最新美国发明专利第2011-10-25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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US08043874B2	Method for coating semiconductor device using droplet deposition Methods and systems for coating of semiconductor devices using droplets of wavelength conversion or phosphor particles in a liquid medium. A plurality of nozzles delivers a controlled amount of the matrix material to the surface of the semiconductor device, with each of said nozzles having an opening for the matrix material to pass. The opening has a diameter wherein the diameter of the phosphor particles is less than or approximately equal to one half the diameter of the opening. The phosphor particles are also substantially spherical or rounded. The nozzles are typically arranged on a print head that utilizes jet printing techniques to cover the semiconductor device with a layer of the matrix material. The methods and systems are particularly applicable to covering LEDs with a layer of phosphor materials.
US08043871B2	Method for forming oxide film on silicon wafer The present invention provides a method for forming an oxide film on a silicon wafer, comprising: measuring surface roughness of the silicon wafer and/or crystallinity in a surface layer portion of the silicon wafer in advance; adjusting oxidizing conditions for the silicon wafer based on the measurement value; and forming the oxide film on the silicon wafer under the adjusted oxidizing conditions. As a result, there can be provided the method for forming an oxide film by which the oxidizing conditions can be adjusted based on a state of the surface and/or the surface layer of the silicon wafer before forming the oxide film and even an ultrathin oxide film can be thereby accurately formed.
US08043867B2	Assay test strips and reading same An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.
US08043864B2	Finger swipe fluid-transfer collection assembly and method of using the same A method of using a finger swipe fluid transfer collection assembly includes providing a finger swipe fluid transfer collection assembly including a base, a test media carried by the base, an inlet for receiving a sample fluid, an outlet, a finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism carried by the base between the inlet and the outlet and including an interior; swiping the finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism with one's finger to impart a negative pressure in the interior of the finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism to draw the sample fluid into the interior of the finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism through the inlet; and swiping the finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism again with one's finger to impart a positive pressure in the interior of the finger swipe fluid transfer mechanism to pump the sample fluid through the outlet and be transferred to the test media.
US08043858B2	Dynamic desalter simulator A small-scale dynamic simulator for crude oil refinery desalters has a pressurized oil deviblis configured to hold a supply of crude oil and a water deviblis configured to hold a supply of wash water. At least one chemical feed pump selectively adds emulsion breaker chemicals to the desalter simulator and a low shear metering pump is configured to pump crude oil and wash water through the desalter simulator. An emulsion forming device forms a crude oil-wash water emulsion that is then received in a desalter vessel. The desalting vessel is fitted with electric grids which simulate those found in electric desalters. The emulsion is resolved within the desalter vessel with the assistance of the emulsion breaker chemicals so the wash water and crude oil form distinct phases, with substantially desalted crude oil removed from an upper portion of the desalter vessel and substantially oil-free wash water removed from a bottom portion of the desalter vessel. A portion of the desalter vessel is substantially transparent to allow visualization of the demulsification process and at least one light source is positioned adjacent to the desalter vessel to aid in visualization of a rag layer formed in the desalter vessel. A heated jacket surrounds the desalter vessel to maintain the desalter vessel at the desired temperature.
US08043856B2	Adenoviral vectors for influenza virus production The invention provides adenovirus and retrovirus vectors useful to prepare influenza virus. Also provided is a canine RNA polymerase I promoter and vectors having that promoter.
US08043855B2	Recombinant adenoviral vectors and their utility in the treatment of various types of fibrosis: hepatic, renal, pulmonary, as well as hypertrophic scars The invention encompasses the use of gene therapy for the treatment of different kinds of fibrosis in human beings. Specifically, the invention encompasses the use of therapeutic genes specifically directed to target organs to revert and/or prevent the development of the fibrosis process. The invention further encompasses genes encoding for proteins including human MMP-8 active and latent, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13; human uPA wild type and/or modified (or its truncated version), the truncated receptor for TGF-β type II and Smad-7, which can be directed by adenovirus and/or other recombinant vectors that cannot transduce (i.e., infect) others organs. The gene therapy of the invention further encompasses treating disorders including renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, hypertrophic and keloid scars (i.e., skin fibrosis), and other kinds of fibrosis.
US08043851B2	DNA encoding a neoculin acidic subunit of curculin Disclosed is a polypeptide shown in the following in (A), and a protein dimer neoculin comprising the polypeptide Neoculin Acidic Subunit (NAS) and the polypeptide Neoculin Basic Subunit (NBS) and having a taste-modifying activity: (A) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO.2 in the sequence listing.
US08043850B2	Fluorescent protein and gene encoding the same The present invention provides a novel fluorescent protein the wavelength of the maximum of the fluorescence of which exists in a wavelength side longer than 510 nm, and which exhibits yellow fluorescence or yellowish green fluorescence and can be expressed in a heterogeneous cell, and a gene encoding the same, wherein the fluorescent protein has an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and it is a fluorescent protein derived from a copepod taxonomically classified to Chiridius Poppei.
US08043845B2	Sterilization indicator The disclosed technology relates to a sterilization indicator and a process to concentrate signal generated by constraining it to a minimal surface, in a minimal volume and minimal pH and growth buffering or mediating influences. The sterilization indicator may comprise a carrier 12, the carrier having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16; a support 20, the support having a first section 22 and a second section 24, the carrier 12 overlying the first section 12 of the support 20, the second surface 16 of the carrier being adhered to the first section 22 of the support 20; and a biological indicator 30 supported by the carrier 12. The second section 24 of the support 20 may be of sufficient dimension to permit handling the sterilization indicator 10 without contacting the biological indicator 30. A process for making the sterilization indicator is disclosed. Processes for using the sterilization indicator are disclosed.
US08043839B2	Xylanases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention relates to enzymes having xylanase, mannanase and/or glucanase activity, e.g., catalyzing hydrolysis of internal β-1,4-xylosidic linkages or endo-β-1,4-ghicanase linkages; and/or degrading a linear polysaccharide beta-1,4-xylan into xylose. Thus, the invention provides methods and processes for breaking down hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell wall of plants, including methods and processes for hydrolyzing hemicelluloses in any plant or wood or wood product, wood waste, paper pulp, paper product or paper waste or byproduct. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US08043832B2	Method for determination of inflammatory bowel disease The instant invention provides a method for the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease which comprises,determining the relative ratio of G0 oligosaccharide represented by formula (I): to G2 oligosaccharide represented by formula (II): wherein G represents galactose, M represents mannose, GN represents N-acetylglucosamine and F represents fucose in serum IgG oligosaccharide fraction obtained from a patient with inflammatory bowel disease or a patient with suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease, and discriminating inflammatory bowel disease based on the obtained ratio.
US08043831B2	Therapeutic agents comprising pro-apoptotic proteins The present invention relates to targeted killing of a cell utilizing a chimeric polypeptide comprising a cell-specific targeting moiety and a signal transduction pathway factor. In a preferred embodiment, the signal transduction pathway factor is an apoptosis-inducing factor, such as granzyme B, granzyme A, or Bax.
US08043822B2	Method of immunoassaying a component to be measured A method of immunoassaying a component to be measured in a sample containing hemoglobin, which comprises reacting a component to be measured in a sample containing hemoglobin with an antibody capable of binding to the component in the presence of a bile acid derivative different from a bile acid derivative that is inherently contained in the sample; a method of suppressing an interference of hemoglobin in immunoassaying a component to be measured in a sample containing hemoglobin, which comprises reacting a component to be measured in a sample containing hemoglobin with an antibody capable of binding to the component in the presence of a bile acid derivative different from a bile acid derivative that is inherently contained in the sample; a reagent of immunoassay of a component to be measured in a sample containing hemoglobin, which comprises a bile acid derivative, are described.
US08043819B2	Method for discrimination of metaplasias from neoplastic or preneoplastic lesions The present invention relates to a method for discrimination of p16INK4a overexpressing metaplasias from neoplastic or preneoplastic p16INK4a overexpressing lesions by determination of the level of high risk HPV encoded gene-products such as e.g. HPV E2 and/or HPV E7 molecules in biological samples in the course of cytological testing procedures. The method thus enables for reduction of false positive results in the p16INK4a based detection of anogenital lesions in cytological testing procedures.
US08043818B2	Methods for detecting expression of human protease molecules The invention provides human protease molecules (HUPM) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HUPM. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of HUPM.
US08043816B2	Compositions and methods for temperature-dependent nucleic acid synthesis The present invention relates to nucleic acid inhibitors, compositions and method for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to inhibition or control of nucleic acid synthesis, sequencing or amplification. Specifically, the present invention discloses nucleic acids having affinity for polypeptides with polymerase activity for use in such synthesis, amplification or sequencing reactions. The nucleic acid inhibitors are capable of inhibiting nonspecific nucleic acid synthesis under certain conditions (e.g., at ambient temperatures). Thus, in a preferred aspect, the invention relates to “hot start” synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. Accordingly, the invention prevents, reduces or substantially reduces nonspecific nucleic acid synthesis. The invention also relates to kits for synthesizing, amplifying, reverse transcribing or sequencing nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more of the nucleic acid inhibitors or compositions of the invention. The invention also relates to using the inhibitors of the invention to prevent viral replication or treat viral infections in a subject. Thus, the invention relates to therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions using the inhibitors of the invention. The invention thus may be used for in vivo and in vitro inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis and/or inhibition of polymerase activity.
US08043812B2	Method of detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae, primer set for the detection and kit for the detection A method of detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is characterized in that it comprises amplifying a lytA gene derived from S. pneumoniae using a LAMP primer set comprising at least one primer having a nucleotide sequence that is identical to or complementary to a partial sequence in the region ranging from bp 40 to 450 of the nucleotide sequence region of the above-described lytA gene, and then detecting the obtained amplified product.
US08043807B2	Methods and kits for determining a risk to develop cancer, for evaluating an effectiveness and dosage of cancer therapy and for correlating between an activity of a DNA repair enzyme and a cancer Methods and kits for (i) determining a risk of a subject to develop cancer; (ii) evaluating an effectiveness and dosage of cancer therapy administered to a cancer patient; and (iii) determining a presence of correlation or non-correlation between an activity of at least one DNA repair enzyme and at least one cancer, are disclosed.
US08043804B2	DBC1, a novel native inhibitor of anti-aging protein SIRT1 A novel complex is identified between the NAD-dependent deacetylase, SIRT1 and its novel inhibitor, DBC1. Provided herein are methods to identify a compound that inhibits the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Exemplary methods comprise contacting either the complexation between DBC1 and SIRT1 with an agent being tested for its ability to inhibit the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Also, provided are methods to identify a compound that increases the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Exemplary methods comprise contacting either the complexation between DBC1 and SIRT1 with an agent being tested for its ability to increase the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Further, methods are provided to increase or decrease SIRT1 activity by contacting the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1 with a peptide that either decreases or increases the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Further, methods are provided for the treatment of patients suffering from diseases including metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease using compounds that inhibit the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1.
US08043800B2	Photosensitive material for forming conductive film, and conductive material A photosensitive material for forming a conductive film including a silver salt-containing emulsion layer, and a conductive layer containing conductive fibers, wherein the amount of the conductive fibers in the conductive layer is 0.005 g/m2 to 0.2 g/m2.
US08043799B2	Soft mold, method of manufacturing the same, and patterning method using the same The patterning method includes forming a synthetic resin layer on a substrate, providing a mold in which a predetermined pattern is formed and metal particles are distributed on the surface of the mold, contacting the mold having the predetermined pattern with the synthetic resin layer, transferring the pattern of the mold onto the synthetic resin layer to form a patterned synthetic resin layer, and forming an organic layer on the patterned synthetic resin layer.
US08043798B2	Method of forming fine patterns It is disclosed a method of forming fine patterns comprising: covering a substrate having photoresist patterns thereon made of a photoresist composition which is sensitive to high energy light rays with wavelength of 200 nm or shorter or electron beam radiation, with an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns, applying heat treatment to cause thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened by the resulting thermal shrinking action, and removing the over-coating agent substantially completely. The present invention provides a method of forming fine patterns whereby fine patterns having pattern width or diameter of 100 nm or shorter and being excellent in uniformity (in-plane uniformity), etc. can be formed by ultrafine processing using high energy light rays with wavelength of 200 nm or shorter or electron beams.
US08043797B2	Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method A method for transferring an image of a mask pattern through a pitch range onto a substrate is presented. In an embodiment, the method includes illuminating the mask pattern of an attenuated phase shift mask using a multipole illumination that includes an on-axis component and an off-axis component, the mask pattern including non-printing assist features configured for a pitch larger than twice a minimum pitch of the mask pattern, and projecting an image of the illuminated mask pattern onto the substrate.
US08043795B2	Method of forming resist pattern Disclosed is a method of forming a resist pattern, including: applying a positive resist composition on a support 1 to form a first resist film 2; selectively exposing the first resist film 2 through a first mask pattern, and developing it to form a first resist pattern 3; applying a negative resist composition including an organic solvent (S″) containing an alcohol-based organic solvent on the support 1 that the first resist pattern 3 is formed, thereby forming a second resist film 6; and selectively exposing the second resist film 6 through a second mask pattern, and developing it to form a resist pattern denser than the first resist pattern 3.
US08043792B2	Composition for formation of antireflection film and pattern formation method using the same The present invention provides a composition for forming a top anti-reflection coating having such a low refractive index that it can be suitably used in pattern formation with an ArF excimer laser beam, and further the invention also provides a pattern formation method employing that composition. The top anti-reflection coating composition comprises a particular naphthalene compound, a polymer, and a solvent. The composition is used for forming a top anti-reflection coating provided on a photoresist layer. From the photoresist layer, a pattern can be formed by use of light in 160 to 260 nm.
US08043788B2	Resist composition and patterning process To a resist composition comprising a polymer which changes its alkali solubility under the action of an acid as a base resin, is added a copolymer comprising recurring units containing amino and recurring units containing α-trifluoromethylhydroxy as an additive. The composition is suited for immersion lithography.
US08043786B2	Acid generators, sulfonic acids, sulfonyl halides, and radiation sensitive resin compositions The invention provides novel acid generators which are unproblematic in combustibility and accumulation inside the human body and can generate acids having high acidities and high boiling points and exhibiting properly short diffusion lengths in resist coating films and which permit the formation of resist patterns excellent smoothness with little dependence on the denseness of a mask pattern; sulfonic acids generated from the acid generators; sulfonyl halides useful as raw material in the synthesis of the acid generators; and radiation-sensitive resin compositions containing the acid generators. The acid generators have structures represented by the general formula (I), wherein R1 is a monovalent substituent such as alkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, or alkoxysulfonyl; R2 to R4 are each hydrogen or alkyl; k is an integer of 0 or above; and n is an integer of 0 to 5. Among the radiation-sensitive resin compositions, a positive one contains a resin having acid-dissociable groups in addition to the above acid generator, while a negative one contains an alkali-soluble resin and a crosslinking agent in addition to the acid generator.
US08043784B2	Imaging member and methods of forming the same The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved imaging member having a charge transport layer comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the layers have varying concentrations of high quality N,N,N′N′-tetra(4-methylphenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine to provide tunable discharge rate.
US08043782B2	Toner for electrophotography A toner for electrophotography is provided including a binder resin, a coloring agent, a charge controlling agent, and a releasing agent, wherein when the temperature of the toner is in the range from a temperature 40° C. lower than a fixing temperature of the toner to a temperature 10° C. lower than the fixing temperature of the toner, the D Log η/DT absolute value is 0.02 or more, when the temperature of the toner is in the range from a temperature 10° C. lower than the fixing temperature of the toner to a temperature 10° C. higher than the fixing temperature of the toner, the D Log η/DT absolute value is 0.005 or less, and the complex viscosity (η*) of the toner at a fixing temperature and an angular velocity of a fixing heat roller is in the range from about 5.0×101 Pa·s to 1.0×102 Pa·s. The toner has excellent fixing properties so that the quality of an image can be stabilized, and cause less contamination.
US08043778B2	Toner, method for preparing the toner, and image forming apparatus using the toner A toner including toner particles including a binder resin, and a modified layered inorganic material in which at least part of interlayer ions is replaced with an organic ion, and a fatty acid metal compound located on a surface of the toner particles; and an external additive located on the fatty acid metal compound, wherein the external additive is a material different from the fatty acid metal compound. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member; a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer including the toner; a transfer device; and a fixing device. A method for preparing the toner including dispersing or emulsifying a toner composition including a modified layered inorganic material to prepare toner particles; mixing a fatty acid metal compound with the toner particles; and second mixing the toner particles with an external additive.
US08043777B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoconductor including, an uppermost crosslinked surface layer including a cured product of a crosslinked surface layer composition containing a tri- or more functional radical-polymerizable monomer having no charge transportable structure, organosilica sol, an isocyanate group-containing radical-polymerizable monomer, and a curable charge transport material.
US08043776B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a conductive support and a photosensitive layer provided on or above the conductive support, the photosensitive layer having an outermost layer comprising a cured product of a composition comprising a curable resin, a surfactant containing a fluorine atom, and a charge transporting organic compound having a specific structure.
US08043772B2	Manufacturing method and manufacturing system of semiconductor device In an exposure process forming a predetermined circuit pattern of a semiconductor device on a wafer, a resist dimension of the resist pattern formed on a wafer and a focus position in the exposure process at a past time are measured. A resist dimension and a focus position of a wafer to which the exposure process is secondly performed are estimated by using measurement results of the measured resist dimension and focus position, and a focus offset value is calculated by using estimated values of the estimated resist dimension and focus position. Then, an exposure dose is calculated with considering this focus offset value, and a resist pattern is formed on the wafer to which the exposure process is performed by using the calculated exposure dose and focus offset value.
US08043769B2	Direct methanol fuel cell According to one embodiment, a direct methanol fuel cell includes an anode having a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, a cathode having a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, and an electrolyte membrane placed between the catalyst layers of the anode and the cathode. The anode-side catalyst layer includes a catalyst and a sheet-like organic compound consisting of a plurality of molecules having an aliphatic cyclic skeleton in which two carbon atoms are bonded to a cationic functional group and an anionic functional group, respectively. The sheet-like organic compound has a layered branch structure in which the molecules are layered by bonding different ions of the aliphatic cyclic skeleton to one another so that the molecules are displaced from one another, and a plurality of units each having the layered branch structure are present in the catalyst layer.
US08043767B2	Multi-layer fuel cell diffuser An electrochemical fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) having a cathode face and an anode face. The MEA is between a cathode fluid flow field plate and an anode fluid flow field plate. A diffusion structure is between the MEA and a corresponding fluid flow field plate, which is either the cathode fluid flow field plate or the anode fluid flow field plate. The diffusion structure has a first face in contact with, or adjacent to, the MEA and a second face in contact with, or adjacent to, the corresponding fluid flow field plate. The diffusion structure includes a first layer having a first level of hydrophobicity and a second layer that is hydrophilic. The second layer is adjacent to the corresponding fluid flow field plate, and includes a hydrophilic binder material.
US08043764B2	Stack structure of solid oxide fuel cell apparatus A stack structure includes plate-like electrochemical cells of ceramic, each having a pair of main surfaces and a side surface, and plate-like retainer pieces. The cell includes a first electrode in contact with first gas, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode in contact with second gas. The first electrode has a gas flow channel formed therein and adapted to allow flow of the first gas. The cell has gas inflow and outflow ports. The retainer piece includes a body portion having a through-hole formed therein, and a pair of protrusions protruding from the body portion. The retainer piece has a communication hole formed therein and adapted to establish communication between the through-hole and a space formed between the protrusions. The cell is held by the paired protrusions, thereby establishing communication between the gas inflow or outflow port of the cell and the communication hole of the retainer piece.
US08043763B2	Solid polymer electrolyte material, liquid composition, solid polymer fuel cell and fluoropolymer A solid polymer electrolyte material made of a copolymer comprising a repeating unit based on a fluoromonomer A which gives a polymer having an alicyclic structure in its main chain by radical polymerization, and a repeating unit based on a fluoromonomer B of the following formula (1): CF2═CF(Rf)jSO2X (1) wherein j is 0 or 1, X is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom or OM {wherein M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or a group of NR1R2R3R4 (wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 which may be the same or different, is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group)}, and Rf is a C1-20 polyfluoroalkylene group having a straight chain or branched structure which may contain ether oxygen atoms.
US08043754B2	Fast locally resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in polymer electrolyte fuel cells A fuel cell, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, includes an anode reactant supply plate, an anode current collector, a cathode reactant supply plate, and a cathode current collector. At least one of the anode reactant supply plate, the cathode reactant supply plate, the anode current collector and the cathode current collector is electrically separated into a number of segments, wherein each segment of at least a subgroup of segments is separately connected to an electronic drive and analysis circuitry which performs in parallel impedance measurement in a frequency range of 0.1 mHz to 50 kHz of the respective segments.
US08043753B2	Method of operating a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell and aging apparatus In a first aging step, a plus electrode electric potential is applied to an anode of a fuel cell, and a minus electrode electric potential is applied to a cathode of the fuel cell. In this state, hydrogen pump operation is performed at maximum current density in use by supplying humidified hydrogen to the anode without supplying any oxygen-containing gas to the cathode. Thus, the hydrogen passes through a solid polymer electrolyte membrane toward the cathode. After the first aging step, in a second aging step, power generation of the fuel cell is performed at the maximum current density.
US08043752B2	Fuel cell generator with fuel electrodes that control on-cell fuel reformation A fuel cell for a fuel cell generator including a housing including a gas flow path for receiving a fuel from a fuel source and directing the fuel across the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an elongate member including opposing first and second ends and defining an interior cathode portion and an exterior anode portion. The interior cathode portion includes an electrode in contact with an oxidant flow path. The exterior anode portion includes an electrode in contact with the fuel in the gas flow path. The anode portion includes a catalyst material for effecting fuel reformation along the fuel cell between the opposing ends. A fuel reformation control layer is applied over the catalyst material for reducing a rate of fuel reformation on the fuel cell. The control layer effects a variable reformation rate along the length of the fuel cell.
US08043750B2	Reducing loss of liquid electrolyte from a high temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cell A method for controlling an amount of a liquid electrolyte in a polymer-electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is provided. The method comprises enriching one or more of a fuel flow and an air flow with a vapor of the liquid electrolyte, the liquid electrolyte being unreplenishable via an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell. The method further comprises delivering the vapor of the liquid electrolyte to the fuel cell including the polymer-electrolyte membrane via one or more of the gas-permeable anode and or the gas-permeable cathode. In this manner, loss of liquid electrolyte from the PEM membrane of the fuel cell can be reduced, leading to improved fuel-cell endurance.
US08043746B2	Electrical connection for a storage cell An electrical storage cell is provided comprising a container (2) carrying an electrode plate group (9) comprising alternating positive and negative electrodes flanking electrolyte-impregnated separators, a current output terminal (7) passing through a wall (5) of the container, and an internal connection part (20) electrically connecting the electrodes of one polarity to the terminal passing through a wall of the container, in which the internal connection part is of copper with at least one copper/nickel co-laminated portion (25, 26), eliminating the need for supplementary welding parts employed for welding the copper internal connection.
US08043742B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a can having an upper opening to receive the electrode assembly and having two facing wide walls, wherein the wide walls are asymmetrical to each other; and a cap assembly sealing the upper opening of the can.
US08043741B2	Surface-treated steel plate for battery case and battery case A battery case excellent in glossiness of appearance and working efficiency and a surface-plated steel plate which can be used preferably to manufacture the battery case. The battery case is produced by deep-drawing, DI-forming, DTR-forming a surface-treated steel plate having glossy nickel or glossy nickel-cobalt alloy plating on the outermost layer corresponding to the external face of a battery case of a plated original plate consisting of a steel plate. The glossy nickel plating or glossy nickel-cobalt alloy plating layer on the outermost layer has a high glossiness, and therefore the appearance is excellent. The runnability of a formed battery case is high as well as the working efficiency.
US08043740B2	Flat-shaped battery The flat-shaped battery includes an electrode material containing an active material, and a battery case which has the electrode material housed inside and in which a plurality of protruding members extending inwardly from an inner surface of the battery case are fixed to the inner surface. The electrode material is housed in the battery case with those individual protruding members inserted in the electrode material. As a result, even if the flat-shaped battery is subjected to such external influences as accelerations and vibrations, the electrode material can securely be prevented from moving within the battery case.
US08043739B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and battery module A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, having an internal resistance of 10 mΩ or less as an alternating-current impedance value of 1 kHz, comprises a metal outer container, a nonaqueous electrolyte contained in the container, a positive electrode contained in the container, a negative electrode contained in the container, a separator interposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, a negative electrode lead having one end connected to the negative electrode, and a negative electrode terminal attached to the outer container so as to be connected electrically to the other end of the negative electrode lead, at least the surface of the negative electrode terminal which is connected to the negative electrode lead being formed of aluminum alloy with an aluminum purity of less than 99 wt. % containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Cr, Mn, Cu, Si, Fe and Ni.
US08043738B2	Liquid action substance battery A liquid action substance battery having its external terminal welded after assembling the battery in which safety of the battery is enhanced by protecting an explosion-proof valve against being torn apart in the subsequent welding work of the external terminal even if the position of a negative pole action substance being press-bonded to the inner surface of the battery can is shifted and that substance is extruded to the bottom face of the battery can. The liquid action substance battery employing an alkaline metal such as lithium, sodium or potassium or its alloy as the negative pole action substance, and an oxyhalide such as thionyl chloride, sulfuryl chloride or phosphoryl chloride in a liquid state at normal temperature as the positive pole action substance, and storing and sealing the negative pole action substance and the positive pole action substance in the bottomed battery, wherein a metal plate is welded to the inner surface at the bottom part of the battery can to form a partial space between them so that welding heat is not transmitted directly to the negative pole action substance when the external terminal is welded.
US08043737B2	Secondary battery and method with electrode tap positioned at short side portion of secondary battery can A secondary battery and method, with the secondary battery including a can having a polygonal section, and with the can having an opening portion of which one end is opened, and having a short side portion and a long side portion. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly constructed by stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator and a positive electrode plate, with the electrode assembly being wound up in a jelly roll shape, pressed in a predetermined direction, and received in the can. The secondary battery further includes at least one electrode tap connected to a corresponding electrode plate of the electrode assembly and protruded toward an opening portion of the can from an outer circumferential portion of the electrode assembly, at the short side portion of the can.
US08043736B2	Power generator having multiple layers of fuel cells A power generator has a hydrogen source, such as a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.
US08043733B2	Bit patterned medium A bit patterned medium in which an exchange coupling layer induces exchange coupling between adjacent bits in order to reduce a switching field difference resulting from different magnetization directions of bits. The exchange coupling layer is disposed either over or under a recording layer having a plurality of bits. The exchange coupling layer induces exchange coupling between a bit which is to be recorded and an adjacent bit and reduces a switching field difference resulting from a difference between the magnetization direction of the bit to be recorded and the magnetization direction of neighboring bits due to an exchange coupling force generated during the exchange coupling.
US08043732B2	Memory cell with radial barrier Magnetic tunnel junction cells and methods of making magnetic tunnel junction cells that include a radially protective layer extending proximate at least the ferromagnetic free layer of the cell. The radially protective layer can be specifically chosen in thickness, deposition method, material composition, and/or extent along the cell layers to enhance the effective magnetic properties of the free layer, including the effective coercivity, effective magnetic anisotropy, effective dispersion in magnetic moment, or effective spin polarization.
US08043723B2	Organic EL device with organic layer including starburst compound An organic EL device includes: a pair of electrodes; and an organic layer sandwiched between the pair of electrodes. The organic layer includes a compound including layer, and the compound including layer includes a compound of 1,3-bis[N,N-bis{(4′-methylbiphen-4-yl)}amino]-5-N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl) aminobenzene. The heat resistance and the vapor deposition property of the organic layer containing the above tertiary amine compound can be improved.
US08043715B2	Paper and paper laminates containing modified titanium dioxide The present invention pertains to a laminate paper and a paper laminate made from such paper. More specifically, the laminate paper contains an amino organosilane surface-modified titanium dioxide pigment.
US08043710B2	Ultra-hydrophilic and antibacterial thin film coated metal product, and it's manufacturing method The present invention discloses a ultra-hydrophilic and antibacterial thin film coated metal product, and its manufacturing method. In order to easily produce an air conditioning metal material having excellent hydrophilic performance, aging property, corrosion resistance and antibacterial property on an industrial production scale without a special preprocess or postprocess, an anticorrosive thin film is selectively formed on both surfaces of a metal substrate sheet, and an ultra-hydrophilic and antibacterial Ti—(Ag, Cu and/or Co)—O—C group compound thin film is coated on both surfaces of the metal substrate sheet on which the anticorrosive thin film has been or not been formed. The metal substrate sheet is mechanically processed into a target shape.
US08043709B2	Circuit connecting material, film-like circuit connecting material using the same, circuit member connecting structure, and method of producing the same The present invention is a circuit connecting material used for the mutual connection of a circuit member in which electrodes and insulating layers are formed adjacent to each other on the surface of a board, and a circuit member in which electrodes and insulating layers are formed adjacent to each other on the surface of a board, with the edge parts and of the insulating layers being formed with a greater thickness than the electrodes on the basis of the main surfaces, wherein this circuit connecting material contains a bonding agent composition and conductive particles that have a mean particle size of 1 μm or greater but less than 10 μm and a hardness of 1.961 to 6.865 GPa, and this circuit connecting material exhibits a storage elastic modulus of 0.5 to 3 GPa at 40° C. and a mean coefficient of thermal expansion of 30 to 200 ppm/° C. at from 25° C. to 100° C. when subjected to the curing treatment.
US08043707B2	Highly heat-resistant low-emissivity multilayer system for transparent substrates A low-emissivity multilayer system highly resistant to heat treatment for transparent substrates, in particular for window panes comprises, starting from the substrate, at least a lower antireflection coating consisting of several partial layers and including a layer essentially consisting of ZnO which is adjacent with a silver-based functional layer, an essentially metallic blocking layer located on top of the silver-based layer, an upper antireflection coating consisting of several partial layers and a cover coating optionally consisting of several partial layers. The upper antireflection coating has: a partial layer of ZnO or a mixed oxide ZnMeOx that contains ZnO or a succession of layers of mixed oxides of the ZnO:Al/ZnMeOx type; a partial layer of Si3N4 or SixOyNz; and between these two partial layers, a separating layer with a thickness of 0.5 to 5 nm, consisting of a metal oxide or a mixed oxide with a cubic crystal lattice, which prevents direct contact between these two partial layers. Coated window panes that are highly resistant to technical handling operations comprising an inserted separating layer that makes it possible to further improve the mechanical and chemical properties of the multilayer system.
US08043700B2	Bicomponent superabsorbent fibre A multicomponent superabsorbent fiber includes a first superabsorbent material and a second superabsorbent material. In at least a part of the length direction (L) of the superabsorbent fiber, the first superabsorbent material and the second superabsorbent material are located side-by-side in the cross-direction (C) of the superabsorbent fiber. The first and second superabsorbent materials are selected such that at a given point during their swelling, the swelling capacity (SC) of the first superabsorbent material is greater than the swelling capacity of the second superabsorbent material so that the superabsorbent fiber (10) curls upon contact with liquid. Also, a method for reducing gel-blocking in a superabsorbent fiber.
US08043698B2	Method of producing a semiconductor device, and wafer-processing tape A wafer-processing tape, having a removable adhesive layer (2), and an adhesive layer (3), formed on a substrate film (1), wherein the tape is used in a process involving the steps of: grinding a back face of a wafer circuit substrate (5) having convex-type metal electrodes (4), and dicing the wafer circuit substrate into chips, in a state that the tape is adhered to the wafer circuit substrate; and picking up the chips, in which the chips are picked up in a state that the adhesive layer (3) is peeled from the substrate film (1) but is bonded to the individual chip.
