最新美国发明专利第2012-03-20期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08138102B2	Method of placing a semiconducting nanostructure and semiconductor device including the semiconducting nanostructure A method of placing a functionalized semiconducting nanostructure, includes functionalizing a semiconducting nanostructure including one of a nanowire and a nanocrystal, with an organic functionality including a functional group for bonding to a bonding surface, dispersing the functionalized semiconducting nanostructure in a solvent to form a dispersion, and depositing the dispersion onto the bonding surface.
US08138101B2	Manufacturing method for semiconductor device The present invention is provided in order to remove contamination due to contaminant impurities of the interfaces of each film which forms a TFT, which is the major factor that reduces the reliability of TFTs. By connecting a washing chamber and a film formation chamber, film formation can be carried out without exposing TFTs to the air during the time from washing step to the film formation step and it becomes possible to maintain the cleanliness of the interfaces of each film which form the TFT.
US08138100B2	Microelectronic structure by selective deposition A finFET structure includes a semiconductor fin located over a substrate. A gate electrode is located traversing the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode has a spacer layer located adjoining a sidewall thereof. The spacer layer does not cover completely a sidewall of the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode and the spacer layer may be formed using a vapor deposition method that provides for selective deposition upon a sidewall of a mandrel layer but not upon an adjoining surface of the substrate so that the spacer layer does not cover completely the sidewall of the semiconductor fin. Other microelectronic structures may be fabricated using the lateral growth methodology.
US08138097B1	Method for processing semiconductor structure and device based on the same Methods for fabricating a device and related device structures are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a device includes the acts of producing a substrate; forming a structure on the substrate having a lower dielectric layer, a metal layer, an upper dielectric layer, a planarizing layer, and a layer of photoresist material; developing the photoresist material according to a mask pattern; etching the planarizing layer and the upper dielectric layer according to the mask pattern; removing the photoresist material and the planarizing layer upon etching of the planarizing layer and the upper dielectric layer; applying a selective metal growth or metal/organic film to respective exposed portions of the metal layer following etching of the upper dielectric layer, thereby obtaining an inverted mask pattern; and etching at least the metal layer and the lower dielectric layer according to the inverted mask pattern.
US08138096B2	Plasma etching method In a plasma etching method, a substrate including an underlying film, an insulating film and a resist mask is plasma etched to thereby form a number of holes in the insulating film including a dense region and a sparse region by using a parallel plate plasma etching apparatus for applying a plasma-generating high frequency electric power to a space between an upper and a lower electrode and a biasing high frequency electric power to the lower electrode. The plasma etching method includes mounting the substrate on a mounting table; supplying a first process gas containing carbon and fluorine to form the holes in the insulating film to a depth close to the underlying film; and supplying a second process gas including an inert gas and another gas contain carbon and fluorine to have the holes reach the underlying film while applying a negative DC voltage to the upper electrode.
US08138094B2	Method for manufacturing mask Openings are formed in first and second mask layers. Next, diameter of the opening in the second mask layer is enlarged so that the diameter of the opening in the second mask layer becomes larger by a length X than diameter of the opening in the first mask layer. Thereafter, mask material is formed into the opening in the second mask layer, to form a cavity with a diameter X within the opening in the second mask layer. There is formed a mask which includes the second mask layer and the mask material having therein opening including the cavity.
US08138086B2	Method for manufacturing flash memory device A method of manufacturing a flash memory device and devices thereof, which may be capable of preventing damage to a gate. A method of manufacturing a flash memory device may include preparing a semiconductor substrate having an active region defined by a device separator. A method of manufacturing a flash memory device may include forming a floating gate, a oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer and/or a control gate layer on and/or over a substrate. A method of manufacturing a flash memory device may include forming a low temperature oxide (LTO) film on and/or over a control gate, etching a LTO film to expose a desired part of a control gate, using a LTO film as a mask to etch a desired part of each of a floating gate layer, a ONO layer and/or a control gate to form a gate pattern, and/or substantially removing a LTO film by wet etching.
US08138084B2	Electroless Cu plating for enhanced self-forming barrier layers Methods and an apparatus are described for an integrated circuit within which an electroless Cu plated layer having an oxygen content is formed on the top of a seed layer comprising Cu and Mn. The integrated circuit is then exposed to a sufficient high temperature to cause the self-formation of a MnSiOx barrier layer.
US08138082B2	Method for forming metal interconnects in a dielectric material A semiconductor device includes an interconnect having electrically conductive portions and a dielectric layer made of a first dielectric material. A trench is formed in the dielectric layer. The exposed portions of the dielectric layer which form the side walls of the trench are removed. A dielectric liner is then deposited on the side walls of the trench, the liner being made of a second dielectric material.
US08138074B1	ICs with end gates having adjacent electrically connected field poly A method of forming an IC includes forming a first and a second gate portion using a poly mask. The first portion includes a first active poly gate having a line width W1 over an end of a first active area framed by a first active area edge and a first adjacent active field poly feature having a line width 0.8W1 to 1.3W1 in a first field region. The first field poly feature has a horizontal portion and a first extension portion along a gate width direction extending over the first active area edge having a first minimum spacing (S1). The second gate portion includes a second active poly gate over an end of a second active area framed by a second active area edge electrically connected to a second field poly feature in a second field region having a horizontal portion and a second extension portion along a gate width direction extending over the second active area edge having a second minimum spacing (S2). A dummy field poly feature is between the second active poly gate and the second field poly feature. S1≧1.25S2.
US08138072B2	Semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture Semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture semiconductors are provided which relate to transistors. The method of forming a transistor includes thermally annealing a selectively patterned dopant material formed on a high-k dielectric material to form a high charge density dielectric layer from the high-k dielectric material. The high charge density dielectric layer is formed with thermal annealing-induced electric dipoles at locations corresponding to the selectively patterned dopant material.
US08138071B2	Isotopically-enriched boron-containing compounds, and methods of making and using same An isotopically-enriched, boron-containing compound comprising two or more boron atoms and at least one fluorine atom, wherein at least one of the boron atoms contains a desired isotope of boron in a concentration or ratio greater than a natural abundance concentration or ratio thereof. The compound may have a chemical formula of B2F4. Synthesis methods for such compounds, and ion implantation methods using such compounds, are described, as well as storage and dispensing vessels in which the isotopically-enriched, boron-containing compound is advantageously contained for subsequent dispensing use.
US08138066B2	Dislocation engineering using a scanned laser A method for generating patterned strained regions in a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes directing a light-emitting beam locally onto a surface portion of a semiconductor body; and manipulating a plurality of dislocations located proximate to the surface portion of the semiconductor body utilizing the light-emitting beam, the light-emitting beam being characterized as having a scan speed, so as to produce the patterned strained regions.
US08138061B2	Quasi-hydrophobic Si-Si wafer bonding using hydrophilic Si surfaces and dissolution of interfacial bonding oxide The present invention provides a method for removing or reducing the thickness of ultrathin interfacial oxides remaining at Si—Si interfaces after silicon wafer bonding. In particular, the invention provides a method for removing ultrathin interfacial oxides remaining after hydrophilic Si—Si wafer bonding to create bonded Si—Si interfaces having properties comparable to those achieved with hydrophobic bonding. Interfacial oxide layers of order of about 2 to about 3 nm are dissolved away by high temperature annealing, for example, an anneal at 1300°-1330° C. for 1-5 hours. The inventive method is used to best advantage when the Si surfaces at the bonded interface have different surface orientations, for example, when a Si surface having a (100) orientation is bonded to a Si surface having a (110) orientation. In a more general aspect of the invention, the similar annealing processes may be used to remove undesired material disposed at a bonded interface of two silicon-containing semiconductor materials. The two silicon-containing semiconductor materials may be the same or different in surface crystal orientation, microstructure (single-crystal, polycrystalline, or amorphous), and composition.
US08138059B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes: forming a core pattern on a foundation film, the core pattern containing a material generating acid by light exposure; selectively exposing part of the core pattern except an longitudinal end portion; supplying a mask material onto the foundation film so as to cover the core pattern, the mask material being crosslinkable upon supply acid from the core pattern; etching back the mask material to expose an upper surface of the core pattern and remove a portion of the mask material formed on the end portion of the core pattern, thereby leaving a mask material side wall portion formed on a side wall of the core pattern; and removing the core pattern and processing the foundation film by using the mask material sidewall portion left on the foundation film as a mask.
US08138055B2	Semiconductor devices having pFET with SiGe gate electrode and embedded SiGe source/drain regions and methods of making the same In a method of making a semiconductor device, a first gate stack is formed on a substrate at a pFET region, which includes a first gate electrode material. The source/drain regions of the substrate are etched at the pFET region and the first gate electrode material of the first gate stack is etched at the pFET region. The etching is at least partially selective against etching oxide and/or nitride materials so that the nFET region is shielded by a nitride layer (and/or a first oxide layer) and so that the spacer structure of the pFET region at least partially remains. Source/drain recesses are formed and at least part of the first gate electrode material is removed by the etching to form a gate electrode recess at the pFET region. A SiGe material is epitaxially grown in the source/drain recesses and in the gate electrode recess at the pFET region. The SMT effect is achieved from the same nitride nFETs mask.
US08138053B2	Method of forming source and drain of field-effect-transistor and structure thereof Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming a field-effect-transistor (FET). The method includes implanting one or more n-type dopants to create one or more implanted regions with at least a portion of the implanted regions being designated as regions for forming source and drain extensions of the FET; activating the implanted regions; etching with a chlorine based etchant to create openings in the implanted regions, and forming the source and drain extensions by exptaxially growing embedded silicon germanium in the openings. Structure of a semiconductor field-effect-transistor made thereof is also provided.
