e.g., drilling mud, through a wellbore tubular string, the systems in certain aspects including a sub positionable in fluid communication with the tubular string, the sub with a body, a plug releasably closing off a side opening of the body, and a closure apparatus for selectively closing off flow from the top of the sub into and through the body, while flow is permitted below the closure apparatus through the side opening down through the body into the tubular string; and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods including tubular manipulation apparatus, e.g. an iron roughneck and working with wellbore tubulars with the tubular manipulation apparatus.
US08033335B2	Offshore universal riser system An offshore universal riser system (OURS) and injection system (OURS-IS) inserted into a riser. The OURS/OUR-IS provides a means for pressurizing the marine riser to its maximum pressure capability and easily allows variation of the fluid density in the riser. The OURS-IS includes a riser pup joint with provision for injecting a fluid into the riser with isolation valves. The OURS includes a riser pup joint with an inner riser adapter, a pressure test nipple, a safety device, outlets with valves for diverting the mud flow, nipples with seal bores for accepting RCDs. The easy delivery of fluids to the OURS-IS is described. A method is detailed to manipulate the density in the riser to provide a wide range of operating pressures and densities enabling the concepts of Managed Pressure Drilling, Dual Density Drilling or Dual Gradient Drilling, and Underbalanced Drilling.
US08033333B2	Downhole perforation tool A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.
US08033320B2	High emittance shell molds for directional casting Shell molds and processes for making the shell molds that exhibit high emissivity in the red and infrared regions. In this manner, thermal resistance within a gap formed between solidifying cast metal and the interior mold surface is decreased. In one embodiment, the facecoat region is formed from a slurry composition comprising an aluminum oxide, a green chromium oxide and a silicon dioxide. In another embodiment, the facecoat region is formed from a slurry composition including zirconium silicate and silica with stucco layer of alumina is included.
US08033316B2	Flask unit and cope-and-drag molding machine and line A flask unit for producing a cope and a drag that are stacked, comprising at least two uprightly disposed connecting rods (4), a cope flask slidably fitted on the connecting rods and formed with a molding sand blowing-in port in one of its sides, and a drag flask slidably fitted on the connecting rods so that it is located under the cope flask to mate it, the drag flask being formed with a molding sand blowing-in port in one of the sides thereof.
US08033311B2	Tire with metal cable anchoring reinforcing member Tire having a crown, a crown reinforcement, sidewalls and beads, a carcass reinforcement passing into the sidewalls and anchored in the beads. The anchoring is accomplished, in at least one bead, by a circumferential alignment of an anchoring reinforcing member oriented circumferentially and cooperating with a rubber composition. The anchoring reinforcing member is a metal cable having a construction M+N with an inner layer C1 of M wires of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1 , this layer C1 being surrounded by an outer layer C2 of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2. This anchoring cable satisfies (d1, d2, p1 and p2 being expressed in mm): 2≦M≦4, M+3≦N ≦M+7, 0.25
US08033310B2	Pneumatic tire with tread having thin groove and sacrifice land portion having protruding portion A pneumatic tire comprising, on a tread face of the tire, a shoulder land portion extending in a circumferential direction of the tire, and a thin groove extending in the circumferential direction of the tire adjacent to a contact end of the shoulder land portion where comes into contact with the ground and segmenting the shoulder land portion into a main land portion located at the inner side thereof as viewed in the width direction of the tire and a sacrifice land portion located at the outer side thereof as viewed in the width direction of the tire, wherein the thin groove includes an enlarged portion extending in the circumferential direction of the tire in which a groove width thereof at groove bottom is enlarged toward the sacrifice land portion side only, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward the groove bottom side along the inner wall located at the sacrifice land portion side and extends in the circumferential direction of the tire.
US08033309B2	Assembly of pneumatic tire and rim, and a noise damper used therein A pneumatic tire and a rim includes a noise damper, fixed to a tire inner surface or a rim inner surface with the upper surface facing a tire inner space, and extending in the tire circumferential direction. The noise damper is made of a sponge having a volume ranging from 0.4 to 20% of the volume of the tire inner space. The noise damper is a laterally long and flat, with a maximum thickness ranging from 5 to 45 mm and a width more than the maximum thickness. The upper surface extends along a wavy curve including a hilltop, valley bottoms on each side of the hilltop and slopes extending down to the respective valley bottoms from the hilltop. Each end of the upper surface is terminated at the valley bottoms or the slopes. A thickness from the upper surface to the bottom surface ranges from 1.0 to 15.0 mm.