US08043694B2	Impregnated ceramic foam made of recrystallized silicon carbide Porous ceramic part comprising a porous ceramic foam having a total porosity of between 50 and 92% and an intergranular porosity of at least 5%, walls of at least some of the cells of the ceramic foam being at least partly covered with an impregnation material. The invention relates in particular to a recrystallized silicon carbide foam impregnated with silicon.
US08043688B2	Multiwall sheet, an article, a method of making a multiwall sheet In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises a first sheet comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, a second sheet comprising a first surface and a second surface; and a rib disposed between the inner surface and the first surface. The outer layer can have surface features and has a surface area of greater than or equal to 140% of a planar, flat, non-profiled surface area for a same unit area.
US08043683B2	Thermoplastic film A thermoplastic film for the interior paneling of motor vehicles has a top layer with a structured surface layer and a foamed layer on the underside and with indentations or material weak points introduced on the reverse side. The top layer has a residual thickness of at least 35% in the region of the indentations and the foamed layer has a thickness between 15 and 50% of the density of the compact top layer.
US08043682B2	Release liner and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet using the same A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with a release liner has a bubbles containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release liner in contact with at least one surface of the bubbles containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The release liner comprises at least three layers including an intermediate layer and surface layers, and the surface layers are positioned on both surfaces of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises at least one polyolefin resin. Each of the surface layers comprises a low-density polyethylene and an olefinic elastomer and independently has a thickness of 15 μm or less. The ratio of the thickness of the intermediate layer to the total thickness of the surface layers (the intermediate layer/the surface layers) is in the range of 4 to 19.
US08043680B2	Multiple layer structures comprising a poly (vinylidene chloride) layer Multiple layer structures comprising one or more poly(vinylidene chloride) layers and containers made from the multiple layer structures are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multiple layer structure comprising one or more PVDC layers comprising a component selected from the group consisting of a poly(vinylidene chloride), a poly(vinylidene chloride) copolymer, and combinations thereof. The multiple layer structure further comprises one or more tie layers attached to the PVDC layer. The tie layer comprises a component selected from the group consisting of (a) polyether polyester copolymers, (b) polyurethanes having a melting temperature above about 121° C., (c) a blend comprising a polyamide and an ethylene copolymer containing an amine reactive functional group, and combinations thereof.
US08043679B2	Biodegradable compositions based on nanoparticulate starch The present invention relates to biodegradable multiphase compositions comprising a continuous phase composed of a matrix of at least one tough hydrophobic polymer incompatible with the starch and a nanoparticulate dispersed starch phase with mean dimensions of less than 0.25 m. The compositions are characterized by breaking load, Young's Modulus and breaking energy.
US08043678B2	Radome and method of producing the same The present invention relates to a radome which has excellent transmission loss of radio waves and structural strength, which can be easily produced, and which has favorable workability, and a method of producing the same. The radome includes an olefin woven material and a glass cloth, in which the olefin woven material and the glass cloth are impregnated with a matrix resin to be integrated with each other, and the glass cloth is disposed closer to an inner side of the radome than the olefin woven material. As the olefin woven material, a woven material formed of an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber can be used. As the matrix resin, an epoxy resin, a vinyl ester resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, or a silicone resin can be used.
US08043677B2	Fluropolymer resin coated member, a metal mold for forming polyester resin container made thereof and reproducing method of said metal mold A fluoropolymer resin coated member in which the fluoropolymer resin layer has been improved in wear resistance and peeling resistance. When the coated member is used to form a mold for polyester container molding, part of a polyester resin or an oligomer ingredient or additive contained in the polyester resin is prevented from depositing on the mold surface. And a polyester container with excellent luster and transparency can be manufactured. The fluoropolymer resin coated member (1) comprise a foundation (10) and a fluoropolymer resin layer (20) formed thereon, the foundation (10) having a surface roughness of 2 to 10 degree in Root-mean-square slope of profile, the amount of the fluoropolymer resin of the fluoropolymer resin layer (20) being 0.5-8.5 g/m2, and the surface roughness of the fluoropolymer resin layer being 5 degree or less in Root-mean-square slope of profile Δq2. The metal mold for forming polyester resin container can be reproduced in such a manner that amorphous fluoropolymer resin layer 20 applied on the hard surface of foundation 10 of the metal mold for forming polyester resin container is removed by abrasive to obtain mirror finish, then a new amorphous fluoropolymer resin layer 20 is applied on the surface of foundation 10.
US08043674B2	Sealable packaging structures and applications related thereto Heat-sealable, multi-layer composite packaging structures that are suitable for packaging and having improved sealing properties and simplified construction as compared to prior art composite film constructions are disclosed. The inventive film structure includes a first substrate, such as paper, bonded such as by extrusion lamination, to a sealable, high-barrier film. This inventive “paper-adhesive-polymer” lamination may replace prior art “paper-adhesive-foil-adhesive” foil-based tandem laminations. An improved or comparable polymer film substrate may replace the “foil-adhesive” layer components of the popular incumbent prior art structure.
US08043669B2	Composite material and process for the production thereof This invention is to provide a process for producing a composite material that contains a thermoplastic resin as a matrix and is reinforced with electrically conductive fibers. This invention is to provide a process for producing a composite material that has a small percentage of voids and is excellent in mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural modulus.This invention is a process for producing a composite material, which comprises (1) the step (A) of causing the thermoplastic resin to adhere to the electrically conductive fibers and (2) the step (B) of applying microwave to said fibers to cause them to generate heat and impregnating said fibers with said resin, the composite material comprising a thermoplastic resin and the electrically conductive fibers being impregnated with the thermoplastic resin.
US08043668B2	Method for production of an ethylene/tetrafluorideethylene copolymer molded product Provided is a method for depositing a fluorine-doped silicon oxide film on the surface of a substrate made of a material comprising at least 50 mass % of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. This method comprises flowing a mixed gas into between electrodes, exposing the mixed gas to electric power applied between the electrodes so that the electrical power density between the electrodes becomes from 0.5 to 1.1 W/cm3 to cause discharge, and forming plasma of the mixed gas and depositing the fluorine-doped silicon oxide film on the surface of the substrate. In this method, the mixed gas for forming the fluorine-doped silicon oxide film comprises silicon tetrafluoride, oxygen and a hydrocarbon, the atomic ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms (O/C) is from 1 to 10, and the atomic ratio of oxygen atoms to silicon atoms (O/Si) is from 1.7 to 25 in the mixed gas.
US08043664B2	EVA blend compositions suitable for RF welding applications Disclosed are films obtained from blends of ethylene copolymers with organic acid salt-modified potassium ionomeric copolymers. The films of the present invention can be welded using RF energy.
US08043659B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method A substrate processing method capable of controlling the internal pressure of a processing chamber to a high pressure and exhausting gases within the processing chamber at a high rate. The substrate processing method is for use in a substrate processing apparatus having a processing chamber, a supply unit supplying a processing gas into the processing chamber, a first pipe connected to the processing chamber at one end thereof, a turbo molecular pump disposed in the first pipe, a first shutoff valve disposed between the processing chamber and the turbo molecular pump in the first pipe, a second pipe connected to the processing chamber at one end thereof, a pressure control valve disposed in the second pipe, and a dry pump connected to the other end of the first pipe and to the other end of the second pipe. The substrate processing method comprises a pressure control step of controlling the internal pressure of the processing chamber using the pressure control valve after closing the first shutoff valve when performing a treatment on a substrate housed in the processing chamber; a first exhaust step of exhausting gases within the processing chamber through the second pipe using the dry pump by opening the pressure control valve after performing the treatment on the substrate; and a second exhaust step of exhausting gases within the processing chamber through the first pipe using the turbo molecular pump by closing the pressure control valve and opening the first shutoff valve after the first exhaust step.
US08043656B2	Method and apparatus for impregnating a lining module provided with a resin-absorbing layer A method and an apparatus impregnate a lining module for repairing a pipe. An end area of the lining module provided with a resin-absorbing layer and an air-tight, outer coating, is introduced into an air-tight sleeve, and an auxiliary introduction device is fixed at an introduction area of the lining module. The transitions between the lining module and the sleeve and between the introduction area and the auxiliary introduction device are closed off in an air-tight manner by at least one sealing device. The auxiliary introduction device is closed off with respect to the ambient by a releasable blocking device in an air-tight manner in such a way that the chamber, formed by the sleeve and the auxiliary introduction device and optionally also the lining module, is closed in an air-tight manner and an introduction chamber accessible from the outside is provided for filling with resin.
US08043653B2	Method of forming a dielectric film and plasma display panel using the dielectric film In method of forming a dielectric film and a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) using the dielectric film, a paste is coated on a substrate and forms a dielectric film, and a lateral surface of a terminal portion of the dielectric film has a contact angle in a range of 30 to 80° with respect to a surface of the substrate. The PDP preferably includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other and forming a discharge space; a plurality of pairs of sustain electrodes arranged on the first substrate; and a plurality of address electrodes arranged on the second substrate. At least one dielectric film is preferably arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a lateral surface of a terminal portion of the dielectric film preferably has a contact angle in a range of 30 to 80° with respect to a surface of the first substrate.
US08043652B2	Method and apparatus for aligning patterns on a substrate A system and method for aligning prior patterning positions formed by a first SPM tip with a second SPM tip in combination with an SPM system includes identifying first location information that includes a location of the first SPM tip and a sample reference location on an SPM sample and storing the first location information in a storage area. After replacing the first SPM tip with the second SPM tip, second location information, which includes a location of the second SPM tip and the sample reference location on the SPM sample, is identified. Displacement is calculated between the location of the second SPM tip and the first SPM tip based on the first and second location information, and either the second SPM tip or a stage supporting the SPM sample is translated to align the second SPM tip with the location of the first SPM tip in accordance with the calculated displacement.
US08043651B2	System and method for coating a medical device A method and device for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including rolling the stent against a ribbon or gravure roll impregnated with coating material. The ribbon and gravure roll may include a recessed pattern matching a strut pattern of the stent. The stent may also be rolled against a plate or cylinder while coating material is forced onto the stent through a pattern of holes or openings in the plate or cylinder matching a strut pattern of the stent.
US08043649B2	Edible fat and oil, process of producing the same, and chocolate containing fat and oil composition [Purpose] To provide edible fat and oil that can further improve blooming resistance, and chocolate having further improved blooming resistance than that of conventional chocolate. [Constitution] Edible fat and oil obtained by transesterification reaction or esterification reaction and satisfying the following requirements (A) to (D): (A) iodine value: 15 to 29; B) amount of trans fatty acids in the constituent fatty acids: 16 to 29% by mass; (C) amount of lauric acid in the constituent fatty acids: 13 to 28% by mass; and (D) total amount of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid in the constituent fatty acids: less than 10% by mass.
US08043645B2	Method of making beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present application are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08043644B2	Method for exposing comminuted foodstuffs to a processing fluid A method includes producing a flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff and then exposing the flowing sheet of material to a processing fluid in at least one of the major surfaces of the sheet. The transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of material may be generally equal to a dimension of the foodstuff pieces making up the comminuted foodstuff. The processing fluid may enter the sheet of material through one or both of the opposing surfaces used to form the sheet. Discrete openings may be formed through a wall of material used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material, and the processing fluid may be applied through such discrete openings. The processing fluid may also be applied through a porous and permeable material included in, or making up, a wall used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material.
US08043638B2	Mutant ILV5 gene and use thereof The present invention relates to a mutant acetohydroxy-acid reductoisomerase gene (mutant ILV5 gene) and use thereof, in particular, a brewery yeast for producing alcoholic beverages with superior flavor, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. According to the method for producing alcoholic beverages of the present invention, because of reduction of the production of VDKs, especially DA, which are responsible for off-flavors in products, alcoholic beverages with superior flavor can be produced.
US08043636B2	Organic herbicide and method for manufacturing An organic agent for controlling weeds (a so-called herbicide) primarily includes ingredients which are used for human nutrition and the individual components are harmless to nature (including animals and people). These ingredients include extract of garlic, cayenne pepper, nettles and sugar in the form of dextrose. Thorough tests have documented that the new organic herbicide has the same efficiency or is better than one of the hitherto most-used chemical herbicides.
US08043634B2	Drug and/or food supplement containing NISYLEN, Cepa, Euphrasia, Belladonna and/or Mercurius solubilis The present disclosure relates to a drug and/or food supplement with antiviral effects, in particular for the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of herpes labialis and/or herpes genitalis, and/or with antibacterial and/or immunomodulating and/or antiphlogistic effects and/or for the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of affections of the prostate, containing NISYLEN® and/or Cepa and/or Euphrasia and/or Belladonna and/or Mercurius solubilis.
US08043632B2	Process for making antimicrobial articles by reacting chitosan with amino-reactive polymer surfaces Polymer articles are rendered antimicrobial by a process that includes contacting a chitosan solution with a polymer surface that inherently contains amino-reactive functional groups as polymerized. The process requires no pretreatment with agents such as oxidizing agents or plasma to generate the necessary functional groups at the polymer surface.
US08043631B2	Tumor targeting drug-loaded particles A composition for delivering a tumor therapeutic agent to a patient includes a fast-release formulation of a tumor apoptosis inducing agent, a slow-release formulation of a tumor therapeutic agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. An apoptosis-inducing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be administered before or concomitantly therewith. Nanoparticles or microparticles (e.g., cross-linked gelatin) of the therapeutic agent (e.g., paclitaxel) also may be used. The nanoparticles or microparticles may be coated with a bioadhesive coating. Microspheres that agglomerate to block the entrance of the lymphatic ducts of the bladder to retard clearance of the microparticles through the lymphatic system also may be employed. This invention also uses drug-loaded gelatin and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles and microparticles to target drug delivery to tumors in the peritoneal cavity, bladder tissues, and kidneys.
US08043629B2	Bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric holding thrombin A safe and effective hemostatic is provided. The invention relates to a bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric holding thrombin as an effective ingredient and a hemostatic comprising said bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric. The bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric holding thrombin in accordance with the present invention may be prepared by a process which comprises the steps of immersing a bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric into a solution containing thrombin and of lyophilizing the obtained nonwoven fabric. The bioabsorbable synthetic nonwoven fabric holding thrombin in accordance with the present invention allows for quicker and more effective hemostasis.
US08043627B2	Osteogenic composite matrix, method for the production thereof and implant and scaffold for tissue engineering provided with a coating formed by said osteogenic composite matrix The invention relates to an osteogenic composite matrix consisting of collagen and non-collagen components of an extracellular matrix (ECM-components), to a method for producing said matrix, to a method for producing an implant or a scaffold for tissue engineering which is provided with a coating formed by said osteogenic composite matrix and is used for stimulating and accelerating a hard tissue formation such as, for example. The implant osseointegration in bones. The inventive osteogenic composite matrix comprises a collagen and at least one non-collagen ECM component or the derivatives thereof, wherein the collagen component consists of non-crosslinked collagen fibers produced by fibrillogenesis and the non-collagen ECM component or the derivatives thereof are integrated into said collagen fibers.
US08043622B2	Method of treating inflammatory lung disease with suppressors of CpG oligonucleotides The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for inhibiting or treating inflammatory lung disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.
US08043620B2	Wise binding agents and epitopes The present invention relates to binding agents for WISE, and includes for their manufacture and use.
US08043619B2	Methods and uses of leptin in immune modulation The present invention describes the use of leptin for the immune modulation of the Th1/Th2 response. One aspect of the invention provides for a shift in the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards pro-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. This shift results from an increase in the levels, expression and/or the activity of leptin. Another aspect of the invention provides for a shift in the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards anti-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. This shift results from a decrease in the levels, expression and/or the activity of leptin. The shifting of the Th1/Th2 balance provides a method for the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders.
US08043617B2	Human antibodies to human IL-6 receptor A human antibody or an antigen-binding fragment which binds human IL-6 receptor (hIL-6R) with a KD of about 500 pM or less and blocks IL-6 activity with an IC50 of 200 pM or less. In preferred embodiments, the antibody the antibody or antigen-binding fragment binds hIL-6R with an affinity at least 2-fold higher relative to its binding monkey IL-6R.
US08043615B2	Methods of antagonizing LDCAM and CRTAM The invention pertains to agonists and antagonists of LDCAM and methods of treating disease and infection by administering one or more LDCAM antagonists or agonists.
US08043614B2	Autogenic living scaffolds and living tissue matrices: methods and uses thereof The present invention is drawn to a 3-dimensional cell-produced scaffold construct comprising fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix that has been produced and arranged by these cells. The constructs promote the differentiation, dedifferentiation and/or transdifferentiation of cells and/or formation of tissue in vitro and in vivo, while at the same time promoting cell growth, proliferation, migration, and acquisition of in vivo-like morphology.
US08043613B2	Podoviriedae bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage, more precisely a Podoviridae bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus which is the causing agent of infectious disease in human and animals, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of the disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic and a disinfectant containing the bacteriophage as an active ingredient.
US08043610B2	Freeze-dried composition of inactivated virus envelope with membrane fusion activity The objects of the present invention are to provide a freeze-dried composition of an inactivated virus envelop having membrane fusion activity which can be stored at higher temperatures without losing the ability to introduce foreign matters and to provide a method of introducing a foreign matter into a cell with high efficiency.The present invention provides a freeze-dried composition for introducing a foreign matter which comprises an inactivated virus envelope having membrane fusion activity, and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a protein hydrolysate, leucine, an L-arginine-acid and a polysaccharide, and a method of introducing a foreign matter using the freeze-dried composition containing an inactivated virus envelope.
US08043609B2	Viral complement control proteins for eye disorders The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration or choroidal neovascularization, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein or a complement binding fragment or variant thereof. Other compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein linked to a moiety that binds to a component present on or at the surface of cell or noncellular molecular entity, e.g., a component present in the eye of a subject at risk of or suffering from age related macular degeneration or a related condition or choroidal neovascularization, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the methods comprise administering a poxvirus complement control protein or complement binding fragment or variant thereof to a subject.
US08043608B2	Methods of using Fc-cytokine fusion proteins Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for enhancing the immunogenicity of a preselected protein or peptide antigen in a mammal. Immunogenicity is enhanced by fusing the preselected antigen to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region to produce an Fc-antigen fusion protein. The Fc-antigen fusion proteins bind Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, thereby targeting the antigen to the antigen presenting cells in the mammal. In addition, disclosed is a family of adjuvants, for example, an Fc-adjuvant fusion protein, for use in combination with the Fc-antigen fusion proteins to enhance or modulate a particular immune response against the preselected antigen.
US08043603B2	Folate targeted enhanced tumor and folate receptor positive tissue optical imaging technology A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.
US08043602B2	Folate targeted enhanced tumor and folate receptor positive tissue optical imaging technology A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.
US08043595B2	Mesoporous carbon including heteroatom, manufacturing method thereof, and fuel cell using the mesoporous carbon Provided are a mesoporous carbon containing at least one heteroatom boron and phosphorus, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fuel cell using the same. The mesoporous carbon contains a heteroatom such as boron and phosphorous to reduce sheet resistance, and thus can efficiently transfer electric energy. Such a mesoporous carbon can be used as a conductive material of electrodes for fuel cells. When the mesoporous carbon is used as a support for catalysts of electrodes, a supported catalyst containing the support can be used to manufacture a fuel cell having high efficiency.
US08043594B2	Systems and methods for generating sulfuric acid Methods and systems for generating sulfuric acid are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes combusting a sulfur-containing material with a gas including oxygen to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide, mixing water with the first stream of sulfur dioxide to produce a mixed stream, using an energy, electrolytically converting the mixed stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid and hydrogen, generating a source of energy from the hydrogen, and providing the source of energy as at least a portion of the energy for electrolytically converting the first stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the system includes a first chamber for combusting a sulfur-containing material to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide, an electrolytic cell for converting the first stream into sulfuric acid and hydrogen, and a fuel cell for generating an energy source from the hydrogen.
US08043593B2	Nanoscale crystalline silicon powder An aggregated crystalline silicon powder with a BET surface area of 20 to 150 m2/g is provided. The aggregated silicon powder may be doped with phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, boron, aluminium, gallium, indium, thallium, europium, erbium, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, thulium, lutetium, lithium, ytterbium, germanium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum, copper, silver, gold, or zinc.
US08043592B2	Cascaded power plant process and method for providing reversibly usable hydrogen carriers in such a power plant process In a series of reactions for power plant energy generation designed to make beneficial use of oil bearing sands, oil bearing shale and other starting materials containing silicon dioxide, the silicon dioxide starting materials are combined with a primary energy provider containing hydrocarbon to start a first reaction. During this first reaction, the silicon dioxide containing starting material is heated and crystalline silicon is produced. Then, the crystalline silicon is used in a second reaction which runs exothermically (i.e., releases heat). The heat produced from the second reaction is employed as a secondary energy to supplement the primary energy provider when heating the starting material in the first reaction and/or to supply at least one further reaction or series of reactions with the required energy, at the end of which a silicon compound is produced.
US08043589B2	Process for removing carbonyl sulphide and hydrogen sulphide from a synthesis gas stream The invention provides a process for removing COS and H2S from a feed synthesis gas stream comprising COS and H2S, the process comprising contacting the feed synthesis gas stream with solid adsorbent at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 240° C. to remove carbonyl sulphide and hydrogen sulphide, thereby obtaining a purified synthesis gas stream, wherein the solid adsorbent comprises one or more metals or oxides of the metals or combinations thereof and the metals are selected from the group of Ag, Sn, Mo, Fe and Zn.
US08043588B2	Method and plant for removing carbon dioxide from flue gas This invention relates to a method and plant for energy-efficient removal of CO2 from a gas phase by means of absorption. The invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with thermal power plants fired by fossil fuels, and is also well-suited for retrofitting in existing thermal power plants. A processing plant according to the invention comprises three sections: a primary CO2-generating process that serves as main product supplier; a CO2-capture and separation plant based on absorption and desorption of CO2 respectively by/from at least one absorbent; and a second CO2-generating process where combustion of carbonaceous fuel in pure oxygen atmosphere serves as energy supply to at least a part of the thermal energy necessary to drive the regeneration of the absorbent in the desorption column(s).
US08043583B2	Baffle structure improving heat transfer efficiency of reactor or heat exchanger Disclosed is a shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger, which alternately comprises a doughnut-type baffle plate and a first disc-type baffle plate in order to increase heat transfer efficiency. In the reactor or heat exchanger, a second disc-type baffle plate is placed in an empty space inside of the doughnut-type baffle plate, and some tubes, through the inside of which a first object for heat transfer with a heat transfer medium, are present in a region inside of the doughnut-type baffle plate and outside of the second disc-type baffle plate. Also disclosed is a method for producing an oxide, comprising: using said reactor or heat exchanger, and causing a catalytic vapor-phase oxidation reaction in the tubes, through the inside of which the first object for heat transfer with the heat transfer medium is passed.
US08043580B2	Testing device A testing device is provided which is able to distribute a liquid sample to a plurality of reaction sections by a simple operation without using a tip dispenser, and also achieves individually independent reaction systems without causing reaction sections to be in communication with each other due to a liquid sample. The testing device has a transparent molded body which includes: a storage chamber for injecting/holding a liquid sample; a reaction chamber for causing a reaction of the sample; a receiving chamber for sucking and receiving the sample, with the storage chamber and the reaction chamber being in communication with each other via a distributing flow path, and the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber being in communication with each other via a sucking flow path; and a liquid reservoir between the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber.
US08043575B2	Reactor system and process for the manufacture of ethylene oxide A reactor system for the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. The reactor system includes a reactor tube that contains a packed bed of shaped support material that can include a catalytic component. The shaped support material has a hollow cylinder geometric configuration. The reactor system has specific combinations of reactor tube and catalyst system geometries.
US08043571B2	Microchannel reactors Embodiments of a microchannel reactor comprise a microchannel housing comprising a plurality of channels and an upper microstructure disposed above the microchannel housing. The upper microstructure comprising a gas feed circuit, a liquid feed circuit, and at least one mixing cavity. The mixing cavity is in fluid communication with at least one reactive passage of the microchannel housing. The gas feed circuit comprises at least one gas feed inlet, and the liquid feed circuit comprises at least one liquid feed inlet and at least one liquid reservoir adjacent to the mixing cavity, wherein the liquid reservoir is operable to deliver a liquid feed into the mixing cavity.
US08043563B2	Electronic biosensor arrangement An electronic biosensor arrangement (1), comprising a receiving region (2) for biological material, a sensor-electrode arrangement (3) with sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) which intermesh in a comb-like manner being associated therewith, with which sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) a measuring circuit (5) is connectable for measuring an electrical measurement parameter on the sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) and influenced by biological material, wherein the sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) form a plurality of sensor capacitors (Csensor,1 to Csensor,N), with which electronic switching means (S2,1 to S2,N) driven by a control logic (8) are associated for connecting to earth or to a voltage source carrying a measurement voltage (Vdrive), respectively, comprising a reference capacitor (Cref), to which a switching means (S1) driven by the control logic (8) and arranged for optionally connecting to earth or to the measurement voltage (Vdrive) is likewise assigned, wherein the capacitors (Cref, Csensor1−Csensor, N) are also combined to a node (A), which is connected to an input (−) of a differential amplifier (10), and with which measurement capacitors (C0 to C5) having binary-weighted capacities (Cmin to 32Cmin) are furthermore connected for forming an SAR comparison unit, with the measurement capacitors being also selectively connectable via switching means (S3,0 to S3,5) driven by the control logic (8) to a voltage source (Varray) or to earth for the purpose of providing charge-difference for SAR conversion.
US08043558B2	Apparatus for the thermal treatment of organics materials and method therefor Organic materials being indirectly heated via hot air having the temperature required for their treatment, the process consists in the recycling of the vapours and gases evolving from the organic materials into a hot air circuit by forcing them into contact with the flame of a burner in order to burn the organic gases contained therein. The apparatus for executing the process comprises a double wall sealed tank; the outer wall being insulating and the inner wall being heat-conducting, the space, created by the walls, defines the hot air circuit.
US08043557B2	Methods and systems for sanitizing or sterilizing a medical device using ultrasonic energy and liquid nitrogen A medical device is sterilized or sanitized by at least partially submerging it within liquid nitrogen and imparting ultrasonic energy to it.
US08043556B2	Ablutionary installations An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.
US08043551B2	Method for producing an aortic or mitral heart valve prosthesis and resulting aortic or mitral heart valve A method for producing an aortic or mitral heart valve prosthesis and the resulting aortic or mitral heart valve. The method is characterized in that it essentially consists in producing the prosthesis by shaping a textile material. The invention is more particularly applicable in the field of medicine, in particular repair surgery, and especially in heart surgery, more particularly heart prostheses.
US08043550B2	Manufacturing method of display device and mold therefor A method of manufacturing a display device in which a film deposited on a substrate through openings in a covering layer is easily removed from the covering layer, is described herein, includes forming a master layer having a predetermined pattern of openings on a base substrate; spraying a light shielding material on the master layer; fabricating a mold provided with the light shielding film by forming a moldable material layer on the base substrate and the master layer; the moldable material layer and the light shielding material; arranging, pressurizing, and exposing the mold on an insulation substrate having a photosensitive film formed thereon after separating the mold from the master layer; and developing the photosensitive film after separating the mold from the insulation substrate.
US08043546B2	Mesh and methods and apparatus for forming and using mesh A method of forming a mesh by a moulding a link element around other link elements to form a mesh in which the interlinking link elements are formed as continuous unjoined loops by a moulding process. An apparatus for forming a mesh including a plurality of first cavities for accommodating first link elements and a plurality of second cavities for forming interlinking link elements. The method and apparatus allow the continuous production of mesh formed of a range of materials including plastics materials.
US08043544B2	Method of manufacturing an encapsulated package for a magnetic device A method of manufacturing an encapsulated package for a magnetic device on a substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a magnetic core on the substrate and placing a shielding structure over the magnetic core to create a chamber thereabout. The method also includes depositing an encapsulant about a portion of the magnetic core within the chamber. The shielding structure limits the encapsulant entering the chamber.
US08043543B2	Method for molding of polymer composites comprising three-dimensional carbon reinforcement using a durable tool A method is disclosed for high volume production of molded dimensionally accurate polymer composite articles comprising three-dimensional carbon fiber reinforcement in high volume. Carbon fiber cloth infiltrated with a liquid thermosetting polymer precursor is shaped by application of pressure to urge the cloth against the surface of a mold and then heated while under pressure to cure the polymer precursor into a solid polymeric matrix for the carbon fiber article. Mold tooling is formed of suitable iron-nickel alloys and provided with a hard electroless nickel coating on the mold cavity surface. The iron and nickel alloy provides thermal expansion properties generally matched to those of the articles for the molding of dimensionally accurate parts. The nickel alloy coating provides a durable surface to resist abrasion by the carbon fiber cloth without adversely affecting the expansion properties of the mold, and remains adherent to the base metal during the repeated thermal cycling encountered in high volume production.
US08043540B2	Method and device for feeding molten resin, and method for manufacturing molded article by using the fed molten resin A method and a device for feeding a molten resin capable of accurately feeding the molten resin without the delay of feed timing by preventing the molten resin from adhering to route members before it seats on a mold to increase the positioning accuracy of the molten metal in the mold, and a method of manufacturing a molded part by using the fed molten resin. Vibration is provided to the route members such as molten resin guide pins (10, 40, 50), throat members (62, 70, 85), and female mold positioned in a route in which the molten resin (25) passes before it seats on the female mold (7, 63) by a vibration imparting device (27) or a gas layer film is formed on the surfaces thereof. Thus, the molten resin can be fed while preventing it from adhering to the route members.
US08043537B2	Injection molding system, computer program, method of injection molding, and injection molding machine There are provided an injection molding system, a computer program, a method of injection molding, and an injection molding machine capable of performing precise temperature control of a mold even when there is a delay in temperature increase of the mold in heat supply with a heating medium. The temperature control is performed so that temperatures of a fixed mold and a movable mold are maintained between an upper limit TU and a lower limit TL of a predetermined temperature range after start of injection of resin during an injection molding cycle. The temperature control of the fixed mold and the movable mold is performed only by switching ON/OFF supply of the heating medium, and cooling with a cooling medium is not performed. In a process of cooling the resin, the temperature control is performed so that the temperatures of the fixed mold and the movable mold are maintained between an upper limit TUa and a lower limit TLa of a temperature range effective for resin annealing by stop of supply of the cooling medium and the supply and stop of the heating medium.
US08043536B2	Silver-palladium alloy containing conductor paste for ceramic substrate and electric circuit A conductor paste for a ceramic substrate contains a) a conductive metal powder comprising a silver powder and a palladium powder; b) a glass powder; and c) an organic solvent, wherein the conductive metal powder has an average particle diameter of not more than 1.2 μm, and the glass powder is a Bi2O3—SiO2—B2O3 type glass powder, and the content of the glass powder is in a range of from 1 to 6 wt % based on the weight of the paste.
US08043534B2	Maleimide compositions and methods for use thereof The invention is based on the discovery that compositions containing certain maleimide compounds and aromatic diene compounds are useful as thermosetting resins for the electronic packaging industry. The invention compositions described herein can be cured in a variety of ways, with or without a catalyst. In some embodiments, the well-known “ene” reaction can be used to cure the compositions described herein, and therefore no catalyst is required.
US08043528B2	Luminescent material A luminescent material is provided, which comprises a crystalline phase including Y, Si, O and N, and an activator comprising Tb and Ce.
US08043526B2	Stabilized crosslinking composition This invention relates to a crosslinking composition comprising an organic acid and a compound having the structure of Formula I: A′-NRA—RD wherein A′, RA, and RD are defined in the specification. This invention also relates to a process for producing the crosslinking composition by reacting an amino compound containing amino groups; a mono(alkylaldehyde) and/or a poly(alkylaldehyde), and an alcohol; and adding an organic compound where said amino compound is selected from the group consisting of triazine, linear or cyclic ureas, cyanuric acid, substituted cyanuric acids, linear or cyclic amides, glycolurils, hydantoins, linear or cyclic carbamates and mixtures thereof.