US08138052B2	Metal high dielectric constant transistor with reverse-T gate A transistor is provided. The transistor includes a silicon layer including a source region and a drain region. A gate stack is disposed on the silicon layer between the source region and the drain region. The gate stack comprises a first layer of a high dielectric constant material, a second layer comprising a metal or metal alloy, and a third layer comprising silicon or polysilicon. A lateral extent of the second layer of the gate stack is substantially greater than a lateral extent of the third layer of the gate stack. Also provided are methods for fabricating such a transistor.
US08138051B2	Integrated circuit system with high voltage transistor and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a semiconductor substrate having an active region, implanted with impurities of a first type at a first concentration; forming an isolation region around the active region; forming a parasitic transistor by applying a gate electrode, implanted with impurities of a second type at a second concentration, over the active region and the isolation region; and applying an isolation edge implant, with the impurities of the first type at a third concentration greater than or equal to the second concentration, for suppressing the parasitic transistor.
US08138048B2	Semiconductor storage device It is intended to provide a semiconductor device having a reduced thickness of a silicon nitride film on an outer periphery of a gate electrode of an SGT. A semiconductor device of the present invention is constructed using a MOS transistor which has a structure where a drain, a gate and a source are arranged in a vertical direction with respect to a substrate, and the gate is formed to surround a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer. The semiconductor device comprises: a silicide layer formed in an upper surface of each of upper and lower diffusion layers formed in upper and underneath portions of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, in a self-alignment manner, wherein the silicide layer is formed after forming a first dielectric film on a sidewall of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to protect the sidewall of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer during formation of the silicide layer; and a second dielectric film formed, after forming the silicide layer and then removing the first dielectric film, in such a manner as to cover a source/drain region formed in the underneath portion of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, the gate electrode formed on the sidewall of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a source/drain region formed on the upper portion of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.
US08138043B2	Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a non-volatile semiconductor memory device including previously forming a recess in a first peripheral region on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first gate insulator having a first thickness in the recess, forming a second gate insulator having a second thickness less than the first thickness in an array region and a second peripheral region on the semiconductor substrate, successively depositing first and second gate electrode films and first and second mask insulators on each of the first and second gate insulators, forming an isolation trench on a surface of the semiconductor substrate to correspond to each position between the array region and the first and second regions of the peripheral region, depositing a buried insulator on the entire surface, and polishing an upper surface of the buried insulator so that the upper surface can be planarized.
US08138042B2	Capacitor, method of increasing a capacitance area of same, and system containing same A capacitor includes a substrate (110, 210), a first electrically insulating layer (120, 220) over the substrate, and a fin (130, 231) including a semiconducting material (135) over the first electrically insulating layer. A first electrically conducting layer (140, 810) is located over the first electrically insulating layer and adjacent to the fin. A second electrically insulating layer (150, 910) is located adjacent to the first electrically conducting layer, and a second electrically conducting layer (160, 1010) is located adjacent to the second electrically insulating layer. The first and second electrically conducting layers together with the second electrically insulating layer form a metal-insulator-metal stack that greatly increases the capacitance area of the capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is formed using what may be referred to as a removable metal gate (RMG) approach.
US08138039B2	Vertical wrap-around-gate field-effect-transistor for high density, low voltage logic and memory array A vertical transistor having a wrap-around-gate and a method of fabricating such a transistor. The wrap-around-gate (WAG) vertical transistors are fabricated by a process in which source, drain and channel regions of the transistor are automatically defined and aligned by the fabrication process, without photolithographic patterning.
US08138038B2	Superior fill conditions in a replacement gate approach by performing a polishing process based on a sacrificial fill material In a replacement gate approach, a top area of a gate opening may receive a superior cross-sectional shape after the deposition of a work function adjusting species on the basis of a polishing process, wherein a sacrificial material may protect the sensitive materials in the gate opening.
US08138035B2	Method for forming integrated circuits with aligned (100) NMOS and (110) PMOS FinFET sidewall channels A method of forming an integrated circuit device that includes a plurality of multiple gate FinFETs (MuGFETs) is disclosed. Fins of different crystal orientations for PMOS and NMOS MuGFETs are formed through amorphization and crystal regrowth on a direct silicon bonded (DSB) hybrid orientation technology (HOT) substrate. PMOS MuGFET fins are formed with channels defined by fin sidewall surfaces having (110) crystal orientations. NMOS MuGFET fins are formed with channels defined by fin sidewall surfaces having (100) crystal orientations in a Manhattan layout with the sidewall channels of the different PMOS and NMOS MuGFETs aligned at 0° or 90° rotations.
US08138032B2	Method for manufacturing thin film transistor having microcrystalline semiconductor film A thin film transistor includes, over a substrate having an insulating surface, a gate insulating layer covering a gate electrode; a semiconductor layer which includes a plurality of crystalline regions in an amorphous structure and which forms a channel formation region, in contact with the gate insulating layer; a semiconductor layer including an impurity element imparting one conductivity type, which forms source and drain regions; and a buffer layer including an amorphous semiconductor between the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor layer including an impurity element imparting one conductivity type. The crystalline regions have an inverted conical or inverted pyramidal crystal particle which grows approximately radially in a direction in which the semiconductor layer is deposited, from a position away from an interface between the gate insulating layer and the semiconductor layer.
US08138025B2	Microcap wafer bonding method and apparatus A method of fabricating an apparatus including a sealed cavity and an apparatus embodying the method are disclosed. To fabricate the apparatus, a device chip including a substrate and at least one circuit element on the substrate is fabricated. Also, a cap is fabricated. Next, the device chip and the cap are bonded such that a sealed cavity is formed by the device chip and the cap. The bond is accomplished using thermo compression technique. Gold or other suitable metal can be used as a bonding agent. Then or at the same time, caulking agent is reflowed over the bonding agent, over portions of the cap, or both to further seal the cavity. In the resultant device, the sealed cavity is sealed by the bonding agent, the caulking agent, or both. The caulking agent increases hermeticity of the cavity and provides for even higher level of protection of the cavity against adverse environmental conditions.
US08138021B2	Apparatus for packaging semiconductor devices, packaged semiconductor components, methods of manufacturing apparatus for packaging semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing semiconductor components Packaged semiconductor components, apparatus for packaging semiconductor devices, methods of packaging semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing apparatus for packaging semiconductor devices. One embodiment of an apparatus for packaging semiconductor devices comprises a first board having a front side, a backside, arrays of die contacts, arrays of first backside terminals electrically coupled to the die contacts, arrays of second backside terminals, and a plurality of individual package areas that have an array of the die contacts, an array of the first backside terminals, and an array of the second backside terminals. The apparatus further includes a second board having a first side laminated to the front side of the first board, a second side, openings through the second board aligned with individual package areas that define die cavities, and arrays of front contacts at the second side electrically coupled to the second backside terminals by interconnects extending through the first board and the second board.
US08138014B2	Method of forming thin profile WLCSP with vertical interconnect over package footprint A semiconductor wafer has a plurality of first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the first semiconductor die. The active surface of the first semiconductor die is oriented toward an active surface of the second semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the first and second semiconductor die. A portion of a back surface of the second semiconductor die opposite the active surface is removed. Conductive pillars are formed around the second semiconductor die. TSVs can be formed through the first semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the back surface of the second semiconductor die, encapsulant, and conductive pillars. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive pillars. A portion of a back surface of the first semiconductor die opposite the active surface is removed. A heat sink or shielding layer can be formed over the back surface of the first semiconductor die.
US08138013B2	Method and apparatus for forming a photodiode A method for forming a photodiode is provided. The method comprises: providing a region of semiconductor material having a first surface and a second surface; coupling a first conductive layer to the first surface of the semiconductor material; and coupling a second conductive surface to the second surface of the semiconductor material to form a photodiode, the second conductive surface comprising a metal surface having a two-dimensional periodic array of openings therethrough, wherein the photodiode is configured to be operated such that light is incident on the second conductive surface. A method for reducing the required thickness of a photodiode is also provided.
US08138011B2	Radiation-detecting device and method of manufacturing same A method of manufacturing a radiation-detecting device including spaced first columnar scintillators, second columnar scintillators which are located between the neighboring first columnar scintillators and which are spaced from the first columnar scintillators, and photodetecting elements overlapping with the first columnar scintillators includes a step of preparing the substrate such that the substrate has a surface having an uneven section having protruding portions and a plurality of spaced flat sections surrounded by the uneven section and also includes a step of forming the first columnar scintillators and the second columnar scintillators on the flat sections and the protruding portions, respectively, by depositing a scintillator material on the substrate having the uneven section and the flat sections. The uneven section has recessed portions and satisfies the following inequality: h/d≧1 where h is the depth of each recessed portion and d is the distance between the protruding portions.
US08138010B2	Method for fabricating high density pillar structures by double patterning using positive photoresist A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first photoresist layer over an underlying layer, patterning the first photoresist layer into a first photoresist pattern, wherein the first photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of spaced apart first photoresist features located over the underlying layer, and etching the underlying layer using the first photoresist pattern as a mask to form a plurality of first spaced apart features. The method further includes removing the first photoresist pattern, forming a second photoresist layer over the plurality of first spaced apart features, and patterning the second photoresist layer into a second photoresist pattern, wherein the second photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of second photoresist features covering edge portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features. The method also includes etching exposed portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features using the second photoresist pattern as a mask, such that a plurality of spaced apart edge portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features remain, and removing the second photoresist pattern.
US08138007B2	MEMS device with stress isolation and method of fabrication A MEMS device (20) with stress isolation includes elements (28, 30, 32) formed in a first structural layer (24) and elements (68, 70) formed in a second structural layer (26), with the layer (26) being spaced apart from the first structural layer (24). Fabrication methodology (80) entails forming (92, 94, 104) junctions (72, 74) between the layers (24, 26). The junctions (72, 74) connect corresponding elements (30, 32) of the first layer (24) with elements (68, 70) of the second layer (26). The fabrication methodology (80) further entails releasing the structural layers (24, 26) from an underlying substrate (22) so that all of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) are suspended above the substrate (22) of the MEMS device (20), wherein attachment of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) with the substrate (22) occurs only at a central area (46) of the substrate (22).