US08033305B2	Actuating device for a rapid coupling In order to create a simply designed actuating device with a reliable handling for a rapid coupling (10) for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, comprising a tubular housing (11) and a slide (41), which is mounted in a manner that enables it to be displaced relative to the housing and which is coupled to a lever mechanism (42), the invention provides that the lever mechanism (42) has at least one pivoting lever (43) laterally mounted inside said housing (11).
US08033303B2	Wire curl diameter adjusting mechanism for tying machine Two guide pins 11 and 12 formed upright in a guide plate 7 are received in guide pin fitting holes 13 and 14 formed in a guide member 8. Fixed screws 23a and 23b are screw-connected to the guide pins 11 and 12. One guide pin 12 is fitted to the corresponding guide pin fitting hole 14 with a play. Screw holes 20 and 21 are formed through the inner surface of the guide pin fitting hole 14 and the outer surface of the guide member 8. An angle of the guide member 8 with respect to the guide plate 7 is adjusted by allowing front ends of embedded screws 22a and 22b respectively screw-inserted in the screw holes 20 and 21 to respectively engage with a peripheral surface of the guide pin 12.
US08033301B2	Water saving tool Disclosed is a water saving device which provides the pressure and amount of water to be delivered that can satisfy the comfortable sense of water usage, regardless of whether the water may be supplied under the high pressure or low pressure or whether the water may be supplied in the larger or smaller amount. In accordance with the present invention, the water saving device comprises a hollow cylindrical body that is adapted to be attached to a water passage conduit or pipe. The hollow cylindrical body includes a first plate member disposed perpendicular to the direction of the water flowing through the water passage conduit or pipe. The first plate member has a plurality of first water passage holes formed thereon at regular intervals with regard to each other in the circumferential direction. A water guide member is further included. The water guide member is provided on the location where each of the first water passage holes is formed on the downstream side of the first plate member, and is capable of guiding the water flow in the circumferential direction while it causes the water to flow obliquely and downwardly toward the downstream side through each of the first water passage holes.
US08033295B2	Multi-output valve useful to promote non-stationary flame A valve useful in distributing gas received in one inlet to several outlets in a sequence, and burner apparatus including this valve for feeding material in sequence to outlets of a burner thereby forming a non-stationary flame at the burner.
US08033292B2	Heated humidified chamber with autofeed mechanism A heated humidifier including an autofeed mechanism disposed within a humidifier chamber. The autofeed mechanism includes a housing, a float, a stem, and a sealing body. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, a first chamber connected to the inlet, and a second chamber connected to the outlet and the first chamber by a channel. The float moves within the second chamber with the stem projecting therefrom and through the channel. The sealing body is within the first chamber and cooperates with the stem. In an open state, the sealing body is displaced from the channel to permit filling of the humidifier chamber. In a closed state, the sealing body seals the channel to prevent liquid flow to the outlet. A location of the sealing body relative to the channel is controlled by the float as a function of a humidifier chamber liquid level.
US08033290B2	Standing pipe faucet assembly A standing pipe faucet is formed from a faucet body shaped out of a hollow pillar, a separate body with a corresponding hole connecting it to the faucet body, and a slantwise threaded hole connecting water mixing valve to the assembly. A tube connects an outlet pipe through the hole groove. The tube has an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of hole groove, and a length shorter than that of the hole groove. The tube corresponding to the threaded hole has a slantwise blocking groove. After the tube is inserted into the hole groove, a bolt is screwed in the threaded hole, generating a backward push between the bolt and the threaded hole, which fixes the outlet pipe and faucet body together. After the chamber has a water outlet through the tube, the whole assembly is completely assembled.
