最新美国发明专利第2011-11-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08053416B2	Isolation and structure of turbostatins 1-4 Described herein are novel cerebroside compounds, designated as Turbostatin 1, Turbostatin 2, Turbostatin 3, and Turbostatin 4. These compounds were extracted and isolated from the marine mollusk Turbo stenogyrus, and their structures elucidated. The new compounds exhibit significant cancer cell growth inhibition activity against a variety of murine and human cancer cell lines, and as such appear will be useful in the treatment of various forms of neoplastic disease.
US08053413B2	Methods for treating sleep disorders by cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor B antagonists The present invention relates to a method for preventing or ameliorating a sleep-related breathing disorder. The method involves the use of one or a combination of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonists.
US08053411B2	Method of treating dyspnea associated with acute heart failure The disclosure pertains to methods of reducing decompensation through acute intervention including in subjects afflicted with acute decompensated heart failure. Particularly, the disclosure provides methods for treating acute cardiac decompensation by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of relaxin.
US08053409B2	Agent for prophylaxis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy after cerebral apoplexy The present invention is intended to provide a novel pharmaceutical agent having an excellent preventive effect on post-stroke RSD. The present invention provides an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative as an active ingredient. The present invention is also intended to provide a method for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising administering natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative and use of natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative for producing an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD.
US08053406B2	Compositions for the treatment of cancer, and methods for testing and using the same A composition comprising leukotoxin proteins isolated from a bacterium is provided. In this composition, greater than 85% of the leukotoxin proteins are chemically modified at a basic amino acid residue, and the proteins induce cell death in myeloid leukocytes, while remaining substantially non-toxic to lymphoid leukocytes, lymphocytes, and red blood cells. Also provided is a method of selectively inducing cell death in myeloid leukocytes. The method comprises contacting the myeloid leukocytes with a composition comprising leukotoxin proteins. These leukotoxin proteins may be isolated from the NJ4500 strain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. A method of purifying leukotoxin protein from the NJ4500 strain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is also provided, as well as an assay that allows for the rapid determination of the activity of a given drug against leukemic cells either taken from a patient or derived from a cell line. The assay is performed in the presence of whole blood or serum.
US08053405B2	Fragrance delivery system A fragrance delivery system comprises a suspension concentrate including a suspending matrix and a fragrance material which system can be diluted with water to form a use composition such as a body wash formulation.
US08053402B2	Bleaching compositions containing perfume microcapsules and a stabilizing agent Liquid compositions, which are chemically and physically stable, comprising peroxygen bleach, a crystalline hydroxyl-containing stabilizing agent, perfume microcapsules and more than 10% of surfactant by weight of the total composition. The perfumes microcapsules, preferably, comprise a polymeric outer shell made of the condensation of melamine and formaldehyde. Process for laundering fabrics comprising the step of contacting the fabrics with said bleaching compositions.
US08053399B2	Foamable compositions Foamable compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain one or more active ingredients combined with a foaming agent and optionally one or more surface tension adjusting agents. The foaming agent may comprise, for instance, a derivatized dimethicone. The surface tension adjusting agent, on the other hand, comprises a chemical species that either increases or decreases the surface tension of the composition within a desired range so that the composition is readily foamable. In this manner, active ingredients can be incorporated into the compositions that are typically hard to foam. Such ingredients include cleaning solvents and various skin care agents. Of particular advantage, foamable compositions can be formulated in accordance with the present disclosure that contain relatively small amounts of water such as less than about 20 percent by weight, such as less than about 10 percent by weight. In other embodiments, the composition can be completely anhydrous.
US08053397B2	Using nanoparticles for water flow control in subterranean formations Non-aqueous carrier fluids containing nano-sized particles in high concentration are effective for zone isolation and flow control in water shutoff applications for subterranean formations. The nanoparticles interact with water and solidify it to inhibit its flow, but do not have the same effect on hydrocarbons and thus selectively assist the production of hydrocarbons while suppressing water. Suitable nanoparticles include alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides, piezoelectric crystals, and/or pyroelectric crystals.
US08053394B2	Drilling fluids with redispersible polymer powders A drilling fluid has a redispersible polymer powder introduced as a water dispersion that is capable of providing a deformable latex film on at least a portion of a subterranean sand formation and which inhibits or controls fluid loss and acts as a sealing agent when used to drill in sand formations for hydrocarbon recovery operations. The redispersible polymer powder may be made by drying the emulsion in which they are formed and then grinding into a powder or by spray drying. The polymer particles of suitable size precipitate or collect or assemble onto the pores of a subterranean sand formation to at least partial seal the formation with a deformable polymer film.
US08053392B2	Auxin acid-catalyzed stable microemulsion pesticide formulation An auxin acid-catalyzed stable microemulsion pesticide formulation is provided that is clear and stable under a wide range of temperature conditions encountered during distribution, storage, and use of the pesticide formulation. A precursor for the microemulsion includes an auxin ester, a protox inhibitor, and an auxin acid stabilizing agent as active ingredients. Inactive ingredients in the precursor include a microemulsifier, a stabilizing co-emulsifier, a dispersant, and a solvent present in amounts such that when the precursor is added to water of dilution to form a concentrate or a ready-to-use formulation, the clear and stable microemulsion that is spontaneously formed has oily active ingredient-containing nano-sized particles no larger than about 1μ dispersed in the water.
US08053390B2	Heat-sensitive transfer sheet A heat-sensitive transfer sheet, containing a substrate, at least one thermal transfer layer containing a thermally transferable dye and a resin, disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a heat-resistant slipping layer disposed on another surface of the substrate, wherein said at least one thermal transfer layer contains at least one kind of polymer type releasing agent having a mass-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 and also having a fluorine-substituted aliphatic group at a side chain of the polymer, and at least one kind of non-polymer type fluorine-system surfactant.
US08053387B2	Catalyst having metal in reduced quantity and reduced cluster size The invention contemplates a method of making a catalytic material, and uses of the material. The catalytic material is made by depositing catalytic metals, such as gold or platinum, on substrate materials, such as lanthanum-doped ceria or other oxides. The catalytic metal, which comprises both crystalline and non-crystalline structures, is treated, for example with aqueous basic NaCN solution, to leach away at least some of the crystalline metallic component. The remaining noncrystalline metallic component associated with the substrate exhibits catalytic activity that is substantially similar to the catalyst as prepared. The use of the catalyst in an apparatus such as a reactor or analytic instrument is contemplated, as is the use of the catalyst in efficient, cost-effective reactions, such as removal of carbon monoxide from fuel gases, for example by performing the water gas shift reaction.
US08053386B2	Heteropoly acid catalyst and method of preparing the same The present invention relates to a heteropoly acid catalyst which is used for the production of methacrylic acid by gas phase oxidation of methacrolein and a preparing method thereof. The present invention, thereby, provides a novel heteropoly acid catalyst having excellent methacrolein conversion rate, methacrylic acid selectivity and yield.
US08053382B2	Optical glass Optical glass constituted by an amorphous matrix and crystal grains dispersed in the amorphous matrix, wherein the amorphous matrix comprises a first oxide of at least one of silicon oxide and phosphor oxide and a second oxide of at least one of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, and wherein the crystal grains is at least one of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide and silicon, an average grain size of the titanium oxide grain being 3 nm to 20 nm, and the average grain size of the silicon crystal being 3 nm to 8 nm.
US08053381B2	Optically detectable, floatable arsenic- and antimony-free, glazable lithium-aluminosilicate glass An optically detectable, floatable arsenic- and antimony-free, glazable lithium-aluminosilicate glass that can be prestressed and the glass ceramic converted therefrom are described. The glass or the glass ceramic has a composition (in % by weight based on oxide) of essentially SiO2 55-69, Al2O3 19-25, Li2O 3.2-5, Na2O 0-1.5, K2O 0-1.5, MgO 0-2.2, CaO 0-2.0, SrO 0-2.0, BaO 0-2.5, ZnO 0-<1.5, TiO2 1-3, ZrO2 1-2.5, SnO2 0.1-<1, ΣTiO2+ZrO2+SnO2 2.5-5, P2O5 0-3, Nd2O3 0.01-0.6, CoO 0-0.005, F 0-1, B2O3 0-2.
US08053380B2	Extensible spunbonded non-woven fabrics Impact copolymers, comprising an in-reactor blend of homopolymer polypropylene and an ethylene-propylene rubber, can be processed into spunbond non-woven fabrics. These fabrics have been shown to have increased ultimate extension without reduction in the ultimate tensile strength, as compared to conventional homopolymer polypropylene derived spunbond non-wovens.
US08053378B2	Modified phenolic resin, epoxy resin composition containing the same, and prepreg containing the composition A modified phenolic resin that is an alternate copolymer of at least one phenolic compound selected from phenol, naphthols, and their derivatives and a compound having a divalent connecting group, said modified phenolic resin having a side chain attached to an aromatic ring having a hydroxy group, said side chain being represented by defined formula (1-1). The modified phenolic resin can be used as a hardener for epoxy resins and a cured product thereof has excellent adhesion and flame retardancy without impairing properties of conventional phenolic resins such as gel time, glass transition temperature, moisture absorption, and mechanical properties. The epoxy resin composition can provide excellent adhesion and flame retardancy as hardeners for semiconductor sealing epoxy resins, insulating materials for electrical/electronic components, and laminates (printed circuit boards). A prepreg containing a glass substrate impregnated with the epoxy resin composition, a laminate, and an electronic circuit board are also provided.
US08053375B1	Super-dry reagent compositions for formation of ultra low k films An ultra low k dielectric film, including a silicon film containing porosity deriving from a porogen, as formed from a precursor silane and a porogen, wherein the precursor silane has a water content below 10 ppm, based on total weight of the precursor silane, and/or the porogen has a water content below 10 ppm, based on total weight of the porogen. In one implementation, the precursor silane is diethoxymethylsilane, and the porogen is bicyclo[2.2.1]-hepta-2,5-diene having a trace water content below 10 ppm, based on total weight of said bicyclo[2.2.1]-hepta-2,5-diene. These super-dry reagents are unexpectedly polymerization-resistant during their delivery and deposition in the formation of ultra low k films, and are advantageously employed to produce ultra low k films of superior character.
US08053369B2	Process for forming opening portion in interlayer insulation film on metallic layer of semiconductor device A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device, including: forming a metallic layer and an interlayer insulation film on a semiconductor substrate sequentially; etching on the interlayer insulation film using fluorine-based etching gas to form an opening portion of a predetermined pattern, reaching the metallic layer; and supplying chlorine-based silane gas and discharging, thus forming a Si film at least on an internal surface of the opening portion without exposure to the atmosphere after the etching.
US08053367B2	Wafer polishing method A wafer polishing method is provided. First, a wafer, having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of opening portions depressed on the first surface, is provided. A plastic adhesive is filled in the opening portions and cured later. A polishing step is performed to thin the thickness of the wafer. Therefore, the yield of the wafer in the polishing process can be improved by the protection of the plastic adhesive.
US08053364B2	Closed-loop sputtering controlled to enhance electrical characteristics in deposited layer This disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device layer and an associated memory cell. Empirical data may be used to generate a hysteresis curve associated with metal oxide deposition for a metal-insulator-metal structure, with curve measurements reflecting variance of a desired electrical property as a function of cathode voltage used during a sputtering process that uses a biased target. By generating at least one voltage level to be used during the sputtering process, where the voltage reflects a suitable value for the electrical property from among the values obtainable in mixed-mode deposition, a semiconductor device layer may be produced with improved characteristics and durability. A multistable memory cell or array of such cells manufactured according to this process can, for a set of given materials (e.g., metals and oxygen source), be fabricated to have minimal leakage or “off” current characteristics (Ileak or Ioff, respectively) or a maximum ratio of “on” current to “off” current (Ion/Ioff).
US08053361B2	Interconnects with improved TDDB A method for forming a semiconductor device is presented. A substrate prepared with a dielectric layer formed thereon is provided. A first upper etch stop layer is formed on the dielectric layer. The first upper etch stop layer includes a first dielectric material. The dielectric layer and first upper etch stop layer are patterned to form an interconnect opening. The interconnect opening is filled with a conductive material to form an interconnect. The interconnect and first upper etch stop layer have coplanar top surfaces. A second upper etch stop layer is formed over the coplanar top surfaces. The second upper etch stop layer includes a second material having sufficient adhesion with the first material to reduce diffusion of the conductive material.
US08053358B2	Methods of forming integrated circuit devices using contact hole spacers to improve contact isolation Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include upper sidewall spacers in contact holes to provide enhanced electrical isolation to contact plugs therein while maintaining relatively low contact resistance. These methods include forming an interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate. The interlayer insulating layer includes at least a first electrically insulating layer of a first material on the semiconductor substrate and a second electrically insulating layer of a second material on the first electrically insulating layer. A contact hole is formed that extends through the interlayer insulating layer and exposes a primary surface of the semiconductor substrate. This contact hole may be formed by selectively etching the second electrically insulating layer and the first electrically insulating layer in sequence and at a faster etch rate of the first material relative to the second material. This sequential etching of the first material at a faster rate than the second material may yield a contact hole having a recessed sidewall.
US08053357B2	Prevention of post CMP defects in CU/FSG process A common problem associated with damascene structures made of copper inlaid in FSG (fluorinated silicate glass) is the formation of defects near the top surface of the structure. The present invention avoids this problem by laying down a layer of USG (undoped silicate glass) over the surface of the FSG layer prior to patterning and etching the latter to form the via hole and (for a dual damascene structure) the trench. After over-filling with copper, the structure is planarized using CMP. The USG layer acts both to prevent any fluorine from the FSG layer from reaching the copper and as an end-point detector during CMP. In this way defects that result from copper-fluorine interaction do not form and precise planarization is achieved.
US08053355B2	Methods and systems for low interfacial oxide contact between barrier and copper metallization The present invention relates to methods and systems for the metallization of semiconductor devices. One aspect of the present invention is a method of depositing a copper layer onto a barrier layer so as to produce a substantially oxygen free interface therebetween. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substantially oxide free surface of the barrier layer. The method also includes depositing an amount of atomic layer deposition (ALD) copper on the oxide free surface of the barrier layer effective to prevent oxidation of the barrier layer. The method further includes depositing a gapfill copper layer over the ALD copper. Another aspect of the present invention is a system for depositing a copper layer onto barrier layer so as to produce a substantially oxygen-free interface therebetween. In one embodiment, the integrated system includes at least one barrier deposition module. The system also includes an ALD copper deposition module configured to deposit copper by atomic layer deposition. The system further includes a copper gapfill module and at least one transfer module coupled to the at least one barrier deposition module and to the ALD copper deposition module. The transfer module is configured so that the substrate can be transferred between the modules substantially without exposure to an oxide-forming environment.
US08053349B2	BGA package with traces for plating pads under the chip A semiconductor flip-chip ball grid array package (600) with one-metal-layered substrate. The sites (611) of a two-dimensional array become usable for attaching solder balls of the signal (non-common net assignment) I/O type to the substrate under the chip area (601), when the sites can be routed for metal plating (620). The space to place a maximum number (614) of signal routing traces is opened up by interrupting the periodicity of the site array from the edge (602) of the substrate towards the center under the chip. The periodicity is preferably interrupted by depopulating entire aligned lines and rows of the two-dimensional array.
US08053346B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming gate and metal line thereof with dummy pattern and auxiliary pattern A gate in a semiconductor device is formed to have a dummy gate pattern that protects a gate. Metal lines are formed to supply power for a semiconductor device and transfer a signal. A semiconductor device includes a quad coupled receiver type input/output buffer. The semiconductor device is formed with a gate line that extends over an active region, and a gate pad located outside of the active region. The gate line and the gate pad are adjoined such that the gate line and a side of the gate pad form a line. Dummy gates may also be applied. The semiconductor device includes a first metal line patterns supplying power to a block having a plurality of cells, a second metal line pattern transferring a signal to the cells, and dummy metal line patterns divided into in a longitudinal direction.
US08053342B2	Mask ROM device, semiconductor device including the mask ROM device, and methods of fabricating mask ROM device and semiconductor device A mask read-only memory (ROM) device, which can stably output data, includes an on-cell and an off-cell. The on-cell includes an on-cell gate structure on a substrate and an on-cell junction structure within the substrate. The off-cell includes an off-cell gate structure on the substrate and an off-cell junction structure within the substrate. The on-cell gate structure includes an on-cell gate insulating film, an on-cell gate electrode and an on-cell gate spacer. The on-cell junction structure includes first and second on-cell ion implantation regions of a first polarity and third and fourth on-cell ion implantation regions of a second polarity. The off-cell gate structure includes an off-cell gate insulating film, an off-cell gate electrode and an off-cell gate spacer. The off-cell junction structure includes first and second off-cell ion implantation regions of the first polarity and a third off-cell ion implantation region of the second polarity.
US08053340B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor devices with reduced junction diffusion A transistor which includes halo regions disposed in a substrate adjacent to opposing sides of the gate. The halo regions have upper and lower regions. The upper region is a crystalline region with excess vacancies and the lower region is an amorphous region. Source/drain diffusion regions are disposed in the halo regions. The source/drain diffusion regions overlap the upper and lower halo regions. This architecture offers the minimal extension resistance as well as minimum lateral diffusion for better CMOS device scaling.
US08053339B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof There are provided a structure of a semiconductor device in which low power consumption is realized even in a case where a size of a display region is increased to be a large size screen and a manufacturing method thereof. A gate electrode in a pixel portion is formed as a three layered structure of a material film containing mainly W, a material film containing mainly Al, and a material film containing mainly Ti to reduce a wiring resistance. A wiring is etched using an IPC etching apparatus. The gate electrode has a taper shape and the width of a region which becomes the taper shape is set to be 1 μm or more.
US08053337B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first groove and a second groove each having a width less than that of a scribe line are formed along the scribe line in a first protective film provided below a second protective film which protects element forming regions when a wafer is divided into parts by a laser dicing, and the first groove and the second groove are filled with the second protective film. Then, the laser dicing is performed on a region between the first groove and the second groove along the scribe line from the surface where the second protective film is formed to form a cutting groove that reaches at least a predetermined depth of the multi-layer interconnect.
US08053329B2	Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US08053322B2	Epitaxial deposition-based processes for reducing gate dielectric thinning at trench edges and integrated circuits therefrom A method of fabricating an integrated circuit (IC) and ICs therefrom including a plurality of Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) transistors having reduced gate dielectric thinning and corner sharpening at the trench isolation/semiconductor edge for gate dielectric layers generally 500 to 5,000 Angstroms thick. The method includes providing a substrate having a silicon including surface. A plurality of dielectric filled trench isolation regions are formed in the substrate. The silicon including surface forms trench isolation active area edges along its periphery with the trench isolation regions. An epitaxial silicon comprising layer is deposited, wherein the epitaxial comprising silicon layer is formed over the silicon comprising surface. The epitaxial comprising silicon layer is oxidized to convert at least a portion into a thermally grown silicon oxide layer, wherein the thermally grown silicon oxide layer provides at least a portion of a gate dielectric layer for at least one of said plurality of MOS transistors. A patterned gate electrode layer is formed over the gate dielectric, wherein the patterned gate electrode layer extends over at least one of the trench isolation active area edges. Fabrication of the IC is then completed.
US08053318B2	FET with replacement gate structure and method of fabricating the same A MUGFET and method of manufacturing a MUGFET is shown. The method of manufacturing the MUGFET includes forming temporary spacer gates about a plurality of active regions and depositing a dielectric material over the temporary spacer gates, including between the plurality of active regions. The method further includes etching portions of the dielectric material to expose the temporary spacer gates and removing the temporary spacer gates, leaving a space between the active regions and a remaining portion of the dielectric material. The method additionally includes filling the space between the active regions and above the remaining portion of the dielectric material with a gate material.
US08053310B2	Method for defect reduction for memory cell capacitors A method for forming a cylindrical stack capacitor structure. A semiconductor substrate is provided. Storage node structures are formed in a memory cell region. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the storage node structures. A patterning and a first etching process expose the storage nodes. A polysilicon layer and a rugged polysilicon layer are formed overlying the exposed storage nodes. The memory cell region is masked, exposing a peripheral region. A chemical dry etch process removes the rugged polysilicon and the polysilicon layers in the peripheral region. The rugged polysilicon and the polysilicon layers are planarized followed by a dielectric recess. The resulting cylindrical stack capacitor structures are substantially free of defects from rugged polysilicon remaining in the peripheral region thereby improving device yield and process window.
US08053308B2	Method of forming a pattern and method of manufacturing a capacitor In a method of forming a pattern, a mold layer having an opening is formed on a substrate. A conductive layer is formed on the mold layer having the opening, the conductive layer having a substantially uniform thickness. A buffer layer pattern is formed in the opening having the conductive layer, the buffer layer pattern having a cross-linked structure of water-soluble copolymers including a repeating unit of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and a repeating unit of acrylate. An upper portion of the conductive layer exposed over the buffer layer pattern is etched. Accordingly, a conductive pattern for a semiconductor device is formed on the substrate. The method of forming a pattern may simplify manufacturing processes for a capacitor and a semiconductor device, and may improve their efficiencies.
US08053303B2	SOI body contact using E-DRAM technology A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes an active semiconductor layer, a semiconductor device having a gate disposed on top of the active semiconductor layer, and source and drain regions and a body/channel region disposed within the active semiconductor layer, an insulator layer having a first and second side, the first side being adjacent to the active semiconductor layer, a substrate disposed adjacent to the second side of the insulator layer, a body contact disposed under the body/channel region and in the insulator layer. The body contact electrically connects with and contacts with the body/channel region of the semiconductor device and the substrate, to thereby form an ohmic contact and to eliminate floating body effects.
US08053301B2	CMOS SiGe channel pFET and Si channel nFET devices with minimal STI recess Silicon germanium (SiGe) is epitaxially grown on a silicon channel above nFET and pFET regions of a substrate. SiGe is removed above the nFET regions. A device includes a silicon channel above the nFET regions and a SiGe channel above the pFET regions.
US08053300B2	Semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an nMISFET formed on the substrate, the nMISFET including a first dielectric formed on the substrate and a first metal gate electrode formed on the first dielectric and formed of one metal element selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Sc, Y, a lanthanoide and actinide series and of one selected from boride, silicide and germanide compounds of the one metal element, and a pMISFET formed on the substrate, the pMISFET including a second dielectric formed on the substrate and a second metal gate electrode formed on the second dielectric and made of the same material as that of the first metal gate electrode, at least a portion of the second dielectric facing the second metal gate electrode being made of an insulating material different from that of at least a portion of the first dielectric facing the first metal gate electrode.
US08053297B2	Method of fabricating a thin film transistor using joule heat from the gate electrode to form a crystallized channel region A thin film transistor (TFT) having improved characteristics, a method for fabricating the same, and an organic light emitting display device (OLED) including the same. The TFT is constructed with a substrate, a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate and including a channel region, source and drain regions, a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer and corresponding to the channel region, an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode, and source and drain electrodes electrically connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer. The channel region is made from polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), and the source and drain regions are made from amorphous silicon (a-Si). The polycrystalline silicon of the channel region is formed by crystallizing amorphous silicon using Joule's heat generated by the gate electrode.
US08053296B2	Capacitor formed on a recrystallized polysilicon layer The present invention provides a semiconductor device, a method of manufacture therefor, and an integrated circuit including the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device, among other elements, includes a recrystallized polysilicon layer 148 located over a gate electrode layer 143, a capacitor 170 located on the recrystallized polysilicon layer 148. The capacitor 170, in this embodiment, includes a first electrode 173, an insulator 175 located over the first electrode 173, and a second electrode 178 located over the insulator 175.
US08053293B2	Method of manufacturing a display substrate A display substrate includes a pixel, a signal transmission line, a first insulating layer and a test signal input part. The pixel is on an insulating substrate. The signal transmission line is on the insulating substrate to transmit an image signal. The first insulating layer is on the signal transmission line. The first insulating layer has a contact hole through which the signal transmission line is partially exposed. The test signal input part is on the first insulating layer, and includes an extended portion and a test signal pad. The extended portion is electrically connected to the signal transmission line through the contact hole, and is extended toward a side of the insulating substrate. The test signal pad is electrically connected to the extended portion. Therefore, the number of defects is decreased.
US08053289B2	Manufacturing method for thin film transistor on insulator In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor film formed over an insulator is doped with an impurity element to a depth less than the thickness of the semiconductor film, thereby forming an impurity doped layer; a metal silicide layer is formed on the impurity doped layer; the metal silicide layer and the semiconductor film are etched to form a recessed portion; and a layer which is not doped with the impurity element and is located at the bottom of the recessed portion of the semiconductor film is thinned to make a channel formation region. Further, a gate electrode is formed in the recessed portion over the thinned non impurity doped layer, with an insulating film interposed therebetween.
US08053286B2	Method of forming semiconductor device including trench gate structure A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided, which may include, but is not limited to, the following processes. Grooves may be formed in an insulating region and in a semiconductor region, while forming burrs near the boundary between the insulating region and the semiconductor region. Protection films may be selectively formed on inside walls of the grooves except on bottom walls of the grooves. A selective thermal process may be carried out in the presence of the protection films, thereby removing the burrs.
US08053285B2	Thermally enhanced single inline package (SIP) In a method and system for fabricating a thermally enhanced semiconductor device (200, 300) is packaged as a through hole single inline package (SIP). A leadframe (210, 310, 410) having a die pad (220, 320, 420) to attach an IC die (230, 330), a first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) formed from a first portion of metal sheet (432), and a second portion of metal sheet (440) disposed on an opposite side of the IC die (230, 330) as the first plurality of conductive leads is stamped from a metal sheet. The first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) are arranged in a single line and are capable of being through hole mounted in accordance with the SIP. The second portion of metal sheet (440) includes the die pad (420) to form a heat spreader (260, 360) in the form of the metal sheet. The heat spreader (260, 360) provides heat dissipating for the heat generated by the IC die (230, 330).
US08053282B2	Mounting structure of component of lighting device and method thereof Disclosed is a structure for mounting a component to a lighting device, including at least one lighting-device base, at least one metal film, and a lighting array chip. The lighting-device base has a surface to which a first layer of metal bonding agent is applied. The metal film has a surface attached to the first metal bonding agent layer on the surface of the lighting-device base. The lighting array chip has a bottom surface to which a second layer of metal bonding agent is applied. The second metal bonding agent layer is further attached to an opposite surface of the metal film so as to securely mount the lighting array chip to the surface of the lighting-device base. A mounting method is also provided, including the steps of applying a metal bonding agent to a surface of a lighting-device base; connecting the lighting-device base to a positive electrode of a power source; connecting a metal film to a negative electrode of the power source; applying a metal bonding agent to a lighting array chip; bonding the lighting array chip to the metal film; and hot-pressing to bond the lighting array chip to the lighting-device base, so that the lighting array chip is securely mounted to the surface of the lighting-device base by means of thermal fusion caused between the negative and positive polarities of the power source applied to the metal film and the lighting-device base.
US08053280B2	Method of producing multiple semiconductor devices A method for producing multiple semiconductor devices. An electrically conductive layer is applied onto a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor chips. The electrically conductive layer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor devices.
US08053278B2	Multi-chip package type semiconductor device A multi-chip package type semiconductor device includes an insulating substrate having first and second conductive patterns thereon, a first semiconductor chip on the insulating substrate and having a first terminal pad and a relay pad isolated from the first terminal pad. The device further includes a second semiconductor chip on the first semiconductor chip having a second terminal pad. The first semiconductor chip is connected to the first pattern by a first bonding wire. The second semiconductor chip is connected to the second pattern by a second bonding wire, which connects the second pattern to the relay pad, and a third bonding wire, which connects the relay pad to the second terminal pad. The lengths of the first, second and third bonding wire are approximately the same.
US08053275B2	Semiconductor device having double side electrode structure and method of producing the same A semiconductor device includes a package substrate having a front surface and a backside surface; an electrode pad formed on the front surface; an outer connection pad formed on the backside surface and electrically connected to the electrode pad; a semiconductor chip mounted on the front surface and having an electrode electrically connected to the electrode pad; a sealing resin layer having a through hole formed with a die-molding and reaching the electrode pad for sealing the semiconductor chip; and a through electrode filled in the through hole with a conductive material and having one end portion electrically connected to the electrode pad and the other end portion exposed from the sealing resin layer.
US08053273B2	Shallow PN junction formed by in situ doping during selective growth of an embedded semiconductor alloy by a cyclic growth/etch deposition process A silicon/carbon alloy may be formed in drain and source regions, wherein another portion may be provided as an in situ doped material with a reduced offset with respect to the gate electrode material. For this purpose, in one illustrative embodiment, a cyclic epitaxial growth process including a plurality of growth/etch cycles may be used at low temperatures in an ultra-high vacuum ambient, thereby obtaining a substantially bottom to top fill behavior.
US08053272B2	Semiconductor device fabrication method A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, comprises steps of forming a common contact hole for a first conductivity-type region and a second conductivity-type region, implanting an impurity in at least one of the first conductivity-type region and the second conductivity-type region, and forming a shared contact plug by filling an electrical conducting material in the contact hole, wherein in the implanting step, an impurity is implanted in at least one of the first conductivity-type region and the second conductivity-type region such that the first conductivity-type region and the shared contact plug are brought into ohmic contact with each other, and the second conductivity-type region and the shared contact plug are brought into ohmic contact with each other.
US08053270B2	Method for producing silicon substrate for solar cells A method for producing a silicon substrate for solar cells is provided. The method includes performing a saw damage removal (SDR) and surface macro-texturing on a silicon substrate with acids solution, so that a surface of the silicon substrate becomes an irregular surface. Thereafter, a metal-activated selective oxidation is performed on the irregular surface with an aqueous solution containing an oxidant and a metal salt, in which the oxidant is one selected from persulfate ion, permanganate ion, bichromate ion, and a mixture thereof. Afterwards, the irregular surface is etched with an aqueous solution containing HF and H2O2 so as to form a nano-texturized silicon substrate.
US08053268B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate including a light receiving element, a silicon oxide film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of wiring interlayer films formed on the silicon oxide film, and each including a wiring layer formed as the result of the fact that copper is buried, and a silicon nitride film formed on the wiring interlayer film of the uppermost layer wherein Si—H concentration is smaller than N—H concentration.
US08053267B2	Three-dimensional force input control device and fabrication The present invention provides three-dimensional force input control devices for use in sensing vector forces and converting them into electronic signals for processing, and methods of fabricating three-dimensional force input control devices for sensing vector forces and converting them into electronic signals for processing. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating provide a semiconductor substrate having a side one and a side two; fabricate stress-sensitive IC components and signal processing IC on side one of the substrate; fabricate closed trenches on side two of the substrate, the trenches forming boundaries defining elastic elements, frame areas, and rigid islands, and remove additional substrate material from side two of the substrate in the frame area leaving the dimension of the rigid island protruding outward from side two.
US08053261B2	Method of fabricating light emitting device A method of fabricating a light emitting device includes forming a plurality of light emitting elements on light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, of a substrate, forming lens supports on the light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, are raised relative to isolation regions of the substrate located between neighboring ones of the light emitting element mounting regions, and forming lenses covering the light emitting elements on the lens support patterns, respectively.
US08053255B2	STRAM with compensation element and method of making the same Spin-transfer torque memory having a compensation element is disclosed. A spin-transfer torque memory unit includes a free magnetic layer having a magnetic easy axis and a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit; a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction; an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the free magnetic layer from the magnetic reference element; and a compensation element adjacent to the free magnetic layer. The compensation element applies a bias field on the magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer. The bias field is formed of a first vector component parallel to the easy axis of the free magnetic layer and a second vector component orthogonal to the easy axis of the free magnetic layer. The bias field reduces a write current magnitude required to switch the direction of the magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer.