US08138003B2	Method of manufacturing nitride semiconductor substrates having a base substrate with parallel trenches The present invention relates to a nitride semiconductor substrate such as gallium nitride substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention forms a plurality of trenches on a lower surface of a base substrate that are configured to absorb or reduce stresses applied larger when growing a nitride semiconductor film on the base substrate from a central portion of the base substrate towards a peripheral portion. That is, the present invention forms the trenches on the lower surface of the base substrate such that pitches get smaller or widths or depths get larger from the central portion of the base substrate towards the peripheral portion.
US08137991B2	Methods of reducing angiogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or choroidal neovascularization by an anti-carboxyetheylpyrrole (CFP) antibody The present invention pertains to methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an agent that inhibits one or more CEP protein adducts wherein the angiogenesis is the result of oxidative peptide modification of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the individual, and administration of the agent inhibits angiogenesis in the individual. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of inhibiting ocular angiogenesis in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an agent that inhibits the angiogenic activity of one or more CEP protein adducts wherein administration of the. agent inhibits ocular angiogenesis in the individual. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of inhibiting choroidal neovascularization in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an agent that inhibits the angiogenic activity of one or more CEP protein adducts wherein administration of the agent inhibits choroidal neovascularization in the individual.
US08137988B2	Fluidic force discrimination This invention describes a method of using controlled fluidic forces to improve the performance of a biochemical binding assay where a target molecule is captured by specific molecular recognition onto a substrate surface with an affinity coating, and then labeled with a detectable micrometer-scale particle using a second specific molecular recognition reaction with the target. By using specific ranges of label sizes and laminar flow conditions, controlled fluidic forces can be applied to the label particles in order to selectively remove molecules bound to a surface according to their binding strength, and thereby increase the ratio of specifically bound labels to more weakly attached non-specifically bound labels. This method can be used with a wide variety of label types and associated detection methods, improving the sensitivity and selectivity of a broad range of binding assays.
US08137981B2	Apparatus and associated methods An apparatus comprising a nanowire waveguide with first and second ends, the second end comprising a nanoparticle, the nanowire waveguide configured to transmit radiation from the first end to the second end to illuminate the nanoparticle, the apparatus configured such that the nanoparticle is capable of being in close proximity to an analyte to allow for detection of said analyte.
US08137980B2	On-board control for analytical elements The invention concerns a reagent system for the so-called on-board control of analytical elements, in particular test strips, containing an organic N-oxide or a nitroso compound. The invention also concerns analytical elements containing a reagent system for a detection reaction and a reagent system for an on-board control. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for checking analytical elements in which a reagent system for an on-board control is examined optically or electrochemically with the aid of a measuring instrument for changes which could indicate a stress of the analytical element.
US08137978B2	Diagnostic method for biomarkers of adverse coronary events A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.
US08137977B2	Lipidomic approaches to determining drug response phenotypes in cardiovascular disease The present invention concerns the application of lipidomics to statin treatment for disorders such as cardiovascular disorders. Hence, the invention provides, among other things, a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject following commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen. The invention further provides a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject before commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen.
US08137974B2	Transposition of maize AC/DS elements in vertebrates The present invention is directed to the use of the maize Ac/Ds transposable elements in vertebrates.
US08137970B2	Methods for inducing the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets, and gene controlling the differentiation The present invention relates to a method for inducing the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets, more particularly, a method for inducing the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets comprising the steps of coculturing CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells with stromal cells and adding the compound of Formula 1. Further, the present invention relates to a composition for detecting the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets, comprising an agent measuring expression level of a gene that is selected from the group consisting of KLF2 (Kiruppel-like factor2), LOC138255 (OTTHUMP00000021439), GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) and INHBE (inhibin, betaE), a kit comprising the composition, a method for detecting the differentiation into megakaryocytes and platelets by using the marker genes, a method for regulating the differentiation into megakaryocytes and platelets, and a method for screening a candidate compound that regulates the differentiation into megakaryocytes and platelets.
US08137963B2	Method for highly amplifying target gene in mammalian cell and vector therefor A vector of the present invention is a vector for amplifying a target gene in a mammalian cell, the vector including an amplification-activating fragment, which is a partial fragment of a mammalian replication initiation region and has a gene amplification activity site, and a mammalian nuclear matrix attachment region. In the case where the mammalian replication initiation region as described above derives from a c-myc locus, for example, the above-described partial fragment at least contains a duplex unwinding element and a topoisomerase II-binding domain. The vector as described above improves gene transfer efficiency and gene amplification efficiency compared with the existing high gene amplification systems. Thus, a method whereby a “high gene amplification system” developed by the inventors can amplify a target gene with better gene transfer efficiency and a vector to be used in this method are provided.
US08137960B2	Bovine adeno-associated viral (BAAV) vector and uses thereof The present invention provides a bovine adeno-associated virus (BAAV) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the BAAV vectors and particles.
US08137958B2	Active grip filter plug for sample collection devices A system for collecting a biological sample includes a collection device comprising a cylindrical body having a bore extending there through and a filter membrane disposed at one end thereof; a filter plug having an insert configured for insertion into the bore; a collar concentrically mounted about the exterior surface of the insert and configured for insertion into the bore; and a gasket disposed about the exterior surface of the insert, wherein an outer dimension of the gasket is variable in response to relative movement between the collar and the insert, and wherein the gasket has a cross section with two end portions and a mid portion that is located radially further away from the insert than the two end portions.
US08137957B2	Non-woven cover for containing and abating odiferous organic emanations An odiferous organic compounds cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cover contains a thermoplastic non-woven layer containing thermoplastic fibers having a contact angle with water greater than about 70°. The cover contains a UV barrier layer contains containing a UV blocking polymer, having a thickness of between one to three times the diameter of the thermoplastic fibers of the non-woven layer, and containing discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness. The cover also contains an odor mitigation layer containing a UV translucent polymer which transmits at least about 60% of UV(C) energy and anatase titanium dioxide. The odor mitigation layer comprises discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness forms the outer surface of the cover.
US08137948B2	Methods for producing preparations of recombinant AAV virions substantially free of empty capsids Methods for separating AAV empty capsids from mixtures of AAV vector particles and AAV empty capsids are described. The methods use column chromatography techniques and provide for commercially viable levels of recombinant AAV virions.
US08137947B2	Viral vectors whose replication and, optionally, passenger gene are controlled by a gene switch activated by heat in the presence or absence of a small-molecule regulator The present invention relates to conditionally replicating viruses or pairs of viruses containing a gene switch that is activatable by transient heat or other proteotoxic stress in the presence or absence of a small molecule regulator. The gene switch controls the expression of a gene for a protein required for efficient viral replication and may also control the activity of a passenger gene.
US08137943B2	Heat-resistant DNA ligase with high reactivity Thermostable DNA ligases with enhanced DNA binding activity and reaction activity are obtained. These modified thermostable DNA ligases having enhanced DNA binding activity compared to the wild type can be obtained by substituting a negatively charged amino acid (for example, the amino acid corresponding to the aspartic acid at position 540 of SEQ ID NO: 1) present at the N-terminal side of the C-terminal helix moiety of thermostable DNA ligases from thermophilic bacteria, hyperthermophilic bacteria, thermophilic archaea, or hyperthermophilic archaea, with a non-negatively charged amino acid (for example, alanine, serine, arginine, or lysine).
US08137942B2	Method of preparing a modified surface Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.
US08137941B2	Chondroitin polymerase and DNA encoding the same A chondroitin polymerase having such properties that it transfers GlcUA and GalNAc alternately to a non-reduced terminal of a sugar chain from a GlcUA donor and a GalNAc donor, respectively, and the like; and a process for producing the chondroitin polymerase.
US08137940B2	Method for production of biomass using a gluconobacter oxydans comprising an inactivated NADP dependent glucose dehydrogenase gene The present invention relates to microorganisms genetically engineered to increase yield and/or efficiency of biomass production from a carbon source, such as e.g. glucose. Processes for generating such microorganisms are also provided by the present invention. The invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode proteins that are involved in the bioconversion of a carbon source such as e.g. glucose into biomass. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. Also included are processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms leading to a microorganism with reduced carbon source diversion, i.e. higher yield and/or efficiency of biomass production from a carbon source such as e.g. glucose.
US08137935B2	Method for isolating endotoxins The invention concerns a novel method for extracting endotoxins from bacteria, and the use of said method for preparing compositions comprising endotoxins or derivatives thereof designed for human or animal use (scientific, medical usage).
US08137928B2	Expression of soluble, active eukaryotic glycosyltransferases in prokaryotic organisms The present invention provides enhanced methods of producing soluble, active eukaryotic glycosyltransferases in prokaryotic microorganisms that have an oxidizing environment.
US08137927B2	Molded protein material in form of pellet for sensor A method for formulating and immobilizing a protein and a protein matrix formed by the method. The protein matrix preparation method results in a physically and chemically stable protein matrix that has low swelling, non-leaching, high activity, and high mechanical strength properties. The method includes cross-linking and hardening the protein mixture and using a mold to form a protein into a desired shape and size.
US08137926B2	Kit for assaying EphA4 processing by gamma-secretase The present invention provides a kit for assaying the processing of EphA4 by γ-secretase.
US08137920B2	Multi-wavelength analyses of sol-particle specific binding assays The present invention discloses methods for detecting the presence of a complex between a first reagent and a second reagent in solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for qualitative or quantitative detection of an analyte or its specific binding partner in complex biological samples. The invention further discloses algorithms using summary rate changes at selected wavelengths in the absorbance spectra of colloidal metal-labeled analytes or specific binding partners to identify intermolecular interactions between the analyte and its binding partner.