US08033286B2	Hair treatment device Disclosed herein is device where one embodiment is for use in chemically treating hair, particularly highlighting or coloring hair. One embodiment of the device may be reusable, recyclable, and transparent. Another embodiment of the device may comprise lightweight panels, at least a portion of which is transparent such that the stylist is able to view the results of the treatment process without opening the device. One embodiment of the device may be quickly and easily applied to and removed from the hair. Another embodiment of the device may be easily produced where all components of the device are integrally manufactured. An embodiment may also be adapted to comprise at least two compartments, such that multiple different chemical products may be simultaneously applied, while still retaining the benefits and advantages of the device.
US08033285B2	Grooming station A hand grooming station, specifically for nails, which permits a user to paint, polish or otherwise groom his or her fingernails in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner via an elevated ramp while care products are easily recognizable and organized. In addition, the base is formed with a curvature and structural support to provide stability while a lip relates to a raised edge to contain spillage.
US08033284B2	Therapeutic laser treatment A method for treating selected tissue, including exposing the selected bone or tissue to laser light having a wavelength between approximately 600 and 1400 nm, and maintaining such exposure of the selected tissue or bone to the laser light for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 7 Joules/cm2 per treatment and maintaining such exposure for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 1500 Joules per treatment within a 24 hour period of time. The method also includes upcollimating the laser light such that the laser delivers to the selected tissue a substantially coherent beam of laser light having a cross-sectional area of at least 2 cm2, and, further, delivering the laser light to a depth of at least 5 mm in the selected tissue.
US08033282B2	Oral appliance for maintaining stability of one or more aspects of a user's masticatory system In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point that contacts the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.
US08033280B2	Inhalation anaesthesia delivery system and a method for leak detection in the inhalation anaesthesia delivery system Inhalation anaesthesia delivery system and a leak detecting method, whereby the system comprises a fresh gas feeding arrangement connected to a breathing circuit, a monitor device, The monitor device is configured to monitor gas concentrations in the breathing circuit by using a sampling line. The monitor device is configured to measure at least two gas components' concentrations and identify changes, which are simultaneous towards the known ambient air concentration values of the two gas components' concentrations measured.
US08033279B2	Burner control system for a cooking appliance An appliance including at least two surface burners and a burner control system configured to selectively allow individual control of each of the at least two burners or simultaneous control of the at least two burners as a unit.
US08033276B1	Projectile launcher with reduced recoil and anti-jam mechanism A projectile launcher having a pneumatic assembly that reduces recoil. The launcher may include a gas storage chamber that is filled with compressed gas and then selectively vented to propel projectiles. In some cases, an electronic control circuit may be provided to selectively vent the gas storage chamber. In some embodiments, the launcher may include an anti jam feature that reduces breakage of projectiles during firing.
US08033275B2	Multi-position draw weight crossbow A crossbow may include a main beam: (a) a bow assembly including a bow and a bow string adapted to propel an arrow; (b) a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam; (c) and a bow assembly mounting apparatus for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly at a first location on the main beam to provide a first draw weight and for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly to a second location on the main beam to provide a second draw weight that is substantially different from the first draw weight.
US08033269B2	Fuel injection device To provide a fuel injection device capable of reducing the amount of fuel discharging to the outside. The fuel injection device is provided with the nozzle body, the injection control valve, and the close assistance piston. In the nozzle body, the first fuel chamber and the nozzle valve close chamber are formed. The injection control valve advances to a first position, thereby allowing the first fuel passage to be communicated with the first fuel chamber and blocking access from the first fuel chamber to the third fuel passage, and the injection control valve retreats to a second position, thereby blocking access from the first fuel passage to the first fuel chamber and allowing the first fuel chamber to be communicated with the third fuel passage. The close assistance piston prevents fuel in the first fuel chamber from discharging to the outside of the fuel injection device.
US08033268B2	Asynchronous control of high-pressure pump for direct injection engines An engine control system includes a starting module, a position module, and a deactivation module. The starting module determines when a crankshaft starts to rotate and activates a control valve of a fuel pump when the crankshaft starts to rotate. The position module determines a position of the crankshaft and determines a position of a camshaft based on the position of the crankshaft. The camshaft drives the fuel pump. The deactivation module deactivates the control valve when the position module determines the position of the camshaft.