US08053251B2	Temperature-compensated ferroelectric capacitor device, and its fabrication A temperature-compensated capacitor device has ferroelectric properties and includes a ferroelectric capacitor using a ferroelectric material such as a metal oxide ferroelectric material, a negative-temperature-variable capacitor using a negative-temperature-coefficient-of-capacitance material such as a metal oxide paraelectric material, and an electrical series connection between the negative-temperature-variable capacitor and the ferroelectric capacitor. The temperature-compensated capacitor device may be formed as an integrated layered structure, or as separate capacitors with a discrete electrical connection therebetween.
US08053248B2	Support system for flexible lyophilization containers A suitable container for plasma lyophilization has been designed for lyophilization (lyo-bag), storage, reconstitution and administering of blood products. A rigid support frame for use with a lyo-bag with sidewalls was designed as an external removable supportive system, which provides the necessary stability for the flexible container during lyophilization. A removable bottom wall support sheet was designed for use with any flexible container for lyophilization.
US08053247B2	Method and device for preparing an analyte for analysis by mass spectrometry The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for storing the prepared samples.
US08053245B1	System and method for detecting biochemicals using hydrated substrates based on liquid crystal polymers A system for detecting biomaterials that are suspected to be present in a medium that contains multiple materials. A hydrated substrate has water molecules entrapped within molecular spaces between polymeric chains of the substrate. The hydrated substrate also has detection material, which has a specific affinity for a target material. The entrapped water molecules provide a source of water for the detection material such that a change in charge occurs when the target material and detection material coalesce. A display unit detects the change in charge and provides an indication that the target material is present when the change in charge is detected.
US08053238B2	Isolated population of plant single cells and method of preparing the same This invention is a method of minimizing the variation of cell growth and production through homogeneous cell line development. To be more specific, it is the method of isolating and proliferating single cell clone from the procambium to promote the stability of the plant-derived biologically active substances production by solving the problems of decrease in cell growth and the productivity during the long term culture.
US08053237B2	Plant cell signaling genes Novel plant cell signaling genes and gene products are provided. These gene, polypeptide and oligonucleotide sequences are useful in regulating plant phenotype. Moreover, these genes and gene products are useful for expression profiling of plant cell signaling genes. The invention specifically provides polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences isolated from Eucalyptus and Pinus species.
US08053234B2	Induction of dendritic cell development with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention.
US08053233B2	Host cells expressing IL-18 receptors A novel polypeptide that functions as an IL-18 receptor is disclosed. The receptor is multimeric and includes at least one AcPL polypeptide, or fragment thereof, and at least one IL-1Rrp1 polypeptide, or fraction thereof. The receptor binds IL-18 and finds use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by IL-18.
US08053232B2	Correction of alpha-1-antitrypsin genetic defects using spliceosome mediated RNA trans splicing The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosomal mediated RNA trans-splicing. The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a SERPINA1 target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA). In particular, the PTMs of the present invention include those genetically engineered to interact with SERPINA1 target pre-mRNA so as to result in correction of SERPINA1 genetic defects responsible for AAT deficiency. The PTMs of the invention may also comprise sequences that are processed out of the PTM to yield duplex siRNA molecules directed specifically to mutant SERPIN A1 mRNAs. Such duplexed siRNAs are designed to reduce the accumulation of toxic AAT protein in liver cells. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be used in gene therapy for correction of SERPINA1 disorders such as AAT deficiency.
US08053230B2	Culture dish with lid A device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish with a bottom wall and at least one sidewall to define an interior cavity, at least one channel formed on the bottom wall to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologics in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall for partitioning the interior cavity into a plurality of compartments. The barrier wall maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall may also provide fluid communication between compartments.
US08053226B2	Device and method for simultaneously identifying blood group antigens The invention relates to a device for simultaneously, qualitatively or quantitatively identifying a number of analytes in a liquid sample. The device comprises a membrane with: a charging zone for applying the liquid sample; at least two indicator zones, which can interact with the analytes, and at least one absorption area, which absorbs the liquid after passing the indicator zones, whereby the indicator zones are located between the charging zone and an absorption area. The invention is characterized in that the flowing directions from the charging zone through the respective indicator zones to an absorption area (flow paths) are essentially parallel, and at least two different flow paths exist. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a number of analytes or the derivatives thereof in a liquid sample. The method consists of applying the sample to the charging zone of the membrane of the device, whereby this sample is present in an amount sufficient for causing the sample liquid to flow through the indicator zones toward the absorption area, and for causing the analytes or the derivatives thereof in the sample liquid to form a complex in the indicator zones.
US08053225B2	Flow cell array and the utilization thereof for multianalyte determination A one- or two-dimensional arrangement of flow cells is provided, as part of an array of sample compartments, with at least one inlet and outlet for each sample compartment, formed by a base plate and a body, with an arrangement of spatial recesses corresponding to the (geometrical) arrangement of the sample compartments, combined with the base plate. The arrangement allows for supplying to or removing from the sample compartments, which can be arranged at a high quantity on a small base area, even very small amounts of samples or reagents. An arrangement of one or more sample compartments includes a base plate and a body combined with the base plate in such a way that one or more recesses for generation of one or more flow cells fluidically sealed against one another, each with at least one inlet and one outlet, are formed between the base plate and the body, wherein at least one outlet of each flow cell is joined with a reservoir fluidically connected with the flow cell, the reservoir being operable to receive liquid exiting the flow cell, besides methods for its manufacturing and their use.
US08053221B2	Enzymes The present invention relates to enzymes and processes. In particular, there is described a host cell transformed or transfected with a nucleic acid encoding a bacterial phytase enzyme and variants thereof.
US08053220B2	Choroid plexus device Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
US08053219B2	Method for production of high purity polyhydroxyalkanonate (PHAs) The present invention relates to a method of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) using Bacillus sp. with succinate as a carbon source. The PHAs comprise more than 95% of poly(3-hydroxyvalerate-co-4-hydroxyvalerate) (P3HV-co-P4HV).
US08053205B2	Doxorubicin immunoassay Novel conjugates of doxorubicin and novel doxorubicin immunogens derived from the 13 and 14 positions of doxorubicin and antibodies generated by these doxorubicin linked immunogens all of which are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of doxorubicin in biological fluids.
US08053202B2	Method for determining the stage of ulcerative colitis or interstitial pneumonitis and reagent kit thereof The invention provides a method capable of readily discriminating pathologic conditions and judging selection of a therapeutic drug, the degree of the therapeutic effect, discontinuation of medication, etc., wherein stages quantitatively judged by digitizing substances contained in urine, which is different from conventional methods for judging stages of an interstitial pneumonitis which are performed by observation of mucous lesions with endoscopy requiring the skill or by analysis of histological samples collected from the living body. The method measures the value of main metabolites of prostaglandin E (PGE-MUM) concentration in urine and judges stages between the pre-remission phase of interstitial pneumonitis.
US08053194B2	Labeling substance and chimeric substance and method for preparing the same and method for capturing, structurally analyzing and/or identifying biological substance by means of the labeling substance Disclosed is a labeling substance capable of reversibly immobilizing (reversible detachment) to a solid surface and to reliably and accurately identify a target biological substance interacting with a probe substance bound to the labeling substance. A chimeric compound is provided, which includes a labeling substance L including (1) an organic compound S with a chemical structure capable of binding to a probe substance P, which can interact with a biological substance B and (2) a peptide bound to the organic compound S and specifically recognized by an antibody A, peptide and a probe substance P at least except a peptide or protein. In addition, a method for preparing the labeling substance L and a method for capturing, structurally analyzing and/or identifying the biological substance using the labeling substance L are provided.
US08053193B2	Method and apparatus for judging the presence or absence of cancer cell The invention provides a method for judging whether cancer cells are present or not in a sample, comprising a obtaining step of obtaining values related to an expression level of a caner marker gene and a housekeeping gene; a first comparing step of comparing the value related to the expression level of the cancer marker gene with a first threshold value; a normalizing step of normalizing the value related to the expression level of the cancer marker gene based on the value related to the expression level of the housekeeping gene; a second comparing step of comparing the normalized value with a second threshold value; and a judging step of judging whether cancer cells are present or not in the sample based on comparison results obtained in the first and second comparing steps, as well as an apparatus for judging whether cancer cells are present or not.
US08053192B2	Methods for indexing samples and sequencing multiple polynucleotide templates The invention relates to methods for indexing samples during the sequencing of polynucleotide templates, resulting in the attachment of tags specific to the source of each nucleic acid sample such that after a sequencing run, both the source and sequence of each polynucleotide can be determined. Thus, the present invention pertains to analysis of complex genomes (e.g., human genomes), as well as multiplexing less complex genomes, such as those of bacteria, viruses, mitochondria, and the like.
US08053189B2	Method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer The object of the present invention refers to an in vitro method for diagnosing colorectal cancer based on the determination from a biological sample obtained from a subject, of promoter methylation status of at least one of the genes APC, RARB2 and p14 and, optionally, MGMT and p16. Likewise, object of the present invention is a kit for performing the method of the invention.
US08053178B2	Mask-less method and structure for patterning photosensitive material using optical fibers A method for patterning objects, e.g., semiconductor wafer, glass plate, composite, etc. The method includes providing an object, which has an overlying layer of photosensitive material. The method includes selectively applying light through one or more fiber cores from a plurality of fiber cores. Each of the fiber cores has an input end and an output end. Each of the input ends is coupled to the optical source. The plurality of fiber cores is numbered from 1 through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each of the output ends is also numbered from 1 through N, which corresponds respectively to each of the plurality of fiber cores numbered from 1 through N. The method exposes the photosensitive material from light emitted selectively through the one or more fiber cores. The one or more fiber cores out(s) light respectively through one or more output ends of the fiber cores. Each of the output ends numbered from 1 through N is associated with a pixel numbered respectively from 1 through N.
US08053175B2	Method of forming measuring targets for measuring dimensions of substrate in substrate manufacturing process A method of forming measuring targets for measuring the dimensions of a substrate during a substrate manufacturing process is provided. First, a board having a base layer and a conductive layer is provided, wherein the conductive layer is disposed on a surface of the base layer. Then, at least one through hole is formed in the board as a measuring target for measuring the dimensions of the substrate. Next, a plated via is formed in the through hole as another measuring target for measuring the dimensions of the substrate. Thereafter, a patterned dielectric layer is formed on the board to expose the plated via as a next measuring target for measuring the dimensions of the substrate. In the present invention, measuring targets are formed during a substrate manufacturing process and the dimensions of the substrate are measured instantly. The accuracy in process alignment is improved without increasing the fabrication cost.
US08053168B2	Printing plate and system using heat-decomposable polymers A printing plate has a substrate and a heat decomposable polymer layer arranged adjacent to the substrate, the decomposable polymer having defined regions within the polymer layer to form a printing pattern. The printing plate may be used in a printing system. The printing plate is formed in a process by providing a substrate, coating the substrate with a heat decomposable polymer to form a plate, and forming a printing pattern in the heat decomposable polymer by selectively decomposing regions of the heat decomposable polymer.
US08053165B2	Hydroxyl-containing monomer, polymer, resist composition, and patterning process A hydroxyl-containing monomer of formula (1) is provided wherein R1 is H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R2 and R3 are monovalent C1-C15 hydrocarbon groups, or R2 and R3 may form an aliphatic ring. The monomers are useful for the synthesis of polymers which have high transparency to radiation of up to 500 nm and the effect of controlling acid diffusion so that the polymers may be used as a base resin to formulate radiation-sensitive resist compositions having a high resolution.
US08053160B2	Imaging compositions and methods An imaging composition, article and method of imaging are disclosed. The imaging composition is energy sensitive such that upon application of a sufficient amount of energy to the composition a color or shade change is affected. The imaging composition is coated on an article to form an energy sensitive article, which may be used in marking work pieces.
US08053153B2	Toner for developing electrostatic latent image An electrophotographic toner containing a resin and a colorant is disclosed. The colorant is represented by the formula in the formula, M1 is a silicon atom (Si), a germanium atom (Ge) and a tin atom (Sn); Z is independently a chlorine atom, a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an aryloxy group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; and A1, A2, A3 and A4 are each independently an atomic group defined in the specification.
US08053151B2	Phosphonate containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains a suitable phosphonate.
US08053150B2	Thiobis(thioformate) containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a thiobis(thioformate) containing charge transport layer; a thiobis(thioformate) containing photogenerating layer, or where both at least one charge transport layer and the photogenerating layer includes, in addition to other components, a thiobis(thioformate).
US08053147B2	Advantageous recording media for holographic applications High performance media suitable for recording with a blue laser is disclosed. The blue-sensitized holographic media provides greater dynamic range and higher sensitivity than previously disclosed blue-sensitized holographic media. These media can be used for diverse applications such as data storage where the articles provide denser data storage and more rapid hologram writing times or for optical waveguides where the articles provide greater optical confinement and more rapid manufacturing times.
US08053145B2	Method for manufacturing holographic recording medium and method for manufacturing semiconductor device To provide a method for manufacturing a holographic recording medium and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, by which effects of distortion or irregularities of the surface of an exposure object can be reduced. The method includes the steps of: splitting a laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator into a first laser beam and a second laser beam, and forming a fringe pattern in a holographic recording medium by illuminating the holographic recording medium with the first laser beam through a mask and illuminating the holographic recording medium with the second laser beam. The mask is a substrate having a light-shielding film formed over its surface.
US08053144B2	Membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell comprising the same Disclosed is a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode and a cathode with a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between them. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes a catalyst layer including a catalyst metal with a hydrophilic polymer layer on the catalyst metal.
US08053142B2	Nanostructured composite anode with nano gas channels and atmosphere plasma spray manufacturing method thereof A nanostructured composite anode with nano gas channel and an atmosphere plasma spray manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The anode consists of a porous base material and a composite film with nano gas channels above the porous base material while the composite film has a plurality of nano gas pores and a plurality of nano gas channels. The manufacturing method according to the present invention includes the steps of: provide micron-sized agglomerated and nanostructured powders having mixture of nano oxide particles and a binder; heat the micron-sized agglomerated and nanostructured powders into melt or semi-melt oxide mixture; spray the melt or semi-melt oxide mixture on a porous base material; and generate the nanostructured anode composite film with nano gas channels through hydrogen reduction. The anode of the present invention increases the electrochemical activity and slows down nickel particle aggregation effect under high temperature environment.
US08053138B2	Stabilized fuel cell flow field A fuel cell (10) includes a cathode catalyst (26) for receiving a first reactant and an anode catalyst (24) for receiving an expected amount of a second reactant. The cathode catalyst (26) and the anode catalyst (24) respectively catalyze the first reactant and the second reactant to produce an electrochemical reaction that generates a flow of electrons between the cathode catalyst (26) and the anode catalyst (24) The amount of the first reactant consumed in the electrochemical reaction corresponds to a threshold amount of the second reactant needed to generate a forward flow of the electrons from the anode catalyst (24) to the cathode catalyst (26). A portion (42) of a fuel cell flow field includes a feature (54, 60, 80, W1, D1) that restricts consumption of the first reactant.
US08053133B2	Bipolar plate hydrophilic treatment for stable fuel cell stack operation at low power A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a hydrophilic coating formed on flow field channels extending through a tunnel region between a cell active area and the inlet and outlet manifolds. The flow field plates are an assembly of a cathode side unipolar plate and an anode side unipolar plate. The hydrophilic coating is deposited on the unipolar plates prior to the unipolar plates being assembled into the flow field plate so that line of site deposition processes can be used to coat the flow field channels in the tunnel region. The unipolar plates can be any suitable fuel cell unipolar plates, such as stamped unipolar plates or composite unipolar plates.
US08053132B2	Cathode end plate and breathable fuel cell stack using the same A cathode end plate for a breathable fuel cell stack including a first plate including a plurality of first openings and a second plate contacting one side of the first plate and including a plurality of second openings exposing two or more first openings of the plurality of first openings.
US08053127B2	Fuel cell cooling tank assembly One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve.
US08053126B2	Water transfer efficiency improvement in a membrane humidifier by reducing dry air inlet temperature A fuel cell system that employs a heat exchanger and a charge air cooler for reducing the temperature of the cathode inlet air to a fuel cell stack during certain system operating conditions so that the cathode inlet air is able to absorb more moisture in a water vapor transfer unit. The system can include a valve that selectively by-passes the heat exchanger if the cathode inlet air does not need to be cooled to meet the inlet humidity requirements. Alternately, the charge air cooler can be cooled by an ambient airflow.
US08053124B2	Fuel cell system and mobile body In a mobile body, an intermittent operation to temporarily halt a cell operation is performed at a time when a request for power generation with respect to a fuel cell stack is less than a predetermined value, and recovery processing of a cell voltage is performed at a time when a cell voltage recovery processing executing condition is satisfied during the intermittent operation. When the mobile body is moving, a threshold voltage Vth1 is set as the cell voltage recovery processing executing condition. When the mobile body is stopped, a threshold voltage Vth2 is set as the cell voltage recovery processing executing condition. When the voltages are set so as to obtain a relation Vth1>Vth2, the cell voltage recovery processing can be limited during the stop of the mobile body.
US08053121B2	System and method for switching a dual mode electrochemical cell stack between modes of operation A system and technique for switching the polarity of an electrochemical cell stack to switch operation of the stack between a power producing mode of operation and an electrochemical pumping mode of operation is provided. The system and technique include a plurality of polarity switches that are switched between configurations in response to a mode select signal.
US08053111B2	Method for manufacturing a biplate assembly, a biplate assembly and a bipolar battery A biplate assembly may include a biplate, a negative electrode and a positive electrode. A method for manufacturing the biplate assembly may involve selecting the size of the biplate and arranging the positive electrode, which is formed by a compressed first powder, to a first side of the biplate. The first powder contains positive active material. The method may also involve arranging the negative electrode, which is formed by a compressed second powder, to a carrier arranged within the biplate assembly. The second powder contains negative active material. The carrier may be a side opposite to the first side of the biplate. The biplate assembly may be implemented in a bipolar battery.
US08053109B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a high initial capacity and excels in cycle characteristics and storage characteristics even when charged until the potential of the positive electrode active material exceeds as high as 4.3V versus lithium. The non-aqueous electrolyte of the secondary battery contains both 1,3-dioxane and a sulfonic acid ester compound.
US08053105B2	Lithium-ion secondary battery The present invention provides a lithium-ion secondary battery which can suppress internal resistance to a small value. The lithium-ion secondary battery includes a winding group obtained by winding a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate via a separator. An end portion of a positive electrode mixture non-application portion 1 projects at an upper portion of the winding group, while an end portion of a negative electrode mixture non-application portion projects at a lower portion of the winding group. Current collecting disks 7 are disposed on both end faces of the winding group so as to face them, respectively, and materials for the current collecting disks are the same materials as those for a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector. An end portion of the positive electrode mixture non-application portion 1 is joined to a face of the current collecting disk 7 positioned on the side of the winding group at a plurality of joint portions on the positive electrode side, while an end portion of the negative electrode mixture non-application portion is joined to a face of the current collecting disk 7 positioned on the side of the winding group at a plurality of joint portions on the negative electrode side. Some of the joint portions form joint portions taking on a width expansion shape gradually expanding from a joint end portion with the positive electrode mixture non-application portion 1 toward the current collecting disk 7. A volume of the joint portion 25 is increased.
US08053104B2	Pouch type battery and method of making the same A pouch type battery includes a pouch case having a front region, a rear region, first and second side regions, and a cover, wherein the first side region connects the front region to the rear region at a first side of the battery, and the second side region connects the front region to the rear region at a second side of the battery, the first and second sides being opposite to one another, the rear region has a recess therein to accommodate an electrode assembly, and two extending portions extend from first and second sides of the recess, the two extending portions being wrapped around to form the first and second side regions and the front region, inward-facing surfaces of the two extending portions being bonded to each other to form a first seal in the front region, at least one of the extending portions extending beyond the first seal and being further wrapped around to form the cover, the cover extending at least partially across the front region.
US08053099B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery is provided with a safety vent that can decrease the increased inner pressure of the secondary battery by being rapidly fractured when the inner pressure of the secondary battery is increased over a predetermined value. The secondary battery is constructed with a sealed outer case forming a receiving space in an inner side, an electrode assembly received in the receiving space of the outer case, a safety vent formed on one surface of the outer case, and a fracture induction part formed on the surface of the outer case and disposed at a portion of a circumference region of the safety vent. The fracture induction part is relatively thinner than the other portion of the surface of the outer case.
US08053098B2	Power storage unit that effectively controls pressure and vehicle A power storage unit has: a plurality of power storage modules each constituted of a power generation element which in a power generation element case containing the power generation element; and a power storage unit case containing the power storage modules and an insulative liquid, wherein at least two of the power storage modules have a first valve that switches from a closed state to an open state in response to the pressure in the power generation element case increasing up to a first threshold and a second valve that switches from a closed state to an open state in response to the pressure at the outside of the power generation element case increasing up to a second threshold.
US08053097B2	Apparatus having a nanocomposite protection layer An apparatus includes a substrate, a recording layer on the substrate, and a nanocomposite layer on the recording layer, the nanocomposite layer including a wear-resistant material and a solid lubricant material, wherein the atomic percentage of the solid lubricant material in the nanocomposite layer is in a range from about 5% to about 99%. A method of making the apparatus is also provided.
US08053094B2	Organic light-emitting diodes and methods for assembly and enhanced charge injection New organic light-emitting diodes and related electroluminescent devices and methods for fabrication, using siloxane self-assembly techniques.
US08053092B2	m-carbazolylphenyl compounds An object of the present invention is to provide a host compound in an emission layer, which has a high excited triplet level and completely confines triplet excitons of an phosphorescence-emitting substance. The invention relates to a compound containing an m-carbazolylphenyl group, which is represented by the following general formula (1): wherein A represents a nitrogen atom, an amino group to which a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group is bonded, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group, or a substituted or unsubstituted condensed polycyclic aromatic group; n represents an integer of 2 to 4; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and represent each an arbitrary substituent; and m and o represent each an integer of 0 to 4.
US08053090B2	Phosphorescent multinuclear copper complex and organic electroluminescent device using the same Provided are a high-efficiency phosphorescent multinuclear copper complex and an organic electroluminescent device using the complex. The multinuclear copper complex can be used to form an organic layer of an organic electroluminescent device, and the organic electroluminescent device using the complex can emit light in the yellow to red wavelength region of 560 nm to 630 nm as a high-efficiency photoluminescent material, and provides a high brightness and a low turn-on voltage.
US08053089B2	Single layer bond coat and method of application A protective coating system for metal components includes a superalloy metal substrate, such as a component of a gas turbine. A single layer bond coat is applied to the superalloy metal substrate in a thermal spray process from a homogeneous powder composition having a particle size distribution wherein about 90% of the particles by volume are within a range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm. The percentage of particles within any 10 μm band within the range does not exceed about 20% by volume, and the percentage of particles within any two adjacent 10 μm bands within the range does not deviate by more than about 8% by volume.
US08053088B2	Slide member A slide member provided with an Al-based alloy layer including Si and having a first contoured surface having first planar surfaces and first convexities consisting of Si particles protruding from the first planar surfaces; an intermediate layer that coats the Al-based alloy layers an overlay that coats the intermediate layer; wherein 90% or more of the Si particles protruding from the first planar surfaces are configured to have a predetermined particle diameter of 2 μm or less, the Si particles having the predetermined particle diameter being distributed in the Al-based alloy layer with a distance between centers of gravity of the Si particles having the predetermined particle diameter averaging 6 μm or less, and wherein the overlay has a second contoured surface having second planar surfaces and second convexities conforming with the first planar surfaces and the first convexities of the first contoured surface.
US08053082B2	Adhesion-enhanced polyimide film, process for its production, and laminated body An adhesion-enhanced polyimide film which includes a core layer composed of a polyimide (a) having high rigidity and a low linear expansion coefficient, at least one side of which has a thin-layer formed by heating a coated layer including a heat-resistant surface treatment agent and a polyimide precursor which yields a highly heat-resistant amorphous polyimide (B).
US08053079B2	Sheet glass laminate structure and mulitiple glass laminate structure A glass sheet laminate structure (10) produced by laminating at least three glass sheets (20) each having a thickness of less than 1 mm through an intermediate layer (30) between two adjacent glass sheets. The maximum variation ΔHmax of the interval H between two adjacent glass sheets opposed to each other through the intermediate layer in connection with the central portion and the opposite end portions satisfies a relationship of 0 μm<ΔHmax<200 μm.
US08053078B2	Medical devices having soft, flexible lubricious coatings Soft, flexible highly lubricious coatings for polymeric IOL insertion cartridges that allow IOLs to be easily inserted through small bore cartridges suitable for use with small (less than 3 mm) incisions are provided. These lubricious coatings allow IOLs to be inserted into the eye of a patient without the risk of lens damage or transfer of lubricants to the lens surface during implantation. Specifically, polymeric coatings comprising a matrix polymer having an equivalent weight greater than 5000 g/eq are used to form interpenetrating networks (IPN) on the surface of hydrophobic structural polymers. The IPNs thus formed entrap highly lubricious hydrophilic compounds within the IPN using multi-functional cross linkers.
US08053077B2	Composite-forming method, composites formed thereby, and printed circuit boards incorporating them A composite-forming process includes impregnating a reinforcing structure with a curable composition at a temperature of about 10 to about 40° C. The curable composition includes specific amounts of an epoxy resin, a poly(arylene ether), a solvent, and a curing promoter. The poly(arylene ether) includes, on average, about 1.6 to about 2.4 phenolic hydroxy groups per molecule, and it has a polydispersity index less than or equal to 2.2 and an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. These characteristics substantially improve the solubility of the poly(arylene ether) in the curable composition and allow the curable composition to be formed and used at or near room temperature. Composites formed by the process and circuit boards including the composites are also described.
US08053072B2	Method of reducing porosity in thermal spray coated and sintered articles This invention relates to an article having a reduced porosity and a method for sealing porosity of at least a portion of an outer porous surface of an article, said method comprising (i) applying a sealant solution on the outer porous surface of said article, (ii) infiltrating at least a portion of the outer porous surface with said sealant solution, and (iii) allowing the infiltrated sealant solution to react, thereby forming an infiltrated solid precipitate, said infiltrated solid precipitate sealing the porosity of at least a portion of the outer porous surface of said article. The method is useful, for example, in the protection of integrated circuit manufacturing equipment, internal chamber components, and electrostatic chuck manufacture.
US08053071B2	Impact absorption layer having excellent impact resistance and film having use of impact absorption comprising the same There is provided a film having use of impact absorption capable of protecting a panel from impacts when the impacts are given to a display device, a window since it has an excellent ability to absorb impacts given to a surface of a display device, a window, or equivalent base plates. The impact absorption layer having a thickness of 30 μm or more has a hardness of 20 to 100 as measured at a room temperature using an Asker C hardness tester. Also, the film having use of impact absorption has excellent impact resistance and includes at least one layer, wherein the film includes at least one impact absorption layer having a hardness of 20 to 100 as measured at a room temperature using an Asker C hardness tester, the impact absorption layer having the total thickness of 30 μm or more.
US08053068B2	Shape memory alloy composite material shock and vibration isolator devices A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.
US08053067B2	Data storage device and method of production therefor The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a data storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic features; and at least one probe for writing and/or reading the data stored in the data storage medium, wherein the data storage medium is formed on a support layer, the support layer having a lower shear modulus than the data storage medium.
US08053063B2	Coated cutting insert for milling applications Coated cemented carbide inserts (cutting tool), particularly useful for wet or dry milling of steels, are disclosed. The cutting tool insert is characterized by a cemented carbide body comprising WC, NbC and TaC, a W-alloyed Co binder phase, and a coating comprising an innermost layer of TiCxNyOz with equiaxed grains, a layer of TiCxNyOz with columnar grains and a layer of α-Al2O3.
US08053061B2	High-gloss decorative sheet This invention provides a decorative sheet having a high glossy impression, comprising a surface protective layer formed of an ionizing radiation curing resin, which is excellent in surface specularity and marker ink erasing capability and has suppressed slipperiness as a decorative sheet, and a decorative plate comprising the sheet and a substrate jointed to each other. In the decorative sheet, a silicone having a high lifting effect (the effect of lifting on the surface) and a silicone having high compatibility with the ionizing radiation curing resin are incorporated, either separately from each other or simultaneously, into an ionizing radiation curing resin for forming the surface protective layer. According to this constitution, properties, which are generally likely to be offset by each other, that is, excellent contamination resistance, marker ink erasing capability, and cellophane tape resistance, high leveling properties, surface smoothness, and transparency, and suppressed slipperiness, can be maintained on a high level.
US08053054B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure 1 comprising a honeycomb segment bonded body 10 having a number of honeycomb segments 2 integrated on each bonding planes via bonding material layers 9 has a structure so that a number of cells 5 providing fluid flow channels are disposed in parallel in the direction of center axis thereof. The honeycomb structure 1 is constructed so that the porosity of an outer portion of the bonding material layers 9 (an area from the interface with the honeycomb segment-bonding plane to a point apart from that interface by a distance equivalent to 20% of the entire layer thickness) is smaller than the porosity of a central portion located inward of the outer portion, and so that the bonding material layers 9 have a compression Young's modulus along the Z-axis of 5 to 100 MPa.
US08053043B2	Recording sheet for ink jet printing A recording sheet for ink jet printing is described, which consists of a support having coated onto said support at least two ink-receiving layers, wherein the ink-receiving layer situated next to the support contains nanoporous silicon dioxide with a positively charged surface and at least one binder and the ink-receiving layer situated further away from the support contains nanocrystalline, nanoporous aluminium oxide or aluminium oxide/hydroxide and at least one binder and, optionally, nanoporous silicon dioxide with a positively charged surface.
US08053040B2	Liquid crystal composition, retardation plate, liquid crystal display device, and process for producing retardation plate A composition comprising at least one liquid crystal compound, and at least one polymer is disclosed. The polymer comprises a constitutional unit represented by a following formula (A) and a constitutional unit derived from a monomer having a fluoroaliphatic group(s): wherein Mp represents a trivalent group constituting fully or partially a polymer main chain; L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; and X represents a substituted or non-substituted aromatic condensed ring group.
US08053039B2	Polymerizable dichroic azo dyes The present invention is directed towards polymerizable dichroic azo dyes comprising azo-chromophores having at least one standard mesogenic ring system attached to said chromophores and at least one polymerizable group leading to dyes having sufficient solubilty and a very high order parameter.
US08053036B2	Method for designing shower plate for plasma CVD apparatus A method of designing a shower plate for a plasma CVD apparatus includes (a) providing a shower plate having a convex surface configured by a convex equation; (b) forming a film on a wafer using the shower plate in the plasma CVD apparatus; (c) determining a distribution of thickness of the film formed on the wafer by dividing a diametrical cross section of the film into multiple regions; (d) determining at least one secondary equation; and (e) designing a surface configuration of the shower plate by overlaying the secondary equation on the convex equation.
US08053034B1	High performance tank systems The high performance tank systems relate to producing efficient, inexpensive, durable corrosion proof galvanized mild-steel tanks for transporting fluids on land transport vehicles. The tanks can be used to transport fluids of many types. Due too the annealing process used the tanks are stress relieved and less prone to fractures.
US08053033B2	Brake caliper paint applicator A method of protecting a brake caliper is provided. The method includes the steps of cleaning an outer surface of a brake caliper and blending a liquid protective covering solution in an applicator mix the coating composition. The applicator is primed to start the flow of the solution. A first coat of the protective solution is applied to the brake caliper and allowed to dry. Additional coats can be applied as desired. The protective solution includes a water based or alcohol based solvent, a binder selected from the group consisting of an acrylic, a polyurethane, a polyester melamine and acrylate resins or blends thereof and an acrylic copolymer.