US08137916B2	Susceptibility gene for alzheimer's disease The invention relates to genetic screens for susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the invention provides genetic screens based on genotyping of the p21E2c31 C/A polymorphism and/or the p21E3+20 C/T polymorphism in the p21cip 1 gene.
US08137908B2	Mesothelin vaccines and model systems Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.
US08137905B2	Apparatus and method for determining an analyte in a fluid The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining an analyte in a fluid. Provided in the device is a stirring zone formed in an optionally microfluidic three-dimensional structure, into which stirring zone a sample of the fluid can be introduced and in which there is a stirring device which can be operated in a contactless manner and is optionally designed as a microstirrer, the stirring device being configured so as to stir the sample of fluid introduced into the stirring zone and being loaded with at least one reagent which reacts with the analyte. The invention also provides a stirring device which can be operated in a contactless manner and is optionally designed as a microstirrer, the stirring device being loaded with the at least one reagent which reacts with the analyte.
US08137898B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method comprises: forming a resist layer over a substrate; exposing the resist layer to light thereby to form a first exposed pattern and a second exposed pattern on the resist layer, the second exposed pattern being used for forming one or more trenches; contacting the resist layer with a developing solution thereby to form a patterned resist having an opening corresponding to the first exposed pattern and to form one or more trenches corresponding to the second exposed pattern on a surface layer of the patterned resist; and conducting a bake process on the patterned resist.
US08137895B2	Structure and method for improving photoresist pattern adhesion An anti-reflective coating comprises a plurality of main backbone chains, and at least one long free polymer chain coupled to at least one of the plurality of main backbone chains.
US08137894B2	Storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method According to an embodiment, a storage medium includes a transparent resin substrate having a concentric or spiral groove and a recording film formed on the groove on the transparent resin substrate, a recording mark being formed by irradiation of a laser beam, wherein a reproduction durability count in a case where reproduction is continuously carried out by a laser beam is 1,000,000 or more.
US08137893B2	Chemical trim of photoresist lines by means of a tuned overcoat A new lithographic process comprises reducing the linewidth of an image while maintaining the lithographic process window, and using this process to fabricate pitch split structures comprising nm order (e.g., about 22 nm) node semiconductor devices. The process comprises applying a lithographic resist layer on a surface of a substrate and patterning and developing the lithographic resist layer to form a nm order node image having an initial line width. Overcoating the nm order node image with an acidic polymer produces an acidic polymer coated image. Heating the acidic polymer coated image gives a heat treated coating on the image, the heating being conducted at a temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the initial linewidth to a subsequent narrowed linewidth. Developing the heated treated coating removes it from the image resulting in a free-standing trimmed lithographic feature on the substrate. Optionally repeating the foregoing steps further reduces the linewidth of the narrowed line. The invention also comprises a product produced by this process.
US08137891B2	Bakeable lithographic printing plates with a high resistance to chemicals A singe- or multilayer lithographic printing plate precursor comprises on a substrate a radiation-sensitive coating that comprises a copolymer soluble or dispersible in aqueous alkaline solution and comprising (meth)acryl recurring units, imide recurring units, and amide recurring units derived from corresponding ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers; the copolymer provides increased chemical resistance for the lithographic printing plate precursors which can be negatively or positively working.
US08137890B2	Colored photosensitive composition, color filter, and method for manufacturing color filter The invention provides a colored photosensitive composition including: a coloring agent with a content of from 50% by weight to 80% by weight with respect to the total solid content of the composition; an oxime-based initiator with a content of from 5% by weight to 20% by weight with respect to the total solid content of the composition; and a resin containing at least one first structural unit represented by any one of the following formulae (1) to (3) containing an unsaturated double bond, and at least one second structural unit represented by the following formula (4) containing an acid group, wherein a ratio of the first structural unit to the second structural unit is 1.5 or more (molar ratio).
US08137884B2	Toner compositions and processes A toner composition includes toner particles including a polymeric resin, a colorant, a wax, and a optional coagulant.
US08137882B2	Toner for developing electrostatic images and process for producing the toner A toner for developing electrostatic images which is obtained by melt mixing at least a binder resin and a coloring agent, forming a powder material by pulverizing the obtained mixture after cooling and removing rough particles and fine particles from the formed powder material by classification, wherein inorganic fine particles having a roundness of 1.00 to 1.30, an average of the diameter of primary particles of 0.05 to 0.45 μm and a ratio of a standard deviation to the average of the diameter of primary particles of 0.25 or smaller are added as an external additive, and a process for producing a toner for developing electrostatic images which comprises melt mixing at least a binder resin and a coloring agent, forming a powder material by pulverizing the obtained mixture after cooling, rounding the powder material by a heat treatment and adding the above inorganic fine particles to the rounded powder material. By using the toner, printed images of a high quality can be formed with an excellent transfer rate, suppressed contamination of the charge roller, minimal background and small consumption of the toner.
US08137878B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method for manufacturing the same, and image-forming apparatus using same The invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which protrusions from the surface of the photoreceptor are partly or completely covered by a resin. The effect of such resin covering is to reduce toner deposition, thereby reducing or eliminating spotting defects in images formed using the electrophotographic photoreceptor. The invention further relates to an image-forming apparatus incorporating such an electrophotographic photoreceptor.
US08137877B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor having excellent stability in terms of electrical properties and interlayer adhesion strength and electrophotographic imaging apparatus employing the same An electrophotographic photoreceptor including an undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer that are sequentially formed on an electrically conductive substrate, wherein the undercoat layer has a structure in which metal oxide particles and dialkylcitrate-chelated zirconate represented by Formula 1, illustrated below, are dissolved or dispersed in a binder resin, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus including the electrophotographic photoreceptor: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C1-20 linear or branched alkyl group. The electrophotographic photoreceptor has excellent stability of electrical properties and interlayer adhesion strength, by including the undercoat layer.
US08137876B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor belt An electrophotographic photoreceptor which is excellent in wear resistance and crack resistance and has a long photoreceptor lifetime can be produced by using a polycarbonate resin composition prepared by blending 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin with 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a silicone-modified polyurethane obtained by reacting (a) a diol component represented by the general formula (I) with (b) an active hydrogen containing polysiloxane compound, (c) a polyisocyanate component and, if necessary, (d) a chain extender as the material for the backing film of a photoreceptor belt. [Chemical formula 1](I) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen or alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogeno or alkoxycarbonyl; M is a single bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, or oxyalkylene; and n is an integer of 0 to 4.
US08137872B2	Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography To provide a reflective mask blank for EUV lithography having a low reflective layer having a low reflectance in the wavelength region of EUV light and an inspection light for a mask pattern, particularly having low reflection properties in the entire wavelength region (190 to 260 nm) of an inspection light for a mask pattern, and having a high etching rate in chlorine type gas etching. A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, comprising a substrate, and a reflective layer to reflect EUV light, an absorber layer to absorb EUV light and a low reflective layer to an inspection light (wavelength:190 nm to 260 nm) for a mask pattern, formed in this order over the substrate, wherein the low reflective layer contains silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) in a total content of at least 95 at %, has a Si content of from 5 to 80 at %, and a N content of from 15 to 90 at %.
US08137870B2	Method of manufacturing photomask A method of manufacturing a photomask includes: providing a photomask; exposing the photomask to obtain an aerial image of the photomask and evaluating the photomask using the aerial image; and altering an optical parameter of the photomask associated with the aerial image according to the result of evaluation.
US08137868B2	Photomask blank, photomask, and methods of manufacturing the same A photomask blank has a light-shielding film composed of at least two layers on a transparent substrate. The light-shielding film includes a light-shielding layer made of a material mainly containing tantalum nitride and further containing xenon and a front-surface antireflection layer formed on the light-shielding layer and made of a material mainly containing tantalum oxide and further containing argon.
US08137865B2	Plate member for fuel cell, manufacturing method of the plate member, and fuel cell A plate member for a fuel cell is provided. The plate member for the fuel cell may be laminated together with a membrane-electrode assembly to constitute a fuel cell having cells and may be provided with a channel forming portion which forms a fluid channel to supply and discharge a fluid to/from the membrane-electrode assembly and/or the cells. The plate member for the fuel cell includes a first covering portion which covers the channel forming portion, and a second covering portion which covers an edge of the first covering portion together with a portion around the edge of the first covering portion.
US08137864B2	Fuel cell formed with metal separators A fuel cell according to the present invention includes a power generation cell. The power generation cell is formed by sandwiching a membrane electrode assembly between a first metal separator and a second metal separator. An oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on one surface of the first metal separator, and a coolant flow field is formed on the other surface of the first metal separator. The first metal separator includes a corrugated metal plate. A resin frame member is provided on one surface of the metal plate, and a rubber seal is provided on the other surface of the metal plate. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage, an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage, a coolant supply passage, a coolant discharge passage, a fuel gas supply passage, and a fuel gas discharge passage extend through the metal plate, the resin frame member, and the rubber seal.
US08137863B2	Fuel cell Even if reaction gas flows into a substantially rectangular anode-side and cathode-side gaps formed between an annular main body portion and a membrane electrode assembly in an anode side and a cathode side of a fuel cell, the reaction gas is prevented from flowing out from an outlet without passing through an electrode to cause degradation of power generation efficiency. At least one of anode-side gasket and cathode-side gasket in the fuel cell is provided with an extra sealing portion connected to an annular main body portion in such a manner that, among two pairs of gap portions opposing to each other in the anode-side gap and the cathode-side gap, the extra sealing portion intersects with one pair of gap portions having a larger pressure gradient of fuel gas and oxidant gas in a direction from an upstream side to a downstream side of a fuel gas flow channel and an oxidant gas flow channel.