US08033262B2	Valve operating system for variable displacement internal combustion engine A cylinder valve operating system for a variable displacement internal combustion engine having poppet valves includes a cam arm driven by a camshaft and a valve arm selectively driven by the cam arm. A valve arm positioner, which may be hydraulically cushioned, adjustably maintains the valve arm in contact with the valve stem when the valve arm is not being driven by the cam arm, in order that the valve arm will be accurately located for speedy and precise linkage of the cam arm to the valve arm.
US08033259B2	Rocker arm for internal combustion engine A rocker arm includes a roller brought into contact with a cam to be rotated and an arm body having a storage portion for the roller. The storage portion has an opening edge including a part receiving lubricant oil flowing along an upper surface of the arm body. The part is formed with a receiving opening edge jutting out so that both widthwise ends are located away from a circumferential surface of the roller and so that a widthwise central portion comes closer to the circumferential surface of the roller. The arm body has a lubricant guide path formed by recessing the upper surface thereof and guiding the lubricant oil into the storage portion. The lubricant guide path has a width that is gradually rendered larger as the lubricant guide path gets close to the widthwise central portion of the receiving opening edge.
US08033252B2	Aquarium having improved filtration system with neutral buoyancy substrate, pump and sediment removal system An aquarium which includes a tank having a pump and an under gravel filter disposed in the tank below the pump and a sediment removal system for collecting and removing sediment which passes through the under gravel filter. The under gravel filter includes a hollow bubble dispersing base plate having a perforated top surface and an overlying substrate. An air conduit is provided for introducing air into the pump. The pump is connected to the plate such as to pump water and air into the interior of the plate to thereby cause oxygenated water and bubbles to exit upwardly through the perforated top surface of the plate and into and through the substrate. The pump includes a free floating magnetic impeller. A rotational torque generating unit is provided to rotate the impeller. The rotational torque generating unit includes a magnetic drive disk and a motor for rotating the magnetic drive disk. The pump and rotational torque generating unit are aligned with each other such that a magnetic field is established between the magnetic drive disk and the magnetic impeller, the magnetic field rotating upon rotation of the magnetic drive disk to thereby rotate the impeller.
US08033248B2	Method of managing feed flow from a feed supply conduit to a pan member by feed gate regulation A method of managing feed flow within a feeder from a feed supply conduit to a pan of said feeder is provided. The method includes the step of providing a feeder including a pan and a drop tube assembly where the assembly is configured to receive feed from the conduit, and where the assembly defines a feed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from the conduit flows through the feed gate and into the pan. The method further includes the step of regulating a position of the feed gate in the outer wall of the assembly such that feed flow into the pan can be substantially controlled, such that the feed flow can be substantially directed into selected areas and at selected levels within the pan, and/or such that the position of the feed gate is variable relative to a distal end of the assembly.
US08033245B2	Substrate support bushing An apparatus for supporting a substrate within a processing chamber is provided. In one aspect, a substrate support member is provided comprising a housing having a bore formed therethrough, a support pin at least partially disposed within the bore, and a plurality of bearing elements disposed about the housing. In one aspect, the bearing elements comprise a roller having a central bore formed therethrough, a contoured outer surface, and a shaft at least partially disposed through the central bore. In another aspect, the bearing elements comprise a ball assembly comprising a larger spherical member and four smaller spherical members arranged about the larger spherical member.
US08033243B2	Strand positioning guide having reversely oriented V-shaped slots for use in connection with strand coating applicators Strand positional guide implements, for use in connection with hot melt adhesive strand coating applicator assemblies, comprise a plurality of V-shaped strand guide slots wherein the apex portions are oriented outwardly away from the hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzles. Accordingly, an enlarged air space is effectively defined between the plurality of elongated strands and its respective hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzle such that the plurality of elongated strands are not adversely affected by the heat or thermal radiation generated by or emanating from the hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzles thereof.
US08033239B2	Mark retaining structure of a micro-differential pressure gauge A mark retaining structure of a micro-differential pressure gauge includes a mark member attached to the edge of the micro-differential pressure gauge for indicating the critical value. The mark member includes an engaging portion, an extension board and a hook to engage with a recess and a circular flange of the micro-differential pressure gauge. The present invention provides a positioning function.
