最新美国发明专利第2012-02-21期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08119551B2	Zeolite catalyst with deposited germanium, aluminum and platinum for aromatization of alkanes, process of making and process of using thereof The present invention is for a catalyst, a process for making the catalyst and a process for using the catalyst in aromatization of alkanes having three to five carbon atoms per molecule, such as propane, to aromatics, such as benzene, toluene and xylene. The catalyst is an aluminum-silicon zeolite having a silicon to aluminum atomic ratio (Si:Al) greater than 15:1, such as MFI or ZSM-5, on which germanium, aluminum and a noble metal, such as platinum, have been deposited. The catalyst may be bound with magnesia, alumina, titania, zirconia, thoria, silica, boria or mixtures thereof. The aluminum and germanium may be deposited simultaneously on the zeolite.
US08119550B2	Process for epoxidation and catalyst to be used therein The present invention relates to a process for treating a solid material containing at least one zeolite and being at least partly crystalline or treating a shaped body obtained from said solid material wherein said solid material or shaped body is brought in contact with a composition containing water after at least one of the following steps of an integrated process for producing a solid material or a shaped body containing at least one zeolite: (i) after step (II) of separating the at least partly crystalline solid material from its mother liquor or (ii) after step (S) of shaping said solid material into a shaped body or (iii) after a step (C) of calcining said solid material or said shaped body. The present invention furthermore relates to the solid material obtainable by the inventive process and the shaped body obtainable by the inventive process. The present invention also relates to the use of the solid material or the shaped body as mentioned above as a catalyst in chemical reactions, in particular in reactions of compounds containing at least one C-C double bond with at least one hydroperoxide.
US08119549B2	Consolidated fibrous structure A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core and a skin layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The skin layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% α-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% α-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The viscosity of the second polymer is not greater than about 10 percent of the viscosity of the first polymer measured at 170° C. At least a portion of the skin layers of the fibers in each fibrous layer are fused to at least a portion of other skin layers of fibers within the same fibrous layer, at least a portion of the skin layers of the fibers of each fibrous layer are fused with at least a portion of the skin layers of the fibers in an adjacent fibrous layer, and the stiffness of the consolidated fibrous structure is at least 1 N-m. A fibrous layer is also described.
US08119548B2	Nanosilver as a biocide in building materials Nanosilver for use as a biocide in coated fibrous substrate facers and other construction and/or building substrates, for protection against bacteria (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi, molds, algae and other bio-organisms known to deface and/or adversely affect such building materials. Facers referred to are commonly used in the construction industry as exposed surfaces for insulation and sheathing boards.
US08119546B2	Array substrate, method of manufacturing the same and method of crystallizing silicon An array substrate includes a base substrate, a switching element, and a pixel electrode. The switching element is on the base substrate. The switching element includes a poly silicon pattern having at least one block. Grains are formed in each of the at least one block that are extended in a plurality of directions. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the switching element. Therefore, current mobility and design margin of the switching element are improved.
US08119545B2	Forming a silicon nitride film by plasma CVD Provided is a plasma CVD device. In the plasma CVD device, in producing a silicon nitride film while controlling the size of a band gap by CVD, microwaves are introduced into a treatment vessel by a flat antenna having a plurality of holes. The plasma CVD is carried out under a given treatment pressure selected from a pressure range of not less than 0.1 Pa and not more than 1333 Pa at a flow ratio between a silicon-containing compound gas and a nitrogen gas (silicon-containing compound gas flow rate/nitrogen gas flow rate) selected from a range of not less than 0.005 and not more than 0.2, whereby the Si/N ratio in the film is controlled to form a silicon nitride film having a band gap size of not less than 2.5 eV and not more than 7 eV.
US08119541B2	Modulation of stress in stress film through ion implantation and its application in stress memorization technique Some example embodiments of the invention provide a method to improve the performance of MOS devices by increasing the stress in the channel region. An example embodiment for a NMOS transistor is to form a tensile stress layer over a NMOS transistor. A heavy ion implantation is performed into the stress layer and then an anneal is performed. This increases the amount of stress from the stress layer that the gate retains/memorizes thereby increasing device performance.
US08119538B1	Oxide formation in a plasma process A method of making a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes forming a dielectric layer using a high density plasma oxidation process. The dielectric layer is on a storage layer and the thickness of the storage layer is reduced during the high density plasma oxidation process.
US08119533B2	Pattern formation in semiconductor fabrication Provided is a semiconductor device. The device includes a substrate having a photo acid generator (PAG) layer on the substrate. The PAG layer is exposed to radiation. A photoresist layer is formed on the exposed PAG layer. The exposed PAG layer generates an acid. The acid decomposes a portion of the formed photoresist layer. In one embodiment, the PAG layer includes organic BARC. The decomposed portion of the photoresist layer may be used as a masking element.
US08119532B2	Inductively coupled dual zone processing chamber with single planar antenna A dual zone plasma processing chamber is provided. The plasma processing chamber includes a first substrate support having a first support surface adapted to support a first substrate within the processing chamber and a second substrate support having a second support surface adapted to support a second substrate within the processing chamber. One or more gas sources in fluid communication with one or more gas distribution members supply process gas to a first zone adjacent to the first substrate support and a second zone adjacent to the second substrate support. A radio-frequency (RF) antenna adapted to inductively couple RF energy into the interior of the processing chamber and energize the process gas into a plasma state in the first and second zones. The antenna is located between the first substrate support and the second substrate support.
US08119531B1	Mask and etch process for pattern assembly A method of forming a trench is provided that includes providing a stack having a semiconductor layer or dielectric layer, a metal nitride layer, a leveling layer, and a first mask layer. First trenches are etched through the first mask layer and the leveling layer. The first mask layer is removed. A second mask layer is formed on the leveling layer. Second trenches are formed through the second mask layer, wherein the base of the second trenches do not extend through the metal nitride layer. The second mask layer is removed. Exposed portions of the metal nitride layer are etched selectively to the semiconductor layer and remaining portions of the leveling layer to extend the first trenches and the second trenches into contact with an upper surface of the semiconductor layer.
US08119530B2	Pattern forming method and semiconductor device manufacturing method A pattern forming method includes preparing a target object including silicon with an initial pattern formed thereon and having a first line width; performing a plasma oxidation process on the silicon surface inside a process chamber of a plasma processing apparatus and thereby forming a silicon oxide film on a surface of the initial pattern; and removing the silicon oxide film. The pattern forming method is arranged to repeatedly perform formation of the silicon oxide film and removal of the silicon oxide film so as to form an objective pattern having a second line width finer than the first line width on the target object.
US08119529B2	Method for chemical mechanical polishing a substrate A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate, comprising: providing a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises silicon dioxide; providing a chemical mechanical polishing composition, wherein the chemical mechanical polishing composition comprises: water, an abrasive; a diquaternary cation according to formula (I); and optionally a quaternary alkylammonium compound; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad; creating dynamic contact at an interface between the chemical mechanical polishing pad and the substrate; and dispensing the chemical mechanical polishing composition onto the chemical mechanical polishing pad at or near the interface between the chemical mechanical polishing pad and the substrate; wherein the chemical mechanical polishing composition has a pH of 2 to 6; wherein the chemical mechanical polishing composition exhibits a silicon dioxide removal rate of at least 1,500 Å/min.
US08119527B1	Depositing tungsten into high aspect ratio features Methods of filling high aspect ratio features provided on partially manufactured semiconductor substrates with tungsten-containing materials are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods include partial filling a high aspect ratio feature with a layer of tungsten-containing materials and selective removal of the partially filled materials from the feature cavity. Substrates processed using these methods have improved step coverage of the tungsten-containing materials filled into the high aspect ratio features and reduced seam sizes.
US08119516B2	Bump structure formed from using removable mandrel A method for forming a bump structure and a bump structure for conductive interconnection with another element having at least one of microelectronic devices or wiring thereon, used as an electric connection in an electronic circuit, includes the steps of forming a mandrel by steps including forming at least one opening extending through a bump-forming die body in the thickness direction thereof and positioning a bump-forming die lid on a surface of the bump-forming die body so as to cover one end of the opening and to thereby define a bump-forming recess. The bump-forming die body may be comprised of a metal sheet. A metal layer is formed at least on an inner surface of the bump-forming die lid exposed within the bump-forming recess. The mandrel is removed so as to expose the metal layer and form a bump structure.
US08119515B2	Bonding pad for anti-peeling property and method for fabricating the same A bonding pad includes a conductive layer formed over an insulation layer, and a dummy pattern penetrating the insulation layer and stuck in the conductive layer, wherein a bonding process is performed.
US08119512B1	Method for fabricating semiconductor device with damascene bit line A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer dielectric layer over a substrate; forming a dual storage node contact plug to be buried in the interlayer dielectric layer, forming a first damascene pattern to isolate the dual storage node contact plug, forming a protective layer pattern inside the first damascene pattern, etching the interlayer dielectric layer to form a second damascene pattern to be coupled to the first damascene pattern, and forming bit lines inside the first and second damascene patterns.
US08119509B2	Method of manufacturing high-integrated semiconductor device and semiconductor device manufactured using the same A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of vertical transistors each comprising barrier metal layers corresponding to source/drain regions in which a conduction region is formed under a channel region having a pillar form, and a bit line comprising a metal layer to connect the plurality of vertical transistors.
US08119507B2	Lateral double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors Methods of making, structures, devices, and/or applications for lateral double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors are disclosed. In one embodiment, an LDMOS transistor can include: (i) an n-doped deep n-well (DNW) region on a substrate; (ii) a gate oxide and a drain oxide between a source region and a drain region of the LDMOS transistor, the gate oxide being adjacent to the source region, the drain oxide being adjacent to the drain region; (iii) a conductive gate over the gate oxide and a portion of the drain oxide; (iv) a p-doped p-body region in the source region; (v) an n-doped drain region in the drain region; (vi) a first n-doped n+ region and a p-doped p+ region adjacent thereto in the p-doped p-body region of the source region; and (vii) a second n-doped n+ region in the drain region.
US08119504B2	Method for transferring a nano material from a substrate to another substrate A method for transferring a nano material formed on a first substrate through deposition techniques to a second substrate, includes: (A) contacting the second substrate with a free end of the nano material on the first substrate; (B) heating the first substrate so that heat is conducted substantially from the first substrate through the nano material to the second substrate to soften a contact portion of a surface of the second substrate that is in contact with the free end of the nano material; (C) after step (B), cooling the second substrate so as to permit hardening of the contact portion of the surface of the second substrate and solid bonding of the nano material to the second substrate; and (D) after step (C), removing the first substrate from the nano material.
US08119499B2	Semiconductor substrate fabrication by etching of a peeling layer A semiconductor substrate fabrication method according to the first aspect of this invention is characterized by including a preparation step of preparing an underlying substrate, a stacking step of stacking, on the underlying substrate, at least two multilayered films each including a peeling layer and a semiconductor layer, and a separation step of separating the semiconductor layer.
US08119496B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A thin semiconductor wafer, on which a top surface structure and a bottom surface structure that form a semiconductor chip are formed, is affixed to a supporting substrate by a double-sided adhesive tape. Then, on the thin semiconductor wafer, a trench to become a scribing line is formed by wet anisotropic etching with a crystal face exposed so as to form a side wall of the trench. On the side wall of the trench with the crystal face thus exposed, an isolation layer for holding a reverse breakdown voltage is formed by ion implantation and low temperature annealing or laser annealing so as to be extended to the top surface side while being in contact with a p collector region as a bottom surface diffused layer. Then, laser dicing is carried out to neatly dice a collector electrode, formed on the p collector region, together with the p collector region, without presenting any excessive portions and any insufficient portions under the isolation layer. Thereafter, the double-sided adhesive tape is removed from the collector electrode to produce semiconductor chips. A highly reliable reverse-blocking semiconductor device can thus be formed at a low cost.
US08119494B1	Defect-free hetero-epitaxy of lattice mismatched semiconductors A method includes providing a semiconductor substrate formed of a first semiconductor material; and forming a plurality of insulation regions over at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate, with a plurality of trenches separating the plurality of insulation regions apart from each other. A first epitaxial growth is performed to epitaxially grow a plurality of semiconductor regions in the plurality of trenches, wherein (111) facets are formed and exposed during the step of the first epitaxial growth. When the (111) facets of neighboring ones of the plurality of semiconductor regions touch each other, a second epitaxial growth is performed to continue grow the plurality of semiconductor regions to form (100) planes between the neighboring ones of the plurality of semiconductor regions.
US08119492B2	Dissolving precipates in alloy material in capacitor structure A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a bottom electrode material layer containing aluminum and cupper over the substrate. An insulating material layer and a top electrode material layer are sequentially formed on the surface of the bottom electrode material layer. A photoresist pattern is formed on the top electrode material layer, and then the top electrode material layer is patterned to form a top electrode by using the photoresist pattern as mask. The photoresist pattern is removed by plasma ash and then an alloy process is performed to the bottom electrode material layer. Thereafter, the insulating material layer, and the bottom electrode material layer are patterned to form a patterned insulating layer and a patterned bottom electrode layer.
US08119483B2	Methods of forming memory cells Some embodiments include methods of utilizing polysilazane in forming non-volatile memory cells. The memory cells may be multi-level cells (MLCs). The polysilazane may be converted to silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, or silicon oxynitride with thermal processing and exposure to an ambient that contains one or both of oxygen and nitrogen. The methods may include using the polysilazane in forming a charge trapping layer of a non-volatile memory cell. The methods may alternatively, or additionally include using the polysilazane in forming intergate dielectric material of a non-volatile memory cell. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells of a NAND memory array.
US08119482B2	MOSFET using gate work function engineering for switching applications This invention discloses a new MOSFET device. The MOSFET device has an improved operation characteristic achieved by manufacturing a MOSFET with a higher gate work function by implementing a P-doped gate in an N-MOSFET device. The P-type gate increases the threshold voltage and shifts the C-Vds characteristics. The reduced Cgd thus achieves the purpose of suppressing the shoot through and resolve the difficulties discussed above. Unlike the conventional techniques, the reduction of the capacitance Cgd is achieved without requiring complicated fabrication processes and control of the recess electrode.
US08119478B2	Multi-bit phase-change random access memory (PRAM) with diameter-controlled contacts and methods of fabricating and programming the same A phase-change random-access memory (PRAM) device includes a chalcogenide element, the chalcogenide element comprising a material which can assume a crystalline state or an amorphous state upon application of a heating current. A first contact is connected to a first region of the chalcogenide element and has a first cross-sectional area. A second contact is connected to a second region of the chalcogenide element and having a second cross-sectional area. A first programmable volume of the chalcogenide material is defined in the first region of the chalcogenide element, a state of the first programmable volume being programmable according to a resistance associated with the first contact. A second programmable volume of the chalcogenide material is defined in the second region of the chalcogenide element, a state of the second programmable volume being programmable according to a second resistance associated with the second contact.
US08119475B2	Method of forming gate of semiconductor device A method of forming a gate of a semiconductor device comprising providing a semiconductor substrate over which a gate insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductive layer are sequentially formed, the semiconductor substrate defining gate line regions; removing he second conductive layer between gate line regions; removing the dielectric layer so that a top surface of the first conductive layer between the gate line regions is exposed; performing a first etch process in order to lower a height of the first conductive layer between the gate line region; removing he dielectric layer between the gate line regions; and, performing a second etch process in order to remove the first conductive layer between the gate line regions.
US08119473B2	High temperature anneal for aluminum surface protection The present disclosure also provides another embodiment of a method for making metal gate stacks. The method includes forming a first dummy gate and a second dummy gate on a substrate; removing a polysilicon layer from the first dummy gate, resulting in a first gate trench; forming a first metal layer and a first aluminum layer in the first gate trench; applying a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process to the substrate; performing an annealing process to the first aluminum layer using a nitrogen and oxygen containing gas, forming an interfacial layer of aluminum, nitrogen and oxygen on the first aluminum layer; thereafter removing the polysilicon layer from the second dummy gate, resulting in a second gate trench; and forming a second metal layer and a second aluminum layer on the second metal layer in the second gate trench.
US08119472B2	Silicon device on Si:C SOI and SiGe and method of manufacture A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing is provided. The method of manufacturing includes forming shallow trench isolation (STI) in a substrate and providing a first material and a second material on the substrate. The first material and the second material are mixed into the substrate by a thermal anneal process to form a first island and second island at an nFET region and a pFET region, respectively. A layer of different material is formed on the first island and the second island. The STI relaxes and facilitates the relaxation of the first island and the second island. The first material may be deposited or grown Ge material and the second material may deposited or grown Si:C or C. A strained Si layer is formed on at least one of the first island and the second island.
US08119471B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a vertical double-diffusedmetal-oxide-semiconductor (VDMOS) transistor includes preparing a semiconductor substrate and injecting a first impurity of a second conductivity type to a first region, injecting a second impurity to a second region that is located inside and is narrower than the first region, and forming an epitaxial layer on the semiconductor substrate and forming the semiconductor layer constituted by the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer, and at a same time, diffusing the first and the second impurities injected in a first impurity injection and a second impurity injection to form a buried layer of the second conductivity type.
US08119470B2	Mitigation of gate to contact capacitance in CMOS flow Sidewall spacers that are primarily oxide, instead of nitride, are formed adjacent to a gate stack of a CMOS transistor. Individual sidewall spacers are situated between a conductive gate electrode of the gate stack and a conductive contact of the transistor. As such, a capacitance can develop between the gate electrode and the contact, depending on the dielectric constant of the interposed sidewall spacer. Accordingly, forming sidewall spacers out of oxide, which has a lower dielectric constant than nitride, mitigates capacitance that can otherwise develop between these features. Such capacitance is undesirable, at least, because it can inhibit transistor switching speeds. Accordingly, fashioning sidewall spacers as described herein can mitigate yield loss by reducing the number of devices that have unsatisfactory switching speeds and/or other undesirable performance characteristics.
US08119469B2	Method of fabricating polycrystalline silicon thin film for improving crystallization characteristics and method of fabricating liquid crystal display device using the same A crystallization method of an amorphous semiconductor layer includes providing an amorphous semiconductor layer having a first thickness, crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor layer in a first direction, partially reducing the crystallized semiconductor layer to a second thickness less than the first thickness and crystallizing the etched semiconductor layer in a second direction.
US08119462B2	Method for forming conductive film, thin-film transistor, panel with thin-film transistor, and method for manufacturing thin-film transistor A conductive film having high adhesion and low specific resistance is formed. A target containing copper as a main component is sputtered in vacuum ambience while an oxygen gas introduced, and then, a conductive film containing copper as a main component and additive metals, such as Ti or Zr, is formed. Such a conductive film has high adhesion to a silicon layer and a glass substrate and is hardly peeled off from the substrate. Furthermore, the specific resistance is low and the contact resistance to a transparent conductive film is also low. Thus, no deterioration in the electric characteristics occurs even when the conductive film is used for an electrode film. Accordingly, the conductive film formed by the present invention suited for TFT, and electrode films and barrier films of semiconductor elements, in particular.
US08119456B2	Bond pad for wafer and package for CMOS imager An electronic packaging having at least one bond pad positioned on a chip for effectuating through-wafer connections to an integrated circuit. The electronic package is equipped with an edge seat between the bond pad region and an active circuit region, and includes a crack stop, which is adapted to protect the arrangement from the entry of deleterious moisture and combination into the active regions of the chip containing the bond pads.
US08119454B2	Manufacturing fan-out wafer level packaging Fan-out wafer level packaging includes an integrated circuit having a top surface, a bottom surface and a bond pad defined on the top surface, and a substrate having a cavity. An adhesive layer is positioned between a top surface of the cavity and the bottom surface of the integrated circuit, and a bump is positioned proximate a top surface of the fan-out wafer level packaging, the bump spaced apart from the integrated circuit. A redistribution layer is configured to electrically couple the bond pad of the integrated circuit to the bump.
US08119453B2	Chip-size-package semiconductor chip and manufacturing method A method of manufacturing semiconductor chips includes preparing a semiconductor substrate having on its front side a plurality of chip forming areas; sticking a support to the front surface of the substrate via an adhesive sheet; forming through holes extending from the back surface of the substrate; forming a groove along each of boundaries between the chip forming areas, the groove extending from the back surface of the substrate through the adhesive sheet to the support to expose cross-sections of the adhesive sheet; forming an insulating film over the back surface so as to cover side walls of the through holes and the cross-sections of the adhesive sheet; and dicing the substrate along the grooves with the insulating film remaining.
US08119450B2	Interconnecting a chip and a substrate by bonding pure metal bumps and pure metal spots A method for forming metallurgical interconnections and polymer adhesion of a flip chip to a substrate includes providing a chip having a set of bumps formed on a bump side thereof and a substrate having a set of interconnect points on a metallization thereon, providing a measured quantity of a polymer adhesive in a middle region of the chip on the bump side, aligning the chip with the substrate so that the set of bumps aligns with the set of interconnect points, pressing the chip and the substrate toward one another so that a portion of the polymer adhesive contacts the substrate and the bumps contact the interconnect points, and heating the bumps to a temperature sufficiently high to form a metallurgical connection between the bumps and the interconnect points. Also, a flip chip package is made by the method. The metallurgical connection includes an alloy of gold and tin at the interface between the bumps and the interconnect points.
US08119447B2	Integrated circuit packaging system with through via die having pedestal and recess and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a structure having a via filled with conductive material completely through the structure, a recess, and a pedestal portion bordering the recess; mounting a semiconductor device inside the recess in the structure; and encapsulating the structure and the semiconductor device in an encapsulation.
US08119443B2	Method of manufacturing image sensor having ions implanted into photodiode layer to control contact hole shape Provided is a method in which a photodiode layer is formed on a metal interconnection layer, and a hard mask layer is formed on the photodiode layer. Then, a photoresist pattern is formed on the hard mask layer to define a contact hole region, and a first hole is formed in the hard mask layer through an etching process. Next, an ion implantation etching layer is formed in the photodiode layer using the photoresist pattern as an ion implantation mask, and a second hole is formed by etching the ion implantation etching layer. A third hole is formed to expose the metal interconnection by etching a region of the metal interconnection layer corresponding to the second hole.
US08119441B2	Method for manufacturing a solar cell A method for manufacturing a solar cell comprises disposing a first doping layer on a substrate, forming a first doping layer pattern by patterning the first doping layer to expose a portion of the substrate, disposing a second doping layer on the first doping layer pattern to cover the exposed portion of the substrate, diffusing an impurity from the first doping layer pattern which forms a first doping region in a surface of the substrate, and diffusing an impurity from the second doping layer which forms a second doping region in the surface of the substrate, wherein the forming of the first doping layer pattern uses an etching paste.
US08119436B2	Image sensor having optical waveguide structure and method for manufacturing the same An image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The image sensor can include a semiconductor substrate that includes photodiodes arranged for each unit pixel; an interlayer dielectric layer and metal wirings disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and a photorefractive unit that is formed on the periphery of an optical path incident on the photodiodes. The photorefractive unit has a lower refractive index than the interlayer dielectric layer. The slantly incident light can be incident on the photodiodes, while maintaining the slanted optical path as it is. The light sensitivity of the photodiodes can be improved, thereby improving image quality.
US08119430B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor nanowire sensor device and semiconductor nanowire sensor device manufactured according to the method Provided are a method of manufacturing a semiconductor nanowire sensor device and a semiconductor nanowire sensor device manufactured according to the method. The method includes preparing a first conductive type single crystal semiconductor substrate, forming a line-shaped first conductive type single crystal pattern from the first conductive type single crystal semiconductor substrate, forming second conductive type epitaxial patterns on both sidewalls of the first conductive type single crystal pattern, and forming source and drain electrodes at both ends of the second conductive type epitaxial patterns.
US08119426B2	Method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer semiconductor device A manufacturing yield of a semiconductor device (capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer) is increased. A plurality of first chips 1 in which a plurality of cells each having functions of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are formed on a front surface of a first semiconductor wafer are manufactured, and each of the first chips 1 is judged as a superior/inferior product, and then, the first semiconductor wafer is sigulated into a plurality of first chips 1. Next, a plurality of second chips 2 in which a wiring layer is formed on a front surface of a second semiconductor wafer are manufactured, and each of the second chips 2 is judged as a superior/inferior product, and then, the second semiconductor wafer is sigulated into a plurality of second chips 2. Next, the plurality of first chips 1 judged as the superior product are adjacently arranged on the front surface of the second chip 2 judged as the superior product in plane in a Y direction so that lower electrodes 5 of the adjacent first chips 1 are electrically connected with each other via a through electrode 6, a bump 8, and a wiring layer 7.
US08119425B2	Method of forming magnetic memory device There are provided a magnetic memory device and a method of forming the magnetic memory device. The method of forming the magnetic memory device includes sequentially forming a first magnetic conductor, a tunnel barrier layer, and a second magnetic conductor on a substrate, forming a mask pattern on the second magnetic conductor, performing a primary etching of the second magnetic conductor by using the mask pattern as an etching mask, forming at least one spacer on sidewalls of the second magnetic conductor formed by the primary etching, and performing a secondary etching of the first magnetic conductor by using the mask pattern and the at least one spacers as an etching mask.
US08119424B2	Electronic device including a magneto-resistive memory device and a process for forming the electronic device A process of forming an electronic device can include forming a stack including a tunnel barrier layer. The tunnel barrier layer can have a ratio of the metal atoms to oxygen atoms of greater than a stoichiometric ratio, wherein the ratio has a particular value. The process can also include forming a gettering layer having a composition capable of gettering oxygen, and depositing an insulating layer over the gettering layer. The process can further include exposing the insulating layer to a temperature of at least approximately 60° C. In one embodiment, after such exposure, a portion of the gettering layer is converted to an insulating material. In another embodiment, an electronic device can include a magnetic tunnel junction and an adjacent insulating layer lying within an opening in another insulating layer.
US08119422B2	Stable acridinium esters with fast light emission Chemiluminescent acridinium esters are provided which are fast light emitting and hydrolytically stable. The chemiluminescent acridinium esters are useful labels in assays for detecting or quantifying analytes.
US08119418B2	Monitoring treatment of colorectal cancer patients with drugs targeting EGFR pathway using mass spectrometry of patient samples Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.
US08119417B2	Monitoring treatment of head and neck cancer patients with drugs EGFR pathway using mass spectrometry of patient samples Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.
US08119412B2	Kinetic determination of peracid and/or peroxide concentrations A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. Response data obtained by the detector is indicative of the optical absorbance of the sample mixture as a function of time. A processor analyzes the response data to determine a corresponding best fit linear relationship. The initial absorbance of the sample mixture is indicative of the concentration of peracid in the use composition, while the slope of the best fit equation is indicative of the concentration of peroxide in the use composition.
US08119410B2	Apoptosis modulator Bcl-B and methods for making and using same A novel human member of the Bcl-2 family Bcl-B has been identified, which is closest in amino-acid sequence homology to the Boo (Diva) protein. The Bcl-B protein is widely expressed in adult human tissues. The Bcl-B protein modulates apoptosis. Bcl-B also binds Bcl-2, BCl-XL, and Bax but not Bak. Bcl-B displays a unique pattern of selectivity for binding and regulating the function of other members of the Bcl-2 family.
US08119409B2	Mercury ionic gas standard generator for a continuous emissions monitoring system A mercury ionic gas standard generator for use in the continuous emissions monitoring of exhaust flue gas streams is disclosed. More specifically, the mercury ionic gas standard generator uses a reservoir being coated with an inert silicon-based coating for transporting a volume of an aqueous ionic mercury solution to a liquid mass flow controller and vaporizer.
US08119407B2	Hemoglobin based bilirubin reference material What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.
US08119404B2	Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and nucleic acids and methods for making and using them The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.
US08119401B2	IL-10 gene transfer to peripheral mononuclear cells The present invention to methods for producing mononuclear cells overexpressing IL-10. The method comprises the ex vivo introduction of an expression construct comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having IL-10 activity into peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a subject. The thus obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells have an altered phenotype as a result of the expression of an introduced IL-10 transgene. In particular the invention relates to CD4+ T cells that functionally behave as regulatory T cells as a result of the expression of an IL-10 transgene. The IL-10 transgenic mononuclear cells may be used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, particularly T helper 1-mediated inflammatory diseases.
US08119400B2	Methods of inhibiting smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation In particular embodiments, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting smooth muscle cell responses and methods of treating or preventing vascular proliferative disease caused by smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. More specifically, smooth muscle cell responses are inhibited by introducing an agent into smooth muscle cells, wherein the agent inhibits an activity of one or more members of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) family of proteins. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting expression of one or more genes encoding a member of the MARCKS family of proteins in a cell.
US08119397B2	Therapeutic agents and therapeutic methods for treating injured tissue This invention provides therapeutic agents, transplants and therapeutic methods that can enhance the regeneration of injured tissue. This invention relates to agents, transplants and therapeutic methods for enhancing the migration and accumulation of mesenchymal stem cells in injured tissues and/or suppressing the diffusion of mesenchymal stem cells from injured tissues.
US08119396B2	Recombinant adenoviral vectors and applications thereof Recombinant adenoviruses or pseudoviruses having a deletion of all or part of the region of the adenovirus genome corresponding to nucleotides 311 to 499 in canine adenovirus type 2 (GeneBank J04368). Therapeutic methods of using the recombinant adenovirus or pseudovirus.
US08119393B2	Membrane array and analytical device A membrane array used to detect one or more analytes from a small sample of fluid with high sensitivity is provided. The membrane array can be employed in various analytical devices and is especially useful for identifying analytes from whole blood with minimal or negligible background interference.
US08119389B2	Rhodococcus erythropolis strain The present invention relates to a process for preparing (2R,3S)-1-halo-2-hydroxy-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted butane comprising contacting a mutagenized Rhodococcus erythropolis having ATCC deposit no. PTA-6648 with (3S)-1-halo-2-oxo-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted butane substrate. The present invention also relates to a process comprising mixing (2R,3S)-1-halo-2-hydroxy-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted butane with at least one base in the presence of at least one solvent to produce a reaction mixture containing (2R,3S)-1,2-epoxy-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted butane. The present invention further relates to a process comprising crystallizing the (2R,3S)-1,2-epoxy-3-(protected)amino-4-substituted butane out of the reaction mixture by concurrently adding water and the reaction mixture together. The present invention is also directed to a mutagenized Rhodococcus erythropolis having ATCC deposit no. PTA-6648.