US08137860B2	Polymer electrolyte membrane for solid polymer fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly and fuel cell This invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, comprising a block copolymer which comprises, as its constituents, a polymer block (A) having as a main unit an aromatic vinyl compound unit whose α-carbon is quaternary carbon, and a flexible polymer block (B), and has ion-conducting groups on the polymer block (A).The electrolyte membrane of this invention is economical, mild to the environment and excellent in moldability and chemical stability and thus durability, and, therefore, can suitably be used in membrane electrode assemblies and polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
US08137859B2	Membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell, method for manufacturing the same, and fuel cell system including the same A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode and a cathode disposed to face each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. The anode and the cathode include a conductive electrode substrate and a catalyst layer formed thereon. The catalyst layer includes ion conductive polymer particles and a catalytic metal. The resulting membrane-electrode assembly has an increased driving voltage.
US08137848B2	Method for producing difluorophosphate, nonaqueous electrolyte solution for secondary batteries, and nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery The present invention provides a simple method for producing a difluorophosphate from a source material, the difluorophosphate being useful as additives for nonaqueous electrolyte solutions for secondary batteries. In the method, a source material containing a carbonate and/or a borate is allowed to react with a source gas which contains P and F and which may further contain O as required. The source material may contain lithium carbonate. The source gas may be produced by decomposing LiPF6. The source gas may be produced in such a manner that LiPF6 and lithium carbonate are mixed and then subjected to reaction. The nonaqueous electrolyte solution contains the product obtained from the reaction.
US08137845B2	Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a compound represented by the following Formula 1: Li1+xTi1−x−yMyO2+z (1) wherein, in the above Formula 1, 0.01≦x≦0.5, 0≦y≦0.3, −0.2≦z≦0.2, and M is an element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ag, Sn, Ge, Si, Al, and combinations thereof. The negative active material has high capacity and excellent cycle-life characteristics, and particularly, can provide a rechargeable lithium battery having high capacity at high-rate charge and discharge.
US08137844B2	Cathode active material for lithium rechargeable battery, manufacturing method thereof and lithium rechargeable battery A method for manufacturing a cathode active material for a lithium rechargeable battery, including: selecting a first metal compound from a group consisting of a halide, a phosphate, a hydrogen phosphate and a sulfate of Mg or Al; selecting a second metal compound from a group consisting of an oxide, a hydroxide and a carbonate of Mg or Al; combining the first metal compound and the second metal compound to obtain a metal compound, the metal compound containing either Mg or Al atoms; mixing a lithium compound, a transition metal compound and the metal compound to obtain a mixture; and sintering the mixture.
US08137842B2	Battery cathodes Batteries and methods of making batteries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include contacting a manganese oxide with lithium hydroxide and lithium bromide and/or lithium chloride, and incorporating the manganese oxide into a cathode of the battery.
US08137839B2	Alloy powder for electrode and method for producing same An electrode alloy powder includes a hydrogen storage alloy and magnetic material clusters. The hydrogen storage alloy contains 20 to 70 wt % of Ni. The magnetic material clusters contain metal nickel, and have an average cluster size of 8 to 10 nm. A method for producing the electrode alloy powder includes an activation step of allowing a raw material powder including a hydrogen storage alloy to be in contact with an aqueous solution containing A wt % of sodium hydroxide and held at 100° C. or greater for B minutes. A and B satisfy 2410≦A×B≦2800.
US08137832B2	Spirally wound non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having insulating members A spirally-wound non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a staked electrode assembly is disclosed. The stacked electrode assembly has first and second current collectors facing region disposed at a winding start end and at a winding terminal end, respectively. A positive electrode current collector exposed portion and a negative electrode current collector exposed portion face each other through the separator in each of the first and second current collector facing regions. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a first insulating member formed thereon in the first current collector facing region at the winding start end. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a second insulating member formed thereon in the second current collector facing region at the winding terminal end. The second insulating member has a melting point lower than that of the first insulating member.
US08137829B2	Method of preserving polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack and preservation assembly of polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack Provided is a method of preserving a PEFC stack, which is capable of controlling degradation of performance of the PEFC stack during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in an uninstalled state until it is placed in an installation position and is practically used. Provided is a preservation assembly of the PEFC stack which is capable of sufficiently inhibiting degradation of performance of the PEFC stack particularly during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in the uninstalled state until it is placed in the installation position and is practically used. A method of preserving a PEFC stack that is provided with an oxidizing agent passage (30) having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage (40) having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode, comprising preserving the PEFC (200) stack in an uninstalled state in such a manner that an interior of the oxidizing agent passage (30) and an interior of the reducing agent passage (40) are set in a pressure-reduced state.
US08137828B2	Durable fuel cell membrane electrode assembly with combined additives A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.
US08137823B2	Anthracene derivatives, process for preparation thereof, and organic electronic light emitting device using the same The present invention relates to a novel anthracene derivative, a process for preparation thereof, and an organic electronic device using the same. The anthracene derivative according to the present invention can serve as a hole injecting material, a hole transporting material, an electron injecting material, an electron transporting material, or a light emitting material, and particularly as a light emitting host or dopant, especially as a green host or dopant singly, in an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device. The organic electronic device according to the present invention exhibits excellent characteristics in efficiency, drive voltage, life time, and stability.
US08137821B2	Substituted ethynyl gold-nitrogen containing heterocyclic carbene complex and organic electroluminescent device using the same A substituted ethynyl gold-nitrogen containing heterocyclic carbene complex of formula (1): wherein L represents a nitrogen containing heterocyclic carbene ligand; X represents an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, an aryl, an aralkyl or a heterocyclic group; in which one or more hydrogen atoms on the carbon atom(s) of X may be replaced by a halogen atom, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, an aralkyl, an alkoxy, an aryloxy, a dialkylamino, an acyl or an arylcarbonyl group; and, when more than one hydrogen atom on the carbon atom(s) of X is replaced by the alkyl, the alkenyl, the aryl, the aralkyl, the alkoxy, the aryloxy, the dialkylamino, the acyl or the arylcarbonyl group, the adjacent groups may be bonded together to form a ring, a method for preparing the same, and an organic electroluminescent device containing the same in at least one organic compound thin layer.
US08137820B2	Roughened coatings for gas turbine engine components A gas turbine engine component (10) with an aluminide coating (42) on at least a portion of an airflow surface (18) that includes a roughening agent (44) effective to provide a desired surface roughness and a deposition process for forming such aluminide coatings (42). A layer (40) including a binder (38) and the roughening agent (44) maybe applied to the superalloy substrate (46) of the component (10) and the aluminide coating (42) formed on the airflow surface portion by exposing the component (10) and layer (40) to an appropriate deposition environment. Suitable roughening agents include metal and ceramic particles (44) that are dispersed on the airflow surface portion before exposure to the deposition environment. The particles (44), which are substantially intact after the aluminide coating (42) is formed, are dispersed in an effective number to supply the desired surface roughness.
US08137816B2	Composite articles A composite article includes a first composite material and a second composite material. The first composite material and the second composite material individually comprise hard particles in a binder. A concentration of ruthenium in the binder of the first composite material is different from a concentration of ruthenium in the binder of the second composite material.
US08137815B2	Color interlayer film for laminated glass, and laminated glass The present invention provides a color interlayer film for laminated glass, comprised of a resin composition containing a polyvinyl acetal resin, a coloring agent, and an infrared ray shielding agent and characterized in that the resin composition further contains a phosphoric acid ester compound at a ratio of 5 parts by weight or less to 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl acetal resin, and also provides laminated glass using said interlayer film. The interlayer film of the present invention has characteristics that the film is excellent in the infrared ray shielding property and resistant against whitening in the interlayer film part even in the case of absorbing moisture while keeping the basic properties as an interlayer film for laminated glass.
US08137814B2	Solar control glazing A vehicle glazing comprises a pane of glazing material, an absorptive coating, which absorbs radiation of wavelength greater than 400 nm (and possibly up to 100 μm), on a first surface of the pane, and a low emissivity coating on the first surface, or a second surface, of the pane. The glazing may be used as a roof glazing. The absorptive coating may comprise either a) a metal, metal alloy or material based on a metal alloy, or b) at least one layer of a dielectric material and at least one layer of a metal or metal alloy. The low emissivity coating may comprise either a) a transparent conductive oxide (and optionally a dopant material), or b) at least one metal layer and at least one dielectric layer.
US08137812B2	Fluoropolymer and composition thereof The present invention provides a fluoropolymer capable of giving fluorine-containing molded materials and laminates excellent in moldability, productivity, interlaminar bonding and stress cracking resistance, in particular stress cracking resistance upon contacting with various liquid chemicals, without impairing such characteristics intrinsic in fluororesins as chemical resistance, solvent resistance, weathering resistance, antifouling properties, liquid chemical impermeability and nonstickiness. The present invention provides a fluoropolymer which is an oligomer-containing or oligomer-free fluoropolymer, wherein said oligomer has a molecular weight not higher than 10,000 and amounts to not more than 0.05% by mass relative to the fluoropolymer.
US08137811B2	Multicomponent taggant fibers and method Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.
US08137810B2	Carbon fiber, process for production of polyacrylonitrile-base precursor fiber for carbon fiber production, and process for production of carbon fiber A process for producing polyacrylonitrile-base precursor fibers for production of carbon fibers, which comprises spinning a spinning dope containing 10 to 25 wt % of a polyacrylonitrile-base polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 2.0 to 10.0 by extruding the spinning dope from a spinneret by a wet spinning or a dry wet spinning method, drying and heat-treating fibers obtained by the spinning, and then steam drawing the resulting fibers, wherein the linear extrusion rate of the polyacrylonitrile-base polymer from the spinneret is 2 to 15 m/min. Carbon fibers which are produced by stabilizing-carbonizing treatment of the polyacrylonitrile-base precursor fibers and which have a strand tensile modulus of 320 to 380 GPa and a conduction electron density of 3.0×1019 to 7.0×1019 spins/g as determined by electron spin resonance.