US08033238B2	Indicator display device Provided is an indicator display device displaying information by using an indicator, and more particularly, provided is an indicator display device having a simplified configuration and including a small module. The indicator display device includes a stepping motor; an indicator which is connected to the stepping motor and rotates by a driving force provided by the stepping motor; and an indicator position detector which detects a relative position of the indicator with regard to the stepping motor.
US08033237B2	Environmental condition cumulative tracking integration sensor using shape memory polymer The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.
US08033236B2	Handbrake load indicator A load indicator for use with a railway car hand brake that is connected to a railway car brake rigging comprising a housing, a plurality of levers pivotally mounted in the housing, each of the plurality of levers having a first end and an opposite second end, a plate coupled to each of the plurality of lever second ends, wherein the plate is moveable with respect to the housing, and a plurality of springs each operatively coupled between a respective one of the plurality of lever first ends and the housing. At least one of the plurality of lever first ends is moveable between a first position in which tension exerted on the plate from the railway car hand brake is within a predetermined range, and a second position in which tension exerted on the load indicator from the railway car brake rigging is outside the predetermined range.
US08033233B2	Retractable mooring cleat An automatically and remotely operable retractable mooring cleat. The retractable cleat is mountable in a surface, such as the deck, of a marine vessel. A source of motive energy forms part of an actuation mechanism energisable by a user to extend or retract cleat members from the surface. The cleat members each travel along diverging paths as they extend and travel along the same respective paths as they are retracted. The cleat is thereby able to extricate itself from an attached mooring line as it retracts. Multiple retractable cleats may be positioned about a marine vessel, each of which is operable remotely to extend or retract. Single-handed launching of a moored vessel is therefore possible.
US08033230B2	Method and apparatus for regulating air flow through supply conduits through which product entrained in an air flow is provided to multiple on-row product containers of an agricultural implement The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.
US08033227B2	Reconfigurable pallet using pin supports with locking mechanisms and locator bases A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet. A locking mechanism on each support element prevents vertical movement of the support element during pallet use.
US08033220B2	Method for imprinting vials A method of printing onto closed vial units. The vial units are formed in a series and the vial units have a drug therein. The method involves providing the series of vial units onto a conveyor belt; positioning the vial units adjacent cleats on the conveyor belt; engaging a first offset inking transfer device on a fist side of said vial units; engaging a first back-up roller against said vial units, said first back-up roller being placed opposite said first offset inking transfer device; capturing the vial units between said first back-up roller and said first offset inking transfer device; printing onto the vial units with said first offset inking transfer device; and curing the ink with a first ultra violet dryer.
US08033218B2	Printing device, production unit, and production method of electronic parts A printing device, a production unit and a production method of electronic parts suitable for production of precise electronic parts are provided. A squeegee is attached to a rotating machine, and is autorotated and self-driven, and moreover, a printing pressure is generated in the squeegee, and resin is strongly filled, thereby achieving a print having a precision-shape. Further, with a perforated plate as a boundary, upper and lower chambers are provided so as to control a pressure, thereby performing cutting and dispensing of the resin and achieving a print having a precision-shape. This method is applied to the packaging of electronic parts. A printing device E1 comprises: a roller 3 allowing a peripheral surface 32 to approach one side 21 of a circuit board 2; moving means 4 for horizontally moving the roller 3; rotating means 5 for allowing the moving means 4 to rotate the roller 3; a squeegee 6 rotatably supported along the peripheral surface 32 of the roller 3; and printing pressure generating means 7 for pressing the squeegee 6 to the circuit board 2 by a rotating reactive force of the roller 3.
US08033215B1	Method for designing and executing enhanced designs on a sheet material A method to impart physical enhancements to a sheet material having a printed image such that the physical enhancements are in alignment with the graphical features of the printed image as would be complimentary to the physical enhancements and thereby forming an enhanced image. One embodiment has a computer based design environment allowing a user to develop a scaled virtual representation of an enhanced image through a graphical user interface by assembling a plurality of virtual objects representing forms and dimensions of preexisting or preconceived enhancement components, forms and dimensions of preexisting or preconceived assembly components, forms and dimensions of physical enhancements imparted to sheet material by preexisting or preconceived enhancement components, forms and dimensions of graphical enhancements as would be printed to sheet material and complimentary to physical enhancements and forms of images. Images and graphical enhancements are printed to sheet material to create a printed image and assembly and enhancement components assembled in accordance with assembly template derived from virtual design such that a custom die is formed specific to the printed image. Custom die is applied to printed image under a predetermined force such as to apply physical enhancements to printed image in accordance with virtual design.