US08119388B2	Non-tumorigenic MDCK cell line for propagating viruses The present invention provides novel MDCK-derived adherent non-tumorigenic cell lines that can be grown in the presence or absence of serum. The cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of vaccine material (e.g., viruses). More specifically, the cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of influenza viruses in general and ca/ts influenza viruses in particular. The invention further provides methods and media formulations for the adaptation and cultivation of MDCK cells such that they remain non-tumorigenic. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for the production of vaccine material (e.g., influenza virus) in the novel cell lines of the invention.
US08119387B2	Polypeptides of strain Bacillus sp. P203 A new strain Bacillus sp. P203 (Bacillus plakortiensis) is disclosed. Isolated mature functional polypeptide which is obtainable from the bacterium strain Bacillus sp. P203 deposited under accession number DSM 17419 are disclosed.
US08119384B2	Process for producing a starch hydrolyzate The present invention relates to processes for producing a starch hydrolyzate and optionally a fermentation product, such as ethanol.
US08119383B2	Glycosidase enzymes A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.
US08119382B2	Variant of KpnI restriction endonuclease Methods are provided for making restriction endonucleases with reduced star activity by one or more targeted mutations to a catalytic site within the restriction endonuclease. Examples of modifications to restriction endonucleases with significant sequence identity with KpnI are provided and reduced star activity demonstrated.
US08119376B2	Method for the production of lactic acid or a salt thereof by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch The present invention pertains to a method for the production of lactic acid or a salt thereof wherein starch is subjected to a process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, the method comprising saccharifying starch in a medium comprising at least a glucoamylase and simultaneously fermenting the starch using a microorganism, and optionally isolating lactic acid from the medium, characterized in that a moderately thermophilic lactic acid-producing microorganism is used. The invention further relates to a method of performing said process in the presence of a moderately thermophilic lactic acid producing microorganism, which has been adapted to have its maximum performance at the working pH.
US08119365B2	Insertion sequence-free bacteria A bacteria lacking genomic and non-genomic IS elements is provided. The bacteria may be more stable and useful for the production of amino acids, polypeptides, nucleic acids and other products.
US08119359B2	Methods of indentifying sweet taste modulators Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell.
US08119354B2	Cell-free assay product and method of use thereof for measuring activity of frizzled receptors The present invention relates to cell free assays for measuring receptor activity, especially for measuring a constitutive or a non-constitutive activity of frizzled re-ceptors and uses thereof. The present invention further concerns a method for measuring a constitutive or non-constitutive activity of a frizzled receptor and a method for obtaining an active frizzled receptor ligand.
US08119352B2	Multi-stage amplification reactions by control of sequence replication times The present invention provides methods and kits for conducting multiplex nucleic acid amplification reactions by controlling target sequence replication times. In one aspect, such control is exerted by selecting different lengths of target polynucleotides for amplification. In another aspect, control is exerted by providing sequence-specific polymerase inhibitors, such as specific blocking oligonucleotides. In accordance with the invention, multiple target polynucleotides can be sequentially amplified in an amplification reaction conducted in different stages, wherein amplification of sequences with longer replication times is permitted in one stage but precluded in other stages by modifying polymerase extension times in the course of the reaction.
US08119350B2	Method of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to detect genomic aberrations in patients with multiple myeloma The present invention discloses using SPR technology to detect MM related genomic imbalances in bone marrow samples. An efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of DNA markers used for the identification of MM related genomic imbalances in bone marrow samples is also disclosed.
US08119344B2	Mutation in the regulatory region of GJB2 mediates neonatal hearing loss within DFNB1 Homozygous alterations in the gap junction protein GJB2 (connexin 26), within the DFNB1 locus, are responsible for up to 50% of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI). Analysis of the GJB2 promoter revealed the potential importance of T-228C in the regulation of GJB2 expression. Of regulatory factors known to be expressed in the inner ear, the T-228C transition would delete potential binding sites for the X-box binding protein (RFX1) and the H6 homeobox 3 (HMX3/Nk×5.1) transcription factor which has been linked to hearing impairment. These results suggest that T-228C may represent the most common mutation associated with development of NSHI in Caucasian populations identified to date and should be included in worldwide newborn screening programs for NSHI.
US08119338B2	Methods and compositions for detecting rhinoviruses The invention provides methods and compositions for rapid, sensitive, and highly specific nucleic acid-based (e.g., DNA based) detection of human rhinovirus (HRV) in a sample. In general, the methods involve detecting a target nucleic acid having a target sequence of a conserved 5′ untranslated region of the HRV genome. The invention also features compositions, including primers, probes, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US08119335B2	Methods and apparatus for selective, oxidative patterning of a surface The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selectively patterning surfaces using radical species generated with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst may comprise a photocatalytic semiconductor or a photosensitizer. The radical species are brought into contact with an oxidizable coating disposed on the surface, thereby locally oxidizing and selectively patterning the surface. The photocatalyst is preferably disposed on a delivery device, such as a stamp, mask, or scanning probe, that is brought into close proximity or contact with the coated surface. The photocatalyst is then excited in a manner capable of generating radical species, for example, oxygen-containing radical species, in appropriate media. It is expected that these radical species will be transferred to the coated surface along a substantially shortest distance path, thereby locally oxidizing and patterning the surface.
US08119334B2	Method of making a semiconductor device using negative photoresist Negative photoresist over an insulating layer is exposed to radiation according to a pattern for an opening in the insulating layer for filling conductive material. A post of the negative photoresist is left over the location where the opening in the insulating layer is to be formed. A developable hard mask is formed over the post by a spin-on process so that the hard mask over the post is much thinner than directly over the insulating layer. An etch back is performed to remove the hard mask from over the post so that the post of negative photoresist is thus exposed. The post is removed to form an opening in the hard mask. An etch is performed to form the opening in the insulating layer aligned to the opening in the hard mask. The opening in the insulating layer is filled with the conductive material.
US08119333B2	Lithographic method A method for providing a pattern on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing a first pattern in a first layer of photoresist and a first layer of bottom anti-reflective coating material on the substrate, etching the first pattern into the substrate, providing a second layer of photoresist and a second layer of bottom anti-reflective coating material on the substrate, providing a second pattern in the second layers of photoresist and bottom anti-reflective coating material, and etching the second pattern into the substrate, the first and second patterns on the substrate together defining the pattern.
US08119323B2	Process for producing patterned film and photosensitive resin composition A process for producing a film pattern, in which a layer of photosensitive resin composition is formed on a substrate and exposed selectively through a mask to light to thereby obtain a film pattern provided on its surface with protrusions and depressions without the need to remove the layer of photosensitive resin composition at unexposed regions or exposed regions by, for example, development; and a photosensitive resin composition for use in the above process for producing a film pattern. There is provided a process for producing a patterned film, comprising the steps of preparing a photosensitive resin composition that upon light irradiation, generates an acid or a base and is hardened; coating substrate (2) with the photosensitive resin composition to thereby form photosensitive resin composition layer (1) of given thickness; and exposing the photosensitive resin composition layer (1) selectively through mask (3) to light so as to travel at least portion of the photosensitive resin composition at unexposed regions toward the exposed regions and further effect hardening thereof, thereby obtaining patterned film (1A) furnished on its surface with protrusion/depression pattern.
US08119316B2	Thiuram tetrasulfide containing photogenerating layer A photoconductor comprising 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 thiuram sulfide additive.
US08119310B1	Mask-shift-aware RC extraction for double patterning design A method includes providing a layout of an integrated circuit design, and generating a plurality of double patterning decompositions from the layout, with each of the plurality of double patterning decompositions including patterns separated to a first mask and a second mask of a double patterning mask set. A maximum shift between the first and the second masks is determined, wherein the maximum shift is a maximum expected mask shift in a manufacturing process for implementing the layout on a wafer. For each of the plurality of double patterning decompositions, a worst-case performance value is simulated using mask shifts within a range defined by the maximum shift.
US08119298B2	Fuel cell system and mobile body A fuel cell system that can continue a stable operation of a fuel cell and perform un-interrupted operation of the system even upon the occurrence of an abnormality in a voltage converter, and a mobile body. A fuel cell system where an accumulator device is connected to a load via a voltage converter in parallel with a fuel cell includes an auxiliary equipment connected nearer the fuel cell than the voltage converter, and a control device for controlling the voltage converter and the auxiliary equipment. The control device changes the operational point of the auxiliary equipment when an abnormality has occurred in the voltage converter.
US08119294B2	System and method for operating a high temperature fuel cell as a back-up power supply with reduced performance decay A method is provided for reducing degradation in a fuel cell assembly, including at least one fuel cell with a PBI membrane, during standby, operation. The method may include electrochemically consuming an oxidant from a cathode coupled to the PBI membrane in response to a disconnection of an external load and supplying fuel to remove or electrochemically consume any back-diffused oxidant to the associated fuel cell sufficient to replace or consume the back-diffused oxidant while the external load is removed, and/or also may include controlling a standby temperature of the fuel cell. In this way, it may be possible to avoid increased cell voltage decay associated with degradation of the PBI in a simple and cost effective system.
US08119289B2	Electro-chemical element electrode An electrochemical element electrode for obtaining electrochemical elements having both low internal resistance and high capacitance, and a secondary battery and an electric double layer capacitor using the electrode are provided.An electrochemical element electrode which is made by forming an active material layer on a collector, and the active material layer is formed by press-molding composite particles with high strength at moderate pressure not to crush the composite particles under pressure, while the structures of the composite particles being maintained, to bond the composite particles together, wherein the composite particles comprise an electrode active material, an electric conductive material, a dispersible binder and a soluble resin, in which the electrode active material and the electric conductive material are bonded by the dispersible binder. By use of this electrode, an electric double layer capacitor or a secondary battery is obtained.
US08119288B2	Hybrid anode compositions for lithium ion batteries The present invention provides an exfoliated graphite-based hybrid material composition for use as an electrode, particularly as an anode of a lithium ion battery. The composition comprises: (a) micron- or nanometer-scaled particles or coating which are capable of absorbing and desorbing alkali or alkaline metal ions (particularly, lithium ions); and (b) exfoliated graphite flakes that are substantially interconnected to form a porous, conductive graphite network comprising pores, wherein at least one of the particles or coating resides in a pore of the network or attached to a flake of the network and the exfoliated graphite amount is in the range of 5% to 90% by weight and the amount of particles or coating is in the range of 95% to 10% by weight. Also provided is a lithium secondary battery comprising such a negative electrode (anode). The battery exhibits an exceptional specific capacity, excellent reversible capacity, and long cycle life.
US08119283B2	Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing same and rechargeable lithium battery including same The present invention relates to negative active materials for rechargeable lithium batteries, manufacturing methods thereof, and rechargeable lithium batteries including the negative active materials. A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a core including a material capable of carrying out reversible oxidation and reduction reactions and a coating layer formed on the core. The coating layer has a reticular structure.
US08119281B2	Secondary battery The secondary battery includes: a can, and electrode assembly disposed in the can; a protection circuit board disposed around an opening of the can, including an external connection terminal; a double-coated adhesive tape interposed between the can and the protection circuit board; a cap assembly including a cap-up, to seal the opening of the can; a first lead connected to the protection circuit board and welded to the cap-up; a second lead connected to the protection circuit board and welded to a bead of the can; and a top cover having a terminal hole corresponding to the external connection terminal.
US08119276B2	In parallel hybrid power source comprising a lithium/oxyhalide electrochemical cell coupled with a lithium ion cell A lithium oxyhalide cell electrically connected in parallel with a lithium ion cell is described. Importantly, the open circuit voltage of the freshly built primary lithium oxyhalide cell is equal to or less that the open circuit voltage of the lithium ion cell in a fully charged state. This provides a power system that combines the high capacity of the primary cell with the high pulse power of the secondary cell. This hybrid power system exhibits increased rate capability, higher capacity and improved safety in addition to elimination of voltage delay in comparison to a comparable lithium oxyhalide cell discharge alone.
US08119275B2	Removable and short-circuit-avoidable lithium battery module A removable and short-circuit-avoidable lithium battery module mainly makes use of a protective device mounted between a control circuit and any two cells. Wherein, the protective device includes a base plate and a conductive surface connecting with the cell, an output tab connecting with the control circuit, and a protective unit mounted on the conductive surface and the output tab. Whereby, the conductive surface and the output tab have larger areas to respectively link the cell and the control circuit. While connecting with electricity, the cell and the control circuit would be more accurately connected. Moreover, the protective unit would become disconnected while the cell and the control circuit are fell and collided, so as to prevent the cell and the control circuit from the inaccurate connection and destruction. The present invention also facilitates to swiftly replace the protective device while it is damaged and to contribute a convenient utility.
US08119274B2	Stacking-typed secondary battery providing two or more operation voltages Provided is a stacked-type secondary battery comprising a battery cell formed by stacking a plurality of full cells having a structure of cathode/separator/anode or bicells having a structure of cathode(anode)/separator/anode(cathode)/separator/cathode(anode), as a unit electrode assembly, wherein a cathode active material and/or an anode active material in two or more unit electrode assemblies are configured to have a different composition to induce a voltage difference and separate electrode terminals are installed in a battery case according to the voltage difference to thereby simultaneously provide two or more voltages by a single battery.
US08119263B2	Tuning exchange coupling in magnetic recording media A magnetic recording medium having a substrate, a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer, in this order, wherein an exchange coupling in the first magnetic layer is lower than an exchange coupling in the second magnetic layer, and the first and second magnetic layers are in a film stack so that magnetic grains in the first magnetic layer are exchange coupled by a pathway through the second magnetic layer is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium by obtaining a substrate, depositing a first magnetic layer at a first sputter gas pressure and depositing a second magnetic layer at a second sputter gas pressure, in this order, wherein the first sputter gas pressure is higher than the second sputter gas pressure, and an exchange coupling in the first magnetic layer is lower than an exchange coupling in the second magnetic layer is also disclosed.
US08119254B2	Organic electroluminescent devices formed with rare-earth metal containing cathode There are disclosed rare-earth metal containing electron-injecting electrodes which are particularly effective for use with organic LED devices used in electroluminescent structures and which may in particular be formed as transparent electrodes for use in transparent or surface emitting OLEDs.
US08119253B2	Contacts on diamond A diamond substrate having a contact, wherein the contact comprises a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) layer on at least part of a surface of the diamond substrate; and at least one metal layer on at least part of the surface of the DLC layer. Methods for producing the same and devices comprising such a substrate are also described.
US08119251B2	Polyamides The reaction of diner acids, C10-C20 dicarboxylic acids, and alkylene diamines having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms provides polyamides having good oil and solvent resistance, high heat resistance, flexibility, and relatively low melt viscosities.
US08119248B2	Organic-inorganic hybrid free standing film, and its production method A free standing film having excellent mechanical strength and flexibility as well as sufficient area is provided. The organic-inorganic hybrid free standing film includes an organic polymer having a constitutional repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by general formula (1) and a hydrolytic condensate of a metal alkoxide.
US08119247B2	Environmental barrier coatings providing CMAS mitigation capability for ceramic substrate components Environmental barrier coatings having CMAS mitigation capability for silicon-containing components. In one embodiment, the barrier coating includes a bond coat layer comprising silicon or silicide, and an outer layer selected from the group consisting of Ln4Al2O9, and Lna4Ga2O9.
US08119246B2	Method for producing a reflective membrane and the membrane produced therewith Method for producing a reflective, waterproof, water-vapor permeable membrane, comprising the following steps,Provision of a waterproof, water-vapor permeable membrane,Provision of a carrier foil,Application of the membrane onto the carrier foil,Application of a metal surface onto the membrane's free surface via a vacuum sputtering process,Application of a waterproof, water-vapor permeable cover layer,Removal of the carrier foil.Reflective, waterproof, water-vapor permeable membrane with a metal coating, which is provided with a continuous cover layer, characterized in that at least 80% of the surface of the active metal coating is retained on the membrane after 3 washings according to DIN EN ISO 6330:2000.
US08119244B2	Active energy ray-curable resin composition and laminate thereof An active energy ray-curable resin composition comprises a compound (A) having an active energy ray-curable unsaturated bond in a molecule, an anti-staining property-imparting agent (B) which is a fluorine-containing polyether compound having a perfluoropolyether unit, a urethane bond and an active energy ray-curable unsaturated bond in a molecule, a compound (C) represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 may be either the same or different, and are respectively an organic group having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a vinyl group, an epoxy group, a (meth)acryloxy group, an amino group and a mercapto group, and n is an integer of 0 or more; and inorganic fine particles (D).
US08119238B2	Self-healing wire insulation A self-healing system for an insulation material initiates a self-repair process by rupturing a plurality of microcapsules disposed on the insulation material. When the plurality of microcapsules are ruptured, reactants within the plurality of microcapsules react to form a replacement polymer in a break of the insulation material. This self-healing system has the ability to repair multiple breaks in a length of insulation material without exhausting the repair properties of the material.
US08119231B2	Transparent bullet-resistant acrylic sheet The invention relates to a novel acrylic impact sheet having bullet-resistant properties. The bullet-resistant sheet is composed of a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and a C2-18 alkyl methacrylate, plus impact modifiers that are refractive index matched or mismatched with the polymer matrix. The sheet provides very good bullet resisting performance, with better performance at the same thickness as current products, or the same performance at less thickness, thereby providing a product having better properties and/or less weight. The reduced weight of a bullet resistant acrylic sheet formulation will provide reduced raw material, transportation, and construction costs. Bullet resistant transparent glazing is an especially useful application for the invention.
US08119229B2	Multiple-layer, multiple film having the same and electronic device having the same The present invention provides a multiple layer that comprises two or more first inorganic material layers; and one or more second inorganic material layers that are positioned between the two first inorganic material layers and have the thickness of less than 5 nm, in which the first inorganic material layer is formed of one or more materials that are selected from silicon oxides, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride and ITO, and the second inorganic material layer is formed of one or more materials that are selected from magnesium, calcium, aluminum, gallium, indium, zinc, tin, barium, and oxides and fluorides thereof, a multiple film that comprises the multiple layer, and an electronic device that comprises the multiple film.
US08119228B2	Polycarbonate resin composition, optical molded body using the same, and illumination unit Disclosed are a polycarbonate resin composition obtained by blending a specific amount of an acrylic resin (B) having a specific viscosity average molecular weight or a specific amount of a polyorganosiloxane into a polycarbonate resin containing a polycarbonate copolymer (A) having repeating structural units represented by the general formulae (I) and (II) below and an optical molded body using the resin composition such as a light guide member. The polycarbonate resin composition enables to obtain a molded body having good light conductivity and being free from yellowing due to thermal deterioration, even when it is molded into a large-sized light guide member or light guide plate.
US08119225B2	Copper clad laminate, prepreg and method of reducing signal loss Provided herein are, among other things, epoxy resin varnishes and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the epoxy resin varnishes comprise at least a filler such as silica. In certain embodiments, the epoxy resin varnishes provided herein are used for making laminates such as copper clad laminates. In further embodiments, the copper clad laminates provided herein are used for making printed circuit boards (PCBs).
US08119222B2	Pre-coated metal sheet for slot-in drive cases A pre-coated metal sheet for slot-in drive cases which has a metal sheet; chemical conversion coatings formed on both sides of the metal sheet; and a coating film formed on one of the chemical conversion coatings and containing at least one base resin selected from a polyester-series resin, an epoxy-series resin and an acrylic-series resin, at least one resin beads selected from nylon-series resin beads, fluorine-series resin beads and urethane-series resin beads, and at least one lubricant a3 selected from carnauba wax, polyethylene wax and microcrystalline wax. The coating film has a surface having an arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile Ra of 0.3 to 4.5 μm and a mean width of the profile elements, RSm, of 105 to 280 μm, and the ratio of mean particle diameter of the resin beads to coating film layer thickness of the coating film is in the range of 2.0 to 3.0.
US08119213B2	Elastomeric film An anti-slip film is produced by combining a thin, dimensionally stable plastic film having a smooth surface finish with a silicone elastomer having a low durometer and a textured and polished surface finish. The film may include adhesive means for adhering the film to objects, and label stock for displaying graphical and/or textual indicia.
US08119212B2	Pressure pipe comprising a multimodal polyethylene composition with an inorganic filler The present invention relates to a pipe or a supplementary pipe article comprising a polyethylene composition comprising a base resin which comprises (A) a first ethylene homopolymer fraction, and (B) a second ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction, wherein fraction (A) has a lower average molecular weight than fraction (B), and the composition further comprises (C) an inorganic mineral filler, wherein inorganic mineral filler (C) is present in the composition in an amount of 1 to 70 wt. %, and to the use of said composition for the production of a pipe or a supplementary pipe article.
US08119211B1	Bag-on-valve assembly The present invention is directed to a bag-on-valve assembly comprising a valve stem and a flexible bag which is affixed to the valve stem and encapsulates a portion of said valve stem therein. The bag comprises a sealable thermoplastic film which is free of foil and is adapted to have an Tensile Energy to Break value of at least 150 in*ft-lbs in both the machine direction and transverse directions.
US08119209B2	Method of forming layers of getter material on glass parts A method of forming a layer (12) of getter particles (11) on a glass part (10) includes contacting the getter particles with the glass part and irradiating the particles through the glass by a laser, thus heating the particles at a temperature greater than the softening temperature of the glass but lower than the melting temperature of the particles.
US08119208B2	Apparatus and method for focused electric field enhanced plasma-based ion implantation There is disclosed an apparatus and method for focused electric field enhanced plasma-based ion implantation. The apparatus includes an implantation chamber, a vacuum pump for maintaining the pressure in the implantation chamber at a desired level, a sample holder, means for applying a negative potential to the sample holder, and means for supplying a gaseous or vaporized implantation material. The supplying means takes the form of a feed conduit having an exit opening located in the implantation chamber above the sample holder, and when a negative potential is applied to the sample holder the exit opening of the feed conduit is maintained at a potential that is positive relative to the sample holder.
US08119205B2	Process for preparing palladium alloy composite membranes for use in hydrogen separation, palladium alloy composite membranes and products incorporating or made from the membranes The invention is directed to a method for producing Palladium alloy composite membranes that are useful in applications that involve the need to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture. The method includes providing a substrate for supporting a palladium alloy film, seeding the support surface with palladium crystallites to produce an activated surface, first plating, over the activated surface, a palladium film, second plating, over the palladium film, an alloying material other than silver, and annealing the porous substrate, palladium film, and alloying material so that there is intermetallic diffusion of the alloying material into the palladium film to produce a palladium alloy film over the porous substrate.
US08119203B2	Method of treating a surface to protect the same A method of treating a substrate by applying a layer of at least one metal to the substrate to form an applied metal layer on the substrate and followed by curing of the applied metal layer at sub-atmospheric pressure to form a metal protective layer. A method of treating a substrate by applying a layer of at least one metal to a substrate of an unassembled component of a reactor system to form an applied metal layer on the substrate of the unassembled component and curing the applied metal layer on the substrate of the unassembled component to form a metal protective layer. A method of treating a substrate by applying a layer of at least one metal to the substrate to form an applied metal layer, curing the applied metal layer at a first temperature and pressure for a first period of time, and curing the applied metal layer at a second temperature and pressure for a second period of time, wherein the curing forms a metal protective layer.
US08119201B2	Palette knives and painting tools The invention relates to a painting tool and method of use for manipulating painting material on a painting surface. The method includes providing the tool, which includes a handle and blade. The blade is made of a resilient metal, has a matted surface, and includes handle, middle and distal sections. The handle section has a first end positioned within the middle third of the handle and a second end connected to the middle section. The middle section connects at a first end to the handle section and at a second end to the distal section. The distal section extends from the middle section and is in a distal section plane offset from the handle section. The distal section plane is at an angle to the handle section plane. The distal section is used to take a painting material and place and manipulate the painting material onto a painting surface.
US08119200B2	Method for manufacturing a flexible and breathable matt finish glove A method to prepare a flexible and breathable protective glove having excellent grip in both aqueous and oil environments includes coating an electrolyte treated glove liner substrate with a non-foamed dispersion of a polymeric material. The resulting semi-gelled polymeric coating which partially penetrates the depth of the glove liner substrate, is treated with a foamed solution of a surfactant, tenside or aerosol solution and the foam treated coating is overcoated with an electrolyte solution. In a resulting chemical or physical reaction, fine pores and cavities are formed in and on the polymer coating.
US08119199B2	Method of making window unit A method of making a window unit is provided which may result in improved yields. In certain example embodiments, the method involves coating a substrate with both (i) a solar control/management coating, and (ii) a protective layer (e.g., of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC)) over the solar control/management coating. The protective layer protects the coated substrate from scratches and/or the like during processing prior to heat treatment. Then, during heat treatment, the protective layer(s) is burned off in part or in whole. Following heat treatment, the coated article (substrate with solar control/management coating thereon) is coupled to another substrate in order to form the window unit.
US08119193B2	Method and device for coating the junction area between at least two elongated elements, in particular between electric cables A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
US08119189B2	Method of manufacturing a display device An apparatus for forming a film having high uniformity in its film thickness distribution is provided. An evaporation source is used in which an evaporation cell, or a plurality of evaporation cells, having a longitudinal direction is formed, and by moving the evaporation source in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the evaporation source, a thin film is deposited on a substrate. By making the evaporation source longer, the uniformity of the film thickness distribution in the longitudinal direction is increased. The evaporation source is moved, film formation is performed over the entire substrate, and therefore the uniformity of the film thickness distribution over the entire substrate can be increased.
US08119187B2	Chemical vapor deposition process using novel precursors In a chemical vapor deposition process simple precursors such as a rare earth nitrate or acetate, Ba-nitrate or acetate and Cu-nitrate or acetate are dissolved in an appropriate solvent, preferably water, to form a solution, nebulized into a fine mist and applied to a substrate.
US08119186B2	Liquid coating method and method for manufacturing organic EL device Droplets of a liquid are ejected through a plurality of nozzles to a plurality of coating regions on a substrate based on nozzle information including the ejection amount of a droplet of the liquid ejected through each nozzle. According to arrangement information for disposing the liquid, a plurality of droplet groups are disposed in each coating region while the plurality of nozzles and the substrate are scanned for relative movement. A calculation is performed according to the nozzle information and the arrangement information. Adjustment amount is calculated so that the assigned adjustment amounts vary from one droplet group to another. Driving signals, which drive selected nozzles, are set so that combinations of the driving signals give coating amounts that have taken the assigned adjustment amounts into account.
US08119185B2	Protective material comprising reversible and irreversible photochemical functional constituents The invention relates to a security material comprising a carrier and at least one photochromic Protein and/or a mutein of a photochromic protein. The security material is characterized in that it comprises at least one irreversible photosensitive layer on the carrier, and the at least one photochromic protein and/or mutein is contained at least in the at least one photosensitive layer and/or in an optional additional layer. The inventive security material is also characterized in that it is highly forgery-proof, the photochromic biomolecule cannot be removed therefrom in a usable form, and the photochromic biomolecule does not need to be supplied to a large group of clients.
US08119184B2	Method of making a variable surface area stent A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.
US08119183B2	Method of doping surfaces Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.
US08119179B2	Grain-based food product with powder coating A grain-based food product comprising a grain-based component covered by a moisture-sensitive powder layer and a binding layer adhering the powder layer to the grain-based component. The binding layer is chosen so that the powder layer can later disperse into a liquid that is added just prior to consumption. The powder layer comprises a component of interest to make the product more interesting to consume. For example, the component of interest can be chosen to produce a difference in color, appearance, texture or flavor of the food product in the presence of a liquid, such as milk or water.
US08119178B2	Compositions and methods for preserving cut apples This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package.
US08119165B2	Method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells in an animal with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles. The heat (temperature) and photoacoustic sound wave production inside the target tissue is measured. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue in a target site applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. In one embodiment, the composition releases the dye at a temperature of 42° C. to 56° C., and preferably about 45° C. to 49° C. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream of the patient to flow through the target site.
US08119159B2	Solid oral dosage form containing an enhancer The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and oral dosage forms comprising a bisphosphonate in combination with an enhancer to promote absorption of the bisphosphonate at the GIT cell lining. The enhancer is a medium chain fatty acid or a medium chain fatty acid derivative having a carbon chain length of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the solid oral dosage form is a controlled release dosage form such as a delayed release dosage form.
US08119158B2	Effervescent oral fentanyl dosage form and methods of administering fentanyl Fentanyl-containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less fentanyl by weight than known oral formulation and have advantages in terms of reduced cost and reduced side effects. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration of fentanyl across the oral mucosa.
US08119157B2	Pharmaceutical compositions for lipophilic drugs Stable solutions of lipophilic drugs, such as cyclosporin, forming a polar lipid self-emulsifying drug delivery system. The solutions can include lipophilic drugs, such as cyclosporin, dissolved in a polar lipid, such as having a C6-C12 fatty acid monoglyceride content of at least about 50%, surfactants and triglycerides. The composition forms a fine emulsion on exposure to water. The encapsulated dosage form of this composition needs neither a hydrophilic component nor air-tight blister packaging, and is particularly suitable for oral administration.
US08119154B2	Sustained release intraocular implants and related methods Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and a polymer associated with each other to facilitate release of the steroid into an eye for a period of time greater than about two months. The steroid may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions. The steroid is released from the implant for more than about two months, and may be release for more than several years.
US08119150B2	Non-flammable insecticide composition and uses thereof The present invention provides a safe and effective insecticide composition suitable for treating a subject infested with a parasitic anthropode or to prevent infestation by an arthropod. The insecticide composition is a foamable composition, including a first insecticide; at least one organic carrier selected from a hydrophobic organic carrier, a polar solvent, an emollient and mixtures thereof, at a concentration of about 2% to about 5%, or about 5% to about 10%; or about 10% to about 20%; or about 20% to about 50% by weight; about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a surface-active agent; about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent selected from a bioadhesive agent, a gelling agent, a film forming agent and a phase change agent; and (5) a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US08119148B2	Suspension comprising oxcarbazepine This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a suspension comprising oxcarbazepine.
US08119142B2	Infant nutritional compositions for preventing obesity The present invention relates to a method for preventing obesity later in life by administering a certain nutritional composition to an infant with the age between 0 and 36 months. The composition comprises linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid.
US08119139B2	Immunotherapy against several tumors including neuronal and brain tumors The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 30 peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US08119138B2	Anti-estrogen and immune modulator combinations for treating breast cancer Compositions for treating cancers of mucosal tissues including breast, prostate, ovary, colon are disclosed which include various combinations of new or conventional anti-estrogen compounds, aromatase inhibitors, immune modulators, immune inhibitors, immune inhibitor mimicking compounds and steroid or thyroid hormones. Methods of predicting susceptibility of a cancer of mucosal origin to treatment with a composition containing an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound are also disclosed. Preferred methods include identifying in a specimen of cancer cells the presence of a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of binding to an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound and of mediating immune inhibition of cancer cell growth.