US08053032B2	Method for production of a substrate coated with a zeolite layer The invention relates to a method for production of a zeolite layer on a substrate containing metal, comprising the following method steps: production of an aqueous suspension, comprising several components, one component comprises at least one cross-linking element from the third, fourth or fifth main group of the periodic table, the substrate containing metal comprises at least one of the cross-linking elements, introduction of the substrate containing metal to the aqueous suspension, heating the aqueous suspension and the substrate containing the metal present therein for the in-situ crystallisation of a zeolite layer on the substrate containing metal, whereby the cross-linking elements in the substrate containing metal are extracted and included in the zeolite layer, a cross-linking element present in the suspension for formation of the zeolite layer is present at a concentration so low that a crystallisation in the suspension is largely or completely avoided and said element is principally provided by the substrate.
US08053030B2	Methods of applying a hydrophilic coating to a substrate, and substrates having a hydrophilic coating This invention relates to methods of applying to a substrate a hydrophilic coating that becomes lubricious when activated with water or water vapor, and to substrates having such a hydrophilic coating.
US08053027B2	Methods for fabrication of thin film compositionally stratified multi-layer heterostructures for temperature insensitive low dielectric loss and enhanced tunability OTM communications devices A compositionally stratified multi-layer Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BST) heterostructure material is described which includes a lower layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x is in the range of 0.36-0.44, inclusive, deposited on a substrate; an intermediate layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x is in the range of 0.23-0.27, inclusive, in contact with the lower layer; and an upper layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x in the range of 0.08-0.13, inclusive, in contact with the intermediate layer. A phase shifter and/or preselector tunable device including a compositionally stratified multi-layer BST heterostructure material is described according to the present invention. Temperature sensitivity of an inventive phase shifter is reduced by at least 70% in the temperature interval of 20 to 90° C., inclusive, and by at least 14% in the temperature interval of −10 to 20° C., inclusive, compared to a compositionally homogeneous 60/40 BST material.
US08053026B2	Nanocomposites, synthesis method thereof and capacitor comprising the same A method for the synthesis of nanocomposites is provided. The method comprises the steps of mixing carbon nanotubes with a urea solution to form urea/carbon nanotube composites (first step), mixing the urea/carbon nanotube composites with a solution of a metal oxide or hydroxide precursor to prepare a precursor solution (second step), and hydrolyzing the urea in the precursor solution to form a metal oxide or hydroxide coating on the carbon nanotubes (third step). Further provided are nanocomposites synthesized by the method. In the nanocomposites, a metal oxide or hydroxide is coated to a uniform thickness in the nanometer range on porous carbon nanotubes. Advantageously, the thickness of the coating can be easily regulated by controlling the urea content of urea/carbon nanotube composites as precursors. In addition, the nanocomposites are nanometer-sized powders and have high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area. Therefore, the nanocomposites are useful as electrode active materials for electrochemical capacitors, including pseudo capacitors and electrochemical double layer capacitors, lithium secondary batteries, and polymer batteries. Further provided is a capacitor comprising the nanocomposites.
US08053023B2	Conductive layer and organic electroluminescent device including the same In a method of forming a conductive layer, a conductive layer formed using the method, an organic electroluminescent device including the conductive layer, and a method of manufacturing the organic electroluminescent device, the method of forming the conductive layer comprises: pre-treating a substrate in order to improve adhesive force; coating a mixture solution which contains a sulfonate-based catalyst and a solvent on the substrate, and then drying the coated product; and performing vapor-phase polymerization by contacting the substrate on which the catalyst is coated with monomers which make up a conductive polymer in a vapor phase. The conductive layer obtained using the method of forming a conductive layer has high conductivity, high transmittance with respect to light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 700 nm, uniform thickness, and thermal-chemical stability.
US08053020B2	Process for coating a portion of an implantable medical device Methods are provided for coating a first surface of a device while also preventing coating of a second surface of the device by forming a covering of solid carbon dioxide on the second surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for coating a luminal surface of a device while masking the abluminal surface with a covering of solid carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, a method is provided for coating the abluminal surface of the device while covering the luminal surface of the device with solid carbon dioxide.
US08053018B2	Techniques to improve polyurethane membranes for implantable glucose sensors The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.
US08053015B2	Hard fat Disclosed is a hard fat which can be a basic ingredient for obtaining a margarine or shortening having favorable meltability in the mouth of a lauric fat, and also having favorable plasticity, as well as a margarine or shortening in which the hard fat is used, and confectioneries and breads using the same are provided. A hard fat containing 25 to 45% by mass of a lauric acid, having an iodine value of 0 to 25, and having the following triglyceride composition: triglycerides (CN 32 to 54 TG) of 85 to 100% by mass; triglycerides (CN 32 to 38 TG) of 30 to 50% by mass; triglycerides (CN 40 to 46 TG) of 25 to 55% by mass; triglycerides (CN 48 to 54 TG) of 10 to 30% by mass, and further having the following constituent triglyceride ratio: ((CN 32 to 38 TG)/(CN 40 to 46 TG)) of 0.5 to 1.5; ((CN 32 to 38 TG)/(CN 48 to 54 TG)) of no less than 1.0; and ((CN 40 to 46 TG)/(CN 48 to 54 TG)) of no less than 1.0.
US08053006B2	Method of making bread and bread made by the method A bread making method including: a cold sponge process where strong flour, dried yeast, yeast food, salt, an improver, and water are mixed, stirred at low speed, stirred at high speed, and then fermented at a temperature and relative humidity; a dough process in which the resulting mixture of the cold sponge process is mixed with strong flour, sugar, salt, dried milk, dried yeast, margarine, and water, and the to resulting mixture is given a floor time and then divided into pieces; a freezing storage process in which the dough is frozen, wrapped in plastic, and stored at a temperature of less than −18 degrees C.; a thawing process in which the resulting dough pieces of the freezing process are thawed; and a second fermentation process in which each of the resulting dough pieces is molded and subjected to a second fermentation.
US08053004B2	Ointment for topical treatment of hot flashes and method of use A composition and method of use therefore that provides for the objective topical treatment of hot flashes that is clinically shown to objectively reduce skin temperature, with the effective ingredients including menthol and peppermint oil which can be substituted with spearmint oil. The method involves application of the composition, which can be in the form of a liquid, crème, topical gel, mist or moist towelette and which is applied most optimally to the back of the neck, the front of the neck, behind the ears and on the wrists of the sufferer.
US08053003B2	Use of a plant oil product as an agent for increasing the synthesis of skin lipids The present invention relates to the use of a plant oil product as an agent for increasing the synthesis of skin lipids, especially the lipids of the epidermal skin barrier, in or for the preparation of a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological composition. The invention also relates to a method for cosmetic treatment with a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological composition for increasing the synthesis of skin lipids, especially the lipids of the epidermal skin barrier, and to the use of the plant product as a food additive.
US08052999B2	Granules, tablets and granulation The invention provides, inter alia, a method for producing granules from a powder, characterized in that a low compaction force is applied to the powder to produce a compacted mass comprising a mixture of fine particles and granules and separating fine particles from the granules by entraining the fine particles in a gas stream. Also provided are apparatus for use in the process and tablets formed by compression of the resultant granules.
US08052997B2	Anti-bacterial composition and method for producing the same The invention discloses an anti-bacterial composition and method for producing the same. The anti-bacterial composition of the invention includes an organic siloxane material which comprises an amino group, and a plurality of silver atoms. Particularly, the organic siloxane material has a meshed structure, and the plurality of silver atoms are bonded to the amino group and are well dispersed in the meshed structure.
US08052996B2	Two-piece, internal-channel osmotic delivery system flow modulator An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.
US08052995B2	3'-[(2Z)-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,5-dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene] hydrazino]-2'-hydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid bis-(monoethanolamine) Disclosed are novel pharmaceutical compositions containing 3′-[(2Z)-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,5-dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino]-2′-hydroxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid bis-(monoethanolamine) (eltrombopag olamine) and processes for preparing the same.
US08052993B2	3′-[(2Z)-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,5-dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino]-2′-hydroxy[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid bis-(monoethanolamine) Disclosed are novel pharmaceutical compositions containing 3′-[(2Z)-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl) -1,5-dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino]-2′-hydroxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid bis-(monoethanolamine) (eltrombopag olamine) and processes for preparing the same.
US08052990B2	Biocompatible crosslinked gel The invention relates to a method for producing a biocompatible crosslinked gel consisting in crosslinking a determined quantity of at least one type of liquid biocompatible polymer by adding a quantity of crosslinking agent, in carrying out a crosslinking reaction, in adding an additional quantity of liquid polymer whose molecular mass is greater than 500,000 Da, in solving the reaction mixture in such a way that the total concentration of the liquid polymer is reduced, in crosslinking and in stopping the crosslinking reaction by removing the crosslinking agent. The inventive gel and the use thereof are also disclosed.
US08052988B2	Methods for fabricating coatings for drug delivery devices having gradient of hydration A method for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising applying a first polymer on at least a portion of the device to form a first layer of the coating and applying a second polymer on at least a portion of the first layer to form a second layer of the coating. The second polymer has a higher degree of hydration than the first polymer. The first or second polymer can comprise a polyorthoester.
US08052986B1	System controlling soluble phosphorus An aqueous alkali earth metal salt solution useful as an activator for mixing thoroughly with chicken litter or similar animal waste containing excessive amounts of soluble phosphorus and nitrates. When used as a prelude to treatment with an alkali metal silicate based solution, the aqueous alkali earth metal salt solution greatly increases the chemical binding of the soluble phosphorus and/or nitrates present in the animal waste or nearby environment such as soil or water.
US08052979B2	Modified clostridial toxins with altered targeting capabilities for clostridial toxin target cells The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain and an enhanced Clostridial toxin binding domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.
US08052977B2	DNA vaccine for Koi herpes virus (KHV) disease The present invention provides a DNA vaccine for carps for inducing protective immunity against Koi herpesvirus (KHV). The DNA vaccine comprises a DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunogenic polypeptide against Koi herpesvirus (KHV) of carps, or an expression vector comprising the DNA as an active ingredient.
US08052975B2	Compounds and methods for treatment and diagnosis of chlamydial infection Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.
US08052974B2	Host cell specific binding molecules capable of neutralizing viruses and uses thereof The present invention provides human binding molecules specifically binding to a host cell protein and having virus neutralizing activity, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections.
US08052972B2	Remedies for inflammatory bowel diseases Antibodies against AILIM (also called ICOS and 8F4) were found to significantly suppress the onset of inflammatory bowel diseases (especially Crohn's disease and colitis (ulcerative colitis and such)), and exhibit a significant therapeutic effect against inflammatory bowel diseases.
US08052971B2	Oral use of specific antibodies for intestinal health Methods and compositions are provided to treat enteric disease. The methods and compositions use passive immunity to treat diseases of the gut, including diseases caused by Salmonella sp., E. Coli, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens A, Clostridium perfringens C, Clostridium perfringens D, canine distemper, feline distemper, Rotavirus, and Parvovirus. Specific antibodies are administered orally to a subject to improve intestinal health.
US08052969B2	Method of making plasma enriched with platelets using a double syringe system where the second sytringe is within the first syringe and use thereof A method of providing autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) for treatment of connective tissue injuries. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing an apparatus comprising a centrifuge and a double syringe, the double syringe including an inner syringe body and an outer syringe body; (ii) drawing autologous blood into the outer syringe body; (iii) subjecting the autologous blood to at least one centrifugation step to obtain an autologous conditioned plasma (ACP); (iv) removing, with the inner syringe body, at least a portion of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) from the outer syringe body; and (v) inject ACP for treatment of various cartilage or tendon damage or diseases.
US08052965B2	Viruses with enhanced lytic potency Described is a replication competent recombinant virus, being capable to replicate and having lytic capacity in target cells, the said cell being hampered in the p53 dependent apoptosis pathway, the virus including in the genome thereof, the coding sequence of at least one restoring factor functional in restoring the p53 apoptosis pathway in the said target cells, operably linked to one or more expression control sequences, functional in the said target cells, as well as the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament, in particular for suppressing uncontrolled cell growth.
US08052960B2	Netrin-1 as a biomarker of injury and disease Detection and diagnosis of injury and/or disease in a subject can be key to preventing irreversible damage and death. Methods of aiding detection and assessment of a disease or condition in a subject are which include assaying netrin-1 protein and/or nucleic acid in a test sample obtained from the subject. Methods of assessment of treatment of a disease or condition in a subject are provided which include assaying netrin-1 protein and/or nucleic acid in a test sample obtained from the subject. Disclosed methods allow for earlier detection of renal dysfunction compared to currently available technology.
US08052958B2	Method for manufacturing metal oxide hollow nanoparticles and metal oxide hollow nanoparticles manufactured by the same Provided is a method for manufacturing a metal oxide hollow nanoparticles with excellent properties more easily and simply by a chemical vapor condensation employing metal β-diketonates as precursors, and a metal oxide hollow nanoparticles manufactured by the method. The method includes: preparing metal β-diketonate as a precursor; evaporating the metal β-diketonate at a predetermined temperature higher than a melting point of the metal β-diketonate; transferring the evaporated metal β-diketonate into a reaction region; thermally decomposing the transferred gaseous metal β-diketonate and simultaneously inducing a reaction of the transferred gaseous metal β-diketonate with oxygen to synthesize the metal oxide hollow nanoparticle; and condensing and collecting the synthesized metal oxide hollow nanoparticles.
US08052949B2	Generation of sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.
US08052948B2	CO2 recovery system and CO2 recovery method A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A compressor compresses CO2 that is removed from the rich solution and discharged through a head of the regeneration tower. Heat is generated while the compressor compresses the CO2. A heat supplying unit supplies the heat to the regeneration tower for heating the lean solution.
US08052946B2	System and process for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons A system and process for upgrading hydrocarbons such as heavy oils includes a high temperature plasma reactor apparatus, in one or more vessels, into which the oils are introduced along with water, such as steam, to produce lighter hydrocarbon fractions, along with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, that flows to an additional stage where more hydrocarbons and water are introduced for further fractionating reactions facilitated by reaction of carbon monoxide and water to produce carbon dioxide and nascent, or prompt, free radicals of hydrogen. Heavy hydrocarbons upgraded can include heavy oils in the form of tar sands, oil shale, and oil residuals. The vessel or vessels can each contain a carbonaceous bed facilitating the described reactions and example embodiments include one vessel with the reactions performed in a single bed and, also, two vessels with the reactions performed in a carbonaceous bed portion in each vessel.
US08052940B2	Apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes Provided are an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, the apparatus including a reaction tube that provides a space for carbon nanotubes and is formed vertically long, a heating unit that is formed at the outer side of the reaction tube, and heats the reaction tube, a gas-supply unit that sprays reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes by reacting with catalysts positioned inside the reaction tube, an exhaustion unit that is connected to the upper portion of the reaction tube, and discharges non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes, and a blocking unit that is formed inside the reaction tube, discharges only the non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes to the exhaustion unit, and blocks the discharge of the carbon nanotubes and catalysts, in which the cross-section of the blocking unit is divided in a plurality of polygon structures, and downward-slanted blocking wings are formed at each divided cell.
US08052933B2	Device and method for entrapping an individual's breath as a keepsake A device for capturing an individual's breath as a keepsake includes a hollow blow-pipe insertable through an aperture through a neck fitted into an aperture of the vessel. After introducing one or more individual's breath into the vessel, the vessel is sealed, such as by using a plug removably attached to an end of the blow-pipe disposed within the vessel and configured to engage the neck as the blow-pipe is removed from the vessel and disengaged from the plug.
US08052931B2	Ultra low-power CMOS based bio-sensor circuit An apparatus configured to identify a material having an electric charge, the apparatus having: an inverting gain amplifier including a first field-effect transistor (FET) coupled to a second FET; wherein a gate of the first FET is configured to sense the electric charge and an output of the amplifier provides a measurement of the electric charge to identify the material.
US08052930B2	Apparatus and method for evaluating ex vivo tissue samples by electrical impedance A device for characterizing ex vivo tissue employs a set of independent electrodes that may be used to scan the tissue by moving a voltage gradient across the tissue surface acquiring impedance spectrographs that may be mapped to an image.
US08052927B2	In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.
US08052926B2	Method for manufacturing a sterilized lancet integrated biosensor An integrated disposable includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing at least a portion of a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet. The lancet packet and the sterility sheet, in particular, allow the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The lancet in one form is incorporated into a lancet tape that is sterilized in a continuous, reel-to-reel sterilization process. The lancet tape in one form is sterilized using an electron beam sterilization process. With electron beam sterilization, sterilization is enhanced by irradiating both sides of the tape with electron beams. Sterilization can adversely affect chemical reagents in the test strip. To alleviate this chemistry degradation issue, the lancet packet is attached to the test strip after the lancet is sterilized.
US08052922B2	Rotary batch distributor The invention relates to the iron and steel industry, in particular to batch charging into shaft, mainly blast furnaces. The inventive rotary batch distributor for shaft furnaces comprises an axle platform (1) and blades (2) which are equally spaced around the platform and are fixed thereto by means of brackets (3). The surface of each blade is embodied in the form of an involute of a truncated cone and consists of trapezoidal sections (4). The tilting angles of the trapezoidal sections with respect to the rotary batch distributor axis and to a horizontal plane are defined by the involutes (5) of truncated cone which are focused at the same point of the rotary batch distributor axis. The surface area of each blade is defined by the sector angle value ranging from 90 to 120° and by the radius of the describe circle of the rotary batch distributor. The end part (6) of the blade whose surface area is equal to 0.05-0.10 of the blade surface area is arranged at an angle of 125-140° with respect to the previous section. The tilting angle of a generator passing through the base of the end part of the blade to the rotary batch distributor axis ranges from 88 to 90°. Said invention makes it possible to provide any specified profile of the feedstock surface, starting from a cone-shaped whose tip is arranged on the blast furnace axis to a peripheral, with a high circumferential uniformity.
US08052918B2	Carbon-based material and method of producing the same, and composite material and method of producing the same A method of producing a carbon-based material having an activated surface includes: (a) mixing an elastomer and a carbon material, and dispersing the carbon material by applying a shear force to obtain a composite elastomer; and (b) heat-treating the composite elastomer at a temperature for vaporising an elastomer to vaporize the elastomer in the composite elastomer.
US08052908B2	Photolithographic mask exhibiting enhanced light transmission due to utilizing sub-wavelength aperture arrays for imaging patterns in nano-lithography A nanophotolithography mask includes a layer of an electrically conductive optically opaque material deposited on a mask substrate in which regular arrays of sub-wavelength apertures are formed. The plasmonic excitation in the layer perforated with the sub-wavelength apertures arrays under the light incident on the mask produces high resolution far-field radiation patterns of sufficient intensity to expose a photoresist on a wafer when propagated to the same. The fill-factor of the mask, i.e., the ratio of the total apertures area to the total mask area, may lead to a significant increase in mask manufacturing throughput by FIB or electron beam “writing”. The mask demonstrates the defect resiliency and ability to imprint coherent clear features of nano dimensions and shapes on the wafers for integrated circuits design.
US08052892B2	2,5-linked polyfluorenes for optoelectronic devices Polyfluorene polymers and copolymers having substantial amounts (10-100%) of fluorenes coupled at the 2 and 5 positions of fluorene are useful as active layers in OLED devices where triplet energies >2.10 eV are required.
US08052891B2	Fluorene derivative, liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and optical film using the same liquid crystal composition Disclosed are a novel fluorene derivative, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and an optical film using the same liquid crystal composition. More particularly, there are provided a liquid crystal material for a viewing angle compensation film with high quality characteristics, which can improve a contrast ratio measured at an oblique angle to the front and minimize variations in color with viewing angles in a black state, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same liquid crystal material, and a compensation film obtained from the same liquid crystal composition.
US08052888B2	Polymeric electrolyte, method for production thereof, and electrochemical element A polymeric electrolyte comprising: a polymeric material and an electrolyte salt; or a polymeric material, a solvent and an electrolyte salt, wherein a copolymer composed of 50 to 99 mol % of an ethylenically unsaturated compound and 1 to 50 mol % of carbon monoxide comprises 66.7 to 100 wt % of the polymeric material.
US08052886B2	Plasma etching method and apparatus therefor A fluorine-containing compound gas, e.g., SF6 gas, is converted into a plasma and a silicon portion of an object to be processed is etched by the plasma. At the same time, using a light source having a peak intensity of light in a wavelength range of light absorption of a reaction product, e.g., SiF4, for which, to be more precise, ranges from 9 μm to 10 μm, the light is irradiated onto a surface of an object to be processed from the light source. The SiF4 molecules absorb the light, become activated and gain kinetic energy to be used in gaining an easy escape from a hole. As a consequence, an amount (a partial pressure) of fluorine radicals (F*) used as an etchant is increased and an etching rate of a silicon is increased.
US08052884B2	Method of fabricating microchannel plate devices with multiple emissive layers A method of fabricating a microchannel plate includes defining a plurality of pores extending from a top surface of a substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate where the plurality of pores has a resistive material on an outer surface that forms a first emissive layer. A second emissive layer is formed over the first emissive layer. The second emissive layer is chosen to achieve at least one of an increase in secondary electron emission efficiency and a decrease in gain degradation as a function of time. A top electrode is formed on the top surface of the substrate and a bottom electrode is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate.
US08052882B2	Method of manufacturing wiring substrate A method of manufacturing a wiring substrate of the present invention, includes the steps of forming a seed layer on an underlying layer, forming a plating resist in which an opening portion is provided on the seed layer, forming a copper plating layer in the opening portion by an electroplating, removing the plating resist, wet-etching the seed layer using the copper plating layer as a mask to obtain the wiring layer, roughening a surface of the wiring layer by a blackening process, and forming an insulating layer on the wiring layer, wherein a surface of the copper plating layer is soft-etched simultaneously in the step of etching the seed layer, whereby a soft etching step of the wiring layer carried out prior to the step of the blackening process is omitted.
US08052880B2	Method for manufacturing light reflecting metal wall A method for manufacturing a light reflecting metal wall including a step (a) forming a cavity structure on a metal plate on which back surface a substrate is laminated, the cavity structure including on its side wall a light reflecting wall, the step (a) including the steps of (b) forming a first mask on a surface of the metal plate, the first mask having a mask opening portion corresponding to an opening portion of the cavity structure, and (c) forming the light reflecting wall on a side wall of the metal plate by carrying out wet etching with respect to the metal plate with the first mask, in the step (c), in the middle of the wet etching, the first mask being bent by press working along the light reflecting wall formed by the wet etching. As a result, the light reflecting metal wall is stably formed by securing both (i) an area of an LED chip mounting surface and (ii) a thickness of the light reflecting metal wall even if a packaged light-emitting element has a narrow lateral width of its short side.
US08052870B2	Underdrain system A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater which includes an underdrain system having a plurality of laterals that are anchored to the floor of a filter by a hold-down assembly. Preferably, the hold-down assembly does not rely on grout or other substance that is applied in a viscous or semi-viscous state and subsequently hardened as the primary means for connecting the underdrain laterals to the floor of the filter. Preferably, the hold-down assembly includes hold-down clips that can move relative to an anchor assembly and corresponding underdrain blocks so that the hold-down clips can cooperate with any desired portion of the corresponding underdrain blocks.
US08052869B2	Chamber filter plate and method of producing the same A chamber filter plate for a filter press includes a plate plane having a longitudinal direction and a crosswise direction. A plate body has a surface with a thickness. A plate edge frames the plate body and is thicker than the surface of the plate body. The plate edge has at least one hollow channel formed therein, extending in the longitudinal and/or crosswise direction. A method of producing a chamber filter plate is also provided.
US08052868B2	Fuel filter device A fuel filter device includes a bag-shaped filter member and is adapted to be attached to communicate an inner space of the filter member with a fuel suction opening in a fuel tank. The filter member is configured in a multilayer structure. At least one layer of the filter member is configured to serve as an inhibition layer having a structure to prevent water in a fuel tank form coming into the inner space of the filter member by a pressure applied to the filter member when the water is frozen.
US08052866B2	Marine water separating fuel filter A marine water separating fuel filter includes a connecting tube head, an upper lid, a filter element, and a container. The filter element is accommodated in the container and sealed by the upper lid, with an axial inlet opening and a limiting ring provided on a hollow taper post to hold against the filter element. An axial pipe of the connecting tube head is screwed to the axial inlet opening. The connecting tube head has a pressing ring to hold against a washer, providing a sealing function. The unfiltered fuel from an inlet end is filtered with the filter element and then filtered fuel expelled through an outlet end. An indication ring is provided on the hollow taper post to indicate the height of liquid. This is an easy and quick way to assemble and disassemble the filter element, providing environmental and economical purposes.
US08052864B2	Process to prepare a sweet crude A process to prepare a sweet crude from an ash containing and heavy fraction of a tar sand oil comprising supplying an atmospheric distillation bottoms of a tar sands originated feed to a vacuum distillation to obtain a vacuum gas oil and a vacuum bottoms and contacting the vacuum gas oil with hydrogen to obtain a sweet synthetic crude. The vacuum bottoms obtained are separated into an asphalt fraction comprising between 0.1 and 4 wt % ash and a de-asphalted oil and the asphalt fraction is fed to a burner of a gasification reactor to obtain a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on which a water gas shift reaction is performed. Hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide are separated from the shifted gas in an acid removal unit thereby obtaining crude hydrogen which is purified and used to obtain the sweet synthetic crude. The asphalt fraction is provided to the burner in a liquid state and wherein in case the separation step fails to provide sufficient feed for the gasification reactor, vacuum bottoms from the first step are fed to the burner in a liquid state.
US08052859B2	Aluminum production process control The method of process control is for a Hall-Héroult process of aluminum production from alumina ore in an industrial potline. The method includes measuring an array of sampled potline data including a plurality of cell voltages (V) and a plurality of line amperages (A) at a plurality of time points. The method also includes calculating a predicted voltage (PV) for each cell voltage and line amperage in the array. The method further includes controlling a plurality of alumina ore feed rates and a plurality of pot voltage settings based upon the predicted voltages. The method also includes calculating a plurality of bath temperatures based upon the predicted voltages. The PV variable is preferably used in an automated control environment. The PV variable is also preferably used to monitor cell noise levels, operating temperature, metal pad roll, and oscillatory electrical shorting events.
US08052857B2	Process for anodizing a robotic device A robotic device has a base and at least one finger having at least two links that are connected in series on rotary joints with at least two degrees of freedom. A brushless motor and an associated controller are located at each joint to produce a rotational movement of a link. Wires for electrical power and communication serially connect the controllers in a distributed control network. A network operating controller coordinates the operation of the network, including power distribution. At least one, but more typically two to five, wires interconnect all the controllers through one or more joints. Motor sensors and external world sensors monitor operating parameters of the robotic hand. The electrical signal output of the sensors can be input anywhere on the distributed control network. V-grooves on the robotic hand locate objects precisely and assist in gripping. The hand is sealed, immersible and has electrical connections through the rotary joints for anodizing in a single dunk without masking. In various forms, this intelligent, self-contained, dexterous hand, or combinations of such hands, can perform a wide variety of object gripping and manipulating tasks, as well as locomotion and combinations of locomotion and gripping.
US08052852B2	Magnetron sputtering cathode mechanism A magnetron sputtering cathode mechanism includes a backing plate, a target, at least one magnetic component and at least one magnet. The backing plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface has at least one positioning recess, and the target has a bombarded surface and a non-bombarded surface opposite to the bombarded surface. The non-bombarded surface contacts with the first surface and has at least one combining recess. The magnetic component is disposed between the backing plate and the target and has a combining portion and a positioning portion. The combining portion is positioned in the combining recess, and the positioning portion is received in the positioning recess. The magnet is disposed at the second surface. The magnetic component is attracted to the corresponding magnet so as to fix the target at the backing plate.
US08052851B1	Protective edging for a cathode of an electroplating system Protective edging for a cathode of an electroplating system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments a cathodes of an electroplating system, the cathodes including a sheet of metallic material that defines a front, a back and an edge, a plurality of apertures through the metallic material proximate to a portion of the edge and a plastic material that envelops the portion of the edge and the plurality of apertures. The plastic material extends through the apertures and is adhered to the metallic material.
US08052848B2	Ultrasonic and microwave methods for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and apparatus for such methods The invention relates generally to chemical reactions and processes, and in particular to a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and to apparatus for carrying out the method. The invention more particularly relates to methods and apparatus which utilize microwave and ultrasonic energy to enhance chemical reaction rates; and in specific instances, the invention relates to methods, processes and apparatus for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The methods, processes and apparatus of the invention are useful for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels; and also useful for production of reaction products of esterification and/or transesterification reactions including fatty acid alkyl esters.
US08052845B2	Reflux divider for a column having portions for the transfer of material arranged in parallel The reflux divider for a separation column has portions for the transfer of material arranged in parallel which are mutually bounded by a vertical dividing wall and which include members for the controlled dividing of a liquid to be treated. A reflux divider feeds part flows to the respective portions employing connection lines that are feed from a common container. A restrictor valve is used in one connection line to control the flow based on signals from a pair of flow meters.
US08052842B2	Method for making a compressed structural fiberboard An improved method for making compressed structural fiberboard by extruding agricultural fibrous matter into a compressed structural fiberboard. The improved method includes providing a preselected volume of agricultural fibrous matter and preconditioning the agricultural fibrous matter to have a predetermined moisture level. The agricultural fibrous matter is separated and cleaned, and steam is added until a predetermined level of moisture is reached within the agricultural fibrous matter. Borax is also added to the agricultural fibrous matter to prevent the formation of bacteria. The agricultural fibrous matter is conveyed throughout the process on conveyors having variable drives, wherein the level of the agricultural fibrous matter on the conveyors is sensed such that a signal is provided to adjust the speed of the conveyors in order to provide a predetermined level of agricultural fibrous matter. The agricultural fibrous matter is then extruded to form a compressed structural fiberboard.
US08052830B2	Resin composition for laser welding and molded article A laser weldable PBT-series resin composition and a molded product thereof are provided, in which the composition is weldable uniformly and has high welding strength even when the composition comprises a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a base.The laser weldable resin composition comprises 1 to 50 parts by weight of (B) an elastomer (such as a polystyrene-series thermoplastic elastomer or a polyester-series thermoplastic elastomer), 5 to 100 parts by weight of (C) a polycarbonate-series resin, 1 to 10 parts by weight of (D) a plasticizer (e.g., an aromatic polycarboxylic acid ester, and an acrylic plasticizer), and 0 to 100 parts by weight of (E) a filler or reinforcing agent (such as a glass fiber), relative to 100 parts by weight of (A) a polybutylene terephthalate-series resin (a homopolyester or a copolyester). The molded product prepared from the resin composition has a small light transmittance fluctuation range depending on sites to be irradiated of the molded product. Thus, the molded product can be bonded to a counter part article uniformly by a laser welding.
US08052829B2	Photopolymerizable compositions containing an oxonol dye The invention relates to photopolymerizable compositions containing an oxonol dye, which compositions cure by exposure to ultraviolet and/or visible radiation and whose visible color is substantially reduced during exposure. More particularly, the invention pertains to photopolymerizable compositions comprising a pyridin-2,6-dione oxonol dye in an admixture of a polymerizable component and a photopolymerization initiator. Such compositions find use as adhesives, coatings, and the like. The disappearance of the visible color of the oxonol dye acts as an indicator of full cure of a photopolymerizable composition.
US08052825B2	Method for making composite material having carbon nanotube array A method for producing a composite material having a carbon nanotube array, includes the steps of: (a) providing the carbon nanotube array, the carbon nanotube array has a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; (b) providing a first board and a second board, fixing the first end surface of the carbon nanotube array on the first board, fixing the second end surface of the carbon nanotube array on the second board; (c) packaging the first board and the second board to form an apparatus having an entrance; (d) providing a liquid polymer precursor, applying the liquid polymer precursor from the entrance to the apparatus until the liquid polymer precursor submerge carbon nanotube array; and (e) solidifying the liquid polymer precursor.