US08043525B2	Wet etching solution A wet etching solution includes hydrogen fluoride in an amount of about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the etching solution, an inorganic acid in an amount of about 10% to about 40% by weight of the etching solution, the inorganic acid being one or more of nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and/or hydrochloric acid, a surfactant in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 5% by weight of the etching solution, the nonionic surfactant including one or more of alkylphenol ethoxylate and/or ammonium lauryl sulfate, and water.
US08043524B2	Synthetic refrigeration oil composition for HFC applications Novel refrigeration compositions comprising at least one ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid which can have a chain length in the range of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The composition can contain a carrier fluid or base oil selected from alkylbenzenes, alkylated naphthenics, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinylethers, polyalphaolefins, mineral oils, polyol esters, and combinations thereof, providing improved fluidity and heat transfer, and enhanced oil return. A method of making a refrigeration composition by preparing at least one ester by esterifying a first component comprising at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid with a second component comprising at least one alcohol and combining the at least one ester with a base oil selected from the group consisting of alkylbenzenes, alkylated naphthenics, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinylethers, polyalphaolefins, mineral oils, polyol esters, and combinations thereof.
US08043522B2	Ferrite material and method for producing ferrite material The invention provides a ferrite material (ferrite sintered body, ferrite powders) having a composition formula of (1-x-y-z)(Li0.5Fe0.5)O.xZnO.y(Mn, Fe)2O3.zCuO, wherein x, y, z, and a satisfy 0.175≦x≦0.29; 0.475≦y≦0.51; 0.07≦z≦0.22; and 0.02≦a≦0.055 in a case of a=Mn/(Mn+Fe). At least one of Co oxide, Co hydroxide, and Co carbonate in an amount of 1 wt. % or less on the basis of CoO may be contained in 100 wt % of the ferrite material. The ferrite material has a normalized impedance ZN of 40000 Ω/m or more at 30 MHz and a normalized impedance ZN of 60000 Ω/m or more at 100 MHz as well as a specific resistance of 106 Ωm or more.
US08043519B2	Thin film support substrate for use in hydrogen production filter and production method of hydrogen production filter In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.
US08043517B2	Method of forming openings in substrates and inkjet printheads fabricated thereby A method of forming an opening through a substrate includes defining an area on a first surface of the substrate where the opening is to be formed, the area having a center region flanked by edge regions. A top layer having a substantially closed space located over the area is formed on the first surface. Structure for promoting etching of the center region is provided, and the first surface of the substrate is etched in the area. In one embodiment, the method can fabricate an inkjet printhead having a substrate having an ink feed hole formed therethrough and an orifice plate formed thereon. A plurality of particle tolerance elements located over a center region of the ink feed hole promoted etching during the fabrication of the printhead.
US08043516B2	Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording medium According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming protruded magnetic patterns on a substrate, depositing a nonmagnetic material in recesses between the magnetic patterns and on the magnetic patterns, and etching back the nonmagnetic material using an oxygen-containing etching gas while reforming a surface of the nonmagnetic material.
US08043508B2	Method for purifying suspended water by membrane filtration A method for membrane filtration purification of suspended water, comprising filtering the suspended water under an external pressure through a porous hollow fiber membrane comprising a polyolefin, a copolymer of olefin and halogenated olefin, halogenated polyolefin or a mixture thereof and having an open area ratio in an outer surface of not less than 20% and a pore diameter in a minimum pore diameter layer of not smaller than 0.03 μm and not larger than 1 μm.
US08043507B2	Ion chromatography system using catalytic gas elimination A liquid chromatographic system is provided including catalytically combining hydrogen and oxygen gases in the chromatography eluent stream in a catalytic gas elimination chamber, to form water and thereby reduce the gas content in the eluent stream. Also, a liquid ion chromatographic system in which the effluent from the detector is recycled to a membrane suppressor and then is mixed with a source of eluent for recycle to the chromatographic column.
US08043506B2	Process and reactor for anaerobic waste water purification The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water using a sludge bed system, which process comprises feeding waste water, and optionally recycle water, to the lower part of an upflow reactor, containing mainly granular biomass thus producing biogas in the treatment passing the resulting gas/liquid/solid mixture upward and separating the gas and solid from the liquid in a three phase separator and thereby generating an anaerobic effluent that is withdrawn from the top of the separator, the improvement comprising separating the solids from the liquid in a separator, wherein, above the separation of the gas from the liquid phase, tilted plates, tubes or other tilted internals are installed in the three phase separator body to increase the effective settling surface, to an upflow reactor suitable for this process as well as to a three phase separator.
US08043505B2	Treatment equipment of organic waste and treatment method In treatment equipment of organic waste provided with a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by conducting the high temperature and high pressure treatment of the organic waste, a dehydration treatment apparatus to recover the dehydrated solid matter by conducting the dehydration treatment of the slurried material and a water treatment apparatus to conduct the purification treatment of a separated liquid separated by the dehydration treatment apparatus, the treatment equipment of organic waste is characterized by having a crusher to crush said organic waste before conducting the high pressure and temperature treatment and providing to said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus a steam blowing means to blow steam into the organic waste in said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus, wherein said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus is formed as a continuous reaction tank to which the organic waste is continuously supplied and to which the steam is blown from the said steam blowing means to cause the reaction while heating, pressurizing and agitating, and wherein said water treatment apparatus is provided with a membrane separation treatment apparatus to conduct the separation treatment via the separation membrane as a condensed liquid of the residual solid matter in the separated liquid.
US08043500B2	Aircraft potable water disinfection/sanitation system A system and method of disinfecting and sanitizing potable water on an aircraft. An ozone generator generates a supply of ozone which is fed into an injector. A pump is connected to a water supply line and an end of an injector. Water flows from the water supply line through the pump and into the injector where the water and the supply of ozone mix to disinfect the water.
US08043494B2	Method for improving bitumen recovery from oil sands by production of surfactants from bitumen asphaltenes In a method for increasing the efficiency of bitumen recovery from oil sands, bitumen asphaltenes naturally present in the oil sands ore are treated with selected chemical agents to produce surfactants which reduce surface and interfacial tensions and promote the production of bitumen-water emulsions, thus facilitating the extraction and recovery of bitumen for use in producing synthetic crude oil. The agents react with the asphaltenes by oxidation, sulfonation, sulfoxidation, or sulfomethylation reactions, or by a combination of such reactions. These reactions may be initiated by adding selected agents into water-based oil sand slurries in process vessels or in pipelines. Alternatively, the agents may be injected directly into subsurface oil sand formations for in situ production of surfactants to enhance the efficiency of in situ thermal bitumen recovery processes. The methods of the invention may also be used to improve the stability of bitumen-water emulsions to facilitate transportation of the emulsions by pipeline, and to enhance the recoverability of bitumen from oil sands tailings.
US08043491B2	Particle-dispersed complex and solid electrolytic sensor using it A particle-dispersed complex which can serve as a very active electrochemical catalyst used as the sensor electrode of a solid electrolyte sensor such as an oxygen sensor and an exhaust gas sensor that are sensitive even at low temperature, or as the electrode or the like of an electrochemical device or the like such as an electrolysis or a battery or the like by dispersing without aggregating ruthenium system fine particles having a very small particle size into a carbon matrix phase to keep ruthenium system fine particles in a high catalyst active state. The particle-dispersed complex is characterized by comprising fine particles that have a particles size of 5-100 nm, contain ruthenium element as a constituent element, and are dispersed in a matrix mainly containing carbon, and by having conductivity.
US08043490B2	Electrochemical sensor A combination electrode, including: A first tube; a measuring membrane, which sealedly closes the first tube to form a measuring chamber; a second tube, which surrounds the first tube and is connected borderingly with the first tube to form an annular reference chamber; a buffer solution located in the measuring chamber; an electrolyte solution located in the reference chamber; a first tapping electrode in contact with the buffer solution; and a second tapping electrode in contact with the electrolyte; wherein, additionally, arranged in the reference chamber is an axially shiftable, annular, sealing element, which bounds the volume occupied by the electrolyte solution, the sealing element is biased by means of an electrically conductive, elastic, deformation element, which surrounds the first tube, and the second tapping electrode is electrically connected with the deformation element, in order to tap the potential of the second electrode via the deformation element.
US08043488B2	Rotatable sputter target The invention relates to a rotatable sputter target and to a method to manufacture such a sputter target. The sputter target comprises a target material and a magnet array located at the interior of the target material. The magnet array defines a central zone extending along the major part of the length of the target material and defines an end zone at each end of the central zone. The target material comprises a first material and a second material. The target material comprises the first material at least on the central zone and comprises the second material at least on the end zones. The second material has a lower sputter deposition rate than the first material. The second material is preferably applied by thermal spraying. The first material comprises a first element and the second material comprises a compound of the first element of the first material.
US08043484B1	Methods and apparatus for resputtering process that improves barrier coverage Conductive or barrier material is deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that has at least two operations. The first operation involves depositing a layer of the material on at least a portion of the field regions of the wafer. The second operation involves resputtering at least the layer residing on the field region of the wafer under high pressure. If the pressure is sufficiently high, momentum transfer reflection of the resputtered material will take place, such that at least some of the resputtered material is placed in the recessed features of the wafer. This approach can, among other advantages, offer improved step coverage and better utilization of the material.
US08043483B2	Film forming method by sputtering and sputtering apparatus thereof To provide a sputtering apparatus that enables oblique film forming by arranging a target and a substrate so as to allow sputtered particles emitted from the target to obliquely enter the substrate selectively, and can form a magnetic film having high uniaxial magnetic anisotropy uniformly and compactly. A sputtering apparatus includes a cathode having a sputtering target supporting surface, the cathode being provided with a rotation axis about which the sputtering target supporting surface rotates, and a stage having a substrate supporting surface, the stage being provided with a rotation axis about which the substrate supporting surface rotates, and the sputtering apparatus is constituted such that the sputtering target supporting surface and the substrate supporting surface face to each other, and are rotatable independently about respective rotation axes. Further, it is constituted such that a shield plate is arranged between the sputtering target supporting surface and the substrate supporting surface, and is rotatable independently from the cathode and the stage.
US08043479B2	Desalination system A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid. This turbulent flow develops a significant amount of interfacial surface area between the gas and the fluid resulting in a reduction of the required residence time of the gas within the fluid to achieve thermal equilibrium which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation. Additionally, vapor exiting the submerged gas evaporator is condensed in a condensing unit thus precipitating vapor into a liquid for removal.
US08043471B2	Plasma processing apparatus A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber; a plasma generating unit for generating a plasma of a gas supplied into the processing chamber; a substrate mounting table, disposed in the processing chamber, for mounting a semiconductor substrate having a surface on which an etching and/or a film forming process is to be performed. The apparatus further includes a metal member disposed in the processing chamber and to be etched by the plasma generated in the processing chamber to release a precursor of a film to be formed by the film forming process into the processing chamber; a gas supply unit for supplying a first and a second gas into the processing chamber, wherein the second gas which includes halogen atoms and is different from the first gas; a first and a second wiring for supplying high frequency power to the metal member and the substrate mounting table, respectively.
US08043465B2	Catheter for uniform delivery of medication The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with some embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube. Fluid within the spring and greater than or equal to a threshold pressure advantageously flows radially outward between the spring coils. Advantageously, the fluid is dispensed substantially uniformly throughout a length of the spring. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region.
US08043459B2	Reversible dry adhesives for wet and dry conditions One embodiment includes a dry adhesive material including catechol chemically attached to the surface of a shape memory polymer molecule. The catechol content may allow the dry adhesive to be utilized in both dry and wet conditions to bond objects together. The shape memory polymer may allow the dry adhesive to be reversibly attached to the objects.
US08043455B2	Method for forming an insulating glazing unit A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.
US08043452B2	Multifunctional electromagnetic shielding A method of manufacturing a multifunctional shielding mat for an interior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one sheet of dampening material, coupling at least one sheet of electromagnetic shielding material to the at least one sheet of dampening material, and configuring the multifunctional shielding mat to cover a predetermined area of the vehicle.
US08043450B2	Method of cutting tissue using a laser A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge.
US08043446B2	High manganese duplex stainless steel having superior hot workabilities and method manufacturing thereof A high manganese duplex stainless steel with excellent hot workability, comprising (in weight %): less than 0.1% of C; 0.05-2.2% of Si; 2.1-7.8% of Mn; 20-29% of Cr; 3.0-9.5% of Ni; 0.08-0.5% of N; less than 5.0% of Mo and 1.2-8% of W, alone or composite; the balance Fe and inevitable impurities; and a method for manufacturing the duplex stainless steel, comprising the steps of: solution heating the duplex stainless steel composition at a temperature of 1,050 to 1,250° C., hot working at a starting temperature of 1,130 to 1,280° C. and then ending at a temperature greater than 1,000° C., and then cooling within the temperature range from 1,000 to 700° C. at a cooling rate of more than 3° C./min. The duplex stainless steel exhibits a reduction in area of more than 50% at 1,050° C., and possesses a yield strength of more than 400 MPa, and a corrosion rate of less than 0.36 mm/year, after solution heating.
US08043444B2	Steel wire for cold-formed spring excellent in corrosion resistance and method for producing the same A steel wire for a cold-formed spring according to the present invention contains a prescribed chemical component composition, wherein: a martensitic transformation start temperature MS1 shown by the following expression (1) is in the range from 280° C. to 380° C.; the austenite grain size number N of austenite grains is No. 12 or more; the grain boundary share of carbide precipitated along the austenite grain boundaries is 50% or less; the amount of retained austenite after austenitized and tempered is 20 vol. % or less; and the tensile strength is 2,000 MPa or more; MS1=550−361[C]−39[Mn]−20[Cr] (1), where [C], [Mn] and [Cr] represent the contents (mass %) of C, Mn and Cr, respectively. Such a steel wire can: secure hot-rolling formability and subsequent drawability while aiming at higher strength and higher stress; moreover exhibit excellent corrosion resistance; and obtain a spring (mainly a suspension spring for an automobile) excellent also in fatigue strength which is a basic required characteristic.
US08043443B2	Apparatus for cleaning nozzle Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for cleaning a nozzle, which can automatically clean pollutant of the nozzle. The nozzle cleaning apparatus comprises the nozzle in a polluted state, a nozzle cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the nozzle by use of an absorbing member, and an absorbing member cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the absorbing member. With this configuration, the nozzle cleaning apparatus can clean the polluted nozzle by use of the absorbing member and in turn, can clean the polluted absorbing member by use of cleaning liquid, whereby automatic cleaning of the nozzle can be accomplished. Automatic cleaning of the polluted nozzle has the effect of reducing cleaning labor and time, and improving productivity.
US08043441B2	Method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using non-Newtonian fluids A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. In this method, a flow of non-Newtonian fluid is provided where at least a portion of the flow exhibits plug flow. To remove particles from a surface of the substrate, the surface of the substrate is placed in contact with the portion of the flow that exhibits plug flow such that the portion of the flow exhibiting plug flow moves over the surface of the substrate. Additional methods and apparatuses for cleaning a substrate also are described.
US08043435B2	Cleaning liquid and cleaning method for electronic material A cleaning liquid for an electronic material, in particular, a silicon wafer, uses ultra-pure water or hydrogen water as raw material water, and performs cleaning in combination with ultrasonic irradiation under the presence of hydrogen micro-bubbles. The method enables efficient cleaning and removal of particle components and the like on the wafer surface and prevention of re-contamination.
US08043432B2	Atomic layer deposition systems and methods Systems and methods for depositing thin films using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). The deposition system includes a process chamber with a peripheral sidewall, partitions that divide a processing space inside the process chamber into at least first and second compartments, and a platter that supports substrates within the processing space. The platter rotates the substrates relative to the stationary peripheral sidewall and compartments. The first compartment receives a process material used to deposit a layer on each of the substrates. An injector, which injects the process material, communicates with the first compartment through the peripheral sidewall.
US08043427B2	Semiconductor wafers of silicon and method for their production Semiconductor wafers of silicon are produced by pulling a single crystal growing on a phase boundary from a melt contained in a crucible and cutting of semiconductor wafers therefrom, wherein during pulling of the single crystal, heat is delivered to a center of the phase boundary and a radial profile of a ratio V/G from the center to an edge of the phase boundary is controlled, G being the temperature gradient perpendicular to the phase boundary and V being the pull rate. The radial profile of the ratio V/G is controlled so that the effect of thermomechanical stress in the single crystal adjoining the phase boundary, is compensated with respect to creation of intrinsic point defects. The invention also relates to defect-free semiconductor wafers of silicon, which can be produced economically by this method.
US08043426B2	Method for treating cement kiln dust A method for treating cement kiln dust containing alkaline metal salts includes the steps of hydration (formation of calcium hydroxide), dehydration i.e. drying, fractionation by sieving and carbonation (reaction of the fractionated moistened cement kiln dust) with CO2 gas in a fluidized bed reactor.
US08043423B2	Pigment dispersion liquid, ink jet recording ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge and ink jet recording apparatus A pigment dispersion liquid capable of stably recording images having high fastness and excellent quality for a long term in any cases has been provided. A pigment dispersion liquid mainly containing a polymer dispersant, a pigment and water, wherein the polymer dispersant is a copolymer comprised of at least a hydrophobic unit and a hydrophilic unit, the hydrophobic unit has a block portion comprised of at least one hydrophobic monomer, the hydrophilic unit has at least a repeating unit structure of an acrylamide structure of the following general formula (1), and the segment number (A) of the block portion comprised of a hydrophobic monomer to the number (B) of all segments of the polymer dispersant is in a range of 0.07 to 0.85 in terms of A/B ratio.
US08043421B2	Durable automotive windshield coating and the use thereof The present invention is directed to a kit for rendering a glass surface water repellent. This invention is particularly directed to a kit for coating a windshield of a vehicle to render the windshield water repellent.
US08043418B2	Gas separator apparatus An apparatus for separating at least one component from a mixture of a plurality of chemical species is provided. The apparatus comprises a membrane structure comprising a plurality of pores disposed within a matrix material to allow mass transport from a first surface of the membrane structure to a second surface of the membrane structure. The matrix material has a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W/m/K; and a functional material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The functional material has the property of promoting selective transport of at least one species through the membrane structure from the first surface to the second surface.
US08043417B2	Column installed condenser A reactor-installed or column-installed vertical plate heat exchanger having channels for flow of cooling fluid and vertical passageways between the cooling fluid channels for flow of product. A divider is located between a first fraction and a second fraction of the product vertical passageways and a vapor product inlet communicates with the tops of the product vertical passageways in the first fraction. A product collection volume communicates with the bottoms of the product vertical passageways and an outlet communicates with the product collection volume for recovering condensed product. An uncondensed vapor outlet communicates with the tops of the vertical passageways in the second fraction for removing uncondensed vapor from the heat exchanger.
US08043416B2	System and method for controlling foam in a printing system A member for controlling foam in a material reservoir includes a body, a concave space in the body, and wings extending from the body in the concave space. A method of controlling foam in an ink reservoir of a printing system includes rotating a foam control member above ink in the reservoir to dissipate accumulated foam, where the member includes a concave space open toward the ink and wings extending in the concave space.
US08043411B2	Devices, systems and methods for reducing the concentration of a chemical entity in fluids A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.
US08043410B2	Vacuum cleaner with removable dust collector, and methods of operating the same A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.
US08043408B2	Direct smelting of zinc bearing compounds to produce metallic zinc A process and apparatus for producing lead and zinc from concentrates of zinc and lead sulfides or oxides includes the steps of: (a) mixing lead ore and/or zinc ore concentrates, iron bearing and carbon containing materials, metallic iron fines and iron oxide fines, carbonaceous reductant, fluxing agent, and a binder to form a mixture; (b) forming agglomerates from the mixture (c) introducing the agglomerates to a melting furnace; (d) maintaining a reducing atmosphere within the melting furnace; (e) vaporizing lead and zinc in the melting furnace at a temperature of 1000 to 1650 C, and removing the lead and zinc from the melting furnace in vaporized form; (f) cooling and condensing the metal vapors to liquid metal; and (g) separating the zinc and lead; and (h) recovering the lead and zinc metal separately.
US08043402B2	Method for the production of a foamed slag in a metal bath A method for producing a foamed slag (1) on a metal bath (2) in a metallurgical furnace (3), in which a mixture (4) containing at least one metal oxide and carbon is introduced into the furnace (3), the metal oxide is reduced by the carbon below the slag (1) that is located there, and the gases produced during the reduction process form bubbles such that the slag is foamed. In order to optimize the formation of foamed slag, the mixture (4) is delivered into the furnace (3) in such a way that a desired height (h) or a desired section of the height (h) of the layer of foamed slag (1) is generated or maintained.
US08043401B2	Method for the reduction of a slag having a high degree of chromium in an electric arc furnace During the production of stainless steel, a slag is formed during the melting of the solid material in the electric arc furnace, the slag having a high degree of metal oxides, particularly chromium oxide. The chromium concentration often reaches values of more than 30%. Currently, such slags cannot be reduced to a desired degree due to their composition. In order to minimize the resulting high loss of recyclable material, the invention provides to charge the electric arc furnace with pellets, or briquettes (8), which are made of a defined mixture of an iron carrier as the ballast material, carbon, or carbon and silicon, as the reducing agent, and a binder, wherein they react beneath the slag layer (7) in the steel melt (6) with the metal oxides of the slag (7), particularly with the chromium oxide present, in a floating, chemical, and reducing manner. The reaction gases (12) produced in the process, which are mainly made of carbon monoxide, advantageously support a foaming of the slag (7).
US08043396B2	Integrated plastic liner for propellant tanks for micro G conditions The present invention relates to propellant tanks for space platforms, launchers and every sort of space transport craft.
US08043393B2	Bonded abrasive article and method of making A bonded abrasive article is provided that includes abrasive grains within a bond matrix, the abrasive grains including cubic boron nitride (cBN) and the bond matrix including a polycrystalline ceramic phase. The bonded abrasive may have a Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of not less than about 40 MPa. Certain embodiments may have porosity, such as greater than about 5.0 vol %.
US08043392B2	Mixture of molten alumina-zirconia grains The mixture of molten alumina-zircon grains has the following chemical composition in percentage by weight to give 100%: 40-45.5% ZrO+HfO2; 46-58% Al2O3; 0-10% additive; <0.8% SIO2 and <1,2% impurities. The mixture is characterised in that the degree of impurity-containing grains is less than 2% and the nodule concentration measured on the section of any grain of the mixture is greater than 500 nodules per mm2 in at least 50% of cases.
US08043391B2	Method for producing and preparing fast pyrolysis products from biomass for an entrained-flow pressure gasification A method is provided for producing and preparing fast pyrolysis products from a biomass for entrained-flow pressure gasification that includes: heating of the biomass under exclusion of oxygen in a pyrolysis reactor, a temperature of between 400 to 600° C. being established for one to 50 seconds, such that the biomass reacts to form porous pyrolysis coke, pyrolysis condensate and pyrolysis gas; and drawing off the pyrolysis gas; condensing vaporous constituents of the pyrolysis condensate in a plurality of condensation stages so as to: condense, in a first condensation stage, at temperatures above the dew point of water, a low-temperature carbonization tar from the vaporous constituents; and condense and separate at temperatures between 0° C. and the dew point of water, in at least one subsequent condensation stage, an aqueous solution of oxygen containing organic compounds.
US08043381B2	Minimally invasive interbody device and method Methods and devices for insertion between adjacent vertebrae in a spine following removing at least a portion of a nucleus from within a disc. In one embodiment, the device includes a member having a flexible wall surrounding an internal volume and a coupler that is secured to the flexible wall. The member is adapted to expand when filled with a first filler material to form an interior cavity. The coupler has a first access point, a second access point, a first coupler side hole, and an optional second coupler side hole. The first and second access points are adapted to removably receive one or more fill tubes. The fill tubes cooperate with the first and optional second coupler side holes to direct the first filler material into the internal volume and a second filler material into the interior cavity.
US08043379B2	Disc prosthesis having remote flexion/extension center of rotation An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a bearing surface positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate. The bearing surface may be provided by a mobile bearing disc including a convex bearing surface configured to engage the first endplate and a concave bearing surface configured to engage the second endplate. The multiple bearing surfaces of the mobile bearing disc engage articulating surfaces on the endplates to form a plurality of articulating joints. Each articulating joint is configured to facilitate a particular type of movement for the segmental unit. Furthermore, each articulating joint is defined by a distinct center of rotation. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a flexion/extension center of rotation for the prosthesis. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a lateral bending/torsional center of rotation for the prosthesis.
US08043376B2	Percutaneous posterior lateral in-situ cage Implants, tools and techniques facilitate a percutaneous posterior lateral approach to the placement of an in-situ cage, and an inventive cage design to meet this objective. In terms of apparatus, the invention includes a laterally expandable cage, including a locking gate, enabling the system to be introduced into an intradiscal space through a minimally invasive percutaneous posteo-lateral approach. In addition to the cage designs, adapted to hold bone graft and/or other biologic materials, the invention includes other novel instruments, including an introducer associated with cage placement, deployment and closure.
US08043375B2	Cartilage implants Cartilage implant devices are provided herein. The implant devices have circular, or oblong, articular ends. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face, the convex upper face blending to the concave lower face, and the concave lower face having a curvature less than the curvature of the convex upper face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the upper face, the stem having a maximum radius at the convex lower face and tapering to lesser radius along the length of the stem.
US08043374B2	Apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament A system for use in reconstructing a ligament is provided. The system includes a graft ligament support block and an installation tool. The support block includes a body having a distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the proximal end being tapered so as to facilitate withdrawal of the support block through a bone tunnel, a graft hole extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis and configured to receive a graft ligament therein and a transverse fixation pin hole extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis and configured to receive a transverse fixation pin therein. The installation tool includes a holder having a shaft with distal and proximal ends and longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the proximal end of the shaft including at least one finger for engagement in the opening and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the shaft.
US08043364B2	Implant with attached element and method of making such an implant A tubular implant having an axial end to which is attached a ring of spoons of a material different from that of the implant. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of attaching elements to an axial end of a tubular implant comprising the steps of providing said elements on one end of a support tube having a radius substantially that of the implant in its unexpanded configuration, abutting the implant and elements end-to-end, fixing the elements to the implant; and parting the elements from the support tube. In a third aspect, the invention provides an implant carrying an element of another material, the element and implant having complementary tapered mating surfaces for achieving a taper form fit of the element onto the implant.
US08043362B2	Apparatus and methods for use of expandable members in surgical applications An apparatus includes an expandable member and an elongate assembly. The expandable member is configured to displace a first portion of a bone structure relative to a second portion of the bone structure when moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The elongate assembly includes a shaft and an elongated member disposed with a lumen defined by the shaft. A proximal end portion of the expandable member is coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft such that the proximal end portion of the expandable member does not rotate relative to the distal end portion of the shaft when at least a portion of the expandable member is twisted about the elongated member through at least four revolutions.
US08043358B2	Stent with overlap and high extension A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands that overlap along the length of the stent. Each serpentine band may comprise a plurality of alternating first struts and second struts connected by a plurality of alternating proximal turns and distal turns. Each first strut defines a curvilinear path different from that of each second strut.
US08043357B2	Ring stent A stent arrangement which has at least a first ring (3) and zig zag struts (5) extending axially from the periphery of the ring. There can be first and second rings (3, 4) axially spaced apart and defining substantially parallel planes and a plurality of zig zag portions (5) between the first and second ring portions around the periphery thereof. The stent can be formed from a single wire or laser cut from a cannula and can be covered or uncovered.
US08043354B2	Thoracic deployment device and stent graft A stent graft introducer for intraluminal deployment of a stent graft (26), the introducer comprising a stent graft release mechanism (6) to allow partial release of the stent graft (26) when carried on the introducer, whereby control of the stent graft can be maintained while allowing access into the lumen of the stent graft from at least one end of the stent graft. The partial release can comprise partial release of one end of the stent graft.
US08043345B2	Device and method for correcting a spinal deformity A method for correcting a spinal deformity is provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra.
US08043339B2	Flexible member for use in a spinal column and method for making The present invention relates to flexible members for stabilizing a spinal column and methods for making the flexible members. In one embodiment, a flexible member comprises an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer situated securely around the inner elastomeric member. The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity to provide the flexible member with a desired flexibility. In another embodiment, the flexible member includes an outer covering that defines an outer elastomeric member. The outer elastomeric member may be situated securely around the outer fabric layer with the inner elastomeric member, the outer fabric layer, and the outer elastomeric member having the common lengthwise axis and defining the body including the opposing first and second ends. The outer elastomeric member may have a second elasticity that is less than the first elasticity.
US08043336B2	Posterior vertebral support assembly The invention concerns an assembly (1) comprising an interspinous wedge (5) configured to be inserted between the spinous processes (9) of two vertebrae (2) to be treated, whereof at least one zone designed to be placed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae is made of an elastically deformable material. The assembly (1) further comprises: two compressive lateral elements (6), designed to be placed on either side of the wedge (5) in the longitudinal direction, said compressive lateral elements (6) being deformable between releasing positions, wherein they are relatively spaced apart from the wedge (5) in the transverse direction, and compressive positions, wherein they are relatively close to the wedge (5) in the transverse direction; and two lateral transmission elements (7), placed between the compressive lateral elements (6) and the wedge (5), configured to press against the wedge (5) in the transverse direction thereof, at the interspinous zone (10) of the wedge (5).
US08043334B2	Articulating facet fusion screw A spinal implant is provided having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis and threads extending over at least a portion of the outer surface thereof. The implant includes a stabilization feature associated with the elongate member that is selectively configurable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which the stabilization feature is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Also, at least a portion of the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material. In another aspect, the invention includes methods for providing stabilization within a facet joint by delivery of an articulating intra-facet screw.
US08043329B2	Method of implanting an adjustable occlusion device Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.
US08043325B2	Loading device for delivering an embolization coil into a microcatheter In one embodiment of the present invention, a device for delivering an embolization coil into a microcatheter for deployment of the embolization coil from the microcatheter into a body vessel of a patient is provided. The device comprises a cannula that has a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. The cannula has a lumen formed through the proximal and distal portions. The distal portion has a distal tip that is formed from metal and is configured to interface with the microcatheter for advancing the embolization coil from the lumen into the microcatheter. The proximal portion is at least partially formed of a transparent material for viewing into the lumen to facilitate delivery of the embolization coil into the microcatheter.
US08043323B2	In vivo filter assembly Disclosed is an assembly for filtering debris flowing in an in vivo fluid stream, the assembly comprising at least one balloon configured to volumetrically expand and, during at least a portion of the expansion, operatively connect with a filter, and to contract following the expansion. The assembly further comprising a filter configured to operatively connect with the at least one balloon during at least a portion of the volumetric expansion of the at least one balloon, such that the filter expands during the operative connection in order to filter debris from a fluid flowing in a fluid stream within which the expanded filter is disposed.
US08043322B2	Removable vena cava filter having inwardly positioned anchoring hooks in collapsed configuration The present invention involves a removable filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts. The plurality of primary struts has first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut has an arcuate segment extending from the first end to an anchoring hook. The primary struts are configured to move between an expanded state for engaging the anchoring hooks with the blood vessel and a collapsed state for filter retrieval or delivery. Each primary strut is configured to cross another primary strut along the longitudinal axis in the collapsed state such that each anchoring hook faces the longitudinal axis away from the blood vessel for filter retrieval or delivery. The plurality of secondary struts has connected ends attached together along the longitudinal axis. The secondary struts extend therefrom to free ends to centralize the filter in the expanded in the blood vessel.
US08043317B2	System for withdrawing blood The present invention includes a system for withdrawing body fluids. The system includes a drive unit having a plunger which is moved from a resting position into a lancing position in order to carry out a lancing process and a lancing unit containing a lancet with a needle. The plunger and lancet are coupled together by a form fit in order to carry out a lancing process. The invention additionally concerns a method for temporarily extending a needle from a device for withdrawing body fluid as well as a lancing unit that can be attached to the drive unit.