US08119136B2	Methods of modulating apoptosis by administration of relaxin agonists or antagonists The present invention relates to the discovery that relaxin is associated with the development or maturation of body tissues. Knockouts of the gene encoding relaxin result in various abnormalities in the development of various tissues. The present invention provides methods of modulating apoptosis by administering a relaxin agonist or antagonist to a subject.
US08119135B2	Antibodies which bind to epitopes of glycoprotein VI The present invention provides anti-thrombotic agents, methods for screening for said anti-thrombotics agents and methods of treating thrombotic and other cardiovascular disorders.
US08119131B2	IL-17 antagonistic antibodies An IL-17 binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human IL-17, more preferably a human antibody to human IL-17 is provided, wherein the hypervariable regions of the heavy and light chains have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment of an IL-17 mediated disease or disorder, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.
US08119124B2	Debriding composition from bromelain and methods of production thereof The present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain and to methods of producing same. Particularly, the present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain comprising proteolytic enzymes having molecular weights of about 23 kDa, being essentially devoid of bromelain inhibitors, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The debriding compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising same are particularly useful in debriding eschar tissues and in wound healing.
US08119122B2	Use of gingival fibroblasts for vascular cell therapy The invention relates to the use of gingival fibroblasts for obtaining a cellular composition for treating arterial-remodelling pathology, for example an aneurysm, post-cryoplasty stenosis and restenosis, an aortic dissection or atherosclerosis.
US08119121B2	Autologous adipose tissue implant with concentrated stem cells Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.
US08119120B2	Marrow stem cell and pancreatic beta cell fusion cell useful for the treatment of diabetes Methods disclosed include methods of treating T1DM, said method comprising delivering a therapeutic amount of β-MSC to a subject in need thereof. Further disclosed are fusion cells comprising and MSC and a second cell wherein the nuclei of the MSC and the second cell are not fused in the fusion cell.
US08119118B2	Helper virus-free herpesvirus amplicon particles and uses thereof The invention features new helper virus-free methods for making herpesvirus amplicon particles that can be used in immunotherapies, including those for treating any number of infectious diseases and cancers (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, other cancers in which blood cells become malignant, lymphomas (e.g. Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's type lymphomas). Described herein are methods of making helper virus-free HSV amplicon particles; cells that contain those particles (e.g., packaging cell lines or patients' cells, infected in vivo or ex vivo); particles produced according to those methods; and methods of treating a patient with an hf-HSV particle made according to those methods.
US08119117B2	Adenoviral expression vector comprising a CD40L fusion protein adapted to elicit cellular immunity Provided are adenoviral vectors for generating an immune response to antigen. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal sequence upstream of a tumor antigen upstream of CD40 ligand, which is missing all or substantially all of the transmembrane domain rendering CD40L secretable. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a tumor antigen by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen in an individual by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Still further provided are methods of generating immunity to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV) by administering an effective amount of the invention vector which enocodes the E6 or E7 protein of HPV. The immunity generated is long term.
US08119115B2	Antiviral method This invention provides a method of inactivating non-enveloped virus particles. The method includes the step of contacting the virus with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition that includes an alcohol, and an enhancer selected from the group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.
US08119112B2	Ophthalmic compositions with an amphoteric surfactant and hyaluronic acid Ophthalmic compositions that comprise 0.1 ppm to 10 ppm of a cationic antimicrobial component selected from the group consisting of biguanides, polymeric biguanides, quaternium ammonium compounds and any one mixture thereof; 0.005 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % of hyaluronic acid; and 0.01 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of an amphoteric surfactant of general formula I wherein R1 is R or —(CH2)n—NHC(O)R, wherein R is a C8-C16alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl and n is 2, 3 or 4; R2 and R3 are each independently selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl or iso-propyl; and R4 is a C2-C8alkylene optionally substituted with hydroxyl. The invention is also direct to the use of the ophthalmic compositions to clean and disinfect contact lenses, and in particular, soft, silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
US08119106B2	Foamable iodine compositions The present invention is related to a foamable composition of matter comprising iodine, water, a foam adjuvant, a surface-active agent and a gelling agent. This foamable composition, which may be provided in a propellant free foaming device, or alternatively may further comprise a propellant, evolves into foam, which is effective in the topical treatment and prevention of various skin disorders.
US08119105B2	Aerosol container and a method for storage and administration of a pre-determined amount of a pharmaceutically active aerosol The invention relates to an aerosol container for pharmaceutically active aerosols that are to be administered in predetermined amounts and that are supplied in the container in the form of a suspension, the suspension also comprising, in addition to a pharmaceutically active substance, at least a propellant gas. The aerosol container has a metering valve that comprises a metering chamber and a valve stem. In a first position of the valve stem, the metering chamber is in communication with the interior of the container and has been filled with a predetermined amount of the aerosol. In a second position of the valve stem, the amount of aerosol disposed in the metering chamber is released. The propellant gas is an alternative propellant gas that is free of fluorochlorohydrocarbons, preferably a propellant gas that comprises only fluorohydrocarbons, and the inner wall of the container is coated with a plastics coating.
US08119098B2	Process for converting carbon dioxide from coal utilization to a solid ash A process for conversion of coal in a reaction vessel comprises steps of: admixing coal and powdered alumina clay to form reactants; injecting the reactants with a high-pressure steam jet into the reaction vessel; and producing aluminum oxalate ash and hydrogen. Preferably, the reaction vessel is pressurized to maximize the production of aluminum oxalate and hydrogen. Optionally, the process includes adding calcium carbonate if not present in the clay. The reactants in the reaction vessel are typically maintained a temperature of about 2,000 degrees Kelvin and a pressure of about 1 mega Pascals. To save energy, the process may include preheating water with the aluminum oxalate ash to aid in creating pressurized steam. The hydrogen may be mixed with air and burned in a combustion chamber, such as is found within a gas turbine-generator unit to produce electricity. Optionally the reactants may include an aqueous sodium hydroxide.
US08119097B2	Method for producing nanoparticulate solid materials The invention relates to a process for producing nanoparticulate solids by means of a Péclet number-stabilized gas-phase reaction.
US08119096B2	Method for the production of a finely crystalline boehmite and application of said boehmite as flame retardant in plastics Method for the production of a finely crystalline boehmite and application of said boehmite as flame retardant in plastics. The method involves mixing aluminum monohydrate with a boehmite crystal structure in water to form an aqueous dispersion of said aluminum monohydrate in said water, and then grinding the dispersion while maintaining the dispersion in a pH range of 2 to 4 and forming boehmite seed crystals. The boehmite seed crystals can then optionally be mixed with a hydrate and a basic aqueous solution to form a dispersion which may be heated to convert at least a substantial portion of the aluminum monohydrate to boehmite.
US08119091B2	Carbon dioxide capture A method of carbon dioxide capture is disclosed. In a step (a) anhydrous sodium carbonate is separated from a first aqueous solution formed by reacting carbon dioxide and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. In step (b) the anhydrous sodium carbonate is treated by causticization to generate carbon dioxide and sodium hydroxide. The first aqueous solution of step (a) is formed by scrubbing a gas containing carbon dioxide with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide.
US08119090B2	Nickel-carbonitride spheres and method of making the same Disclosed is a method for preparation of a nickel-carbonitride sphere, which includes preparing a melamine-formaldehyde resin, adding a nickel salt and a surfactant to the melamine-formaldehyde resin to prepare a nickel-melamine resin mixture, and conducting spray pyrolysis for the mixture to produce nickel-containing powder including nickel-carbonitride spheres. In addition, this method may further include thermal treatment of the nickel-containing powder.
US08119089B2	Method for manufacturing iron silicide nano-wires A method for making iron silicide nano-wires comprises the following steps. Firstly, providing an iron object and a growing device, and the growing device comprising a heating apparatus and a reacting room. Secondly, placing the iron object into the reacting room. Thirdly, introducing a silicon-containing gas into the reacting room. Finally, heating the reacting room to a temperature of 600˜1200° C.
US08119088B2	SCR on low thermal mass filter substrates Provided are selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filters that effectively provide simultaneous treatment of particulate matter and NOx. Provided also are methods for reducing NOx concentration and particulate matter in a diesel engine exhaust by using the SCR filters. The SCR filter can include a fiber matrix wall flow filter comprising a plurality of non-woven inorganic fibers and a chabazite molecular sieve SCR catalyst on the fiber matrix wall flow filter. By combining a fiber matrix wall flow filter with a chabazite molecular sieve SCR catalyst, high catalyst loading can be achieved without causing excessive back pressure across the filter when implemented in emission treatment systems.
US08119087B2	Method of stablizing and solidifying elemental mercury using sulfur and paraffin Provided is a method of stabilizing and solidifying elemental mercury using sulfur and paraffin. The method includes reacting elemental mercury with sulfur to prepare a mercury sulfide compound, adding a mixture of the mercury sulfide compound and the remaining sulfur after the reaction to high-temperature liquid paraffin to melt the remaining sulfur, and cooling the sulfur to solidify the mercury sulfide compound. According to the method of stabilizing and solidifying elemental mercury using sulfur and paraffin, a surface of a solidified product is covered with a thin paraffin layer to prevent exposure to the outside.
US08119086B2	Method for hydrolyzing solid metallic salts with aqueous saline solutions The invention relates to a method for hydrolyzing hydrolyzable solid metallic salts, wherein the metallic salts are reacted with aqueous saline solutions.
US08119085B2	Heap leaching of sulphide ores A process for the heap leaching of multiple ores, the process characterized by the process steps of: (i) the agglomeration or wetting of an ore feed; (ii) exposing the agglomerated or wetted ore to an inoculum containing one or more bacterial species capable of biooxidizing sulphide minerals in that ore; (iii) forming one or more heaps from the ore of step (ii); (iv) dispersing further bacterial inoculum over at least a portion of the or each heap; and (v) recovering leach solution draining from the heap and passing a portion thereof to a means for metal recovery.
US08119082B2	Plastic test tube for taking blood samples Plastic test tube for taking blood samples, comprising a hollow tubular body and an adhesive protective film able to adhere to the tubular body. The tubular body is made of polyethylene terephthalate and has: a tubular wall which delimits a working volume and defines an outer surface; an open mouth for insertion of liquids at a first end of the wall; and a bottom for closing a second end of the wall. The adhesive protective film is able to adhere to the wall of the tubular body over at least a portion of the outer surface. The test tube is characterized in that the wall of the tubular body has a thickness in the range of 1 to 3 mm and in that the protective film is defined by a layer of polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers thereof. The layer has a thickness in the range of between 40 and 60 μm and is able to form a liquid barrier.
US08119080B2	Interlacing pipette or dispenser tips in a liquid handling system A liquid handling system has a robot manipulator for orienting pipette or dispenser tips in relation to sample containers situated in or on the system, pipette or dispenser tips, drives for moving the robot manipulator, and processors for controlling the movements and actions of the robot manipulator and/or of the pipette or dispenser tips. The system also includes at least two blocks situated on two arms of the robot manipulator, at least two of the pipette or dispenser tips being situated on each block and at an axial distance to one another. The axial distance essentially corresponds to the grid spacing of wells of a microplate. At least one of these blocks, for the alternating interlaced orientation of the pipette or dispenser tips of at least two blocks along a shared line, are individually movable at least in the X direction. A method allows the time-saving pipetting over of liquid samples between diverse sample containers, e.g., between sample tubes and microplates having 24, 96, 384, or 1536 wells.
US08119076B2	Pyrolysis reactor conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks into higher value hydrocarbons In one aspect, the inventive process comprises a process for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing nonvolatiles in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system. The inventive process comprises: (a) heating the nonvolatile-containing hydrocarbon feedstock upstream of a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system to a temperature sufficient to form a vapor phase that is essentially free of nonvolatiles and a liquid phase containing the nonvolatiles; (b) separating said vapor phase from said liquid phase; (c) feeding the separated vapor phase to the pyrolysis reactor system; and (d) converting the separated vapor phase in said pyrolysis reactor system to form a pyrolysis product.
US08119074B2	Method and apparatus for the continuous production of carbon nanotubes The present invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of carbon nanotubes (CNT), as well as the method to carry it out. The apparatus for the CNT synthesis includes: two sets or more of tubes to synthesize in its interior the CNT; a set of nozzles for the same number of tubes that each set has, to feed to the interior of the tubes the precursory chemical compounds of the CNT; a furnace to maintain one of the sets to a suitable temperature to allow the formation of the CNT inside the tubes; a system for the detaching and collection of the CNT formed in the previous stage; and a control system, preferably a PLC (PLC by its abbreviation in English) to program the sequence of activities of the equipment.
US08119073B2	Method and device for particulate scrubbing and conditioning Described is a device for conditioning a comminuted light alloy feedstock to heat and remove impurities from the feedstock. The conditioner device includes a reaction chamber having a substrate feed port for feeding the comminuted light alloy feedstock into the reaction chamber and a discharge port for allowing the conditioned feedstock to exit the reaction chamber. A scrubber gas baffle is positioned at one end of the reaction chamber and coupled to a scrubber gas injector which is configured to inject a scrubber gas through the scrubber gas baffle at a volume and rate of flow sufficient to fluidize the feedstock in the reaction chamber. A scrubber gas heater is also provided for heating the scrubber gas to a temperature sufficient to condition the feedstock as desired.
US08119068B2	Fluid content monitor A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
US08119065B2	Active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet, an outlet and a sampling unit positioned such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet such that one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.
US08119062B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing a cutting insert A method for manufacturing a cutting insert green body having undercuts includes providing a die cavity formed in closed top and bottom dies; closing a bottom of the die cavity by a bottom punch accommodated in a punch tunnel formed in the bottom die; filling the die cavity with a pre-determined amount of sinterable powder; moving a top punch towards the die cavity through a punch tunnel formed in the top die; compacting the powder by urging the top and bottom punches towards each other, thereby forming the green body; and moving the top die and punch away from the bottom die and punch, thereby enabling removal of the formed green body. An apparatus for manufacturing a cutting insert green body having undercuts includes top and bottom dies which abut each other and top and bottom punches which slide in their respective dies.
US08119058B2	Device and process for dimensionally stable sintering of ceramic pre-shaped articles The present invention relates to a device and process for dimensionally stable sintering of ceramic pre-shaped dental articles, the device comprising a suspension system having a base structure with at least one suspension point at a height suitable for suspending an article to be sintered; and a suspension element moveably connected to said suspension point for supporting said article to be sintered, wherein said suspension element itself forms a swing on which said article to be sintered is arrangeable.
US08119057B2	Method for synthesizing bulk ceramics and structures from polymeric ceramic precursors A method and product made by using a polymeric ceramic precursor to synthesize dense, crack-free bulk ceramics in a technique using a sacrificial mold provides a ceramic structure for many technical, medical and industrial applications. The novel process uses an open cell material as a sacrificial mold to shape a ceramic precursor during curing. The cured ceramic green body can be machined and shaped to form the desired ceramic structure prior to final pyrolysis. The open cell material forms gas release paths to release large amount of gases generated during the pyrolysis of the cured ceramic precursor. After pyrolysis, an intact, dense, crack-free ceramic structure with high purity, strength and durability is obtained. Uses of the present invention include, but are not limited to, bulk ceramic parts, ceramic crucibles, a replacement material in some applications involving glass, silicon carbides, silicon nitrides, hafnium carbide and the like.
US08119053B1	Apparatus for three dimensional printing using imaged layers A three-dimensional printer adapted to construct three dimensional objects is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the printer includes a first surface adapted to receive a bulk layer of sinterable powder, a polymer such as nylon powder; a radiant energy source, e.g., an incoherent heat source adapted to focus the heat energy to sinter an image from the layer of sinterable powder; and a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer or print the sintered image from the first surface to the object being assembled while fusing the sintered image to the object being assembled. The transfer mechanism is preferably adapted to simultaneously deposit and fuse the sintered image to the object being assembled. The process of generating an image and transferring it to the object being assembled is repeated for each cross section until the assembled object is completed.
US08119042B2	Diketopyrrolopyrrole cocrystals The invention relates to cocrystals of compounds of the formulae (I), (II) and (III), obtainable by reacting 1 mol of a succinic diester with 2 mol of a mixture of nitriles A-CN and B—CN, where A-CN and B—CN are present in the nitrile mixture in a molar ratio of 90:10 to 30:70 relative to one another, and where A-CN is 2-chlorobenzonitrile and B—CN is 4-X-benzonitrile where X=chlorine, methyl or nitrile.
US08119039B2	Transparent conductive substrate A transparent conductive substrate using allyl ester heat-curable resin, including a compound having a group represented by formula (2) as terminus and a group represented by formula (3) as repeating unit, where R3, A2, and A3 in the formulae have the same meanings as defined in the specification.
US08119034B2	Conductive pattern forming ink, conductive pattern, and wiring substrate A conductive pattern forming ink for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate by a droplet discharge method includes: metal particles; an aqueous dispersion medium in which the metal particles are dispersed; sorbitol; and a polyglycerol compound having a polyglycerol skeleton. In the ink, H shown in the following Formula (I) is 0.20 to 0.80; H = OH ⁡ ( A ) Mw ⁡ ( A ) ⁢ X ⁡ ( A ) + OH ⁡ ( B ) Mw ⁡ ( B ) ⁢ X ⁡ ( B ) Formula ⁢ ⁢ ( I ) where OH(A) represents an average number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the polyglycerol compound, Mw(A) represents a weight-average molecular weight of the polyglycerol compound, X(A) represents a content of the polyglycerol compound in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent; and OH(B) represents the number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the sorbitol, Mw(B) represents a molecular weight of the sorbitol, and X(B) represents a content of the sorbitol in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent.
US08119029B2	Phosphate nano phosphor and method of preparing the same Provided is a phosphate nano phosphor with a mean particle diameter of 100 to 3000 nm. Also provided is a method of preparing a nano phosphor, the method comprising: dissolving two or more species of metal precursor compounds in water, and then adjusting the pH to prepare an aqueous solution of pH 4-10; coprecipitating the aqueous solution by mixing with a phosphate precursor aqueous solution with the pH adjusted to 7-12; and redispersing the particles obtained from the coprecipitation in water or polyol solvent, and then heat treating the particles. The phosphate nano phosphor according to the present invention has superior light emission efficiency compared with conventional nano phosphors.
US08119028B2	Cerium and europium doped single crystal phosphors Compounds of Formula I, which include both cerium and europium, may be useful as phosphors in solid state light emitting devices. Light emitting devices including such phosphors may emit warm white light.
US08119025B2	Anti-icing composition An anti-icing composition is provided, which comprises methyl cellulose from about 5 to about 15% (v/v); propylene glycol from about 9 to about 11% (v/v); vegetable glycerin from about 9 to about 11% (v/v); isopropyl alcohol (90%) from about 42 to about 49% (v/v), and water from about 10% to about 35% (v/v). Methods of preparing and using the anti-icing composition are also described.
US08119014B2	Systems and methods to remove liquid product and fines from a slurry reactor The present invention provides methods and means for separating slurry liquid from catalyst in a three-phase slurry process. The embodiments of the invention are characterized by conducting the three-phase process under conditions to provide an upper region in the slurry that contains a catalyst concentration of about 20 wt % or less and a lower region with a catalyst concentration higher than about 20 wt %. A portion of the slurry in this upper region is degassed and passed to liquid-solid separation devices for recovery of liquid product.
US08119012B2	Water filter materials and water filters containing a mixture of microporous and mesoporous carbon particles A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
US08119009B2	Rehabilitating contaminated water treatment media with resource recovery Dissolved metals are removed from contaminated water by passing the water through a bed containing media bodies, preferably limestone bodies. Various contaminants carried by the water become associated with the media bodies, thereby inhibiting water flow. The media bodies are rehabilitated by using an excavator, loader, or other machine to scoop them into a bucket having a peripheral wall including a sieve, immersing the container into a liquid held in a wash pit, rotating the bucket so that contaminants abraded from the bodies fall through the sieve into the pit, removing the container from the liquid, and dumping the rehabilitated media bodies from the bucket. When the media bodies have filtered mine drainage containing a particular dissolved metal such as manganese or iron for example, a residue remaining in the basin is a rich source of metal compounds that can be recovered for economic use.
US08119005B1	Method and apparatus for partial desalination of a concentrated salt solution A desalination system and method are based on the biological mechanism occurring in the mammalian kidney which utilizes colloid osmotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure to recover diluted salt solution from a concentrated one. The desalination system includes fluidly connected chamber compartments, one of which is filled with a charged substance, for example, a charged colloid polymer, to form a colloid salt solution when filled with the concentrated salt solution. Peripheral chamber compartments are filled with the concentrated salt solution. A system of semi-permeable membranes, not permeable to the charged substance, separate the chambers one from another. The system operates in the filling, equilibration, dilute, and collecting cycles which are controlled by opening and closing of the semi-permeable membranes. Desalination is based on the transfer of water due to osmotic pressure gradient across the membranes and is driven by hydrostatic pressure, thus providing energy efficient process. The charged substance is not consumed during the desalination and may be repeatedly used.
US08119000B2	Combined degassing and floatation tank A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
US08118995B2	Process for inhibiting fouling in hydrocarbon processing A method for inhibiting the formation of fouling materials including contacting hydrocarbon media containing aldehyde compounds with an antifoulant while treating the hydrocarbon media with a basic wash. The antifoulant includes a reducing sugar.
US08118985B2	Gas sensor A gas sensor (200) has a gas sensor element (10) including a first measurement chamber (16); a first pumping cell (11) having a first interior pump electrode (11c) and its counterpart electrode (11b); a second measurement chamber (18); a second pumping cell (13) that has a second interior pump electrode (13b); and a beater (50). The heater (50) has a lead section (50a); a first resistance portion (50bx) having a higher resistance than the lead portion (50a); and a main heating portion (50k) having a second resistance portion (50by) having a higher resistance than the first resistance portion (50bx) disposed at a leading end side in a longitudinal direction relative to a leading end of the first resistance portion (50bx). The second interior pump electrode (13b) is located within the first resistance portion (50bx) in the longitudinal direction.
US08118983B1	System for inhibiting corrosion of submerged components in a marine propulsion system A corrosion inhibiting system is provided with the ability to allow both primary and secondary portions of the circuit to be used in the alternative without having the primary and secondary systems interfere with each other by operating at the same time. By incorporating a continuity controller, such as a switch or a diode to selectively disconnect the sacrificial anode from the circuit, the primary and secondary systems can both be provided on a marine vessel, but used independently from each other. In that way, the primary and secondary corrosion inhibiting systems are prevented from interfering with each other during normal operation.
US08118982B2	Gas flow set-up for multiple, interacting reactive sputter sources A method and apparatus for physical vapor deposition of films on a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a series of connected sputtering chambers through which a substrate passes to undergo sequential deposition processes. The chambers have passages through which the substrates move, and through which process gases may leak. Target gas flows to each chamber are established by operating each chamber while adjacent chambers are idle, measuring the extent of gas communication between the chambers, and reducing the flows by an amount based on the extent of gas leakage.
US08118981B2	Sputtering apparatus and method for controlling the same The present invention provides a multi-target sputtering apparatus including an increased number of targets which can be sputtered simultaneously, and a method for controlling the sputtering apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, first and second shutter plates are provided between a substrate and target electrodes and paths between intended targets and the substrate are shut off by the shutter plates to perform a pre-sputtering step. In addition, the first and second shutter plates are rotated as appropriate at the time of transition to a full-scale sputtering step, so as to overlap through-holes provided in the shutter plates, thereby opening up paths between the intended targets and the substrate. Then, a full-scale sputtering step is performed.
US08118979B2	Advanced dewatering system Method of drying a paper web in a press arrangement. The method includes moving the paper web, disposed between at least one first fabric and at least one second fabric, between a support surface and a pressure producing element and moving a fluid through the paper web, the at least one first and second fabrics, and the support surface. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08118978B2	Runnability component and a method for saving energy in a drying section of a paper machine or the like The invention relates to an arrangement and a method of a paper machine or the like for saving energy in the drying section. According to the invention, in the drying section of a paper machine or the like in connection with a pocket space (9) between two drying cylinders (1, 2) and one turn roll (3), there are the following delimiting said pocket space (9): a first drying cylinder (1), a second drying cylinder (2), a turning suction roll (3) and a wire (5, 5a, 5b), which is arranged to travel from the first drying cylinder (1) to the turning suction roll (3) and from there on to the second drying cylinder (2). The arrangement further comprises a box-like runnability component (10) and a sealing element (19) arranged in the lower part of the runnability component (10), in the gap between the runnability component and the turning suction roll (3) in order to seal said gap and thereby to promote the operation of the turning suction roll (3).
US08118975B2	Papers containing fibrids derived from diamino diphenyl sulfone This invention relates to papers made with fibrids containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof. Such papers have high thermal stability and accept ink more readily than papers made solely with aramid fibrids.
US08118971B2	Interlayer film separation method There are provided an interlayer film separation solution and an interlayer film separation method capable of separating an interlayer film and a glass for a short period of time and collecting the separated interlayer film in a recyclable condition. An interlayer film separation solution 21 having etching ability for a glass is introduced into a container 22, and the introduced interlayer film separation solution 21 was controlled to a temperature of 30 to 60° C., and a laminated glass 10 with glass plates 11, 12 crushed is introduced into a barrel 23 from a lid portion 23a, and simultaneously, 50 to 60 metal pieces 25 are, introduced into the barrel 23 from the lid portion 23a in order to easily separate the laminated glass 10 into the glass plates 11, 12 and an interlayer film 13. The barrel 23 containing the laminated glass 10 and the metal pieces 25 introduced thereinto is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed.
US08118963B2	Stamping a coating of cured field aligned special effect flakes and image formed thereby A method of forming a security device is disclosed wherein a magnetically aligned pigment coating coated on a first substrate upon a release layer is hot stamped onto another substrate or object. Multiple patches with aligned magnetic flakes can be oriented differently in the form of a patch work or mosaic. For example, a region of stamped aligned flakes having the flakes oriented in a North-South orientation can be stamped onto one region of an object or substrate and another region of stamped same flakes removed from a same substrate can be stamped onto a same object oriented in an E-W orientation. By first aligning and curing flakes onto a releasable substrate, these flakes can be stamped in various shapes and sizes of patches to be adhesively fixed to another substrate or object.
US08118962B2	Method and apparatus for spacing cellular matter in a cell block Methods and apparatus for bonding block of paraffin having cellular material embedded at one end thereof with an additional amount of paraffin are disclosed, including a method comprising placing the paraffin block in a well of a mold with the paraffin-embedded cellular material positioned on a support structure that elevates the cellular matter from a bottom surface of the well; heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well, the support structure sized such that some of the additional paraffin flows on the bottom surface of the well at least partially surrounding the support structure; and cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block, wherein the retained cellular matter is spaced apart from an end of the re-solidified paraffin block defined by the bottom surface of the well.
US08118961B2	Method of manufacturing a Z-section component from composite material A method of manufacturing a Z-section component from composite material uses a mold having a convex mold portion and a concave mold portion. The method includes the preparation of a vacuum bag for a polymerization cycle, including the covering the fresh component with a layer of peel ply formed from a plurality of strips of peel ply and fixing the layer of peel ply perimetrically to the mold using an adhesive tape. A line of sealant is positioned perimetrically above the adhesive tape around the fresh component and a separator film is positioned above the layer of peel ply so as to cover the layer of peel ply and the perimetric line of sealant. A ventilation textile is placed perimetrically on the mold, the textile having an aperture which is positioned so as to leave uncovered an underlying part substantially coinciding with the fresh component. A vacuum bag is applied for the polymerization cycle.
US08118956B2	Manufacture of pyrotechnic time delay compositions A method of manufacturing a pyrotechnic time delay composition includes admixing together a solid oxidizer, a solid fuel and water to form an aqueous slurry. The slurry is transformed into droplets. The droplets are gas-dried to form particles comprising the oxidizer and the fuel, with the particles thus constituting a pyrotechnic delay composition.
US08118954B2	Method for producing a metallic component comprising adjacent sections having different material properties by means of press hardening A method for producing a metallic component (B) allows adjoining zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) having differing material properties to be produced in a manner which is simple in terms of production. This is achieved in that a sheet metal element (E) heated to a forming temperature is shaped in a forming tool (1) into an end-shaped component (B), wherein the forming tool (1) has a temperature adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of at least one of the portions (5, 7, 16) thereof that comes into contact with the sheet metal element (E) during the forming process, and in that the forming speed is controlled in consideration of the time for which the portion (5, 7, 16) of the forming tool (1) that is regulated with regard to the temperature thereof is in contact with the respective region (E1, E2, E3) of the sheet metal element (E) that rests against said portion.
US08118953B2	Method for producing steel part having long rolling contact fatigue life A steel part having a long rolling contact fatigue life and capable of further increasing the life of a bearing under severer using condition than usual conditions. The steel part includes steel having a composition containing 0.7% by mass to 1.1% by mass of C, 0.5% by mass to 2.0% by mass of Si, 0.4% by mass to 2.5% by mass of Mn, 1.6% by mass to 5.0% by mass of Cr, 0.1% by mass to less than 0.5% by mass of Mo, 0.010% by mass to 0.050% by mass of Al, less than 0.0015% by mass of Sb as an impurity, and the balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, the steel being hardened and tempered. In the steel structure of a portion from the surface to a depth of 5 mm, residual cementite has a grain diameter of 0.05 to 1.5 μm, prior austenite has a grain diameter of 30 μm or less, and the ratio by volume of the residual austenite is less than 25%.
US08118947B2	Sealing device for a dishwasher, and associated apparatus and method A sealing device for a dishwasher is provided, comprising at least one flange member. Each flange member is adapted to interact with at least one of a gasket member, a tub portion, and a door member. Each flange member is configured to extend along at least one opposing side of a front opening of the tub portion. Each flange member is cantilevered so as to extend between each opposing side of the front opening of the tub portion and the door member, upon closing thereof, so as to deflect washing fluid within the tub portion away from the gasket member forming a seal between the door member and the tub portion. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
US08118944B2	Self-cleaning pill counting device, and cleaning method A pills counting device is provided. It comprises a tray comprising a base member and a trough member. The device also comprises a lid member mounted on the base member and being movable between two extreme positions. The device also comprises at least one port provided in the tray and/or in the lid member and adapted to be connected in fluid communication with the base member and with an air intake of a vacuum device that can be remotely controlled. When a vacuum is applied to the at least one port, an air stream is established to entrain toward the vacuum device particles that may be present on surfaces of the device. A cleaning method using the aforesaid pills counting device is also disclosed.