US08137806B2	Thermal diffusion sheet and method for positioning thermal diffusion sheet A thermal diffusion sheet is provided with a graphite sheet for diffusing heat generated by a heat emitting body and a polymer film provided on the graphite sheet. The thermal diffusion sheet is provided with a positioning portion for carrying out positioning relative to the heat emitting body.
US08137805B2	Manganese based coating for wear and corrosion resistance A component is disclosed. The component includes a substrate made of a ferrous metal, and a coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating includes a compound having an empirical formula FexMnyOz, where x varies from about 0 to about 2, y varies from about 1 to about 4, and z varies from about 2 to about 8.
US08137803B2	Multilayer structure polymer and resin composition together with acrylic resin film material, acrylic resin laminate film, photocurable acrylic resin film or sheet, laminate film or sheet and laminate molding obtained by laminating thereof An acrylic resin film material comprising at least a multilayer structure polymer with a particular structure prevent a molded item from being whitened during insert- or in-mold molding and meet the requirement for surface hardness, heat resistance, and transparency or matting performance for vehicle applications. It is also possible to use an acrylic resin film material exhibiting a difference of 30% or less between haze values as determined in accordance with the testing method of JIS K7136 (haze measurement method) after and before a tensile test where a test piece with a width of 20 mm is pulled under the conditions of an initial inter-chuck distance of 25 mm, a rate of 50 mm/min and a temperature of 23° C. until an end-point inter-chuck distance becomes 33 mm as well as having a pencil hardness of 2 B or higher as determined in accordance with JIS K5400.
US08137802B1	Multilayer ultra-high-temperature ceramic coatings A coated carbon-carbon composite material with multiple ceramic layers to provide oxidation protection from ultra-high-temperatures, where if the carbon-carbon composite material is uninhibited with B4C particles, then the first layer on the composite material is selected from ZrB2 and HfB2, onto which is coated a layer of SiC coated and if the carbon-carbon composite material is inhibited with B4C particles, then protection can be achieved with a layer of SiC and a layer of either ZrB2 and HfB2 in any order.
US08137801B2	Durable antireflective film Antireflective films are described having a surface layer comprising a the reaction product of a polymerizable low refractive index composition comprising at least one fluorinated free-radically polymerizable material and surface modified inorganic nanoparticles. A high refractive index layer is coupled to the low refractive index layer. In one embodiment, the high refractive index layer comprises surface modified inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in a crosslinked organic material. The antireflective film is preferably durable, exhibiting a haze of less than 1.0% after 25 wipes with steel wool using a 3.2 cm mandrel and a mass of 1000 grams.
US08137800B2	Porous multilayered hollow-fiber membrane and process for producing the same A porous hollow fiber membrane which has high blocking performance and high water permeability suitable for filtration and the like and exhibits excellent strength, and a process for stably producing the porous hollow fiber membrane are disclosed. The process utilizes a hollow fiber molding nozzle having two or more circular discharge ports which are disposed concentrically. Multilayer melt-extrusion is performed by discharging molten mixtures which include a thermoplastic resin and an organic liquid and differ in composition from the adjacent discharge ports. The resulting product is cooled to solidify to obtain a hollow fiber. The organic liquid is then removed from the hollow fiber by extraction to produce a porous hollow fiber membrane. The molten mixture discharged from at least one circular discharge port includes an inorganic fine powder in addition to the thermoplastic resin and the organic liquid. The inorganic fine powder is removed by extraction after cooling in addition to the organic liquid.
US08137799B2	Article undergoing stimulus-responsive deformation and vehicle part using the same An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation, that is capable of being driven rapidly and in large displacement in air, is provided.An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation comprising, incorporated in a polymer material having a cell, a liquid crystal serving as a deformation source in a skeleton other than the cell.
US08137794B2	Transparent electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use Transparent, electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use, wherein the layer is based on at least one compound of the formula 1 wherein the substituents are as defined.
US08137793B2	Ink composition and hardened material using thereof An active energy ray-curable ink composition having excellent adhesiveness to various base materials and satisfactory ejection stability is provided. An active energy ray-curable inkjet ink composition comprising polymerizable monomers, the polymerizable monomers comprising 60 to 98% by weight of monofunctional monomers, the monofunctional monomers comprising 25 to 65% by weight of isobornyl acrylate and 12.5 to 69% by weight of N-vinyl caprolactam based on the total amount of the polymerizable monomers.
US08137791B2	Fuse and pad stress relief A structure and method of forming the structure. At least one copper wire is formed within a first dielectric layer of a substrate. The top surface of each copper wire and of the first dielectric layer are essentially coplanar. A recess is formed in the first dielectric layer from the top surface of each copper wire to a recess depth less than a thickness of each copper wire within the first dielectric layer such that the recess surrounds a perimeter surface of each copper wire. A capping layer, which is a copper diffusion barrier, is formed in the recess and on the top surface of each copper wire and on the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the capping layer. The recess depth has a magnitude sufficient to prevent a lateral fail of the capping layer during packaging and/or operation of the substrate.
US08137788B2	Laminated film A laminated film including a thermoplastic resin film and an laminated layer that is formed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin film and comprises (A) a composition, (B) an epoxy crosslinking agent and (C) an acrylic resin having an alkyl chain of 18 to 25 carbon atoms is characterized in that the composition (A) is a composition containing at least a polythiophene and a polyanion and/or a composition containing a polythiophene derivative and a polyanion, the laminated layer contains 15 to 100 parts by weight of the acrylic resin (C) having an alkyl chain of 18 to 25 carbon atoms based on 100 parts by weight of the sum of the composition (A) and the crosslinking agent (B) and/or its reaction product, at least one side of the laminated film has a three-dimensional average surface roughness (SRa) of 3 to 50 nm, and the laminated film contains less than 10 internal contaminant particles with an average particle size of at least 100 μm per 1 m2, so that it has high level of electrical conductivity, good releasability and water resistance, and also has oligomer precipitation-preventing properties during heating.
US08137786B2	Epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite material Provided is an epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite materials, which is improved in toughness necessary for improving the strength of self-adhesion of a matrix resin for use in a prepreg for a face sheet of a honeycomb panel. The epoxy resin composition, which comprises: an epoxy resin (A); a thermoplastic resin (B); fine solid resin particles (C); and a curing agent (D), is characterized in that the epoxy resin composition after being cured has a morphology in which the epoxy resin (A) and the thermoplastic resin (B) form co-continuous phases, and the fine solid resin particles (C) are dispersed in at least the continuous phase of the epoxy resin (A) in the co-continuous phases.
US08137784B2	Vacuum insulation panel A housing with a first main wall and a second main wall which each extend perpendicularly of a temperature gradient, and auxiliary walls connecting both main walls and extending parallel to the temperature gradient, wherein the auxiliary walls connect with ribs to the main walls, and a filling placed in the housing and able to withstand pressure forces, wherein the pressure within the housing is reduced to a value at which no heat transfer of any significance takes place, and wherein the housing is manufactured from metal, wherein a strip of the auxiliary wall contacting a rib is welded to the main wall, and that a welding strip is welded onto the weld. With mere welding of a sufficiently thin metal foil it is practically impossible to obtain a weld of sufficient quality. With a sandwich weld it is possible to obtain a sufficiently strong and reliable welded connection, even when a very thin metal foil is used as auxiliary wall.
US08137783B2	Backed pile strip A pile stripping comprising pile extending from a backing is described whereby the pile is made from pile yarns and the backing is bonded to the pile. A synthetic fiber is interlaced with the pile yarns, and the backing traps at least a part of the synthetic fiber in the backing. The stripping can further comprise a fin, whereby the fin can be located within the pile or alongside the pile. The backing and the fin may be constructed so that the backing is inserted in the fin.
US08137770B2	Method of forming and visualizing latent image A method of visualizing a latent image includes: preparing a latent image composed of a plurality of paramagnetic seeds immobilized on a base in the form of an image, and a dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles; immersing the latent image in the dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles; and applying a magnetic field to the latent image and the dispersion liquid of paramagnetic colloidal particles.
US08137768B1	Christmas wreath The present invention provides a Christmas wreath, which applies a non-circular metal wire to connect bells, wherein additional positioning members are added between the adjacent bell groups for separation. The non-circular inner hole of the positioning member can obtain a refrained position between the positioning member and metal wire, and prevent arbitrary rotation of the positioning member. The outer rim of the positioning member includes at least one included angle, and formed into an inclined guiding surface to coordinate with the end. This enables the positioning member end to insert into the bell ring concave to obtain a refrained position relation between the positioning member and bell, preventing the bell from arbitrarily rotating. The present invention can truly maintain the pattern of connected bells through the mechanism of the positioning member for the bell and metal wire.
US08137767B2	Antireflective film, polarizing plate and image display device An antireflective film is provided and includes: a transparent substrate; at least one conductive layer formed from a composition including at least one transparent conductive polymeric material and a compound forming a cross-liking site, the compound having a plurality of cross-linking reactive groups, at least one of which cross-links with the transparent conductive polymeric material; and at least one low refractive index layer.
US08137766B2	Homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film, optical film comprising the same, and image display device A homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film is provided with a liquid crystalline substance containing a side chain liquid crystalline compound having an oxetanyl group, as a constituent, aligned homeotropically on an alignment substrate while being in a liquid crystal state and fixed in the homeotropic alignment by allowing the oxetanyl group to react. Thus, the homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film can be stably produced without necessitating a complicated step such as light irradiation under an inert gas atmosphere and is excellent in alignment retainability after being fixed in the homeotropic alignment and in mechanical strength.