US08043309B2	Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues or anatomical structures Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development purposes or other purposes.
US08043308B2	Bone suture Devices and methods useful for suturing soft tissue to bone are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bone-suturing device is provided and can include a delivery needle, a delivery needle driving element, a capture needle, and a capture needle driving element. The delivery needle driving element and capture needle driving element can advance the delivery needle and the capture needle through soft tissue and into bone, respectively, and the paths of the delivery needle and the capture needle can intersect therein. The delivery needle can be adapted for holding a suture and the capture needle can be adapted for receiving the suture held by the delivery needle. In another embodiment, an injection device can be provided to deliver an adhesive material into bone. The devices and methods disclosed herein can provide simple and minimally invasive ways to suture soft tissue to bone with a high resistance to pullout and reduced recovery time, and may be used as part of percutaneous, arthroscopic, or open surgical procedures.
US08043307B2	Apparatus for compressing body tissue A medical device for endoscopically deploying a hemostatic clip adapted to compress tissue. The hemostatic clip comprises a ring portion adapted to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and a plurality of legs attached to the ring portion, each of the legs being movable between an open position and a closed position to compress tissue. The device may include an actuator mechanism to move each of the legs from the open position to the closed position. The device may include a releasable attachment connecting the clip to the endoscope. The clip may include a hinge connecting the ring portion to each of the legs.
US08043303B2	Handle for interchangeable medical device A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses a handle fixed to an outer rigid cannula, and an inner cannula to control an extraction device that may be removable from the inner cannula. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may be used with a removable extraction device such as a basket, a grasper a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.
US08043300B2	Handpiece tip assembly A tip assembly for a liquefaction surgical handpiece having a break-away or frangible tip protector. The tip protector protects the delicate tip from damage during handling and shipment, but is easily removed prior to use.
US08043299B2	Internal bone transport An internal bone transport device and method for lengthen bone that, once surgically implanted will allow for a segment of bone to be transported along the length of the rod without changing the overall length of the rod. The segment from one bone end is transported to the other in a controlled fashion allowing for complete control of the rate of bone transport and adjusting this rate to the quality of the bone formation. The segment is moved either by the application of an externally applied magnetic force or by a fluid actuator in combination with a compression spring. It applies to patients in whom a segment of bone has been removed. This fully internal bone transport allows the bone transport to occur without any external fixation, thus eliminating the problems associated with pin tract infections and pain from the pins cutting through the soft tissue.
US08043290B2	Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of deformities Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating an internal body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a platform external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the platform, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the platform to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.
US08043287B2	Method of treating biological tissue A treatment method is disclosed for treating a bodily tissue utilizing one or more steps of removal of material as well as one or more steps of energy delivery in order to effectively treat the bodily tissue. These mechanisms of treatment may beneficially be used to induce separate treatment effects, for example to treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause of a specific pathological condition. In addition, a specific application of the inventive method is described for using the inventive method to treat an intervertebral disc.
US08043285B2	Systems for treating a hollow anatomical structure A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.
US08043283B2	Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.
US08043280B2	Medical device connector fitting A releasable medical device connector comprises a connector fitting with a spin nut which connects to an adaptor. The connector fitting has at least one radially extending member with a variable radius cross section. The spin nut is disposed upon the connector fitting proximal of the radially extending member and is both axially slidable and rotatable upon the elongated body of the connector fitting. A screw thread within a proximal portion of the spin nut is used to secure the tapering portion of the connector fitting to an external thread disposed upon the adaptor. To release the connector, the spin nut is unscrewed from the adaptor and slid so that a distal receptacle of the spin nut engages the radially extending member of the connector fitting. With the spin nut and connector fitting engaged, the medical line can be released from the adaptor by twisting and pulling upon the spin nut. The radially extending member of the connector fitting may also be used to secure the medical line to a retainer comprising one or more slots.
US08043276B2	Absorbent article An absorbent article, including: a leak preventer in sheet form having a bottom surface part and a pair of side parts raised upward from both the right and left sides of the bottom surface part and forming an internal space by the bottom surface part and the pair of side parts; an absorber arranged in the internal space at least in one layer, containing a super absorbent polymer, and capable of absorbing body fluids; a pair of side edge stretchable bands provided to extend along edge parts of the pair of side parts; a waist band joined to a rear end of the leak preventer and extending in a lateral direction; and a pair of hip wrapping stretchable bands connected to the pair of side parts of the leak preventer and/or the pair of side edge stretchable bands and to the waist band.
US08043274B2	Disposable undergarment with stretch areas for optimal fit A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.
US08043270B2	Pharmaceutical analysis apparatus and method An apparatus and method are provided for analyzing the release of active agent(s) from pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide for more accurate simulation of the conditions in the GI tract including forces that are applied to the dosage form.
US08043268B1	Safety needle and method of using same A safety hypodermic needle and a method of using the same are disclosed. The safety needle comprises a hypodermic needle and a protective sheath molded of a flexible polymeric material. The protective sheath comprises a needle sleeve with an open central passage which houses the sharp needle point. The needle sleeve is supported on a plurality of inwardly bowed ribs in an unflexed “at rest” condition in which the needle point is retained inside the needle sleeve to prevent inadvertent needle sticks. Levers attached to the ribs are used to move the ribs from their inwardly bowed unflexed “at rest” condition to an outwardly bowed flexed condition to permit the needle to pass through the open central passage of the needle sleeve and into a patient's body. After the needle is removed from the patient's body, the ribs automatically return to the unflexed “at rest” condition without the assistance of any additional biasing or restoring means.
US08043264B2	Sheath A sheath shaped and dimensioned for reducing trauma and easing insertion thereof includes an inner sheath member shaped and dimensioned to fit around a guidewire in a manner permitting relative movement, the inner sheath member including an inner sheath tip having a primary bevel and a circumferential conical surface. The sheath also includes an outer sheath member shaped and dimensioned to fit around the inner sheath member in a manner permitting relative movement. The outer sheath member includes an outer sheath tip having a primary bevel and a circumferential conical surface.
US08043261B2	Method for percutaneously implanting a medical catheter and medical catheter implanting assembly A method for percutaneously implanting a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube, and a medical catheter implanting assembly. In one embodiment, the implanting assembly includes a gastrostomy feeding tube, an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The feeding tube has an internal bolster integrally formed at its distal end. The inner sheath includes a bore extending distally from its proximal end to a point prior to its distal end and a transverse window communicating with the bore. The outer sheath includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore. The outer sheath is inserted over the inner sheath, and the feeding tube is inserted into the inner sheath, with the internal bolster being folded and tucked into the window and retained therein by the outer sheath. Movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner sheath to expose the window allows the bolster to decompress.
US08043258B2	Flow-inflated diffusion therapeutic delivery The present application includes devices, systems and methods for therapeutic agent delivery. A device in accord with the invention may include a first infusion lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis and a therapeutic agent. This device may also include an inflatable balloon in fluid communication with the first infusion lumen, the inflatable balloon having an exit outlet wherein the device is configured to exert pressure at a target site with an external surface of the balloon, the exerted pressure greater than a target pressure prior to the therapeutic agent exiting the inflatable balloon. A method in accord with the invention may include positioning a delivery device near an intended treatment site, injecting therapeutic agent through an infusion lumen into an inflatable balloon, and determining a target pressure at a target site by monitoring the blood pressure of a patient.
US08043255B2	Chair powered breast pump apparatus A chair powered breast pump apparatus has at least one breast shield adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast, a pump having a stationary portion and a reciprocating portion engaged for reciprocating movement, one or more suction lines connected in series between the stationary portion and the breast shield, a first connecting bracket configured to secure the reciprocating portion to a first portion of a chair movement mechanism, and a second connecting bracket configured to secure the stationary portion to a second portion of a chair movement mechanism, the first and second portions being relatively movable, whereby movement of the chair by a user seated in the chair reciprocates the reciprocating portion in and out of the stationary portion so as to apply suction to the breast shield.
US08043253B2	Device and method for rapid aspiration and collection of body tissue from within an enclosed body space Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.
US08043251B2	Ultrasound catheter and methods for making and using same Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, ultrasound catheters include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and, in some embodiments, a guidewire tube extending through the lumen. A distal head for disrupting occlusions is coupled with the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and is positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body. Some embodiments include improved features such as a bend in the catheter body for enhancing positioning and/or advancement of the catheter.
US08043250B2	High-aspect-ratio microdevices and methods for transdermal delivery and sampling of active substances A method of usign a high-aspect ratio microdevice for treating, preventing or ameliorating a medical condition is provided.
US08043246B2	Antimicrobial gas-releasing ear drainage tubes A nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit configured for surgical implantation through a patient's tympanic membrane. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit comprises a gas-permeable cured resin material configured for releasably sequestering therein gas. The gas-permeable cured resin material is charged with nitric oxide gas. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit may be optionally coated with an antimicrobial gas-releasing composition. The gas-releasing coating composition may be configured to release nitric oxide.
US08043243B2	Knee brace hinges having dual axes of rotation Disclosed is a knee brace that incorporates hinges that allow the brace to pivot simultaneously about a flexion-extension axis and a longitudinal rotation axis as the brace flexes and/or extends. The hinges include a medial hinge and a lateral hinge. The medial hinge defines a medial pivot axis and the lateral hinge defines a lateral pivot axis. The medial pivot axis does not coincide with the lateral pivot axis, and neither axis coincides with the flexion-extension axis. Calf portions of each hinge are pivotable with respect to their respective uprights about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal rotation axis. The pivotability of the calf portions with respect to the calf frame eliminates stresses that would otherwise develop in the hinges as the brace flexes and/or extends.
US08043242B2	Method of and system for joint therapy and stabilization A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.
US08043241B2	Convertible support system, device, and method for shoulder surgery patients A support system for surgical patients, a convertible support for surgical patients, and a method for providing a convertible support for surgical patients is provided. The support system includes an arm cradle adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle when the patient is in a supine position and a side bolster adapted to be positioned against a side of a patient opposite the arm cradle. The side bolster is adapted to stabilize the patient in the supine position. The arm cradle is adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle conducive to recovery from shoulder surgery when the patient is in a supine position. The arm cradle is also adapted to be worn as a sling when the patient is ambulatory. The arm cradle, side bolster, and an optional head support may be secured to a mat in a temporary manner.
US08043239B2	External counterpulsation (ECP) device for use in an ambulance or the like for heart attack patients to limit heart muscle damage A method and system for treating a patient having an acute myocardial infarction. Such system may comprise at least one tank having a pressurized gas contained therein, at least one housing having a shell and being adapted to at least partially surround a body segment of the patient, a hose/valve device for supplying the compressed gas from the tank to the housing; and a control device for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the tank to the housing in accordance with cardiac systole and cardiac diastolic of the patient to vary the pressure in synchronization with the patient's heart function. The system may be arranged within a moving vehicle, such as an ambulance, an airplane, or a ship.
US08043236B2	Breath training device The inventive breath training device comprises a respiratory tube, a low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator provided with an oscillation chamber embodied therein and provided with an input channel which is embodied in the form of an upwardly extending saddle-shaped body of revolution, contains a spherical ball and is connected to the respiratory tube and to an output channel communicating with ambient air, wherein the respiratory tube is provided with a jacket in which the body of the low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator rotatable about a horizontal axis is fixed and a bypass chamber provided with an inspiratory tube is formed, said inspiratory tube comprises an inspiratory valve provided with a tubular attachment and the output channel of the oscillation chamber of the low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator is also provided with an expiratory valve.
US08043235B2	Ultrasonic treatment of glaucoma A method of treating glaucoma is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic energy, holding the ultrasonic device at a location external to the trabecular meshwork, transmitting the ultrasonic energy at a frequency to a desired location for a predetermined time, causing biochemical changes to be initiated within the eye that may include triggering a presumed integrin response that initiates biochemical changes typified by but not limited to cytokines, enzymes, macrophage activity and heat shock proteins, and dislodging material built up in the trabecular meshwork.
US08043234B2	System and method for providing therapeutic treatment using a combination of ultrasound, electro-stimulation and vibrational stimulation Systems and methods are disclosed for providing therapeutic treatment using vibrational stimulation, ultrasound stimulation and electro-stimulation. The combined therapeutic treatment allows for more flexible and effective treatment of bone-loss related and other ailments and conditions by providing one or a combination of vibrational, ultrasound and/or electro-stimulation to a patient.
US08043233B2	Method for monitoring orientation of a maternal pelvis A method wherein a location or position sensor cooperates with a controller or other operating system such that a predefined motion pattern (circular motion, double click, translatory motion, reciprocal motion, and the like, and any combination thereof) of the sensor performs one or more specific tasks, which are not necessary related to the spatial locations per se of the sensor. Also a method for identifying sensors and landmarks is described including sensing the present location of the sensor plus an additional point and comparing with locations in the recent past.
US08043232B2	High performance wire guide A high performance wire guide is disclosed, having a core wire and an outer member disposed about the core wire for enhanced torque transmission along a longitudinal length of the core wire. The outer member may be an outer coil wrapped around the core wire in an interference fit.
US08043228B2	Medical instrument A method includes actuating a lever to move a cannula of a medical instrument from a first extended position to second retracted position; and actuating the lever to move a stylet of the medical instrument from a third extended position to a fourth retracted position. Actuating the lever comprises moving the lever from a first lever position spaced apart from a housing of the medical instrument to a second lever position closer to the housing.
US08043227B2	Non-invasive system and method for measuring skin hydration of a subject A non-invasive system and method for measuring skin hydration of a subject includes a thermistor used in transient mode to obtain a measurement of the thermal conductivity of the skin of the subject and a processor for determining a skin hydration value from the thermal conductivity measurement. The system for measuring skin hydration further includes a non-invasive system for detecting blood analyte concentration, such as glucose, with a spectroscopic device having e.g., an infrared source which generates infrared beam and detector for detecting transmitted radiation through portion (e.g., finger) of a subject. The system may also include skin hydrator which moisturizes the skin and is connected in a control loop to the system for measuring skin hydration. The system for detecting blood analyte concentration may include a photoacoustic device or a metabolic heat conformation device.
US08043223B2	Method and apparatus for automated vascular function testing A method and system for use in measuring the endothelial dysfunction utilizing flow mediated dilation and determining arterial health of a patient. The system includes a non-invasive blood pressure monitor, an ultrasound system and a pulse oximeter monitor that all communicate with each other to perform the flow mediated dilation. Initially, the ultrasound transducer, blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter sensor are positioned on an arm of the patient. The blood pressure cuff is inflated to occlude an artery for an occlusion period. Following the occlusion period, the ultrasound system is automatically signaled to begin determining a parameter of the artery, such as diameter, and the flow rate of blood through the artery without any operator intervention. At the same time, the pulse wave velocity PWV is calculated between the ultrasound transducer and the finger probe of the pulse oximeter following the occlusion period. Based upon the detected characteristics of the artery before and after occlusion, as well as the PWV, the system can determine the endothelial dysfunction and arterial health of the patient.
US08043218B2	Therapeutic endocavity probe comprising an image transducer integrated within the therapy ultrasonic transducer A therapeutic endocavity probe for treating tissues in particular of the prostate by emission of focused ultrasonic waves, including a support forming a guide tube extended by a mounting head for at least one therapy transducer component with an active surface emitting focused ultrasonic waves and having a spherical front of a total surface area in which a surface window is laid out for mounting an imaging transducer. According to the invention, the therapy transducer component has a front face having a total surface area equal to the sum of the active surface area equal to 1,500 mm2±200 mm2, and of the surface area of the window for letting through the imaging transducer, the ratio of the surface area of the window over the active surface area of the therapy transducer component being less than or equal to 0.45.
US08043217B1	Method and apparatus to quantify specific material properties of objects using real-time ultrasound burst spectrography technique Real-time Ultrasound Burst Spectrography (RUBS) is a technique in which a target is stimulated using a specialized ultrasound burst signal delivered by an imaging or non-imaging ultrasound transducer and the frequency spectrum of the resulting response is analyzed and studied. The objective of this method is to interrogate (vibrate) the target and then examine its characteristic response frequency (resonance) peaks, which are unique to its mechanical and material properties (viscosity, elasticity, plasticity, visco-elasticity, etc.). The resonances could deviate from a few Hz to several KHz and the response could be in the form of a narrow peak or a band of frequencies based on the stiffness coefficient of the target material. The primary goal is to develop a reliable and non-invasive ultrasound-based diagnostic device that can be used to identify different diseases or structural abnormalities based on the stationary or dynamic target's response frequency (resonance) to a specialized acoustic excitation.
US08043215B2	Drug titration utilizing an implantable medical device A method for titrating a drug to provide a medical therapy to a patient. The method includes the steps of providing an implantable medical device having a controller, providing one or more implantable sensors configured to sense physical parameters of the patient and configured to transmit signals to the controller. The method further includes the step of receiving signals from the one or more sensors at the controller. The method additionally includes processing the received signals to determine at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics of the patient. The method also includes determining a composite index based on the at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics. In addition, the method includes generating a signal based on the composite index. Medical device systems are also disclosed.
US08043212B1	Methods for treating cervical vertebrae through an access device A method for providing treatment at or near a cervical region of the spine of a patient is provided. An incision is formed in the skin of a patient above the cervical region. An elongate body is inserted into the patient through the incision, the elongate body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body. The elongate body is advanced until a distal end thereof resides at or near the cervical region of the spine. The size of the passage in the distal portion is increased relative to the size of the proximal portion.
US08043209B2	System and method for transmitting the content of memory storage in an in-vivo sensing device A method and system for in-vivo sensing includes transmitting data that relates to data stored in a memory area located in the sensing device. The data that relates to data stored in a memory area may be transmitted in a data block, and the data block may include sensory data. The data that relates to data stored in a memory area may be received, recorded, displayed, processed or used in any suitable way, for example, to generate commands to the sensing device.
US08043208B2	Guide wire insertion and re-insertion tools and methods of use An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.
US08043204B2	Transobturator surgical articles and methods Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for a transobturator surgical procedure are described.
US08043203B2	Method and device for tinnitus therapy A method and device for tinnitus therapy. The method includes generating pure sounds, each having a predetermined frequency, within an audible range, and waiting for a user to press an input button when the user hears the pure sound. Then, the hearing characteristics of the user are interpreted in conjunction with equal loudness contours. From this interpretation, either a tinnitus masking method or a tinnitus retraining therapy are selected according to the hearing characteristics of the user.
US08043202B2	Device and method for thermotherapy A thermotherapy device, in particular for babies, has a lying surface limited by longitudinal sides, a head side and a foot side. The thermotherapy device ensures a simple and safe access of a new-born without producing a detrimental psychological effect on parents. For this purpose, an upwardly oriented feeding device for supplying a hot and humid air is advantageously embodied in three parts, namely, a lateral feed pipe in each longitudinal part and/or a feed pipe in each foot side, a suction device for sucking supplied air is arranged above the lying surface, the suction device is arranged above the head side, in particular above the head area of the lying surface in such a way that the supplied air is sucked only above said head side and/or the head area.
US08043199B1	Exercise machine An exercise machine for providing a low impact workout that targets the core muscles. The exercise machine generally includes a lower frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface, an upper frame movably connected to the lower frame and movable between an upright in-use position and a folded compact position, an arced track supported in an inclined orientation by the upper frame, a pair of sway bars each pivotally connected adjacent an upper end of the upper frame, wherein the pair of sway bars are adapted for swinging movement along a length of the track and wherein the pair of sway bars move in unison, and a pair of knee retainers each movably connected to a respective sway bar, wherein the pair of knee retainers slidably and rotatably move independently of each other. Other components, such as handlebars, foot bars, seats, and elbow retainers are also utilized.
US08043195B2	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a support frame upon which is mounted a curvilinear track, the curvilinear track substantially conforming to a runner's footpath while striding. A first foot engaging support is secured to the curvilinear track for movement thereabout while exercising in accordance with the present invention. A resistance assembly is secured to the foot engaging support for applying resistance as a user moves the foot engaging support about the curvilinear track. A slide including a curvilinear carriage rides upon the curvilinear track and a first user engaging support is coupled to the slide for movement about the curvilinear track. A linear carriage rides upon a linear carriage rail supported by the support frame and a resistance assembly is coupled to the linear carriage. A slide bar links the curvilinear carriage of the slide to the linear carriage for the application of resistance as the user engaging support is moved about the curvilinear track.
US08043193B2	Gear mechanism for a heald shaft drive A gear mechanism for the drive assembly of a heald shaft (1), wherein the gear mechanism (6, 6a, 6b, 6c) comprises an input shaft (7, 7b, 7c) and an output shaft (5, 5b, 5c). The gear mechanism (6, 6a, 6b, 6c) generates a differential angle of rotation between the input shaft (7, 7b, 7c) and the output shaft (5, 5b, 5c) that is superimposed on the angle of rotation and, in dependence on the angle of rotation, is subjected to an oscillating change. This oscillating change can differ from a harmonic oscillation as a result of the non-circular design of the planet gears (11a, 12a, 13a) of the gear mechanism (6, 6b, 6c), thereby making it possible to realize almost any optional movements for the heald shaft (1), with low strain on the gears and the bearings. A simple production method and a compact design are disclosed.
US08043190B2	Multi-speed transmission with stacked planetary gear sets A multi-speed transmission is provided that has three planetary gear sets that have a plurality of members positioned to establish only two gear planes. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable in different combinations to connect different members of the planetary gear sets with an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and one another to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. One of the gear planes is established by the first and the second planetary gear sets. The second planetary gear set is positioned concentric with and radially-outward of the first planetary gear set, and the first and second planetary gear sets share a member.
US08043186B2	Two stage check valve for automatic transmission system The two stage check valve for the automatic transmission system provides a first member that opens in response to a first pressure and a second member which opens in response to a second pressure where the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.
US08043185B2	Multiple gear transmission with magnetic control A multiple gear transmission with magnetic control for vehicles or for use in drive technology includes an input shaft supported on a frame and an output shaft. The input shaft protrudes from the frame at least one end and the output shaft protrudes from the frame at one end. Transmission gear ratios with transmission wheels are embodied as gear trains or belt and chain drives and are located between the input shaft and the output shaft. Transmission wheels are supported in a rotatable manner on the input shaft or on the output shaft. The transmission wheels are connected to the input shaft or the output shaft in a torsionally fixed manner by a clutch mechanism. The transmission wheels are constantly in rotation during operation. A state of the clutch mechanism changes through the change of an additional magnetic field inside or in a direct vicinity of the clutch mechanism.
US08043178B2	Broadhead for bow hunting arrow The broadhead for bow hunting arrow is an arrowhead having: a ferrule; a plurality of planar, generally triangular blades extending radially from the ferrule; a fitting for attaching the arrowhead to an arrow shaft; a pointed tip; and a ring or annular blade mounted to the outermost edges of the triangular blades. In one embodiment, the triangular blades have notches defined therein, and the ring has slits corresponding to the triangular blades extending into the body of the ring that the upper legs of the notches engage to prevent rotation of the ring. In another embodiment, the triangular blades have slots and the ring has slits extending into the ring with the slots engaging the slits to prevent rotation of the ring. Alternatively, the ring may be fixed to the triangular blades by welding or by any other means. The broadhead is particularly well suited for hunting large game animals.
US08043177B2	Arrowhead having collapsible and outwardly biased blades A broadhead for an arrow has a ferrule and a pair of blade members. Each blade member has a first end that is pivotally interconnected with the ferrule body and an opposite second end. The blade members each have a retracted position and an extended position. A biasing member biases the blade members toward the extended positions and is the only element operable to hold the blade members in the extended position.
US08043176B2	Rotary arrowhead assembly An arrowhead assembly includes a blade tube that may rotate in flight at a rate during flight that is independent from the arrow shaft rotation. The assembly, upon and after impact with the target, continues rotational motion of the blade tube to penetrate a substantial distance into the target. Such characteristics are facilitated by the spiral-shaped, or twisting, nature of the blades as well as the rotational motion that is imparted by a spring arrangement of the assembly after compression and expansion of the spring arrangement upon impact.
US08043168B2	Golf ball Golf ball 2 has a center 8, a mid layer 10 and a cover 6. The base polymer of the mid layer 10 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. The surface hardness H1s of the center 8 is greater than the hardness H2 of the mid layer 10. The Shore D hardness H3 of the cover 6 is equal to or greater than 57. The weight W2 of the mid layer 10 is greater than the weight W3 of the cover 6. The total weight (W2+W3) of the weight W2 of the mid layer 10 and the weight W3 of the cover 6 is 8.4 g or greater and less than 12.0 g. The total volume (V2+V3) of the volume V2 of the mid layer 10 and the volume V3 of the cover 6 is equal to or less than 10.0 cm3.
US08043163B2	Practice aid for golfers A practice aid (22) for golfers (10), which is formed by a jacket-shaped textile upper part (24) with at least one tubular-shaped sleeve (26, 28). The sleeve (26, 28) comprises a stiffening and follows the motion sequence of the golfer (10) when hitting with the golf club (14). The stiffening is formed as a frame (30) and is provided in the tubular sleeve (26, 28). Furthermore, the invention relates to a practice aid (22) for golfers (10) designed as a stiffening frame (30).
US08043161B2	Game system A storage section stores a data belonging to a first group and data belonging to a second group, the first and second groups being distinguishable from each other. A communication section communicates with another game apparatus. A transmission control section transmits at least one piece of data of the data stored in the storage section to another game apparatus using the communication section. A reception control section receives the data transmitted from another game apparatus using the communication section. In this configuration, a game apparatus stores the data received using the reception control section, as data belonging to the second group, into the storage section.
US08043156B2	Interactive installation for interactive gaming The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
US08043153B2	Gaming device having destructive chain reaction events In accordance with a game method, game information regarding one or more player selectable elements and awards associated with those elements is generated and stored. The player selectable elements are displayed and a player is permitted to select one or more of those elements. Each selected element is destroyed, unmasking or triggering an associated award. The award may be a monetary or credit value, symbol or secondary event. A secondary event may comprise an explosion or chain reaction destruction of other un-selected elements, which elements are unmasked to reveal associated awards or trigger additional secondary events. The game may be presented on a gaming machine, and may comprise a primary game or bonus round of another game.
US08043147B2	Vitreous system A vitreous system of the invention is provided for use particularly as windowpanes of a car or the like vehicle, and is always kept clean over its whole surface. A multi-layer vitreous body ‘A’ forming the system is composed of an outside glass plate (1), an inside glass plate (2) and a stratified air space (3) defined between the inside and outside plates. A number of jetting orifices (1a) are formed to penetrate the outside plate (1), and a compressor (5) is connected through a piping (4) to the air space (3) so as to charge it with a compressed air, so that this air is blown out through the orifices (1a).
US08043142B2	Sharpener carried by the product table of a food slicer A food slicer has a support member including a base portion and an upstanding portion integrally formed with the base portion. The upstanding portion includes a rotating cutting blade for slicing food product. The base portion includes a food product table slidably secured thereto for movement across the cutting blade for holding product while it is being sliced. An adjustable gage plate is provided for determining the thickness of a food product to be sliced. A sharpening mechanism for sharpening the cutting blade as needed is removably secured to a portion of the product table to provide accurate sharpening of the cutting blade. The sharpening mechanism includes a first rotating sharpening member and a second deburring member where the first and second members are mounted independent from each other.
US08043139B2	Start switch for gravity-driven cars This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved electrical timing start switch for race tracks such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race. The present invention eliminates the imprecise coupling between the mechanical release of start posts and the subsequent generation of an electrical timer start signal by a separate micro switch-based contact. The micro switch is eliminated and the start post trigger release mechanism itself is insulated and wired as a normally closed contact that will essentially immediately start the race timer when activated. The difference in the time the start posts begin to move and the time the trigger “switch” activates the timer is then reduced to an extremely short and precise time. This time is that for mechanical movement propagation from the trigger release point to the start posts, only about 20 millionths of a second for a one lane track.
US08043138B2	Toy apparatus and method of use thereof Toy apparatus is provided including a playbase (22) and at least a first toy member (16) movable relative to said playbase between at least first (36) and second (90) positions via movement means. The movement means are arranged so as to separate the at least first toy member a spaced distance apart from a surface of the playbase in moving said toy member between the at least first and second positions.
US08043136B2	Arrangement for and method of providing cooling energy to a cooling medium circuit of a marine vessel Arrangement for providing cooling energy to a cooling medium circuit of a marine vessel having a storage of liquefied gas, the arrangement having a gas feeding system being provided with gas evaporation/heating apparatus. The gas evaporation/heating apparatus is arranged in heat transfer connection with the cooling medium circuit of the vessel through an intermediate flow circuit.
US08043135B1	Assembly and method to attach a device such as a hydrofoil to an anti-ventilation plate An assembly (10) is provided for mounting a hydrofoil, trolling plate or trolling motor (or other accessory) on the anti-ventilation plate (14) of a sterndrive or outboard motor (16) without the need to modify the plate or motor. The assembly (10) has lower and upper elements (20, 22) which are secured about the plate (14) by bolts (34). The upper element (22) has a bolt pattern (40) to mount the hydrofoil or other device. Grip devices (50) can be mounted on the lower element (20) that are adjusted to grip the edges of the plate (14). A catch (60) mounted on the lower element (20) can be engaged in the trim tab or anode recess.
US08043129B2	Quickly exchangeable switching device in fixed type medium voltage switchgear system Switching device assembly for providing a switching function in a medium voltage switchgear system. A switching device (10) is positioned in a switching device housing (11). Terminals (14, 15) are connected to the switching device (10) and receiving ends (24, 25) thereof are provided for receiving an interface surface (26, 27) of respective conductor terminals (20, 21) of the medium voltage switchgear. Mounting assemblies are arranged to releasably fasten the terminals (14, 15) to the respective conductor terminals (20, 21) in operation. A switching device drive unit (30), to which the switching device housing (11) is mounted, is provided with sealable access points (31, 32), through which the mounting assemblies are reachable when opened.
US08043127B2	Interlocking modular headers and header assemblies thereof Interlocking modular connectors or headers Have flexible tongue and groove structures for forming a variety of header assembly configurations. The interlocking modular headers can have locking structures in addition to the tongue and groove mating structures for permanently interlocking the modular headers together. The locking structures can include opposing ramps having locking surfaces that engage each other and prevent sliding disengagement of the modular headers in one direction and the grooves can include stop members to prevent sliding disengagement in the opposite direction. The tongues and grooves can have a dovetail shaped cross-section to allow some freedom of lateral movement between the interlocking modular headers in order for ramps to slide over each other and cause locking surfaces to engage and also to provide some independent flexibility to facilitate placement onto a mounting component and to withstand elevated temperatures.
US08043121B2	Connector To provide a connector which is capable of reducing the possibility that a cover is removed due to a cause other than an operation of removing a card when the cover is in a locked position, even if a height of the connector is reduced. A cover 7 which covers an upper surface of an IC card 21 accommodated in an accommodating section 33 of a housing 3 is pivotally mounted on the housing. The cover 7 is formed by a cover main body 71 which is opposed to the upper surface of the IC card 21 accommodated in the housing 3, arm portions 74 and 74 which are connected to the cover main body 71, shaft portions 75 and 75 which are connected to the arm portions 74 and 74, respectively, and are pivotally supported by respective slots 321a formed in respective side plates 312 of the housing 3. The arm portions 74 and 74 are capable of being elastically deformed, and being brought into contact with opposite sides of the IC card 21 accommodated in the housing 3. The shaft portions 75 and 75 are inserted through the respective slots 312a and 312a from the accommodating section 33 of the housing 3.
US08043120B2	Multi-slot connector A multi-slot connector and a manufacture method thereof are provided. The multi-slot connector includes a housing and a conducting structure. The conducting structure has a body and a terminal portion extending from the body. After extending out from the body, the terminal portion bends to form a first ridge. After bending the first ridge, the terminal portion turns to form a winding portion which winds back toward the body and bends to form a second ridge, wherein the first and second ridges protrude toward different directions. The housing has a first slot and a second slot. When the conducting structure is disposed in the housing, the first ridge and the second ridge are respectively corresponding to the first slot and the second slot.