US08052824B2	Film peeling method and film peeling device There is provided a film peeling device (100) for peeling a film (3) stuck onto a first portion (121) containing a peripheral portion of a wafer (20) and also stuck onto a second portion (122) located inward with respect to the first portion, comprising: a moving means (61, 62) for relatively moving the first portion and/or second portion so that the film of the first portion of the wafer can be located at a position higher than the film of the second portion; a tape drawing means (142) for drawing out a peeling tape (103) onto the film stuck onto the first and the second portion; and a peeling means (146) for peeling the film from the first and the second portion of the wafer when the peeling tape drawn out from the tape drawing means is pressed against only the first portion film and moved along the first portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to prevent the wafer from being damaged at the time of peeling the front surface protection film.
US08052822B2	Blends of low crystallinity, low molecular weight propylene copolymers and styrenic block copolymers Styrenic block copolymers are blended with propylene copolymers to provide polymeric compositions with an improved balance between processability and elasticity. The compositions have improved processability by facilitating the ease with which a rubbery material, usually difficult to melt process, can be processed at high line speeds, which in turn improves the formation of the composition into films or other articles, assisted by a desired level of melt elasticity, i.e., a high elastic extension and recovery.
US08052820B2	Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system A method of making a load bearing member (30) for an elevator system (20) includes placing at least one tension member (32) adjacent one side (60) of a first layer (36) of a polymer material. A second layer (38), comprising a urethane in a disclosed example, is added adjacent to at least the one side (60) of the first layer (36) such that the tension member (32) is between the first layer (36) and the second layer (38). Such a technique allows for eliminating the bridges typically used to support the tension members in molding devices. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves associated with previous arrangements. Providing a grooveless exterior on the jacket (34) of the load bearing member (30) eliminates a significant source of potential vibration and noise in an elevator system.
US08052819B2	Method and machine for applying a band of fibers on convex surfaces and/or with edges Embodiments of the invention relate to a fiber application method and a fiber application machine for producing parts in composite material, such as for the application of a band of fibers on convex surfaces and/or with edges. The machine comprises a fiber application head and a moving system for moving the application head. The application head comprises a compacting system including a compacting roller intended to come in contact against the application surface to apply the band, and a compacting member placed downstream from the compacting roller and exhibiting a substantially planar contact surface, said compacting member being capable of being pressed by its contact surface, against an application surface, substantially on the entire width of a band, by at least one contact line.
US08052816B2	Ultrasonic press using servo motor with delayed motion An ultrasonic welding method includes the acts of pressing an ultrasonic welding stack mounted for linear movement against a first workpiece using an electrical servo motor, applying a predetermined initial load to the first workpiece, and initiating a weld, the initiating of the weld comprising outputting energy from the ultrasonic welding stack to the first workpiece. The method further includes sensing, with at least one sensor, a control variable, outputting a signal corresponding to the sensed control variable to a controller, simultaneously outputting energy from the ultrasonic welding stack to the first workpiece and maintaining a weld distance at or near zero until the signal corresponding to the sensed control variable satisfies a predetermined condition, and applying a controlled force, speed, or a combination of force and speed to said first workpiece with an electrically powered linear actuator to urge said first workpiece against a second workpiece to which said first workpiece is to be joined following satisfaction of said predetermined condition.
US08052812B2	Method of manufacturing high carbon cold-rolled steel sheet A high carbon cold-rolled steel sheet having both excellent stretch-flange formability and excellent homogeneity of hardness in the sheet thickness direction is provided by a manufacturing method having the steps of: hot-rolling a steel containing 0.2 to 0.7% C by mass at finishing temperatures of (Ar3 transformation point −20° C.) or above to prepare a hot-rolled sheet; cooling the hot-rolled sheet to temperatures of 650° C. or below at cooling rates from 60° C./s or larger to smaller than 120° C./s; coiling the hot-rolled sheet after cooling at coiling temperatures of 600° C. or below; cold-rolling the coiled hot-rolled sheet at rolling reductions of 30% or more to prepare a cold-rolled sheet; and annealing the cold-rolled sheet at annealing temperatures from 600° C. or larger to Ac1 transformation point or lower.
US08052811B2	Method of producing non-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in magnetic properties A rapidly-solidified non-oriented electrical steel sheet having high magnetic flux density and low core loss is provided.The method of producing the non-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in magnetic properties comprises casting a steel strip by using a traveling cooling roll surface(s) to solidify a steel melt of a prescribed chemical composition, which melt contains one or both of REM and Ca at a total content of 0.0020 to 0.01% and is cast in an atmosphere of Ar, He or a mixture thereof.
US08052803B2	Method for preventing chlorine deposition on the heat-transferring surfaces of a boiler The invention relates to a method for preventing chlorine deposition on the heat-transferring surfaces of a boiler, particularly on the superheater, in which boiler a fuel with a chlorine content, such as a biomass or waste fuel, is burned. And to which steam boiler is fed, preferably in the superheater area, a compound with a sulphate content, which forms a particular reagent to fix alkali compounds. The said compound is ferric(III)sulphate, Fe2(SO4)3 and/or aluminium(III)sulphate, Al2(SO4)3.
US08052800B2	Method for the removal of an insulative coating using an aqueous solution comprising dimethyl formamide A method and aqueous composition are provided for removing at least a portion of a coating from the surface of a substrate. The coating comprises an insulative material, and is contacted with an aqueous composition. The aqueous composition comprises dimethyl formamide.
US08052799B2	By-product collecting processes for cleaning processes An apparatus and a method for operating the same. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes a chamber, wherein the chamber includes first and second inlets, an anode and a cathode structures in the chamber, and a wafer on the cathode structure. A cleaning gas is injected into the chamber via the first inlet. A collecting gas is injected into the chamber via the second inlet. The cleaning gas when ionized has a property of etching a top surface of the wafer resulting in a by-product mixture in the chamber. The collecting gas has a property of preventing the by-product mixture from depositing back to the surface of the wafer.
US08052798B2	Particle removal apparatus and method and plasma processing apparatus A particle removal apparatus for removing particles from a chamber of a plasma processing apparatus, wherein the chamber is connected to a gas exhaust port and a plasma of a processing gas is generated in the chamber to plasma process a substrate to be processed, includes a particle charging control member for positively charging particles generated within the chamber by positive ions of an ion sheath region formed in a region other than the vicinity of the substrate to be processed, wherein positively charged particles are discharged from the chamber via the gas exhaust port. Therefore, there is no plasma disturbance or metal contamination, and thus can be applied to a practical use.
US08052797B2	Method for removing foreign matter from substrate surface A method for removing inorganic foreign matters from the surface of a substrate made of silicon or glass or the surface of an inorganic coating formed on the surface of the substrate, which includes applying a light beam in a wavelength range which makes the light absorption coefficient of at least one of a material of the substrate, a material of the inorganic coating and the inorganic foreign matters be at least 0.01/cm, to the surface of the substrate or to the surface of the inorganic coating in an application amount of at least 10 J/cm2 in an oxygen- or ozone-containing atmosphere, and exposing the surface of the substrate or the surface of the inorganic coating having a negative surface potential to an acidic solution having a pH ≦6.
US08052795B2	Catalyst enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus and deposition method using the same A catalyst-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CECVD) apparatus and a deposition method, in which tension is applied to a catalyst wire in order to prevent the catalyst wire from sagging due to thermal deformation, and additional gas is used to prevent foreign material from being generated. The CECVD apparatus may be constructed with a process chamber, a showerhead to introduce process gas into process chamber, a tensile catalyst wire structure provided in the process chamber to decompose the gas introduced from the showerhead, and a substrate on which the gas decomposed by the catalyst wire structure is deposited, so that the tension is applied to a catalyst wire in order to prevent the catalyst wire from sagging due to thermal deformation, and additional gas is used to prevent foreign material from being generated, thereby eliminating occurrences of non-uniform temperatures of a substrate and non-uniform film growth, and concomitantly enhancing the durability of the catalyst wire.
US08052792B2	Microfluidic protein crystallography techniques The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods facilitating the growth and analysis of crystallized materials such as proteins. In accordance with one embodiment, a crystal growth architecture is separated by a permeable membrane from an adjacent well having a much larger volume. The well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity and concentration similar to the solvent and crystallizing agent employed in crystal growth, with diffusion across the membrane stabilizing that process. Alternatively, the well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity calculated to affect the crystallization process. In accordance with the still other embodiment, the well may be configured to contain a material such as a cryo-protectant, which is useful in protecting the crystalline material once formed.
US08052791B2	Crystallization apparatus, crystallization method, phase modulation element, device and display apparatus A phase modulation element according to the present invention has a first area having a first phase value based on a phase modulation unit having a predetermined size and a second area having a second phase value based on the phase modulation unit having the predetermined size, and each phase distribution is defined by a change in area shares of the first area and the second area depending on each position.
US08052789B2	Polycrystalline silicon and crystallization method thereof Disclosed are a polycrystalline silicon and a crystallization method thereof according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The polycrystalline silicon comprises: an insulating substrate; and an optical portion formed on the insulating substrate for receiving a CW laser beam and varying the intensity of the beam in order of strength-weakness, strength-weakness, and strength-weakness on one dimension, so that an amorphous silicon thin film is crystallized. Therefore, the present invention can form a good polycrystalline silicon thin film by growing crystal grains with a constant direction and size, when an amorphous silicon thin film disposed on an insulating film such as a glass substrate is crystallized to a polycrystalline silicon thin film.
US08052787B2	Bio-material and method of preparation thereof A porous bio-material and a method of preparation thereof. The method includes the following steps. First, a body is formed by mixing a bio-ceramic powder, a water-absorbing natural organic material and a liquid. The water-absorbing natural organic material is selected from the group consisting of carrageenan and agar. Then, the body is partially dried to form a machinable porous bio-material. The sizes of pores and porosity can be tailored by controlling the extent of drying so that the porous bio-material with acceptable strength can be obtained.
US08052784B2	Hydrogen storage and release system Systems and methods are provided for storing and releasing hydrogen using packed-bed hydrogen storage elements in conjunction with elements such as optical or thermal energy for stimulating the release of stored hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system may include valves, piping, and other fixtures for ease of filling and emptying the unit. The system may also serve as a portable self-contained means of safe hydrogen storage that may be transported between the filling or generation site and the site of hydrogen release or use.
US08052771B2	Removable dust collecting device for an air conduit A dust collecting device (100) installed inside of an air conduit (51) for collecting airborne particles and for filtrating the air consists of a dust collecting tubes set (1). Said dust collecting tubes set (1) comprises of a plurality of dust collecting tubes (2a-2f) having different diameters. Said tubes (2a-2f) are arranged in a concentric fashion by having a tube with smaller diameter covered by one having larger diameter. Each of said dust collecting tubes (2a-2f) is applied with a layer of adhesive layer (3) for coupling with each other and for adhering particles contained in the air. Each tube of the tube set (1) can be removed from said air conduit (51) by pulling a pull string (4a-4f) provided at two extreme ends of each dust collecting tube (2a-2f).
US08052767B2	Jet engine protection system A modern jet engine inlet protection system that protects against large birds and operates autonomously, that is dormant in routine aircraft operations, that automatically actuates its protective device(s) only at the immediate point of need, then returning it (them) to a non-interfering position, including a RADAR system and a LIDAR system which detect birds entering the intended flight path of the aircraft, and fast computer-implemented computational algorithms that track and identify those from the detected set that are (1) projected to enter a zone which would lead to ingestion by the engine, and (2) of a size large enough that they would seriously damage the engine if ingested; that includes defensive mechanisms housed in the engine nacelle cowling or center hub, or in the fuselage structure that are instantaneously actuated shortly before arriving at the point of impact to shield, deflect, reduce the size of the approaching bird to an acceptable mass, or destroy it, and, that after the ingestion threat has passed, the devices are stowed/retracted or safely jettisoned.
US08052762B1	Compositions for dyeing keratin-containing fibers Disclosed herein are compositions suitable for use in dyeing keratin-containing fibers. Further disclosed herein are colorant systems and compositions comprising the colorant systems. Also disclosed are kits comprising one or more colorant systems and an activator composition.
US08052759B2	Hernia prosthesis and method for fabricating same A hernia prosthesis includes a first portion defining a bag joined to a second portion constituting a one-piece body. A top plate of the first portion has a plurality of radial tabs around a central opening. The second portion has three distinct successive zones including a first median zone in the form of a very long sheath for introducing and securing an inserter-unfolder device. The median portion is prolonged downwards by a plurality of bands uniformly radially disposed and having bottom ends divided into two each respectively to form two tongues in a Y fastening configuration. Each tongue is fastened by its terminal end to one of the tabs. The second portion, in a top zone, beyond the sheath, comprises two very high tongues which have, in their top portion, a longitudinal slit in their width for attaching the inserter-unfolder device.
US08052747B2	Heart valve prosthesis with turn stops A heart valve prosthesis disclosed in two- and three-leaflet versions includes a ring-shaped body, leaflets, and leaflet turn stops. For the two-leaflet version, the stops represent two pairs of prominences located on a body end surface facing the blood down-flow. The first pair has internal surfaces, at least partially made flat, adapted to interact with flat sections of the leaflets to restrict the return blood flow in the closed position. The first pair is equipped with at least two rests interacting with a leaflet top surface facing the blood down-flow in its open position determining a leaflet turning angle. Each prominence of the second pair is located opposite a portion of the lateral surface of the corresponding leaflet most distant from a leaflet central surface and can interact with its internal surface with that part of the lateral surface during opening of the heart valve prosthesis.
US08052743B2	Endoprosthesis with three-dimensional disintegration control The present invention comprises a medical device having a support structure made from alternating layers. One or more layers may be made by direct metal laser sintering. One or more layers may be made by introducing nitrogen into a previously formed layer via excimer laser nitriding.
US08052739B2	Stent A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).
US08052738B2	Intraluminal flexible stent device A stent made up of at least two connected bands, each band having a pattern of undulations formed from long, short and mid-sized segments connected together by turns. In particular, the pattern includes a repeating series having five segments: a long segment, a short segment, a mid-sized segment, a mid-sized segment, a short segment (LSMMS). When adjacent bands are connected together to form the stent body, the LSMMS segment configuration forms a series of consecutive tapered gaps between the consecutive unconnected close ended turns of adjacent bands which provide greater flexibility for the stent. The series of consecutive tapered gaps allow the stent to flex with little or no interference with adjacent bands when the stent is tracked around a small radius bend in a vessel. In addition, the length of the longest rigid element of the stent is decreased to further improve flexibility. A rigid element is formed by the lengths of the segments on both sides of a connection between adjacent bands. By decreasing the length of this rigid element, the length which must be tracked around the bends of a vessel is shortened and thus the stent is easier to advance.
US08052734B2	Expandable medical device with beneficial agent delivery mechanism An expandable issue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges. Although many ductile hinge configurations are possible, the ductile hinges preferably have a substantially constant hinge cross sectional area which is smaller than a beam cross sectional area such that as the device is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ductile hinges experience plastic deformation while the beams are not plastically deformed.
US08052730B2	Therapeutic device for thermally assisted urinary function A therapeutic device for thermally assisted urinary function is presented. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of an upper thermal element (18) and a lower thermal element (19) having a portal (15), both elements substantially cup-shaped to cover and contact the groin. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of a material sufficiently capable of storing energy from either an external or internal source. The therapeutic pad (14) communicates stored energy as heat to tissues comprising the groin and regions adjacent thereto. The portal (15) allows for the unimpeded flow of urine from the urinary tract into a receptacle. A variety of alternate embodiments are provided, including lift tabs (17a, 17b), an extension element (35) for heating the perineum, a portal sleeve (23) for heating the penis, a slit (34) which bisects the therapeutic pad (14) and portal sleeve (23), a pair of rings (26, 27) to open and close the slit (34), an interior cover (30) about the therapeutic pad (14) for applying moist heat, and support elements (31) along the therapeutic pad (14).
US08052727B2	System and method for insertion of flexible spinal stabilization element Insertion of a spinal stabilization element into a patient generally includes positioning a cord within a sheath and inserting the sheath and cord through the patient's body along a path generally toward an anchor member. An advancement member may be mounted on the leading end of the cord to further facilitate this insertion. The sheath is then retracted to expose a first portion of the cord within the patient's body, and the first portion of the cord is moved into a desired position relative to the anchor member. After advancing a spacer over the sheath and cord, the sheath is retracted to expose a second portion of the cord. The second portion of the cord is then moved into a desired position relative to another anchor member such that the spacer is positioned between the two anchor members.
US08052725B2	Bone fixation device and screw therefor A pelvis fixing device with a screw for the latter is provided. The screw comprises a screw element with a threaded shank and a head. Also provided is a holder which receives the head and which comprises a lower portion facing towards the shank side and an upper portion facing away from the shank side. The two portions encompass a rod. Also provided is a screw element for connecting the two portions and simultaneously fixing the rod. The pelvis fixing device comprises at least two such screws and at least one rod connecting them.
US08052723B2	Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of use A dynamic posterior stabilization system is provided to stabilize a human spine. In some embodiments, the dynamic posterior stabilization system includes a first bone fastener, a second bone fastener, and an elongated member coupled to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The longitudinal position of the elongated member relative to the first bone fastener may be fixed. The longitudinal position of the second bone fastener relative to the elongated member may vary so that the dynamic posterior stabilization system can accommodate flexion/extension and/or lateral bending. The dynamic posterior stabilization system may also be able to accommodate axial rotation. Bias members may be coupled to the elongated member. The bias members may allow the dynamic posterior stabilization system to mimic the resistance behavior of a normal functional spinal unit.
US08052720B2	Minimally invasive pedicle screw access system and associated method A spinal fixation access system includes a pedicle screw with extended tabs that form a single solid pedicle screw assembly. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select pedicle screws. The extended tabs of the pedicle screws retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the pedicle screw. Through the extended tabs, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the pedicle screws. A collar may be coupled around the extended tabs to provide stability to the construct and a platform for additional components of this invention. Once a spine rod is secured to the pedicle screws, a frangible joint joining the tabs to the pedicle screw assembly is broken off using appropriate instrumentation and the extended tabs may be removed.
US08052711B2	Method and apparatus for fixating an implantable medical device A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.
US08052707B2	Patient's skin puncturing device A patient's skin puncturing device, particularly for collecting a blood sample for diagnostic purposes, including a housing, a lancet slidably positioned inside the housing and having a body with a sheathed puncturing needle seated therein, and a push button positioned at the one end of the housing. Between a face end of the push button and the lancet body a drive spring is placed, and between the other end of the housing, which is provided with an opening for the puncturing needle, and the lancet body a return spring is placed. Between the housing and the lancet body is placed a lancet actuation lock, preferably in the form of interlocks of a washer. The device has a drive spring catch, preferably in the form of grabs of the washer, to preclude the drive spring from following the lancet in the puncture phase and in the retraction phase of the lancet.
US08052706B2	Flexible inner member having a flexible region comprising a labyrinthine cut A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member and formed of a labyrinthine cut through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The labyrinthine cut includes a plurality of labyrinthine areas rotationally spaced on the tubular body and in which the labyrinthine cut defines a labyrinth configuration including minor curves of opposed curvature respectively arranged within major curves of opposed curvature, with each of the minor curves being continuous with a major curve of opposed curvature thereto.
US08052702B2	Vessel harvesting retractor with bilateral electrosurgical ligation A method and device for endoscopic harvesting of blood vessels from a patient for use in subsequent procedures. The device having a two piece headpiece. A vessel to be removed is inserted into the headpiece and the top and bottom portions of the headpiece are alternatively extended in reciprocating fashion to dissect above and below the vessel. The headpiece having electrodes for ligation of any side branch vessels which are uncovered in the dissection process.
US08052696B2	Suture tensioning device A suture tensioning apparatus for tightening the suture used to tie a tissue of a patient to the bone of the patient so that the tissue will cinch to the bone. A lever is mounted on a stub shaft that is supported to a base member and is movable in a lateral position. A pair of spaced spools are mounted on the lever and the reach of the suture is wrapped around each of the spools. Means, including a coil spring wrapped around the stub shaft is connected to the lever and a rotatable dome. The movement of the lever causes the lower portion of the coils to unwrap around the stub shaft, and rotation of the dome causes the upper portion of the coils to unwrap whereby the movement of the coil spring forces the lever to return to its original position. The tensioning apparatus can be incorporated into an existing suture gun or can be made integral therewith.
US08052684B2	Irrigated ablation catheter having parallel external flow and proximally tapered electrode Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at a taper angle generally in parallel with a proximally tapered portion of the tip electrode to provide improved electrode surface cooling. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface, the distal member including an electrode. The external surface of the distal member has a tapered proximal portion narrowing toward the proximal member at a taper angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal member. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet in a distal direction at an angle substantially equal to the taper angle to produce an external flow that is generally parallel to the tapered proximal portion of the external surface of the distal member.
US08052674B2	Laser system for vision correction A laser system for treating an eye having a cornea, the laser system including a laser beam source capable of generating a laser beam, an eye position detector which includes at least a corneal tracker, the corneal tracker being responsive to movement of an anterior portion of the cornea, the corneal tracker constructed to detect movement of the cornea based on a set of spaced apart optical manifestations from the outer surface of the anterior portion of the cornea, and a beam controller, the beam controller being responsive to the eye position detector to direct the laser beam with controlled energy from the laser beam source to a desired location on the eye.
US08052673B2	Folded catheter assembly with adhesive grip A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter and a receptacle enclosing said catheter. The receptacle has a first part and a second part, which parts are foldable over each other. Further, at least one sticky adhesive area is arranged on the surface of one of the parts of the receptacle in such a way that the sticky adhesive area is covered by the other part when the receptacle is in a folded disposition, and exposed to the environment when the receptacle is in an unfolded disposition.
US08052672B2	Fat removal and nerve protection device and method A fat removal device includes a screen which includes passages through which fat can be extruded, to be cut or melted away from the surface of an internal organ. The device includes a blade to cut the fat or radiofrequency monopolar or bipolar electrodes to melt the fat, aspiration to remove the fat away from the screen and blade, irrigation to irrigate the screen and blade, and an electrocautery member to cauterize the capillary bed of the fat. Methods of using removing the fat layer from the surface of an internal body organ are also described.
US08052670B2	Medical device with slotted memory metal tube A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.
US08052666B2	Fastening system having elastomeric engaging elements and disposable absorbent article made therewith An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.
US08052664B2	Packaged absorbent article A packaged absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface; and a wrapper sheet for wrapping the absorbent article so that at least a portion of the garment surface of the absorbent article can be seen through the wrapper sheet.
US08052663B2	Male incontinence product The present invention concerns a male incontinence guard 10. The guard is divided by a transverse dividing line 25 into a front region 18 with a front transverse edge 20 and a rear region 22 with a rear transverse edge 24. The guard 10 tapers towards the rear transverse edge 24. The garment-facing surface 26 of the guard 10 comprises a first 28 and a second 30 strand of adhesive means. The location and dimensions of the first 28 and second 30 strand of adhesive means provides improved fastening of the guard 10 to the underwear of the wearer.
US08052662B2	Skin abrasion system and method A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.
US08052656B2	Enteral feeding system A valve mechanism for use with a feeding set includes a reservoir of liquid and a metering device. The valve mechanism includes a valve body including a reservoir port adapted to be fluidly connected to the reservoir, a metering port adapted to be fluidly connected to the metering device, a feeding port adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient, and a priming port in fluid communication with atmosphere. A valve member in the valve body is adapted to selectively fluidly connect the reservoir port to the priming port, to fluidly connect the reservoir port to the metering port, and to fluidly connect the metering port to the feeding port.
US08052655B2	Injection device with electronic detecting means An injection device (1) for injecting a dose of drug, e.g. insulin for diabetes treatment, in which energy is stored in a spring member (9, 24) during dose setting. The stored energy is released and used for driving an injection mechanism during injection of a previously set dose. The injection device (1) further comprises means for electronically detecting the amount of a set dose and/or means for electronically detecting the amount of an injected dose. The electronic detecting means allows storage and/or logging of data relating to injections performed using the injection device (1).
US08052654B2	Automatically disabled syringe A syringe (10) has a plunger (20), a barrel (11) and a collar (40, 50) with two pawls (42A, 42B). The plunger has two opposed ratchets (23A, 23B) that align with the one each of the pawls and thereby or impede, withdrawal of the plunger during or following depression of the plunger. The barrel has a collar with an inner (50) and an outer member (40) that are incapable of rotation relative with respect to each other. The outer member has the two pawls (42A, 42B) and two fingers that slidably engage opposed guide slots (28) on the plunger to thereby prevent or minimize rotation of the plunger relative to the collar. The inner member of the collar is operable to prevent engagement of the plunger ratchet by the two pawls until the plunger is depressed.
US08052653B2	Needle protection device comprising a distal protection element and a proximal protection element A needle protection device detachably fixed to an injection appliance includes a needle, a needle holder from which a needle injection section of the needle projects distally and a needle connection section of the needle projects proximally, a distal needle protection element connected to the needle holder movable in the distal direction from a release position to a protection position and arranged behind the needle injection section in the release position and overlapping the needle injection section and distal end of the injection needle in the protection position, a proximal needle protection element connected to the needle holder movable from a release position and arranged behind the needle connection section into a protection position and overlapping the needle connection section and proximal end of the injection needle, and a blocking device which blocks movement of the proximal needle protection element from the protection position into the release position.
US08052651B2	Apparatus and method for securing a catheter within an anatomy An apparatus and method for securing a catheter within a target area of the anatomy are disclosed. The catheter includes a passage or opening through which a suture filament may be routed. The suture filament can be secured relative to anatomical tissue to retain the catheter within a desired region. After the catheter has been used to complete the desired medical procedure, the suture filament may be released, permitting the catheter to be easily withdrawn from the anatomy. The catheter may include a biodegradable tip, which when absorbed by the body would enable the catheter to be removed. Biodegradable suture filaments and other components may also be used to facilitate the release of the catheter from the anatomy.
US08052646B2	Releasably locking dilator and sheath assembly A releasably locking dilator and sheath assembly and methods for releasing the dilator from the sheath and longitudinally splitting the sheath are provided. The assembly includes a dilator having a dilator hub and a sheath having a sheath hub. The sheath hub has a valve and two opposing winged tabs, each tab having a perpendicular portion and an angled portion as well as a female threaded portion. The dilator hub has a male threaded portion designed to engage the female threaded portion of the sheath hub. The dilator is released from the sheath by rotating the dilator 90° in relation to the sheath and pulling the dilator out of the sheath. The sheath is longitudinally split by creating a couple on each of the winged tabs thereby forcing the sheath and the sheath hub to split longitudinally. With the sheath and sheath hub split longitudinally, the sheath is removed from around a catheter while leaving the catheter in place.
US08052642B2	Pumping apparatus with secure loading features A pumping apparatus and pump set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device being adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.
US08052640B2	Method and apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.
US08052634B2	Breast shield A breast cup (4) for use with a breast pump (1) for pumping off breast milk comprises a breast-cup funnel (40) for application to a breast, a first coupling part (42) for connection to the breast pump (1), and a second coupling part (43) for connection to a milk collection vessel (44). The breast cup (4) has an electrical resistance heating element (5) that warms it and that is made of an electrically conductive plastic material.
US08052626B2	Data handling for high frequency chest wall oscillation system A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.
US08052625B2	Massage device A massage device includes an outer casing, a driving mechanism and at least one massage module. The massage module includes an inclined rotary plate coupled to a main gear seat having central massage balls. When the inclined rotary plate rotates, the main gear seat and the central massage ball are driven to rotate. The main gear seat engages with a plurality of planetary gears, each of which is coupled with a massage arm. An upper end of the massage arm has a peripheral massage ball disposed thereon and a lower end of the massage arm contacts with the inclined rotary plate. A rotation of the inclined rotary plate drives massage arms and the peripheral massage balls thereon to rotate via the planetary gear as well as to move the massage arms up and down, thereby providing a massage of kneading and acupressure.
US08052616B2	Biopsy device with fine pitch drive train A biopsy device includes a cutter and a probe body. A cutter rotation and translation mechanism may include a sleeve that is secured to the cutter, a nut that is secured to the body, and first and second gears. The sleeve includes portion having external threads and a portion having external flats. The nut has internal threads that are configured to engage the threads of the sleeve, such that the cutter translates longitudinally when the sleeve rotates within the nut. The threads have a fine pitch (e.g., 40-50 threads per inch). The first gear is slid onto the portion of the sleeve that has flats, and is configured to rotate with the sleeve yet translate along the sleeve. The second gear is coupled with a motor. The second gear is configured to mesh with the first gear to rotate the sleeve, thereby concomitantly rotating and translating the cutter.
US08052615B2	Length detection system for biopsy device A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a handle unit, a hollow needle comprised in a disposable unit, which is releasably attached to the handle unit, and a sample-receiving device, which is movable in the hollow needle between two positions. Tissue is severed when the sample-receiving device is in a first one of the positions, and the severed tissue sample is ejected from the sample-receiving device in a second one of the two positions. A control system is provided for controlling movement of the sample-receiving device and for arresting the sample-receiving device in the second position. The distance between the two positions and/or a length of the hollow needle may be detectable in a calibration cycle, which is automatically initiated upon attachment of the disposable unit to the handle unit. The disposable unit may include electronic memory means for communicating with the control system.
US08052614B2	Biopsy device having a vacuum pump A biopsy device includes a housing. A drive is enclosed in the housing. A biopsy needle assembly has a biopsy needle carrier that carries a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle carrier is positioned in the housing. A vacuum pump is positioned in the housing. The vacuum pump has an elongate cylinder and a piston sealed and movable inside the elongate cylinder. The piston is drivably coupled to the drive. The elongate cylinder is connected to the biopsy needle to generate a vacuum in the biopsy needle when the piston is driven by the drive. The elongate cylinder and the biopsy needle are arranged in parallel by the housing.
US08052613B2	Spinal nucleus extraction tool Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.
US08052611B2	Method and apparatus for management of heart failure hospitalization A hospitalization management system including a heart failure analyzer that receives diagnostic data including at least sensor data representative of one or more physiological signals sensed from a hospitalized patient using one or more sensors and assesses risk of rehospitalization for the patient using the diagnostic data. The outcome of the risk assessment is used during and following the patient's hospitalization for reducing the risk of rehospitalization.
US08052610B2	Event registration for automatic threshold setting An implantable medical device includes a sensor for sensing a first signal in a patient, detection circuitry for receiving the first signal, determining a parameter therefrom, and detecting a first event in response to the parameter. The device further includes control circuitry configured to receive a second signal corresponding to a second event and to determine a threshold from the stored parameter in response to receiving the second event signal. The detection circuitry detects the first event in response to the parameter crossing the determined threshold.
US08052607B2	Ultrasound imaging catheter with pivoting head An ultrasound imaging catheter system includes a pivot head assembly coupled between a ultrasound transducer array and the distal end of the catheter. The pivot head assembly includes a pivot joint enabling the transducer array to pivot through a large angle about the catheter centerline in response pivot cables controlled by a wheel within a handle assembly. Pivoting the ultrasound transducer array approximately 90° once the catheter is positioned by rotating the catheter shaft and bending the distal section of the catheter, clinicians may obtain orthogonal 2-D ultrasound images of anatomical structures of interest in 3-D space. Combining bending of the catheter by steering controls with pivoting of the transducer head enables a greater range of viewing perspectives. The pivot head assembly enables the transducer array to pan through a large angle to image of a larger volume than possible with conventional ultrasound imaging catheter systems.
US08052602B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus An object of the invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can conduct elastic modulus measurement with high accuracy without enlarging the circuit scale.A calculator 3 uses a signal from a receiver-transmitter 2 to calculate the motion velocity or the move displacement of body tissue and the strain variation of the body tissue. A frequency analyzer 4 conducts frequency analysis of the motion velocity and the move displacement of the body tissue found in the calculator 3. A strain induced by stress and elastic wave separator 5 separates a frequency component with strain of an arterial wall caused by blood pressure change caused by pulsation of the heart, a frequency component of vibration caused by flow of blood into the lumen of artery, and a frequency component of noise based on the determination result of the frequency analyzer 4. An elastic modulus calculator 6 calculates the elastic modulus of the body tissue based on the calculation result of the motion of the body tissue obtained in the calculator 3, etc.