US08137760B2	Nanocrater catalyst in metal nanoparticles and method for preparing the same Disclosed are a nanocrater catalyst in metal nanoparticles with a nanocrater form of hole structure in center of the catalyst which is useful for manufacturing nano-sized materials and/or articles with desired structure and characteristics, a preparation method thereof including a plasma etching and chemical etching process (“PTCE process”), and nano-sized materials and/or articles manufactured by using the nanocrater catalyst in metal nanoparticles.
US08137757B2	Print methodology for applying polymer materials to roofing materials to form nail tabs or reinforcing strips A method and apparatus for applying nail tabs to roofing and building cover materials involving the steps of depositing tab material onto the surface of the roofing or building cover material, during or after its manufacture, resulting in a plurality of nail tabs from a lamination roll, and bonding the tabs to the surface of the material by pressure between the lamination roll and said surface. The method also encompasses depositing the tab material or pre-formed tabs by a pressure roll in contact with said surface. The tabs preferably are made substantially of a polymer material and may be hardened or cured by ultra-violet or visible light. The tabs may also be pre-formed and have adhesive backing.
US08137750B2	Catalytically active gold supported on thermally treated nanoporous supports The present invention provides technology for controlling, or tuning, the catalytic activity of gold provided upon nanoporous supports such as those derived from nanoparticulate titania. It has been discovered that the nature of the surfaces of the nanoparticles used to support a nano-metal catalyst, such as catalytically active gold, has a profound effect upon the catalytic properties of the supported catalyst. The support surface may be altered as desired to control the activity of the gold. The present invention teaches how thermal treatment of nanoparticulate media incorporated into a nanoporous support prior to deposition of catalytically active gold dramatically suppresses the ability of a resultant catalyst system to oxidize hydrogen. Yet, the system still readily oxidizes CO.
US08137746B2	Process for making water-swellable material comprising coated water-swellable polymers This invention is directed to a process for making solid, typically particulate, water-swellable material comprising coated water-swellable, preferably hydrogel-forming polymers, which are coated with a coating agent, which is such that it does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water. Hereto, the coating agent is extensible in wet state and comprises thereto a wet-extensible material that has a tensile stress at break in the wet state of at least 1 MPa. Typically, the coating agent comprises thereto an elastomeric polymeric material. The invention also relates to solid (particulate) water-swellable material obtainable by the process of the invention.
US08137744B2	Water-contact identification label and manufacturing method therefor An identification label changes color in an irreversible manner once put into contact with water/humidity. The label has a water-absorbable paper-based substrate having a surface on which an ink zone formed by printing of water-repellent or hydrophobic ink thereon and an opposite second surface on which a coating layer is formed. The ink zone has a color substantially identical to color of the substrate. The coating layer contains water soluble substance, which dissolves into water to form a solution that, once being absorbed by the substrate, changes the color of the substrate, the color of the solution being different from that of the substrate. A layer of adhesive is formed below the coating layer. Alternatively, the coating layer is formed on a surface of a double-sided adhesive layer and is bonded to a surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the ink zone is formed.
US08137742B2	Heat stabilized sub-stoichiometric dielectrics A sub-stoichiometric oxide, nitride or oxynitride layer in an optical stack, alone or in direct contact with one or two stabilizing layers, stabilizes the optical properties of the stack. The stabilizing layer(s) can stabilize the chemistry and optical properties of the sub-stoichiometric layer during heating. The change in optical characteristics of the sub-stoichiometric layer upon heating can counter the change in optical characteristics of the rest of the optical stack.
US08137738B2	Method and apparatus for recognizing a structure to be applied onto a substrate with multiple cameras Disclosed is a method or device for recognizing a structure, preferably a bead or trace of adhesive material (20), which is to be applied to a substrate (30), with the aid of at least two cameras, more particularly three or more cameras (12, 13, 14). The structure, which is to be applied, is applied to the substrate using an applicator device (11), whereupon the structure, which is applied to the substrate by means of the applicator device, is monitored by the cameras in such a way that the cameras are oriented towards the applied structure with at least one overlapping area, wherein the applied structure, particularly the edges of the trace of adhesive, is determined on a revolving orbit around the applicator device and the revolving orbit is pre-defined in such a way that the applied structure intersects the revolving orbit after it has been applied to the substrate.
US08137735B2	Elastomeric article with antimicrobial coating A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surface treatment for elastomeric articles such as medical gloves, comprising a water-based coating formulation and antimicrobial agent(s) embraced therein in an essentially powder-free composition coating. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a water-based coating formulation for elastomeric articles such as gloves comprising at least one non-volatile water-soluble antimicrobial agent in a controlled-release matrix comprising a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic component. The controlled-release matrix/blend requirements include: compatibility with the antimicrobial agent, formation of a reservoir of antimicrobial agent, coating film flexibility and lower water-solubility than the antimicrobial agent. A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for treating medical gloves comprising dipping, spraying, tumbling or other means for applying to the glove surface a composition to provide medical gloves with sustainable antimicrobial activity.
US08137731B2	Pet's chew The invention relates to a pet's chew prepared from natural materials of renewable sources. The chew is both edible and biodegradable, and is furthermore both tough, flexible and dimensionally stable, and maintains these characteristics over a much longer time than chew known in the art.
US08137728B2	Biopolymer encapsulation and stabilization of lipid systems and methods for utilization thereof An emulsion system and method for controlling the digestion of a fat or an oil component is provided including a substantially hydrophobic food-grade component, and at least one of an emulsifier component, and one or more of polymeric components, wherein at least one of the emulsifier component and the polymeric component comprises a substantially indigestible food-grade material, such as an indigestible dietary fiber. The emulsifier component and/or the polymeric component can be selected so that the overall interfacial membrane is indigestible to humans and/or animals.
US08137723B1	Healthy cookware A cast-iron cookware apparatus for cooking, or more particularly, “pan”searing meat on a typical charcoal or gas grill is provided. If used in conjunction with a grease catch pan the apparatus can be used in an oven. The cookware apparatus is similar to a typical griddle, skillet, or various other pan type cookware apparatuses. The second embodiment apparatus could be used in place of a typical grill rack. The cookware apparatus has a plurality of substantially small apertures extending through the cooking area of the apparatus. Due to the size and low number of apertures the apparatus will allow most of the fat to drain from the apparatus during the cooking process, yet the apparatus still leaves the meat juicy, tender and flavorful. The apparatus reduces carcinogens produced when grill cooking, as well as reduces retained fat content when used in an oven.
US08137715B2	Insecticidal composition The use of dill oil or a mixture of two or more components thereof as a potentiator for a pesticide, such as an insecticide and in particular a pyrethroid is described, together with compositions containing dill oil, and their use in agriculture and in veterinary applications.
US08137713B2	Oral composition containing oxidized Camellia Oral composition comprising a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.
US08137712B2	Rehydration beverage The present invention relates to a composition for the relief of hangover symptoms and methods of treating hangover symptoms.
US08137702B2	Conformable tissue repair implant capable of injection delivery A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.
US08137698B2	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.
US08137696B2	Biomimetic composition reinforced by a polyelectrolytic complex of hyaluronic acid and chitosan The present invention relates to a three dimensional, malleable cell culture composition and method of forming the same comprising hyaluronic acid, chitosan and a polyelectrolytic complex of hyaluronic acid and chitosan. These three components in combination constitute an initial microenvironment for support of stromal cells, and their undifferentiated mesenchymal cell progeny. The tissue engineering device and method of forming the same comprising hyaluronic acid and chitosan and the use of said device with compositions of pluripotent cells and various formulations of cell culture media for repair of tissues is disclosed.
US08137694B2	Immediate release and sustained release ibuprofen dosing regimen A method of administering non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular propionic acid derivatives such as ibuprofen, is provided. The inventive dosage forms provide an initial release of the NSAID and a second sustained release of NSAID, preferably in a single dosing step.
US08137693B2	Drug delivery nanocarriers targeted by landscape phage A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers.
US08137692B2	Solid deodorizer for ostomy pouches A solid deodorizer (14) for use on the inside surface (12) of an ostomy pouch (10). The solid deodorizer include a deodorizing mixture (24) and a carrier (16) by which the deodorizer is attached to the inside of the pouch. The carrier has filaments (22) which are molded into the mixture, and an adhesive (20). The deodorizing mixture includes activated charcoal, glycerin, and wax, and may include one or more of sodium bicarbonate, stearic acid, and/or starch.
US08137691B2	Methods of increasing productivity in older sows while decreasing feed intake The present invention provides methods for feeding older sows that beneficially reduce feed intake in older sows, yet improve pig survival and weaning weight of pigs from older sows.
US08137690B2	Taste titration therapies The teachings provided herein generally relate to formulations, systems, and methods that have the ability to remit deficiencies and imbalances in a subject's serotonin and dopamine levels. The teachings relate to the preparation and uses of a formulation comprising a serotonergic agent or dopaminergic agent in a form capable of oral transmucosal delivery to a subject. The formulation includes a flavoring agent and a carrier base. The flavoring agent functions as a taste indicator of the endpoint of a taste titration of the serotonergic or dopaminergic agent for a subject receiving an oral administration of the formulation in the form of a taste titration, and the endpoint is indicated to the subject by a change in the intensity of the flavor of the flavoring agent.
US08137688B2	Hydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network and applications thereof A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.
US08137687B2	4-aza-caprolactone-based polymeric compositions useful for the manufacture of biodegradable medical devices and as medical device coatings N-substituted 4-aza-caprolactone biodegradable polymers, including derivatives thereof, useful for making implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release drug delivery and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurisms and vulnerable plaque.
US08137682B2	Isolated complexes of covalently cross-linked endotoxin and modified MD-2 Applicants have produced and isolated chemically cross-linked complexes of endotoxin and modified MD-2, and have developed methods of using these complexes.