US08118939B2	Temperature control unit for bubblers A temperature control device for use in a process reactor system with a bubbler having a container provided with a side wall. The device includes a vessel having an internal chamber adapted to receive the container of the bubbler. An enclosure member is extendable between the container of the bubbler and the vessel for enclosing the side wall of the container within the internal chamber. A temperature-changing device is coupled to the vessel for providing heat or cold to the internal chamber.
US08118938B2	Lower liner with integrated flow equalizer and improved conductance A plasma processing chamber has a lower liner with an integrated flow equalizer. In an etching process, the processing gases may be unevenly drawn from the processing chamber which may cause an uneven etching of the substrate. The integrated flow equalizer is configured to equalize the flow of the processing gases evacuated from the chamber via the lower liner.
US08118935B2	Mixing box, and apparatus and method for producing films A thin film manufacturing system, wherein a stage for placing a substrate thereon is disposed within a vacuum reactor and a gas head for supplying a film forming gas to a central area on a top face of the vacuum reactor is arranged so that the gas head is opposed to the stage. A cylindrical sleeve member is disposed and comes in close contact with a side wall of the stage to surround a periphery of the stage. The height of the stage can be established at the position where the volume of a second space formed below the stage and connected to a vacuum discharge means is larger than that of a first space formed above the stage, in such a manner that an exhaust gas is isotropically discharged from the first space without causing any convection current therein through the interstice between the sleeve member and an inner wall surface constituting the reactor.
US08118932B2	Technique for monitoring dynamic processes in metal lines of microstructures By locally heating specific scan positions within a region of interest and automatically obtaining respective measurement data in a time-resolved and spatially-resolved fashion, dynamic processes within a metallization layer of semiconductor devices may be efficiently monitored and/or modified. For instance, OBIRCH and SEI techniques may be used in combination with the automated data recording and manipulation, thereby providing an efficient means for in situ failure analysis, defect identification, for any dynamic degradation processes in interconnects and interlayer dielectrics.
US08118927B2	Cementitious compositions and methods of making and using A cementitious composition is provided that comprises an effective amount of bottom ash and an effective amount of cement. In one embodiment, a structural product formed from mixing the composition with an effective amount of water has a seven-day compressive strength of at least about 2,500 psi and, more preferably, a seven-day compressive strength of at least about 4,000 psi. In another embodiment, a structural product formed from mixing the composition with an effective amount of water has a twenty-eight-day compressive strength of at least about 4,000 psi and, more preferably, a twenty-eight-day compressive strength of at least about 5,000 psi.
US08118926B2	Self-foaming cement for void filling and/or delivery systems A self-foaming bone cement is described herein. In one variation, the bone cements include a self setting calcium phosphate cement formulation which when cured, forms macroscopic pores of varying sizes and densities with sufficient surface area to provide substantial regions for bone turnover.
US08118922B2	Pigmented phase change inks containing low molecular weight quaternary ammonium salt dispersants A pigmented phase change ink composition comprising an ink vehicle, a dispersant, and pigment particles wherein the dispersant is a chemical compound of formula: wherein R1 is an alkyl group, aryl group, alkylaryl group or arylalkyl group with at least 23 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene group, arylene group, alkylarylene group or arylalkylene group with at least 2 carbons and X is a quaternary ammonium salt. The ink can be resistant to substantial aggregation and settling of the pigment particles in the melt and even when exposed to freeze thaw cycles.
US08118921B2	Unit for accumulating and degassing oil A unit (1) for accumulating and degassing oil in an oil system comprising a reservoir (2) provided with a first chamber (3) in which the oil is subjected to atmospheric pressure and in which the oil volume is allowed to vary, a second chamber (4) which is intended to be at least nearly completely filled with oil and in which the oil is kept separated from direct contact with surrounding air, and a flow passage (7) between the chambers. A air-tight flexible member (11) is arranged in the first oil accumulation chamber in order to keep the oil therein separated from direct contact with surrounding air. The unit also comprises an apparatus (20) for degassing oil, which is connected to the reservoir and comprises an entrance (21a) for feeding oil into the apparatus (20), an exit (22a) for oil connected to the reservoir, and a degassing room.
US08118917B2	Device and method for recovering moisture in the atmosphere The invention relates to a device for recovering moisture present in the atmosphere. The device comprises a collection structure with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. Further, the collection structure is detachably couplable to a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture. In addition, the collection structure is nestable.
US08118913B2	Germane purification A process and system for the purification of germane containing phosphine to provide a purified germane product. One aspect of the present invention is a process for making a purified germane product containing less than 50 ppb of phosphine which comprises providing a phosphine contaminated germane gas hydrogen gas mixture; passing the germane gas hydrogen gas mixture through an adsorbent which selectively adsorbs phosphine and withdrawing therefrom a purified germane gas hydrogen mixture; and separating the purified germane gas from the hydrogen germane gas mixture.
US08118912B2	Low power atmospheric water generator Embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for purifying and storing water produced from atmospheric air to provide a safe, inexpensive source of potable water. Improvements over prior systems and methods include the use of two isolated air chambers, one for ambient air used to capture moisture from the atmosphere, and another for clean rechargeable air to convert the captured moisture into condensate and using a rotating mass of hygroscopic material and a condensation unit, each of which is periodically sterilized by heat.
US08118911B2	Air drying arrangement An air drying arrangement for a commercial vehicle is provided having two or more desiccant canisters arranged in parallel on a single air dryer body. The arrangement may include a coupling device that attaches to the body and allows the two or more desiccant containing canisters to mount to the device. The arrangement may be configured to balance the flow of air to each of the desiccant containing canisters when drying air and/or when regenerating the desiccant.
US08118910B2	Layered filtration membrane and methods of making same A layered filter membrane with improved anti-clogging characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a filter membrane includes multiple polymer layers, each with different pore diameters formed by stretching the polymer layers. Furthermore, the multiple filter layers are coupled together before being stretched and the different pore sizes are formed during co-stretching of the filter layers.
US08118909B2	Multistage variable impactor An inertial gas-liquid separator and method is provided, including variable orifice jet nozzle structure having a variable orifice area dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve, and in another embodiment having first and second flow branches, with the first flow branch being continuously open, and the second flow branch having a variable flow controller controlling flow therethrough.
US08118908B2	Electrically heated particulate matter filter with recessed inlet end plugs A particulate matter (PM) filter includes filter walls having inlet ends and outlet ends. First adjacent pairs of the filter walls define inlet channels. Second adjacent pairs of the filter walls define outlet channels. Outlet end plugs are arranged in the inlet channels adjacent to the output ends. Inlet end plugs arranged in the outlet channels spaced from the inlet ends.
US08118906B2	Methodology for recycling Ru and Ru-alloy deposition targets and targets made of recycled Ru and Ru-based alloy powders A method of recycling ruthenium (Ru) and Ru-based alloys comprises steps of: providing a solid body of Ru or a Ru-based alloy; segmenting the body to form a particulate material; removing contaminants, including Fe, from the particulate material; reducing the sizes of the particulate material to form a powder material; removing contaminants, including Fe, from the powder material; reducing oxygen content of the powder material to below a predetermined level to form a purified powder material; and removing particles greater than a predetermined size from the purified powder material. The purified powder material may be utilized for forming deposition sources, e.g., sputtering targets.
US08118905B2	Method for producing magnetic microparticles, magnetic microparticles obtained therefrom, magnetic fluid, and method for producing magnetic product It is an object to provide a method for producing magnetic microparticles, which produces monodispersed magnetic microparticles, causes no clogging with a product due to self-dischargeability, requires no great pressure, and is excellent in productivity. In the method for producing magnetic microparticles, at least two fluids are used, and at least one kind of the fluids is a fluid containing at least one kind of magnetic raw material, and at least one kind of the fluids other than the above fluid is a fluid containing at least one kind of a magnetic microparticles-separating agent, and the respective fluids join together in a thin film fluid formed between two processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby magnetic microparticles are separated in the thin film fluid to obtain the magnetic microparticles.
US08118904B2	Metal powder manufacturing device, metal powder, and molded body A metal powder manufacturing device for manufacturing a metal powder includes a feed for supplying a molten metal, a fluid spout unit, and a course modification unit. The fluid spout unit further includes a channel and an orifice. The channel is provided below the feed, allowing passing of the molten metal supplied from the feed. The orifice is opened at a bottom end of the channel, spouting a fluid into the channel. The above course modification unit is provided below the fluid spout unit, and forcibly changes the traveling direction of a dispersion liquid. This dispersion liquid is composed of multiple fine droplets dispersed into the fluid. The above droplets are a resultant of a breakup caused by a contact between the molten metal and the fluid ejected from the orifice. Here, the dispersion liquid is transported so that the droplets is cooled and solidified in the dispersion liquid in order to manufacture the metal powder.
US08118903B2	Method for preferential selection of modes and gear with inertia effects for a hybrid powertrain system A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system selectively operative in one of a plurality of operating range states including an engine includes monitoring an operator torque request and a rotational speed of the output member, determining inertial effects of the transmissions, determining motor torque outputs from the electrical machines and an engine based upon the inertial effects, and selecting a preferred operating range state and a preferred input speed from the engine to the transmission based upon the operator torque request and the inertial effects.
US08118898B2	Spinous silica-based sol and method of producing the same The present invention provides a sol of spinous silica-based particles in which silica-based particles having peculiar forms, spinous forms are dispersed in a solvent. The spinous silica-based particles have verrucous projections formed on surfaces of spherical silica-based particles. In the spinous particles, a value of the surface roughness (SA1/SA2, SA1 indicating a specific surface area measured by the BET method or the Sears method and SA2 indicating a specific surface area converted from an average particle diameter (D2) measured by the image analysis method) is in the range from 1.7 to 10. Furthermore the average diameter (D2) measured by the image analysis method is in the range from 7 to 150 nm.
US08118896B2	Coated abrasive materials and method of manufacture A method of coating ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces, or treated to render their surfaces vitreophilic, are coated with an oxide precursor material, which is then heat treated to dry and purify the coats. The heat treated, coated ultrahard abrasive particles are further treated to convert the coats to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride thereof, or an elemental form thereof, or a glass.
US08118893B2	Hydrogen generating fuel cell cartridges A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.
US08118890B2	Method and device for producing synthesis gases by partial oxidation of slurries prepared from fuels containing ash and full quenching of the crude gas A method and device for the gasification of solid fuels such as bituminous coals, and cokes such as those from bituminous coals, lignite coals, and biomasses, as well as petroleum cokes, that are ground fine and mixed with water or oil to obtain fuel-in-liquid suspensions, so-called slurries, and their gasification together with an oxidizing medium containing free oxygen, by partial oxidation at pressures between atmospheric pressure and 100 bar, and at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C. in an entrained flow reactor. The method includes slurry preparation and infeed to the reactor, gasification in an entrained flow reactor with cooled reaction chamber contour, full quenching of the crude gas to saturation temperature that may be 180-260° C. depending on the gasification pressure, and wet or dry dust separation. The crude gas is pretreated so that it can be fed to further technological steps such as crude gas conversion, H2S and CO2 removal, and synthesis.
US08118880B1	Coloring composition containing L-DOPA and L-arginine and forming a non-covalent derivatization complex A natural coloring composition for coloring materials, and methods of its use. The coloring composition comprises a natural precursor aromatic ring molecule such as L-DOPA that is oxidatively oligomerized or polymerized in the presence of arginine and an activator, such as a salt or an enzyme, wherein the L-DOPA and the amino acid form a specific non-covalent interaction. The natural coloring composition can also include a buffer, colorant, stabilizer, and/or thickening agent, and can comprise one or two inactive solutions that are combined to form an active coloring composition.
US08118878B2	Orthopedic appliance The invention relates to an orthopedic appliance which is designed to support the weight of a patient and comprises a power supply device for an electrical consumer. The aim of the invention is to be able to convert the kinetic energy introduced into the appliance into electrical energy. To this end, the power supply device comprises a stack (7) of piezoelectric ceramic elements, and the force of the weight is introduced into the stack (7) by means of a force transmission system.
US08118873B2	Total joint replacement An artificial vertebral joint for interposition between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises a pair of bilateral joint subcomponents. Each joint subcomponent includes a superior component including a superior vertebra engaging surface and an inferior component including an inferior vertebra engaging surface. Each joint subcomponent further includes a spacer extending between the superior component and the inferior component. The spacer includes a first modulus of elasticity and a second modulus of elasticity. The first modulus transitions to the second modulus with a gradient change.
US08118866B2	Method for heart valve implantation A percutaneously inserted bistable heart valve prosthesis is folded inside a catheter for transseptal delivery to the patient's heart for implantation. The heart valve has an annular ring, a body member having a plurality of legs, each leg connecting at one end to the annular ring, claws that are adjustable from a first position to a second position by application of external force so as to allow ingress of surrounding heart tissue into the claws in the second position, and leaflet membranes connected to the annular ring, the body member and/or the legs, the leaflet membranes having a first position for blocking blood flow therethrough and a second position for allowing blood flow therethrough. The heart valve is designed such that upon removal of the external force the claws elastically revert to the first position so as to grip the heart tissue positioned within the claws, thereby holding the heart valve in place. The body member and claws may be integrated into a one-piece design. The heart valve may be used as a prosthesis for the mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, or tricuspid valve by adapting the annular ring to fit in a respective mitral, aortic, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve opening of the heart.
US08118862B2	Apparatus and method for implantation of bifurcated endovascular prosthesis A stent graft for animal or human implantation and method of delivery thereof. The device stent graft employs a first component having an axial passage communicating with the axial cavities of a cuff and longer first leg. A separate leg extension is engageable to an aperture in the distal end of the cuff. A first catheter engages the first component for translation to the implantation site along a first guide wire. A guide member communicating through the first component and extending from the distal end of a second catheter and adapted for slidable contact along the first guide wire when pushed by a translatable core shaft extending from the first catheter, or by the second catheter, is provided as a pre-positioned guide for subsequent engagement of the leg extension to the aperture in the distal end of the cuff. Translation of the core shaft while in contact with the guide member pulls a third guide engaged with the second catheter into the cuff to provide a track for proper and speedy positioning and engagement of the leg extension with the cuff.
US08118860B2	Device for connecting a tubular vascular prosthesis to a blood vessel and a vascular prosthesis Suturing elements for connecting a vascular prosthesis to a blood vessel include an internal, substantially annular body intended to be received in the blood vessel in addition to an external annular body intended to lie clampingly on an outer wall of the blood vessel at least practically at the location of the internal annular body. At least one of the two annular bodies is provided with suturing members which grip in the vessel wall so as to effect an adequate fixation of at least the internal annular body. The device for use with such suturing elements and a vascular prosthesis which is provided on at least one of its outer ends with at least a part of such suturing elements are disclosed. Different embodiments of such prostheses together form a modular vascular prosthesis system. A side vessel of a thus supported blood vessel can be preserved using branch elements.
US08118856B2	Stent graft Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first stent, a first inner graft supported by the first stent, a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent.
US08118855B2	Curve forming stent graft A curve forming stent graft for curved vessels such as the thoracic arch. The stent graft has a tubular body zig zag self expanding stents fastened to and supporting the tubular body. The zig zag self expanding stents comprising struts and points between adjacent struts thereby defining proximal end points and distal end points. A temporary diameter constriction arrangement associated with the least some of the plurality of zig zag self expanding stents comprises a pair of adjacent distal end points being releasably retained adjacent each other whereby at rest the tubular body of the stent graft is in a substantially sawtooth form and when released in a curved configuration a distal end point of a stent overlaps a proximal end point of a distally adjacent stent to facilitate curvature of the stent graft in a curved vessel.
US08118853B2	Prosthesis delivery and deployment device A system for delivering and deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis comprises a delivery catheter and a sheath. The delivery catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and is slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. An operating mechanism comprises a contractible air vessel that couples the sheath and the delivery catheter so that contraction of the air vessel causes the sheath to retract proximally over the delivery catheter. Additional aspects of the invention include a method of deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis.
US08118850B2	Intermaxillary fixation device and method of using same A medical apparatus for intermaxillary fixation or stabilization has a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment loop, and a plurality of hooks, wherein the bar is an arch bar and the first attachment loop and the second attachment loop are located distally to one another. Another medical apparatus has a bar having a first attachment loop assembly, a second attachment loop assembly, and a plurality of hooks, wherein the bar is an arch bar and the first attachment loop assembly and the second attachment loop assembly are movably engaged to the bar. The bar may also have one or more additional attachment loop assemblies located between the first and second attachment loop assemblies. The attachment loop assemblies may each have a bracket, an attachment loop, a stem, and a set screw. The attachment loops are capable of receiving a screw to attach the arch bar to a mandible, a maxilla, and/or a prosthedontic device.
US08118848B2	Orthopedic plate for use in fibula repair The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate for use in repair of a fibula. The plate has a Y-shaped profile which has the contour of a spoon where the bowl includes a terminal pair of arms that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other, but do not impinge so as to provide-multiplanar fixation.
US08118844B2	Expandable device for insertion between anatomical structures and a procedure utilizing same A surgical implantation procedure and device according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures, and is expanded into engagement with the structures. The expansion is terminated when the member is in engagement with the structures.
US08118842B2	Multi-level dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08118840B2	Vertebral rod and related method of manufacture A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section and an intermediate section disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface and opposing end portions that define an open portion. A removable element extends from one of the first, second or intermediate sections and is disposable adjacent the opposing end portions. The element is configured to prevent engagement of the opposing end portions. A resistance member is configured for disposal with the intermediate section and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
US08118839B2	Interspinous implant This interspinous implant is able to be engaged between the spinal processes of two vertebrae and formed by a block of elastically deformable material. According to the invention, the block is subdivided into a central part made from a first elastically deformable material and two lateral parts made from a second elastically deformable material, more rigid than the first material. The lateral parts are situated on the two opposite lateral sides of the central part, that is to say on the sides intended to be situated longitudinally on each side of the spinal processes after implantation, and being connected to the central part.
US08118833B2	Apparatus for sealing surgical punctures Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform to the profile of the vessel or tissue when deployed. In one embodiment, the disks may be released from engagement with the vessel or tissue to reposition the disks after deployment.
US08118830B2	Method for reducing emboli formation Methods and devices for reducing emboli formation during medical procedures. In accordance with the present invention a first medical device is passed through a stenosed area and activated to block fluid flow through the lumen, a second medical device including a filter is passed through the stenosed area and deployed. The first medical device is then deactivated to restore fluid flow through the lumen.
US08118829B2	Clot removal device A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a shaft and one or more strut members that each may include a loop region. The proximal ends of the strut members may be attached to the shaft and the distal ends of the strut members may be coupled to the shaft.
US08118828B2	Retrievable blood clot filter and method of retrieving A compact retrievable blood clot filter and a method of retrieving the filter. The retrievable filter has a primary hub, a set of filter struts having a conical configuration and extending from the primary hub, and a set of alignment struts connected to the filter struts to provide centering of the filter. A set of control struts connected to the alignment struts has a secondary hub which is axially movable relative to the primary hub. Movement of the secondary hub causes the control struts to pull the alignment struts radially inward into a retractable state for retrieval of the filter.
US08118821B2	Magnetic anastomosis device having improved delivery A magnet assembly for a magnetic anastamosis device is provide that is minimally invasive, easily and quickly delivered, and is accurately positioned to improve the delivery procedure. The magnet assembly includes an elongated hub and a plurality of magnetic members disposed over the elongated hub. The elongated hub is formed of a resilient or shape memory material, permitting the magnet assembly to be operable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. In this manner, the package width of the magnet assembly is greatly reduced for delivery, thereby permitting delivery over a wire guide as well as through an access device such as a catheter. Associated delivery procedures and medical devices are also provided.
US08118813B2	Bone graft delivery system for a vertebral interbody device A surgical delivery system that has particular application for providing bone graft material to an interbody device that restores disc space height during spinal fusion surgery. The bone graft delivery system includes a body portion and a shaft coupled thereto. An auger extends through a bore in the shaft and into the body portion. An end of the shaft opposite to the body portion is configured to be coupled to the interbody device, where the auger extends through a channel in the interbody device. Bone graft material is placed in a hopper coupled to the shaft, where the auger is manually or automatically rotated to deliver the bone graft material through the shaft and into the interbody device where it is dispersed into the disc space.
US08118811B2	Apparatus for knee surgery and method of use The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
US08118810B2	Targeting device for bone implant A medical implant system has parts for detachably establishing a spatial orientation between a body implant such as a bone plate and an aiming device. A contoured portion of a body implant is designed in such a manner that an adapter device can be detachably fastened to the body implant by means of a mechanic form-fit connection. Preferably the form-fitting elements are grooves and protrusions which tightly engage when clamped together. The adaptor device provides a basis for aiming or targeting a device such that the targeting device may be detachably positioned in a stable spatial position with respect to the body implant. Preferably, the adaptor device comprises a dowel pin, a handling device and a clamping element, which elements allow for a quick and easy assembling and disassembling of the adaptor device in a desired alignment.
US08118809B2	Flexible conductive polymer electrode and method for ablation An electrode for ablation therapy includes a flexible conductive element for conducting electrical energy and a flexible conductive polymer member in electrically conductive contact with the conductive element. A catheter shaft may be coupled to the conductive element and/or the flexible conductive polymer member. The flexible conductive element may be formed as a helical coil, a mesh coating or wrap, or any other suitable form, and may surround (wholly or partially) a flexible electrically insulative, and optionally thermally conductive, member. A heat sink may be thermally coupled to at least one of the flexible conductive polymer member and the flexible electrically insulative member. The flexible electrically insulative member may include a passageway for coolant fluid to cool the electrode during ablation. The passageway may include at least one efflux hole to permit coolant fluid to flow from the passageway, or may define a closed loop.
US08118808B2	Cooled dielectrically buffered microwave dipole antenna Microwave antenna assemblies incorporating a resilient insulating coupler are described herein. The microwave antenna includes a radiating portion connected by a coaxial feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Distal and proximal radiating portions of the antenna, which correspond to inner and outer conductors provided by the coaxial feedline, are separated by the resilient insulating coupler. The described coupler includes a proximal threaded portion, and an overmolded insulating portion formed from an elastomeric material. The inner conductor of the coaxial feedline is joined to the threaded portion of the coupler, and is placed under tension to draw together the distal radiating portion, the coupler, and the proximal radiating portion into a single rigid assembly. In use, the resilient coupler provides increased strength and reliability by absorbing mechanical stresses typically encountered during microwave ablation procedures.
US08118802B2	Connector for packaging containing medical fluids and packaging for medical fluids The disclosure relates to a connector for packaging containing medical fluids, in particular infusion or transfusion bags, including a tubular connection part for receiving a spike for the withdrawal of fluid, and having a lower opening on the packaging side and an upper opening on the connection side. A self-sealing membrane, which is pierced by the spike, is located in the connection part. The membrane has an upper, annular section leading into a lower, plate-shaped section, said annular section of the membrane surrounding the spike in a sealing manner, when the latter pierces the plate-shaped section. The membrane acts as a guide for the spike and also reseals the connector, once the spike has been removed.
US08118799B2	Disposable garment having first and second attachment members A disposable garment for absorbing human exudate is disclosed having a first attachment member and a pair of second attachment members. The garment has a front panel, a back panel and a crotch region therebetween. The garment is folded to enable the pair of second attachment members to be secured to the first attachment member and form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A pair of frangible sections is formed in the first attachment member at locations outboard of the side edges of the front panel. Each of the second attachment members can bridge across one of the frangible sections and be removeably secured to the first attachment member to form an easy to open disposable garment.
US08118796B2	Suction bag arrangement An arrangement in connection with the handling of patient fluids, comprising a suction canister open at one end, a cover for closing the suction canister, a suction bag fastened to the cover, and an underpressure apparatus for applying underpressure to a space between the suction canister and the suction bag. The arrangement further comprises fastening means for keeping the suction bag narrowed in such a manner that the width and length of the suction bag are at least along part of the suction bag smaller than when the suction bag is opened, and the fastening means are arranged to release the suction bag to be opened into the suction canister under the action of the underpressure when the cover is closed.
US08118795B2	Disposal chain supply systems method and apparatus This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.
US08118794B2	Reduced pressure treatment system A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also includes a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. An absorbable matrix may be placed in the site of a wound to encourage tissue growth into the matrix. Temperature of the site may be monitored using a layer of temperature sensitive material and temperature sensors connected to an alarm and recording device. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site. A portable version of the wound treatment apparatus is also provided. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure is provided.
US08118790B2	Battery operated surgical hand piece with disposable end The present invention is an ophthalmic injection system with a limited reuse assembly and a tip segment. The tip segment is connectable to and removable from the limited reuse assembly. The tip segment includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, and a housing. The dispensing chamber holds a quantity of a substance to be injected into an eye. The proximate end of the plunger has a first mechanical linkage interface. The limited reuse assembly of the ophthalmic injection system has a power source, a controller, a motor, a second mechanical linkage interface located on an end of the motor shaft; and a second housing. The first mechanical linkage interface is mateable with the second mechanical linkage interface such that when the tip segment is connected to the limited reuse assembly, the first mechanical linkage interface mates with the second mechanical linkage interface so that motion of the shaft results in motion of the plunger.
US08118786B2	Guarded medical winged needle assembly A guarded medical winged needle assembly for safely and securely encasing a winged needle without any complicated operation, includes a cylindrical needle cover 1 having a forward section 2, a middle section 3 and a backward section 4, the middle section 3 having an opening 5 formed at a bottom thereof, the backward section 4 having a slit 7, and a winged needle 21 having a pair of wings 24 fitted to on both sides of a hub 23, a needle 22 provided before said hub 23 and a tube T fitted to a backward portion of said hub 23, and said winged needle 21 being slidably housed and protected in said needle cover 1, (A) an engaging member 27, 28 being fitted to said tube T, or (B) an engaging member 30 being fitted to a backward portion of said hub 23, said winged needle thereby being fixable when housed in said needle cover.
US08118785B2	Surgical access device with pendent valve A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.
US08118782B2	Insulin pump with replacement capabilities Insulin delivery systems include a first insulin pump and a second insulin pump, wherein each pump includes a memory configured to store an infusion program, a control unit configured to control operation of the pump, and a communication interface for data exchange with the other pump, wherein the control unit of the first insulin pump is configured monitor, a status of the first insulin pump, activate a search for the presence of the second insulin pump when a predetermined status is assumed, and, upon detection of the presence of the second insulin pump, transmit, via the communication interface of the first insulin pump, the infusion program stored, and the control unit of the second insulin pump is configured to search for the presence of the first insulin pump, and, upon detection of the presence of the first insulin pump, receive and store, the infusion program.
US08118781B2	Fluid infusion system, a method of assembling such system and drug reservoir for use in the system The present application relates to methods and devices for providing a reduced risk of free flow from medical devices such as an infusion pump. A medicament containing reservoir (100) is provided with a piston having a sealing portion (121) formed by a material of a first stiffness. The piston further comprises a core member (110) of a material having a stiffness larger than said first stiffness, the core member comprising one or more connective members (111) being adapted to cooperate with said one or more protrusions of the linear actuation member. The one or more connective members being adapted to be substantially rigid in the axial direction while being resilient in a radial direction, thereby forming a releasable snap or friction fit connection with the linear actuation member. Thereby a mechanism is provided which is engageable by a purely axial relative displacement and which is disengageable by retracting the linear actuation member axially relative to the piston by exerting a pulling force greater than a predetermined limit.
US08118780B2	Hydraulic remote for a medical fluid injector A hand-held remote for a medical fluid injector includes a syringe and a conduit which may be coupled to a pressure transducer on a control circuit of the injector. Movement of a plunger within a syringe body on the syringe creates a pressure which is sensed by the pressure transducer and the control circuit responds to the sensed pressure by causing fluid to be ejected from, or drawn into, a syringe mounted to the injector. The pressure developed by the remote provides tactile feedback to an operator for improved control over injections.
US08118778B2	Infusion apparatus In a peristaltic medical infusion pump unit, comprising a peristaltic assembly and a counter surface or anvil facing said peristaltic assembly and provided by the inner surface of a door (30) pivotally mounted on a housing (12) of the unit, the door (30) is readily non-destructively removable and replaceable. In use of the peristaltic pump unit, a flexible resilient tube (36) forming part of a medical fluid delivery line is extended between the peristaltic assembly and the counter surface or anvil provided by the door. The medical is fluid delivery line has first and second colour coded fittings (38, 40) spaced therealong upstream and downstream of the peristaltic assembly (26) and the region of the housing of the pump unit across which the infusion line is extended is provided, correspondingly spaced above and below the peristaltic assembly (26) with correspondingly colour coded support means (22, 24) for these fittings.
US08118777B2	Systems and methods for delivering therapeutic agents The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The systems generally comprise a container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source configured to be placed in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of a reservoir of the container. In one embodiment, fluid from the pressure source is directed through a first region of the container in a direction towards a second region of the container. The fluid then is at least partially redirected to urge the therapeutic agent in a direction from the second region of the container towards the first region of the container and subsequently towards the target site. In alternative embodiments, the fluid from the pressure source may be directed through the second region of the container in a direction towards the first region of the container.
US08118776B2	System and method for inflation syringe with improved display and modularized component assembly An inflation syringe having an improved display and modularized component assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. A modularized component assembly for an inflation syringe allowing independent components to be tested independent of the other components of the inflation syringe.
US08118774B2	Toposcopic access and delivery devices Disclosed herein are elongate flexible medical devices which are capable of axial elongation through the mechanism of eversion or toposcopic expansion. In general, this may be accomplished by providing a flexible tubular device having a proximal end and a distal end. Retraction of the distal end in a proximal direction through the tubular body inverts the tube upon itself, causing an axial shortening of the overall length of the device. The original length of the device can be restored by coupling a pressurized media to the proximal end of the sleeve. If the distal end of the sleeve is temporarily restricted or closed, the pressurized media causes the distal end of the sleeve to travel distally until the full length of the sleeve has been restored.
US08118773B2	Oral administration device An oral administration device having a nipple member and a frangible seal is disclosed. And oral administration system having a nipple member and a syringe to fill the nipple member is disclosed. An oral administration device having a vacuum package surrounding the oral administration device is also disclosed.