US08052599B2	Endorectal trocar An endorectal trocar provided with body for endorectal introduction that defines open internal channel and leak-tight barrier that extends across internal channel and exhibits passageways for rectoscopy instruments, the body and the leak-tight barrier are two distinct assemblies that can be attached by the fixing elements within the internal channel.
US08052598B2	Systems and methods for calibrating an endoscope A method and apparatus for calibrating an endoscope includes an endoscope system configured to acquire a first calibration image at a first calibration focal length and determine a radius of a first calibration image boundary corresponding to the first calibration focal length for the first calibration image, wherein the radius of the first calibration image boundary corresponds to a first calibration magnification of the endoscope. A clinical image is acquired at a clinical focal length, wherein the first calibration focal length is different than the clinical focal length and a radius of a clinical image boundary corresponding to the clinical focal length for the clinical image is determined, wherein the radius of the clinical image boundary corresponds to a clinical magnification of the endoscope. The radius of the first calibration image boundary is compared to the radius of the clinical image boundary to determine a change in magnification of the endoscope.
US08052597B2	Method for forming an endoscope articulation joint In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.
US08052596B2	Arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using imaging device Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.
US08052595B2	Position detecting apparatus, body-insertable apparatus system, and position detecting method A position detecting apparatus includes receiving antennas to receive a radio signal, transmitting antennas to transmit a radio signal for power supply to a capsule endoscope, a first and second linear magnetic field generators that generate first and second linear magnetic fields, a diffuse magnetic field generator that generates a diffuse magnetic field, a processing device that performs a predetermined process on the radio signal, and a magnetic field sensor that functions as a body-size information detector. The magnetic field sensor detects magnetic field strength at an arranged position as body-size information, and the processing device controls the first linear magnetic field generator based on the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field sensor. Thus, the position detecting apparatus is capable of generating a magnetic field for position detection having an optimal strength according to a difference in body sizes of subjects.
US08052593B2	Implantable malleable penile prosthetic device A prosthetic device comprises stacked column segments. A first one of the column segments comprises a ball surface facing along a column axis. The ball surface has a generally convex shape that is articulable in a mating socket of a second one of the column segments. The first one of the column segments comprises a socket surface facing an opposite direction along the column axis. The socket surface has a generally concave shape that is articulable on a mating ball of a third one of the column segments. Multiple column segments similar to the first column segment are stacked to form the column.
US08052592B2	Methods and devices for tissue grasping and assessment Devices, systems and methods are provided for stabilizing and grasping tissues such as valve leaflets, assessing the grasp of these tissues, approximating and fixating the tissues, and assessing the fixation of the tissues to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation.
US08052589B2	Sheet conveying roller, sheet conveying apparatus, and image forming apparatus A shaft of a sheet conveying roller is a pipe shaft. Both ends of the pipe shaft are formed into small-diameter portions, and a mounted portion on which a friction member is provided is formed into a large-diameter portion, which has a diameter larger than a diameter of the both ends of the pipe shaft.
US08052586B2	Ladder barrel with cam lock A ladder barrel for use in Pilates type exercise is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism to hold the barrel in place on the floor rail comprises a locking rail and a cam mechanism to press the locking rail into engagement with the floor rail, holding the barrel in position. The locking rail has spring biased plungers to hold it out of engagement with the floor rail when the cam is not engaged.
US08052582B2	Training and fitness apparatus The present invention provides for exercise apparatus which can comprise general fitness or self-defense training apparatus having a base member; means arranged to define a first elongate member and a second elongate member extending upwardly therefrom; the first elongate member and the second elongate member being joined at, or by way of a target portion; wherein the base member is weighted relative to the elongate members and the target portion so as to seek to keep the elongate members in a substantially upright position.
US08052578B2	Hydraulic vehicle clutch system and preemptive control method A hydraulic vehicle clutch system and preemptive control method includes a hydraulic vehicle clutch, a vehicle speed sensing device, a shift position sensing device, and a hydraulic pressure generating system. The pressure generating system sends hydraulic fluid to the clutch at a first pressure when (1) the vehicle speed sensing device indicates that the vehicle speed is at or below a threshold vehicle speed and (2) the shift position sensing device indicates that the shift position is in a nondrive position and at a second, higher pressure when (1) the vehicle speed sensing device indicates that the vehicle speed is at or below the threshold vehicle speed and (2) the shift position sensing device indicates that the shift position is in a drive position.
US08052574B2	Transmission, straddle-type vehicle provided with the same, and control method for transmission An electronically controlled transmission in which a single drive motor is used to drive a shift shaft, in which shift shock is reduced during continuous running. The transmission has a shift shaft, an actuator, a gear box and a control portion. The actuator causes the shift shaft to rotate. The gear box includes a gear shift mechanism, a clutch mechanism, and a crank case that houses the gear shift mechanism and the clutch mechanism. The gear shift mechanism is activated in association with rotation of the shift shaft. The clutch mechanism connects and disconnects transmission of power to the gear shift mechanism from the engine in association with rotation of the shift shaft. The control portion controls the actuator based on the temperature of the gear box.
US08052573B2	Vehicle shift control apparatus A vehicle shift control apparatus is basically provided with an engine, a drive wheel, a transmission and a controller. The transmission is operatively disposed between the engine and the drive wheel for shifting gears by executing a clutch switch operation so as to change a drive transmission path of the transmission. The controller is operatively to the transmission to control a gear shifting of the transmission. The controller includes an engine speed suppressing section that is configured to execute an engine speed suppression control when a driver performs an accelerator operation during the clutch switch operation associated with downshifting while coasting. The engine speed suppression control is further configured to reduce a torque capacity decrease rate of a clutch being released in comparison with a torque capacity decrease rate that would occur if shifting was taking place during normal coasting in which the accelerator operation is not performed.
US08052572B2	Control device of straddle-type vehicle, transmission, and straddle-type vehicle The preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for easy shift-down and adjustment of a shift-down amount. According to some examples, a transmission (20) includes an electronically controlled transmission mechanism (21), and a control unit (5) that controls the transmission mechanism (21). The control unit (5) includes a transmission ratio control portion (55), a shift mode selection portion (52) that can select an AT mode and that shifts to a shift-down permission mode when a shift-down permission signal (101) is output in the AT mode, and a shift-down operation amount computation portion (51) that computes a shift-down operation amount based on a vehicle state of a motorcycle (1). The transmission ratio control portion (55) shifts down the transmission ratio of the transmission (20) based on the shift-down operation amount when a throttle (70) is operated in the shift-down permission mode.
US08052566B2	Multi-speed transmissions The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08052561B2	Method for optimizing plates of a plate link chain, and plate for a plate link chain A method for optimizing the link plates of a plate-link chain drive chain for use in a variable speed unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The chain includes plate links formed from pairs of plates that have openings through which pairs of rocker members extend. The plates include longitudinally-extending legs that extend in the chain movement direction and vertical legs that extend perpendicular to the chain movement direction. The method is directed to minimizing bending stresses in the longitudinal and vertical legs of the plates as the chain passes around a pulley, and as the rocker members and the chain tension impose forces on the plates. The stress minimization results in minimal material usage and minimal weight of the chain.
US08052558B2	Force limiting tensioning arm A tensioner for a chain driven power transmission system of an internal combustion engine, having a ratchet as part of the tensioning system is disclosed. The tensioner contains at least one bracket that is pivotally mounted to the engine adjacent one strand of the chain. The bracket contains a chain guide element that maintains forceful slideable engagement with the chain. Between the chain guide element and the bracket are an elongated support member having a pre-loaded spring force and an elongated resilient pad. The resilient pad quickly compresses in response to spikes or surges in chain tension absorbing the force of the spike.
US08052557B2	Hydraulic auto-tensioner with double seal ring The present invention relates to a hydraulic auto-tensioner, in particular for a chain drive of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing, a tensioning plunger guided in a plunger bore of said housing, a free piston guided in said plunger bore, and a plunger rod formed on said tensioning plunger and extending through the free piston. The tensioning plunger, the housing and the free piston delimit a hydraulic reservoir which is sealed with respect to the housing and the plunger rod by means of a sealing unit that is arranged on the free piston. The sealing unit is implemented as a double seal ring with an outer sealing surface which is in sliding contact with the plunger bore of the housing, and an inner sealing surface which is in sliding contact with the plunger rod of the tensioning plunger. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of such a double seal ring in a hydraulic auto-tensioner.
US08052553B2	System for adjusting archery bow and arrows A system for adjusting archery bows and arrows allows for easy adjustment thereof. The system allows an archery bow to be setup to provide for linear motion of the arrow in exiting the bow and provides for accurate shooting thereof. The system accommodates the natural shooting posture of the shooter. The system may also be used to verify the squareness and accuracy of arrow tips and inserts to ensure that arrow heads are attached squarely to the arrow. The system thus allows the accuracy of the arrow construction to be verified.
US08052550B2	Lacrosse head A lacrosse head includes a base, a scoop, and a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls include upper and lower rims and further include a dual flare configuration. The first flare is in a rear portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced closer together to one another than the lower rims. The second flare begins from approximately the middle portion of the sidewalls and generally throughout the forward portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced further apart from each other than the lower rims.
US08052547B2	Sport item handle end cap The present invention relates to a hollow knob for a sport item, for example, a bat, a golf club, or a racket, which has four flexible fingers. Each finger has an inclined peg formed on an exterior surface of each finger, such that when the knob is slid into an end of a sport item handle, each inclined peg becomes captive of a corresponding hole in the handle. When an insert is slid into a hollow area of the knob, where a ramp is formed near the top end of the interior of each finger, the knob becomes secured to the handle. An adhesive may then be applied to this assembly in order to prevent tampering of the handle by requiring destruction of the assembly.
US08052538B1	Poker billiard table and game The present invention may include apparatus and methods for playing a pool game with currency collection and dispensing for tallying betting and paying winnings. A pool table may have six pockets that may be connected to channels structured to channel a ball entering a pocket to move to a ball holding element. A detection channel may be disposed intermediate the channels and the ball holding element. A detector may be disposed with the detection channel with the detector in communication with a controller device. A currency element may be disposed with the controller device to collect currency and to dispense currency as communicated by the controller device. Each of a plurality of balls may have an embedded electronic target device by the detector. A display may be in communication with the controller device.
US08052534B2	Interactive, thematically-related entertainment system including universally-interchangeable, attachable, design-bearing ornaments An interactive entertainment system including numerous thematically-related elements, and particularly including one or more pliant, design-bearing ornaments which are transferable and/or attachable nearly anywhere. Each ornament includes and defines a character embodied in a design fixed thereupon, and such characters provide a thematic-basis and continuity throughout the numerous features and elements of the invented entertainment system. The ornaments are typically universally-interchangeable within the system embodiments, being operably attachable and detachable via reciprocal hook and loop fastener, for example, with any of a great variety of structures, each structure configured for coupling an ornament with one or more of a great variety of substrates. Other thematically-related elements include but are not limited to an interactive game, a combination greeting card/gift box/display unit, alternative means for affixing and/or transferring ornament-embodied designs to substrates, ornamental ‘trading’ cards, a collection/display means configured, for example, as an album, and others.
US08052531B2	Network game system, game machine, game machine control method, and information storage medium Provided is a network game system for providing a game played by players of game machines by operating at least one of the game machines as a server, in which: the game machine to be operated as a server can be appropriately selected; a measuring unit (22) of each of the game machines (12) measures a time required to exchange predetermined data between the game machine (12) and another game machine (12) of the game machines (12); and a server determining unit (28) determines at least one of the game machines (12) as the game machine (12) to be operated as the server according to the results of the measurement by the measuring units (22) of the game machines (12).
US08052525B2	System for protecting on-line flash game, web server, method for providing webpage, and storage media recording that method execution program Disclosed is a system for providing and protecting online FLASH games, the system including: a game view module configured to provide a FLASH game view for realizing game content as a FLASH application on a game screen displayed on a user terminal; and a game skin module configured to provide a FLASH game skin comprising a frame of FLASH game content, wherein the game skin module is configured to operate in response to, at least in part, selecting performance of a predetermined FLASH game through a web server, and configured to control the game view module to perform the FLASH game content by referring to pre-stored FLASH game execution information based at least in part on a game ID of the selected FLASH game, so that the game view FLASH source information is provided from the FLASH game execution information.
US08052523B2	Gaming system A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine and a server capable of communicating with the gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine comprises a receiving unit for receiving a game medium. The server comprises a plurality of first storage devices for storing a plurality of accumulated amounts to which predetermined proportions of bet game media received by the receiving unit is cumulatively added, a first lottery unit for conducting a lottery to determine whether or not one of the accumulated amounts is to be paid, and a first processor that operates to transmit an instruction for payout based on a result of the lottery and reset all accumulated amounts stored in the plurality of first storage devices when the instruction for payout is transmitted based on the result of the lottery.
US08052522B2	Printer interpreter for a gaming machine Methods and systems for issuing cashless instruments and providing a printer interpreter for a gaming machine are disclosed. A printer and specialized printer interpreter (controller) are provided to facilitate the conversion of a specific credit amount to a currency amount in differing units (first form of currency), and the subsequent issuance of a cashless instrument reflecting that currency amount. Where the printer interpreter is reconfigurable, a second currency amount in different units (second form of currency) could also be selected. Multiple different currencies and their corresponding languages can be available to the printer interpreter, such that a given credit amount can be issued to a cashless instrument in one of many different currencies. Game execution operations of the MGC are isolated from the printer interpreter, such that recertification of the gaming machine or system is not necessary when reconfiguring the printer interpreter from one form of currency to another.
US08052521B2	Using currency in online fantasy sports games Techniques are provide for linking actions in an online fantasy sports game to a currency balance associated with a user of the game. The techniques adjust the balance by a first quantity in response to a sports player action, where the first quantity is based upon the player action, and adjust the balance by a second quantity in response to transfer of a sports player to or from a fantasy sports team associated with the user, where the second quantity is based upon a value of the sports player; and, prevent transfer of the sports player to the fantasy sports team in response to the second quantity being greater than the balance. The currency balance may be increased by the first quantity in response to the sports player action. The sports player action may include scoring a number of game points, and the first quantity may be based upon the number of game points.
US08052519B2	Systems, methods and articles to facilitate lockout of selectable odds/advantage in playing card games The setting of desired house odds and/or house advantage may be locked out based on manual indications, for example from a dealer, and/or based on automatically determined indications, for example the removal of one or more playing cards from a shoe or other receptacle or distribution of playing cards to a position on a gaming table. Appropriate messages regarding a lockout period may be provided, for example time remaining in before a next lockout period, during which remaining time house odds and/or advantage may be changed or otherwise set. House odds and/or house advantage may be stored until the lockout period ends, and may optionally be confirmed prior to being set for the player.
US08052516B2	Slot machine A slot machine includes: a display device having a plurality of symbol display regions in which plural types of symbols are displayed; a memory for storing positional information of the symbol display regions in which predetermined symbols are arranged; and a processor for controlling the display and the memory, the processor being programmed to (a) execute a basic game; (b) execute a free game in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied during the basic game; (c) rearrange the plural types of symbols during the free game; (d) store in the memory the positional information of the symbol display regions in which the predetermined symbols are arranged during the free game; and (e) rearrange the plural types of symbols during a last free game based on the stored positional information of the symbol display regions so that the predetermined symbols are arranged again in the symbol display regions in which the predetermined symbols have been arranged during past free games.
US08052515B2	Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order A display unit displays symbols in a plurality of columns, and in particular arranges the symbols in the same order in two or more of the columns. A game controller unit determines an arrangement of symbols at random on a condition that symbols are arranged in the same order and at the same positions in the two or more columns. A display controller unit causes the display unit to spin the two or more columns of symbols from the same position in synchronization with each other, and stop the two or more columns at the same position to display the arrangement of symbols determined by the game controller unit.
US08052512B2	Jukebox entertainment system having multiple choice games relating to music Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal including connection means to a dedicated remote server (1), the system also comprising means of playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal (2, 3) comprising means of reproducing the recording, means of interaction with a user and means (21, 31) of connection with a dedicated remote server (1), means of asking a terminal user a question and suggesting multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected by means independent of the terminal user.
US08052507B2	Damping polyurethane CMP pads with microfillers A system for preparing a microcellular polyurethane material, includes a froth, prepared, for instance, by inert gas frothing a urethane prepolymer, preferably an aliphatic isocyanate polyether prepolymer, in the presence of a surfactant; a filler soluble in a CMP slurry; and a curative, preferably including an aromatic diamine and a triol. To produce the microcellular material, the froth can be combined with the filler, e.g., PVP, followed by curing the resulting mixture. The microcellular material has a low rebound and can dissipate irregular energy and stabilize polishing to yield improved uniformity and less dishing. CMP pads using the microcellular material have pores created by inert gas frothing throughout the pad polymer body and additional surface pores created by dissolution of fillers during polishing, providing flexibility in surface softness and pad stiffness.
US08052506B2	Method, system, and apparatus for modifying surfaces The present disclosure is directed to method, apparatus, and system for uniformly supporting flexible surface modifying articles during surface modification as well as enabling replacing and repositioning thereof for improving their useful service life as well as improving dust and debris control management.
US08052504B2	Method, apparatus and system for use in processing wafers The present embodiment provides for methods and systems for use in processing objects such as wafers, including polishing and/or grinding wafers. Some embodiments provide systems that include a front-end module and a processing module. The front end module couples with a storage device that stores objects for processing. The front-end module can comprise a single robot, a transfer station, and a plurality of end effectors. The processing module is coupled with the front-end module such that the single robot delivers objects from the storage device to the processing module. The processing module comprising a rotating table, and a spindle with a carrier configured to retrieve the delivered object and process the object on the rotating table.
US08052500B2	Helicopter with main and auxiliary rotors A remote control toy helicopter has a main rotor and an auxiliary rotor both driven by a rotor shaft. The auxiliary rotor has elongated elements at an acute angle relative to blades of the main rotor. A control system is provided that includes an actuator for engaging with a control assembly depending from the auxiliary rotor. The inter-engagement of the actuator and the control assembly effects change in the angle of incidence of the elongated elements of the auxiliary rotor. The interaction occurs when the assembly engages with the actuator by a depending arm associated with the assembly.
US08052499B2	Organic electroluminescence device and manufacturing method thereof An organic electroluminescence (EL) device which has a rear substrate, an organic EL element formed on the rear substrate and having a laminate structure in which a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode are sequentially laminated, a front substrate coupled to the rear substrate via sealant to seal an internal space in which the organic EL element is accommodated, and a transparent nanoporous oxide layer having nanoporous oxide particles disposed in the internal space formed by the rear substrate and the front substrate. Since the organic electroluminescence device includes the transparent nanoporous oxide layer having the nanoporous oxide particles and pores, it has an improved lifetime by increased moisture and oxygen absorbing properties.
US08052494B1	Personal watercraft paddle mounting system A personal watercraft paddle mounting system includes a personal watercraft that has a hull and a top wall attached to the hull. The hull includes an aft portion and a bow portion. The top wall has an opening therein to receive a person. The opening is positioned between the aft and bow portions. A sleeve extends into the top wall adjacent to a forward edge of the opening between the opening and the bow portion. A mount is removably positioned in the sleeve and extends upwardly therefrom. A coupler is attached to the mount and is engageable with a double ended paddle to allow the paddle to rest on the mount while ends of the paddle are engageable with water to propel the personal watercraft.
US08052493B2	Rowing oar handle A rowing oar handle comprising a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion and the second portion are axially rotatable to one another, and in which in use the point of rotation is located between a user's hands.
US08052491B2	Electrical contact having upper contact with thickened base portion An electrical contact (1) comprises an upper contact (10), a lower contact (12) and a spring (14) located between the upper contact (10) and the lower contact (12). The upper contact (10) comprises a first contacting portion (104) at one end thereof and a first mating end (108) comprising two contacting sheets overlapped at an opposite end thereof, and a lower contact comprises a second contacting portion and a second mating end defining a channel, the channel providing a space to allow movement of the first mating end.
US08052485B2	Electrical power outlet device and module thereof The present invention relates to an electrical power outlet device and a module thereof. The electrical power outlet device includes an electrical power outlet section and a main body section. The electrical power outlet section has an electrical power outlet unit with a plurality of sockets, and an electric plug is inserted into the sockets and is remained firmly in an electrical power outlet. The main body section is connected with the electrical power outlet section and has a circuit device and an output unit, wherein the circuit device is connected with the corresponding plurality of sockets of the electrical power outlet unit to receive a power signal and converts the power signal to produce a converted signal, and the output unit is connected to the circuit device to send out a converted signal.
US08052483B1	Communication connector with improved crosstalk connection A communication jack has a housing with a face having a plug receiving aperture. A plurality of conductive path pairs extends from corresponding plug interface contacts located at the plug receiving aperture to corresponding output terminals. A first circuit board is connected to the plug interface contacts and a second circuit board is connected to the plug interface contacts and the output terminals. The first circuit board has a first single stage of crosstalk compensation with opposite polarity of the crosstalk of a plug for a first combination of the conductive path pairs. The second circuit board includes a second single stage of opposite polarity crosstalk compensation for some of the conductive path pairs not compensated on the first circuit board. The stages cancel substantially all of the crosstalk caused by the plug, for the signal operating frequencies, for corresponding combinations of the conductive path pairs.
US08052482B1	Female electrical connector A female electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a rack mounted in the insulative housing and 8 pcs of gold pins arranged in the rack for signal transmission. The 1st, 3rd and 5th pins each have the respective top end extending obliquely backwardly from the front side of the rack and then curved and closely attached to the rear side of the rack so that the transmission direction of the 1st, 3rd and 5th pins is reversed to that of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th pins, enabling the female electrical connector for signal transmission in the fully bandwidth range of 1˜500 MHz.
US08052481B2	Electrical connector receptacle An electrical connector receptacle includes a shield cover, a terminal unit and a fastener structure. The shield cover defines a cavity and an opening into the cavity and has a base panel with a base panel hole formed therethrough. The terminal unit has a first terminal unit mounting block having a first terminal unit mounting block hole, a second terminal unit mounting block having a second terminal unit mounting block hole, a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly. The first and second terminal unit mounting blocks are connected together in a stacked manner and are disposed in the cavity. With the first terminal unit mounting block hole, the second terminal unit mounting block hole and the base panel hole being in registration with one another, the fastener structure extends therethrough from the base panel and projects outwardly from the opening.
US08052480B2	Pentagon arrangement of multiple pin connectors A connector for electrically connecting an electronic device to another device includes an outer shell with a front surface that terminates at a front side of the connector, an inner core at least partially disposed within the outer shell and including a front surface that is recessed within the outer shell, and a plurality of electrical connecting elements at least partially disposed within the inner core and extending from the front surface of the inner core. The plurality of electrical connecting elements includes a first set of electrical connecting elements and a second set of at least one electrical connecting element, and the first set of electrical connecting elements includes five connecting elements that are arranged in a pentagon pattern. The connector facilitates the transmission of audio signals between devices and also additional analog or digital signals or the transmission of a power supply between the devices.
US08052479B1	Elelctrical connector plug and receptacle mating with the plug An electrical connector plug includes a plug housing and a plurality of first contacts received in the plug housing. The plug housing defines a plug base and a pair of L-shaped tongues perpendicularly extending from the plug base. Each L-shaped tongue includes a main board and a side board perpendicular with the main board. Each first contact includes a first contacting portion exposing to a first face of the main board, a first terminal portion and a first retaining portion connecting the first contacting portion and the first terminal portion. The electrical connector plug further includes at least a pair of second plug contacts respectively secured to an outside face of the side board away from the main board and perpendicular with the first face of the main board.
US08052478B2	Electrical connector with a soldering portion of a half-ball shaped An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts assembled in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a mating face and a mounting face opposite to the mating face. A plurality of receiving passageways are extending through the mating face and the mounting face to form a first opening and a second opening. The contacts are assembled in the receiving passageways from the second opening. Each contact defines a base portion of a plate shaped retained in the second opening by a pair of barbs at two opposite first and second sides of the base portion and a pair of elastic arms extending from two opposite third and fourth sides of the base portion to the receiving passageway. The base portion protrudes a soldering portion of a half-ball shaped from an inside face facing the first opening to an outside face opposite to the inside face.
US08052477B1	Receptacle connector for a cable A receptacle connector for a cable has an insulating housing, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals and a shell. The first terminals are mounted on the insulating housing and each first terminal has a first soldering cup formed on the first terminal and extending backward out of the insulating housing. The second terminals are mounted on the insulating housing, are capable of cooperating with the first terminals to implement USB 3.0 protocol and each second terminal has a second soldering cup formed on the second terminal and extending backward out of the rear end of the insulating housing. The shell covers the insulating housing, the first terminals and the second terminals. The receptacle connector may be mounted one end of the cable so that cable is used for high speed data transmission between different electronic devices.
US08052476B2	Electrical connector with additional mating port An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a top face, a pair of side walls, a rear face and a first receiving cavity extending upwardly and through the top face; a contact module including a first tongue portion extending into the first receiving cavity, and a number of first contacts insert molded with the first tongue portion, the first contacts being disposed on a mounting surface of the first tongue portion and exposed to the first receiving cavity, the contact module being attached to the insulative housing; a second receiving cavity into which a second tongue portion extends, the first receiving cavity being essentially narrower than the second receiving cavity communicating with the first receiving cavity, the first and the second tongue portions being parallel to each other; a number of second contacts disposed on opposite first and second surfaces of the second tongue portion, the second contacts being elastic and protruding into the second receiving cavity.
US08052474B2	Plug/jack system having PCB with lattice network A jack is provided that has compensation and crosstalk zones. At least one of the zones employs a lattice network that couples conductors in the zone to reduce the net crosstalk in the plug/jack system. The lattice network has a frequency response slope that is different from the frequency response slope of a first-order coupling or of a series LC circuit coupling. A variety of lattice networks are provided.
US08052470B1	Probe connector A probe connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of probe pins and a shielding shell. The insulating housing has a base body. A front of the base body protrudes frontward to form a tongue portion. The insulating housing defines a plurality of inserting holes each longitudinally penetrating through the base body and the tongue portion. The probe pins are inserted in the corresponding inserting holes. The shielding shell encloses the tongue portion. The shielding shell has a front plate and a hollow blocking plate extending rearward from a periphery edge of the front plate and having an accommodating chamber formed therein. The front plate defines a plurality of matching holes. The tongue portion of the insulating housing is inserted in the accommodating chamber and a front side thereof abuts against the front plate to make the matching holes aligned with the corresponding inserting holes.
US08052467B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an inner shell, an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, an insulating jacket and an outer shell. The inner shell is looped from a metal plate to define an accommodating chamber therein and form a joint at a first top plate thereof. Two portions of the first top plate are punched outward to form two hollow receiving hats. The insulating housing is fastened in the accommodating chamber. The insulating jacket includes a first frame substantially airtightly surrounding the inner shell and a covering piece protruded frontward from a front of a top part of the first frame for covering the joint and locating between the receiving hats. The outer shell surrounds and electrically connects with the inner shell. The outer shell has at least one soldering arm soldered to the printed circuit board for achieving a ground function.
US08052465B1	Cable connector expanding contact A coaxial cable connector includes a pin having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced support arms terminating at the second end. The support arms have inward facing surfaces defining an internal cavity. A guide is axially received in the internal cavity. The guide has tabs at a first end of the guide and a radially extending flange at a second end of the guide. The radially extending flange has an electrically conductive contact surface that contacts the inward facing surface of each of the support arms.
US08052453B2	Land grid array socket connector with anti-slippery load lever structure A socket connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts received in the insulative housing, a stiffener (2) attaching to periphery of the insulative housing, a load plate (3) pivotally mounted to one side of the stiffener, a load lever (4) pivotally mounted on the opposite side of the stiffener relative to the load plate, and a sheath piece (5) attached to the operating part of the load lever. The load lever includes a fixing part (41), an actuating part (42) perpendicular to the fixing part, and an operating part (43) formed at the distal end of the actuating part. The load plate is capable of moving towards the insulative housing between an original, open position and a final, closed position.
US08052452B2	Socket connector having connector housing with ends slightly lifted off stiffener ensuring deformation-free operation An electrical socket comprises an insulative housing, a stiffener defined around the insulative housing, a load plate and a load lever. The housing defines two supporting portions at two opposite sides, each of said supporting portions defining a mounting portion in a middle portion thereof. The stiffener comprises a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a third side and a fourth side opposite to the third side, the third, fourth sides defined corresponding to the two supporting portions of the housing respectively and with an engaging portion engageable with the mounting portion, each of said third, fourth sides formed with an upwardly curved configuration at a middle portion thereof for supporting the supporting portion. The two supporting portions seat on the third, fourth sides respectively, thus making a gap formed between the supporting portions and opposite end of corresponding sides respectively.
US08052448B2	Card edge connector A card edge connector assembly having: a memory module having a first side portion, an opposite second side portion, and a plurality of conductive pads on a lower portion thereof, the lower portion extending from the first side portion to the second side portion; a card edge connector having an insulative housing having a first end, an opposite second end and a central slot extending from the first end to the second end to receive the lower portion of the memory module; and means identifying the corresponding memory module to be inserted into the central slot, comprising a key notch being defined at the second side portion of the memory module, and an arc pivot extending from the second end to engage with the key notch to guide the memory module to be rotated into the central slot along an anticlockwise direction.
US08052447B2	Electrical connection device Electric connection device for connecting a conductor having at least one contact bush of a conductive material with a clearing for a contact spring and a contact spring disposed thereat which clamps a conductor plugged into the contact bush from a plug-in side against the inner wall of the contact bush wherein the contact spring is pivotable outwardly through the clearing.
US08052446B1	Electrical connector with improved terminals An electrical connector with improved terminals, includes a dielectric housing having a connecting end, a mating end opposite to the connecting end, a plurality of slots arranged therein, a plurality of stop grooves formed adjacent to the connecting end and respectively adjoining and communicating with the corresponding slots, a plurality of terminals mounted in the corresponding slots, each of the terminals including a body, a first contact arm and a second contact arm, the first and the second contact arms cooperatively defining a clamping area therebetween, a retention arm formed on a substantially middle of the body and bending outwards of the body, wherein the retention arm is held against the stop groove so as to prevent the terminals from being loosened out of the slots by an excessive insertion force from a mating connector.
US08052445B2	Zero insertion force contact and socket connector having the contact A contact (2) includes a fixed portion (21) in a first, vertical direction, a soldering portion (20) bending from a lower end of the fixed portion and extending in a second, horizontal direction, and an inversed U-shaped extension portion (29) extending from an upper end of the fixed portion and facing to the soldering portion. The extension portion has a pair of spaced arm portions (22, 28) and a connecting portion (23) connecting with the spaced arm portions. The contact further includes a first elastic portion (24) connecting to one of the arm portions and a second elastic portion (25) connecting to the other one of the arm portions. The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion laterally extend from a same side of the extension portion and extend in a third direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.
US08052442B1	Light string system A lamp system used in a light string system comprises a light assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position. The bypass mechanism is in the first position when the light assembly is not seated in the socket assembly. When the bypass mechanism in the first position, current flows across the bypass mechanism. When the light assembly is inserted into the socket assembly, the bypass activating system of the light assembly moves the bypass mechanism into the second position, and current flows through the light source instead of the bypass mechanism.
US08052441B2	Plug module A system can include a receiver to receive a plug module. The plug module can include multiple apertures located substantially the same distance from an axis of rotation of the plug module. A connector can extend from the receiver to connect to a contact in one of the multiple apertures of the plug module.