US08043118B1	Coaxial connector with a housing with a contact member and a conductor coaxial with the housing A radio frequency coaxial adaptor includes a housing having an end portion to engage a mating connector, a contact member mounted to the housing and moveable in a reciprocating manner relative to the housing, and a conductor coaxial with the housing and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion extends within the contact member, and the second end portion extends within the end portion of the housing for electrically engaging the mating connector.
US08043117B2	Coaxial plug connector A coaxial plug connector arranged on or at a distance from the plug-sided end of the dielectric of the channel for the inner conductor part. The radial diameter of the channel in the plug-sided end direction narrows from a first to a second predetermined radial diameter. The inner conductor part has a first diameter and a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter and smaller than the second predetermined radial diameter. The first diameter is selected such that the inner conductor part fits into the first predetermined radial diameter and simultaneously, is greater than the second predetermined radial diameter, such that a collar is formed. The collar is arranged such that the inner conductor part is located at a predetermined axial position if the collar of the inner conductor part strikes the narrowing radial diameter of the channel.
US08043114B2	Reduced-height wire to board connector A reduced height wire to board connector assembly includes mating plug and receptacle connectors. The receptacle connector has an internal recess which opens vertically and receives a plug connector therein. Wires are terminated to terminals of the plug connector and they extend out through a wire insertion portion in one of the sidewalls of the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector has a conductive member supported thereby and this fixing member provides a ground connection and a retaining function to the receptacle connector. The plug connector has insulation displacement type terminals and two wire clamps to retain the wires terminated thereto in place.
US08043113B2	Relay connector for flexible cables A connector (1) comprises a housing (11) including a base plate portion (12) facing one surface of a pair of flat cables (101), and a plurality of terminals (51) for contacting conductive wires of the flat cables, wherein the base plate portion includes a plurality of hook members (31) disposed side by side with the terminals for engaging with engaging holes (112) of the flat cable.
US08043111B2	Connector Either of first and second corrugated tubes having different groove (or ridge) pitches can be mounted on a connector 10. In this case, the distance between a first retaining projection 32 and a second retaining projection 34 is a common multiple of these pitches, and therefore either of the two different corrugated tubes can be properly retained on both of the first and second retaining projections 32 and 34. Furthermore, either of the first and second corrugated tubes 50 and 52 of different diameters can be properly fixed to a tube insertion portion 20 by a binding band passed through binding band passage holes 30.
US08043110B2	Plug-in connector for printed circuits A plug connector for printed circuit boards includes a number of contact elements positioned in a housing. The contact elements each have two connection ends and an intermediate contact positioned between the two ends, where one connection end is in the form of an insulation displacement contact for connecting wires. The insulation displacement contacts are supported on the housing, so that the contact elements are held captively in the housing when connection forces act on the insulation displacement contacts.
US08043100B2	Plug structure with angle-adjusting function A plug structure with angle-adjusting function includes a main body, an adjusting mechanism, a plurality of inserting elements and a power cord. The adjusting mechanism has a push button and a plurality of rotary elements. The push button is movably disposed in the main body, the rotary elements are rotatably received in the main body, the push button has a guiding groove, each rotary element has at least two axle portions, and the axle portions of the rotary element are received in the guiding groove. The inserting elements are respectively fixed on the rotary elements, and each inserting element has a front side exposed outside the main body. The power cord electrically connects to the inserting elements. Therefore, the two inserting elements can be selectably inserted into two types of socket by matching the push button of the adjusting mechanism and the special design of the rotary elements.
US08043099B1	Extended USB plug, USB PCBA, and USB flash drive with dual-personality An extended universal serial bus (USB) storage device is described herein. According to one embodiment, an extended USB storage device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a flash memory device and a flash controller mounted thereon, and an extended USB connector plug coupled to the PCBA for providing a USB compatible interface between an external device and the flash memory device and the flash controller, wherein the extended USB connector plug includes a first end used to couple to the external device and a second end coupled to the flash memory device and the flash controller. The extended USB connector plug includes multiple communication interfaces. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08043096B2	Conductive rubber component A conductive rubber component includes a laminate in which conductive rubber layers and insulating rubber layers are laminated alternately in parallel, and the conductive rubber layers and the insulating rubber layers are integrated at their boundaries by a cross-linking reaction. A solderable metal coating is integrated with at least one surface of the laminate that is perpendicular to the electrical conduction direction by the deposition of at least one selected from atoms and molecules. This conductive rubber component can have good compression load properties and good compression set properties, achieve a stable electric connection for a long period of time due to the good compression set properties, be soldered to a printed wiring board or the like because of the presence of the integrated metal coating, suppress the occurrence of burrs, reduce costs, and improve the production efficiency.
US08043094B2	Model and method for simulating water treatment A portable model and methods for simulating water treatment processes are presented. Included are a body of untreated drinking water, simulated sources of wastewater, and simulated drinking and wastewater treatment plants. In the simulated drinking water treatment plant, water is treated and stored for distribution though a simulated pipeline system. In the simulated wastewater treatment plant, simulated wastewater is filtered, settled, clarified, disinfected and discharged. The simulated wastewater may be transferred to the simulated wastewater treatment plant through a simulated sewage pipeline network. Simulated biosolids as a result of the wastewater treatment process may be stored or applied to land. The model may also simulate a storm drain system that diverts storm water to a water source or to the wastewater treatment plant. The materials used to simulate the various aspects and components are preferably non-toxic, non-poisonous and biodegradable in order to facilitate use with children and clean up.
US08043090B1	Dental implant with porous body A dental implant having two distinct regions, a coronal region and a bone fixation region. The coronal region has a smooth transgingival section and an interface for connecting to a dental component. The bone fixation region has an elongated cylindrical shape and is formed as a porous structure that extends completely through the bone fixation region.
US08043088B2	Endodontic procedure employing simultaneous liquefaction and acoustic debridgement An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal.
US08043087B2	Methods and apparatus for thermal development of large area solids Methods and apparatus to rotate a sample about first and second axes in a heat chamber to obtain a desired homogeneous modification of properties of the sample and maintain a surface figure.
US08043086B2	Method and device for cooling or quenching slabs and sheets with water in a cooling pond The invention concerns a method for cooling or quenching slabs and sheets (2) with water in a cooling pond (1, 14) wherein the slabs and the sheets (2), previously set upright by a tilting device (18), are lowered and temporarily maintained in position on edge. The inventive method is characterized in that the slabs and the sheets are sprayed with the cooling water. Therefor, the cooling pond (1) has, on both sides of the lowered slabs and sheets (2) jet devices (10; 11a, 11b) directed towards the surfaces of the large sides of the slabs or sheets and connected to a cooling water circuit which comprises means for reducing the water filling supply from a maximum upper water level (13b) to a lower water level (13a).
US08043085B2	Imprint lithography An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a first support structure arranged to support an imprint template, and a first actuator attached to the first support structure, and arranged in use to be located between the first support structure and the imprint template. The first actuator is configured to apply a force to the imprint template. The imprint lithography apparatus further includes a second support structure and a second actuator located between the second support structure and the first support structure. The second actuator is configured to apply a force to the second support structure, wherein a range of movement of the second actuator is greater than a range of movement of the first actuator.
US08043081B2	Mold for forming developer blade, and developer blade formed with same The present invention provide a mold for forming a developer blade and a developer blade manufactured with such a mold which are able to give images of good quality even in the low-temperature low-humidity condition and to improve a mold releasability. A mold 10 for forming a developer blade has a plate accommodation space 14 in which the metal plate is accommodated and a belt-like cavity 15 for forming the elastic member adjacent to the plate accommodation space. At least a part 20a of a cavity surface 20 defining the cavity 15 in the cross section taken along the cavity width direction is finished to have a surface roughness Ry of not more than 10 μm.
US08043078B2	Compressor sealing arrangement A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, a partition and a first annular seal. The partition may be fixed to the shell and may overly the first scroll member. The partition may include first and second sides having a second discharge opening passing therethrough and being in communication with the first discharge opening. The first side may include a protrusion extending toward the first scroll member and generally surrounding the second discharge opening. The first annular seal may sealingly engage the partition and may be displaceable radially inward to a position abutting the protrusion to limit a radially inward travel of the first annular seal.
US08043074B2	Blood pump device A blood pump device comprises a housing having a blood inflow port and a blood outflow port, an impeller having a magnetic body or bodies and rotated in a non-contact state in relation to the inside surface of the housing to feed blood, an impeller rotating torque generating section for attracting the impeller from the outside of the housing and rotating the impeller, and a non-contact type bearing mechanism enabling the rotation in the non-contact state of the impeller inside the housing. An impeller fixing member is detachably mounted to the housing and prevents the impeller from moving inside the housing, whereby the impeller can be prevented from moving inside the housing before use, and damage to the impeller or the housing inside surface can be avoided.
US08043071B2	Vacuum generating unit An ejector functioning as a vacuum generating mechanism is disposed in a main body constituting a vacuum generating unit, and an atmospheric air introducing valve is disposed between the ejector and a vacuum port. The atmospheric air introducing valve is brought into a valve closed state at times when a negative pressure is generated by the ejector under a condition in which a workpiece is held by the negative pressure generated by the ejector, whereby communication between the vacuum port and the atmosphere is blocked. On the other hand, at times when the vacuum is broken, in which the negative pressure state of the vacuum port is released, the atmospheric air introducing valve is brought into a valve open state, whereby the vacuum port communicates with the atmosphere.
US08043069B2	Water removal from a sump using pump and switching mechanism A water removal system for removing water from an elevator pit that includes a sump, a pump, a pump input tube, a pump output tube and a switching mechanism. The sump at least partially extends below a lower surface of the elevator pit. The plump mounted outside of the elevator pit. The pump input line is operably connected to the sump and the pump. The pump output line is operably connected to the pump. The switching mechanism is mounted outside of the sump and is operably connected to the pump and the sump.
US08043067B2	Wind turbine blade with sufficiently high strength and light weight A wind turbine blade is provided with an outer skin layer formed of fiber-reinforced plastic, and a plurality of main structural members formed of fiber-reinforced plastic integrally with the outer skin layer to extend in a blade length direction. The main structural members include a plurality of main dorsal structural members positioned on a dorsal side of the wind turbine blade, and a plurality of main ventral structural members positioned on a ventral side of the wind turbine blade.
US08043066B2	Trailing edge bonding cap for wind turbine rotor blades A trailing edge bonding cap for use with a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The trailing edge bonding cap may include a body projecting outwardly from a blade shell of the rotor blade. The body may have a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The first outer surface may intersect the second outer surface to define a trailing edge of the rotor blade. Additionally, the first and second outer surfaces may have a profile configured to correspond to an aerodynamic profile of the blade shell.
US08043063B2	Intentionally mistuned integrally bladed rotor A frequency mistuned integrally bladed rotor (IBR) for a gas turbine engine comprises a hub and a circumferential row of blades of varying frequency projecting integrally from the hub. Each blade in the row alternate with another blade having a different pressure surface definition but similar suction surface, leading edge and trailing edge definitions.
US08043062B2	Turbine rotor and turbine having the same A turbine rotor is provided with a torque transfer mechanism equipped between a pair of adjacent rotor discs among a plurality of rotor discs so as to transfer a torque from one rotor disc to another rotor disc. The torque transfer mechanism is provided with a first groove having a semi-circle in cross section formed on a first contact face of one rotor disc, and a second groove having a semi-circle cross section formed on a second contact face of another rotor disc, and a torque pin inserted into cylindrical holes formed by combining the first grooves and the second grooves. The flange of the torque pin has long sides and short sides, and the length of the short sides is shorter than the width of an binary flange receiving plane formed by a pair of outer circumference planes of adjacent two rotor disc along the circumferential direction, and the long side of the flange has a longer length than the width of the binary flange receiving plane. A pair of flange receiving recessed portions is provided for receiving the end portions of the long sides of the flange on both side walls of the binary flange receiving plane.
US08043053B2	Self locking trim tab A trim tab assembly includes first and second shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and a trim tab substrate which provide elastic/plastic locking in response to an induced strain actuation.
US08043049B2	Air fan damping structure An air fan damping structure is installed on an air fan which has a fan frame. The fan frame has an air inlet, an air outlet and a housing space between them to hold a fan blade assembly. The damping structure includes a first buffer and a holding member located on the fan frame. The first buffer is hollow and has a through hole, and a first anchor portion to form an anchor relationship with a second anchor portion formed on the fan frame. The holding member has an inserting portion to run through the through hole and a depressing portion connecting to the inserting portion to receive a force to allow the inserting portion to run through the through hole. The inserting portion and the through hole have respectively a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion to form a retaining relationship.
US08043047B2	Compressor casing for an exhaust gas turbocharger A compressor casing for an exhaust gas turbocharger is disclosed. The exhaust gas turbocharger has a rotatable turboshaft, a compressor wheel mounted on the turboshaft, and a turbine wheel mounted on the turboshaft. The compressor casing includes a sensor for measuring a rotational speed of the turboshaft. The sensor is embedded in the compressor casing and forms an integral component of the compressor casing.
US08043046B2	Fluid flow machine with blade row-internal fluid return arrangement A fluid flow machine has a flow path (2) which is confined by at least one wall, on which at least one row of blades (6, 7) is fixedly mounted. At least one fluid offtake opening (9) and at least one fluid supply opening (10), which are connected by at least one fluid return path (11), are arranged in the wall in an area of a blade row (6, 7), with a circumferential extension of the fluid supply opening (10) being less than a distance between two adjacent blades.
US08043040B2	Cargo handling apparatus and underride combination A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underride is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
US08043038B2	Anchor A pin having a head and a plurality of legs extending from that head, and a bushing having a flange and a shank extending from that flange, are comprised. In the flange, holes for accepting a plurality of legs are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs, and in the shank, corresponding spaces for accepting each of the legs which have passed through the holes are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs. The cross-section of the shank is polygonal, spaces are disposed on the surfaces of the shank capable of forming that polygon, and elastic latching pieces extending outward in lateral directions are provided at positions adjacent to the flange in a plurality corresponding to the spaces. By inserting the legs into the spaces, the elastic latching pieces are prevented from being displaced in directions whereby they would approach the spaces.
US08043035B2	Coated drill and method of making the same The present invention relates to a drill comprising a cemented carbide or high speed steel substrate and a coating wherein the coating comprises: a first layer system having a multilayered structure covering substantially the whole active part of the drill, a second layer system having a multilayered structure covering only the tip area of the drill.Drills according to the present invention have good wear resistance and improved properties when reconditioning the drill.The present invention also relates to a method of making a drill according to the present invention.
US08043034B2	Device for the manufacture of drilled holes, cut-outs, plane surfaces, or similar A device for the manufacture of drilled holes, cut-outs, plane surfaces or the like, includes an attachment structure, which is designed for the attachment of the device to at least one component to be machined, a feed device, which is designed to track a drill of a drilling machine, and a control device for controlling the feed device and a drilling machine. In one example, the feed device includes a support for the drilling machine, which is arranged substantially in the center of a crossbeam.
US08043033B2	Laser-guided coordination hole drilling A laser-guided coordination hole tool for precisely drilling holes in large parts includes a positioning table, a bushing cavity for receiving drill bushings, a clamping device, and a laser target. A laser-guided coordination hole tool may include a software interlock to prevent drilling in an improper location on the part. A method of drilling coordination holes includes probing a part to determine its reference frame, rigidly affixing a laser-guided coordination hole tool to the part, probing a target on the laser-guided coordination hole tool to determine the reference frame for the laser-guided coordination hole tool, accurately positioning a drill bushing over the hole location, and drilling a hole. A system for drilling coordination holes includes a laser-guided coordination hole tool, a bushing, a tooling, a drill motor, a laser tracker, and a computer running a coordination-hole drilling program.
US08043031B2	Multi function cutting tool A multi-function cutting tool is disclosed. The multi-function cutting tool includes a cutting insert (200) and a cutter body (300). The cutting insert has an upper surface (201), a lower surface (205), and first and second cutting edge corner parts (210) and (220), which are provided on the upper surface such that the upper surface has a symmetrical structure with respect to a diagonal direction. The cutting insert further has a major cutting edge part (230), a first minor cutting edge part (240), and a lowered cutting edge part (250). The major cutting edge part has a downwardly inclined angle ranging from 3° to 10°, and extends from the first cutting edge corner part towards the corresponding second cutting edge corner part. When seen in the front view of the cutting insert, the major cutting edge is defined by a convex curved line, which has a curvature radius of 1000 mm or more.
US08043027B2	Device for regulating the buckling of underwater pipes For regulating the lateral buckling of a section of pipe, at least one device permanently applies a force to a point on the section of pipe. The force is preferably applied substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the axis of the pipe. Preferably, two of the devices that apply equal and opposing forces are positioned at a distance from each other along the section of a pipe. Each device comprises a clamp, a cable, a return device and a buoy or a weight.
US08043024B2	Pivot swivel cable barrier A light weight, high strength cable supported by a longitudinal device that is capable of stopping a 15,000 lb vehicle at speeds exceeding 30 mph and provides for manual operation by one (1) person, whereas the barrier may pivot, move vertically, or swivel horizontally to control vehicle passage. Typically, the cable is embedded within a longitudinal support device and remains concealed. During normal operations where the vehicle barrier is moved, there is no tension on the cable and it remains unfastened. If a vehicle impact occurs, the cable immediately engages and fastens to the end support structures to resist vehicle impact forces. The light weight cable and longitudinal support device provides span distances exceeding 24 feet across a vehicle travel path, while requiring only one (1) person to manually move the barrier. The light weight cable and longitudinal support device also minimizes the counterweight size. The barrier may be moved by an operator from either side of the vehicle travel path. Both fixed and unfixed end support structures may be utilized. Non-rotating energy absorbing compression springs may be utilized to enhance the vehicle stopping capability.
US08043020B2	Coupling structure of a telescopic rod A coupling structure of a telescopic rod includes an inner tube, an outer tuber, and a positioning device. The positioning device includes a rotatable lid, a resilient sleeve, a metallic ring, and a C-shaped sleeve. The C-shaped sleeve has a plurality of mini-ribs formed on an inner wall thereof. The mini-ribs are attached to the inner tube for providing a non-slip effect. The mini-ribs have less resistance with respect to the inner tube to provide a fine adjustment when the inner tube is extended or retracted with respect to the outer tube. An enlarged portion formed at a distal end of the inner tube is adapted to keep a proper gap between the inner tube and the outer tube for enhancing the steadiness of the telescopic rod. The rotatable lid is turned clockwise or counterclockwise for controlling the resilient sleeve, the metallic ring and the C-shaped sleeve to switch the inner tube in an adjustable state or in a fixed state.
US08043015B1	Detecting edge of a print medium with a handheld image translation device Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a handheld image translation device configured to detect an edge of a target print medium to prevent unintended deposition of a printing substance are described herein. The handheld image translation device, which may be a printing device, may include a print head, a position module, and a print module. The print head may be configured to deposit one or more printing substances onto a first surface such as a target print surface. The position module may be configured to receive data from navigation sensors indicating a first surface characteristic of the first surface, and to determine whether at least a portion of the print head is positioned over a second surface having a second surface characteristic different from the first characteristic, wherein the determination is made by detecting a characteristic other than the first surface characteristic as indicated by data received from the navigation sensors.
US08043007B2	Hydrostatic profile rail guide Hydrostatic profile rail guide with a guide carriage that is hydrostatically mountable on a guide rail, whereby the guide carriage features a back and two sides that are attached to the back, between which the guide rail is located, whereby the back features a mounting surface on the side facing away from the guide rail for the mounting of, for example, a machine part, with the mounting surface concave when seen in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.
US08042997B2	Radiation thermometer A radiation thermometer comprising a radiation detector and an optical input path arranged to direct radiation from an object of interest to the radiation detector is disclosed. The radiation detector is adapted to output a signal related to the radiation received from the object of interest, and a processor is adapted to generate temperature measurements from the signal. Filtering means are provided in the optical input path which are arranged to block radiation having a wavelength between approximately 0.92 and 0.98 microns.
US08042994B1	Specific heat meter with improved accuracy The accuracy of instruments used to measure the specific heat of heat transfer fluids is limited by the accumulation of bubbles, debris or loose surface films on an active measurement surface. Accumulated bubbles, debris or loose film may be reduced or eliminated by using an agitator to cause relative motion between a working fluid and an active surface of a specific heat sensor. The accumulation of bubbles, debris or loose film may also be reduced or eliminated by electrolytically cleaning an electrically conductive heat transfer surface.
US08042989B2	Multi-stage cavitation device A method for processing a fluidic mixture in a multi-stage hydrodynamic cavitation device is disclosed. The fluidic mixture is introduced to an inlet and passed through a flowpath having at least ten cavitation zones. The fluidic mixture is exposed to cavitation inducing features in each of the at least ten cavitation zones to induce cavitation bubbles, which bubbles are then collapsed between every two adjacent of the at least ten cavitation zones. The multi-stage hydrodynamic cavitation device for processing the fluidic mixture has a generally cylindrical housing with an inlet, an outlet, a flowpath therebetween, and a plurality of cavitation zones along the flowpath. Two or more of the cavitation zones along the flowpath comprise a disk multi-jet nozzle having a plurality of through channels disposed across the surface thereof, wherein each channel includes expansions and contractions of its cross-sectional area along its length.
US08042976B2	White hardening resin composition, hardened material, printed-wiring board and reflection board for light emitting device A white hardening resin composition includes a hardening resin and rutile-type titanium oxide produced by a chlorine method.
US08042972B2	Light assemblies A method for forming a light beam, and a light assembly having at least one light source with a fixed reflector which directs a beam of light light assembly having a front lens, and a light deflecting mechanism for changing the light angle of the light beam after passing through the front lens. The front lens has a central part that differs from the surrounding parts of the front lens, and the light deflecting mechanism, in a first position, concentrates the light beam into the central part of the front lens to generate a wide-angle light beam, and in a second position, distributes the light beam over the entire front lens to generate a narrow angle light beam. The light deflecting mechanism is connected with a first actuator, and is movable between the first and the second position.
US08042970B2	LED illuminator An LED illuminator has a seat and multiple LED modules mounted on the seat. The seat has multiple chambers, each of which has two opposite sidewalls, a bottom, two through holes and an opening. The two through holes are respectively defined on the sidewalls and the opening is defined the bottom. The LED modules are respectively mounted on the sidewalls of the chambers on the seat and standing on the seat at an inclined angle to allow lights pass through the openings of the chambers. Therefore, each chamber has two light sources from two opposite sidewalls and the lights of the two lights source pass through the opening of the chamber. The LED illuminator provides a wide illuminating angle.
US08042968B2	Modular light reflectors and assemblies for luminaire A reflector assembly for a lighting apparatus, the reflector assembly comprising two or more reflector modules configured for associating with one or more light sources, each reflector module comprising one or more reflectors for being located adjacent to a light source when the reflector module is associated with the one or more light sources, the one or more reflectors configured to reflect light from the adjacent light source. The reflector modules may further comprising a cover plate defining a plurality of light source apertures for allowing a light source to protrude through the cover plate, at least a first of the one or more light source apertures disposed adjacent to an overhead reflector and at least a second of the one or more light source apertures disposed adjacent to a lateral reflector. The reflector assembly can comprising any number of reflector modules and the reflector modules can be arranged in different configurations to create different light distributions with the same reflector modules.
US08042966B2	Hand-held power tool A hand-held power tool includes a housing with a tool fitting for receiving an insertion tool, and at least one illuminating element for illuminating the working area of the hand-held power tool; wherein the at least one illuminating element is located in the region of the tool fitting.
US08042959B2	Forward folding mirror assemblies Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicles having forward folding door mirror assemblies. One such embodiment of a vehicle comprises a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle door and configured to rotate about a substantially vertical axis between at least a first position in which the mirror assembly is extended away from the vehicle door for use while driving and a second position in which the mirror assembly is folded forward toward a front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also comprises a mechanism coupled to the mirror assembly and to a vehicle body and responsive to an opening of the vehicle door to rotate the mirror assembly about the substantially vertical axis from the second position to the first position when the door is opened. Also disclosed herein are mirror assemblies and methods of protecting door-mounted mirrors on vehicles.
US08042956B2	Projector apparatus, projection control method and recording medium storing projection control program A projector apparatus comprises a light source lamp which is inside a reflector, a projection system forming a light figure using a light from the light source lamp, projecting the formed light figure by an optical lens unit having an automatic focus function and providing the image on a projection target position, a temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the light source lamp, a temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the optical lens unit, and a control unit moving the position of a focus lens of the optical lens unit in accordance with each detection result of the temperature sensors, thereby revising an image location set by the automatic focus function.
US08042955B2	Laser module, illumination device, and projection display device Disclosed is a light source module including a first light emission unit having a first laser light source, and a first cooling part on which the first laser light source is mounted; a second light emission unit having a second laser light source, and a second cooling part on which the second laser light source is mounted; and an insulating member provided between the first light emission unit and the second light emission unit. The first light emission unit and the second light emission unit are constructed in such a manner that the first laser light source and the second laser light source are disposed close to each other, and the first cooling part and the second cooling part are disposed away from each other.
US08042954B2	Mosaicing of view projections Two projected images from two projector-camera systems, each defined by characteristics c1=T1p1 and c2=T2p2, respectively, are used to create mosaic composite of a desired image c. Formulas p1=T1−1(c−T2p2) and p2=T2−1(c−T1p1) are iteratively repeated with p2 initially set to zero until p1 converges to a first mosaic image and p2 converges to a second mosaic image.
US08042953B2	Projector using ballast controlled high-pressure discharge lamps A projector includes: plural high-pressure discharge lamps; a high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device for lighting the plural high-pressure discharge lamps; a light combining system that combines and outputs lights from the plural high-pressure discharge lamps; an electro-optical modulation device that modulates the light from the light combining system according to image information; and a projection system that projects the light modulated by the electro-optical modulation device, wherein the high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device supplies alternating lamp currents having alternating-current waveforms with the same waveform and period and phases shifted by a predetermined amount with respect to each of the high-pressure discharge lamps to the respective plural high-pressure discharge lamps.
US08042952B2	Control of a light valve that is dependent upon a voltage and a duration time of lighting measurement of a light source unit In order to provide a high-image-quality display apparatus which can perform proper correction with respect to an abrupt luminance change at the time of lighting of a discharge lamp and a white balance change, a projection type display apparatus which projects irradiating light from a light source unit to a screen through a light valve includes a measurement unit which measures at least one of a voltage value and a current value supplied to the light source unit, and a control unit which controls the light valve based on a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit.
US08042943B2	Contact lens and methods of manufacture and fitting such lenses and computer program product The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.
US08042942B2	Progressive-power lens An eye-side refractive surface 11 of a distance portion is concave and at least part of an eye-side refractive surface 3 of a near portion is a convex region 31 where one or both of principal meridians of the surface are convex. This provides a back surface progressive-power lens capable of solving disadvantages in terms of lens thickness, external appearance and the like in a back surface progressive-power lens in which the eye-side refractive surface is formed of a progressive-power surface.
US08042941B2	Lens with continuous power gradation The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near-viewing and distance-viewing values.
US08042939B2	Eyeglass frame The present invention relates to an eyeglass frame having an earpiece each on the left and the right and having a frame comprising a receiving element each on the left and right for attaching the earpiece, wherein the receiving element has a recess opening in the direction toward the earpiece, a connecting element being located in said recess and comprising at least two individual components designed such that they captively hold the connecting element in the recess of the receiving element in the assembled state, forming the connecting element, by mutually tensioning the connecting element.
US08042934B2	Capping device for hand-held printer An inkjet printer that includes a printhead configured to eject ink. The printhead is housed in a housing. A capping device is pivotally fastened with respect to the housing to be pivotal into and out of capping engagement with the printhead. The mechanism includes an arm pivotally mounted with respect to the housing and a capping leg extending transversely from the arm to cap the printhead.
US08042931B2	Method and apparatus for forming image An image forming apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit that stacks and stores the sheet before printing, a first conveying path that conveys the sheet from this sheet stacking unit, a second conveying path that conveys the sheet from this first conveying path to a space between the recording head and a sheet guide member while reversing the sheet, a third conveying path that conveys the sheet from the first conveying path to a temporary storing unit in a state in which a front-to-rear direction of the sheet is maintained, a fourth conveying path that conveys the sheet from the temporary storing unit to the space in a state in which the front-to-rear direction of the sheet is maintained, a first switching mechanism that switches a conveying direction of the sheet, and a second switching mechanism that guides the sheet.
US08042930B2	Method of servicing a drum maintenance unit (DMU) in an image generating system A method of servicing a customer replaceable unit of an imaging device includes providing a customer replaceable unit configured for insertion and removal from an imaging device. The customer replaceable unit includes at least an applicator configured to apply a release agent to a surface of an intermediate transfer drum of the imaging device, a reservoir including a supply of the release agent for the applicator, a delivery pump configured to pump release agent from the reservoir to the applicator, a recirculation pump configured to pump release agent from the applicator to the reservoir, and a memory including operational data for the customer replaceable unit. A maintenance procedure is then performed on the customer replaceable unit.
US08042929B2	Ink jet recording apparatus Disclosed an ink jet recording apparatus for recording images in a recording medium having an ink absorbability, including: a recording head including a nozzle for jetting a photocurable ink onto the recording medium; and a light irradiation device to apply light to the photocurable ink landed on the recording medium, wherein: the light irradiation device includes a first light source to emit light having a first emission spectrum, and a second light source to emit light having a second emission spectrum whose peak wavelength is shorter than a peak wavelength of the first emission spectrum, and the first and second light sources are arranged so that the first light source irradiates the photocurable ink landed on the recording medium and thereafter the second light source irradiates the photocurable ink.
US08042927B2	Melt reservoir housing An ink storage and supply assembly includes at least one ink reservoir configured to hold a quantity of liquid ink and to communicate the ink to at least one printhead of an imaging device. A housing at least partially encloses the at least one ink reservoir and includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of side walls extending vertically between the top and the bottom of the housing. The plurality of side walls are spaced from the at least one reservoir to define a first air gap between each of the side walls and the at least one reservoir. At least one the side walls includes an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from each other to define a second air gap therebetween.
US08042924B2	Attachment structures, liquid ejection head unit and method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head unit Bondage of an ink supply needle and a holder base is appropriately performed by ultrasonic welding. A filter is housed in a filter storing part from the upper side of the holder base, and a needle-side fitting part is fitted into a base-side fitting part from the upper side of the holder base. Then, when the ink supply needle and the holder base are welded by ultrasonic waves, the energy of ultrasonic oscillation is concentrated on a contact portion of a protruded part of a needle-side bondage part and a base-side bondage part, and the contact portion of the protruded part is melted out so as to weld the ink supply needle and the holder base. Thereby, the contact portion of the ink supply needle and the holder base is appropriately bonded by ultrasonic welding as a whole without any gap.
US08042921B2	Valve device provided in a passage forming member An ink jet type recording apparatus comprises a connection member which has a passage for leading ink to a recording head from an ink cartridge. In the passage, a valve member having a magnetic body is provided. A rotation member has a permanent magnet and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. When the rotation member is located in the first position, an attraction that can move the valve member in an opening direction of the passage acts between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member opens the passage. When the rotation member is located in the second position, the attraction that can move the valve member does not act between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member closes the passage.
US08042912B2	Heater stack having resistive layer with underlying insulative gap and method for making heater stack A heater stack includes first strata configured to support and form a fluid heater element responsive to energy from repetitive electrical activation and deactivation to fire repetitive cycles of heating and ejecting fluid from an ejection chamber above the fluid heater element and second strata overlying the first strata and contiguous with the ejection chamber to provide protection of the fluid heater element. The first strata includes a substrate and a heater substrata overlying the substrate and including a resistive layer having lateral portions spaced apart, a central portion extending between the lateral portions and defining the fluid heater element, and transitional portions interconnecting the central portion and lateral portions and elevating the central portion relative to the lateral portions and above the substrate to form a gap between the lateral portions and between the central portion and substrate insulating the substrate from the fluid heater element.