US08118772B2	Breast pump device with self-contained breast milk reservoir The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere. The invention can be attached to a conventional electric or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. Additionally, the invention can be used for collection of hand-expressed milk. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which, in an embodiment, has at one end a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the breast milk is expressed into the reservoir through a unique valve assembly and the milk is stored in the reservoir until the device is removed and the collected milk emptied into a container. In an embodiment, the valve assembly is mounted concentrically on a second end of the breast adaptor. The valve assembly alternately opens and closes communication between the breast adaptor and the reservoir. The valve assembly further includes an overflow chamber and a baffle structure to prevent backflow of milk into the pump and associated vacuum or suction line. The invention, in an embodiment, also includes a unique connection apparatus that enables the vacuum hose of the disclosed breast milk collection device to be sealingly attached to a vacuum hose of varying sizes attached to a vacuum pump mechanism.
US08118764B2	Hip abduction orthosis A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, first and second thigh engaging parts and first and second coupling parts, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
US08118763B2	Walking assist device Provided is a walking assist device including a seat member, a leg link having a joint portion, and a driving source for the joint portion. The walking assist device allows a user to rest by sitting on the seat member. Accordingly, the walking assist device further includes a lock mechanism disposed in the joint portion and an operation unit for the lock mechanism. When the operation unit is switched on, the driving source is controlled to increase an up-pushing force on the seat member. A variation rate on the up-pushing force is increased with time to a given value where the lock mechanism is initiated.
US08118762B2	Medical knee bandage A medical knee bandage having a sheathing body of material that is elastic in at least some sections and is open on opposing ends and forms a closed sheathing jacket that is under tangential elastic stress when applied around a human knee area. A removal aid which is designed as a separation that is closable, for example by a zipper, extends over some or all of the length of the sheathing body.
US08118761B2	System and method for temporo-mandibular joint decompression during cervical traction Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.
US08118758B2	Living body inspection apparatus A living body inspection apparatus includes: a first detecting unit detecting a displacement of two positions in a lateral direction of a subject's larynx; a second detecting unit detecting a swallowing sound of the subject; a displaying unit displaying a waveform regarding the displacement of the two positions formed using information from the first detecting unit and a waveform regarding the swallowing sound formed using information from the second detecting unit; a processor instructing the displaying unit; and a flexible holding member including a pair of sensor holding members having flexibility and provided with the first and second detecting units at one ends, and a mounting member integrally formed with the pair of sensor holding members at other ends to hold the sensor holding members, the other ends being made open so that the mounting member is mounted on and held by the subject's larynx.
US08118750B2	Flow sensors for penile tumescence The disclosure describes blood flow sensors for detecting penile tumescence. A system according to the invention may include at least one sensor for sensing blood flow into the penis, and one sensor for sensing blood flow away from the penis. Detecting penile tumescence may be accomplished by comparing the flow of blood into the penis to the blood flow out of the penis. A greater inflow of blood indicates an increasing tumescence whereas a greater outflow of blood indicates a decreasing tumescence. The sensors may be used for short- or long-term monitoring of penile tumescence, or as closed-loop feedback in a therapeutic penile tumescence control system, which may deliver electrical or chemical stimulation therapy to control a tumescence or erectile state, thus treating sexual dysfunction or, more specifically, erectile dysfunction.
US08118747B2	Ergonomic housing for electroacoustic transducers particularly for ultrasound imaging and ultrasound probe with said housing An ergonomic housing for electroacoustic transducers, particularly for ultrasound imaging, includes at least an inner space (4) housing, one or more electroacoustic transducers (5) and possible further electric and/or electronic components (6/7). The housing (1) has at least an acoustic window (2) at which the one or more electroacoustic transducers (5) are placed. Further included is a handle part (101) composed of an opposing gripping surface having a shape that is ergonomically fitted for being gripped by a hand or a portion thereof. The gripping surface has such a shape or profile (301) to be ergonomically fitted for being gripped by inserting it in the hollow between two adjacent fingers of the hand.
US08118744B2	Methods, systems and computer program products for ultrasound shear wave velocity estimation and shear modulus reconstruction Methods for determining a mechanical parameter of a sample include detecting shear waves that have been generated in the sample by an applied shear wave source. A time of peak displacement of the shear waves for a plurality of sample positions is determined. At least one mechanical parameter of the sample based on the time of peak displacement for the plurality of sample positions is determined.
US08118740B2	Moisture sensor for skin A moisture sensor for skin is disclosed. With the moisture sensor, a user can determine that her skin is too dry, and can conveniently apply a skin-care product. In addition, in one embodiment, the sensor can assist in identifying different types of skin-care products to apply. As one example, a skin-care product is a type of lotion. As another example, a skin-care product is a type of shampoo.
US08118735B2	Rotational control for a hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion, wherein the seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper seal ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member oriented for movement relative thereto, wherein a latching mechanism is positioned between the first ring member and the second ring member for selectively controlling movement of the first ring member relative to the second ring member. The seal assembly also includes a rotational control mechanism controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring.
US08118732B2	Force feedback control system for video endoscope A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.
US08118722B2	Reducing discomfort caused by electrical stimulation The invention is directed to a novel method for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous stimulation. The novel method includes providing transcutaneous stimulation, reducing the transcutaneous stimulation at a first location, and substantially maintaining the transcutaneous stimulation at a second location. The transcutaneous stimulation may be created by electric and/or magnetic fields. The first location may be relatively proximate to the cutaneous surface and may comprise tissue, nerves and muscle. Also, the second location may be relatively deeper than the first location and include, for example, brain tissue that requires the transcutaneous stimulation for treatment purposes. The invention further may include locating a conductor on a treatment area and/or a transcutaneous stimulation device relative to the first location. In addition, the method may further include adjusting how much the transcutaneous stimulation is reduced at the first location.
US08118719B1	Exercise method for the arms An exercise routine includes holding an elastic band in clenched fists and rotating the fists against the elastic restraining force of the elastic band while obtaining leverage through the contact of both hands. In one approach the right arm is rotated in the clockwise direction while in another approach the right arm is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. The left arm rotates in the opposite sense to that of the right arm. By rotating the fists, wrists, and lower arms against elastic force, the biceps and triceps muscles are worked, and by repeating the exercise over a controlled program of repetitions and sets with increasing resistance, the arm muscles can be strengthened.
US08118718B2	Abdominal exercise training device An abdominal training device includes a stationary base with a user support surface and a hub connected to a track with a friction mitigation unit and a track anchor. A console is slidably mounted on the track and includes a hand support member and a console anchor. A bearing is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the track and supports an elastic resistance element with one end attached to the track anchor and the other end attached to the console anchor. A beam rigidly connects the track to the hub of the stationary base so that the track is at least partially rotatable about the hub of the stationary base. The device may also include an electronic training program that directs a user to rotate the track to specified positions. The device may be part of an abdominal training kit.
US08118716B2	Pogo stick A pogo stick or like device is provided and includes at least one illuminatable or illumination means. The pogo stick may have a frame including a tubular member. The tubular member may extend substantially longitudinally, may be located substantially co-axially with a central axis of the pogo stick, and may include a structural member. The pogo stick may have a pair of handles extending from the frame and may have platform means. The illuminatable or illumination means may include at least one vertically extending member, and beneficially a pair of illumination means, each including a vertically extending member located on either side of the tubular member.
US08118715B2	Multi-function excercise machine suitable for home use An exercise machine suitable for exercising a person's muscles contains a frame (100Y), a seat (102) situated over the frame, a seatback (104), a connection mechanism (106Y) for flexibly and adjustably connecting the seatback to the frame or/and the seat, and a pedaling mechanism (112Y) connectable to the frame and having a pair of movable foot pedals (140). The connection mechanism includes (a) a seatback-attaching portion (120, 180, 184, 186, 188, and 190) attached to the seatback and (b) a support rod (128Y) extending between the seatback-attaching portion and a location within the frame. The support rod is of adjustable length for adjusting the incline of the seatback to the seat. The seatback can swivel about a swivel axis of the connection mechanism. The exercise machine normally has a pair of frame legs (302).
US08118714B2	Portable boxing and martial arts training apparatus The present invention relates to a hand-eye coordination training apparatus designed for all sports enthusiasts and martial artists seeking hand speed timing and accuracy. The apparatus offers unpredictable vertical and horizontal target movement, as well as instant adjustability to change the tension and height of the target. This allows the target to travel at varied heights, speeds and distances. The apparatus is effective in isolating the skill of hand eye coordination because it provides minimal resistance. The apparatus is completely portable and can be assembled in any environment in a matter of seconds.
US08118712B2	Methods and systems for computerized talk test Methods and devices for executing a computerized talk test, comprising: following an exercise program; providing auditory signals from time to time; recording a user talking according to the auditory signals; analyzing the recordings to identify predefined properties; and providing an indication of the user's current heart rate training zone based on the analysis results. Other embodiments discuss a device configured to determine when a user approximately sustains a fixed level of physical effort and then execute a computerized talk test, and a device configured to identify a user's heart rate training zone based on identification of involuntary interruptions in the user's voice speech.
US08118710B2	Exercise machine An exercise machine provides a total body workout by exercising the legs, back, shoulders, obliques and abdominal muscles. The machine's backrest rolls is in phase with the movement of the legs, allowing the body to sit in a position that is comfortable and secure. The spinal column is continually supported during the workout. Pedal movement powers the machine's electronics and maintains the battery's charge.
US08118706B2	Machine having a multiple-ratio transmission The machine may have a power system that includes a prime mover, a multiple-ratio transmission, a propulsion device, and power-system controls. The method may include propelling the machine by transmitting power from the prime mover to the propulsion device through the multiple-ratio transmission, while controlling operation of the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission with the power-system controls. This may include determining with the power-system controls at least one energy-efficiency estimate based at least on energy-efficiency characteristics of the prime mover and energy-efficiency characteristics of the multiple-ratio transmission. Controlling the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission may further include controlling a prime-mover operating speed of the prime mover and a transmission drive ratio of the multiple-ratio transmission based at least in-part on the at least one energy-efficiency estimate.
US08118698B2	Tensioner for an endless drive The invention relates to a tensioner (1) for an endless drive, in particular of an internal combustion engine, wherein the tensioner has base part (2) and a tensioning part (3) which can rotate relative to the former, a spring element (11) which is arranged between the base part and the tensioning part (3) so as to impart a force, and a friction apparatus (13) which is provided between the spring element (11) and the base part or the tensioning part (3) and by way of which the relative movement between the base part (2) and the tensioning part (3) is damped. In order to improve a tensioner of the generic type in such that a simple construction is possible with satisfactory tensioning, it is proposed to arrange the friction apparatus (13) radially outside the spring element (11).
US08118697B2	Mechanical function control of continuously variable transmission hydraulic system A simplified continuously variable transmission system control provides a variable clamping force and a differential cylinder pressure manipulation to change sheave ratios. The system control uses two pumps. The first pump provides the variable clamping force. The second pump provides pressure changes to effect ratio changes. The clamping force can be varied based upon operator demand on an associated engine.
US08118687B1	Device to measure the motion of a golf club A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses infrared reflectors positioned on a golf club and an array of infrared sensors.
US08118680B2	Multi-touchscreen module for amusement device An amusement device includes a display screen having a touchscreen. The touchscreen is configured to receive a plurality of touch inputs simultaneously. A memory stores a plurality of electronic games for selection and play. A controller is configured to execute an application program. The application program is configured to access a first game and a second game from the plurality of electronic games, and generally simultaneously display at least one first image from the first game on a first portion of the display screen and display at least one second image from the second game on a second portion of the display screen.
US08118672B2	Electronic consoles having flexible displays A gaming console configured with an auxiliary flexible display unit, e.g., a flexible LCD unit, providing different viewing angles for viewing displayed messages of advertisements is provided. The flexible display unit may comprise a plurality of individual flexible display modules which may be oriented as to define separate viewing windows or corridors to display related or unrelated messages, viewable from different directions. Corridors of viewing may be defined by software so that the flexible display unit may present messages uniquely to each defined corridor, which corresponds to one or more flexible display modules or portions thereof.
US08118671B2	Image display apparatus, image display method, and image display system An image display apparatus which realizes a new visual effect is provided. According to a game apparatus 10 of the present invention, images from the viewpoints of a plurality of characters in a virtual space can be switched arbitrarily. A first processing unit 22 is in charge of an image from the viewpoint of a main character, and a second processing unit 24 is in charge of images from the viewpoints of sub characters. When this technology is applied to a game, it is possible to recognize the position of one's own main character and the like from the images from the viewpoints of the sub characters. This makes it possible to realize a new visual effect and enhance gameability.
US08118660B2	System and method for controlling the number of plays of an electronic game A system and method for controlling the number of plays of an electronic game based on the different denominations at which the electronic game can be played. A game field is constructed having a plurality of elements on a game display wherein each element is filled by a game symbol from a plurality of available game symbols, wherein the game symbols for each element are automatically determined such that there is no winning combination without player interaction. The field of game symbols is presented to the player for selection of a field element wherein such player selection turns the symbol displayed in the field element into a wild symbol. The player's selection of the field element for the wild symbol location is received by the game software which determines each winning combination of symbols that is formed by such wild symbol location selection. Each winning combination of symbols on the field of game symbols is displayed to the player. The total number of plays of the game remaining is dynamically determined based on an action taken by the player prior to selecting the field element location for the wild symbol.
US08118655B1	Casino game and method of play A video poker game incorporating a bonus award predicated on the strengths of a poker hand formed by initially dealt cards and replacement cards in combination. Other optional bonus awards are based on consecutive cards forming a winning poker hand and/or the winning cards being in sequence. The game is facilitated by a bonus hand displayed below or above a primary hand on a gaming device display. As five initial cards are dealt in a primary hand location they are simultaneously dealt in one or more bonus hand locations. Then, when replacement cards are dealt into the primary hand in the place of any discards, they are also dealt into the one or more bonus hand locations adjacent to the initial cards. The cards in the bonus hand are then evaluated to determine whether a bonus award has been won. It is also disclosed in another version that regardless of the number of replacement cards, the bonus hand is always formed of ten cards.
US08118653B2	Taking cover in a simulated environment An approach is described for instructing a player character to automatically take cover in a region of a simulated environment without receiving express commands from a user. The approach determines whether the player character should take cover based on one or more factors. Such factors may include: the presence of an enemy-type character in the region; the presence of a nearby object in the region that can be used to seek cover; and a determination whether the player character's behavior is consistent with a decision to seek cover.
US08118652B2	Beater and feed mechanism for a combine harvester A beater (17) for use in a combine harvester in which harvested crop is fed as a number of separate streams towards a threshing and/or separating rotor (21) which rotates within a housing (20) about an axis disposed generally longitudinally relative to the combine. The beater rotates about an axis generally transverse relative to the combine and is divided asymmetrically along its length into a number of sections (A1, B1,C1) corresponding to the number of streams of crop, each section of the beater having differently angled crop feeding members (17a,17b,17c) which direct crop towards a crop steam.
US08118651B2	Crop residue chopping and distributing arrangement for a combine A crop residue chopping and distributing arrangement has a straw chopper (60) and at least one impeller blower (100) arranged downstream of straw chopper (60), the impeller blower comprising throw paddles (102, 102′) that can be set in rotation about an axis of rotation (108). The throw paddles (102, 102′) extend in the axial direction only over a part of the axial dimension of impeller blower (100). Adjacent throw paddles (102, 102′) that are offset angularly in the circumferential direction are respectively arranged offset in the axial direction.
US08118650B2	Crop residue flow distributor for an agricultural combine An adjustable flow distributor for a spreader of an agricultural combine operable for discharging a flow of straw and other crop residue in a sideward direction for deposition over a field, the flow distributor including an edge portion oriented at an oblique angle to a reference such as a back plate of the spreader, defining an oblique shaped space therebetween, the edge portion being pivotally adjustable in the fore and aft direction for controlling the portions of the flow of crop residue deposited beneath the spreader and discharged sidewardly therefrom, respectively, for instance, so as to better and more evenly distribute the crop residue over a swath of an agricultural field from which the crop was harvested, particularly a region of the swath in proximity to the spreader and/or chopper.
US08118649B1	Grain distribution sensor and control A system for use with the combine comprises a plurality of sensors to detect the uniformity of crop material being conveyed running threshing portion of the combine to including system into combine. Methods and systems are provided that utilize this plurality of sensors to provide substantially automatic control of combine parameters that mitigate the non-uniformity of a grain bed in the cleaning system. The system may also inform an operator of a suggested manual adjustments to mitigate the non-uniformity.
US08118646B2	Carrier for double-side polishing apparatus, double-side polishing apparatus using the same, and double-side polishing method A carrier for a double-side polishing apparatus, including at least: a carrier base placed between upper and lower turn tables, the carrier base having a holding hole therein, the holding hole holds the wafer sandwiched between the upper and lower turn tables. A ring-shaped resin ring disposed along an inner circumference of the holding hole, the resin ring protecting a chamfered portion by making contact with the chamfered portion of the held wafer, wherein the resin ring has a concave groove on an inner circumference thereof, upper and lower tapered surfaces are formed in the concave groove. A double-side polishing apparatus using the carrier and a double-side polishing method that can reduce the generation of taper in a polished surface and improve the flatness while suppressing the generation of an outer peripheral sag of the wafer.
US08118645B2	Polishing method, polishing pad, and polishing system A polishing method, a polishing pad, and a polishing system are described. The polishing pad with a plurality of grooves is provided. The width of each groove is W and the pitch between two adjacent grooves is P. An oscillatory movement distance of a workpiece on the polishing pad is set. The oscillatory movement distance enables any particular point on the workpiece to cross the same number of grooves, when a direction between the particular point and the center of the workpiece is perpendicular to a tangential direction of the grooves. The workpiece is then polished with the oscillatory movement distance, so as to achieve a better polishing uniformity for the surface of the workpiece.
US08118642B2	Method and machine tool for machining an optical object A method for machining a face (1) of an optical object (6), includes providing a machine tool which itself includes a bed (1) for locating an object to be machined. The bed (1) has a receiving surface (3) that is angularly adjustable about an axis perpendicular to the receiving surface (3). A spindle (8) is suitable for rotating a machining tool (9) about an axis essentially parallel to the receiving surface (3) of the bed (1) and is suitable for moving the machining tool (9) translationally in a plane essentially parallel or perpendicular to the receiving surface (3) of the bed (1).
US08118635B2	Enclosed vapor pressure oscillation device A mechanical toy having two enclosed chambers, one positioned above the other, connected by a tube; a vaporizing medium contained within the enclosed chambers and tube; means for rotationally supporting the tube and chambers; means for exciting the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to create an increase in vapor pressure within the lower chamber relative to the upper chamber that exerts force upon the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to communicate the vaporizing medium through the tube into the upper chamber allowing gravity to act upon the upper chamber when a sufficient amount of the vaporizing medium has collected within the upper chamber pulling the upper chamber downward around the means of rotational support.
US08118633B2	Color image display panel and method of producing the same, and color image display apparatus There is provided an organic electroluminescence type two-dimensional color image display panel includes multiple arrayed pixels, the pixels being each formed by arranging organic EL devices having at least red, green, and blue luminescent colors in a certain order, in which each of the organic EL devices has a pair of two parallel sides in a planar shape, the organic EL devices having luminescent colors different from each other are adjacent to each other at the two parallel sides, and the organic EL devices having the same luminescent color are adjacent to each other in a parallel line direction of the two parallel sides, and are arrayed to be of shape of stripes arranged parallel to each other while being slanted with respect to a vertical line.
US08118631B2	Outboard motor An outboard motor includes an engine, and a top cowling and a bottom cowling that are arranged to cover the engine. A flow-joining pipe is connected to each exhaust port of a plurality of cylinders of the engine. A first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe are connected to the flow-joining pipe in sequence. The flow-joining pipe and the first exhaust pipe are connected generally at the same height as a bottommost of the cylinders of the engine. The third exhaust pipe is disposed above a topmost of the cylinders of the engine. A catalyst is disposed in a connecting portion between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe so as to be housed in an upper end portion of the first exhaust pipe and in a lower end portion of the second exhaust pipe. The outboard motor is thus able to prevent water from adhering to a catalyst while avoiding any increase in size.
US08118630B2	Outboard motor An outboard motor includes an engine, a first exhaust passage, a partition, a communication portion, an exhaust gas concentration sensor, and a catalyst. The engine is arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The first exhaust passage is connected to the engine and is arranged to exhaust exhaust gas of the engine into water. The partition is arranged to partition an inside of the first exhaust passage into an upstream side and a downstream side. The communication portion is arranged to make the upstream side communicate with the downstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The exhaust gas concentration sensor is arranged on the upstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The catalyst is arranged on an upstream side of the exhaust gas concentration sensor in the first exhaust passage.
US08118626B2	Outboard motor control apparatus In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor mounted on a boat and having a torque converter equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to calculate a speed ratio of the torque converter based on an input rotation speed and output rotation speed of the torque converter, detect manifold absolute pressure of the engine, control the lockup clutch to ON when the calculated speed ratio has been equal to or greater than a reference value, and control the lockup clutch to OFF when the manifold absolute pressure has been decreased by a first predetermined value or more. With this, it becomes possible to prevent the boat speed from decreasing even when the resistance of water flow acting on the boat increases due to the influence of a wave etc., thereby maintaining the maximum speed.
US08118625B2	Electrical connector and terminal structure thereof An electrical connector includes a row of terminals and a plastic base having a row of terminal slots. The terminals are disposed in the slots. Each terminal has an elastically moveable portion having a connection point, a fixing portion fixed into the slot, and a pin portion extending out of the plastic base. An inserted electrical element may be connected to the connection point and elastically move the elastically moveable portion. The row of terminals is one of two rows of terminals formed by oppositely tearing and pressing a metal sheet. The terminals have oppositely torn and cut portions seamlessly oppositely connected together. When the row of terminals is developed into a plane and one of the terminals is reverse-backside joined between the two neighboring terminals, the oppositely torn and cut portion of the terminal is seamlessly jointed to the oppositely torn and cut portions of the two neighboring terminals.
US08118624B2	Lead plate with a joint portion having a surface area smaller than that of its mounting portion A lead plate for connecting a printed circuit board (PCB) of a secondary battery to an bare cell includes a mounting portion connected to the PCB, a joint portion connected to the bare cell, a surface area of the joint portion facing the bare cell being smaller than a surface area of the mounting portion facing the PCB, and a step portion connecting the mounting portion and the joint portion to each other.
US08118623B2	Electrical contact having folded contacting portion An electrical contact made from a metal sheet includes a contacting portion for mating with a mating contact, a terminal portion for connecting with a printed circuit board and a retaining portion connecting the contacting portion and the terminal portion. The contacting portion defines first and second contacting pieces made from the metal sheet and folded to abut against each other, and the terminal portion extends from one of the contacting pieces, which can reduced the cost of the electrical contact.
US08118621B2	Connection terminal A connection terminal includes a terminal connection portion, a wire connection portion and a neck portion. The terminal connection portion has a tubular part surrounded by a first wall, a second wall opposing the first wall and side walls connecting the first wall and second wall. The tubular part accommodates and is electrically connected to a mating terminal. The wire connection portion engages a wire. The neck portion is disposed between the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion and has a third wall extended from the first wall and standing walls standing on the third wall. The standing walls are extended from the side walls respectively and oppose each other. A distance between the standing walls is decreased according to an extending direction in which the third wall is extended from the first wall. The neck portion is electrically connected to the wire connection portion. An end of the second wall is protruded in the extending direction than connecting parts of the side walls where the standing walls are connected.
US08118620B2	Connector assembly with reduced unshielded area A connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is advantageously configured to allow a sensor connector to straightforwardly and efficiently join with and detach from a patient cable connector. Further, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously reduce un-shielded area in an electrical connection between a patient cable and a sensor connector. In addition, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously increase the shielding of detector signals coming from the patient sensor to the monitor.
US08118618B2	Apparatus for testing electronic devices An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
US08118617B2	Jack assemblies with cylindrical contacts Jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts are provided. For example, an enclosure may provide a cavity with a longitudinal axis for receiving an electrical plug. The jack assembly may also include at least one jack contact positioned in the cavity. The jack contact may include a first end region extending about at least a portion of the axis and a contact region extending from the first end region towards the axis. The first end region may extend completely about the axis or just about a portion of the axis. The contact region may deflect and contact a first conductive region of the plug in multiple contact areas when the plug is inserted into the cavity.
US08118616B1	Electrical outlet adaptor device An adaptor device for an electrical outlet featuring a base plug unit having standard electrical outlet components; three standard slots disposed in the front surface of the base plug unit and two standard prongs disposed in the back surface of the base plug unit, the slots and prongs are configured opposite each other in orientation; two side plugs pivotally attached to the sides of the base plug unit, each side plug having slots identical to those of the base plug unit, wherein the side plug units can pivot to a pivot angle with respect to the base plug unit.
US08118614B2	Molded connector A molded connector (20) has a molded connector main body 21 including a terminal (22) of a cable (40) and a molded resin section (26) molded onto a portion of the terminal (22) and a distal end of the cable (40). A barrel-like cap (50) has a cable insertion hole (50β) for passing the cable (40) and is attached to the molded connector main body (21) so as to cover an outer periphery of a support section (37) of the molded connector main body (21). An annular seal (55) is provided on an inner surface of the cap (50). The seal (55) closely contacts and seals an outer periphery of the cable (40).
US08118610B2	Core connector and method for splicing a twin core into at least one existing end-subscriber twin core The invention relates to a core connector (1) for splicing at least one twin core (a2, b2), comprising at least one housing (3, 4), in which core connection contacts are arranged, the core connection contacts being in the form of integral twin contacts (K1-K4), a first contact (K11, K21, K31, K41) of the twin contacts (K1-K4) being accessible from the upper side of the housing (3, 4), and a second contact (K12, K22, K32, K42) of the twin contacts (K1-K4) being accessible from the lower side of the housing (3, 4), at least four twin contacts (K1-K4) being provided, which are opposite one another in pairs, as well as to a method for splicing a twin core (a2, b2) into an existing end-subscriber twin core (a, b).
US08118608B2	Electrical connector having detecting terminals formed from the same terminal blank and method of making the same An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a number of terminals made from a same carrier strip. The terminals include a number of conductive terminals (2), a first and second detecting terminals (4, 3) inserted in the insulative housing in a juxtaposed manner. The conductive terminals and the first detecting terminal each has a front bent constituting a respective contact portion (21, 41). The contact portions of the conductive terminals and the contact portion of the first detecting terminal have a substantially same configuration. The first detecting terminal has an engaging portion (44) spaced from the second detecting terminal and contactable with the second detecting terminal.
US08118607B2	Electronic card with protecting mechanism for protecting contacts thereof An electronic card includes a housing, a plurality of contacts retain on the housing and a slider movably retained on the housing. The housing has a mating surface. The contacts are arranged in two rows along a length direction of the housing. Each contact in a first row has a flat first contact portion exposed to the mating surface. Each contact of a second row has a raised elastic second contact portion behind the first contact portion. The slider can move along the length direction of the housing to drive the second contact portions alternatively hiding below the mating surface or protruding out of the mating surface.
US08118604B2	Socket connector having electrical element supported by insulated elastomer A socket connector (100) adapted for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (IC) package comprises an insulative housing (1) comprising a plurality of passageways (101) extending therethrough, a plurality of terminal units (2) received in the passageways (101), the terminal units (2) each comprises an insulated elastomer (21) acting as a resilient portion and an electrical element (22) received in the insulated elastomer (21), the electrical element (22) comprises a first contact portion (221) and a second contact portion (222) extending out of the insulated elastomer (21) and sandwiching the insulated elastomer (21) therebetween.
US08118603B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulting main body having a plurality of receiving holes, and a plurality of pins located in the receiving holes. Each pin has a base portion, a welding portion and a flexible arm. The flexible arm has a first bend portion bent and extended upwards from the base portion, a second bend portion bended from the first bend portion, a first yield space above the second bend portion, a third bend portion bent slantedly and extended upwards from the second bend portion and a second yield space below the third bend portion. A contact portion is located at the end of the flexible arm. Due to the pin structure with the first yield space and the second yield space, the two flexible arms will not easily contact each other to prevent the short circuit problem or the interference problem from occurring.
US08118601B2	Printed circuit board plug-type connector and connection module with printed circuit board plug-type connector The invention relates to a printed circuit board plug-type connector (1), comprising a housing, in which contact elements (6) are arranged, wherein the contact elements (6) have a first contact part at one end and a second contact part at the opposite end, wherein the first contact part is in the form of a fork contact (7, 8), wherein the second contact part is in the form of a contact which makes contact with the printed circuit board, and an associated connection module (30) with a printed circuit board plug-type connector (1).
US08118598B2	Educational interactive games An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.
US08118597B2	Laterally inserted dental implant assembly and method for securing a dental prosthesis A dental implant assembly kit and method for insertion into a bone, the assembly serving to support a dental prosthesis or other dental structure. The assembly includes a base plate having a bone-facing surface and a pillar-supporting surface that defines an off-center region; a ledge depending from the bone-facing surface of the basal plate; and a pillar extending from the off-center region of the pillar-supporting surface of the basal plate.
US08118594B2	Dental handpiece with a unitary body and an electrically conductive and elastic connection element A dental handpiece (1) includes mechanical components, in particular, a tool-holder assembly for the attachment and for the rotational driving of a dental instrument about a drive axis (6) and an assembly for the transmission of such movement. The mechanical components are mounted in the interior of a body (2) having a head (4) and a handle (3). The mechanical components of the handle and the head of the handpiece are electrically connected by an elastic and electrically conducting connecting device.
US08118591B2	Heat shield plate for substrate annealing apparatus A heat shield plate for a substrate annealing apparatus is provided with a horizontally supported flat-plate-like substrate 1, a heater 5 positioned above the substrate to heat the upper surface of the substrate with radiation heat, and a heat shield plate 10 horizontally movable between a shielding position where the substrate is shielded from heater and an open position out of the shielding position. The heat shield plate 10 is composed of a structural member 12 made of a low thermal expansion material (carbon composite material) which is hardly deformed due to a temperature difference in the shielding position, and a heat insulating member 14 which covers the upper surface of the structural member and keeps the surface at an allowable temperature or below.
US08118590B1	Dual fuel vent free gas heater A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. At least one fuel injector feeds fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual control valve, linkage, and/or shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.
US08118586B2	Portable conduit bending frame assembly and method of use thereof A portable conduit bending frame assembly has a support member, a shoe and a heating device. The support member has a first alignment end, a second alignment end, and a first conduit measuring device that extends an approximate width of the support member. The support member also has a flat conduit support surface fixed thereto, and extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. The top surface has at least a portion of a first attachment strip located thereon. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface, an arcuate conduit bending surface extending between the first and second alignment surfaces, and a complementary attachment strip extending at least partially on a major surface of the shoe. The conduit bending surface faces the conduit support surface and the shoe is removably attachable to the top surface such that either of its alignment surfaces can be aligned parallel with either alignment end of the support member. The heating device is arranged proximate the conduit support surface for heating a conduit prior to bending the conduit at least partially about the conduit bending surface.