US08052435B1	Connector A connector soldered to a PCB has an insulating housing of which two opposite ends recessed to form a pair of receiving recesses, terminals mounted in the insulating housing having soldering portions projected out of a bottom of the insulating housing, a positioning member. The positioning member has a base slice received in the receiving recess, a side edge of the front of the base slice extending downward and then being bent perpendicularly to form a soldering slice located to be lower than the bottom of the base for being soldered with the PCB. As the thickness of the base slice is less than the height of the receiving recess, intervals are accordingly formed between the positioning member and the top and bottom sides of the receiving recess to achieve an up-and-down movement of the positioning member.
US08052434B2	Socket connector with contact terminal having waveform arrangement adjacent to tail portion perfecting solder joint A socket connector configured with an insulative housing defining a mating interface surrounded with peripheral walls and a mounting surface is disclosed. A plurality of passageways is defined between the mating interface and the mounting surface and having an opening at the mounting surface. The insulative housing includes an encampment associated with each of the passageway at the mounting surface, and includes an extension crossing over an inner wall of the passageway to substantially narrow the opening of the opening. The socket connector furthers includes a plurality of contact terminals each received in the passageway and further includes a curvilinear solder portion extending beyond the mounting surface. And the socket connector further is incorporated with a plurality of solder balls each disposed between the encampment and the curvilinear solder portion.
US08052429B1	Socket connector having retaining plate with horizontally actuated locking tabs A socket connector (100) for an electronic package includes an insulative housing (1) having a pair of keys (16) formed at a forward end (12) thereof, a plurality of terminals (3) received in the insulative housing (1) and a retention plate (2) rotatably coupled to the insulative housing (1) at a rearward end (11) thereof. The retention plate (2) has a pair of latches (22) formed at a pair of corners of the retention plate (2). Each latch (22) includes a locking portion (221) extending along the forward end to lock to the key (16) and a pressing portion (222) bent from the locking portion (221).
US08052428B2	Elastic sheet structure An elastic sheet structure includes a fixed section, a resisting section, an elastic section, a guiding section and an engaging section. The elastic section is located between the fixed section and the resisting section and connects the fixed section to the resisting section respectively. The guiding section connects to the fixed section and has a guiding arm. The engaging section connects to the resisting section and includes an engaging wall, the engaging wall defines a notch and forms an extending wall. The guiding arm engages with the notch, and the extending wall is parallel with and abuts against the guiding arm.
US08052425B2	Implicit attitude trainer An automated method and computer interface for stimulating a user to develop and/or alter their implicit attitudes towards behavioral objects, such as dieting, alcohol consumption or exercising etc. The method comprising presenting a series of stimuli to the user within a test environment, each stimulus being associated with a behavioral object. The test environment may be a computer display screen, wherein the method designates a first zone within the environment as a positive behavioral association region and designates a second zone within the environment as a negative behavioral association region. The method further prompting the user to categorize each stimulus by moving the stimulus to either the first zone or the second zone, wherein positively categorizing stimuli causes the user to develop improved implicit attitudes towards the behavioral objects associated with those stimuli in the first zone. The invention is particularly suited for implementation within web-browser and desktop environments.
US08052424B2	Method for making a dental restoration A series of ceramic ingots is provided in which each ingot in the series, referred to as base ingots, has a shade corresponding to a different shade of a shade guide. The number of differently shaded base ingots is less than the total number of shades associated with the shade guide. A base ingot is selected from the series having a shade of a value at least as high as a shade associated with a patient's tooth. If the base ingot shade matches the patient's tooth, a restoration made with the selected base ingot can be glazed as is; otherwise the dental restoration is stained with a stain having a lower value than the selected base ingot to match the tooth. Thus, the total different number of ingot shades needed in inventory is reduced but without requiring staining in every case.
US08052417B2	Molding apparatus and method for molding A first and second inner dies are combined to form a molding cavity, in which a fluidic material is charged and hardened for molding a tubular member, which has a side surface at least partially defining a projected portion being higher at one end than the other end. The first inner die forms an inner space of the tubular member. The second inner die forms the projected portion. A first actuating unit draws the first inner die from the other end along a first moving path, which is substantially linear along an axis of the tubular member. A second actuating unit draws the second inner die from the other end along a second moving path, which bulges toward the inner space and passes through the inner space.
US08052412B2	Method and apparatus for stabilizing strip during winding A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.
US08052405B2	High pressure pump having plunger A high pressure pump draws fluid from a fluid inlet into a compression chamber through an inlet chamber. The high pressure pump has a fluid chamber that communicates with the fluid inlet via the inlet chamber. The high pressure pump includes a plunger and a cylinder. The plunger draws fluid from the inlet chamber into the compression chamber when the plunger moves in a drawing direction. The plunger is capable of pressurizing fluid in the compression chamber when the plunger moves in a pressurizing direction. The cylinder movably supports the plunger therein. When the plunger moves in the drawing direction, fluid in the inlet chamber is drawn into the compression chamber, so that fluid flows from the fluid chamber into the inlet chamber.
US08052402B2	Hand operated pump A hand operated pump for generating negative and positive air pressure. The pump includes a pump body having a pump cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocation in the cylinder. A selector valve communicates with the cylinder and is moveable between a positive-pressure position and a negative-pressure position. The arrangement is such that operation of an actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its negative-pressure position causes the pump to generate negative pressure at an outlet of the pump, and operation of the actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its positive-pressure position causes the pump to generate positive pressure at the outlet of the pump. A method of operating such a pump is also disclosed.
US08052396B2	Method for assembling/dismounting components of a wind power plant A wind power installation having at least one cable passage means for passing through a hauling cable from a winch and a method of fitting/removing components of a wind power installation comprising laying a hauling cable from the winch to at least one deflection roller and further to the component to be fitted/removed, attaching the hauling cable to the component, and releasing and letting down or pulling up and fixing the component.
US08052394B2	Rotor blade of a wind energy unit The invention relates to a rotor blade (60) of a wind energy plant with a top side (suction side) and a bottom side (pressure side) wherein profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) with a front edge and a back edge (62) in cross-section are designed along a longitudinal axis between a rotor blade root and a rotor blade tip, one designed-based direction of air inflow (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is predetermined for each profile (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) and the profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) in the outer area facing the rotor blade tip are designed with a relative thickness of less than 30%. The rotor blade (60) is characterized in that an attached device (51), which has an attached-device inflow surface as well as a start point (41, 42, 43) facing the front edge of the attached-device inflow surface (52) and an end point facing the back edge (62) of the attached-device inflow surface (52), is arranged along the longitudinal axis in the inner area dedicated to the rotor blade root to profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) with a relative thickness of more than 30% on the pressure side.
US08052389B2	Internally cooled airfoils with load carrying members A shroudless, air cooled gas turbine blade has an internal structure including load-carrying members that support the blade outer wall and divide the blade interior into cooling passages. The dimensions of the structure in particular the load-carrying members are chosen with respect to inward heat flow during operation to tend to reduce heat transfer from the outer wall to the load-carrying members and with respect to mass distribution in the structure to reduce centrifugal forces during operation.
US08052388B2	Gas turbine engine systems involving mechanically alterable vane throat areas Gas turbine engine systems involving mechanically alterable vane throat areas are provided. In this regard, a representative vane for a gas turbine engine includes: a leading edge; a trailing edge; a suction side surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge; a cavity having an aperture located in the suction side surface; and a barrel located within the cavity and being moveable therein such that movement of the barrel alters an extent to which the barrel protrudes through the aperture.
US08052387B2	Cooling fan A cooling fan includes a hub (40) and blades (50) extending radially from the hub. Each of the blades is divided into strip zones (505, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56), projections of homocentric arcs concentric with the hub on the blades are defined as boundaries of the zones. The zones are coated with a layer of paint with different colors to present a rainbow-liked image when the fan is in operation.
US08052385B2	Blade outer seal assembly An outer seal assembly of a turbine rotor stage is secured within a circumferential groove of the turbine casing in such a manner as to both fix the outer seal assembly in its installed position and also provide for sealing around its outer periphery so as to thereby prevent the leakage of cooling air therearound. A plurality of arcuate elements having an angle-shaped cross sectional profile are provided to interface between radially extending arms of the outer seal assembly and the inner surface of the casing, with a locking mechanism then being applied to secure the two structures in their installed positions. Each of the arcuate elements includes a radially extending panel, a plurality of forwardly extending hooks that are disposed within a groove in the casing, and a second forwardly extending flange that engages the rear surface of the outer seal assembly arm. As the outer seal assembly arm is urged rearwardly during operation, the arcuate element is caused to rotate about a fulcrum in the circumferential groove such that a radially outer edge of the radially extending panel is urged against a casing inner surface so as to thereby enhance the sealing relationship therebetween.
US08052378B2	Film-cooling augmentation device and turbine airfoil incorporating the same A turbine airfoil is disclosed. The airfoil includes one of a turbine shroud, liner, vane or blade, including an airfoil sidewall having a film-cooling hole that extends between an airfoil cooling circuit and an airfoil surface. The airfoil also includes an insert disposed in the film-cooling channel having a body. The body has a proximal end configured for disposition proximate the airfoil surface and a distal end. The body is also configured to define a passageway that extends between the distal end and proximal end upon disposition in the film-cooling hole.
US08052370B2	System for handling pipes between a pipe rack and a derrick, and also a device for assembling and disassembling pipe stands A system for handling pipes between a pipe rack (16) and a derrick (1), which derrick (1) is located on a drilling deck (2), in connection with the production of petroleum products. The system comprises means (17, 9, 25) of carrying pipe lengths (29) between the rack (16) and the derrick (1). It also comprises a unit (25) at the drilling deck (2) for temporary storage of at least two pipe lengths (29) in respective receiving chambers (26, 28). The receiving chambers (26, 28) can be moved to and from at least one receiving and/or hand-over position, in which position a pipe handling unit is arranged to hand over a pipe length to a receiving chamber (26-28) and/or retrieve a pipe length from a receiving chamber (26-28). Preferably the unit (25) is rotatable and located under an opening (28) in the drilling deck (2).
US08052365B2	Magnetic safety pushpin A pushpin device of one embodiment preferably comprises a head adapted to allow a user to apply pressure to the head without discomfort. A longitudinally extending fastening member comprises a point at a distal end and is coupled to the head at a proximal end. A base comprises an aperture. The aperture is configured to allow the fastening member to pass through the base as the head moves proximate to the base. An outer member is coupled to the head and the base. The outer member comprises a first position in which the head is spaced from the base and the outer member encloses a longitudinal segment of the fastening member. In a second position the head is proximate to the base and the outer member is deformed, thereby allowing the fastening member to extend through the aperture. The outer member exerts a countering force on the base and the head. One of the head and the base comprises magnetically susceptible material and the other comprises magnetic material. A magnetic force between the head and the base maintains the outer member in the second position in opposition to the countering force.
US08052364B2	Coupling member and plasma processing apparatus A coupling member is employed to couple components of a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by using a plasma. The coupling member includes a threaded rod portion which passes through one component and is screwed and fixed to another component, a head portion which supports the one component and has a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod portion, and an elastic portion which is interposed between the threaded rod portion and the head portion, wherein the elastic portion has a larger strain to an external force than those of the threaded rod portion and the head portion.
US08052360B2	Self-aligning thread tap and method of utilizing the same to tap existing bore holes A self-aligning tap is used to produce correctly aligned new threads in an existing smooth bore hole. The design of the tap's shank, flutes, and cutting surfaces is that of commonly used existing taps. The flat end of the tap—the end that enters the existing bore hole—contains a threaded bore. A removable pilot that aligns the tap to the axis of the existing bore consists of a cylindrical body with a diameter slightly smaller than the existing bore hole, and a length no greater than the diameter of the major diameter of the tap. The upper end of the cylindrical pilot—the end that shoulders against the tap—comprises a threaded stem whose thread pitch matches that of the tap end's bore, and whose length is slightly less than the tap end bore's depth. Once the cylindrical pilot's stem is threaded into the tap end's bore and the resulting assembly is placed into the existing bore hole, it serves to align the tap so that its cutting teeth produce pilot threads which are accurately aligned to the existing bore hole's axis. Once the pilot threads have been produced by rotation of the tap, the tap may be removed from the existing bore hole, the pilot detached by unscrewing it, and the tap reinserted into the newly formed pilot threads. Further rotation of the tap completes the tapping operation of the existing bore hole to the desired depth.
US08052358B2	Pocket hole jig system A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
US08052355B2	Cutting tool and processing method by the same A cutting tool is provided to process a processed member having an opening portion with a curved inner surface, so that a through hole is formed and a part of the inner surface of the opening portion corresponding to the through hole is processed. The through hole extends from a surface of the processed member to reach the opening portion. The cutting tool includes a shank member, and a processing member having a smaller diameter than the shank member. A groove portion of the processing member has a cutting edge, and a chip evacuation groove through which chip is expelled outward. A self guide portion of the processing member is arranged between the groove portion and the shank member and provided with a substantially cylindrical shape, to guide the cutting edge toward the part of the inner surface of the opening portion corresponding to the through hole in the processing.
US08052350B2	Sacrificial stinger impact absorber A marine pipelaying vessel with a pipeline stinger connected to said vessel, preferably pivotable, and forming a downwardly directed support for pipeline to be laid. The vessel further includes a stinger suspension assembly between the stinger and the vessel from which the stinger is suspended at least during operation, preferably the stinger suspension assembly allowing to lower and raise said stinger. The stinger suspension assembly includes a sacrificial stinger impact absorber which is adapted to absorb impact energy resulting from a violent stinger motion, e.g. induced by a freak wave. Preferably, the impact absorber forms an elongatable structure, e.g. a telescopic structure, which is elongated under impact energy absorption.
US08052349B2	Structures and method for covering landfill A modular roof like enclosed structure has attachments suitable for handling by lifting machinery to be placed on a landfill site and a perimeter strip extension which abuts or overlaps an adjoining module on the site. The modular structure is vented to allow ventilation of the landfill and the vent contains a filter to extract harmful gasses and odors. The structure also contains a liquid spray system to spray insecticide and deodorant onto the landfill and a fire retardant system which is activated automatically when smoke is detected.
US08052347B2	Concrete screed with pivoting leading—edge blade for angular positioning thereof A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The two sections are pivotally coupled for rotational movement about a pivot point. Elevation of the second section is measured and used to rotate the first section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of the plastic concrete that is unfinished. As a result, the second section pitches to follow the first section.
US08052346B2	Tensioner nut A tensioner nut includes a preload adjusting assembly settled on an upper end of a steering tube of a bicycle, a fixing anchor settled below the steering tube, a cable connecting between the preload adjusting assembly and the fixing anchor, and a bolt of the preload adjusting assembly for tensioning the cable. Thereby, when the bolt is tightened, it tensions the cable and the preload adjusting assembly is pulled downward to give a preload to a stem mounted around the steering tube.
US08052343B2	Ring binder mechanism A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages including a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. An actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing for engaging the hinge plates and pivoting them to selectively move the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A travel bar is operatively connected to the lever for selective movement between a position in which locking elements of the travel bar block the pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position in which the travel bar allows the hinge plates to pivot. The lever is configured to deform when pivoting the hinge plates to close the ring members to delay movement of the travel bar and locking elements to the blocking position from the onset of pivoting motion of the hinge plates.
US08052342B2	Universal connector for a fluid mop A universal connector for connecting a mop frame to a fluid source. The universal connector includes an upper connector piece with a proximal end for connection to a mop housing and a distal end with a pair of pivot arms. A fluid distributor having a hollow nipple portion connects to the fluid source and has a pair of pivot plates for pivotal connection to the upper connection piece for side to side pivot. Fluid distributor also has a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to a mop frame. A fluid conduit passing through the upper connector piece from the fluid source and connected to the nipple portion of the distributor for distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow distributor arms. Fabric mop pockets with an opening to permit rotation of the mop frame about the distributor.
US08052335B2	Ejector apparatus and associated assembly method for pluggable transceivers The present disclosure relates to a novel ejector apparatus for pluggable transceivers, such as transceivers defined by multi-source agreements (MSAs) including SFP, SFP+, XFP, and the like. The ejector apparatus utilizes a shrouded design where the ejector apparatus encapsulates the top, sides, and bottom of a pluggable transceiver thereby allowing an operator to grasp any side of the ejector apparatus to actuate engagement prongs. In keeping with MSA guidelines, the ejector apparatus utilizes prongs to disengage a locking mechanism in order for the kick out springs to release the module. Advantageously, the ejector apparatus enables high density placement of corresponding transceivers, allows access from all sides of the transceiver for ejection, and allows cables to remain connected to the transceiver during ejection.
US08052332B2	Wheel bearing assembly, and manufacturing method thereof In a wheel bearing assembly, an outer surface of a head portion of a link bolt contacts an inner surface of an end wall portion of a constant-velocity joint outer ring. A shaft portion of a link bolt is press-fit into a penetration hole of the constant-velocity joint outer ring. An external threaded portion of the link bolt is inserted into the central hole of a hub spindle so that the external threaded portion protrudes from an outer end surface of a hub wheel. A lock nut is fastened to the external threaded portion, so that the wheel hub and the constant-velocity joint outer ring are linked, and the first spline and the second spline are meshed so as to be capable of torque transmission.
US08052329B2	Wheel bearing apparatus incorporated with a wheel speed detecting apparatus A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a wheel speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, double row rolling elements, a sensor holder, and a pulser ring. The sensor holder cover has a cylindrical fitting portion press-fit onto the inner side end portion of the outer member. A flange portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. The flange portion is in close contact with the end face of the outer member. A bottom portion extends further radially inward from the flange portion. The holding portion is integrally joined to the bottom portion. The flange portion is formed with a flat surface so that it forms an abutting width larger than 5 mm or more, against the end face of the outer member, or larger than 50% or more, relative to the flat width of the end face of the outer member.
US08052327B2	Hydrostatic gas bearing, rotator and CT scanner A hydrostatic gas bearing capable of easily adjusting a clearance between a rotor and a radial bearing pad is provided. This hydrostatic gas bearing comprises a radial bearing pad radially supporting a rotor, a linear motion guide moving the radial bearing pad and a ball stud swingably coupling the radial bearing pad to the linear motion guide. The linear motion guide moves the radial bearing pad in a direction intersecting with a direction connecting the center of rotation of the rotor and the ball stud with each other. The quantity of adjustment in movement of the radial bearing pad caused by the linear motion guide is larger than the quantity of change in the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the radial bearing pad, whereby a small quantity of the bearing clearance can be precisely adjusted.
US08052320B2	Backlight device, display device and television receiver To provide a backlight device with which a color hue and a color purity of a display panel can be improved while suppressing the lowering of the brightness of the display panel. A backlight device (20) comprises a pseudo white LED (21), a light guide plate (22), and a dichroic filter (25) which reflects a light with a predetermined wavelength among the light emitted from the pseudo white LED at a predetermined ratio. The dichroic filter is configured so that the light reflectance changes when the incident angle of the light is changed and a tilt angle to a light emitting surface (21e) of the pseudo white LED can be adjusted.
US08052317B2	Light emitting apparatus and light unit having the same A light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting diode including a body with a light emitting diode chip packaged therein and a plurality of lead electrodes contacted with one side of the body and a board including a plurality of electrode pads connected to lower surfaces of the lead electrodes of the light emitting diode. The lower surfaces of the lead electrodes of the light emitting diode correspond to top surfaces of electrode pads of the board with same shapes. The lower surfaces of the lead electrodes of the light emitting diode are disposed within a region of top surfaces of the electrode pads of the board, respectively.
US08052315B2	Planar illumination device It is an object to provide a planar illumination device that is thin and light weight, and can emit uniform illumination light with little brightness unevenness and can be enlarged in size. It is to provide a planar illumination device comprising: a first light source and a second light source which are arranged at predetermined intervals; and a light guide plate which is arranged between the first light source and the second light source and has: a light exit surface; a first light incident surface which is opposed to the first light source and includes a side of the light exit surface; a second light incident surface which is opposed to the second light source and includes an opposite side to the side; and a rear surface which is formed to be opposed to the light exit surface, wherein a cross section on a plane perpendicular to the side, of the rear surface of the light guide plate has a curved line in which a distance from the light exit surface increases with a shift from the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface to a center, an inclined angle relative to the light exit surface reduces with a shift from the first light incident surface or the second light incident surface to the center, and the inclined angle relative to the light exit surface is zero degrees at the center.
US08052314B2	Optical fiber illumination device Disclosed is an optical fiber illumination device including a light source for outputting light; a coupler for converging the light input from the light source through multiple reflection; and an optical fiber to which the converged light is input.
US08052312B2	Vehicle lighting device A vehicle lighting device is provided to maintain a viewability of light even when seen from a diagonal direction having a predetermined angle to an irradiation direction of the lighting device. The vehicle lighting device includes a board, which includes an array of a plurality of light sources. The vehicle lighting device also includes wall portions that bulge in an irradiation direction of the light sources from edge surfaces of the board. The wall portions also form a polygon surrounding the board. At least one of the wall portions includes a reflective surface on a side facing the light sources.
US08052302B2	Light-emitting diode module An LED module including an LED light bar and a FPC is provided. The LED light bar includes a circuit board and a plurality of LED devices. The circuit board has a first surface, a second surface, first pins, second pins, and a slot. The LED devices are disposed on the first surface and electrically connected with the first pins. The FPC passes through the slot and is electrically connected with the second pins. The FPC includes a first bonding part, a second bonding part, and a bending part. The first bonding part has a plurality of third pins electrically connected with the second pins and is in contact with the first surface of the circuit board. The second bonding part has a plurality of fourth pins electrically connected with a control board. The bending part connects between the first part and the second part and passes through the slot.
US08052300B2	LED lamp including LED mounts with fin arrays An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of fin arrays mounted on the heat sink, and a plurality of LED modules mounted on the fin arrays. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of heat dissipating fins extending from the base. The fin arrays are mounted on a top surface of the base of the heat sink. Each fin array consists of a plurality of fins interlocked together. Each fin array has a bottom mounting surface in contact with the top surface of the base and a top engaging surface defined at an acute angle with respect to the top surface of the base. The LED modules are mounted on the engaging surfaces of the fin arrays, respectively, via heat absorbing plates.
US08052298B2	LED lamp An LED lamp includes a housing, a heat sink received in the housing, a plurality of LED modules thermally attached to the heat sink and a plurality of wire clips spanning over the heat sink and securing the heat sink on the housing. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. Each of the clips includes a pivoting portion pivotally mounted on the housing, two locking portions located opposite to the pivoting portion and detachably engaging with the housing, and two pressing portions respectively interconnecting the pivoting portion with the two locking portions and abutting against the base.
US08052295B2	Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display device having the same A backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display device having the same backlight assembly are provided. The backlight assembly includes a bottom case, a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) disposed on the bottom case, wherein substantially all of the PCBs have predetermined inclinations with respect to a front surface of the bottom case, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the PCBs.
US08052293B2	Omnidirectionally illuminated sport board An illuminated sport board/skateboard emits light from both the top and bottom of the board to yield a significant quantum of light for optimal visibility and safety. A base panel is provided having an underside surface with at least one transparent segment aligned with an inlay cavity within the base's interior core. A battery powered lighting source containing a plurality of light emitting diodes or an electroluminescent lighting strip is housed within the inlay cavity. A top shell having at least one transparent display is attached to the base panel in a manner that aligns the transparent display with the LED emitted or electroluminescent lighting. Light is emitted from both the top and bottom of the board owing emission through the transparent display of the top shell and the transparent segment of the base panel. The illuminated sport board may be constructed as a skateboard, snowboard, or skis to provide safety from vehicles and other recreational participants.
US08052291B2	Solar simulator filter A solar simulator filter includes filter material configured to achieve class A performance for the spectral output of the optical source except between about 900 and 1,100 nm. Openings in the filter material increase the average effective transmittance between about 900 and 1,100 nm to achieve class A performance for the spectral output of the source.
US08052287B2	Carrier apparatus for an optical engine A carrier apparatus for use with an optical engine of a projection device is disclosed. The carrier apparatus includes a main frame and a support frame which is removably disclosed on the main frame. An adjustable mechanism includes a push device and an adjustable device. The push device is disposed onto an end portion of the support frame, while the adjustable device is disposed onto the push device. Operating the adjustable device can locally change the height of the support frame with respect to the main frame, thereby precisely positioning the optical engine in a suitable manner so that the image projected on the screen can be uniform without distortion.
US08052283B2	Oblique projection optical system An oblique projection optical system enlarges an image formed on a display device surface, and obliquely projects the enlarged image on a screen surface. The oblique projection optical system has, in the order from a reduction side: a refraction optical portion having a positive optical power, a concave reflection surface having a positive optical power, and a convex reflection surface having a negative optical power. The refraction optical portion includes a rotationally symmetric coaxial refraction group. An intermediate image of the image formed on the display device surface is formed between the refraction optical portion and the concave reflection surface. An aperture stop image is formed between the concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface. The concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface fulfill prescribed conditional formulae.
US08052282B2	Heat dissipation system and electronic device utilizing the same An electronic device includes a heat dissipation system and an operating system. The heat dissipation system includes a housing, a first heat dissipation module received in the housing, heat pipes extending from the first heat dissipation module through the housing. The operating system includes a dust-proof housing, a heat source and a heat dissipation device. The heat source is received in the dust-proof housing and generates heat. The cooling module is adhered to an outer surface of the dust-proof housing to be cooled and attaches the heat pipes to the first heat dissipation module. The outer surface of the dust-proof housing is adjacent to the housing. The heat pipes transfer heat from the operating system into the first heat dissipation module.
US08052281B2	Dual DMD projector having a modular heat dissipation device A projection apparatus arranged such that the first light source, the second light source and the third light source provide the first colored light, the second colored light and the third colored light, respectively. The first digital micromirror device (DMD) modulates and reflects the first colored light, while the second DMD modulates and reflects the second and third colored lights guided by the first light guiding device. Subsequently, the second light guiding device guides the colored lights reflected from the first DMD and the second DMD to the projection lens.
US08052278B2	Randomly pixellated optical component, its fabrication method and its use in the fabrication of a transparent optical element An optical component (10) comprises at least one transparent set of cells (15) juxtaposed parallel to a surface of the component, each cell having a size and a geometry that are different from those of its neighbors forming a network of cells with random distribution and random geometry, parallel to the surface of the component. Each cell is hermetically sealed and contains at least one substance with optical property. The invention also comprises a method of producing such an optical component and its use in the fabrication of an optical element. The optical element can in particular be a spectacle lens.
US08052271B2	Coating liquid, ink jet recording method and ink jet recording apparatus A coating liquid for use in an ink jet recording method comprising an image forming step of forming an image on a recording medium by an ink jet system with an ink comprising at least a pigment and a coating layer forming step of applying a coating liquid at least to a region including the image to form a coating layer having a film thickness of from 0.10 μm or more to 1.0 μm or less in at least a part thereof. The coating liquid comprises at least a slippery compound, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. The coating layer has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.40 or less.
US08052268B2	Ink set and method for making the same An ink set includes a light gray ink, a medium gray ink, and a black ink. Each of the inks in the ink set includes a carboxylic polymer. The light gray ink has a carboxylic polymer load equal to or greater than about 4.27 wt %. The medium gray ink has a carboxylic polymer load ranging from about 2.47 wt % to about 3.47 wt %. The black ink has a carboxylic polymer load ranging from about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %.
US08052267B2	Inlet structure and assembly method In one embodiment, a fluid ejector assembly includes: an inlet structure having an opening therein through which fluid may enter the assembly, the inlet structure having a rim generally defining an outer perimeter of the inlet structure around the opening; a conduit through which fluid may pass from the opening in the inlet structure to an ejector structure; and a filter supported on the inlet structure and spanning the opening such that fluid passing through the opening in the inlet structure to the conduit passes through the filter, a peripheral edge of the filter surrounded by the rim of the inlet structure and the peripheral edge of the filter encapsulated by the inlet structure.
US08052259B2	Ink cartridge Ink cartridge (10) which is insertable (insertion direction 11) into an inkjet printer, or cartridge receptacle associated therewith, and which has a housing (13) on at least one wall (12) of which there is arranged a plate (21) comprising electrical contacts (20) and an element for storage of cartridge-specific and/or printer-specific data. The housing (13) is delimited by two side walls (17, 18), a top wall (15), a base wall (16) and a front and rear (end) wall (12, 14). At least that portion (12′) of the housing wall, especially of an end wall (12), which is associated with the plate (21) has a smaller width than the plate (21). The latter is, in addition, mounted to allow its movement transversely to the longitudinal extent of the associated housing wall (12), or transversely to the insertion direction (11) of the cartridge (10) (double-headed arrow 24).
US08052257B2	Combined ink family keying for an ink cartridge An ink cartridge includes a single insertion key having a combined datum and keying feature, said insertion key being located on a back edge portion of the ink cartridge, the insertion key being configured to provide a pivotal reference point for insertion of the ink cartridge into the carriage. The ink cartridge also includes a single insertion slot in a bottom surface of said ink cartridge, said insertion slot configured to receive an alignment post.
US08052255B2	Inkjet printers and methods for mounting ink cartridges to inkjet printers The present invention relates to an inkjet printer and methods for mounting ink cartridges. The cartridge has a case with an ink chamber and a first and second opening. The inkjet printer has a recording head, a buffer tank, and a mounting portion with an ink supply tube and an air intake tube. The method includes establishing fluid communication between an interior of the ink chamber and the ink supply tube via the first opening, and then establishing fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber and the air intake tube via the second opening, where the pressure of the ink chamber interior is less than atmospheric pressure. The inkjet printer includes a buffer tank in communication with a recording head, a mounting portion having an ink supply tube and an air intake tube, and an ink cartridge including a case having a first and second opening.
US08052254B2	Manifold for a printhead A printhead assembly is described including multiple printheads, a manifold and multiple inlet tubes. The printheads each include: a fluid inlet to receive fluid into the printhead; and a set of one or more nozzles to deposit fluid on a substrate. The manifold is connected to the printheads and includes: a fluid inlet duct configured to receive fluid for delivery to the printheads; multiple fluid inlet channels for connecting the fluid inlet duct to the printheads; and multiple fluid inlet valves configured to control a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet duct to each of the fluid inlet channels. The inlet tubes each have a proximal end integral to either the manifold or one of the printheads, and a distal end connected to either the manifold or said printhead with a single fluid-tight connection.
US08052253B2	Inkjet head having piezoelectric actuator for restrictor, and image forming method and apparatus having the same A piezoelectric inkjet head having piezoelectric actuators for restrictors includes a flow channel plate including an ink inlet through which ink enters, a plurality of pressure chambers into which ink to be ejected is filled, a manifold which is a path to receive ink from the ink inlet and to supply the received ink to the pressure chambers, a plurality of restrictors that connect the manifold to the pressure chambers, and a plurality of nozzles to eject ink from the pressure chambers to an outside thereof. The piezoelectric inkjet head also includes a plurality of first piezoelectric actuators formed on the flow channel plate corresponding to positions of the pressure chambers to provide a driving force to each of the pressure chambers to eject ink to the outside. The piezoelectric inkjet head also includes a plurality of second piezoelectric actuators formed on the flow channel plate corresponding to positions of the restrictors to change cross-sectional areas of the restrictors.
US08052250B2	Inkjet printer with droplet stem anchor An inkjet printer that has an array of ink chambers, each with a nozzle, a droplet stem anchor and a thermal actuator. The thermal actuator generates a vapor bubble in the ink chamber to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a plurality of heater elements connected in parallel with a cross bracing structure extending between the heater elements. The cross bracing structure also providing the droplet stem anchor. During use, the vapor bubble generated by the thermal actuator grows until it vents to atmosphere through the nozzle and the ink ejected from the nozzle is attached to the droplet stem anchor by an ink stem until the stem breaks and the ejected ink forms a separate drop.
US08052249B2	Liquid discharge head, liquid supply cartridge, and liquid jet apparatus having electrostatic actuator formed by a semiconductor manufacturing process An approach applying a semiconductor manufacturing process in the manufacturing of an electrostatic actuator, such as for a droplet discharging head, liquid supply cartridge, inkjet recording apparatus and/or liquid jet apparatus, is provided. Such electrostatic actuator has high-reliability and less variation in characteristics.