US08042909B2	Ink cartridge attachment/detachment device, recording apparatus, liquid ejection apparatus, and liquid container A liquid container for a liquid ejection apparatus includes: a case having a liquid containing portion in its interior; a supply portion which is formed on a first side wall of the case, and through which a liquid in the liquid containing portion can flow to an exterior; a contact portion, which can contact a part of a slider of the liquid ejection apparatus to move the slider in a direction in which the liquid container is inserted; and an engagement portion, which is configured to engage a lock portion of the slider. The contact portion and the engagement portion are formed on a second side wall of the case, the second side wall intersecting the first side wall.
US08042904B2	Image forming apparatus and carriage A side wall surface of a carriage is disclosed with two first projection parts and a second projection part that define the inclination of a reflective optical sensor in its vertical direction. The two first projection parts are arranged at the same height position with a detection surface as a reference, and the second projection part is arranged at a position higher than the first projection parts with the detection surface as the reference. The second projection part has a first part higher in position from the side wall surface of the carriage than the first projection parts and has a second part lower in position than the first part. The second part has a screw hole into which a clamping member for fixing the reflective optical sensor to the second part is tightened.
US08042901B2	Recording apparatus and method, and storage medium storing program for detecting position of recording portion A recording apparatus is provided. The recording component includes a plurality of recording portions arranged in a first direction and moves relatively to a recording medium at a speed V in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The reading component reads an image recorded on the recording medium in a reading cycle T by a plurality of reading sections arranged at a predetermined pitch in the first direction. The control component controls, on the recording medium by the recording component, recordation of a detection mark having a size W in the first direction of twice or more than twice the predetermined pitch and a size L in the second direction in which L≧(n+1)·V·T (where n is an integer of 1 or more) and calculate a barycenter position of the detection mark in the first direction based on a reading result of the detection mark.
US08042897B2	Method for compensating shift in on resistance of transistor of printhead Disclosed is a method for compensating a shift in an ON resistance of a transistor in a chip of a printhead of an inkjet printer. The method includes determining a value of a life indication parameter of the printhead and comparing the determined value of the life indication parameter of the printhead with at least one predetermined value of the life indication parameter. The at least one predetermined value of the life indication parameter of the printhead is stored in at least one of a memory of the inkjet printer and a memory of the chip of the printhead. Thereafter, a gate voltage input to the transistor is modified based on a difference between the determined value of the life indication parameter and the at least one predetermined value of the life indication parameter of the printhead for compensating the shift in the ON resistance of the transistor.
US08042895B2	Ink conductivity recovery method for an imaging device A method for restoring ink conductivity of ink in an ink reservoir comprises detecting an ink conductivity of an ink volume in an ink reservoir, and comparing the detected ink conductivity to a predetermined ink conductivity operational range. A flush routine is performed in response to the measured ink conductivity being outside of the predetermined ink conductivity operational range. The flush routine includes: disabling ink supply operations to the ink reservoir; emptying the ink reservoir of ink; refilling the ink reservoir with ink; measuring an ink conductivity of an ink volume in the refilled ink reservoir; and comparing the detected ink conductivity to the predetermined ink conductivity operational range. The imaging device is returned to a normal operating mode in response to the measured ink conductivity being within the predetermined ink conductivity operational range after a flush routine has been performed.
US08042890B2	Boltless storage cabinet A cabinet comprises a plurality of selected cabinet-defining components wherein components defining said cabinet integrally define at least one respective cooperating part of at least one coupling element, said components all secured respectively together exclusively by said respective cooperating parts and the coupling elements formed by said respective cooperating parts.
US08042885B2	Brake control apparatus for vehicle A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes a controlling device for actuating the pressure modulating device and the motor, calculating a target braking force corresponding to an operation amount, and driving the motor and the pressure modulating device, wherein, in an electric power supply stopped situation, in which electric power is not supplied by the battery, while an operation amount detected by the operation amount sensor increases, the controlling device starts driving the motor by means of electric power supplied by the capacitor, only when a target braking force corresponding to the operation amount reaches memorized target braking force memorized in the memorizing portion.
US08042884B2	Hydraulic vehicle brake system having a service brake which can be actuated by muscle force and having a device for regulating the wheel slip The invention relates to a hydraulic vehicle brake system having a service brake which can be actuated by muscle force and having a device for regulating the wheel slip. It is proposed in such a vehicle brake system to use suction pumps in connection with specially-designed accumulators. The accumulators have separating elements which in each case separate a first accumulator chamber from a second accumulator chamber. An inflow opens out into the first accumulator chamber, and an outflow, which is separate from the inflow, outlets out of the first accumulator chamber. The separating element is arranged so as to be freely movable between two end positions, and in one of its end positions, blocks a pressure medium connection of the inflow to the outflow.
US08042878B2	Interface disc for a vehicle wheel Interface disc for a vehicle wheel, comprising: at least one substantially central attachment element designed to allow the said disc to be attached to a wheel; a plurality of substantially radial arms connected to the attachment elements and extending radially outwards from a substantially central portion of the said disc as far as a substantially peripheral portion of the said disc; an energy absorption surface collaborating with the said arms and configured to form a wall between the said substantially central portion of the disc and its substantially peripheral portion; at least one circumferential reinforcing element collaborating with the said arms and the modulus of which is substantially higher than that of the energy absorption element.
US08042876B2	Transporter vehicle A branch line branching from midway of a hydraulic conduit or each of actuator side oil passages to connect a bottom side oil chamber of a hoist cylinder to a tank is provided to the hydraulic conduit or each of the actuator side oil passages. A manual operation valve for variably adjusting the flow rate in accordance with the operation of a lever handle is provided in the branch line. Maintenance work is performed with an engine stopped in this state. Subsequently, when a vessel is lowered onto a vehicle body, hydraulic oil can be discharged through the branch line from the bottom side oil chamber of the hoist cylinder to the tank by opening the manual operation valve, so that the hoist cylinder can be automatically contracted.
US08042869B2	Child seat liner A child seat liner provides a comfortable, safe, and hygienic environment for a child seated in a seat such as a shopping cart or a highchair. Child seat liners according to various embodiments of the invention include padding around the leg openings, multiple storage areas for the caregiver, a continuous, elastic front edge for stretching over and gripping a handle of a shopping cart or a front of a seat, one or more sets of fasteners for securing the liner in a rolled-up position, and an adjustable strap that allows the liner to be secured to the back of the seat more securely.
US08042868B2	Power seat system for vehicle A power seat system for a vehicle, includes an operational switch configured to be operated by an occupant for changing positions and attitudes of a vehicle seat whose positions and attitudes are electrically adjusted, a sensor portion positioned in the vicinity of the operational switch and detecting a hand of the occupant approaching the operational switch without contacting the hand of the occupant, and a control portion changing the positions and attitudes of the vehicle seat by actuating an actuator on the basis of an output from the operational switch, the control portion configured to display an operational display indicating adjusting portions and directions of the vehicle seat, which is adjustable by means of the operational switch on the basis of the output from the sensor portion, at an display device provided in a vehicle.
US08042865B2	Tent chair The tent chair includes a folding frame supporting a folding cover, with the frame attached to a folding or portable chair. The chair has a single rearward frame bow which is radially flexible but rigid orthogonal to the lateral bow pivot axis of the chair. A series of similar bows is pivotally attached at or toward the front of the chair. The axially orthogonal rigid rearward bow supports the cover and prevents the forward bows from collapsing the cover forwardly as it is pulled taut. One use of the device is as a hunting blind, with a quick release optionally allowing the cover to be rapidly opened. Other configurations provide for use as a photography blind, a privacy shelter for camping or beach use, ice fishing, as a wheelchair or beach lounge chair cover, etc., and may have sufficient room for more than one person.
US08042860B2	Door structure for vehicle There is provided a door structure for a vehicle. The door structure comprises an upper door hinge; a lower door hinge; a door main body having an upper hinge mounting portion at which the door main body is mounted with the upper door hinge and a lower hinge mounting portion at which the door main body is mounted with the lower door hinge; an outer impact bar disposed in the door main body and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; an inner impact bar disposed in the door main body and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a connecting bracket connecting the front end of the outer impact bar and the front end of the inner impact bar to the upper hinge mounting portion of the door main body.
US08042857B2	Roof opening and closing apparatus for vehicle A roof opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a cover member opening and closing mechanism including a front side opening and closing mechanical unit, a rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, and an intermediate support unit connecting the front side opening and closing mechanical unit and the rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, a panel moving mechanism including a panel member and a panel movement mechanical unit, the panel member covering a portion of a vehicle body in a case where a roof is in a stored state, the portion of the vehicle body being positioned at a lower end of a rear corner portion of the roof when the roof is in a developed state, and the panel movement mechanical unit supporting the panel member to be moved to the storage compartment in a case where the roof is in the deployed state.
US08042856B2	Compactly stored tri-fold convertible top A tri-fold convertible top is disclosed that is stowed in a storage compartment with a five bow oriented at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the vehicle belt line. The top may be tensioned by a power cylinder and linkage that raises both a one bow and the five bow when the top is initially retracted. A main power cylinder is connected to the top stack and a main pivot bracket that lifts a rear rail above the belt line during the extension and retraction cycle.
US08042854B2	Portable outdoor weight training platform An expandable trailer for transporting and using exercise equipment on the expanded trailer platform, comprising a boxcar shaped trailer mounted on wheels with a hitch for connecting to a motor vehicle. The boxcar walls are hingedly connected to the floor and pivotally open, extending the boxcar platform. Preferred embodiments include truss systems mounted to the platform equipped with cylinder type braces or pulleys that facilitate manually or automatically opening and closing the boxcar walls.
US08042851B2	Chopsticks Chopsticks, used for eating, of the type that have a notch, to enable them to be coupled together, arranged in an oblique position on one of the surfaces close to the upper end of the chopsticks, with a suitable slope for assembling the chopsticks in the manner of pliers, with a depth equivalent to half the thickness of the chopstick and with a width equivalent to the width of the actual chopstick, provision having been made for each of the upper edges of said notch to end in ribs that emerge towards the inside of the notch in order for one chopstick to be snap-fitted together with the other.
US08042846B2	Door wedge apparatus A wedge apparatus includes a first wedge member and a second wedge member. A pivot pin is interconnected between a front end of the first wedge member and a front end of the second wedge member. A compressible spring is interconnected between the first wedge member and the second wedge member at a location distal from the pivot pin. The first wedge member can be substantially U-shaped and can include upwardly oriented first flange portions. Similarly, the second wedge member can be substantially U-shaped and can include downwardly oriented second flange portions. The U-shaped second wedge member is nested within the U-shaped first wedge member when the compressible spring is fully compressed between the first wedge member and the second wedge member. Preferably, a quantity of high friction material is bonded to the first wedge member bottom surface, and a second quantity of high friction material is bonded to the second wedge member top surface.
US08042845B2	Vehicle door handle A vehicle door handle includes a handle main body, a handle cover assembled to the handle main body by means of a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion, and the second assembly portion including: a first engagement portion having a recessed portion and a protruding portion; and a second engagement portion provided at the other of the handle main body and the handle cover and having a hook portion hooking over the first engagement portion, wherein, the handle cover engages the handle main body by rotating at least either one of the handle cover and the handle main body while the second engagement portion hooks over the first engagement portion in a manner where a top end of the hook portion of the second engagement portion is positioned within the recessed portion of the first engagement portion.
US08042843B2	Adjustable driving mechanism for panic door lock A door lock includes a bracket fixed to a door. A linking rod is slideably mounted to the bracket and includes a slot. A draw member includes a first end pivotably connected to the bracket and a second end operably connected to a retractor. The draw member further includes a guide slot. A pin slideably extends through the slot and the guide slot such that the movement of the linking rod causes pivotal movement of the draw member, which in turn, urges the retractor to move a latch bolt from an extended position to a retracted position. A follower is coupled to the pin to move therewith. An adjusting member is in threading connection with the follower and rotatable to move the follower and the pin relative to the linking rod to adjust a position of the second end of the draw member relative to the retractor.
US08042842B2	Production by plastic expansion of a sealed tubular joint with inclined abutting surface(s) A tubular joint, with a first male tubular element, with a male thread, a first annular lip, with a first axial abutting surface, a first internal surface, a section of a first external surface, a second abutting surface and a second female tubular element, with a female thread, matching the male thread, a second annular lip, with a third abutting surface, a second external surface, arranged to face the first internal surface, a second internal surface and a fourth axial abutting surface, supporting the first abutting surface and defining, in particular with the second external surface, an annular housing, matching the first lip. The second and third abutting surfaces being conical with effectively identical inclines and which permit generating a first radial sealing contact of the first internal surface or external surface against the second external surface, or the third internal surface, and, with expansion, provides a second sealing contact.
US08042835B2	Belt tensioner for a safety belt system A belt tensioner for a safety belt system has a drive unit and a power transmission element, which engages on a drive element when the drive unit is activated. The power transmission element is a non-rigid medium.
US08042833B2	Steering wheel release/stroking using active material actuation A tunable steering wheel release/stroking system adapted for use with a steering column, and to selectively absorb energy during a crash event, includes a steering column and an energy-absorbing element configured to receive a force from the column during the event, wherein the element is formed at least in part of an active material changeable between first and second phases when exposed to an activation signal, and configured so as to be caused to deform by and therefore absorb energy from the force at a first energy-absorbing magnitude in the first phase and at a second energy-absorbing magnitude in the second phase.
US08042830B2	Device for snap-fastening an airbag unit in a subassembly of a motor vehicle, especially in a steering wheel A device is provided for snap-fastening an airbag unit in a subassembly of a motor vehicle, especially in a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, snap-in elements that are associated with each other being provided on the airbag unit and on the subassembly of the motor vehicle. In order to be able to snap-secure an airbag unit both to a plate-shaped subassembly and to a subassembly having a lateral wall, at least one snap-in hook is provided on the airbag unit or on the subassembly of the motor vehicle, at least one pivotable plastic snap-in clip being associated therewith on the other subassembly. The snap-in hook engages with said clip in at least one section thereof when in the snap-in position.
US08042829B2	Cart for loads A cart that can support and transport loads includes a platform, a number of wheels, a handle, and a wheel assembly. The wheels are mounted to the platform and can move the cart from place-to-place. The handle extends from the platform. And the wheel assembly extends from the platform and can move the cart from place-to-place when the cart is at an inclined position with respect to the ground upon which the cart is moved.
US08042823B2	Suspension bicycle seat post A bicycle seat post assembly that dampens movement between a seat and a bicycle frame. The seat post assembly includes a seat post, a collar that passes through the seat post, and a dampener that is disposed between the collar and the seat post. The collar is pivotably connected to the seat post so that the collar can rotate relative to the seat post. The collar rotates about an axis that extends in a crossing direction relative to both a longitudinal axis of the bicycle frame and a longitudinal axis of the seat post.
US08042819B2	Folding cart for galley A foldable galley cart including a plurality of frame members that are hinged together to form an expandable frame, a flexible material attached to and carried by the frame that forms a generally rectangular-shaped, open-topped bin when the frame is in an expanded configuration, at least one set of wheels rotatably attached to the frame, and a handle attached to the frame. A collapsible galley cart for serving food containers during a flight that is collapsible so that it may be readily stored within a compartment of an aircraft galley unit between uses.
US08042808B2	Image forming system and paper sheet output method The image forming system includes: a first transporting unit transporting paper sheets along a first transportation route; an image forming unit forming images on the paper sheets; a sheet supplying unit having a second transportation route, and transporting a sheet along the second transportation route to supply the sheet to a gap between the paper sheets sequentially transported along the first transportation route, the second transportation route joining the first transportation route at a position located on a downstream of the image forming unit in a transportation direction; and a controller outputting, to respective first and second output units, a paper sheet located on a downstream of the gap, and a paper sheet located on an upstream of the gap while causing the image forming unit to form an image on the paper sheet on the upstream of the image forming unit, when the sheet is not supplied.
US08042805B2	Machine for processing printed sheets A machine for processing printed sheets includes a sheet delivery having a first conveying device for leading sheet ends, a second conveying device for trailing sheet ends, and a setting device for adjusting one of the two conveying devices relative to the other in a manner dependent on sheet format. The setting device includes a variable ratio gear unit for superimposing two movements.
US08042799B2	Vacuum level switch for a vacuum corrugated feeder This invention provides a simple vacuum level switch to be used inside the feedhead's vacuum plenum to detect when the vacuum level exceeds a predefined threshold. This switch is composed of an opening in the plenum that is covered by a cap which is in turn spring-loaded against the opening. The mechanical properties of the spring are such that the cap is pushed away from the opening by ambient air pressure at the point when the vacuum threshold has been reached during sheet acquisition. A Hall Effect or optical sensor is used to detect this motion and the corresponding signal is sent to the feeder controller. This enables more intelligent control of the feeder while also providing an inexpensive method for tracking sheet acquisition times.
US08042796B2	Sheet finishing apparatus, sheet punching apparatus and control method A sheet finishing apparatus includes a moving mechanism to move a puncher for boring punch holes in a sheet between a penetrate position and standby position, a detection section which is disposed upstream of the puncher in a sheet conveyance direction and detects a leading edge of the sheet, and a control section to control a moving mechanism based on a detection timing of the detection section and according to a size of the sheet and a movement speed of the sheet, so that a front corner of the sheet does not coincide with a position of a punching blade of the puncher when the sheet passes through the puncher.
US08042793B2	Solid engine mount A mounting scheme for attaching a power train to a motor vehicle frame includes a plurality of mounts. At least one of the mounts is a solid engine mount having a metal housing and an elastomeric bushing. The elastomeric bushing contains no voids other than a central bore used to attach the mount to a bracket. The elastomeric bushing includes frustoconical portions, where one end of each of the frustoconical portions is unconstrained by the metal housing. The stiffness of the mount may be tuned to reduce noise and improve handling. The stiffnesses of any of the axes may be adjusted so that the power train roll center aligns with the power train center of gravity.
US08042786B2	Locking system having mounting block with mounting arm and slide member for securing concrete form panels A locking system 24 for securing adjacent concrete form panels 20a, 20b together during assembly of a concrete form 22 is disclosed. The locking system 24 includes a mounting block 50 which is removably attachable to one of the adjacent panels 20a, 20b. A slide member 52 is mounted for sliding movement relative to the mounting block 50 between a first position retracted from aligned apertures 48 in side members 30 of the adjacent panels 20a, 20b and a second position extending through the aligned apertures 48. The slide member 30 includes a bolt member 92 mounted to rotate within the mounting block 50 in its extended position between locked and unlocked positions to secure the adjacent panels 20a, 20b together. Alternatively, the bolt member 206 is configured to receive a wedge member 204 at its projecting end or has a clamping member 304 mounted to rotate on the bolt member 306 for securing the adjacent panels 20a, 20b together.
US08042785B2	Display stand Display stand for displaying products, which comprises a support structure (2) which extends from a support base (3) with one or more columns (4), each of which is formed by at least two modular profiles (6) which can be assembled together in succession by means of first fixing means (7). Fastening means are envisaged, said means being able to be mechanically associated with the support structure (2) so as to form an overstructure with a configuration which can be modified, where required, in order to support directly or indirectly the products or services to be displayed or publicised. The fixing means (7) comprise at least one male part (13) which is mechanically constrained to a first modular profile (6) and at least one female part which is mechanically constrained to a second modular profile (6), said parts being able to be removably coupled together by means of fast-fit engaging means.
US08042784B2	Mounting frame for portable equipment The present invention includes a frame that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The frame may be used for supporting a portable forced air heater, or other similar equipment. Handles, supports, and optionally a wheel assembly is assembled to two core members using snap lock buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the portable forced air heater includes a maintenance clock for measuring and recording operational parameters of a portable forced air heater, and for notifying a user that maintenance is required.
US08042782B2	Loudspeaker box wall holder Loudspeaker wall holder and method of mounting a loudspeaker box. The loudspeaker wall holder includes a base mountable on a wall surface, an arm coupled to the base, and a holder comprising a clamping device. The holder is mounted on the arm and is structured and arranged to receive a portion of a loudspeaker box. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08042779B2	Article attachment system and device The present disclosure is directed to a panel for secure display of articles. In one embodiment, a panel is formed of recyclable material and configured to display an article on a holder, the article having a receiving loop integrally formed thereon. The panel includes an internal tab coplanar with the panel and extending into an opening in the panel, the tab having a narrow section defining at least one hook portion extending from the tab, the hook portion abutting an interior edge of the panel, the hook portion cooperating with the interior edge of the panel to allow the loop to be received over the tab and to retain the loop in engagement with the narrow section.
US08042777B2	Bracket and method of mounting an object in a rack using same A bracket includes a planar body portion having an edge and a surface, a flange extending generally perpendicularly from the edge, the flange including a plurality of mounting openings, and at least one finger projecting from the flange and along and spaced from the body portion surface. Also a method of using the bracket and an assembly including the bracket and a rack.
US08042775B1	Head and neck support for a seated person A support for the head and neck of a person seated at a desk. The support is adjustable in three dimensions and includes a base, a joint removably attached to the base in a slidable engagement, a vertical arm configured with an offset vertical axis, a ball joint, a chin mount adapted to rotate on the ball joint, a hand-turnable bolt configured to prevent rotation of the chin mount on the spherical ball.
US08042772B2	System and method for pneumatically actuating a control surface of an airfoil A flight control system for an airfoil comprises a control surface, a chamber connecting the control surface to the airfoil, and a pneumatic mechanism fluidly connected to the chamber. The chamber may be comprised of at least two cells that may be fluidly separated by a membrane. The pneumatic mechanism is configured to provide differential pressure to the cells in order to alternately increase volume/pressure of the cells to cause deflection of the control surface. The cells may have a stretchable outer surface to allow for changes in the length of the outer surface in response to inflation/deflation of the cells. The outer surface of the cells may be substantially continuous with outer mold lines of the airfoil and of the control surface.
US08042767B2	Composite fabric with rigid member structure A composite structure is provided including a first fabric and a second fabric. A substantially elongate and substantially rigid first member is spaced apart from and coupled with the first fabric via the second fabric. A resin substantially is infused into the first fabric and the second fabric, and substantially encapsulates the first member to form a unitary structure.
US08042766B2	Hybrid aircraft wheel comprising metal and composite portions An aircraft wheel (14) comprises a metal support structure (30) having a first annular ring (31) and a second annular ring (32) connected via at least one connecting element (37); and a fiber-enforced, molded-composite body. The metal support structure (30) is at least partially embedded in the composite body to form a first aircraft wheel section (20, 22) having a rim flange (16a, 16b) for forming a seal with a tire.
US08042759B2	Apparatus and method for winding electrical coils A winding machine for electrical coils to be wound into layers has a device which supplies a material to the coil to be wound in order to separate adjacent layers of the coil from one another. The device has a device for producing a predetermined breaking point in the material, and a measuring unit. The measuring unit determines when the device for producing a predetermined breaking point is to be activated in order to produce a predetermined breaking point in the material. The device also has a guide device which fixes the material on the coil to be wound in the vicinity of the predetermined breaking point at a predetermined time, in order to sever the material at the predetermined breaking point. The winding machine therefore anticipates when a layer change is required, in order to then produce a predetermined breaking point in the material at a distance from the coil. The predetermined breaking point is pulled through as far as the coil, and this enables the material to be guided in a controlled and reliable manner. The material is torn off at the predetermined breaking point only after the material is secured on the coil.
US08042756B2	Vertical shaft impact crusher A vertical shaft impact crusher includes a rotor that rotates about a substantially vertical axis for accelerating a flow of material to be crushed. The crusher further includes a housing, a feed tube, and a feeding chamber. The housing includes a circumferential impact wall section against which the accelerated flow of material may be crushed. The feed tube is for vertically feeding a flow of material into the rotor to be crushed. The feeding chamber includes a feeding chamber side wall and is for vertically feeding a flow of material into the feed tube. A first door is provided for opening and closing an aperture in the feeding chamber side wall. The feed tube is removable from the feeding chamber via the first aperture.
US08042748B2	Surface disruptor for laminar jet fountain A fluid handling device, for example, a laminar jet fountain, includes a jet emanating a first stream of substantially laminar fluid. The jet fountain also includes a surface disrupter that includes a body, a water inlet, a valve, a fluid outlet, and a trajectory adjuster emanating a second stream of fluid from the fluid outlet. The second stream of fluid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb its laminarity. By adjusting a valve controlling the force and volume of flow of the second stream and/or by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection of the first and second streams may be modified and, therefore, the laminarity of the first stream may be modified. By disrupting the laminar surface of the first stream, light introduced into the first stream may be caused to refract outward from the first stream and thus enhance illumination of the first stream.
US08042745B2	Thermally responsive valve for regulating engine coolant flow A thermally responsive valve is installed in a coolant circuit of an engine 1, and is provided with an operating member 7 containing a thermal expansion element 15 which expands and contracts according to a temperature change of coolant to change a longitudinal length of the operating member 7 due to thermal expansion and contraction thereof so as to open and close a valve in the coolant circuit. The thermal expansion element 15 includes a first thermal expansion element 15a with lower thermal expansion start temperature and a lower thermal expansion response speed, and a second thermal expansion element 15b with a higher thermal expansion start temperature and a higher expansion response speed.
US08042740B2	Method of reading bar code symbols on objects at a point-of-sale station by passing said objects through a complex of stationary coplanar illumination and imaging planes projected into a 3D imaging volume Digital image capture and processing systems and methods for generating and projecting coplanar illumination and imaging planes and/or coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones, through one or more imaging windows, and into a 3D imaging volume in a retail POS environments, while employing automatic object motion and/or velocity detection, real-time image analysis and other techniques to capture and processing high-quality digital images of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and intelligently controlling and/or managing the use of visible and invisible forms of illumination, during object illumination and imaging operations, that might otherwise annoy or disturb human operators and/or customers working and/or shopping in such retail environments.
US08042739B2	Wireless tamper detection sensor and sensing system A wireless tamper detection sensor is defined by a perforated electrical conductor. The conductor is shaped to form a geometric pattern between first and second ends thereof such that the conductor defines an open-circuit that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The harmonic response changes when the conductor experiences a change in its geometric pattern due to severing of the conductor along at least a portion of the perforations. A magnetic field response recorder is used to wirelessly transmit the time-varying magnetic field and wirelessly detecting the conductor's harmonic response.
US08042738B2	Method and system for tracking medical products The present invention concerns a method and a system for tracking medical products in which the product (11, 12) and/or its packaging (16) is marked and identified with a first reference (18) that is stored in a first file (20) and the packaged product is shipped (7) to the client for storage for subsequent use for a patient listed in a second file (31). The references of the product are detected (27) automatically and remotely when it is shipped and stored in a third, or stock control, file (28) of the client at the time of an operation. Removal of the product from stock is detected (30) automatically, the references of the product are inserted in the second file (31) corresponding to the patient of the client for which it is used or is to be used, a fourth file is constructed (36) comprising partial references coming from the file of the patient and the references of the product that have been determined for tracking purposes, and this fourth file is transmitted (52) automatically or semi-automatically to the supplier (4) of the product.
US08042736B2	Tracking and properties control system for bulk materials The invention provides a system of devices and a set of methods for accurately characterizing, tracking and controlling bulk material flows. Measurements of input material properties, dynamical measurements involving identifiable tags, and fast, discrete simulations are combined to predict and control the composition of bulk material exiting a container, such as a silo, bunker or hopper. In one embodiment, a system is provided for a coal-fired power plant where the properties of coal are assessed, then the coal is marked and tracked to provide the plant's operators improved control over the coal mixture and target bulk properties as it makes its way from a coal receiving station to delivery for combustion in a furnace.
US08042730B2	Food menu having electronic labels A food menu having electronic labels is disclosed. The food menu comprises at least one ordering page and at least one electronic label. Each ordering page has at least one product data. The electronic label is installed on the ordering page, and each electronic label includes an IC data, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit and a fixed pad. The IC data is corresponding to the product data. The fixed pad is provided for fixing the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit, and enabling the first sensing unit to rotate. When the customer rotates the first sensing unit till the first sensing section of the first sensing unit corresponds to the second sensing section of the second sensing unit, the electronic label is triggered to generate a sensing signal for transmitting the IC data of the product so as to select the product data corresponding thereto.
US08042726B2	Method for bonding work pieces made of stainless steel, nickel or nickel alloys, using a bonding layer consisting of nickel-phosphorous, method for producing a micro-structured component using such method; micro-structured component obtained by such method To form high performance bonding connections suitable for producing micro-structured components made of a plurality of individual layers, bonding by the steps; providing at least two work pieces; forming a metal bonding layer on at least one side of at least one of said at least two work pieces by chemical or electrolytic metal plating method; the metal bonding layer being a nickel/phosphorous alloy having a prescribed phosphorous content and prescribed thickness; forming a bonding arrangement comprising said work pieces so that there is at least one metal bonding layer between said at least two respective work pieces; heating at a prescribed heating rate to a temperature above the melting temperature of the bonding layer; bonding the two work pieces by applying contact pressure within a prescribed range; and cooling at a prescribed rate.
US08042724B2	Method for electrically connecting to a contact of a microelectronic component on a circuit board or substrate A method is provided for making an electrical connection with a microelectronic component arranged on or embedded within a surface of a circuit board layer or a substrate. The microelectronic component has an electrical contact face that is accessible on a surface of the microelectronic component. An electrically conducting bump is applied to the electrical contact face of the microelectronic component. A metal foil or metal coat is applied via a coating of an insulating binder to the surface of the circuit board under an action of pressure and/or heat so that the electrically conducting bump penetrates the coating of the insulating binder to make the electrical connection between the metal foil or metal coat and the electrical contact face.
US08042722B2	Conductive ball arraying apparatus A conductive ball arraying apparatus includes an arraying jig having ball insertion parts at a predetermined array pattern, a ball cup that has an opening part on a lower surface thereof and is capable of housing a plurality of conductive balls, moving means that moves the arraying jig and the ball cup relatively and moves the ball cup relatively along an upper surface of the arraying jig and dropping off the conductive balls into the ball insertion parts of the arraying jig. The apparatus includes means for detecting a quantity of the conductive balls in the ball cup and detects as to whether the quantity of the conductive balls in the ball cup reaches at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit and/or means for detecting leakage of the conductive balls from a clearance between the ball cup and the arraying jig.
US08042717B2	Fastener driving device with contact trip having an electrical actuator A fastener driving device includes a housing, and a nose assembly carried by the housing. The nose assembly has a fastener drive track. The fastener driving device also includes an engine carried by the housing and configured to drive a fastener out of the drive track and into a workpiece during a drive stroke, a contact trip that includes an electrical actuator constructed and arranged to move a portion of contact trip to sense whether the workpiece is in front of the nose assembly, and a trigger configured to activate the electrical actuator to move the portion of the contact trip.
US08042714B2	Reverse-flow prevention plug for container, the container, and pouring device A backflow preventing plug, a container, and a pouring device in which a container body and a plug member are provided separately in a simple shape, and tight-contact property between the plug member and a resilient member is enhanced to improve a backflow preventing function are provided.A backflow-preventing plug includes a resilient membrane formed of a thin film for defining a flow path having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a ball-shaped plug member retained in the flow path of the resilient membrane and formed with a spherical sealing surface for restricting fluid flow by coming into tight resilient contact with a middle portion of the resilient membrane. In a container, the backflow preventing plug is attached to a container opening of a container body accommodating contents. A pouring device includes, for example, a container holder accommodating and holding the container and allowing the container body to be pressurized from the container opening side to be contractingly deformed.
US08042713B2	Aerosol systems and methods for dispensing texture material An aerosol texturing system for applying a layer of texture material on an uncoated portion of a substrate substantially to match a coated portion of the substrate. The aerosol texturing system comprises an aerosol assembly, texture material, and bi-phase propellant material. The texture material comprises a base portion and a particulate portion, where the particulate portion is made of at least one of urethane foam and melamine foam. The propellant material acts on the texture material to force the texture material out of the aerosol assembly onto the uncoated portion of the substrate such that the layer of texture material on the uncoated portion of the substrate substantially matches the portion of the substrate coated with stucco material.