US08118581B2	Injection molding apparatus for delivering multiple shots of materials to a plurality of mold cavities Method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of polymer material in a sequential injection molding process. In one embodiment, the method provides: delivering a first shot of a first material simultaneously to a plurality of mold cavities; independently sensing for each cavity a property that is indicative of a volume or flow of material that is delivered to the corresponding cavity during the step of delivering the first shot; independently stopping the step of delivering the first shot to one or more cavities according to a program that uses as a variable a signal indicative of the property sensed for the corresponding cavity during delivery of the first shot; and delivering a second shot of a second material simultaneously to the cavities subsequent to the step of stopping the step of delivering the first shot.
US08118576B2	Oil rotary vacuum pump and manufacturing method thereof An oil rotary vacuum pump of mechanical type is filled with a requested amount of oil at the end of the manufacturing process, then it is stored and then shipped to the user, letting the user avoid an operation of introducing the proper amount of oil into the pump. The oil leakage is prevented by securing the suction and/or exhaust ports of the pump, which are sealed by means of a removable sealing member, for instance by means of a membrane.
US08118575B2	Variable displacement vane pump with enhanced discharge port A variable displacement vane pump which includes an enhanced discharge port. The enhanced discharge port reduces areas of high pressure in the discharge port which would otherwise occur as the pressurized working fluid reverses its direction of flow to enter the discharge port. By reducing the areas of high pressure, the back torque on the pump rotor is reduced and the energy efficiency of the pump is enhanced. In one embodiment, the pivot for the pump control ring is located radially outwardly from a conventional location, to allow for a discharge recess to be formed in the control ring, adjacent the discharge port, and extending past the pivot to the pump outlet. In a second embodiment, the discharge recess is formed in the control ring around the pivot and a seal is provided on the control ring to inhibit leakage of pressurized working fluid past the control ring. In a third embodiment, a secondary discharge port is provided adjacent the discharge recess formed in the control ring and pressurized working fluid in the discharge recess can exit the discharge recess through the secondary discharge port which is in fluid communication with the pump outlet.
US08118567B2	Swash plate type piston pump motor A swash plate type piston pump motor is configured such that: a plurality of pistons are arranged in a circumferential direction in a cylinder block configured to rotate with a rotating shaft; the pistons reciprocate such that tip end portions thereof are guided by a smooth surface of a swash plate; and the swash plate is slidably supported by a concave surface of a swash plate support of a convex surface to be able to tilt with respect to a rotating axis, and concave surfaces and of the swash plate support include quenched portions which are partially quenched by laser light.
US08118563B2	Tandem compressor system and method A compressor system including a first compressor and a second compressor. The first and second compressors each include a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, and a drive member adapted to drive the compression mechanism. A discharge tube assembly interconnects the first compressor and the second compressor, and the discharge tube assembly includes an inlet portion adjacent the first compressor that is inclined relative to another inlet portion adjacent the second compressor. The inlet portion that is inclined is adapted to prevent a backflow of oil through the discharge tube assembly.
US08118558B2	Runner vane for axial-flow hydraulic machinery A camber line in a radial section of a runner vane has a curved part extending near the tip of the runner vane is convex toward the front surface of the runner vane. The runner vane is formed in a shape meeting a condition expressed by: ρs<ρp, where ρs is the radius of curvature of the back surface of the runner vane and ρp is the radius of curvature of the front surface of the runner vane. The runner vane of this shape suppresses flows toward the tip thereof to moderate the variation of flow velocity in the turning direction. Consequently, loss can be reduced without impeding the recover of pressure in a draft tube.
US08118553B2	Turbine airfoil cooling system with dual serpentine cooling chambers A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having dual serpentine cooling channels, an inward serpentine cooling channel and an outward serpentine cooling channel, positioned within the airfoil. The inward serpentine cooling channel may receive cooling fluids from a cooling supply system through the root and exhaust cooling fluids to the outward serpentine cooling channel at the leading edge. The outward serpentine cooling channel may pass the cooling fluids through the outward portion of the serpentine cooling channel and exhaust the cooling fluids through the trailing edge of the airfoil. Such configuration yields a better creep capability for the blade.
US08118550B2	Turbine singlet nozzle assembly with radial stop and narrow groove A nozzle assembly for a turbine including an airfoil, inner and outer sidewalls, and inner and outer rings is provided. The sidewalls and rings are coupled together using a weld and mechanical interconnection, including axial and radial mechanical stops to allow for an accurate assembly, to ensure correct radial and axial positions of the parts during welding, to minimize weld shrinkage and to control an axial weld length. The configuration may further include one or more surfaces at an interface between a ring and a sidewall angled away from the interface to form a narrow groove. The configuration further may include a ring with a consumable root portion to facilitate the weld, and to provide a fixturing stop to further ensure that the parts remain in the correct position.
US08118539B2	Exhaust gas turbocharger for a motor vehicle The present disclosure relates to an exhaust gas turbocharger for a motor vehicle. The turbocharger includes a turbine housing having a first area in which exhaust is carried to a turbine wheel and in which the turbine wheel is essentially situated and having a second area connected axially to the first area, such that the first area and the second area are essentially separated from one another by a separating element. It is provided that for thermal insulation, the separating element is made of a material having a low thermal conduction and/or thermal capacity.
US08118534B2	Container cargo transfer system A platform container transfer terminal (10) functions as an efficient hub port. Sea Point™ Transfer station modules (21, 22, 23) can be moved intact across oceans for rapid erection in remote or strategic locations to provide high speed loading and unloading of large container vessels (31, 32) to lighters or feeder vessels (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) and/or to facilities adjacent. A gantry crane (510) combined with one or more rotating boom cranes (11, 12, 17, 18) increases cargo productivity economically. There can be two luffing boom cranes attached to the gantry and two slewing boom cranes attached to the gantry. One can retrofit an existing gantry by attaching a boom crane and frame to a ship-to-shore gantry.
US08118532B2	Container hauling and delivery mechanism A container transportation system that includes a dolly system that can be mounted underneath the container and then used, optionally in cooperation with a boom or lift, to navigate a container to a desired location. The dolly includes a motor mounted in a swivel bracket that facilitates movement of the dolly for storage. The dolly includes a locking mechanism to clamp in on a load. The dolly can be navigated through the use of a wireless remote control unit that is either held by an operator or by a device that is integrated into the electronics of a road tractor and/or dolly system. The system may include a mounting system for mounting the dolly to a road tractor and a boom for lifting the dolly from a deployed state to a loaded state.
US08118528B2	Field replaceable hammer union wing nut apparatus and method A field replaceable wing nut having an arcuate body and an arcuate insert is disclosed. The wing nut is designed to replace an existing wing nut which has deformed or non-useable lugs on a hammer union connection. The wing nut has accurate alignment of the mounting threads using an alignment attachment device. Replacing the wing nut in the field does not require any special equipment or training. Each wing nut is designed for a particular pipe diameter.
US08118526B2	Adhesive toilet seat washer and method for installing same An adhesive washer for a toilet seat fastener assembly which can be easily installed in the toilet seat fastener assembly without having to cope with the problem of slipping bolts and nuts as they will be securely adhered together. An adhesive toilet seat washer in accordance with the present invention comprises a washer material having an adhesive on at least one side of the washer for adhering to the fastener and holding it in place. In practice, a toilet seat is positioned such that the hole on the toilet seat hinge is directly above the hole on the outer wings of the commode bowl basin and a fastener is inserted through both of the holes in the toilet seat hinge and the commode bowl basin. The washer then is secured against the bottom of the commode bowl basin hole and the fastener, and the adhesive on at least one of the surfaces of the washer acts to hold the fastener in position, thereby maintaining the tightness and security of the fastener assembly.
US08118521B2	Drilling apparatus The invention relates to a drilling apparatus which is held firmly on the workpiece by means of feet, and which has a step-down transmission for easier manual feeding.
US08118517B2	Manhole cover device A rubber manhole cover, suitable for attaching to a top of a metal manhole lid, includes at least two bonded layers of rubber material of differing properties, including a bottom layer of a first rubber material, and a top layer of vulcanized rubber material, the top and bottom layers functioning as a single unit.
US08118513B2	Binder lock mechanism including a manually adjustable locking bar A binder lock mechanism includes a manually adjustable locking bar and co-operative locking-hook parts. Pair-wise mutually overlappable locking-hook parts are connected with and project from a respective binder end half, and are situated at mutual distances from each other. The binder end halves are connected by an intermediate pivot joint. The pair-wise mutually overlappable locking-hook parts present openings adapted to receive a respective lock lever connected with the locking bar and have a respective lock lever permanently received on a common binder end half in a mating opening in an assembled state. The lock levers are arranged at a tip portion and at a waved part, respectively, of the locking bar in such a way that they are situated on a common line through the bar, which is retained by a counter-directed resilient tongue situated on the locking bar and a stopper and co-operatable counter-stoppers situated on the binder end.
US08118512B2	Brush or mop or like tool A brush, or mop, or like tool (1) has a handle (5) and a head (7). The handle (5) is able to carry a liquid that can be dispensed therefrom during use of the tool (1). The handle (5) has a liquid dispensing passage (51) through which the liquid can pass to an outlet (17). The passage (51) has a valve (19) to control the passage of the liquid and the valve (19) has a sliding gate part (65) and a stationary gate part (49). The sliding gate part (65) can be positionable to block the flow of liquid in one position, and to permit the flow of liquid in another position. The sliding gate part (65) effects a sliding wiping cleaning of the valve (19), and therefore minimize clogging of the valve (19).
US08118511B1	Portable liquid pod system A body has a closed bottom and an open top. The body has a periphery. The body has a side wall. The body is fabricated of a semi-soft squeezable plastic material. A stem is in a cylindrical configuration. The stem is supported within the body. The stem is fabricated of a hard plastic material. A sponge has a bottom. The bottom of the sponge is positioned on the bottom of the body. The sponge has a top. The top of the sponge extends above the body. The sponge is fabricated of an absorbent foam material. A protective cap is provided. The cap has a closed top and an open bottom. The cap has a periphery. The cap has a side wall. The peripheries are adapted to releasably couple the cap with respect to the body.
US08118510B1	Talking electronic assembly An electronic assembly that produces audile signals, such as prerecorded phrases, when activated. The electronics assembly is part of a secondary device, such as a pen, utensil, jewelry, or similar small object. The electronics assembly includes a housing having a first end and an opposite second end. A battery casing is disposed within the housing. The battery casing is sized to retain a plurality of concentrically stacked button cell batteries. An electronics module is provided within the housing for producing audible signals. A spring extends from the electronics module into the battery casing and biases the button cell batteries into a stacked configuration. The electronics module is powered, in part, by electricity flow through said spring from the button cell batteries.
US08118509B2	Automatic substance applicator system This invention relates generally to assistive devices, and more particularly refers to an automatic substance applicator system for applying or administering a substance to a receiving surface.
US08118508B2	Dispenser with a frangible container and a rotating breaking member, for dispensing a polymerizable monomer adhesive An applicator device for dispensing a polymerizable adhesive material comprising a body portion comprising a closed proximal end and an open distal end providing a cavity sized to accept a frangible container having a polymerizable adhesive material; at least one breaking member at least partially deflectable into the cavity; an annular housing movable with respect to the body portion; and a reservoir secured to the open distal end of the body portion, the reservoir further comprising an applicator; wherein the annular housing is movable relative to the body portion from a first position to a second position to deflect at least a portion of the breaking member into the cavity.
US08118496B2	HDMI optical transceiver An HDMI optical transceiver comprises an optical bench, at least one light emitter disposed on the optical bench, at least one first fiber assembly, at least one photodetector disposed on the optical bench and at least one second fiber assembly. The optical bench has a surface, at least one first groove recessed from the surface and at least one second groove recessed from the surface. The light emitter has a light-emitting surface. The first fiber assembly is disposed at the first groove of the optical bench and comprises a first sleeve fixed at the first groove and a first optical fiber which is disposed in the first sleeve and aligned with the light-emitting surface. The photodetector has a light-receiving surface. The second fiber assembly is disposed at the second groove of the optical bench and comprises a second sleeve fixed at the second groove and a second optical fiber which is disposed in the second sleeve and aligned with the light-receiving surface.
US08118491B2	Rolling element chain A rolling element chain (8) which includes a plurality of rolling elements that are disposed in a row one after the other in a cage strip (12) and interspaced by separating webs (13) of the cage strip (12). The separating webs (13), on their front end disposed transverse to the rolling element chain (8), are connected to a flexible cage belt (15) which extends along the rolling element chain (8). On the other free front end disposed transverse to the rolling element chain (8), the separating webs (13) have recesses (16, 20) for engaging with a retaining rim (21, 18) for retaining the rolling element chain (8), with the recesses being continuous in a longitudinal direction of the rolling element chain (8).
US08118489B2	Bag The bag may include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge. The sidewalls may be un-joined along their top edges to form an opening. When the bag is placed in a trash receptacle, the top edges may be folded over the rim of the receptacle. To assist with securing the bag to the receptacle, the bag may include an elongated elastic strap of elastic material attached by a first end to an attachment point proximate the first sidewall and by a second end to an attachment point proximate the second sidewall. The strap length and attachment point locations are selected so that, when the strap is in a relaxed state, the strap may not extend to the side edge. The strap may be stretched commensurate with the side edge when folding the top edges about the receptacle rim.
US08118483B2	Thermal sensor having toggle control Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for thermal sensor power savings using a toggle control. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (e.g., a memory device) includes an on-die thermal sensor, a storage element (e.g., a register), and toggle logic. The toggle logic may transition the thermal sensor from a first power consumption level to a second power consumption level responsive, at least in part, to a toggle indication.
US08118482B2	System for changing fluid temperature and method for controlling such a system A system for changing the temperature (T1) of a fluid such as an on-demand water heater is disclosed. The system comprises an input for receiving the fluid (120) at a first temperature (T1) and an output for delivering the fluid at a second temperature (T2). A conduit connects the input to the output, and comprising means such as a heating element for altering the temperature of the fluid from the first temperature (T1) to the second temperature (T2). The system is characterized by the presence of one or more virtual sensors for estimating the fluid temperature in a given location within the conduit. The system provides accurate fluid temperature control without suffering from the slow responsiveness that usually mars sensor-based systems.
US08118481B2	Fluid detector A detector for identifying a fluid is disclosed. The detector comprises a probe having a thermistor, the probe being arranged to be exposed to a fluid and to allow thermal flow between the fluid and the thermistor; a temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature of the fluid and a controller. The controller is arranged to supply electrical power to the thermistor and to provide an output indicative of the identity of the fluid based upon whether the electrical power supplied to the thermistor is above or below a threshold value. The threshold value is adjustable in accordance with the measured ambient temperature of the fluid. Examples of such a detector provide reliable fluid identification despite variations in ambient temperature of the fluid and such a detector may be compact, inexpensive, reliable and robust.
US08118478B2	Mounting assembly for plastic bulk container A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly.
US08118476B2	Gas/liquid mixing equipment, gas/liquid mixing method, polymer and method for its production A gas/liquid mixing equipment of the present invention comprises a stirring vessel 1, a stirring shaft 10 inserted horizontally in the stirring vessel 1 and a helical ribbon impeller 20 attached to the stirring shaft 10, whereby a high gas absorption performance can be secured even with low shearing. Further, a polymer can be produced with high productivity. A gas/liquid mixing method of the present invention is a method which comprises employing the above-mentioned gas/liquid mixing equipment, and a method for producing a polymer of the present invention is a method which comprises polymerizing feed monomers containing gaseous monomers in aqueous solvents, wherein the gaseous monomers and the aqueous solvents are mixed by such a gas/liquid mixing method. A polymer of the present invention is produced by the above-mentioned method for producing a polymer.
US08118469B2	Surface illuminating device and image display apparatus A surface illuminating device is provided and includes a plurality of linear light sources, a light-transmissive optical sheet including a luminance-distribution control layer for decreasing unevenness in luminance of light emitted from the linear light sources, and a reflection surface for reflecting the light emitted from the linear light sources. The luminance-distribution control layer includes a plurality of protrusions. In a range of 0≦x≦L/2, protruding directions of some or all the protrusions are inclined such that the protruding directions of the protrusions are located farther from a Z direction, which is an optical axis of a linear light source in an X direction, to the X direction as the protrusions are located farther from the position of x=0 in the X direction, where the X direction represents the arrangement direction of the linear light sources.
US08118467B2	Light guide plate and edge-lighting type backlight module A light guide plate includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a light incident surface, and a plurality of lenticular lenses and microstructure assemblies. The light incident surface is connected with the first surface and the second surface, and light beams enter the light guide plate by the light incident surface. The lenticular lenses are disposed on the first surface. Each of the lenticular lenses is suitable to deflect imaginary light beams that are incident on the first surface in a predetermined direction to form a focus region on the second surface. The microstructure assemblies are disposed on the focus regions for guiding the light beams incident on the focus regions. A plurality of planar regions are formed on the second surface. Each of the planar regions is disposed between two adjacent microstructure assemblies and suitable for totally reflecting the light beams incident thereon.
US08118462B2	Automotive lamp An automotive lamp includes an LED as a light source, a heatsink for radiating heat produced by the LED, the heatsink including a plurality of plate fins installed upright on base parts and a plurality of ventilation passages formed between the plate fins, a centrifugal fan for performing the forced air cooling of the plate fins by sending air through the ventilation passages of the heatsink, the centrifugal fan having air inlets in an axial direction for drawing air in, a left-side air outlet and a right-side air outlet for discharging air in left-right directions perpendicular to the axial direction, and a lamp housing for housing the LED, heatsink and centrifugal fan. The plate fins of the heatsink are formed such that the entrance of at least one of a plurality of ventilation passages faces the left-side air outlet and the right-side outlet of the centrifugal fan.
US08118461B2	Front unit for a motor vehicle The invention concerns a front unit for a motor vehicle with at least one headlight unit, a mounting component for connecting with the motor vehicle, means for hanging the headlight unit to the mounting component, an elastic element with first a fastener for fastening relative to the mounting component and a second fastener for fastening to a first side of the headlight unit, positioning means for positioning a second side of the headlight unit located opposite the first side relative to a fender area of the motor vehicle.
US08118458B2	Optical lens, optical package having the same, backlight assembly having the same and display device having the same An optical lens refracts and reflects a light to increase a luminance in a top direction of the optical lens and to decrease a luminance in a horizontal direction of the optical lens. The optical lens includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion has a convex shape. The peripheral portion has a concave shape. The peripheral portion surrounds the central portion. Therefore, power consumption and manufacturing cost are decreased.
US08118454B2	Solid state lighting system with optic providing occluded remote phosphor The present teachings relate to semiconductor-based lighting systems and fixtures which process electromagnetic energy from light emitting diodes or the like. A disclosed exemplary system includes at least one occluded remote phosphor and produces substantially white light of desired characteristics. The remote phosphor extends over at least a portion of a surface of a macro optic at an occluded location such that none of the remote phosphor is directly visible through an optical aperture. The phosphor is responsive to electromagnetic energy from a semiconductor device to emit visible light for the emission through the optical aperture.
US08118450B2	LED lighting fixture A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture for achieving a desired illumination pattern includes a support plate and a plurality of panels Connected to the support plate. Each panel has an array of LEDs mounted to a planar surface thereof, and each of the panels is rotatable in at least two dimensions.
US08118444B2	LED illuminated tool The tool has a handle and a rigid shaft that extends from the handle. The shaft has an end. It also has a bore that extends from the handle to the end of the shaft. A LED is situated in the bore, proximate the end of the shaft. The handle has a recess. A battery is situated within the recess. The LED is electrically connected to battery by a wire extending through the bore, between the LED and the handle. In the screwdriver embodiments, the end of the shaft is designed to engage a screw. Interchangeable heads are provided in the screwdriver embodiment for use with screws of various configurations. In another embodiment, the end of the shaft is planar such that light from the bore can illuminate hard to reach areas or focus on a small area.
US08118442B2	Light module for LCD backlight module A light module of a LCD backlight module includes a circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on the circuit board. Each of the LEDs has a wide far-field pattern, and each of the LEDs includes at least one LED chip and a molding unit packaging the LED chip. The LED chip is electrically connected to the circuit board.
US08118435B2	Multiple projector image overlay systems A display system for providing enhanced brightness projected images from a micro-projector. The system includes at least two micro-projector display devices, one or more sensors, and a controller. The sensors provide information to the controller indicative of the micro-projector display devices having been placed in proximity to each other to project identical images, the controller further being programmed to determine from information generated by the sensors their alignment and maximize cooperative pixel alignment between multiple images generated by the micro-projector display devices by offsetting a center of an image in one or more of the projector devices.
US08118434B2	Projecting an animated object and concurrently moving the object's projection area through an animation pattern A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
US08118430B2	Opthalmologic imaging apparatus and opthalmologic imaging method An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that captures a fundus image of a subject's eye includes a first extraction unit configured to extract, from a first fundus image photographed with a first light quantity, an image of a first area having intensity not less than predetermined intensity and an image of a second area other than the first area, a second extraction unit configured to extract an image of an area corresponding to the first area from a second fundus image photographed with a second light quantity based on the light quantity of the first area, a third extraction unit configured to extract an image of an area corresponding to the second area from a third fundus image photographed with a third light quantity based on the light quantity of the second area, and an image combining unit configured to combine the images extracted by the second and the third extraction units.
US08118425B2	Glasses lens comprising a carrying edge A spectacle lens with an object-sided front face and an eye-sided rear face, wherein at last the rear face comprises a viewing region that contributes to the optical effect of the spectacle lens and a carrier rim region that at least partially surrounds the viewing region and that does not significantly contribute to the optical effect of the spectacle lens. The rear face of the spectacle lens in the carrier rim zone is constructed substantially from a cosmetic viewpoint without consideration of the optical image-forming properties. A method for producing this spectacle lens is also provided.
US08118424B2	Image recording method, ink set, recorded material An image recording method including: applying an aqueous pretreatment composition to a recording medium having a water absorption of 14 ml/m2 or less at a contact time of 900 msec in accordance with the Bristow method, the aqueous pretreatment composition containing 10 mass % or more of a water-soluble organic solvent having a solubility parameter value of 13 or less, 1.5 mass % or more of resin particles, and water; forming a blocking layer on the recording medium by drying the aqueous pretreatment composition so that 70 mass % or more of water contained in the aqueous pretreatment composition evaporates within 900 msec from the initiation of the application of the aqueous pretreatment composition; and recording an image by jetting an aqueous ink on the blocking layer, the aqueous ink containing a pigment, resin particles, a water-soluble organic solvent, and water.
US08118423B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a transport mechanism that is provided in the apparatus main body and transports a sheet, a recording head to record an image by discharging ink to the sheet transported by the transport mechanism, a sheet guide that is provided to be opposite to the recording head and guides the sheet, a transport roller provided at an upstream side of the sheet guide in a sheet transport direction, an ejection roller provided at a downstream side thereof, and a transport unit that integrates the medium guide, the transport roller and the ejection roller and is provided to freely come in and out of the apparatus main body.
US08118421B2	Pressure and transfix rollers for a solid ink jet printing apparatus A printing machine for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium includes a component for applying a phase change ink in an image, an imaging member for accepting the image and transferring the image from the imaging member to the print medium and a pressure member positioned in association with the imaging member to form a nip through which the print medium passes. The pressure member includes an outer layer with a tailored electrical conductivity to eliminate ghosting in duplex printing modes. The outer layer comprises a composite of a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphenes. A similar outer layer may be implemented on a pressure roller in a direct-to-paper printing machine.
US08118419B2	Ink jet recording method, recording device, ink/recording medium set, recording matter An ink-jet recording process which conducts recording by imparting ink onto the surface of a recording medium according to recording information, where the recording medium has a base material and a porous ink receiving layer thereon containing inorganic particles having a BET specific surface area of at least 150 m2/g, and the ink contains a polymer emulsion having a water-insoluble or hardly-soluble colorant contained in polymer fine particles and at least one wetting agent, 8-11 C polyol or glycol ether, anionic or nonionic surfactant, water-soluble organic solvent, and water; and has a surface tension of 40 mN/m or less at 25° C. This process can provide high-grade images excellent in ink absorbing and fixing properties and satisfactory in color tone, produce images excellent in image fastness such as water resistance and light resistance, and implement ink-jet recording excellent in storage stability and discharge stability and free from head clogging at printing.
US08118417B2	System and method for processing solid ink stick exception conditions in a solid ink printer A system provides an operator of a solid ink stick printer method with information regarding solid ink stick exception conditions detected in a solid ink printer. The system includes a solid ink stick identifier that obtains identification data from a solid ink stick and that generates an ink stick ejection signal in response to detection of a solid ink stick exception condition, and a solid ink stick exception controller configured to generate a message for display in response to the ink stick ejection signal. obtaining solid ink stick identification data from a solid ink stick inserted into a solid ink printer, detecting a solid ink stick exception condition, generating an ink stick ejection signal in response to the detected solid ink stick exception condition, and generating a message for display in response to the ink stick ejection signal.
US08118416B2	Valve assembly for a printer ink cartridge having a spring-biased pressure regulator Provided is a valve assembly for a printer ink cartridge. The valve assembly includes a flanged valve stem defining an inlet opening with a skirt engaging portion for operatively engaging an outlet port of the cartridge, and a depressible valve member within the stem. The valve assembly also includes a pressure regulator having a spacer within a central hub and a diaphragm spanning a central inlet opening. The pressure regulator further includes a clip defining an outlet opening, the clip configured to operatively engage the valve stem to sandwich the valve member, spacer and diaphragm between the valve stem and clip. The pressure regulator also includes a spring configured to bias the diaphragm against the central inlet opening into a closed position, so that ink from the ink cartridge is only able to flow through the valve when the diaphragm is in an open position.
US08118413B2	Liquid ejecting head, image forming apparatus, and method for manufacturing liquid ejecting head A liquid ejecting head includes multiple nozzles to eject liquid droplet, a vibration unit including a vibration plate, the vibration plate forming at least one wall face of multiple liquid paths that communicate with the respective nozzles, a driving member to move the vibration plate, and the vibration unit formed of laminated multi-layered member that includes a resin layer to form the vibration plate, a first metal layer located on one side of the resin layer, and a second metal layer located on the other side of the resin layer, and wherein the first and second metal layers are formed of different metals, that is, the first metal layer has an ionization tendency higher than that of hydrogen, the second metal layer has an ionization tendency lower than that of hydrogen.
US08118412B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and actuator A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage forming substrate that includes a plurality of pressure generating chambers juxtaposed to each other and each in communication with a nozzle for ejecting droplets, and piezoelectric elements disposed on the flow passage forming substrate with a diaphragm interposed therebetween. The piezoelectric elements include a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The piezoelectric layer tapers downward at its ends. The lower electrode has a width smaller than the width of each of the pressure generating chambers. The piezoelectric layer has a larger width than the lower electrode to cover end faces of the lower electrode. The diaphragm has a top layer formed of a titanium oxide (TiOx) insulator film. The lower electrode has a top layer formed of a lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiyOx) orientation control layer. The orientation control layer and at least part of the piezoelectric layer disposed on the orientation control layer are formed of perovskite crystals having a (113) preferred orientation.
US08118410B2	Piezoelectric printhead and related methods A piezoelectric printhead and related methods provide a first metallic electrode and a second metallic electrode deposited over a top surface and a bottom surface, respectively, of a piezoceramic plate. The second electrode is segmented into a plurality of electrode segments. A diaphragm is positioned over a plurality of pressure chambers, where the diaphragm includes a conductor positioned over each chamber. The piezoceramic plate is attached to the diaphragm such that each conductor on the diaphragm faces multiple electrode segments.
US08118409B2	Acoustic ink jet printer In an acoustic ink jet printer, a configuration is such that an ink unit 5b and a piezoelectric body unit 5a are separated, and a printing is carried out by the ink unit moving on the piezoelectric body unit. Herein, a configuration is such that a plurality of ink cartridges are disposed on a recording head 5. Also, at this time, a configuration is such that only necessary ink cartridges are disposed on the recording head. An acoustic ink jet printer is obtained with which a replacement of a head unit is unnecessary even in the event of a clogging or the like occurring in a nozzle, and with which, the structure of the ink cartridges being simplified, and furthermore, a simplification of the apparatus being achieved even when colorizing, a reduction in cost is possible.
US08118408B2	Flow through dispenser having different cross-sectional areas A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel including an exit having a cross sectional area, a liquid return channel, and a liquid dispensing channel including a cross sectional area and an outlet opening. The outlet opening includes an end that is adjacent to the liquid return channel. The cross sectional area of a portion of the liquid dispensing channel that is located at the end of the outlet opening is greater than the cross sectional area of the exit of the liquid supply channel. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08118407B2	Thermal inkjet printhead having annulus shaped heater elements A thermal inkjet printhead has an array of nozzle arrangements provided for ejecting ink. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage. The nozzle chamber structure defines an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A pair of parallel heater elements extends from the nozzle chamber structure and into the nozzle chamber, and can be supplied with current so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the aperture. Each heater element is shaped to define at least one broken annulus, in turn, comprising said at least one arcuate portion.
US08118406B2	Fluid ejection assembly having a mounting substrate The present invention relates to a fluid ejection assembly that includes an injection-molded mounting substrate that is formed by a two-shot injection molding process, wherein a housing portion of the mounting substrate is formed by a first shot molding, and a die-attach portion of the mounting substrate is formed within the housing portion by a second shot molding. The die-attach portion is made of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion along a direction that is parallel to a fluid passageway in the die attach portion.
US08118405B2	Buttable printhead module and pagewide printhead A printhead module includes a substrate, a plurality of drop ejector arrays, and electronic circuitry. The substrate includes a butting edge extending in a first direction along the substrate. The plurality of drop ejector arrays extends substantially parallel to the butting edge of the substrate with a first drop ejector array of the plurality of drop ejector arrays being closest to the butting edge of the substrate. A portion of the electronic circuitry is disposed between the first drop ejector array and the butting edge of the substrate.
US08118404B2	Printing arrangement having printhead and ink supply assemblies A printing arrangement has a modular printhead assembly with a plurality of elongate printhead modules fast with an elongate chassis. An ink supply assembly has a number of ink reservoirs with respective ink supply devices each having two parts, namely a first part with a plurality of collars and the second part defining a number of ink chambers. Each ink chamber is configured to contain ink of a particular color and is in fluid communication with a respective ink channel of one ink reservoir via one collar.