US08033212B2	Composite strainer pot A composite strainer pot has a base, a container mounted on the base, a connecting dish combining the base and the container, a filter assembly mounted in the container and a valve assembly mounted between the base and the container. The container that is usually filled with hot water can be made with glass to maintain the quality and the lifespan. The base that is placed on a table or the like can be made with plastic to reduce the cost and is not easily damaged. Therefore, the strainer pot is durable and has a prolonged useful life.
US08033209B2	Lifting mechanism, and method for triggering a lifting mechanism A lifting mechanism has a continuously variable lifting mechanism valve, with a multi-position valve, by way of which a lifting cylinder can be made to communicate with a pump or a tank. In the flow path of the pressure fluid from the multi-position valve to a pressure chamber, effective in the “carrying” direction, of the lifting cylinder, there is a relief pressure limiting valve, by way of which a relief pressure can be proportionally set. During relief pressure regulation, a metering aperture, which is predetermined by the proportionally variable multi-position valve, is opened, so that the volumetric flow of pressure fluid to the tank is minimized via the pressure limiting valve.
US08033207B1	Electrically actuated weapon system An electrically actuated weapon system is provided, which may be mounted in a robotic vehicle or device, and controlled remotely by a user. In particular, the electrically actuated weapon system is composed of an electrically actuated weapon, a weapon control means connected thereto, and a controller means remotely located therefrom. The controller means is in wireless communication with the weapon control means, which is operable to control three linear actuators which cycle the weapon. These linear actuator means are controlled electronically, based on communications received from the controller means. Accordingly, if the weapon is stolen, lost, or captured by an enemy combatant during combat, the weapon will cease to be functional. Further, the weapon can be reliably operated from remote locations, as the cycling of the weapon is not dependent upon recoil forces.
US08033200B2	Universal ratcheting tool A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.
US08033195B2	Low-noise screw device Provided is a screw device capable of reducing noise generated therefrom.The screw device has a screw shaft 5 having a rolling-element rolling groove 5a spirally formed on an outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft; a nut 6 having a loaded rolling-element rolling groove 6a spirally formed on an inner peripheral surface of the nut and facing the rolling-element rolling groove 5a of the screw shaft 5 and a rolling-element return path connecting an end of the loaded rolling-element rolling groove 6a with an other end thereof; and a plurality of rolling elements 7 arranged in a rolling-element circulation path. A low-noise plate 12 is mounted on a flange 9 provided at an axial end of the nut 6 so that the low-noise plate 12 covers at least a part of an end surface of the flange 9.
US08033194B2	Transmission for vehicle with multi-gear set A transmission for a vehicle includes first to fourth counter shafts arranged in parallel with one input shaft, a reduction gear set including first to fourth reduction gears respectively provided at an output shaft and first to third counter shafts for connecting the output shaft and the corresponding counter shafts, an intermediate gear set including a driving gear, a driven gear and an idling gear for connecting the input shaft and the fourth counter shaft, and first to third gear mechanisms each provided between corresponding two shafts and each having two gear sets and one switching clutch provided between the corresponding two gear sets for selectively establishing a power transmitting path between the corresponding two shafts via one of the two gear sets or via the other one of the two gear sets.
US08033191B2	Starter A starter that includes a motor portion that includes a motor shaft; a deceleration mechanism portion that is integrated with the motor portion, the deceleration mechanism portion includes a planetary gear that revolves around the motor shaft; and an output shaft that rotates integrally with a revolution of the planetary gear, wherein a bracket of the deceleration mechanism portion, in which a ring-shaped gear is formed at an inner circumferential surface so as to mesh with the planetary gear, is integrated with a casing of the motor portion by an intermediate bracket.

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