US08042709B2	Fluid dispenser device A fluid dispenser device having an outlet valve (22, 36) including a seat (22) and a movable member (36) that is urged in leaktight manner against the seat (22), the dispenser device being switchable between a locked position and a working position in which the outlet valve (22, 36) is closed, the dispenser device not being actuatable in the locked position, but being actuatable in the working position, the movable member (36) being urged by at least one resilient element (42) against the seat (22) in the working position, the dispenser device being characterized in that, in the locked position, the movable member (36) is urged against the seat (22) by at least one bearing element (41) other than the at least one resilient element (42).
US08042708B2	Dispenser and refrigerator including the same A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.
US08042706B2	Profile for panels and method for its fastening A profile (2) comprises a rounded upper portion (6) and a lower portion (7) and is suitable for being fastened onto an edge (3) of a panel (4a) by means of fastening means (5). The lower portion (7) comprises a first wall (7a) suitable for mating with the panel (4a) and a second wall (7b) joining said first wall (7a) to said upper portion (6), thus defining a chamber (8) that is comprised between the first wall (7a) and the second wall (7b) and is suitable to enclose one end (10) of said fastening means (5). Thus, the profile accomplishes an anti-catching function. The present invention also relates to a method for fastening said profile (2) town edge (3) of a panel (4a).
US08042703B2	Recycling center A recycling center receivable on a supporting surface is provided. The recycling center includes first and second sidewalls. Each sidewall has a forward edge, a rearward edge, an upper edge and an inner surface such that the inner surfaces of the sidewalls define a recycle receiving chamber. A bag slide slidably is mounted within recycle receiving chamber. The bag slide is movable between a first retracted position wherein the bag slide is received within the recycle receiving chamber and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the bag slide projects from the recycle receiving chamber. A first bag retainer is pivotably mounted to the bag slide for receiving a first portion of upper end of a first bag thereon. The first bag retainer is pivotable between a first position and a second retaining position for supporting the first bag in an open configuration.
US08042702B2	Reconfigurable container and methods of fabrication and use thereof Reconfigurable containers which may adopt two stable configurations are described. In the first configuration, the container is suitable for the storing and transport of goods. When in a second, collapsed configuration, the container occupies a lesser volume than the first configuration and thus requires less shipping space. This is accomplished through the use of at least one deformable active material member that is preferably a shape memory polymer and, optionally, releasable fasteners.
US08042700B1	End cap shelf system A shelf system adapted to be attached and removed from end cap supporting walls in limited vertical headspace situations by providing a separate thin walled connector strip which is releasably attached to the rear wall of the shelf and on which the end cap wall connection means are positioned as opposed to the shelf rear wall itself.
US08042699B2	Adjustable cable routing spool A cabling spool for guiding or storing cable, such as is often employed in network racks or other cabling cabinets or enclosures to organize cable layouts and store excess cable, includes a spool body and an end flange. The spool body has a surface with a radius, sized to prevent a minimum bend radius of a cable from being exceeded. The end flange of the spool keeps cables passing about the spool body from leaving the spool. The end flange may be attached to the spool body in a number of positions, e.g., in an upward position, when a majority of cables pass over a top of the spool body; in a downward position, when a majority of cables pass over a bottom of the spool body. The end flange may optionally be rotated relative to the spool body.
US08042697B2	Low thermal mass semiconductor wafer support A support for a semiconductor wafer includes a plate having a support surface for supporting the wafer and a recessed surface spaced from the support surface and spaced from the wafer. A plurality of holes extends from the recessed surface, and the support surface is free of holes to inhibit contamination of the wafer.
US08042695B2	External pressure type hollow fiber membrane module An external pressure type hollow fiber membrane module, comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a housing, and an inlet/outlet nozzle for fluid, wherein hollow fiber membranes are fixedly adhered to each other and the hollow fiber membranes are fixedly adhered to the inner wall of the housing at both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow part at one or both side adhesively-fixed ends is opened, and the inlet/outlet nozzle for fluid is installed at the side face of the housing at least at one adhesively-fixed end in which the hollow part is opened. Where the membrane occupied rates of the nozzle in a neighboring area (A) and a non-neighboring area (B) among membrane chargeable areas on the inside of the adhesively-fixed part at at least one adhesively-fixed end positioned near the nozzle and where the hollow part is opened are PA and PB, the ratio of the membrane occupied rates PB/PA is 0.50 to 0.95.
US08042677B2	Method and apparatus for dynamic gap optimization The invention relates to a method and a device for dynamic optimization of the gaps between objects transported serially on a conveyor, in particular the transport of pieces of luggage in luggage transport systems in airports. According to the invention, in order to achieve an optimal usage of the transport system, the separation between two adjacent objects for transporting is recorded by sensor and provided to an analytical unit as measured values for determination of a correction value for temporary alteration of the speed of a transporter supporting only one object, arranged between two adjacent transporters.
US08042676B2	Buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products comprises a first elongated conveyor and a second elongated conveyor that can be driven in an opposite direction. The first and the second conveyor extend in a path at least substantially parallel to each other and beside each other. A transfer unit is movable at least substantially parallel to the first and the second conveyor in the aforesaid path and is provided with a transfer device for transferring the products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The transfer unit comprises a drive unit for moving the transfer unit, preferably in dependence on the velocities of the first and the second conveyor.The drive unit of the transfer unit comprises a drive motor, which follows the movements of the transfer unit at least in part.
US08042675B2	Self-supporting guiding system for moving walkways The invention relates to a system having: a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member arranged symmetrical to the first longitudinal member in relation to a longitudinal mid-plane of the conveyor system, to define a forward movement track and a return track of the rollers (4); a connecting crossbeam (6) for connecting the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members have: an upper surface defining the forward movement track (2) on which the rollers (4) roll; a lower surface defining the return track (3) on which the rollers (4) roll; an inner surface provided with means for fixing the longitudinal members; an outer surface. The first longitudinal member is connected to the second longitudinal member by means of a connecting crossbeam (6) to ensure a necessary tolerance between longitudinal members.
US08042674B2	Clutch assembly with a leg spring A clutch device is described comprising a first clutch element, a second clutch element that is disposed in a coaxial manner in relation to the first clutch element, a first engagement means, a second engagement provided for engaging with the first engagement in a positively interlocking manner for transmitting a torque between the first clutch element and the second clutch element, and a spring biasing the first engagement element and the second engagement element in a circumferential direction against each other. The spring comprises a leg spring with a ring part and two legs, wherein the ring part is disposed in a substantially coaxial relation to the first and second clutch parts and the legs extend in a radially outward direction.
US08042668B2	Three-mode overrunning bi-directional clutch The three mode overrunning bi-directional clutch has a first mode where the slipper race and fixed race are coupled and power is not transmitted between the inner input shaft and the outer shaft. A second mode where the slipper race is uncoupled from the fixed race and the slipper race engages the outer shaft to provide power transmission between the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The third mode couples the slipper race to the fixed race but uses a brake to provide radial force against the slipper race to allow for partial engagement between the slipper race and the outer shaft. This third mode allows for a smooth transition between the first mode and the second mode.
US08042667B2	Hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train A hydrodynamic torque converter device comprising a torsional vibration damper, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, and a converter lockup clutch. The torsional vibration damper has first and second energy accumulating devices with one or more first energy accumulators, and second energy accumulators, respectively. The converter lockup clutch and the first and second energy accumulating devices are connected in series. The turbine has an outer shell that is rotationally fixed to an intermediate part between the first and second accumulating devices. An input element of the first energy accumulating device is used to transmit torque via the lockup clutch for loading the first energy accumulating device. The input element of the first energy accumulating device has at least one lug having a free end and a non-free end, with the non-free end of the lug radially inside the free end of the lug.
US08042666B2	Hydrodynamic clutch device A hydrodynamic clutch includes a hydrodynamic circuit formed by at least a pump wheel and a turbine wheel in a clutch housing with a drive-side housing wall extending to the axis of rotation, and a bridging clutch with a piston capable of shifting axially relative to the drive-side housing wall. The turbine wheel is connected to a hub, which is connected for rotation in common to a takeoff, and is axially supported between the hydrodynamic circuit and the clutch housing, and has first and second flow passages which are axially offset from each other. The hub has a drive-side end with an axial bearing area which can be moved into axial contact with an axial bearing, which is either an axial contact surface on the drive-side housing wall or is assigned to the drive-side housing wall.
US08042664B2	Electrical cable retractor assembly for a movable window A cable retractor for paying out and retracting an electrical cable providing electrical power to an electrical load on a movable window element comprising a first assembly having a rotatable cable spool for receiving the electrical cable for winding on the cable spool, the first assembly including a first housing having an opening therein for paying out a first end of the electrical cable wound on the spool and at least one electrical terminal for connecting a second end of the electrical cable on the spool to one of an electrical power source or the electrical load; a second assembly having at least one electrical connection connected to the first end of the electrical cable and further being connected to the other one of the electrical load or the electrical power source; thereby to provide power to the electrical load from the electrical cable; one of the first and second assemblies being mounted for movement with the movable window element and the other of the first and second assemblies being fixed; and a guide channel disposed between the first and second assemblies for guiding the electrical cable as the electrical cable is retracted into the first housing on the cable spool as the movable window element moves such that the first and second assemblies move relatively toward each other; whereby the electrical load is provided with electrical power from the electrical power source at all positions of the movable window element.
US08042662B2	Trunk able to fix articles in position A trunk able to fix articles in position includes a trunk body and a cover connected together and respectively provided with an air bag in an interior. The trunk body has one outer side formed with an accommodating groove installed therein with an inflation apparatus provided with an inflating pipe communicating with the air bags. In using, the air inflation apparatus is taken out of the accommodating grove and then pressed or trodden for pumping air into the air bags through the inflation pipe to let the soft air bags expand and fill up the space in the trunk body. Thus, the inflated air bags can function to press and restrictedly position the articles stably in the trunk and also protect the articles in the trunk from being moved, bumped with each other and damaged.
US08042661B2	Shock absorber A shock absorber (100) for suppressing vibration in a vehicle includes a valve disk (1) that delimits the interior of a cylinder (40) in which a working fluid is sealed; a first passage (2a), a second passage (2b) and a third passage (2c), which are disposed in series so as to connect pressure chambers (41, 42) delimited by the valve disk (1); a valve body (10) that selectively opens the first passage (2a) and the second passage (2b); a biasing member (15) that biases the valve body (10) in a direction for closing the first passage (2a) against the pressure in one of the pressure chambers (42); and a bypass passage (10a) that connects the first passage (2a) to the third passage (2c) when the valve body (10), having displaced in accordance with the pressure in the one pressure chamber (42) so as to open the first passage (2a), displaces further so as to close the second passage (2b). The bypass passage (10a) is set to have a smaller flow passage area than a flow passage area when the first passage (2a) and the second passage (2b) are both open.
US08042655B1	Roll stop for a lift A roll stop system for a lift includes a roll stop member that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a driving mechanism for moving the roll stop member between the raised position and the lowered position, and a spring member acting as a buffer between the driving mechanism and the roll stop member, and preferably the spring member protects the driving mechanism from damage due to abnormal operations of the roll stop member.
US08042653B2	Adjustable work platform An adjustable work platform includes a first ladder section and a second ladder section, each of which is adjustable in height. The platform includes a deck assembly adjustable in length supported by the first and second ladder sections. The deck assembly includes a first deck half and a second deck half that slide relative to each other and fit together. A method for using an adjustable work platform including the steps of extending the height of a first ladder section and a second ladder section. There is the step of sliding a first deck half relative to a second-half that fit together of a deck assembly to a desired length. The deck assembly supported by the first and second ladder sections.
US08042650B1	Portable tree climbing device A removable step used to climb a vertical surface. The step has first and second structural members and at least two brace members spacing the structural members. A coupler is rigid with one of the structural members and is operable to secure the structural member to the vertical surface.
US08042647B1	Speaker side air supply A Speaker Side Air Supply Cabinet that has three things that are working together the Speaker Side Air Supply ducts, the Front Air Chamber, and the Bass Horn. The Front Air Chamber takes in air then compress it so that we get a very high sound pressure {sound wave} output, and the Speaker Side Air Supply ducts supply all the air the Front Air Chamber needs. At the same time the Speaker Side Air Supply ducts also supplying air to the Bass Horn working together to eliminate the pull back on the out going sound wave so there is no reduction of the very high sound wave volume output.
US08042645B2	Electric power steering device A parallel shaft gear mechanism (19a) for a steering assist of the present electric power steering apparatus (1) includes an idle gear (26) rotatably supported via a rolling bearing (39), on an outer peripheral surface (37d) of an intermediate shaft (37) supported by a rack housing (15). The idle gear (26) is arranged in an annular synthetic resin member (43) fixed on the outer peripheral surface (44a) of an outer ring (44) of the bearing (39). On the outer peripheral surface (44a) of the outer ring (44), a regulating portion (53, 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D, 53E, 53F, 53G, 54, 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E, 54F, 55, 56, 56A, 56B, 59, 59A, and 59B) for regulating relative rotation between the outer ring (44) and the synthetic resin member (43) is arranged. The synthetic resin member (43) is formed in a manner to cover the regulating portion on the outer peripheral surface (44a) of the outer ring (44), as a result of a molding process using a mold.
US08042644B2	Self-propelled forage harvester The present invention relates to a self-propelled forage harvester (1) that is equipped with a front attachment (3) and includes a rigid axle (5), a transmission (10) and two wheel gears (9), which are installed upstream of the drive wheels (7) and are coupled with the transmission (10) in a driving manner, the drive axle (5) being composed of a center part (31) and axle carrier units (28) rigidly flange-connected on the right and left sides of the center part (31), each axle carrier unit (28) including wheel gears (9) that extend forward, in the direction toward the front attachment (3).
US08042643B2	Saddle-ride type vehicle A saddle-ride type vehicle with a swing arm swingably supported on a body frame. A shock absorber is connected to the body frame and the swing arm for applying a damping force. A shock absorber support member is suspended to the body frame in a vehicle width direction for supporting an upper end of the shock absorber. The shock absorber is supported on a central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member. The central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member is formed in a U-shape that is open at a lower side in a cross section taken along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An upper surface and a lower surface of the shock absorber support member are curved wherein a central portion lies above the end portion in the vehicle width direction.
US08042640B2	Vehicle-body structure for motorcycle A vehicle-body structure for a motorcycle which is capable of suppressing the reduction of a contact load of a rear wheel by reducing a load applied to a vehicle-body frame at an application of an excessive load from the front of a vehicle. In a vehicle-body structure for a motorcycle including a head pipe supporting a front wheel in front of a vehicle-body frame, a guide member guides the front wheel obliquely rearwardly during an application of an excessive load to the front wheel. The guide member is disposed rearwardly of the front wheel and at the front portion of the vehicle-body frame.
US08042635B2	Front end module of a vehicle Safety of passengers may be improved by a front end module of a vehicle that includes: a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle engine compartment and forms a frame for mounting vehicle accessory part; and an intercooler assembly that cools an air that is drawn into an engine, wherein the intercooler assembly is assembled with a bottom of the lower member of the front end module carrier.
US08042631B2	Electric vehicle having multiple-use APU system During periods of vehicle inactivity, a vehicle-based APU electric generating system may be coupled into a regional electric grid to send electricity into the grid. A currently-preferred APU is a solid oxide fuel cell system. When a large number of vehicles are thus equipped and connected, substantial electric buffering can be effected to the grid load. A vehicle-based APU can also function as a back-up generator to a docking facility in the event of power failure of the grid. Gaseous hydrocarbon is readily supplied by pipe in many locations as a commercial and residential heating fuel source, and a hydrocarbon reformer on the vehicle can be attached to the fuel source, enabling an APU to operate as a stationary power source indefinitely. An optional storage tank on the vehicle may be refueled with gaseous fuel, for example, while the battery is being electrically recharged by the grid.
US08042630B2	Serpentine robotic crawler A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.
US08042629B2	Snow traction unit for vehicles A snow traction unit to replace a wheel of an all wheel drive vehicle which includes a frame supporting two carrier wheels; said carrier wheels being spaced apart a distance greater than their combined radii; an endless snow contacting track mounted for rotation on said carrier wheels; a track contacting surface provided between the lower extremities of said carrier wheels; a drive engagement means for engaging the drive shaft of the vehicle and for driving at least one of said carrier wheels; the arrangement of the width of the track, the spacing between the carrier wheels and the track contacting surface resulting in the vehicle having a force imprint less than 250 Kg/square meter.
US08042621B2	Impact mechanism for an impact wrench An impact mechanism (12) for an impact wrench comprises an anvil (8) with a middle portion (13), at least one abutment surface (14) radially protruding therefrom, which forms at least one abutment surface (15), a hammer (4) with an impact surface (16) suitable to give rotational pulses to the anvil (8) by the impact surface (16) hitting the abutment surface (15). The anvil (8) comprises a first connection area (17) connecting the abutment portion (14) to the middle portion (13) within the axial extension of the abutment surface (15) and the middle portion (13) and a reinforcement rib (18) axially arranged out of the abutment surfaces (15) that connects the abutment portion (14) to the middle portion (13) of the anvil (8), thereby forming a second connecting area.
US08042612B2	Method and device for maintaining sub-cooled fluid to ESP system A method of operating an electrical submersible pumping system that includes realtime monitoring of the wellbore fluid and adjusting pump speed so the fluid entering the pump remains subcooled. The method can include adding sensors within the wellbore and digitally storing fluid data accessible by a pump controller. The pump speed can be increased or decreased by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power delivered to the pump motor.
US08042609B2	Method and apparatus for improving vehicle fuel economy The present invention provides an apparatus for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a transmission having a transmission sump that contains transmission fluid, and a heat exchanger disposed within said sump and at least partially submerged in the transmission fluid. The apparatus also includes an engine having a plurality of engine coolant channels. An engine pump is operatively connected to the engine. The engine pump is configured to transfer engine coolant through the plurality of engine coolant channels and then through the heat exchanger. Heat from the engine coolant is transferred to the transmission fluid when the engine coolant passes through the heat exchanger. The heat transferred to the transmission fluid decreases transmission fluid viscosity such that transmission spin losses are reduced and fuel economy is improved. A corresponding method for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle is also provided.
US08042605B2	Heat conduction device A heat conduction device is fixed into a radiator (2) and abutted a heat-generating component (42). This radiator (2) has a through-hole (10). The heat conduction device includes a column body (1). One end of the column body (1) is recessed to form a hollow part in order to increase the radiating surface; the other end of the column body (1) is a contact surface (12). The outer surface of the column body (1) is fixed inside the through-hole (10) of the radiator (2), the contact surface (12) is abutted the heat generating component (42); Due to the formation of the hollow part, the radiating surface is increased, the radiating effect is enhanced, and the cost can be decreased greatly due to the simple configuration of the column body (1).
US08042604B2	Temperature regulating member A temperature regulating member capable of avoiding deterioration in heat dissipation efficiency of a heat-accumulating material, and deterioration in a buffer function thereof, due to ununiformity in heat distribution inside the heat-accumulating material. With the use of a churning flow occurring by disposing one piece of stirrer or plural stirrers inside the heat-accumulating material, and by causing a relative position of the stirrer, inside the heat-accumulating material, to be changed during transportation, it is possible to eliminate ununiformity in heat distribution inside the heat-accumulating material. The temperature regulating member has a feature in that a phenomenon of a peripheral part of the heat-accumulating material being first cooled to be subsequently solidified is avoided, thereby enabling the heat dissipation efficiency and the buffer function to be maintained.
US08042603B2	Method of manufacturing aluminum alloy plate for lithographic printing plate, aluminum alloy plate for lithographic printing plate obtained thereby and lithographic printing plate support In a method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy plate for a lithographic printing plate by continuous casting which includes feeding an aluminum alloy melt through a melt feed nozzle between a pair of cooling rollers and rolling the aluminum alloy melt while solidifying between the pair of cooling rollers, a vessel for feeding the aluminum alloy melt to the melt feed nozzle contains the aluminum alloy melt which is adjusted in such a manner that a vertical amplitude at a level of the aluminum alloy melt existing within the vessel is 10 mm or less. This manufacturing method is capable of obtaining an aluminum alloy plate for a lithographic printing plate with a uniform surface composition and manufacturing a lithographic printing plate support having no surface defect.
US08042601B2	Side dam with insert A side dam for use in a continuous twin roll caster system includes a body of refractory material having opposed outer surfaces with one outer surface adapted to contact molten metal and casting rolls in a continuous twin roll caster system and retain molten metal, and an opposite outer surface having fastening portions of refractory material adapted to attach the side dam to a side dam holder to hold the side dam in place during casting; an aperture in the outer surface of the body positioned adjacent a nip of the continuous twin roll caster system and adapted to receive a side dam insert; and a side dam insert of a second refractory material harder than the refractory material of the body having a first surface adapted to contact molten metal and form with the outer surface of the body the outer surface of the side dam.
US08042596B2	Articulation device for an awning elbow joint An articulation device applicable to an awning arm elbow includes a fork and a core which are joined to respective first and second semi-arms and are connected to one another by an articulation shaft. The core has an anchor in an outer surface for hooking an enlarged end of a flexible, elastically loaded tie rod which is accommodated in the first semi-arm. A seat with conical radial and axial support surfaces is formed in the core, and a circumferential channel is formed in the axial support surface. A bearing unit includes an annular element with a cylindrical outer radial rest surface to be fitted, by pressurized insertion with interference, into the conical radial support surface of the seat, and an axial rest surface to rest against the axial support surface of the seat.
US08042595B2	Awning case assembly The invention relates to an awning case assembly including a housing for a winding tube for winding the canvas, a load bar fixed to a front edge of the canvas, and foldable arms hingedly connected to the housing and to the load bar. The load bar including a second longitudinal coupling configuration which can be coupled to a second longitudinal coupling edge of the housing to form a fulcrum line about which the load bar can rotate under the action of a pulling force exerted by the canvas until a first longitudinal coupling configuration of the load bar is coupled to a first longitudinal coupling edge of the housing, the first longitudinal coupling configuration being disposed at a distance from the second coupling configuration and adjacent to a canvas fixing configuration.
US08042592B2	Tape dispenser A tape dispenser including a cutting mechanism is disclosed that allows for improved access to the mandrel during reloading. The tape dispenser comprises a base, a cover, and a mandrel disposed within the base and cover. The cover is capable of securely engaging with the base. The base, the cover, and the mandrel are connected along a pivot point. The cover actuates the mandrel to an open, loading position.
US08042587B2	Tape cutting device and tape feeder changing carriage A tape cutting device that cuts off an empty tape, which is discharged from a tape feeder after supplying components to a component mounting apparatus by pitch-feeding a tape containing the components, by opening and closing two cutting blades actuated by a pneumatic actuator driven by a supply of a pressurized air from a pneumatic pressure source controlled by a control valve, comprising: a blade closing mechanism which closes said two cutting blades when the supply of the pressurized air from the pneumatic pressure source to the pneumatic actuator is stopped.
US08042585B2	Apparatus for controlling tire inflation pressure An apparatus for controlling tire inflation pressure includes an outlet side end portion of a supplying passageway provided in an axle hub that is opened on an outer end surface of a vehicle in a flange portion of the axle hub, and an inlet side end portion of an introducing passageway provided in a wheel that is opened on an inner end surface of the vehicle in the wheel of a vehicle wheel assembly, and by mounting the wheel onto the flange portion, the outlet side end portion and the inlet side end portion are air tightly joined each other. Thus, easiness in mounting the vehicle wheel assembly relative to the flange portion of the axle hub can be improved.
US08042582B2	Pneumatic tire having conductive layer and rubber cement layer including compound having oxyethylene unit A pneumatic tire is equipped with at least a tread part, a sidewall part, a bead part, and a carcass extending from tread part through sidewall part to bead part, and provided with a breaker part on the outside of carcass in the radial direction of the tire. The volume resistivity of each of a tread rubber, a sidewall rubber, a breaker rubber, and a carcass rubber formed in the tread part, the sidewall part, the breaker part, and the carcass respectively is set to 1×1012 Ω·cm or more. A conductive layer having volume resistivity of 1×1011 Ω·cm or less is provided between a carcass ply constituting the carcass and the sidewall rubber and has an exposed part to the tire surface. A rubber cement layer contacting with at least a part of the exposed part of the conductive layer and at least a part of the region that becomes a grounding surface in the tread part to the road surface is provided.
US08042581B2	Valve assembly for powder dispenser A powder dispenser comprising a powder container having an opening in a lower end thereof, a powder receptacle having a flange, and a flow control assembly having pivotable flow control arms biased against each other, pivotable activation arms biased towards each other, and connecting members for connecting the flow control arms to the activation arms for concomitant movement, wherein the receptacle flange is operable to engage the activation arms to pivot the activation arms away from each other and thereby pivot the flow control arms away from each other so that powder is allowed to flow through the flow control assembly into the receptacle. The dispenser may further comprise an agitator that is operable to agitate the powder in the container when the flow control arms are pivoting towards or away from each other.
US08042580B2	Apparatus and method for capturing and containing sulphur hexafluoride gas leakage An apparatus and method are provided for capturing and containing SF6 gas leakage from a gas enclosure. The apparatus includes a portage flexible gas storage container of material which is substantially impermeable to SF6 gas. The container includes a gas inlet which is adapted to be coupled in a sealable manner to a surface surrounding a leakage source thereby capturing the SF6 gas in the container. The container inflates under pressure from the captured gas in order to accommodate up to a predetermined capacity of SF6 gas. The apparatus can be adapted to act as a container for transporting SF6 gas from a gas source to an enclosure.
US08042578B2	System and method for making paints from prepaints A manufacturing system for making paints from prepaints, along with a method related thereto.
US08042571B2	Rigid mount anti-leak fluid coupler A fluid coupler for connecting two hydraulic appliances together without requiring flexible hoses is described. The fluid coupler enables fluid-tight connecting between fixed position components and allows for separating the hydraulic appliances without decoupling the coupler while maintaining fluid-tightness of both appliances after separation.
US08042570B2	Steam valve assembly and steam turbine plant A steam valve assembly has a main-steam stop valve, and a steam control valve connected downstream to the main-steam stop valve via an intermediate flow path. The two valves each has a casing having an inlet port directing horizontally, and an outlet port directing vertically. The valve bodies and the valve stems move up and down in the casings to open and close the flow paths in the valves. The intermediate flow path is configured to guide main steam from the outlet port of the main-steam stop valve in vertically downward direction to the inlet port of the steam control valve in horizontal direction.
US08042569B2	Fuel selector valve A fuel selector valve (100) in communication with at least first and second fuel tanks and an engine is provided. The fuel selector valve (100) includes a drive system (106), and a fuel draw valve (102) coupled to the drive system (106). The fuel draw valve (102) includes a first fuel tank draw port (108) adapted to be coupled to the first fuel tank, a second fuel tank draw port (110) adapted to be coupled to the second fuel tank, and an engine draw port (112) adapted to be coupled to the engine. The fuel selector valve (100) further includes a first closure element (120) operably coupled to the drive system (106). The first closure element (120) is selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the first fuel tank draw port (108), and a second position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the second fuel tank draw port (110).
US08042567B2	Gas meter of gas canister valve A gas meter is mounted between vertical and horizontal branch tubes of a gas canister valve and has an indication pointer driven by a magnetic block that is movable inside the valve to indicate a residual quantity of gas inside the canister. The gas meter includes a casing that is magnetically non-conductive and forms at a top edge of a back thereof an inverted slope surface, an upper clamp extending from opposite sides of the inverted slope surface in an upward direction to clamp the vertical branch tube, and a side clamp engageable with the horizontal branch tube. The back of the meter casing is recessed at a location opposite to and interfering with an outer top edge of an enclosure for the magnetic block to form a fitting groove that corresponds to the top edge of the enclosure.
US08042565B2	Double check back flow prevention device A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.
US08042564B2	Fuel cutoff valve A fuel cutoff valve is furnished with a casing defining a valve chamber, and a float mechanism housed to be able to rise and fall in the valve chamber. The casing is furnished with a closure plate situated in the space above the valve chamber and in a facing arrangement with a connecting passage. The closure plate is furnished with a vent hole that has been formed so as to divert the passage from the connecting passage to a second pipe line, and with a barrier wall that is situated in opposition to a first pipe line and that has been formed so as to divert the passage from the first pipe line to the second pipe line.
US08042555B2	Head for a cosmetic applicator An applicator for applying a cosmetic to keratinous material is provided. The applicator is a single-piece molded unit formed of a single material and includes a slim, tapered head portion, having an arcuate configuration. The head portion comprises a support and at least two rows of projecting tines integrally molded therewith. The tines extend transversely away from one side of the support relative to the longitudinal axis of the head, the opposite side of the support being smooth and free from tines. The arcuate and tapered shape of the support facilitates the application of cosmetic product to the eyelash fringe including the shortest eyelashes located in the corners of the eye.
US08042551B2	Double wrapper cigarette, machine and method for manufacturing the same A double wrapper cigarette produced by a manufacturing machine and method according to the invention includes an inner wrapper (6) wrapped around a rod-like filler including a tobacco material, an outer wrapper (8) surrounding the inner wrapper (6), and a perfume emitting layer (10) provided between the inner wrapper (6) and the outer wrapper (8). The perfume emitting layer (10) includes a perfume material for weakening odor of sidestream smoke of the cigarette.
US08042549B2	Sterile radiological drape A collapsible sterile drape designed to encase the non-sterile portion of a radiological unit is provided. The sterile radiological drape is designed to expand to encompass the radiological unit as it rotates into and is move through the sterile field for imaging during surgery, and then to collapse to protect the sterile portion of the drape when the radiological unit is removed from the surgical field.
US08042544B2	Prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by disposing in a patient airway an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube.
US08042543B2	Headgear assembly for a respiratory mask assembly A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.
US08042542B2	Respiratory mask assembly with magnetic coupling to headgear assembly A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly which are adapted to being removeably magnetically coupled to one another at a desired angular orientation therebetween.
US08042537B2	Method of providing interactive pressure support A method of employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device. In a further embodiment, the operation of the pressure generating system is controlled based on the second information provided by the patient.
US08042536B1	Nebulizer apparatus A nebulizer apparatus for delivering medication in the form of an aerosol to a patient. The apparatus includes a medication reservoir for receiving liquid medication, a face mask for delivering aerosol to a patient, an attachment to a nebulizer machine or Bag resuscitator to generate carrier gas flow, a face mask or tubing to deliver the aerosol to the patient, and hosing to inter-connect the nebulizer components. The medication reservoir of the nebulizer apparatus includes rapid injection ports for the addition of medication to the medication reservoir, and is connected to the face mask via a dual sided ball and socket connection.
US08042533B2	High speed convection oven A convection heating apparatus capable of providing effective, high speed cooking without the assistance of microwave energy. The oven apparatus includes an exterior cabinet, a door, and a cooking chamber having interior side walls, a back wall, and a lower jet plate. The oven further includes a blower for circulating gas through the lower jet plate into the cooking chamber. In addition, the oven includes a product support disposed within the cooking chamber above said lower jet plate. The product support is disposed on a rail that is positioned to hold the lower jet plate in place when air is circulated therethrough. Optionally, the oven further includes an upper jet plate disposed within the cooking chamber above the product support. Temperature controlled gas is circulated through the upper jet plate toward the product support and any food product disposed on the product support. The oven may also include means for imparting movement to the product support during cooking operations in order to provide a more even cooking of a food product. A catalytic converter material is disposed downstream from the blower and upstream from a return plate which controls the direction of gas flow from the cooking cavity and protects the catalytic converter material.
US08042527B2	Coordination of HP and LP EGR A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady-state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions.