US08118402B2	Ink-jet head having passage unit and actuator units attached to the passage unit, and ink-jet printer having the ink-jet head A printhead module includes a plurality of rows of printhead nozzles, at least some of the rows including at least one displaced row portion, the displacement of the row portion including a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed, wherein the displaced row portions of at least some of the rows are different in length than the displaced row portions of at least some of the other rows.
US08118400B2	Ink ejection printhead incorporating a bridged connector arrangement An ink ejection printhead includes an elongate support frame. The support frame supports ink ejection printhead modules. An end plate is mounted to an end of the support frame and defines two guide recesses. A connector arrangement is received in the guide recesses and includes a body portion interconnected to a region by at least one bridge. The connector arrangement includes a connector extending from the body portion. An end housing defines an opening and is mounted to the end plate so that the connector is accessible through the opening.
US08118394B2	Droplet ejecting device A droplet ejecting device including: plural droplet ejecting heads that eject droplets; a transporting body, disposed to face nozzle surfaces of the droplet ejecting heads, that transports a recording medium; and a head holding member that holds the droplet ejecting heads movably along droplet ejecting directions respectively is provided.
US08118393B2	Method of removing foreign particulates from pagewidth printhead A method of removing foreign particulates from an ink ejection face of a pagewidth printhead mounted on a substrate. The substrate has a film guide positioned adjacent the printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding the face with ink and dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; (b) positioning a polymer film in a transfer zone so as to define a cavity defined by the ink ejection face, the film guide and the polymer film; and (c) guiding the polymer film through the transfer zone. The movement of the film in the transfer zone transfers the flooded ink onto the polymer film.
US08118391B2	Method for calibration A method of operating a printhead of an imaging device includes actuating a plurality of ink jets of the printhead to emit drops of ink onto an image receiving surface in accordance with a test pattern. The test pattern includes full pixel density areas and half pixel density areas that alternate in a process direction. Distances in a process direction between drops of the full pixel density areas and drops of the half pixel density areas in transition regions of the test pattern are then measured. The measured process direction distances are then correlated to a graininess level for the printhead.
US08118390B2	Media identification system with moving optoelectronic device A printing system includes a carriage that is movable along a carriage scan direction and an optoelectronic device mounted on the carriage. A media input location, for storing a recording medium, is included along with at least one unobstructed optical path between the optoelectronic device and a plurality of regions of the media input location as the carriage is moved along the carriage scan direction.
US08118385B2	Method and apparatus for automatically aligning arrays of printing elements A method and apparatus for aligning the printing of dots generated by at least one array of printing elements in an printing apparatus, wherein the method includes the steps of printing a calibration test pattern, scanning the printed calibration test pattern, determining at least one calibration value based on the scanned calibration test pattern, positioning an alignment adjustment tool relative to the array of printing elements of which the alignment needs to be adjusted and, based on the calculated calibration value, automatically adjusting the alignment of the array of printing elements using the alignment adjustment tool.
US08118384B2	Inkjet printer A inkjet printer including a plurality of heads installed in a staggered arrangement, and a relay board for receiving image data, a control signal conforming to each head, and a timing signal for determining timed intervals to emit ink particles from the control unit of the inkjet printer, and for sending the received image data, control signal and timing signal to the aforementioned plurality of respective drive signal generating circuits.
US08118383B2	Pattern forming method A pattern forming method includes the step of ejecting droplets of a liquid containing a functional component, from nozzles of an inkjet recording head onto a surface of a substrate in one direction in sequence so as to form a linear pattern on the surface of the substrate, wherein: the inkjet recording head is controlled in such a manner that p ≤ π ⁢ ⁢ d 6 ⁢ ( θ sin 2 ⁢ θ - cos ⁢ ⁢ θ sin ⁢ ⁢ θ ) ⁢ { tan ⁢ θ 2 ⁢ ( 3 + tan 2 ⁢ θ 2 ) } - 2 3 is satisfied where d denotes a diameter of the droplets of the liquid before depositing on the surface of the substrate, θ denotes a contact angle of the droplets of the liquid with respect to the substrate, and p denotes a dot pitch of the droplets of the liquid that are adjacently deposited on the surface of the substrate, and the droplets of the liquid contain a volatile solvent with volume ratio not less than [ 1 - 6 ⁢ p ⁡ ( θ sin 2 ⁢ θ - cos ⁢ ⁢ θ sin ⁢ ⁢ θ ) ⁢ { tan ⁢ θ 2 ⁢ ( 3 + tan 2 ⁢ θ 2 ) } - 2 3 π ⁢ ⁢ d ] × 100 ⁢ % .
US08118381B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a recording head configured to jet a liquid; a liquid tank configured to store the liquid; and a supply tube having flexibility, the supply tube being provided between the liquid tank and the recording head, wherein the supply tube includes a first flow path through which the liquid flows from the liquid tank to the recording head, and a second flow path surrounding the first flow path, the second flow path being a path through which a temperature control liquid flows, the temperature control liquid controlling a temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path.
US08118380B2	Printer controller for monitoring an ink drop count Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print according to print quality information. The printer has a paper transport mechanism for transporting a sheet of paper along a media path through the printer. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge arranged in the media path and having a first integrated circuit (IC) interfaced with the processor, the first IC containing the print quality information. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor. The processor is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and to write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. The processor is also configured to control the paper transport mechanism during printing.
US08118376B2	Display rack A display rack, on which a display apparatus is mounted, is provided. The display rack includes an amplifier, a top board portion, a transparent top board portion, and a display portion. The amplifier amplifies an audio signal input from a signal source of the display apparatus. The top board portion stores the amplifier. The transparent top board portion is formed of a transparent member and arranged above the top board portion. The display portion indicates a status of the amplifier and is arranged under the transparent top board portion with a display surface thereof facing upward.
US08118375B2	Height adjustable desk configured for stacking with legs detached A desk comprising: a writing board, the writing board defining a top surface and a substantially opposed bottom surface; at least three sleeves, each of the at least three sleeves extending substantially away from the bottom surface, each of the at least three sleeves defining a respective free end substantially opposed to the bottom surface; at least three legs, each of the at least three legs being removably insertable into and securable to a respective one of the at least three sleeves; a first one of the at least three sleeves defining a ridge extending substantially longitudinally therefrom at the free end of the first one of the at least three sleeves and a second one of the at least three sleeves defining a recess extending substantially longitudinally thereinto at the free end of the second one of the at least three sleeves, the recess being configured and sized for substantially snugly receiving the ridge. Two of the desks are stackable on top of each other with legs detached therefrom by inserting the ridge of a first one of the two desks into the recess of a second one of the two desks and inserting the ridge of the second one of the two desks into the recess of the first one of the two desks.
US08118374B2	Track unit for moving a ground work vehicle A track unit for moving a ground work vehicle, comprising two elastic elements proximate to the front and rear ends, interposed between a monolithic upper portion of the structure that supports the driving wheel and a monolithic lower portion that supports two pairs of coaxial guiding wheels with parallel axles and resting rollers, means adapted to ensure a coplanar arrangement of the upper and lower portions of the structure being also provided.
US08118368B1	Saddle assembly for a side-dump trailer or truck An improved saddle assembly for a side-dump trailer or truck wherein the saddle assemblies have saddle supports which are located directly above the frame members of the wheeled frame of the side-dump vehicle. The saddle supports receive the pivot pins of the side-dump body with the loads imposed thereon being transferred to the frame members of the wheeled frame of the side-dump body.
US08118364B2	Blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat and method of use A travel blanket is placed upon an infant in a car seat. The travel blanket has contoured sleeves and an open back construction, as well as stabilization means for securing the base section of the blanket onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the seat. With these features, the travel blanket can be readily donned upon an infant that is buckled within a car safety seat without the need to adjust safety straps. The travel blanket includes a base section constructed with a base periphery integrated with the base stabilization means. Lateral sections of the travel blanket further include lateral perimeters appointed for aiding in securing the lateral sections over the infant, without wrapping the torso of the infant. Contoured arm sleeves provide enhanced safety to infants. The sleeves snuggly fit over the infant's wrists and do not have loose flowing material about the arms and wrists, which could present a suffocation risk. Construction of the travel blanket ensures a significant amount of coverage over the entire body of the infant that does not contribute to shifting, zero wrapping of the infant's body/torso, and minimal jostling of the infant when applied.
US08118363B2	Tape-shaped locking member for seat skin material fixation, and process for producing resin molded product with locking member A tape-shaped engaging member F for fixing an upholstery material to seats, which includes a hook surface fastener composed of a double Raschel-knitted base fabric 1 and projecting mushroom-type fastening elements 2 on the surface of the base fabric and a foamed resin layer 3 integrally united to the back surface of the hook surface fastener, and a method of producing a resin molded article equipped with the engaging member. The tape-shaped engaging member is easily set to a mold, has good in-plane flexibility and deforms in good conformity with three-dimensionally curved surfaces.
US08118362B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a sheet-like sensor member, a sheet-like electric device, and a seat main body configuring a sitting portion and including therein the sensor member and the electric device while overlapping each other. The electric device is provided between a pad member which forms a cushion element of the seat main body and a skin cover which covers an outer surface side of the pad member, and the sensor member is provided between the electric device and the skin cover. The electric device is formed with a through hole, so that a measuring circuit unit which is wired and connected to the sensor member is provided in an inner surface side of the electric device, and the measuring circuit unit is accommodated in a recessed portion formed in the pad member.
US08118358B2	Chair A folding chair includes a back frame including at least one rear leg, a seat frame pivotally connected to the back frame, at least one front leg pivotally connected to the seat frame, a link connected to the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg to pull the front leg toward the back frame when the folding chair is folded, and a seat panel pivotally connected to the seat frame and configured to be separated from the seat frame when the folding chair is folded.
US08118356B2	Vehicle roof having externally running sliding roof A vehicle roof is proposed, comprising a roof opening, which can be either closed or at least partially exposed by means of a cover element, which at its rear edge can be tilted relative to a fixed roof section and which is traversable above the fixed roof section towards the rear of the vehicle and which is guided on both sides relative to a vehicle longitudinal center plane by a front sliding unit in a leading guide rail section and by a rear sliding unit in a rear guide rail section respectively. According to the invention the rear sliding unit is guided on a guide link of the cover element and the tangents of the rear guide rail section and of the guide link of the cover element, projected in the vehicle vertical direction, are at least in part set counter to a vehicle longitudinal axis, so that the rear guide rail section and the guide link fixed to the cover in this projection intersect when the cover element is in an open position.
US08118353B2	Mounting structure of front panel A front panel mounting structure 1 is formed of a front body 2 including two pins each having a locking portion and a clip member, and a front panel 30 including two fasteners each having an engaging portion and a flange portion. In a mounted state where the front panel 30 occludes an opening 3, the clip member engages with the flange portion while the pins respectively engage with the fasteners. In the mounted state, the locking portions engage with the engaging portions to restrict movement of the front panel 30 downward and in the vehicle-width direction. Moreover, the clip member sandwiches the flange portion in a longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the front panel 30 in the longitudinal direction.
US08118348B2	Glove box knee bolster assembly for vehicle and method of manufacturing A glove box and knee bolster assembly for a vehicle panel, such as an instrument panel, can include a storage bin, an energy absorbing panel, and a lid. The energy absorbing panel can include a rib wall, a first plurality of ribs, a second plurality of ribs, and a plurality of openings formed in at least one of the first plurality of ribs. The lid can include a plurality of hooks. The rear surface of the lid can be secured to the plurality of ribs by a weld. The weld can cooperate with the plurality of ribs and the rear surface to define a first load path that extends from the lid to the energy absorbing panel. The plurality of hooks can extend from the rear surface and pass through respective ones of the plurality of openings. The plurality of hooks can engage the at least one rib via the respective openings and cooperate with the at least one rib to define a second load path from the lid to the energy absorbing panel that is separate from the first load path.
US08118344B2	Slide door structure of vehicle There is provided a slide door structure of a vehicle which has a slide door to slide in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a side of a vehicle body, comprising a center rail which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the side of the vehicle body so as to guide a roller provided at the slide door, and an expansion preventing bracket which is provided at a front end portion of the center rail so as to connect a pair of guide-face portions which face to each other for preventing an expansion of a center-rail end. Accordingly, the expansion of guide-rail end can be prevented in case the outward load acts on the slide door when the slide door is in the closed state.
US08118339B2	PVC primer and glue can caddy A PVC primer and glue can caddy for carrying and keeping together a can of PVC primer and a can of glue comprises horizontal base with two circular shaped indentures to accommodate the cans, a vertical stand with a handle and two slit shaped apertures. The caddy also has a strap with a hook portion and a loop portion that is slid through the slit apertures forming a closed loop attachment for the cans while placed in the circular indentures and a recessed screw is also provided for attaching the horizontal base to the vertical stand.
US08118338B2	Apparatus, system, and method for automobile protection device An apparatus and a system are disclosed for protecting the side doors of an automobile when it is parked. The apparatus includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and a protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad and formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile. The system includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and an adjustable protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad, the adjustable protrusion movable to different locations along the length of the elongated pad, the protrusion is formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile.
US08118336B2	Door stop A doorstop includes a flange connected to a floor contacting portion. The flange is deflectable under transverse pressure. During operation, a door-engaging end portion of the flange contacts a vertical face of a door. Upon deflection, the end portion drops below the vertical face to allow the door to close. In some embodiments, a doorstop includes a spring member and a flange. The spring member includes an arc-shaped portion having a rest curvature and a floor contacting end portion. The arc-shaped portion is deflectable to an arc with less curvature under transverse pressure and returns to the rest curvature upon removal of the transverse pressure. The flange includes a door-engaging end portion and a different attached portion. The attached portion is attached to the arc-shaped portion of the spring member such that the flange is substantively tangent to the arc-shaped portion of the spring member along the attached portion.
US08118331B2	Non-bolt joint structure and method for producing non-bolt joint structure A non-bolt joint structure comprising; a packing ring sealing between a receiving opening section and an insertion opening section; an engaging means provided with an inner circumference of the receiving opening section preventing a polyethylene pipe from disengaging from the receiving opening section by engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the polyethylene pipe; and a tubular metallic inner core fitting an inner circumference of the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe, wherein the inner core is plastically deformed to include a first bulge portion that its cross-sectional shape bulges toward an outward radial direction, a second bulge portion is formed so that the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe bulges toward the outward radial direction along the first bulge portion of the inner core, and the polyethylene pipe is prevented from disengaging by the engaging means engaging with the outer circumferential surface of the second bulge portion.
US08118330B2	Open position cover mount for conduit bodies A cover for a conduit body device for accommodating wire therethrough including: a substantially flat elongated portion with at least two butterfly-shaped clips located at opposite ends of the elongated portion, wherein the butterfly-shaped clips are designed to engage the interior of the conduit body device. In one aspect, the present invention may include at least one ledge on the cover. In addition, a conduit body device and cover system for accommodating wire therethrough.
US08118328B2	Power steering device A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (1) linked to a steering wheel, an output shaft (2) linked to a vehicle wheel, a torsion bar (3) that connects the input shaft (1) to the output shaft (2), and a cylindrical member (13) supported by a housing (12) that is fastened to a vehicle body. The input shaft (1) includes a first input shaft (4) that is inserted into the cylindrical member (13), supported rotatably by the cylindrical member (13), and linked to the steering wheel, and a second input shaft (5) that connects the first input shaft (4) to the torsion bar (3). A connection portion between the first input shaft (4) and the second input shaft (5) is constituted such that a rotation of the first input shaft (4) is transmitted to the second input shaft (5) and the first input shaft (4) is free to move in an axial direction relative to the second input shaft (5).
US08118327B2	Structure of steering support portion A structure of a steering support portion includes a steering support member (40), which is positioned within an instrument panel, a pair of front and back column brackets (22, 23), which are attached upon the lower portion of the steering support member (40), and a steering column (24), which is anchored, at two front and back locations, in a suspension support state, respectively, at front and back fastening points (25, 26) that are provided respectively upon the front and back column brackets (22, 23), wherein the steering support member (40) further has a shape of a triangular cross-section, which in turn further includes a horizontal upper surface portion (41), a forward facing incline surface portion (42), and a rear facing incline surface portion (43).
US08118323B2	Hitch-and-coupler assembly A hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) couples a trailer vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) includes a hitch assembly (132) having a pitch hinge part (134) that defines at least one pinhole towards its trailing end about a pitch hinge axis (138). The hitch-and-coupler assembly also includes a coupler assembly (140) having a pitch hinge counterpart (142) defining at least one pinhole (144) towards its leading end. The pitch hinge counterpart (142) is detachably connectible to the pitch hinge part (134) by positioning the pitch hinge counterpart (142) into a check position in which the pin holes (136, 144) are aligned for passing a pitch hinge pin (26) there through. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) also includes a guiding arrangement (146) having a guiding surface (148) extending away from the check position toward a leading end of the hitch assembly (132). The pitch hinge counterpart (142) is operatively able to engage the guiding surface (148) and is displaceable along the guiding surface (148) towards the check position.
US08118315B2	Trailer with hydraulic bed tilt control A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.
US08118313B2	Infantile riding playing nine A riding apparatus for children is disclosed. The riding apparatus of the present invention includes a main body (110), which has a handle (111) and a footrest (115), and support plates (120), which are installed in the main body and are placed upright at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The riding apparatus further includes an operating unit (300), which has a front rotary member (330), a rear rotary member (340), a front spring (350), a rear spring (351) and a connection bar (310). The front rotary member and the rear rotary member respectively have interlocking shafts (213) and (223). The riding apparatus further includes front legs (210) and rear legs (220), which are respectively fastened to the interlocking shafts (213) and (223). A one-way wheel assembly is provided on the lower end of each of the front and rear legs.
US08118303B2	Sheet conveying apparatus A sheet conveying apparatus has a first pair of rollers which nip and convey a sheet; a second pair of rollers provided on a downstream side of the first pair of rollers in a conveying direction of the sheet, which nip and convey a sheet; and a position detecting sensor which detects a position of a sheet in a width direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction. When the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers nip and convey the sheet, the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers are simultaneously moved according to a position detected by the position detecting sensor in the same direction of the width direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction.
US08118301B2	Sheet discharging device and image forming apparatus including same A sheet discharging device including a sheet discharging unit provided at one end of an image forming apparatus; a sheet discharge tray located adjacent to the sheet discharging unit, rotatably provided at the end of the image forming apparatus in a stored position to cover the end of the image forming apparatus and in an extended position extended from the end of the image forming apparatus to stack sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus; and a driving mechanism to drive a shutter provided to the sheet discharge tray in conjunction with rotary movement of the sheet discharge tray to open an opening in the sheet discharge tray in the stored position and to close the opening in the sheet discharge tray in the extended position.
US08118299B2	Manual sheet feeder and image forming apparatus including same A manual sheet feeder including a pickup roller; a pickup arm; a sheet stopper; a rotation regulation member; a solenoid including a movable core having a straight line motion; a solenoid link rotatively coupled to the movable core; and a first spring to bias the pickup arm in a direction in which the pickup arm is rotated downward. At start of sheet feeding operation, the pickup arm is rotated by the first spring in a direction in which the pickup roller is moved downward in conjunction with rotation of the solenoid link caused by the straight line motion of the movable core in one direction, and the rotation regulation member is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the solenoid link caused by the straight line motion of the movable core in the one direction to release regulation of rotation of the sheet stopper.
US08118294B2	Validation of mailpiece composition completeness A method and system for validating the completeness of a document collation includes obtaining information concerning a document having a first page and a last page, and processing the obtained information. The processed information is employed to apply a marking on the document that may be readable through an enclosure that visually obscures the marking. The marking may provide information regarding the completeness of the document collation within the enclosure. The processed information may be employed in a manner such that the applied marking includes a first page mark on the first page of the document collation and a last page mark in the last page of the document collation. The marks may be applied in respective predetermined zones on the first page and the last page. The first page zone and the last page zone may have a predetermined relationship for a document collation.
US08118288B2	Isolation mount system An engine mount system for a lawn mower having a front, rear, and two sides. The engine mount system includes a mounting plate, an engine, first and second elastic members, and first and second brackets. The engine is mounted to the mounting plate and applies a torque force to the mounting plate during lawn mower operation. The first bracket is provided on the mounting plate and includes a first surface. The first surface is adjacent the first elastic member and partially faces the front, thereby placing the first elastic member into compression when the engine applies the torque force to the mounting plate. The second bracket is provided on the mounting plate and includes a second surface. The second surface is adjacent the second elastic member and partially faces the rear, thereby placing the second elastic member into compression at the same time as the first elastic member.
US08118287B2	Shock-mitigating apparatus for seats and other objects A shock-mitigating damper apparatus for vertical shocks has a scissor linkage extending vertically between a base and an object. A damper is also connected between the base, the object, and is mounted to the base for substantially horizontal reciprocating damper motion. An articulated arm assembly connects one end of the damper to the object at a point substantially in vertical alignment with an intermediate pivot point for the scissors.
US08118285B2	Gas spring with integrated lead screw drive An improved gas spring has a drive motor for driving a piston. A piston head has a thread at an outer periphery that is guided along a mating thread in an inner periphery of a cylinder. The piston is caused to rotate relative to the cylinder, and is guided for reciprocating movement. In this manner, a drive motor is incorporated into the gas spring such that the gas spring has both a driven and a manual mode. The inventive gas spring has particular application in attaching a vehicle closure to a vehicle frame.
US08118283B2	Apparatus for aerating an aqueous solution An aqueous scream is pumped through a vortex cylinder. The aqueous stream is rotated in a downwardly moving spiral stream within the vortex cylinder at a high downward velocity. The downward velocity of the aqueous stream increases as it flows through a discharge conduit concentrically located within a mixing chamber of the vortex cylinder. An adjustable air inlet tube open to atmospheric pressure extends through the vortex chamber and into the discharge conduit. A negative pressure zone is created at the discharge end of the discharge conduit for drawing air into the aqueous stream for mixing therewith and dissolving oxygen in the aqueous solution.
US08118281B1	Tire lifting assembly A tire lifting assembly includes a support base with an upper section and a pair of legs attached to and extending downwardly from the upper section. A pole is elongated and has a first end and a second end. A bracket includes a central member and a pair of arms that are attached to opposite ends of the central member. The arms extend in a same direction with respect to each other. The first end of the pole is attached to the central member and is equally spaced from the arms. The pole extends away from the central member in an opposite direction with respect to the arms. A tire support is attached to and extends between the arms. A tire is positionable on the tire support and lifted when the pole is positioned on the base support and the second end of the pole is moved downward.
US08118280B2	Modular vehicle ramp system A modular vehicle ramp system is provided for elevating all four wheels of a vehicle off of the ground to allow a user easy access beneath the elevated vehicle. The components are modular allowing the ramp system to be employed in several different reconfigurable arrangements. A first embodiment provides one wheel support and one ramp that releasably engages with the wheel support. In another embodiment, at least two wheel supports are employed with two corresponding ramps releasably engaged therewith. Finally in another embodiment, two bridge sections extend between two wheel supports positioned at the front and two wheel supports positioned at the rear. Two ramps are releasably engaged with either the two forward or rear wheel supports such that a car can be driven up the ramps and over the bridge sections such that the four vehicle wheels are supported on the four wheel supports.
US08118275B2	Valve for a surgical or medical instrument A valve for surgical or medical instruments including: a passage that can be at least partially sealed by twisting a flexible section (1) of the passage wall; element for rotating a mobile end (3) of flexible section (1), characterized in that the actuating element include a cable for transmitting movement to mobile end (3) of the flexible section. The invention also relates to a surgical or medical instrument including a valve according to the invention.
US08118274B2	Multiple position stand A support mechanism for supporting an object on a surface is disclosed. The support mechanism includes a joint connected to the object; and a stand connected to the joint. The joint may selectively rotate to allow the stand to support the object on the surface in: a first position comprising a landscape orientation at a first angle between the object and the surface, a second position comprising a landscape orientation at a second angle between the object and the surface, a third position comprising a portrait orientation at a third angle between the object and the surface, and a fourth position comprising a portrait orientation at a fourth angle between the object and the surface.
US08118272B2	Link rod type adjustable screen fixing apparatus A link rod type adjustable screen fixing apparatus includes: a fixing base, having at least one operating slot; at least one distal plate device, having at least one pair of distal plates embedded in the operating slot, and slidably moving in the operating slot, and an upper frame plate disposed at an external side of the distal plate; at least one contractible device, formed by pivotally coupling link rods, and installed in the operating slot, and a side of the contractible device being pivotally coupled to the distal plate; and a containing space, defined by the upper frame plate of the distal plates for installing a screen. The distal plate is contractible in the operating slot for adjusting the containing space, such that the invention can fit screens of different sizes, and provide a convenient replacement and a dynamic adjustment.
US08118271B2	Mounting apparatus for data storage device A mounting apparatus includes a bracket defining at least one clamping hole, a receiving rack, and a latching unit pivotally mounted to the receiving rack. The latching unit includes a fitting member, a locking member pivotally mounted to the fitting member, a contact member slidably attached to the fitting member, and a first resilient member resisting the contact member and the locking member. A latching block extends from the locking member to latch with the receiving rack. The contact member includes at least one latching tab and a pushrod opposite to the latching tab. When the latching tab is moved to deform the first resilient member, the pushrod rotates the locking member, resulting in the latching block disengaging from the receiving rack. Elasticity of the first resilient member engages the latching tab in the clamping hole.
US08118269B2	Flat panel display including a hinge assembly An apparatus for a flat panel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flat panel assembly and a hinge mechanism coupled to the flat panel assembly. The hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a non-industry standard mount. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows for the replacement of a non-VESA standard compatible display mount with a display mount that is compatible with the VESA standard. Utilizing the system and method in accordance with the present invention, such a replacement can be accomplished with minimal effort, and in an efficient manner.
US08118268B2	Hands free baby bottle holder and feeder A hands free baby bottle holder and feeder which includes a wedge shaped pillow and a U-shaped shaped pillow. A mechanism is for attaching the U-shaped pillow in an inverted position onto the wedge shaped pillow. A C-clamp mechanism on the U-shaped pillow is for holding a baby bottle in position, so that an infant placed onto the wedge shaped pillow between the U-shaped pillow can safely drink from the baby bottle.
US08118264B2	Shape memory alloy actuator An aircraft system may include an airfoil and a deployable device coupled to the airfoil. The system may further include a shape memory alloy actuator coupled between the airfoil and the deployable device. The actuator may be movable between a first position with the deployable device deployed relative to the airfoil, and a second position with the deployable device stowed relative to the airfoil. The system may additionally include an activatable link positioned between the actuator and the deployable device. The link may have an engaged configuration in which motion of the actuator is transmitted to the deployable device, and a disengaged configuration in which motion of the actuator is not transmitted to the deployable device.
US08118259B2	Storage compartment for the nose gear of an aircraft A front landing gear storage compartment for an airplane, which includes a set of retractable landing gears including a front gear centered on a longitudinal median plane of the fuselage. The storage compartment forms an impervious partition between a pressurized zone and the housing for the front gear in its retracted position, and includes a reinforced upper face including a substantially flat zone, which is substantially horizontal when the airplane is on the ground, so as to form a floor of a pressurized area of the airplane.
US08118257B2	Thermal management system with staged cooling A thermal management system comprises a first heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a second heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid loop, a first heat pump, and a second heat pump. The fluid loop circulates a fluid, and forms a continuous path between the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The second heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger.
US08118254B2	Flap actuator A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap. First and second concentric gimbals are positioned about the longitudinal axis adjacent the housing. The gimbals interconnect the housing to the wing.
US08118252B2	Rear lower aerodynamic fairing for the attachment device of an aircraft engine A rear lower aerodynamic fairing for an attachment device for an aircraft engine, including two side panels assembled together with transverse stiffening inner ribs spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the fairing, and a heat protection floor to be closely followed by a primary flow of the engine. The floor includes plural floor segments distributed along the direction and non-rigidly bound to each other, and the fairing further includes an assembling mechanism assembling the floor segments, offsetting the latter of the ribs to which are connected the assembling mechanism.
US08118250B1	Fuel tanker truck accessory and associated methods The invention provides a fuel tanker truck accessory and a method of delivering fuel to a storage tank. The accessory is intended for permanently mounting on the truck and has a spool containing a roll of warning strap. The method includes attaching a plurality of the accessories containing rolls of warning strap to the fuel tanker truck; stationing the fuel tanker truck near the storage tank; extending one or more of the warning straps from the spools so as to define a fuel delivery operations area between the tanker truck and the storage tank and restrict passage therethrough; connecting a fuel delivery hose from the tanker truck to the storage tank so that the hose extends through the fuel delivery operations area; and delivering fuel through the hose to the storage tank.
US08118246B2	Mobile crusher A mobile crusher includes: a crusher for crushing raw materials; a discharge conveyor provided on a lower stream of the crusher for discharging the raw materials crushed by the crusher; a work implement provided on an upper stream of the crusher for producing the crushed materials; a conveyor sensor and conveyor pressure comparing unit for determining whether the crushed materials to be discharged are fed on the discharge conveyor or not; a crusher pressure sensor and crusher pressure comparing unit for determining whether the raw materials are present in the crusher or not; and a flow rate controller for controlling the speeds of the crusher, discharge conveyor and work implement based on determination results of the conveyor pressure sensor, conveyor pressure comparing unit, crusher pressure sensor and crusher pressure comparing unit.
US08118240B2	Pull-out wand A pull-out wand is disclosed for use with a water delivery device. The pull-out wand may include one or more sensors, such as a touch sensor and/or a proximity sensor.
US08118239B2	Potable water heater A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle. Exhaust heated by the burner of the water heater is discharged from the burner and is conveyed through an exhaust duct which extends through a water jacket surrounding the burner and which water jacket holds the potable water to be heated. The potable water is heated by the burner and also by the hot exhaust gases in the exhaust duct. Operating components are accessible from one end of the water heater.
US08118237B2	System and method for vehicle temperature control A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.
US08118233B2	Printing device for printing of radio frequency identification (RFID) labels Disclosed is a printing device for printing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels. The printing device includes an input media drawer configured to receive a plurality of RFID labels including RFID tags and an RFID label processing mechanism operatively coupled to the input media drawer. The RFID label processing mechanism includes a radio system for providing a signal for processing of the at least one RFID tag received from the input media drawer, and an antenna module coupled to the radio system for processing the at least one RFID tag based on the signal received from the radio system. The antenna module includes a transmission line including serially connected, a first set of horizontal legs and a second set of vertical legs. Further, the printing device includes a printing mechanism operatively coupled to the RFID label processing mechanism for printing the RFID labels.