US08052248B2	Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus Disclosed is a liquid ejection head that includes a flow path member having provided therein plural liquid chambers respectively in communication with plural nozzles that eject a liquid droplet and are arranged side by side; a vibration plate member that forms at least a part of wall surfaces of the liquid chambers; plural piezoelectric element columns that deform the vibration plate member at positions corresponding to the liquid chambers; a supporting column that corresponds to a partition wall sandwiched between the liquid chambers; and a base member on which the plural piezoelectric element columns and the supporting column are arranged. The supporting column is arranged so as to be sandwiched between a group of two or more of the consecutive piezoelectric element columns in a nozzle arrangement direction.
US08052246B2	Recording device and recording medium conveying method A cleaning roller is arranged at a position facing an image sensor with a conveying belt interposed therebetween. The conveying belt has a through hole. In an image sensor cleaning mode, the cleaning roller is inserted through the through hole and contacts the image sensor, while the image sensor is held without moving.
US08052243B2	Image processing device, image recording device, image processing method, and recording medium with image processing program An image processing device including: an acquisition unit that acquires image data for recording with a liquid droplet ejecting head having a plurality of ejection nozzles that eject liquid droplets onto a recording medium, and data relating to a faulty ejection nozzle of the liquid droplet ejecting head; a generation unit that generates recording data in units of pixels corresponding to the ejection nozzles based on the image data; a conversion unit that, based on data relating to the faulty ejection nozzle, converts the recording data in units of rows of pixels to be recorded by each of the ejection nozzles so as to reduce the number of pixels to be recorded by the faulty ejection nozzle; and an output unit that outputs the converted recording data to the liquid droplet-ejecting head.
US08052242B2	Image forming apparatus and image forming method An image forming apparatus which forms a halftone image on a print medium by using a multipass process to scan a printhead N (N is an integer of 2 or more) times in a single area on the print medium and form dots by each scan operation includes a pass division unit which sets the print density of a scan operation in the first pass so as to prevent dots from overlapping with each other on the print medium, and sets the print densities of scan operations in the second to Nth passes, a tone reduction unit which generates print data of the respective scan operations in accordance with the print densities set by the pass division unit, and a printhead which prints a halftone image on a print medium on the basis of the print data generated by the tone reduction unit.
US08052240B2	Droplet ejecting apparatus and current control method A droplet ejecting component of the present invention includes an ejecting component having a charge and discharge characteristic, an applying component being provided with a transistor, and an increasing component. The ejecting component ejects a droplet. When a control signal is inputted, the applying component applies an application voltage to the ejecting component, and the increasing component increases the impedance of the transistor.
US08052238B2	Mobile telecommunications device having media forced printhead capper A mobile telecommunications device is provided which has a printhead, a print media feed path for directing print media past the printhead, a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in which it is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto the print media, and a force transfer mechanism connected to the capper such that a force provided by an edge of the media as it moves on the feed path is transferred to the capper to commence movement of the capper from the capped to the uncapped position prior to the media reaching the capper. In the uncapped position, the capper is displaced away from the printhead and is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media.
US08052237B2	Deep-drawn container and method for producing same A deep-drawn inner coating or an inner door of a cooling equipment. An insertion element is maintained by form-closure in a recess of a wall. In order to facilitate the accurate fixing of the position of a component incorporated in the insertion element, the insertion element extends at least up to a plane flush with a surface of the wall surrounding the recess.
US08052235B2	Storage compartment A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.
US08052234B2	Slide adjusting device for a drawer A slide adjusting device for a drawer includes a first rail member having a first opening; a fixture secured to the first rail member; a supporting member including a connecting portion, a supporting portion, and a guiding portion, the connecting portion being connected to the fixture, the supporting portion corresponding in position to the first opening, the guiding portion comprising a guiding surface, the fixture or the supporting member being provided with a plurality of first engaging portions; an adjusting member including an adjusting portion and a connecting rod driven by the adjusting portion, the connecting rod being provided with a plurality of second engaging portions. When the adjusting portion is turned, the second engaging portions will be driven to move and mesh with the first engaging portions and the supporting portion will move in relation to the first opening with the connecting portion as a fulcrum to hold against the bottom of the drawer.
US08052233B2	Furniture item having a furniture body A spring buffer for a furniture item has a furniture body and a furniture part movable from a closed position in or on the furniture body. The spring buffer can be arranged relative to the furniture body and the furniture part such that the movable furniture part in its closed end position can be moved against the force of the spring buffer towards the direction of the furniture body. The spring buffer includes a buffer element for the movable furniture part and the buffer element is acted upon by a spring. The buffer element is movably arranged such that the distance covered by the buffer element against the force of the spring can be changeably adjusted.
US08052232B1	Biaxial flow damper for drawer A biaxial flow damper used in an auto-close mechanism of a sliding rail assembly is disclosed to include a cylinder body defining flow parallel flow chambers, two pistons respectively slidably mounted in the flow chambers of the cylinder body, and two piston rods respectively connected to the pistons and respectively extending out of the front and rear sides of the cylinder body for a reciprocating motion in reversed directions.
US08052231B2	Blanking panel for equipment rack or enclosure A blanking panel is provided for use with equipment racks or enclosures that house electronic components, and is configured to facilitate installation of the panel with a pair of vertical mounting rails or flanges of a rack or enclosure without the use of tools or other hardware. The blanking panel is constructed of one or more materials and/or defines one or more configurations such that when the blanking panel is installed into a rack or enclosure, portions of a body of the blanking panel interface with a surface of an equipment component or another blanking panel installed above or below the blanking panel to thereby form an air seal there between, which helps to reduce or prevent hot exhaust air from mixing with cooling air within a rack or enclosure, and further helps to reduce or prevent cooling air from bypassing equipment components.
US08052225B2	Bicycle wheel securing structure A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a bicycle fork, an adapter and a holding member. The bicycle fork has two axle support portions that are spaced apart for receiving a bicycle hub therebetween. The adapter is disposed in an adapter receiving bore in one of the axle support portions. The adapter includes a threaded axle mounting opening. The holding member is operatively coupled between the adapter and the one of the axle support portions with the adapter. The holding member prevents both rotational movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork and axial movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork along an axis of the axle mounting opening when the holding member is in a retaining position. The adapter is rotatable within the adapter receiving bore without moving axially with respect to the bicycle fork when the holding member is in a releasing position.
US08052224B2	Lightweight aluminum wheel with magnesium rim One embodiment includes a wheel including a first portion including magnesium, the first portion including at least a rim; a second portion including aluminum; and an interface where the first portion and the second portion contact each other.
US08052223B2	Multi-piece vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing same A multi-piece vehicle wheel retention system includes a wheel disc, a first wheel cover and a second wheel cover. The first wheel cover is secured to the wheel disc and includes a generally U-shaped outer end, a first leg which extends generally parallel with respect to the axis, and a second leg which extends generally perpendicular to the first leg. The first wheel cover covers the entire portion of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel disc. The second wheel cover is secured to the first wheel cover and covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel surface of the wheel disc. The second wheel cover includes an outboard surface and an inboard surface. At least a portion of the second leg of the first wheel cover extends behind the second wheel cover so as to be adjacent the inboard surface of the second wheel cover and such portion of the second leg is at least secured to the second wheel cover by such portion of the second leg being disposed within a surface feature provided only on the inboard surface of the second wheel cover.
US08052222B2	Bristle cluster stuffing tool ram and method of use A bristle cluster stuffing tool ram is used for pressing a strip-shaped holding element, preferably an anchor, into a borehole that is arranged in a brush head and serves for accommodating a bristle cluster. The end face of the ram comprises a pressing surface for pressing in the holding element. The pressing surface is defined by longitudinal sides and face sides. The rain has end face regions that penetrate into the material of the brush head when the holding element is pressed in. The cross section of the ram that lies outside the end face regions and penetrates into the borehole is wider than the end face regions.
US08052218B2	No-tools seat plate assembly with seat lift gas cylinder receiver A seat plate assembly that is secured without the use of tools or special skill to the bottom of a seat of a home or office chair that is sold disassembled. The no-tools seat plate assembly includes a seat plate housing that is connected to and slidable along the seat relative to a catch and a cam lock that is pivotally connected to and rotatable relative to the seat plate housing. The seat plate housing has a gas cylinder receiver in which to receive a gas lift cylinder. When the seat plate housing is first connected to the seat, the cam lock is rotated over top the gas cylinder receiver to block receipt of the gas cylinder. During installation, the seat plate housing slides axially along the seat, and the cam lock is rotated into locking engagement with the catch. The gas cylinder receiver is now unblocked to accept the gas cylinder therewithin.
US08052216B2	Seat fold actuator An actuator configured to actuate a member. The actuator optionally including capabilities for storing and releasing kinetic energy. The actuator being suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to facilitating seat folding operations.
US08052214B2	Seat structure A seat structure capable of dealing with both a normal posture and a resting posture and providing sufficient relaxation in the resting posture while ensuring excellent comfortableness of an occupant.According to the present invention, a back frame 20 itself is fixed to a frame support 10 but a cushion frame 30 shifts from a first position A to a second position B according to an occupant's movement and an inclination angle of a pelvis support 31 increases accordingly. The occupant's pelvis portion and a portion lower than the pelvis portion is moved forward but a part of his or her back above his or her breast is not varied. With this structure, the same effect of the resting posture, that is, the posture in which the back frame is reclined in a conventional seat structure, can be obtained. Since the back is not tilted backward, a leg room (footrest) space in a rear seat is not limited.
US08052213B2	Seat with adjustable seat occupant support assembly and integrally formed seat shell therefor The present invention is directed to an adjustable seat occupant support assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, which employs a drive equipped with an arm that bears against an adjuster shoe that urges part of a seat cushion of a backrest of a vehicle seat outwardly or inwardly. The adjustable support assembly is received in part of a molded seat shell that is three dimensionally formed to accommodate at least part of the lumbar adjuster drive. In a preferred embodiment, the shell has a molded drive-receiving compartment that can include a cradle that supports a drive received in the compartment. One or more integrally molded bearing support surfaces, including journals, can be formed in the shell upon which part of the drive can be movably supported. A drive actuator is provided that is also carried by an aperture or the like molded into the shell.
US08052211B2	Anti-whiplash vehicle system with active head restraint An active head restraint system includes a fluid driver assembly coupled to a vehicle seat assembly. The fluid driver assembly is actuatable in response to a predetermined movement of the vehicle seat assembly. A fluid driven assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid driver assembly. The fluid driven assembly is actuated in response to actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A headrest is pivotable about an axis. The headrest is coupled to the fluid driven assembly such that the fluid driven assembly pivots the headrest about the axis during actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A seat assembly incorporating the active head restraint system is also disclosed.
US08052209B2	Automatic locking SCBA mounting bracket assembly A mounting bracket assembly includes a clamping arrangement mounted for vertical movement on a mounting structure and is movable between an engaged position and disengaged position relative to a self-contained breathing apparatus held in the mounting bracket assembly. A camming arrangement is located between the clamping arrangement and the mounting structure for permitting and preventing vertical movement of the clamping arrangement relative to the mounting structure. A powered latching mechanism is engageable with a portion of the clamping arrangement for providing unlatched and latched positions. A control arrangement separate from the powered latching mechanism is operatively connected thereto to selectively control the powered latching mechanism and effect release of the self-contained breathing apparatus from the latched position when the vehicle is in a stationary and parked condition.
US08052207B2	Interlocking mechanism of sunshade panel in a sunroof device An object of the present invention is to provide an interlocking mechanism of panels of a guide rail for roof panel and a guide rail for sunshade panel even in a case where both guide rails are mutually different in curvature. The interlocking mechanism enables the sunshade panel to move independently in an opening direction in either case of opening and closing of the roof panel, and prevent the sunshade panel from moving independently in a closing direction relative to the roof panel. The interlocking mechanism comprises an engaging member provided in the roof panel and an engaged member provided in the sunshade panel to engage with the engaging member. The engaging member and the engaged member are constituted to engage with each other in an upper-and-lower direction such that a relative position thereof varies according to a change of positional deviation between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.
US08052206B2	Floorboard assembly for vehicle A floorboard assembly for vehicle, comprising a front floorboard (2) and a middle floorboard (6) that are connected in a fixed manner or formed integrally, wherein, the front floorboard (2) is in ridge shape, roughly flat at both sides and raised in the middle, the raised part in the middle defines a cavity which is suitable for accommodating a battery for vehicle. In the floorboard assembly for vehicle provided in the present invention, the middle channel part of the front floorboard (2) is raised, and a high capacity battery can be placed in the cavity defined by the raised part in the middle; in that way, the space utilization ratio for floorboard is higher, the battery pack can be installed and maintained conveniently, and the gravity center of the vehicle is stable.
US08052205B2	Floor structure for vehicle body A floor structure for a vehicle body whereby vertical vibration in the floor panel can be minimized. The floor structure for a vehicle body comprises a floor panel having a tunnel part provided laterally centrally of the vehicle body and extending longitudinally of the vehicle body. A ridge is formed in the tunnel part. An inner cross member provided inside the tunnel part and a first cross member on the floor panel are linearly bonded via the ridge.
US08052194B2	Stowable vehicle seat There is provided a stowable vehicle seat that can be stowed and restored with improved operability. The stowable vehicle seat has a seat support part for supporting a seat cushion so that the seat cushion is rotatable in the front and rear direction, a seat back having a reclining mechanism that folds over the seat cushion, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided on the front side of the seat cushion, a leg locking element that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element via the link mechanism.
US08052193B2	Device in a part of a mining or construction vehicle including a wear protection structure and a part including such a device A device in a part (1, 24) of a mining or construction vehicle having a wear protection structure (3-9, 14, 25, 27), forming a portion of the part that is subjected to wear from abrasive material during loading or dumping. The wear protection structure has grooves (10-12, 15, 26, 28) having an extension extending at an angle to a general movement direction of abrasive material against the wear protection structure during loading or dumping. The wear protection structure is positioned on the part so that abrasive material passes it during loading and/or dumping. The grooves are widened towards an outer surface of the wear protection structure.
US08052192B2	Electronic device mounting box An electronic device mounting box includes a tray to which an electronic device is adapted to be attached. The mounting box includes a box having a front opening through which the tray is adapted to pass, left and right sides, and left and right supports associated with the left and right sides for supporting the tray along left and right sides, respectively, of the tray and permitting the tray to be moved between an access position at least partially outside the front opening to an installed position inside the box.
US08052190B2	Multi-position cargo holder for use in vehicles A vehicle console having a cargo holder that can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cargo holder is mounted to a top of the vehicle console and includes a rigid frame and a pliable web spanning at least a portion of the frame. In its deployed position, the cargo holder extends forward of the top of the console and can be used as a flexible tray. In its stowed position, the cargo holder can rest upon the top of the console and be used as a map pocket.
US08052188B2	Active material enabled self-presenting devices A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.
US08052185B2	Robot hand with humanoid fingers A robotic hand with finger assemblies to better simulate human hand form factors and gestures. For each finger assembly, the robotic hand includes a finger drive assembly that is operable to selectively apply tension to four elongated and flexible tension elements (e.g., steel cable). Each of the finger assemblies includes a set of links or link members that are actuated or moved by the selective tensioning/movement of the tension elements by the drive assembly. The links are interconnected with pivotal joints such that they have three degrees-of-freedom, and the finger assembly includes a set of pulleys that are supported on the links and that are arranged to provide support and to guide the tension elements through the finger assembly. The tension elements preferably extend only partially about any one of the pulleys, whereby the finger assembly utilizes “n+1” actuation with non-helical wrapping of the tension elements.
US08052181B2	Latch device and opening and closing apparatus using same A push-push type latch device includes a cam member and a pin member provided respectively on a movable body and a main body for coupling and decoupling with the cam member. The latch device locks the movable body in a first position on the main body via a coupling of the pin member and the cam member, and releases the coupling by pushing from the first position and releasing a pushing force to switch to a second position. The cam member includes a divided body including a locking part for coupling with the pin member. When the divided body receives a load above a predetermined value through the pin member in a state when coupled with the pin member, the divided body rotates to release the coupling with the pin member with accompanying movement toward a direction to absorb the load.
US08052178B2	Temporary door lock assembly Disclosed is a temporary door lock assembly. The assembly is formed from five major components: a rosette; a bolt; a barrel; a locking arm; and an inside plate. These components are lockingly interconnected without any fasteners or the use of any tools to form a door lock. The lock can be temporarily secured within the lock opening and barrel of a door frame during residential or commercial construction to thereby delay the need to install more complicated and expensive permanent locks.
US08052176B2	Connection apparatus and method A connection apparatus is adapted to allow connection of one substantially tubular member to another substantially tubular member. The connection apparatus includes a male connecting member and a female connecting member. Cooperating attachment mechanisms are provided on the male and female connecting members. Each of the male and female connecting members includes at least one primary surface adapted to form a primary joint and at least one secondary surface adapted to form a secondary joint. The at least one primary surface may be adapted to form a primary load bearing shoulder joint. The at least one secondary surface may be adapted to form a secondary load bearing shoulder joint. The connection apparatus may provide a double shoulder high torque connection for downhole tubular members. A double acting hydraulic jar is also disclosed.
US08052175B2	Exhaust pipe structure An exhaust pipe structure including paired separate exhaust pipes configured so that the paired separate exhaust pipes are supported in a vehicle provided horizontally in a manner such that a vertical load is applied from a first exhaust pipe, by a moment that turns the first exhaust pipe about an axis connecting two support members of the first exhaust pipe due to a weight of the first exhaust pipe, to a universal joint, and a vertical load is applied from a second exhaust pipe, by a moment that turns the second exhaust pipe about an axis connecting two support members of the second exhaust pipe due to a weight of the second exhaust pipe, to the universal joint. The vertical loads are approximately the same magnitude and act in opposite directions to combine to be substantially zero.
US08052171B2	Security element for RF identification The invention concerns a security element (10) for RF identification, and a security document which is provided with such a security element (10). The security element has a flexible film body (104) into which are integrated an electronic circuit which is designed for the storage of security-relevant items of information and an RF antenna which is connected to the electronic circuit and which serves for contact-less communication of the electronic circuit with a test device. Permanently fixed on a surface of the flexible film body (104) is a first optically variable element (102) which at least region-wise covers the region of the flexible film body in which the electronic circuit is arranged, wherein permanently fixed on the other opposite surface of the flexible film body is a second optically variable element.
US08052167B2	Airbag assembly An airbag module includes a retainer, diffuser, inflatable airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The diffuser is configured to disperse inflation gas from the inflator into the inflatable airbag. The retainer and/or diffuser comprise a glass-filled polymer material. The retainer includes a projection extending from a base wall. The projection couples to a hole in the diffuser flange and prevents the diffuser from rotating relative to the retainer. The inflator is coupled to the retainer by trapping an inflator flange under an overhang in a retainer cavity.
US08052166B2	Tie-plate and frame hanger of a suspension assembly An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two shear springs, a progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.
US08052164B2	Connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer A connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer, having a support frame which can swivel on a bearing about a coupling means and a connector arranged stationary on the support frame. A connector bracket on the trailer was needed that lessens the risk of damage to the connector from components of the tractor. A connector bracket is provided in which the connector is at least partly covered by the coupling in the lengthwise axis of the vehicle and a guide ramp is formed in front of the connector and tilting toward the connector at least during the coupling process.
US08052161B2	Wheel suspension for a motor vehicle A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and a spring-elastic torsion bar assembly, and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar assembly has a body spring that can be attached to the vehicle body with one end, and a transverse control arm spring that is attached to the transverse control arm with one end. The body spring and the transverse control arm spring are coupled with one another at their free ends. The transverse control arm spring and the body spring are coupled with one another by way of a setting element or a releasable connection, whereby the setting element or the releasable connection, respectively, allows rotation of the ends assigned to one another, for setting purposes.
US08052158B2	Shopping cart An article carrying apparatus in the form of a support that is used with a shopping cart to provide a horizontal support for safely carrying loads that are longer than the length of the cart. The support may be used with any conventional shopping cart having nestable or non-nestable baskets. The support is hingedly attached to a lower structural member of the cart basket. The support is movable between a first position in which it lays flat against the bottom wall of the cart basket, allowing the basket to be nested into an adjacent cart, and a second position in which it is substantially resting against the front wall of the basket.
US08052153B2	Seal device [PROBLEMS] A seal device where a seal lip reliably maintains shaft sealing relative to high-pressure fluid that is to be sealed and where the equivalent Mises stress occurring in the seal lip is reduced to extend the durable term of the seal lip longer.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A backup ring (2) has a tapered section (23) continuously extending from a fixation section (21) of the backup ring (2) and also has a forward end section (24). A rounded surface (E) with a curvature radius (R-1) is formed at least at a boundary (26) where a surface (D) of the tapered section (23) changes to a surface (F) of the forward end section (24). A portion of the surface (D) of the tapered surface (23), which portion is in contact with the rounded surface (E) at the boundary (26), is a projected curvature surface having a curvature radius greater than the curvature radius (R-1) of the boundary (26).
US08052141B2	Recording-medium storage device and image forming apparatus A first engaging member makes a first engagement with a first locking member to lock an edge guiding unit. A second engaging member makes a second engagement with a second locking member to lock the edge guiding unit. The first locking member is movable to a first retract position and a second retract position. When the first locking member moves to the first retract position, the second engagement is released in conjunction with a release of the first engagement, and when the first locking member moves to the second retract position, the first engagement is released while maintaining the second engagement.
US08052139B1	Document feeding mechanism having stopper means A document feeding mechanism includes a frame, a document picking means positioned in the frame for picking up and conveying a document, a stopper means positioned in the frame for blocking the conveyance of the document, a supporting portion cooperating with the stopper means for supporting the document picking up means while the document picking up means is raised at a predetermined level, and a blocking portion restricting a rotatable angle of the stopper means for blocking the conveyance of the document while the document picking up means is raised at the predetermined level. The document feeding means is kept at the predetermined level via the cooperation of the supporting portion and the stopper means for supporting the document feeding means. Since, the document feeding mechanism has high reliability to resist shake and crash for preventing the document picking up means from being drooped.
US08052137B2	Sheet stopping mechanism and automatic document feeder having such sheet stopping mechanism A sheet stopping mechanism includes a guiding element, a sheet stopping element and a guiding slot. The guiding element includes a sheathing part and an extension arm. The sheathing part is sheathed around an axle of the sheet pick-up roller. The sheet stopping element includes a stopping part, a protrusion part and a contact part. The extension arm of the guiding element is upwardly sustained against at the contact part of the sheet stopping element. The protrusion part of the sheet stopping element is accommodated within the guiding slot. When the sheet pick-up roller is moved toward a sheet input tray, the guiding element is uplifted. As a result, the protrusion part of the sheet stopping element is shifted and rotated in the guiding slot, and a front edge of the paper sheet is no longer hindered by the stopping part of the sheet stopping element.
US08052134B2	Sheet post-processing apparatus and sheet post-processing method A sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention has, above a processing tray, a standby tray for making a sheet stand by. The sheet on the standby tray is dropped and supplied onto the processing tray, so that a sheet feeding path between the standby tray and processing tray can be shortened. In the case where there exists no sheet on the sheet discharge tray when a sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray, one sheet is previously discharged onto the sheet discharge tray. Thus, by discharging the sheet bundle in a state where there is the one sheet on the sheet discharge tray, the sheet vertical alignment in the case where the sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray can be enhanced.
US08052133B2	Method and arrangement for producing an adhesive-bound printed item composed of several printed products A method and arrangement is provided for producing an adhesive-bound printed item composed of a plurality of printed products. The printed products are gathered into loose book blocks along a first conveying section of a conveying track for a circulating conveyor while positioned transverse to a conveying direction and inclined counter to the conveying direction. The book blocks are then accelerated in an additional section of the circulating conveyor to obtain a larger divisional spacing between the printed products. The book blocks are transferred from the additional section of the circulating conveyor to clamps of a transporter and pivoted to an upright position where one side edge is approximately parallel to the conveying direction. The book blocks are transferred from the clamps of the transporter into respective circulating conveying clamps of an adhesive binder.
US08052127B2	Respiratory humidification system A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.
US08052125B2	Motor drive for a camper jack A motor drive for camper jacks or screw jacks that rapidly operates the screw jack between a retracted position and an extended no load position. A manual operator then operates the screw jack between the extended no load position and an extended loaded position. The motor drive and manual operator share a right angle gear mechanism.
US08052121B2	Scissor jack The invention involves a scissor jack having four arms hingedly arranged to provide two opposite elbows between a base and a load support. A pair of trunnions at the elbows is connected by a threaded shaft. A movable brace is supported between the arms. The brace strengthens and adds support to the jack assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the brace includes a guide assembly which slidably engages the shaft and connectors pivoted between the guide and each of the four arms. The connectors are extensible socket and rod arrangements. Each connector includes a coil spring located over the rod in the socket. The four springs are compressed on extension of the jack to assist in lifting a load.
US08052120B2	Multipurpose modular lift platform A vertical lift mechanism (100, 100a, 100b) including: a lift support assembly (102) comprising an upper frame member (104), a lower frame member (106), the upper frame member is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. The lift support assembly additionally includes a support mechanism (150) that holds and maintains the alignment between the upper frame member and a lower frame member as well as a powering unit to cause movement of the upper frame.
US08052115B2	Insert molding apparatus An insert molding apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold. The first mold has at least two cavity plates which cooperatively define at least one receiving groove therebetween. At least two connecting elements each have its one end positioned in one of the at least two cavity plates while the other end passing through the other cavity plate for movably connecting the at least two cavity plates with each other. At least one elastic element is compressibly disposed between and against the cavity plates in such a manner such that the at least two cavity plates are capable of contacting with each other or separating from each other. The second mold is engaged with the first mold for compelling one of the at least two cavity plates to move toward the other cavity plate so that the at least two cavity plates are in contact with each other.
US08052106B2	Foldable workbench A folding workbench includes a rectangular benchtop frame and first and second leg assemblies pivotably coupled to the frame. Each leg assembly includes first and second legs coupled to respective side rails of the frame, the leg assembly rotatable between a folded position, in which the leg assembly lies substantially within the benchtop frame, and an open position in which the leg assembly extends from the benchtop frame at about a 90 degree angle. Each leg assembly includes a shelf bracket extending between the first and second legs, with a notch extending lengthwise in the shelf bracket. With the leg assemblies in their open positions, a shelf assembly extends between and engages the notches of the shelf brackets, preventing rotation of the leg assemblies away from their open positions. Ends of the legs can be shaped to bind against the frame at selected positions, to provide detents to hold the leg assemblies in their folded or open positions.
US08052103B2	Wedge support for the display of planar products A product assembly includes a substantially planar product and a support wedge. The support wedge is formed separately from the substantially planar product and includes a base, two sidewalls, and two internal walls. The two sidewalls each extend from opposite sides of the base and converge toward one another as they extend away from the base. The two internal walls each extend from a side of one of the two sidewalls opposite the base. The two internal walls are substantially parallel to and spaced from one another to define a slot between the two internal walls. The substantially planar product is positioned within the slot and is held in place due to compression applied to the substantially planar product by the two internal walls. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
US08052096B2	Multi-mode unmanned and manned vehicle systems and methods An apparatus for converting a manned aircraft of a type including at least one pilot control capable of manipulation to affect operation of the aircraft for unmanned flight operations includes first and second actuators, each configured to selectively provide movement or resistance to movement in a first manner including linear or rotational motion, first and second clutches, each configured to selectively couple movement of the associated actuator to or from the pilot control during flight, and a vehicle controller capable of being selectively enabled during flight to operate the pilot control actuators and clutches and thereby provide unmanned operation of the aircraft, or of being disabled, thereby providing for manned operation of the aircraft. The first actuator has a first scope describing a first amount of allowable movement, while the second actuator has a second scope larger than the first scope.
US08052093B2	Control moment gyro and device for assembly thereof The gyrodyne includes an inertial wheel mounted, via a wheel support, on the moving part or rotor of a cardan assembly. The cardan assembly is provided with a stator and the rotor is rotatable with respect to the stator about a first axis of rotation, it being possible for the spinner of the inertial wheel to be set in rotation about a second axis of rotation not aligned with the first axis of rotation. The stator of the cardan is mounted on a block and fixed to this block via an arrangement of vibration attenuators or insulators. The mechanism for setting the rotor in rotation is at least partially housed in the interior volume of the block.
US08052091B2	Cargo parachute release apparatus, system and method A cargo parachute release apparatus comprising an assembly plate and a hinged member that is hinged to the assembly plate with a hinge pin. Parachute riser attachment components are positioned between the assembly plate and hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position. An electronic package assembly having a microprocessor having predetermined parameters is provided, and the electronic package assembly has horizontal and vertical accelerometers and a strain gage for collecting data and sending the data to the microprocessor for processing. When the incoming data matches the predetermined parameters that indicate impact has been made, the microprocessor sends a firing signal to an electro-explosive device to detonate which causes the hinged member to open and release the parachute. The cargo is not dragged along the ground, tipped over or otherwise damaged.
US08052087B2	Device for improving the breathing air quality in an aircraft cabin A device for improving the breathing air quality for the crew and/or the passengers in an aircraft cabin includes an oxygen source, a water source and a feed line, wherein the feed line is connectable to the oxygen source and the water source in order to oxygenate and/or humidify air that is introduced into the feed line. The feed line is further connected to an inlet port of a locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin and adapted so as to feed oxygenated and/or humidified air to the locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin.
US08052084B2	Mechanical connection between a primary nut and secondary nut The assembly comprises a first and a second nut intended to cooperate with a screw in particular provided in an adjustable tailplane actuator for an aircraft, and a mechanical connection between the first and the second nut comprising means for fusible driving of the second nut by the first nut, in which the mechanical connection also comprises adjustable spacing means forming a wedge between the first and second nuts.
US08052077B2	Method for preparing a carbon siccative for producing electrodes A method for preparing a carbon siccative for producing electrodes. The dust fraction is produced continuously by a mill/sifter combination with a grain size or specific surface area adjustable during operation, preferably by a roller grinding mill with an integrated sifter.
US08052072B2	Device for spraying on pigmented liquids In a device for spraying on pigmented liquids by means of an air flow comprising a base body, a spray nozzle disposed at the front side of the base body, wherein a needle is disposed centrally in the spray nozzle, a compressed air inlet and an adjacent compressed air duct, an outlet opening for a pigmented liquid, wherein a controllable compressed air flow is supplied via the compressed air duct and is guided past the outlet opening for the pigmented liquid where it is loaded with droplets of liquid, these droplets of liquid being discharged through the spray nozzle as long as the compressed air flow is maintained, wherein the nozzle and the needle are disposed in a nozzle head that is removable or replaceable, respectively, as a whole, it is provided that a receptacle for the pigmented liquid to be sprayed on is disposed in the nozzle head.
US08052069B2	Advanced high performance vertical hybrid synthetic jet actuator The present invention comprises a high performance, vertical, zero-net mass-flux, synthetic jet actuator for active control of viscous, separated flow on subsonic and supersonic vehicles. The present invention is a vertical piezoelectric hybrid zero-net mass-flux actuator, in which all the walls of the chamber are electrically controlled synergistically to reduce or enlarge the volume of the synthetic jet actuator chamber in three dimensions simultaneously and to reduce or enlarge the diameter of orifice of the synthetic jet actuator simultaneously with the reduction or enlargement of the volume of the chamber. The jet velocity and mass flow rate for the present invention will be several times higher than conventional piezoelectric synthetic jet actuators.
US08052065B2	Tapered high pressure rotary feed valves A tapered rotary feed valve is manufactured or refurbished for use in feeding materials into a high temperature environment, so as to reduce the time and expense of break-in operation, by shaping the tapered bore of the valve body at ambient temperature to have greater clearance around the rotor in a sector of the valve body that is cooler when the valve is at stable operating temperature. As a result, when the valve first reaches operating temperature after being manufactured or refurbished the rotor and the bore of the valve body nearly fit and can quickly wear in to fit each other closely.