US08042525B2	Evaporated fuel treating apparatus An evaporated fuel treating apparatus that realizes enhanced exertion of the treating capability of a canister for evaporated fuel and thus efficient treatment of evaporated fuel. Vapor piping for feeding an evaporated fuel from fuel tank to canister is provided with first close valve. The first close valve is capable of regulating the flow rate of transit evaporated fuel through regulation of the opening degree thereof. Accordingly, the evaporated fuel treating capability of the canister can be exerted higher than in the system in which the flow rate of evaporated fuel is not regulated.
US08042522B2	Fuel rail vent system A fuel rail vent system for evacuating air from a fuel rail includes a first fuel reservoir and a first fuel line extending between the first fuel reservoir and the fuel rail. A fuel pump is configured in fluid communication with the first fuel reservoir to pump liquid fuel from the first fuel reservoir to the fuel rail through the first fuel line. A second fuel line separate from the first fuel line extends between the first fuel reservoir and the fuel rail. A primer system is configured for fluid communication with the first fuel reservoir to pump liquid fuel from the first fuel reservoir to the fuel rail through the second fuel line. A second fuel reservoir separate from the first fuel reservoir is configured for fluid communication with the fuel rail downstream of the fuel rail to receive any excess liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor upstream therefrom.
US08042520B2	Engine startup fuel pressure control systems and methods A fuel pressure control system for a vehicle comprises a pressure regulator module and a pressure increasing module. The pressure regulator module regulates a fuel pressure supplied to an engine to a first predetermined pressure during an engine running period. The pressure increasing module selectively increases the fuel pressure to a second predetermined pressure during the engine running period when a counter value is one of greater than and less than a predetermined final value. The second predetermined pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure, and the counter value is set to the predetermined final value after the engine is started for a first time after being assembled.
US08042519B2	Common rail fuel system with integrated diverter An internal combustion engine includes a fuel system having a first fuel rail with an integrated diverter portion coupled to a high-pressure pump and separated from a common rail portion by a flow restriction device. The first fuel rail includes a pressure sensor coupled to the diverter portion at one end and a control valve coupled to the common rail portion at the other end of the same fuel rail. In V-engine embodiments, a second fuel rail communicates with the integrated diverter portion of the first fuel rail. In one embodiment, components including the first and second fuel rails, a pressure sensor, and a pressure or volume control valve are externally mounted outside the engine valve cover.
US08042516B2	Method of controlling valve timing of diesel engine In a diesel engine equipped with an injector 1 having a plurality of intersections between an axis line of the injector 1 and the axes of injection holes 10a bored in the injector 1, an air intake valve 25 is controlled so that it is closed at timing before a BDC (at timing when a piston comes to a bottom dead center) by an ECU 50, which controls the timing of closing the air intake valve 25 based on operating conditions of the engine.
US08042509B2	Cam cap A cam cap has a wall portion that extends between two cam cap portions integrally formed and having connection portions respectively, and therefore the rigidity of the cam cap is high and thus the relative positional accuracies of oil passage connection faces of the connection portions are high even after the cam cap is mounted on an internal combustion engine.
US08042508B2	Camshaft support structure for internal combustion engine A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is fitted with rocker arms. Camshafts are disposed so that the rocker arms and cams will be brought into contact with each other. The camshafts are rotatably supported by lower bearings, which supports the camshafts from below, and by upper bearings integrated with a head cover. The head cover is provided with visual observation windows that make it possible to see valve system parts through the head cover. A visual observation window covers for covering the visual observation windows are fixed to the head cover.
US08042501B2	Continuously variable valve lift apparatus A continuously variable valve lift apparatus may include a control shaft, a camshaft in which a cam is formed thereto, an eccentric member connected to the control shaft, a follower slidably contacting the cam, a follower arm that is extended from a follower ring mounted around the eccentric member, a variable ring slidably mounted on the eccentric member and a variable arm extended from the variable ring, an output ring slidably mounted on the control shaft and an output arm extended from the output ring, wherein an output cam is integrally formed to the output arm and an end portion of the output cam is pivotally coupled to one end portion of the output arm, a first link pivotally connecting the follower arm and the variable arm, and a second link pivotally connecting the variable arm and the output arm.
US08042499B2	Coolant circulation circuit for engine A coolant circulation circuit for an engine includes a first coolant line through which coolant heated in an engine and circulated in a radiator passes, a second coolant line through which coolant heated in the engine and circulated in additional elements passes, a bypass coolant line through which coolant heated in the engine passes, a coolant outlet where the coolant flows into the engine, a first chamber where the coolant having passed through the bypass coolant line flows in, a second chamber where the coolant having passed through the second coolant line flows in, a partition formed between the first chamber and the second chamber and a thermostat selectively blocking the first chamber from the second chamber.
US08042497B2	Steam generator arrangement A method and apparatus effectively bypasses flue gas through or around selected boiler convection heat transfer tube banks within a new or existing boiler flue. Heat transfer tubes are removed, or omitted in the design of a new boiler flue, forming one or more voids at one or more locations within the tube banks. A bypass flue or conduit is formed within each void, for example using steel plates, along with existing flue walls, or using an integral sleeve. A wall of the bypass flue may include water or steam-cooled tubes. Dampers may be installed at either end of or within the bypass flue to control the amount of flue gas directed through each bypass flue.
US08042494B2	Pet protective collar A custom fittable collar for an animal, useful to prevent the animal from contacting injured areas on the body, thus promoting healing of wounds. The collar comprises opposing sheets of flexible material with a resilient material held between them. The resulting collar is rigid enough to resist deformation thus preventing licking or biting of a wound by the animal, but soft enough that the collar is both comfortable to wear, and less likely to catch on other objects, thus improving the safety and wearability of the collar. The collar further comprises a closure assembly adapted for easy placement or removal of the collar. The collar further comprises stitching that creates fold lines to allow the collar to be conveniently folded.
US08042490B2	Animal waste collection sheet The animal waste collection sheet is planar and is consisted of a top sheet which is liquid permeable, a back sheet which is liquid impermeable and an absorbent sheet disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The top sheet has a high fiber density region in a thickness direction thereof, with a fiber density higher than an average fiber density of the top sheet, at least in a part of a side facing the absorbent sheet. The average fiber density is preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.20 g/cm3, and a fiber density of the high fiber density region is preferably in the range of 0.007 to 0.25 g/cm3.
US08042487B2	System for coating stents A system for coating implantable medical devices, such as stents, and a method of coating stents using the system is also disclosed. The system includes a barrier or barriers for isolating an area of the stent on which a composition for coating a stent is applied. Two coating compositions can be applied simultaneously to a stent by separate nozzles on different sides of a barrier. Cross-contamination of the compositions is prevented by the barrier.
US08042485B1	Stent mandrel fixture and method for coating stents A stent mandrel support for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.
US08042482B2	Steering device for a towed personal watercraft A steering device includes a main body that attaches to a tow rope, inline between a towing vessel and a personal watercraft. The main body, which is positioned just forward of the personal watercraft, accommodates an extendable rudder that moves between a normally retracted position within the main body, and a lowered, operable position to exert a steering force on the main body and the personal watercraft. An elongate tiller extends between the rudder and a handle that is optimally positioned for grasping by the rider of the personal watercraft. In accordance with several embodiments, movement of the rudder from the relaxed, retracted position to the lowered, operable position is achieved by exerting a particular directional force on the handle (e.g., pulling, pushing forward, or lifting). Moving the handle to the left or the right achieves the desired steering action. Upon release of the handle by the rider, the rudder returns to the normally retracted position, thereby removing the steering influence.
US08042479B2	Sewing machine A sewing machine includes a detection device that detects whether a feed distance by which the piece of work cloth is shifted by a feed dog in the back-and-forth or right-and-left direction has reached a predetermined distance, a counting device that counts a number of forward feed stitches and a number of backward feed stitches which are sewn when the piece of work cloth is shifted backward and forward, respectively, by the predetermined feed distance detected by the detection device or a number of leftward feed stitches and a number of rightward feed stitches which are sewn when the piece of work cloth is shifted leftward and rightward, respectively, by the predetermined feed distance, and a correction value setting device that sets a correction value to correct the feed distance based on a result of the counting of the number of stitches by the counting device.
US08042478B2	Automatic panel cutting and seaming system An automatic panel cutting and edge seaming system includes a series of side edge cutting and seaming assemblies that receive a fabric material and trim and sew seams along the side edges of the fabric material to form a desired width panel. Puller rolls pull the material through the side edge cutting and seaming assemblies and feed the trimmed and seamed fabric material to a cross-cut sewing assembly. After a sufficient length of fabric material has been fed to form a desired size panel, the cross-cut sewing assembly is engaged to cut and seam the end of the panel.
US08042476B2	Table with molded plastic table top A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top, wherein the distal end of the first pivotal support brace pivotally engages the first retaining member and the distal end of the second pivotal support brace pivotally engages the second retaining member. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.
US08042473B2	Tie plate singularization device A device for sorting railroad tie plates comprises hopper, singulator and chute assemblies mounted to a main frame capable of rolling movement along a railroad track. The device receives a plurality of tie plates from an upstream supply, e.g., a railroad gondola, and deposits the tie plates on the hopper assembly positioned above the singulator. Upon discharge from the hopper the tie plates are directed onto a central hub for guidance into a rotating track within the housing. The track width is selected so that the field and gage ends transverse the track upon the tie plates falling flat onto the track. Structure projects into the track to tip over the tie plates to a flat position during track rotation. Rotation of the track moves the tie plates towards a baffled opening for discharge from the opening. A chute assembly receives the tie plates and maintains the tie plate orientation for delivery to downstream devices, such as a conveyor belt. Upon rolling movement of the main frame tie plates are sequentially deposited along the course of the railroad track to enhance railroad track maintenance.
US08042472B2	Cartridged ammunition, particularly blank ammunition The invention relates to cartridged ammunition, particularly blank ammunition, having a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) placed therein. A propellant chamber (4) accommodating a pyrotechnic of a propellant charge (5) is disposed in the cartridge shell, such charge being ignitable by an ignition device (13) also containing pyrotechnic material that generates propellant gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile and propel the shot out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device from self-igniting at high ambient temperatures, particularly in a fire, thus tearing apart the cartridge shell and projectile and being flung away, an inert, meltable material is mixed into the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device. This material has a melting temperature that is lower than the self-ignition temperature of the pyrotechnic charge with the lowest ignition temperature and, upon melting, phlegmatises the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device.
US08042471B2	Safe and arm device and explosive device incorporating same A safe and arm (S&A) device is disclosed. The device utilizes a no-fire separation distance and a mechanical configuration of primary explosive/booster explosive and secondary explosive to establish a safe mode. While in safe mode, the device would allow no more than 1 in 1 million detonation transfers to occur from primary to secondary. In armed mode, the no-fire separation distance is taken away, allowing reliable detonation transfer. Two arming environments, which occur after launch and safe separation, are used to move the S&A device to armed mode. The first environment is the release event of the projectiles from their packed state in a dispenser. The second environment is a target sense mechanism. If either arming environment returns to its original state, the mechanism returns to safe mode. The S&A device will not allow inadvertent packing into the dispenser of explosive devices in the armed state.
US08042469B2	Electrically initiated inertial igniters for thermal batteries and the like A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition is provided. The method including: generating electrical power upon a firing acceleration of the munition: powering circuitry on board the munition with the generated electrical power; and electrically determining, at the circuitry, whether an acceleration profile experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition.
US08042463B2	Coating device and coating unit in a stencil printing apparatus The invention discloses a varnish coating device that utilizes an ordinary conventional digital stencil printing apparatus, such that anyone can easily apply a uniform film of a viscous coating onto a predetermined area of, for instance, covers and surfaces of printed products. The invention functions as a varnish coating device, in place of a drum unit, when a varnish coating unit is mounted on a mounting section of a printing apparatus main body. The varnish coating unit has: a coating roller that coats the surface of printed paper with a transparent varnish liquid and feeds out the paper; a supply device having a doctor roller that forms a liquid pool on the coating roller and that supplies varnish liquid to form a coating in a predetermined thickness over a predetermined area of the surface of the coating roller; a cradle that detachably supports a varnish container; and a pumping device.
US08042460B2	Head unit for coil packaging A head unit for coil packaging is disclosed to transfer and fasten band for fixing a packaging material to a coil. The head unit for coil packaging, including: a band transfer unit that transfers a front end of a band supplied for coil packaging to a position at which a robot for winding the band to a coil can grip the front end of the band, and transfers the front end of the band such that it overlaps with the band as the robot provides the front end of the band wound on the coil; and a band fastening unit that fastens the front end of the band to the band.
US08042455B2	Automatic coffeemaker provided with an automatic grounds dispenser An automatic dispenser of ground coffee having: a reservoir having a flow outlet opening and adapted to contain a quantity of ground coffee; at least one paddle mounted to rotate in the bottom of the reservoir to transfer a predetermined quantity of ground coffee from the reservoir through the flow outlet opening; and a motor assembly connected for driving the paddle in rotation. The motor assembly is composed of: a motor having two input terminals via which operating current is supplied to the motor; and a control circuit having at least one component connected to establish a short circuit between the two terminals after the supply of operating current to the motor has been cut off.
US08042453B2	Piston with a skirt having oil flow slots A piston has a pair of diametrically opposite skirt portions each having an opening providing fluid communication between an outer surface of the skirt portions and an internal cavity. The openings provide the outer surfaces of the skirt portions with a circumferentially extending upper band portion above a horizontal plane extending through a pin bore axis and a circumferentially extending lower band portion below the horizontal plane.
US08042445B2	Cutting mold for rigid-flexible circuit board and method for forming the same A cutting mold for removing two opposite superfluous rigid circuit boards from a rigid-flexible circuit board. A first cutter is connected to a first moldboard. A first barricade is connected to the first moldboard. The maximum vertical distance from the first barricade to the first moldboard exceeds that from the first cutter to the first moldboard. A second moldboard is opposite the first moldboard. The first and second moldboards move with respect to each other. A second cutter is connected to the second moldboard and corresponds to the first cutter. A second barricade is connected to the second moldboard and detachably abuts the first barricade. The maximum vertical distance from the second barricade to the second moldboard exceeds that from the second cutter to the second moldboard. The first and second cutters cut the superfluous rigid circuit boards when the first and second moldboards move toward each other.
US08042442B2	Cutting tool A cutting tool, particularly for steel sheet billets, having a cutting blade fastened to a blade holder and a pressure cushion which is arranged on sides of the blade holder and, when the cutting blade penetrates into the material to be punched, is pressed onto the latter in the area of the useful punched part. During the passage of the cutting blade, a high-quality edge of the useful punched part is largely kept free of an interfering burr and elevation formation by the pressure cushion material being displaced radially outward during the punching stroke, such that the cutting blade is acted upon by pressure in the lateral direction under an increasing elastic deflection of the cutting blade edge.
US08042439B2	Method and apparatus to remove cast from an individual A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes a guide track and cutting tool designed to control carefully the vertical displacement and lateral displacement of the tool when the tool is used to cut the cast, and, accordingly, to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual.
US08042438B2	Cutting apparatus with vibrator An exemplary cutting apparatus for cutting a workpiece includes a base, a cutting device and a first driving device. The cutting device is movably mounted on the base. The cutting device includes a first blade and a first vibrator. The first blade is movable in a moving direction toward the workpiece. The first vibrator is configured for vibrating the first blade to increase a shearing force applied to the workpiece. The first driving device is configured for driving the first blade to move.
US08042434B2	Safety torque intensifying tool A safety torque intensifying tool has a housing, a torque intensifying unit providing at least two modes of operation including a first mode in which the tool operates with a high speed and a low torque and a second mode in which the tool operates with a low speed and a high torque, a grip to be held by a tool operator, an additional element acting as a handle for better gripping in the first mode in which the tool operates with the high speed and low torque and also as a reaction arm to abut against a stationary object to stop the housing from turning in the second mode when the tool operates with the low speed and the high torque, and a switching unit for switching the tool between the first and second modes and configured so that when the operator does not act on the switching unit the tool is in the second mode of operation with the low speed and the high torque, and when the switching unit is switched by the operator while the additional element acts as a handle, the tool is switched to the first mode of operation with the high speed and the low torque, until the operator stops acting on the switching unit and the tool is switched itself back to the second mode of operation.
US08042433B2	Replacement structure of ratchet wrench A ratchet wrench includes a parts replacement structure that ensures effort-saved and smooth operation and prevents parts from getting lost. The wrench has a handle having an end forming a head portion that rotatably receives therein a driving collar. A lid plate is fixed to the head portion to retain a pawl member that engages and controls the rotation of the driving collar. The pawl member includes a pusher pad positioned on and movable along a top of the lid plate. A retention block is set at the side of the pawl member opposite to the driving collar to apply a biasing force to the pawl member through a push bar. In this arrangement, the push bar will not get lost when the pawl member disengages from and thus releases the driving collar for replacement.
US08042428B2	Cable connection structure An operation cable has an operational structure in which an inner member inserted into a tubular outer member is pulled from a lower end side thereof. The operation cable having a double layer structure is axially connected to a double layer cable that is constructed from a stay of a headrest and a push rod inserted into the tubular stay. In particular, the stay is inserted into a support positioned on an upper portion of the seat back, a lower end of the stay and an upper end of the inner member are axially connected to each other, so that a lower end of the push rod in the tubular stay and a head portion of the outer member are positioned closer to each other. As a result, the push rod can be pushed by the head portion of the outer member when the operation cable is pulled.
US08042425B2	Multi-axis robot for high-speed applications A multi-axis robot for high-speed applications comprises a first and a second guide rail arranged substantially parallel to each other for defining a first axis of motion. A crossbar having a first end and a second end is moveably supported on the guide rails. A carriage is moveably coupled to the crossbar for moving along a second axis of motion. A first drive system having first and second drives and a first belt running along a first H-shaped belt path provides for a movement of the carriage along the first and second axis of motion. Second and third belts extend at least partially along the crossbar and the guide rails. The second and third belts run along different second and third belt paths, with one of the second and third belts entering the crossbar with a right-hand turn and leaving the crossbar with a left-hand turn, and the other one of the second and third belts entering the crossbar with a left-hand turn and leaving the crossbar with a right-hand turn.
US08042423B2	Backlash-compensating gear train for horological mechanism At least some of the uniformly distributed teeth of one of the antibacklash partner toothed wheel units, of this backlash-compensating gear train for a horological mechanism, have elastic parts (DR) that are flexible in the direction of the respective thicknesses of the teeth. Some of the teeth are capable of temporarily transmitting a torque considerably greater than the normal drive torque. Two adjacent teeth (D1, D2) capable of temporarily transmitting a torque considerably greater than the normal drive torque each comprise one flank (D1a, D2a) integral with a more rigid part (D12), and one flank (D1b, D2b) integral with a more flexible part (D1R, D2R), the two more rigid parts (D12) of the two teeth (D1, D2) being adjacent.
US08042422B2	Sealing element, and drive unit containing a sealing element A sealing element for sealing off a drive unit, having a radial shaft sealing ring that has a radial sealing face for sealing off from a first component and a diametrically opposed radial sealing lip for sealing off from a further rotatable component, in which an axial sealing ring for axial sealing of a third component is integrally formed onto the radial shaft sealing ring.
US08042419B2	Vehicle transmission An outer circumference of a shift drum of a vehicle transmission is provided with at least one particular lead groove among multiple lead grooves which continuously extends beyond one circle of the shift drum. Two ends of the particular lead groove are arranged so as to be out of alignment with each other in the axial direction of the shift drum. A common shift position adapted to establish gear trains with two shift stages different from each other is set at one position corresponding to the two ends of the particular lead groove along the circumferential direction of the shift drum. The resulting configuration prevents an increase in the diameter of a shift drum and eliminates the significant change of the shape of a lead groove, even as the number of shift positions set on the shift drum is increased.
US08042415B2	Motion converting drive mechanism and vehicle seat apparatus including the same A motion converting drive mechanism converting a rotary motion into a linear reciprocating motion includes a motor having an output shaft, a housing case to which the output shaft of the motor is fixed, a reduction gear mechanism including a first pinion and a second pinion meshing with the first pinion, and a screw mechanism having an internal threaded portion and an external threaded portion, one of which is integrally and coaxially formed with the second pinion. The first pinion serving as a helical gear wheel having two to four teeth is rotatably supported by the housing case therein. The first pinion has a rotation axis rotatably and coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor. The second pinion having a rotation axis arranged in parallel and close to the rotation axis of the first pinion is rotatably supported by the housing case therein.
US08042408B2	Coupling system with a sensor and an evaluation unit The invention relates to a coupling system, a coupling arrangement, a method for mechanically coupling a coupling system and a method for measuring the mechanical loading of a coupling system. The coupling system according to the invention includes a first coupling part, at least one second coupling part, which can be coupled with the first coupling part by way of at least one coupling, and at least one sensor, wherein the first coupling part has an evaluation unit (5), which can be connected to the at least one sensor for sensing measuring signals, and the measuring signals that are sensed by the evaluation unit (5) can be called up by way of the evaluation unit, wherein the coupling in the coupling area can be checked by means of the at least one sensor.
US08042399B2	Method and a device for inspecting a pipe connection weld by an ultrasound probe A method of inspecting a substantially circular circumferential weld for connecting together an inner pipe and a coaxial outer pipe, either directly or via a junction forging, by using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of robotic multibeam piezoelectric emitter-receivers. The method is performed by: a) positioning at least one ultrasound probe inside said inner pipe; b) scanning the various ultrasound beams from the various emitters of said probe while the probe is positioned at a given position; and c) moving said probe in rotation about the axis of said pipe through a given angle corresponding to an arc length less than or equal to the size of the weld defects that are to be detected; and then d) repeating steps b) and c) until the entire circumference of the weld has been inspected. The present invention also provides a device for inspecting a circumferential weld that is suitable for use in a method of the invention.
US08042394B2	High sensitivity microelectromechanical sensor with rotary driving motion A driving mass of an integrated microelectromechanical structure is moved with a rotary motion about an axis of rotation, and a sensing mass is connected to the driving mass via elastic supporting elements so as to perform a detection movement in the presence of an external stress. The driving mass is anchored to an anchorage arranged along the axis of rotation by elastic anchorage elements. An opening is provided within the driving mass and the sensing mass is arranged within the opening. The elastic supporting and anchorage elements render the sensing mass fixed to the driving mass in the rotary motion, and substantially decoupled from the driving mass in the detection movement. The detection movement is a rotation about an axis lying in a plane. The sensing mass has, in plan view, a non-rectangular shape; in particular, the sensing mass has a radial geometry and, in plan view, the overall shape of a radial annulus sector.
US08042391B2	Inertia sensing module An inertia sensing module is connected to a portable electronic device. The inertia sensing module includes an accelerometer unit for generating at least one of acceleration sensing signals ax, ay, az corresponding to the directions of X, Y, Z respectively; a gyroscope unit for generating at least one of angular rate sensing signals ωx, ωy, ωz corresponding to the axes of X, Y, Z respectively; and a connector module having a plug that is inserted into a docking connector of the portable electronic device. With the inertia sensing module being connected to or disconnected from the portable electronic device, a user can control a specific cursor or graphic user interface on a picture of an electronic game player via his/her own motions.
US08042384B2	Fuel composition estimation and control of fuel injection A method for estimating the composition of a fuel within an engine, comprises performing the following steps under ambient conditions: (a′) determining the ambient temperature of the fuel; (a) monitoring the fuel pressure inside a fuel rail of the engine over a period of time; (b) calculating at least one frequency component of the change in fuel pressure; (c) calculating the speed of sound transmission c on the basis of the at least one frequency component; and (d) estimating the composition of the fuel on the basis of the calculated speed of sound transmission at said ambient temperature. Suitably, the speed of sound transmission in the fuel is calculated using the equation: c=fλ, where the wavelength λ of the standing wave with frequency f is 2L, where L is the length of the fuel rail. Also described are methods for estimating the temperature of the fuel at a non-ambient temperature, and determining a fuels physical properties. Methods for controlling a fuel injection system in an engine according to the determined physical properties of the fuel and the resultant fuel injection system are also described.
US08042382B1	Device for measuring physical characteristics of a porous sample Device for measuring physical characteristics of a porous sample by performing successive drainage and imbibition phases in the presence of a first electricity-conducting fluid and of a second fluid of lower density than the first fluid, by means of a centrifuge whose speed is successively increasing and decreasing. The sample saturated with the first fluid is placed in a vessel (13) fastened to the end of an arm (9) driven in rotation by a motor (10) and communicating, by means of a rotating electro-hydraulic connector (17), with a stationary measuring signal control and acquisition unit (E) including hydraulic fluid displacement means and an acquisition device connected to a capacitive sonde in the vessel, which delivers signals indicative of the position of the interface between the two fluids. The device can be applied for analyzing rocks taken from an underground reservoir for example.
US08042379B2	Method of analyzing organic chemical substances and apparatus for analysis A combination of a liquid chromatograph and a gas chromatograph was a possible measure for improving precision in analyzing organic chemical substances. However, because elutes from liquid chromatoghaphies contain water and a highly polar solvent, injection thereof into a gas chromatograph has been impossible. Consequently, to develop an analytical method which realizes that combination and an apparatus thereof has been a subject. The method of the quantitative analysis comprises subjecting a sample for analysis prepared beforehand by extracting organic chemical substances from an assay sample to fractionation by a liquid chromatograph, continuously adsorbing a fractionated elute containing a substance to be determined onto a solid-phase cartridge while conducting the fractionation, eluting this substance, which has been adsorbed on the solid-phase cartridge, with an eluent, and transferring the elute to a storage chamber of a gas chromatograph.
US08042376B2	Fuel dispenser utilizing pressure sensor for theft detection A method of determining whether a measured fuel delivery rate determined by a fuel meter of a fuel dispenser corresponds to an actual fuel delivery rate at which fuel is being dispensed to a vehicle through a fuel flow path. The method includes measuring a fuel delivery rate at a given time during a fueling operation, measuring a fuel pressure of the fuel within the fuel flow path at the given time, comparing the measured fuel pressure to a plurality of fuel pressure values from a data set including a plurality of actual fuel delivery rate values that correspond to the plurality of fuel pressure values, retrieving one of the plurality of actual fuel delivery rate values from the data set that corresponds to the measured fuel pressure value; and comparing the measured fuel delivery rate from the fuel meter to the one actual fuel delivery rate value to determine if the measured fuel delivery rate corresponds to the actual fuel delivery rate at which fuel is being dispensed to the vehicle.
US08042372B2	Method of making an automotive closure panel assembly A method may include providing an outer panel that may have a flange that defines at least one planar section. The flange may be heated at the at least one planar section, and the flange may be bent about the at least one planar section.
US08042368B2	Method and apparatus for the production of a longitudinal seam welded hollow profile To produce hollow profiles from sheet-metal blanks, the invention uses at least two process steps to form said blanks into a slit profile which is subsequently welded to produce the finished welded profile. For this purpose a mandrel is used which cooperates with a first tool part in the first step, and with a second tool part in the second step, such as to form a gap with the recess of each tool part into which a portion of the sheet-metal blank is guided. Shaping the sheet-metal blank in at least two steps means that a mandrel that is a self-contained component and can therefore be moved by a simple control device can be used to support the sheet-metal blank while the slit profile is being created. This considerably reduces the equipment needed to produce the hollow profile. Moreover, forming the sheet-metal blank into the slit profile in at least two steps also considerably improves the reliability with which this shaping takes place.
US08042363B2	Composition and method for producing continuous basalt fibre The invention relates to producing continuous organic fibers by stretching from molten minerals. These fibers can be used for producing heat resistant threads, rovings, cut fibers, fabrics, composite materials and products based thereon. The inventive glass has the following chemical composition in mass percentage: 15.9-18.1 Al2O3, 0.75-1.2 TiO2, 7.51-9.53 Fe2O3+FeO, 6.41-8.95 CaO, 2.5-6.4 MgO, 1.6-2.72 K2O, 3.3-4.1 Na2O, 0.23-0.5 P2O5, 0.02-0.15 SO3, 0.12-0.21 MnO, 0.05-0.19 BaO, impurities up to 1.0, the rest being SiO2. The inventive method consists in loading a ground composition in a melting furnace, in melting said composition, in homogenizing a melt, in consequently stabilizing the melt in the melting furnace feeder, in drawing and oiling the fiber and in winding it on a spool. Prior to loading, the composition is held in an alkali solution for 15-20 minutes, and is then washed with flowing water for 20-30 minutes and dried. After having been washed with flowing water, the dried composition is loaded into the melting furnace.
US08042361B2	Overflow downdraw glass forming method and apparatus The present invention significantly modifies “The Overflow Process”. It includes a method and apparatus for measuring glass flow rate and maintaining a constant glass flow rate. It also embodies design features and methods that support and stress the forming apparatus in a manner such that the deformation that results from thermal creep is corrected, thus minimizing the effect of the thermal creep on the thickness variation of the glass sheet. The present invention also embodies design features that change the process from a single step (combined flow distribution and cooling) to a two step process; step one being flow distribution and step two being cooling.
US08042360B2	Glass handling and processing system Systems, methods and apparatus relate to handling and processing glass, such as glass for use in liquid crystal displays, involving a measurement device, such as a distortion gauge, residing in an environmentally controlled measurement room, and a cassette loading device for storage and conveyance of glass between the measurement device and other components of a glass handling and processing system residing with the cassette loading device in a preparation room. A mail-slot opening may be present in a wall separating the measurement room from the preparation room. A gauge conveyor may convey glass between the cassette loading device and the measurement device. A distortion gauge may measure a reference value of the product glass with respect to reference marks on a glass reference plate of the distortion gauge. Other examples of a measurement device include a warp gauge, a stress gauge, a thickness gauge, and a compaction gauge.
US08042355B2	Temporary refrigerator storage modules A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop.
US08042354B1	Air conditioning apparatus An air conditioning apparatus that includes a turbine and a compressor with rotors mounted on and fixed to a common rotatable shaft with a heat exchanger located between the turbine and the compressor. The air conditioning apparatus turbine has an inlet that is connected to a source of air such as aircraft ram air the outlet from the turbine and is positioned to direct outlet air from the turbine to the heat exchanger. The compressor which is located adjacent to and downstream from the heat exchanger has an inlet that is positioned to receive air exiting from the heat exchanger. In one embodiment, no external power is necessary to obtain cooling of liquid coolant located within the heat exchanger that is integral with the air conditioning apparatus and another embodiment includes test equipment.
US08042353B2	Refrigerator door having a splash guide A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, an ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.
US08042347B2	Compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for refrigeration cycle system A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 uses Tefin_lag(N) as an actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during a period Tp1 included in the timing t1 to t2. During a period Tp2 included in the timing t1 to t2, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N). Thus, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the on period (t1 to t2) of a compressor 2. In addition, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during the off period (t2 to 3) of the compressor 2. As a result, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the whole period including the on and off periods of the compressor 2. In this way, a highly accurate estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 can be determined.
US08042346B2	Refrigerator The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a receiver unit for receiving information required for every day life, a control unit for determining information a user is in need from the information required for every day life, and a display unit for displaying the information the user is in need to an outside of the refrigerator.
US08042342B2	Engine assembly for aircraft comprising an engine as well as a device for locking said engine An aircraft engine assembly including an engine and a mount device for the engine. The mount device can be positioned between a wing of the aircraft and the engine, and includes a rigid structure and a mechanism to mount the engine on the rigid structure, the mounting mechanism including a first attachment and a second attachment. The first attachment includes two side semi-attachments each fixed to a fan case of the engine, and the second attachment is fixed onto a forward part of a central case of the engine.
US08042339B2	Lean direct injection combustion system The present invention is directed to a lean direct injection (LDI) combustion system for a gas turbine using a shell and tube heat exchanger concept to construct a shell and tube lean direct injector (“LDI”) for the combustion system. One side of the LDI injector, either the shell side or the tube side, carries an oxidizer, such as air, to the combustor, while the other side of the LDI injector carries fuel to the combustor. Straight or angled holes drilled in an end plate of the combustor allow the fuel to enter the combustor and mix with air being injected into the combustor.

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