US08118225B2	Device and method for detecting and/or recognizing markings in/at/on transparent marking carriers The invention relates to a device for detecting and/or recognizing markings, in particular for manual handling, comprising a camera for recording a marking and at least one illumination device for illuminating a marking, characterized in that, for detecting and/or recognizing markings (3) on/at/in transparent marking carriers (4), in particular having reflectively polished surfaces, the at least one illumination device (2) is arranged at a distance from the optical axis (A) of the camera (1) in such a way that the light reflection (5) generated by the at least one illumination device (2) at the surface of the transparent marking carrier (4) is arranged at least alongside the marking represented in the camera image, preferably outside the detection region of the camera (1). The invention furthermore relates to a method in which, for detecting and/or recognizing markings (3) on/at/in transparent marking carriers (4), in particular having reflectively polished surfaces, a marking is illuminated by at least one illumination device (2) spaced apart from the optical axis (A) of the camera (1) in such a way that the marking appears in inverted fashion in the camera image, in particular as a bright marking on a dark background, and the light reflection (5) generated by the at least one illumination device (2) at the surface of the transparent marking carrier (4) is arranged at least alongside the marking represented in the camera image, preferably outside the detection region of the camera (1).
US08118221B2	Data storage and access systems Data storage and access systems enable downloading and paying for data such as audio and video data, text, software, games and other types of data. A portable data carrier has an interface for sending and receiving data, data memory for storing received content data, and payment validation memory for providing payment validation data to an external device. The carrier may also store a record of access made to the stored content, and content use rules for controlling access to the stored content. Embodiments store further access control data and supplementary data such as hot links to web sites and/or advertising data. A complementary data access terminal, data supply computer system, and data access device are also described. The combination of payment data and stored content data and use rule data helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data such as compressed music and video data, especially over the Internet.
US08118218B2	Method and apparatus for providing electronic purse Techniques for portable devices functioning as an electronic purse (e-purse) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided to enable a portable device to conduct transactions over an open network with a payment server without compromising security. In one embodiment, a device is loaded with an e-purse manager. The e-purse manager is configured to manage various transactions and functions as a mechanism to access an emulator therein. The transactions may be conducted over a wired network or a wireless network. A three-tier security model is contemplated to support the security of the transactions from the e-purse. The three-tier security model includes a physical security, an e-purse security and a card manager security, concentrically encapsulating one with another. Security keys (either symmetric or asymmetric) are personalized within the three-tier security model.
US08118217B1	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. A host banking system authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to computer verification of the identifying data. The automated banking machine can dispense cash to an authorized machine user in a cash dispensing transaction, and have the user's bank account charged for the cash amount dispensed. The automated banking machine may further 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 may be dispensed to the user from the automated banking machine in exchange for the deposited check.
US08118215B2	Self-service terminal A method of operating a self-service terminal and a network of self-service terminals. The method comprises: receiving notification that a maintenance operation has been performed on the terminal; performing a compliance check on the terminal; and issuing a code in the event that the compliance check is successful. The code can be used to audit and/or validate that the maintenance operation was performed successfully and that the terminal was left in working order.
US08118214B2	Method and system for generating electronic keys A method and system for generating electronic keys. The method comprises providing a plurality of devices and generating an electronic key for each device of the plurality of devices, wherein the electronic keys are generated substantially simultaneously. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the electronic keys for all of the devices are generated in the same amount of time that is required to generate one electronic key for one device.
US08118211B2	Method for the low-temperature pressure sintering of electronic units to heat sinks A method for the low-temperature pressure sintering of at least one electronic unit to be contacted thermally, firmly connected mechanically, and located on a substrate, comprising the following steps: pressing the electronic unit using a mold enveloping matrix while sparing a connecting surface of the substrate for a heat sink connection, providing a heat sink plate, applying a sintering connecting layer onto the spared region of the connecting surface and/or onto to the region of the heat sink plate provided for contacting, and bonding of the heat sink plate to the substrate of the electronic unit in the region of the connecting surface using silver low-temperature pressure sintering technology.
US08118208B2	Expanding parallel jaw device for use with an electromechanical driver device A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.
US08118202B1	Pickup bed cargo attachment bracket A cargo attachment bracket to be carried on an interior bed rail extending parallel to, and spaced down from, a top portion of a side of a pickup truck bed, comprising: a) a body having a front face, a rear face juxtaposed against the interior rail, and an opening extending between the front and rear face; b) a screw having a head portion, a shank portion extending through the opening between the front and rear face, and a lug for engagement within, and under an interior side portion of the rail for releasable attachment of the body to a chosen position along the length of the rail; c) an arm having a bracket end, and an opposite inwardly projecting end; d) an arm extension projecting from the unhinged end portion of the arm, configured together with the arm, and provided with selection and locking means for selection and lockably fixing the combined projection of the arm and the extension from the rail; and, e) a releasable cargo attachment end portion carried by the unattached end of the arm extension. The cargo is attached to the cargo end portion and is releasably held a selected projected length from the rail.
US08118198B1	Pouring spout with controlling means The disclosed preferred embodiment of the current invention relates to a spout or a spout extension system for assisting in the transfer of pourable material from a storage container to a receiving destination or equipment. Said spout extension has a means of controlling the flow of said material allowing for the inversion and positioning of said container spout combination, prior to initiating the flow. More particularly this invention relates to an attachable spout extension, said extension contains a control means or valve which can be operated when the container and spout extension combination is inverted and positioned in the desired location prior to commencing flow of material.
US08118194B2	Cartridge for an appliance for personal care and an appliance comprising such a cartridge A cartridge for an appliance for personal care, such as skin, dental or hair treatment includes a main body, a dispensing structure for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid, a paste or a gel, and a cartridge detachably connected to the main body. The cartridge bounds a reservoir space for holding the substance to be dispensed and includes a flexible wall part bounding the reservoir space for allowing reservoir space volume to accommodate to a volume of the substance filled therein and volumes of the substance dispensed therefrom; a rigid wall part also bounding the reservoir space, and a rigid housing. The flexible wall part is connected to the rigid housing along a contour of the rigid wall part.
US08118190B2	System of releasably interlocking container covers A container 100 includes a cover 102 and a base 104. The container cover 102 includes a first closure portion, an engagement portion 208, and an alignment portion. The base 104 includes a second closure portion. The first closure portion of the cover 104 is sealingly engageable with the second closure portion of the base 104 to define a sealed storage area. The covers 102 stack together in two different ways. First, the covers 102 can be stacked into an “aligned” stack. Second, the covers 102 can be stacked into a releasably locked stack. The alignment portion of the cover 102 is engageable with the alignment portion of a second cover 602 to form an aligned cover stack. The engagement portion 208 of the cover 102 includes one or more engagement lugs 424 that are engageable with corresponding engagement lugs 624 of the engagement portion 608 of a second cover 602 to form a releasably locked cover stack 750. The engagement portion 208 of the cover 102 further includes one or more drainage channels 444 that provide a passageway for liquid entrapped between locked covers to quickly drain or evaporate.
US08118189B2	Temperature-indicating sleeve and related container A sleeve with a temperature indicator in or on the side wall thereof, which is visible from outside the sleeve, to convey the temperature of the contents in the container with which it is used. A method for making such a sleeve is also provided.
US08118186B2	Torque limiting cap for air conditioning service ports A torque-limiting cap (100) for an air conditioning service port (14) includes an inner body assembly (122) having a retaining body (116) configured for engagement on the service port, and an outer body assembly (134) annularly disposed around the inner body assembly. The outer body assembly (134) has a first ratchet portion (140) configured for engagement with a second ratchet portion (146) that is disposed on the inner body assembly (122). When the outer body assembly (134) is torqued, the outer body assembly transmits the torque to the inner body assembly (122) from the first ratchet portion (140) to the second ratchet portion (146) to threadably engage the retaining body (116) onto the service port (14). When there is a preset amount of torque resistance, the first ratchet portion (140) slips with respect to the second ratchet portion (146) such that no additional torque is transmitted to the inner body assembly (122) from the outer body assembly (134).
US08118182B1	Ergonomic beverage container A disposable or long term use beverage container having a cup portion with an aperture therein and a mating cap portion with a mouthpiece extending therefrom with one of the portions having an annular ridge and the other an annular groove for receiving said ridge therein sealing the disposable beverage container from leakage. Additionally the mouthpiece extending from the cap is designed to anatomically fit the user's mouth and provides that the mouthpiece may be nipple shaped for babies and toddlers. Also provided are nubs protruding from opposing sides of the cap that when squeezed breaks the cup cap seal allowing for removal of the cap for selective refilling as desired. The present invention also provides that the disposable beverage container may be manufactured from microwave safe material for those beverages that may require heating.
US08118166B2	Packaging with easy open feature A package enclosing a single disposable absorbent article. The package having an opening element.
US08118160B2	Packet for tobacco products A cigarette packet of substantially parallelepiped geometry comprises an outer wrapper (3) divided into two portions (17, 18) connected one to another by a longitudinal hinge (19) extending along one of the two flanks (7, 8), each portion (17, 18) creating a compartment (20, 21) proportioned to accommodate a relative box (22), likewise parallelepiped, which is filled with a limited number of cigarettes (2); the outer wrapper (3) is topped by a lid (10) pivotable on a transverse hinge (16) between a closed position of contact with the top ends of the boxes (22), and an open position in which the boxes (22) are free to swing apart on the longitudinal hinge (19).
US08118158B2	Sealed storage bag of multiple compartment structure A sealed storage bag of multiple compartment structure, wherein a separated condition of compartments is needed until just before the use, such as an infusion bag of a mixing type of two kinds of liquid or a bag for cooked storage food with flavoring materials. A sealed storage bag comprises a flexible outer bag; an inner bag as a rectangular small compartment having an inner storage space, which is separated, by a film member, from an outer storage space in the outer bag; a filling port for filling contents; and a discharge port for discharging the contents.
US08118156B2	Acoustic wave device An acoustic wave device applicable to a wider scope and field and used for transporting a substance of any of wide variety of types to be transported with an improved efficiency without needing to clean a piezoelectric substrate and simultaneously transporting two or more physically separated substances along the propagation direction of a surface acoustic wave. An acoustic wave device has an exciting electrode for exciting a surface acoustic wave formed on a piezoelectric substrate generating a surface acoustic wave by a piezoelectric effect. A transport path plate is disposed adjacently to the exciting electrode over the piezoelectric substrate with a water layer (W) interposed therebetween. When current is supplied to the exciting electrode, a surface acoustic wave is generated on the piezoelectric substrate. The surface acoustic wave causes a longitudinal wave to be emitted into the water layer (W) and attenuates. The emitted longitudinal wave is propagated to the transport path plate, and a droplet (Dp) placed on the transport path plate is displaced by the emission pressure.
US08118152B2	Safety arrangement A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.
US08118151B1	Grain auger mover A grain auger mover assembly is disclosed which may be used to move either a conventional grain auger or a grain auger having a swing hopper auger associated therewith. The grain auger mover of this invention is remotely controlled.
US08118149B2	Selective freewheeling mechanism and electromechanical vehicle brake having a selective freewheeling mechanism The invention relates to a selective freewheeling mechanism for developing an electromechanical vehicle brake (service brake) into a parking brake. The freewheeling mechanism according to the invention has an outer ring and a locking element cage which are configured as an electric motor with a rotor and a stator. The rotor and stator can be swiveled in relation to each other when a coil is supplied with current. Due to a symmetric design, the freewheeling mechanism is advantageously insensitive to acceleration forces.
US08118146B2	Wheeled luggage case An improved wheeled luggage case having a pair of freely rotating large wheels that have a diameter substantially greater than the height of the center of gravity of the wheeled luggage case itself (when in an upright, at rest position). The weight of the wheeled luggage case is largely transferred to the large wheel pair when being towed, reducing the load burden on a user and making it easier to pull the wheeled luggage case over long distances, for example, between airport terminals.
US08118145B1	Convertible pushcart luggage A suitcase with wheels that is convertible to be a pushcart or pull-cart upon which a traveler can load other luggage items and pull or push the suitcase for easy movement of several pieces of luggage simultaneously. When the suitcase is not being used as a pushcart or pull-cart it functions as a traditional “wheelie bag.”
US08118141B2	Clamp jaw and clamp In one embodiment, a clamp jaw includes a face having an annular groove therein and a linear groove therein tangent to the annular groove. In another embodiment, an assembly includes an overhand loop in a cord compressed between two faces.
US08118140B2	Elevator system with a controller of fast start of travel and method in conjunction with the same An elevator system and a method for accelerating the starting of travel in an elevator system are provided. The elevator system includes an elevator control system for implementing controlled motion of an elevator car; a door mechanism control system for implementing controlled movement of the elevator car door; and a door coupler, for forming a mechanical coupling between elevator car door and landing door; and a controller of fast start of travel, which has an input for elevator car position data, an input for landing door position data, an input for car door position data, and at least one output for activating the elevator motor power supply circuit and the elevator brake release circuit.
US08118133B2	Portal wheel end A modular portal wheel end system allows for connection of a portal wheel end to any of a plurality of differently configured axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end includes a housing that houses an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is coupled to the axle to which the portal wheel end is connected. A wheel hub is coupled to the output gear. A plurality of adapter brackets are each configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing and the axle. Each adapter bracket has a different predetermined configuration for connection to a separate one of the differently configured axles. The portal wheel end system allows the same housing, input gear, output gear, and wheel hub to be connected to any of the differently configured axles with the use of the appropriate adapter bracket.
US08118124B2	Fail-safe air flap control apparatus for vehicle A fail-safe air flap control apparatus for a vehicle includes a coolant temperature sensor, a control unit, an actuator, a movable unit, a flap unit, an elastic member and a solenoid unit. The coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of a coolant. The control unit compares a value measured by the sensor to a reference value and generates a corresponding control signal. The actuator has a rotator which rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the control signal. The movable unit linearly moves under rotational force of the rotator. The flap unit includes a flap housing having an air flow slot, a flap door mounted to the flap housing to openably close the air flow slot, and a connecting rod connected to the movable unit. The elastic member applies elastic force to the movable unit in a direction in which the flap door opens. The solenoid unit is controlled by the control signal of the control unit so as to either restrain movement of the movable unit and so maintain the flap door in a closed state or to release the movable unit.
US08118114B2	Closed-loop control of rotary steerable blades A steering tool has a controller configured to provide closed-loop control of blade pressure and position. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to execute a directional control methodology in which the drilling direction is controlled via control of the blade position. The pressure in each blade is further controlled within a predetermined range of pressures. This embodiment tends to prevent excessive borehole friction while at the same time reducing undesirable rotation of the blade housing. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to correlate blade pressure measurements and blade position measurements during drilling. The correlation is utilized as part of a secondary directional control scheme in the event of a downhole failure of a blade position and/or pressure sensor.
US08118110B2	Agricultural implements with hinged and floating wings A towable soil pulverizer having a longitudinal center section, and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. The wings and center section have ground working rollers. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, to provide uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of (or behind or co-linear with) the wing rollers. Components of the ball joint and roller guide in slot are fixedly and non-rotationally attached to the center section.
US08118109B1	Roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system A system by which a building structure is protected from wildfires, adjacent structure fires, and similar disasters while also affording a method to clean the roof using a plurality of specially-formed shingles, end caps, and ridge units designed to deliver a dispersing water spray, is herein disclosed. The shingles and ridge units would be provided in sectional pieces that interconnect theretogether to extend across a roof area. The end cap units provide plumbing connections thereto connected shingle units and a central water supply line within the structure. The system covers the roof and end wall areas of the building structure with water, thereby preventing ignition from an external source to take place. The system can also be used to clean the roof of dirt and debris if desired, and may additionally protection from chemical, biological, and/or radiological (CBR) attacks by rinsing off contaminates.
US08118105B2	Modular electro-hydraulic controller for well tool An actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached externally to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line. A method of constructing an actuator control system includes the steps of: assembling a modular controller, the modular controller including a control valve therein for controlling operation of an actuator via a hydraulic line; testing the modular controller, including functionally testing the control valve; and then attaching the modular controller to a housing assembly having the line formed therein. Another actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached separately to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line via a manifold of the modular controller, the manifold including a concave interface surface which receives the housing assembly therein.
US08118104B2	Downhole valve with pass through ID A downhole valve assembly is attached to a drillstring and includes an upper drillstring connection, a lower drillstring connection, and a tubular body comprising a through bore, and further includes a weight activated mechanism configured to close the through bore when the drillstring is lifted.
US08118103B2	Downhole draw-down pump and method An apparatus and method for drawing down a fluid level in a well bore. The apparatus and method includes a first tubular disposed within the well bore forming a well bore annulus therein, an annular nozzle connected to an end of the first tubular, and a second tubular concentrically disposed within the first tubular forming a micro annulus. The annular nozzle includes an annular adapter and a suction tube having an internal section and an external section with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the first tubular. The external section of the suction tube may be positioned within a restricted section of the well bore, for example, within a restricted well bore section containing a casing liner to drawn down the fluids and solids within the well bore to produce hydrocarbons.
US08118100B2	Debris protection for sliding sleeve Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath.
US08118099B2	Method and apparatus for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole A method for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to the hole along a surface portion of the bit. An apparatus for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, and a sealer operable to introduce a sealant to the hole along a surface portion of the bit.
US08118098B2	Flow control system and method for use in a wellbore A technique is provided to facilitate fluid flow and pressure control in a well with an interventionless flow valve system. The valve system is coupled to a well component string deployed downhole in a wellbore. The valve system controls flow and pressure between an interior and exterior of the string and comprises a valve controlled by an activation device. The activation device is responsive to a unique pressure and time signal transmitted downhole.
US08118096B2	Diluent-enhanced in-situ combustion hydrocarbon recovery process A modified process for recovering oil from an underground reservoir using the an in situ combustion process. A diluent, namely a hydrocarbon condensate, is injected within a separate wellbore, or alternatively within said separate wellbore and via tubing in a horizontal wellbore portion, preferably proximate the toe, of a vertical-horizontal well pair, to increase mobility of oil.
US08118091B2	End protector system for tubular goods An end protector system for tubular goods including, but not necessarily limited to, drilling riser pipe. The end protector system utilizes lightweight substantially rigid, UV-stabilized molded plastic members that can quickly and easily cover box and pin end connections of drilling riser pipe, as well as ancillary conduit holes, bolt holes and/or other openings. The end protector system of the present invention can be used on tubular goods having an end connection flange, as well as those without an end connection flange, to block access to internal surfaces of the drilling riser components. The end protector system of the present invention further includes a retention system to ensure that individual end protectors remain in place during transportation and/or prolonged storage of such tubular goods.
US08118086B2	Efficient self cooling heat exchanger An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit. The plates include construction to thermally insulate the expansion region from the heat exchange region to improve efficiency of the heat exchanger.
US08118082B2	Heat exchanger in particular for exhaust coolers on internal combustion engines The invention relates to a heat exchanger (10), in particular, for exhaust coolers on internal combustion engines. The aim of the invention is to provide a separation of the carrier medium flow into two partial flows as leak free as possible, by suitable embodiment of the baffle plate (40). A heat exchanger (10), as used, in particular, as exhaust gas cooler for internal combustion engines, comprises a heat exchanger channel (14) and a bypass channel (11), whereby a switching flap (20) is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger (10) in the flow channel (25), which divides the incoming carrier medium into the heat exchanger channel (14) and the bypass channel (11). A baffle plate (40) is provided to maintain the separation between the partial flow through the bypass channel (11) and the partial flow through the heat exchanger channel (14), which, according to the invention, extends from the switching flap (20) to the beginning of the bypass channel (11).
US08118080B2	Control valve body of automatic transmission and manufacturing method therefor By pouring, by means of pressure, melted liquid of magnesium or magnesium alloy into a hollow portion which is formed using a casting mold, a valve body where a channel groove for hydraulic oil for use in a speed change operation of the automatic transmission is formed. In the above, the channel grove for the hydraulic oil is formed due to a convex portion which is formed on the mold so as to project into the hollow portion. As the magnesium has small heat capacity, variation of the temperature of the mold during the cooling and heating cycle can be suppressed. Moreover, as the magnesium melted liquid has no reactivity with respect to the casting mold, the convex portion is not deteriorated. This allows employment of a mold having a thinner convex portion formed thereon, and therefore formation of a valve body having a narrower channel groove.
US08118079B2	Casting noise-damped, vented brake rotors with embedded inserts An assembly of like two rib cores enclosing a splitter core are used to carry two or four sound damping inserts for sand mold casting of a pair of vented and damped brake rotors. Sand mold bodies are configured to define outboard surfaces of hub and rotor surfaces of the cast brake rotors. The three-piece core assembly is shaped to define the complex inner surfaces in casting of vented rotor bodies carrying one or two annular sound damping inserts.
US08118078B2	Hook for suspending a curtain and a curtain with integrated hooks The curtain is provided with integrated hooks for suspending the curtain from a curtain rod. Each hook is made of two parts that are secured together to sandwich a top margin of the curtain therebetween. Each hook has a rectilinear base and a curvilinear section that has a terminal section that defines a gap with the base and a portion extending angularly from the base. In one embodiment, the curvilinear section of the hook 10 is resiliently pliable in order to move laterally for passage over the curtain rod.
US08118073B2	Tire having a carcass ply turn-up portion with a concave segment A tire having a section height, a maximum section width, an upper section above the maximum section width, and a lower section below the maximum section width is provided. The tire includes a circumferential tread, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of bead regions each having a bead core, and at least one carcass ply extending circumferentially about the tire from one bead region to the other. The at least one carcass ply is wound outwardly about at least one of the bead cores and extends toward the tread to form a turn-up portion that terminates at a turn-up end. The turn-up portion includes a concave segment that begins in the bead region and ends short of the turn-up end or at the turn-up end.
US08118071B2	Pencil sharpener A pencil sharpener that facilitates the sharpening of pencils by any one or more of the following: preventing injury; automatically sharpening pencils without manual manipulation; providing status indicators during sharpening; and/or allowing varying degrees of sharpness to be selected.
US08118069B2	Method for loading liquid, liquid container and head cartridge A liquid loading method, a liquid container and a head cartridge are provided, which allow the liquid container to be appropriately loaded with liquid such that a stirring member provided in the liquid container fully fulfills its function. For this end, an infusion needle is inserted from the outside of the ink cartridge into the ink storage chamber comprising a swinging member for stirring ink, so that the ink is loaded into the ink storage chamber through the infusion needle.
US08118064B2	Fiber reinforced plastic pipe and power transmission shaft employing the same A fiber reinforced plastic pipe is provided to prevent it from being damaged and make full use of its practical performance when the fiber reinforced plastic pipe, reduced in thickness and increased in diameter by pultrusion process, is reduced in the circumferential direction and inserted into a metal pipe. The fiber reinforced plastic pipe, reduced in thickness and increased in diameter by pultrusion process, includes a fiber bundle spun and aligned in the longitudinal direction, and circumferential reinforced fiber sheet provided at least on one of the outer and inner surface layers. The circumferential reinforced fiber sheet is inserted into the metal pipe to form a power transmission shaft such as an intermediate shaft for use with a propeller shaft or a drive shaft.
US08118061B2	Variable flow rate controller A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet.
US08118056B2	Mixing device with valve disks The invention relates to a mixing device for mixing substances with a valve control disk and a fixed valve seat disk having at least two groups of openings each of which consists of at least three through openings. A first opening is an inlet for a substance, a second opening connects to a mixing path and a third opening bridges the mixing path. The valve control disk has a first and second recess and is arranged parallel to the valve seat disk and a flow is realized via the first recess between the first and second opening and via the second recess between the first and third opening. The first opening is superimposed by the first and second recesses and a superimposed surface area remains constant. The total superimposed surfaces of the first openings by the first recesses and by the second recesses are also constant.
US08118054B2	Solenoid needle valve assembly The disclosed embodiments include an apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow. In accordance with certain of the disclosed embodiments, a valve is disclosed that comprises a yoke that encases a coil. The yoke has a gap adjacent to a central aperture of the yoke. A core tube is placed in the central aperture. The core tube has a core slidingly disposed within an interior chamber for controlling a fluid flow rate from a flow inlet to a flow outlet. A current is provided to the coil. Magnetic flux, generated by the coil in response to the current, is directed through the gap to cause the core to move proportionally based on the amount of current provided to the coil for changing the fluid flow rate from the flow inlet to the flow outlet.
US08118052B2	Method of forming a polyurethane foam A method of forming polyurethane foam from a resin component and an isocyanate component includes the use of at least one control valve controlling a flow rate of at least one of the resin component and the isocyanate component. The method includes connecting lines having at least a 1 inch diameter to a housing of the control valve. The method also includes coupling a source of gas pressure to the line. At least one of the resin component and the isocyanate component is pressurized with the source of gas pressure to move the resin and/or isocyanate component through the line and into the flow control device at a flow rate of between 5 and 70 gallons per minute.
US08118048B2	Apparatus and method for forming an opening in a storage tank An apparatus and method for forming an opening through a storage tank (3) containing a flammable and/or combustible fluid, for example petrol. The storage tank (3) includes a hollow column (7) extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the storage tank (3), an interior wall of the hollow column (7) in combination with the exterior surface of the storage tank (3) defining a well-like cavity allowing access by the apparatus (1) to the exterior surface of the storage tank (3). The apparatus (1) includes a cutting assembly (13) for cutting through the exterior surface of the storage tank (3); and a housing assembly for supporting the cutting assembly (13). The housing assembly includes a sealing assembly for sealing the housing assembly with respect to the hollow column (7) such that the cavity is sealed from surrounding air. The housing assembly further includes a fluid circulation assembly for passing nitrogen into the cavity such that a non-flammable environment is provided within the cavity during cutting of the opening. The opening is thereby safely cut without generating ignition sources such as sparks and flames. Flammable vapor is also prevented from escaping into the surrounding air. In addition, the storage tank (3) does not need to be emptied of fluid prior to the commencement of the cutting process.
US08118047B2	Stake system and method for soft material Systems, devices and/or methods of a stake system configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor a stake-down object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes an elongate member and a flexible line. One end of the flexible line is configured to be coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member and is configured to be below an exposed surface of the loose material. The flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the intermediate portion extends tautly away from the elongate member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. With this arrangement, the other end of the flexible line is configured to extend above the loose material and configured to be coupled to the stake-down object.
US08118040B2	Sifter device for container A container for supporting particulate matter is provided. The container includes a base providing a chamber configured to receive particulate matter and a cover coupled to the base and movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position. The container also includes a sifter supported at the base. The sifter includes a first member having at least one dispensing aperture extending therethrough and a second member having at least one dispensing aperture extending therethrough. The second member is movable between a first position in which the at one dispensing aperture of the first member is at least partially out of alignment with the at least one dispensing aperture of the second member and a second position in which the at one dispensing aperture of the first member is in greater alignment with the at least one dispensing aperture of the second member. The sifter also includes a biasing element coupled to the second member for moving the second member relative to the first member from the first position to the second position when the cover is moved to the open position.
US08118038B2	Powered mascara applicator What is disclosed is an electric motor powered mascara applicator brush. The mascara applicator brush comprises a cylindrical container and provides for two components of rotation of the brush and more even distribution of the mascara around the eyelashes.
US08118037B2	Ergonomic hair coloring brush A system of brushes for coloring hair with each brush including an ergonomically shaped handle, recessed valley areas for comfortable and effective finger pressure points, each brush color coded to specific base colors, and each brush provided with a color changing system to alert the user to recent use.
US08118036B2	Hair dyeing comb with interchangeable comb heads A dispensing device, having a hollow nipple-shaped stopper configured to act as a one-way valve, for use as a hair dyeing comb is provided. The nipple-shaped stopper has an aperture at its tip end. The aperture opens toward outside when the operator compresses the plastic bottle and closes when the operator releases the plastic bottle. When the aperture is in its closed position, the stopper prevents the liquid hair dye already in the conduit from flowing back to the plastic bag inside the bottle. The purpose of using the stopper here is to keep the air out of the dispensing system in order for the operator to pump the liquid dye efficiently. The stopper and a small aperture at the bottom of the plastic bottle are replacing the one-way valve currently used in many hair dye-dispensing devices. With interchangeable comb heads, the operator can choose the proper comb head for his hair type and different application purpose.
US08118035B2	Supports catalyst for the combustion of carbon monoxide formed during smoking Supported catalyst particles, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide.
US08118034B2	Brand control method for an automatic tobacco article processing machine A brand control method for an automatic tobacco article processing machine, the method including the steps of: defining a number of end product brands that can be produced on the automatic machine; creating a number of configurations, each associated with a respective brand and having a set of values of control parameters controlling electrically controlled operating parts to produce the brand; selecting a desired end product brand; loading the configuration corresponding to the desired end product brand onto a control unit to commence production of the desired brand; defining a number of sections, each having a set of control parameters and independent of the other sections; defining a number of recipes by assigning each section at least one respective set of values of the corresponding control parameters, so each recipe corresponds to a respective section and contains the values of the control parameters in that particular section; and defining each configuration by combining a number of compatible recipes, so that each recipe may potentially form part of a number of different configurations.
US08118030B1	Head position control device The Head Position Control (HPC) device significantly reduces snoring and sleep apnea by preventing the face upward positions of the head when a person lies on the back and sides. It is comprised of a cushion mounted on a band that provides means for supporting the cushion on the head. The HPC device is worn as a headband with the cushion positioned at the back of the head. When lying on the back it causes the head to roll to the extreme right or left and when lying on the sides it tilts the nose and mouth slightly downward. This eliminates the mouth and nose up positions of the head that commonly causes snoring and sleep apnea. The device has an additional benefit. As a result of rolling the head to the extreme right or left it stretches neck muscles.
US08118029B2	Patient lateral positioning device for pelvic treatments comprising a vacuum mattress A patient lateral positioning device for pelvic treatments suitable to support a patient in a defined lateral position includes a vacuum mattress. The vacuum mattress includes an upper body support attachable to an upper body portion of the patient, and a lower body support attachable to a lower body portion of the patient. A region between said upper and lower body support is formed such that when the vacuum mattress is attached to the patient, both a front pelvic side and an upper pelvic side of the patient are exposed.
US08118027B2	Patient intreface assembly supported under the mandible A patient interface assembly that includes a substantially rigid support and a patient interface device coupled to a first end of the support. A first arm is coupled to a first side of the support and a second arm is coupled to a second side of the support. A cross member spans between the first arm and the second arm such that the cross member is disposed under a patient's mandible when the patient interface assembly is worn by a user. An addition, a conduit is coupled to a second end of the support.

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