US08052063B2	Air conditioning system, control unit and other components used therewith An air-conditioning system operable at different states employs a control unit including a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is connected electrically to a switching device for a compressor of the air-conditioning system. The compressor is installed at a remote location exterior to a building. The receiver is responsive to an encoded radio signal to provide an electronic control signal for actuating the switching device. The transmitter is installed within the building and is electrically connected to a thermostat within the building that responds to temperature changes to provide a temperature control signal. The transmitter upon receipt of the temperature control signal transmits to the remote location the encoded radio signal for operating the air-conditioning system at one of the different states.
US08052060B2	Physical access control system with smartcard and methods of operating An improved physical access control system has an online portion and an offline portion. A smartcard is configurable to transport access control information between the online portion and offline portion. The smartcard is further configurable to receive an offline reader identifier from an offline reader, and to control access of the smartcard holder to an offline entry/exit point. The smartcard is further configurable to carry a revoked list that is transmitted to each offline reader accessed. Methods of operating the improved physical access control system are also disclosed.
US08052059B2	Semiconductor device An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device which can obtain the high potential necessary for writing data to a memory, using a small circuit area. In the present invention, by using as input voltage of a booster circuit not the conventionally used output VDD of a regulator circuit 104, but rather an output VDD0 of a rectifier circuit portion 103, which is a higher potential than the VDD, the high potential necessary for writing data to a memory can be obtained with a small circuit area.
US08052054B1	Track quality to track error covariance A computer-implemented method for estimating track error covariance of a sensor track data in a Link 16 tactical data link network from track quality involves receiving at a computer system the sensor track data on a ballistic target including the track quality and by estimating the track maturity, the position and velocity error covariance eigenvalues (λp, λv), and the position and velocity error covariances (Cp, Cv), the track error covariance of the sensor track data is calculated. The resulting error covariance is provided to the weapons control systems for more accurate engagement of the ballistic targets.
US08052045B1	Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine system and method includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data bearing records and accept checks and dispense cash to users. The automated banking machines are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited check.
US08052043B1	Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine is controlled responsive to data bearing records. The machine operates using data read from user cards by a card reader. The machine includes a housing, a fascia connected with the housing and movable between a secure closed position adjacent a housing opening and a released away position, wherein the fascia is a least partially separated from the housing opening, a pair of latches operable to releasably secure the fascia to the housing and movable between a fascia-securing position and a fascia-releasing position, and an access panel mounted to the fascia and including a lock, and movable between a closed panel position, wherein the access panel blocks access to the latches, and an open panel position, wherein the latches are accessible to be released.
US08052038B2	Dispensing container A dispensing container for selectively holding and dispensing products has a resiliently deformable main panel with a centrally disposed pivot emboss extending longitudinally there along. One end of the pivot emboss terminates at a pivot panel located on the main panel. The container includes a spout panel positioned distally from the pivot panel with spout panel being at least partially selectively opened by deformation of the main panel along the pivot emboss. Deformation of the main panel may be imparted by inward squeezing motion to the sides of the container, which in turn causes the main panel to outwardly deform along the pivot emboss, resulting in opening of the spout.
US08052031B2	Bonding structures for containers and method of bonding same A bonding structure for a container member is disclosed. The container member has an opening and a covering member for covering the opening. The container member and covering member are abutted with each other and bonded by a friction stir welding operation. The bonding structure for the container and covering members comprises a bonding portion and a backing member. The bonding portion of the container member and the covering member is formed by inserting a friction stir welding tool into an abutting portion of the container member and the covering member. The backing member is provided for obstructing a plastic flow of materials for the container member and the covering member when the friction stir welding operation is performed. The backing member is disposed adjacent to the bonding portion, at a side of the abutting portion that is opposite to an inserting side of the friction stir welding tool.
US08052025B2	Hollow tissue inosculation apparatus A hollow tissue inosculation apparatus is to inosculate two hollow tissues to each other with a staple having a plurality of elastically deformable bent staple pins. The hollow tissue inosculation apparatus includes a staple holder to hold the staple, a curvature control mechanism to control curvature of the staple pins of the staple held in the staple holder, and a gap control mechanism to control gaps of the hollow tissues with respect to the staple holder. The curvature control mechanism substantially straightens the staple pins. The gap control mechanism reduces the gaps to cause the substantially straightened staple pins to penetrate through the hollow tissues. The hollow tissue inosculation apparatus also includes a detector to detect the staple pins of the staple that have penetrated through the hollow tissue.
US08052021B2	Braking mechanism for empty nail cartridge of nail gun A braking mechanism for empty nail cartridge of a nail gun includes a guiding plate, a cover plate, a punch rod, a securing slide rod and a nail cartridge. A nail hole and an end hole are defined in the guiding plate having a connecting groove. A nail pusher and a pushing arm are arranged in the nail cartridge to provide resilient force along a nail firing direction. The pushing arm is pivotably placed on the nail pusher adjacent the brake portion for affording the resilient force. The pushing arm allows the brake portion of the nail pusher to go through the end hole and move into the end hole to block the stopper of the securing sliding rod when the nails are used up. The pushing arm moves into the connecting groove to improve the yield rate of the brake of the empty nail cartridge of the nail gun.
US08052018B2	Gun holster with articulating spine A holster engages the ejection port of a gun to secure the gun in the holster. The holster includes a spine with a fixed upper section, a fixed lower section, and an intermediate section bridging the upper and lower sections. The intermediate section includes a rib which can extend into the ejection port of the gun. The intermediate section is pivotally attached to the fixed upper section of the spine and pivots between a first closed operative position in which the rib extends into the ejection port of the gun and a second open operative position in which the rib is removed from the ejection port so the gun can be removed from the holster.
US08052016B2	Dual tube container with one way valves and applicator A dual tube container with one way valves comprises an outer tube and a cap, wherein, the tube head of the outer tube is provided with a base plate; the base plate is provided with a left through hole and a right through hole connecting the outer tube and the inner tube; a connector extends downwards from the right through hole, and the inner tube body in the outer tube body is connected to the connector to form the inner tube; a pair of one way valves are fixed in the tube head; an applicator with a orifice is inserted into the tube head; when the cap is put on to close the tube head, the pintle or elastic gasket in the cap sealing the orifice on the daub part of the applicator to prevent the leaking of liquid contents. It is provided with a pair of one way valves, and the inner tube is fixed in the outer tube; via the opening or closing of the pair of one way valves, the contents of the outer tube and the inner tube are permitted or forbidden to flow out. By using the dual tube container to make a cosmetic apparatus, etc., the technology of filling two kinds of pastes can be implemented via the big holes in the tube head, so as to avoid adopting expensive special equipment for filling and sealing; the operation is greatly simplified, and the cost is reduced.
US08052006B2	Closure for a vessel A closure 10 is provided for retaining fluid pressure within a vessel, and comprises a hub 12 having an access opening to the vessel, with the hub having a circumferential stop 17 and one or more recesses 50 each extending radially outward from an adjacent inner surface 26 of the hub. A door 22 is positioned between the stop surface and the vessel, and a latch member 30 brings the door into sealing engagement with the stop member. One or more lugs 24 each extend radially outward from an exterior surface of the door, such that a respective lug engages the hub about a respective recess to seal the door to the hub, while the door may be moved to pass through the one or more recesses and out of the hub.
US08052002B2	Foldable box that collapses along a bias, providing both top and side access A collapsible box that provides access through both its top and front side, said box comprising sets of interior and exterior sidewalls, said interior sidewalls folding inward along a hinge and said exterior sidewalls folding along a hinge that runs along a bias. Said box capable of being made from either flat sheet material or molded parts.
US08052000B2	Container A pallet includes a plurality of supports supporting a floor. The supports each include a plurality of columns integrally-molded with at least one runner and snap-fit to the floor. At least one wall is moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the floor. A hinge connecting the wall to the base includes a first axis and a second axis offset by the first axis. The hinge is locked when the wall is in the upright position to prevent rotation about the second axis but permit rotation about the first axis. A hinge assembly connects a door to the wall and includes a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin. The hinge assembly permits the door to open completely relative to the wall to a position at least substantially parallel to and adjacent the wall.
US08051993B1	Head rail for an adjustable roller shade A head rail for an adjustable roller shade has two tubes and an extension bar. Each one of the tubes is circular in section and has an adjustment slot and a fabric slot. The adjustment slot is longitudinally formed in a periphery of each one of the tubes. The extension bar is adjustably mounted in the tubes. The tubes are fastened on the extension bar with a short exposed portion of the extension bar to form a desired length of the head rail. Additionally, when the exposed portion of the extension bar is long, the head rail further has at least one connection sheath sleeved around the exposed portion to strengthen the head rail and prevent a shade fabric mounted in the fabric slot from being ruffled or twisted when the head rail is rotated.
US08051986B2	Biomass material A process for the production of a range of improved biomass material products suitable for use as a fuel and which have been derived from municipal solid waste (MSW). The process comprises the steps of delivering a stream of mixed, MSW derived biomass material into a separator which operates under negative pressure enabling the biomass material to fall down the separator while inducing a sole air stream through the falling material to create a vortex of spinning material within the turbo chamber to separate out by centrifugal action selected denser components of the biomass material enabling such to continue falling to an outlet for collection while redirecting by entrainment in the air stream the remaining biomass material to a second outlet for subsequent processing or for collection.
US08051978B2	Contact lens storage container Disclosed is a container having a novel structure for storing contact lenses by which biofilm formation can be prevented at a high cost efficiency and from which lenses can be easily taken out. A container for storing contact lenses wherein the inner face of a dish-shaped storage chamber in a case is entirely made of a radius of curvature which is a smooth face with no irregularity and shows a continuous change, the inner face entirely comprises a smooth face with a surface roughness of 60 nm or less, and the solution capacity of the dish-shaped storage chamber is set to 3.8 mL or more.
US08051977B2	Hydrogen storage tank A hydrogen storage tank includes a tank main body, partition sections, and a hydrogen flow pipe. The hydrogen flow pipe prevents MH powder from passing through and permits hydrogen to pass through. The tank main body includes a hollow body portion having openings on opposite ends. Dome portions are joined to opening ends of the body portion. Partition sections are provided in the body portion so that first retaining chambers, which retain the MH powder, are defined in the body portion. Extended portions, which serve as second partition members, are provided in the dome portions to divide the space in the dome portions into second retaining chambers, which retain the MH powder.
US08051971B2	Apparatus and method for positioning articles, comprising multiple unloading operations per cycle The invention relates to an apparatus and method for positioning articles, comprising multiple unloading operations per cycle. The inventive apparatus comprises means for placing articles in housings that move along the length of a closed circuit provided with at least first and second drop sites through which the correctly oriented articles fall from each housing into a corresponding alignment conduit placed under and moving together with each housing. In addition compartments are positioned between the alignment conduits. According to the invention, transfer means transfer each article from a conduit to a compartment after said article has fallen through the first drop site, but before it has reached the second drop site. Subsequently, extraction means extract the correctly oriented and aligned articles from said conduits and compartments and transfer same to an outfeed conveyor.
US08051966B2	Overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly The overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly has two coaxial slipper rings and use one actuator to simultaneously uncouple the slipper rings and lock the clutch. Also, the actuator uses a pair of cam surfaces, and corresponding cam following surfaces to actively control freewheel and lock mode of the clutch. A tab cutout arrangement indexes the two slipper rings.
US08051964B2	Torque converter with cooling fluid flow arrangement and arrangement for torque transfer to a damper A torque converter including: a pump shell; a cover; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch fixed by contact with the cover and the pump shell. In some aspects, the backing plate is fixed by axial pressure exerted by the cover and the pump against the backing plate. A torque converter including: a plurality of components axially disposed between a pump shell and a cover; and a pump hub fixedly secured to the pump shell. The position of the pump hub with respect to the pump shell is selected to establish respective axial distances between components in the plurality of components. A torque converter including: turbine shell; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch, the backing plate rotationally connected to the turbine shell and forming a portion of a boundary between first and second pressure chambers.
US08051963B2	Motorcycle A motorcycle with a disk brake device and an anti-dip device for improving the external appearance of the front forks and for simplifying the fixing of the hoses. A single hose includes a hydraulic passage k extending from a secondary master cylinder and one end of the hose is connected to one opening of a three-way opening coupling fixed to the front forks. One end of a single hose is supported by the secondary master cylinder and the other end is supported by the three-way opening coupling. Thus the hose clamps may be omitted, the number of components is conspicuously reduced and the arrangement is simplified. In comparison to extending two hoses from the secondary master cylinder, only a single hose is extended according to the present invention. Thus, the handling of the hoses is simplified and the outer appearance near the front forks is improved.
US08051961B2	Magneto-rheological damper In a magneto-rheological variable damper (6), the piston (16) comprises an inner yoke (32), an outer yoke (31) concentrically surrounding the inner yoke and held in position by pair of end plates (33, 34) made of non-magnetic material and disposed on either axial end surfaces of the piston. The piston may be circumferentially surrounded by a piston cover (30) that may be made of non-magnetic material and serves a slide member that engages the inner circumferential surface of a cylinder (12). Alternatively, the end plates may serve as the slide member. In either case, the durability of the damper can be improved by using a wear resistant material for the slide member. In particular, the outer yoke may be made of material such as Permendur which has a high saturation magnetic flux density but a poor mechanical property. Thereby, the range of the damping force can be expanded. The slide member may be made of non-magnetic material having a favorable wear resistance such as austenite stainless steel and aluminum alloy. It is also possible to apply a plating or other surface processing to the sliding surface of the slide member to improve the wear resistance thereof.
US08051959B2	Controllable or selectable bi-directional overrunning coupling assembly An overrunning coupling assembly includes a control element mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of annular coupling members relative to a first set of pockets in the first member. The control element is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the first set of pockets without controlling the position of forward struts in a second set of pockets in the coupling face of the second member. The control element allows at least one of the reverse struts to engage at least one of a set of locking formations on the coupling face of the second coupling member in a first position of the control element. The control element maintains the reverse struts in their pockets in a second position of the control element.
US08051956B2	Driving device for a parking brake system A driving device for a parking brake system includes a casing shift member, a brake cable and a driving member. The casing shift member includes a cable casing. The brake cable is mounted through the cable casing. The driving member has a driving unit connected to and driving the casing shift member to perform a longitudinal motion. Thus the cable casing applies a force on the brake cable so as to perform a brake work. Because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing, the brake cable is only bent slightly. Thus the curvature of the brake cable is small. That prevents the brake cable from being damaged and prolongs a life span of the brake cable. Moreover, a mechanical efficiency of the driving device is improved because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing.
US08051953B2	Hydrogen cooled generator lubricant drain system A hydrogen cooled generator includes a lubricant drain system. The lubricant drain system includes a hydrogen detraining tank having a hollow interior portion. A sensor is operatively mounted in the hydrogen detraining tank. The sensor is configured and disposed to detect an interface zone between an amount of lubricant and an amount of hydrogen gas in the hollow interior portion. A drain line is fluidly coupled to the hydrogen detraining tank. The drain line includes a first end portion that is exposed in the hollow interior portion and a second end portion. A valve is mounted in the drain line. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and the valve. The controller is configured to selectively open the valve allowing a portion of the amount of lubricant to flow from the hollow interior portion when the interface zone is above the first end portion of the drain line.
US08051950B2	System for reducing acoustic energy A sound insulator, including an assembly of connected particles, wherein the connected particles include particles adjacent to one another that are adhered to one another. The particles that are adhered to one another include particles of random shapes and random sizes and having respective diameters falling within a range from about a quarter of a millimeter to about four millimeters. The particles that are adhered to one another are adhered such that they form a sound suppression blanket.
US08051949B2	Vehicle exhaust muffler A vehicle muffler, which is structured in a coiled fashion, has a tube extending through the circumferential wall. This tube is welded to the circumferential wall and fastened by mechanical deformation to a support wall of an inner insert piece.
US08051948B2	Silencer apparatus with disposable silencer cartridge unit A silencer apparatus for attenuating noise in gas flow systems. The apparatus generally includes a housing having an interior cavity and a gas flow inlet and outlet that are adapted to be connected to a passage such that a gas flowing through the passage enters and exits the cavity of the housing through the inlet and outlet, respectively. A silencer cartridge unit is removably disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and defines a gas flow path fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet of the housing. The silencer cartridge unit has at least one sound-attenuating element that surrounds the gas flow path. The housing is further equipped with a closure that sealingly closes a portion of the housing, and is releasable from the housing to provide an access opening through which the silencer cartridge unit can be removed. The apparatus can also be adapted to include a filtration medium.
US08051947B2	Energy absorbing thermoplastic elastomer The present invention relates to a method for vibration damping and noise reduction by using thermoplastic vulcanizate compositions and to multilayer structures for use in vibration damping and noise reduction applications comprising at least one polymeric layer made of a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition.
US08051946B1	Stethoscope shield device A stethoscope shield device for protecting a chestpiece of a stethoscope is provided. The chestpiece has a diaphragm side and a bell side. The stethoscope shield device comprises a support member for covering at least a portion of one of the sides of the chestpiece with the support member having a perimeter edge and constructed for retaining and maintaining a desired shape. A securing body is secured to the perimeter of the support member with the securing body having an aperture positionable about the chestpiece between the diaphragm side and the bell side. An elastic band encircles the aperture formed in the securing body wherein the elastic band releasably secures the stethoscope shield device to the stethoscope and maintains a snug, tight fit around the chestpiece of the stethoscope.
US08051941B2	Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail 4, and a rectangular frame 30 is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a plain washer and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the plain washer, and a step difference is formed between an upper surface of the plain washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. In such a way, the coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step difference.
US08051940B2	Hydraulic assist wheel end A steerable vehicle knuckle has an inboard portion defining upper and lower arms, with a kingpin between them, and has an outboard portion defining a spindle that cooperates with a fluid driven motor. The arms define a cavity where an axle end portion is pivotally received. Fluid supply ports, which supply fluid to energize the motor, are located on an upper surface of the knuckle's inboard portion. Fluid drain lines extend within the knuckle from the motor to the cavity and are utilized to drain fluid from the motor. The supply ports and drain lines are each connected to separate hoses formed in a small arc that follows closely the circular curvature of the kingpin. This arrangement of port, lines, and hoses is less expensive to produce, easier to package, more robust, allows for faster steering reaction, and is easier to assemble than conventional arrangements.
US08051939B2	Throttle control apparatus for a vehicle and vehicle incorporating same A throttle control apparatus includes a throttle control sleeve rotatably mounted on a handlebar of a vehicle, a throttle control housing fixed to the handlebar, and a throttle sensor unit housed in the throttle control housing. The throttle sensor unit is operable to detect a rotational angle of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle control housing is rotatably engaged with an outer periphery of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle sensor unit includes a rotary member having a spline hole formed therein, a fixed contact and a movable contact for detecting rotation of the rotary member. The throttle control sleeve and the throttle sensor unit are engaged with each other by spline fitting. A throttle return mechanism and the sensor unit are arranged in an overlapping manner in an axial direction. Handle switches are arranged on a vehicle body center side of the throttle control housing.
US08051935B2	Hovercraft and methods of manufacture and use of same An air-cushioned vehicle or hovercraft includes a three-dimensional frame comprising a latticework of tubular members. A pressure plate is coupled to the underside of the frame and includes at least one aperture therein and a skirt attached adjacent a periphery thereof. At least one lifting fan is positioned relative to the at least one aperture to generate a current of air therethrough. The frame may be configured to generate a visual indication of damage thereto. Methods of making and air-cushion vehicle are disclosed. Methods of using an air-cushion vehicle are also disclosed.
US08051934B2	Structure mounting an electricity storage pack on a vehicle There are included a side member formed to support a battery pack, and a rear bracket securing the battery pack to the side member. The rear bracket has one side pivotably coupled to the battery pack, and the other side pivotably coupled to the side member.
US08051931B2	Motorized traction device for a patient support A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.
US08051920B2	Impact drill An impact drill includes a housing having an accommodation chamber and a through hole extending from the accommodation chamber to the outside space, a driving mechanism mounted in the accommodation chamber and having a transmission shaft positioned in the through hole for providing an output torque and producing an impact force intermittently upon a resistance, the transmission shaft having a polygonal front segment extending out of the accommodation chamber, and a chuck unit, which has a drill chuck that has a connection barrel defining a polygonal coupling hole that is press-fitted onto the polygonal front segment of the transmission shaft and a first bearing mounted on the connection barrel and received in the through hole to secure the drill chuck to the housing.
US08051919B2	Fastening tool with automatic feeding of wire-collated fasteners A method for loading coil collated fasteners into a fastening tool. The method includes providing internal access to the fastening tool by moving a door structure and a portion of a canister to load the coil collated fasteners.
US08051917B2	Soil treatment apparatus A soil treatment apparatus has a plurality of tool units that have at least one bracket, at least one plunger tool and at least one stop for the plunger tool. The bracket with an end section on a chassis is driven up and down to pivot about a first pivoting axis. The plunger tool device is linked at another end section of the bracket to pivot about a second pivoting axis. The stop is formed such that plunging is carried out at a predefined plunging angle. To enable faster operating speeds, the first pivoting axis is provided behind the second pivoting axis as seen in a driving direction, and the plunger tool device is linked such that whenever the bracket is pivoted about the first pivoting axis it is subjected to a centrifugal force in a direction toward a position limited by the stop.
US08051916B2	Rear wheel drive assist for a wheel tractor scraper A rear wheel drive assist for a wheel tractor scraper, the wheel tractor scraper having a tractor portion with a power source operatively connected to the front driven wheels, and a rear, scraper portion having a bowl, work tool, and first and second rear wheels, the rear wheel drive assist includes a work tool pump fluidly connected to a work tool motor to drive the work tool, fluid operated drive motors operatively connected to the rear wheels, and a diverter valve selectively movable between a first position that delivers fluid flow from the pump to the work tool motor, and a second position that delivers fluid flow from the work tool pump to the rear wheel drive motors.
US08051910B2	Methods of inferring flow in a wellbore A method of inferring flow in a production string includes, monitoring pressure along a perforated production string, and inferring flow from the monitored pressure.
US08051909B2	Method and apparatus for positioning the proximal end of a tubular string above a spider Method and apparatus for handling a supported tubular string with a string elevator and a spider on a rig to prevent damaging contact between the string elevator and spider while facilitating further connections of add-on tubular segments. The string elevator and supported tubular string descend toward the spider until reaching a predetermined position. The process of setting the spider into engagement of the tubular string is automatically initiated in response to detecting the predetermined position of the string elevator. With the spider set, the string elevator can be unloaded. Optionally, the method may also automatically terminate the string elevator descent in response to detecting that the spider has been set. A preferred apparatus for detecting the position of the elevator includes a tilt switch secured to a fixed position along the length of the Kelly hose.
US08051903B2	Cooling and/or heating device A cooling and/or heating device (10, 60) for use in the cooling and/or heating of one or more units (8a to 8c) includes a conduit network containing flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70), with several circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38, 74 to 78) connected to the flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70). Valves (28, 88, 96) are located in each circuit and used to regulate or control the volumetric flow through the circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38; 74 to 78). A heat transfer medium or coolant circulates through the conduit network, with at least one consuming device disposed in each circuit. Sensors (38) are provided in each circuit (12a-12c; 32-38; 74-78), the sensors (38) sending signals to a control unit and forming part of a control circuit. The control unit adjusts the valves (28, 88, 96) of each circuit as a function of the signals transmitted from the sensors (38) so as to hydraulically balance the individual circuits.
US08051893B2	Liquid-cooled permanent chill mold for the continuous casting of metals A liquid-cooled permanent chill mold for the continuous casting of metals, including a permanent chill mold plate (2) made of copper or a copper alloy and an adapter plate (3), on which the permanent chill mold plates (2) are fastened via fastening bolts (12). The permanent chill mold plates (3) are coupled to the adapter plates (3) via sheet metal holders (19) situated in their top regions and base regions (20, 21), in addition to via the fastening bolts (12).
US08051890B2	Expandable gate An expandable gate is described which includes a top horizontal guide rod, a bottom horizontal guide rod and vertical bar members extending from the top guide rod to the bottom guide rod. Each of the bar members has a top guide rod slot and a bottom guide bar slot and the top guide rod extends through each of the top guide rod slots and the bottom guide rod extends through each of the bottom guide rod slots. The vertical bar members may slide horizontally on guide rod members between an open expanded position where the bars are spaced further apart from one another and a closed collapsed position where the bars are closer together. The bar members each have spring connection holes at spaced locations between said top guide rod slot and said bottom guide rod slot. Elongated flexible tension bar springs are provided which lie flat when no forces are applied to the springs. Each of the bar spring have a central opening and have an elongated upper end opening and an elongated lower end opening. The springs have overlapping ends are positioned between adjacent bar members. First connectors rigidly attach a central portion of each spring to a bar member. Second connectors slidingly attach an upper end portion and a lower end portion of each spring to a bar member and the springs urge the vertical bar members to move closer together to the collapsed closed position.
US08051883B2	Industrial container filling lance The industrial container filling lance is an elongate pipe having a hose connector allowing connection of a hose from a fluid source to the lance, a ball valve for regulating flow of fluid through the pipe, and a fill spout for delivery of the fluid to an industrial container. The lance is disposed atop a hinged slide clamp attached to a telescoping lance support assembly, which extends vertically from a pedestal base. The elongate locking handle, rotated in the open position, allows the lance to be swung upward away from a fill container, and alternatively allows the lance to be longitudinally positioned precisely over a container to be filled. The elongate locking handle can be rotated over the lance to prevent movement of the lance during the container filling procedure. A rotating lock collar on the support stand assembly secures the support height while allowing angular rotation of the lance.
US08051882B2	Tanker truck monitoring system A system and method is provided to monitor a tanker truck. The system includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors configured to detect an event. The system also includes a monitoring unit electrically coupled with the plurality of sensors to detect the event. The monitoring unit includes a processing unit, a time module, and a memory, and is operable to time stamp data about the sensed event with information from the time module and store the detected and time stamped event in the memory. The system further includes a handheld data terminal configured to communicate with the monitoring unit. The handheld data terminal is operable to retrieve and display the stored event, and includes a processing unit, a memory, a user interface, a time module, and a display.
US08051881B2	Metal retained tension tie tool A tool that installs a metal tie is disclosed. The tool includes a tension mechanism and a tension control system. The tension mechanism tensions the metal tie wrapped around a bundle. The tension control system measures the applied tie tension. The tension control system includes a load cell and a worm cushion that dampens the tension applied to the load cell. The tension mechanism includes a gear train with a worm gear and a worm that distribute the applied tension to the load cell. Once the desired tension has been achieved, the tension mechanism is de-energized and a ball set and cut-off mechanism is activated to set the ball in the metal tie head and to shear a portion of the tensioned metal tie.
US08051880B2	Reinforcing bar binding machine A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with: a main sleeve having a tip end on which a hook is pivotally mounted; a tip end shaft fitted in an inside of the main sleeve; a spiral screw groove formed on the tip end shaft; a fitting opening that penetrates from an outside to the inside of the main sleeve; a key fitted in the fitting opening and brought in mash engagement with the screw groove; a short sleeve provided on an outer periphery of the main sleeve and covering the key; and an engaging means formed on the short sleeve and controlling a rotation of the main sleeve.
US08051878B2	Magnetic valves for performing multi-dimensional assays using one microfluidic chip An apparatus for performing multi-dimensional assays using a microfluidic chip is presented. The apparatus comprises of two crossing series of micro-channels on the microfluidic chip. The apparatus further comprises of a plurality of magnetic valves placed at the crossings and a guiding magnet. When an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip, the guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves. At the first micro-channel crossing, a magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the first micro-channel, and another magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the second micro-channel at the first micro-channel crossing. Each magnetic valve comprises a magnetic bead and a cavity on the chip next to a corresponding micro-channel section.
US08051876B2	Pressure limiting valve with a hydraulic seal ring The invention relates to a pressure limiting valve with a hydraulic seal ring (12), characterized in that the sealing element (6), for securing the flow gap (10) between the consumer connection (3) and the pressurized fluid outlet (4), is embodied as a seal ring (12) with a limited flexibility. Said seal ring (12) is inserted without preload into a groove (13) provided therefore, whereby said groove (13) is embodied so as to allow the flow of pressurized fluid (11) behind the seal ring (12).
US08051867B2	Gable closure system for tents A tent and method of assembling a tent is provided. The tent includes a connecting strip for connecting first and second panels of a fabric shell of the tent. The connecting strip slides axially along sides of the adjacent panels during assembly to connect them together. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip and sides of the connected panels utilize cooperating keder strips and keder channels to cooperatingly connect the two panels. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip is flexible to permit using connecting strips that are longer than the legs of the tent.
US08051865B1	Canopy for umbrellas A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple umbrellas has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second umbrella. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of an umbrella so that the canopy system may be used with existing umbrellas and umbrellas not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.
US08051864B1	Portable blind decoy trekking pole A combination trekking pole and blind is disclosed. When in a collapsed configuration, the trekking pole facilitates a user traversing challenging terrain. The combination can quickly be expanded into a blind configuration with an expanding camouflaged umbrella arrangement for concealing the user from the view of hunted game.
US08051859B2	Formation and deposition of sputtered nanoscale particles in cigarette manufacture Nanoscale particles are formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter materials by physical vapor deposition. The nanoscale particles are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
US08051858B2	Method and apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.
US08051857B1	Combined tobacco leaf-rolled wrappers and packaging Combined tobacco leaf-rolled wrappers and packaging includes a water-impermeable carrying case with an open top end that is provided with a lid pivotally coupled to a longitudinal side thereof such that the lid covers the top end when articulated to a closed position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flexible and uniformly shaped tobacco leaves adapted to a rolled and tubular position and a mechanism for maintaining the rolled tobacco leaves in a sealed and air-tight condition while nested within the carrying case so that the rolled tobacco leaves are prevented from becoming saturated with humidity in ambient air.
US08051853B2	Method and apparatus for providing ventilatory assistance The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.
US08051850B2	Nasal dilator A nasal dilator includes a contact pad attachable to a user's facial region below the user's eye and outboard from the user's nose. A tugging device is coupled with the contact pad and urges the contact pad in a direction away from the user's nose. With this structure, effective dilation of the nasal passages can be achieved in a comfortable manner. The dilator may also be incorporated into a CPAP mask and/or form part of an automated control system.
US08051848B2	Toy gun A trigger sear is placed between a trigger and a bolt sear. The engagement between the bolt sear and a bolt is removed by pulling the trigger. The bolt makes reciprocating motion in the back and forth direction of the toy gun. While it reciprocates once, the bolt opens and closes a valve portion and fires off a bullet B. When the trigger is pulled, a stopper pawl and a driving pawl are engaged with a control plate having a ratchet gear structure. In conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the bolt, the driving pawl rotates and displaces the control plate in a forward direction. When the toy gun fires a predetermined number of bullets B, a sear bar is displaced. The sear bar moves the trigger sear and causes it to break away from the bolt sear.
US08051847B2	Gas intake control mechanism for toy gun A toy gun gas intake control mechanism includes a holder frame, an impact member having an elongated pivoted with its bottom end to the holder frame, a striking block, a pivot axle that pivotally connects the striking block to the top end of the elongated base and a spring member for revering the striking block, a retaining block supported on a spring member in the holder frame and having a retaining notch for retaining the outer end of the pivot axle. When firing a bullet, the bolt body of the toy gun moves forwards, the striking block strikes a seal member to open a gas inlet, and the pivot axle is moved out of the retaining notch of the retaining block for allowing upward displacement of the retaining block. When the bolt body moves backward after firing, the retaining block is forced downwards to the inside or the holder frame by the bolt body, the outer end of the pivot axle is engaged into the retaining notch, and the striking block is returned, causing the seal member to close the gas inlet again.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10