US08137681B2	Polyanionic polymer adjuvants for Haemophilus influenzae B saccharide vaccines The present invention relates to the field of vaccines, and in particular vaccines comprising antigens of low isoelectric point at pH 7.0, in particular the capsular polysaccharide or oligosaccharide of H. influenzae B (PRP). Immunogenic compositions and methods of making such compositions are presented in which the PRP is surprisingly protected from immune interference by adding a polyanionic polymer (such as PLG—poly-L-glutamic acid) to the composition.
US08137679B2	Immunogen adherence inhibitor directed to Lactobacillus organisms and method of making and using it A microbial adherence inhibitor specific to lactic acid producing microorganisms, in the form of fowl egg antibodies is disclosed, along with the method of making it and methods of using it. The inhibitor functions by substantially preventing the attachment or adherence of colony-forming immunogens in the fermentators. The inhibitor is made by inoculating female birds with the immunogen, allowing time for an immune response in the female bird and then harvesting the eggs that contain antibodies to the immunogen. The egg contents can be dried or used as a liquid and added to the media in the fermentators. Dependent upon the particular immunogen with which the female bird is inoculated, the egg antibody will specifically bind to the specific immunogen. When bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. infect fermentation systems, they will further reduce alcohol conversion efficiency. Colony forming immunogens such as Lactobacillus spp. (a major lactic acid producer) can be targeted by antibodies to enhance fermentation efficiency.
US08137677B2	Non-protein stabilized clostridial toxin pharmaceutical compositions A Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin, wherein the Clostridial toxin present in the pharmaceutical composition is stabilized by a non-protein excipient such as a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a disaccharides, a trisaccharide, a polysaccharide, an alcohol, a metal, an amino acid, a surfactant and/or a polyethylene glycol.
US08137676B2	Genetically engineered equine influenza virus and uses thereof The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated equine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated equine influenza viruses having modifications to an equine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.
US08137669B2	Elimination of heterogeneous or mixed cell population in tumors Methods of killing or inhibiting tumors comprising of heterogeneous or mixed cell populations is described. The killing or inhibition of tumors is achieved by selectively targeting a unique ligand suspected of being expressed on a particular cell population to also kill a cell population lacking the unique ligand. These conjugates have therapeutic use as they are delivered to a specific cell population to kill these cells and the cytotoxic drug is released to kill non-targeted cells, thereby eliminating the tumor.
US08137667B2	Fully human antibodies against human 4-1BB Fully human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human 4-1BB and that allow binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating a disease in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.
US08137665B2	Systemic non-nodular endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation in plants Non-leguminous crops, e.g. wheat, maize and rice, do not form nodules and are dependant for their nutrition on fixed nitrogen from the soil, or from chemical/nitrogenous fertilizers. The present invention provides non-leguminous plants and leguminous plants, including legumes that fail to nodulate with Rhizobia, with bacteria that enable them to fix nitrogen endophytically. Therefore, the plants contain nitrogen fixing bacteria the bacteria being located intracellularly in living plant cells.
US08137660B1	Application of tannins to reduce odor emissions from animal waste Quebracho tannins are effective for the treatment of animal wastes which contain feces or fecal waste-containing material to inhibit odor emissions therefrom. Application of an effective amount of Quebracho tannins to the animal wastes elicits one or both of reducing gas emissions (such as total gas, hydrogen sulfide, and/or methane) therefrom, and reducing the populations or metabolic activity of anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria therein. Reduction of odor emissions from the animal waste may also be effected by combining the Quebracho tannins with animal litter which is applied in the locus or vicinity of the animal.
US08137659B2	Metal oxide composition A composition comprises a non-ionic surfactant and hydrophobic particles of metal oxide having the mean length of the primary particles in the range from 50 to 90 nm, the mean width of the primary particles in the range from 5 to 20 nm, and the median volume particle diameter of the secondary particles is less than 45 nm. The composition is particularly suitable for use in aqueous media, and can be used in a sunscreen product that exhibits both effective UV protection and improved transparency.
US08137658B2	Tooth whitening compositions A liquid, substantially anhydrous tooth whitener composition for delivery of a tooth-whitening amount of active whitening ingredient onto teeth, with effective bioadhesion and retention thereof, and, thereupon, sufficient penetration of the ingredient through the tooth enamel, providing efficacious bleaching of stained teeth.
US08137657B2	Carrier particles for use in dry powder inhalers In a method of producing particles suitable for use as carrier particles in dry powder inhalers, particles (1) of a size suitable for use as carrier particles in dry powder inhalers are treated so as to dislodge small grains from the surface of the particles, without substantially changing the size of the particles during the treatment. The treatment gives improved efficiency of redispersion of active particles from the surfaces of carrier particles.
US08137653B1	System and method for producing carbon nanotubes A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.
US08137652B2	Sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes, and methods for making the same The invention provides a method of functionalizing the sidewalls of a plurality of carbon nanotubes with oxygen moieties, the method comprising: exposing a carbon nanotube dispersion to an ozone/oxygen mixture to form a plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes; and contacting the plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes with a cleaving agent to form a plurality of sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes.
US08137649B2	Systems and methods for removing gaseous pollutants from a gas stream Horizontal gas-liquid scrubbing systems and associated gas scrubbing methodologies are provided. In one embodiment, a horizontal duct scrubbing system includes a horizontally disposed housing having a waste gas inlet and a treated gas outlet, a liquid inlet manifold disposed within the horizontally disposed housing, the liquid inlet manifold comprising a plurality of nozzles oriented to spray a scrubbing liquor co-current to the flow of a gas stream flowing through the horizontally disposed housing, and a demister located proximal the treated gas outlet, where the horizontally disposed housing is substantially free of flow deflection members between the liquid inlet manifold and the demister.
US08137647B2	Processes for producing titanium dioxide Provided are processes for the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite. In these processes, ilmenite is digested with aqueous ammonium hydrogen oxalate. Iron from the ilmenite precipitates as a hydrated iron oxalate and is removed by filtering, leaving a titanium-rich solution. The titanium-rich solution can be further processed to form titanium dioxide.
US08137644B2	Method for the elimination of uranium (VI) species in the form of uranyl complexes from waters The invention relates to a method for the removal of uranium(VI) species from waters by means of weakly basic, polyacrylic-based anion exchangers, said uranium(VI) species being present in the form of uranyl complexes as dissolved uranyl.
US08137643B2	Microplate mounting stand, and analyte testing/observing apparatus equipped therewith An analyte testing/observing apparatus includes a microplate mounting stand 10 which supports at least one of microplates 27 having a plurality of wells 27a for accommodating an analyte and microplates 28 each having a plurality of wells 28a for accommodating a reagent, and which includes a retractable shutter 20 for covering a surface of the at least one microplate mounted on the mounting stand 10. When the dispensing work is stopped, the shutter 20 is closed and lowered, so that the shutter 20 comes into contact with the surfaces of the microplates, to thereby prevent evaporation and drying of the analyte and the reagent accommodated within the wells before being dispensed.
US08137641B2	Microfluidic module including an adhesiveless self-bonding rebondable polyimide A method of making a microfluidic module is disclosed that includes forming a fluid flow channel in a self-bonding rebondable polyimide film to provide a channel sheet, the self-bonding rebondable polyimide film having a first mask layer self-bonded thereto; removing the first mask layer from the channel sheet after forming the fluid flow channel; and self-bonding the surface of the channel sheet exposed by removal of the first mask layer to a cover sheet.
US08137640B2	Acoustically mediated fluid transfer methods and uses thereof Invention methods employ the use of acoustic waves to transfer small amounts of fluid in a non-contact manner. In invention methods, acoustic waves are propagated through a separated pool of a source fluid in such a manner that causes the ejection of a single micro-droplet from the surface of the pool. The droplet is ejected towards a target with sufficient force to provide for contact of the droplet with the target. Because the fluid is not contacted by any fluid transfer device such as a pipette, the opportunities for contamination are minimized. Invention methods may be employed to transfer fluids from an array of source sites to an array of target sites, thereby enabling the precision automation of a wide variety of procedures including screening, and synthesis procedures commonly used in biotechnology.
US08137639B2	Systems and methods for obtaining analytes from a body A method may include collecting at least one analyte from within a body, ejecting the collected at least one analyte from the body through at least one dermal layer of the body, and receiving the ejected at least one analyte outside the body. A system may include a means for collecting at least one analyte from within a body, a means for ejecting the collected at least one analyte from the body through at least one dermal layer of the body, and a means for receiving the ejected at least one analyte outside the body.
US08137638B2	Hydrogen generation apparatus, laser reduction apparatus, energy conversion apparatus, hydrogen generation method and electric power generation system Object: To provide a hydrogen generation apparatus, a laser reduction apparatus, an energy conversion apparatus, a hydrogen generation method and an electric power generation system.Means for Solving the Problems: A hydrogen generation apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes: a reaction vessel 12 for retaining a metal element; a water reservoir 16 for supplying water into the reaction vessel 12; and a hydrogen recovery tube for recovering hydrogen gas and reaction energy generated by reaction of the metal element with the water. The present invention may further include a hydrogen storage device 26 for storing recovered hydrogen gas. Further, in the present invention, an oxide or a hydroxide of the metal element generated by reducing the hydrogen gas may be subjected to laser reduction to regenerate the metal element. A solar light pumped laser may be used for laser reduction. Further, according to the present invention, there may be provided an energy conversion apparatus for generating an electric current by using charged particles formed due to the laser reduction, and an electric power generation system using the above hydrogen generation system.
US08137636B2	Soot oxidation catalyst and method of making A catalyst composition for facilitating the oxidation of soot from diesel engine exhaust is provided. The catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal selected from Pt, Pd, Pt—Pd, Ag, or combinations thereof, an active metal oxide component containing Cu and La, and a support selected from alumina, silica, zirconia, or combinations thereof. The platinum group metal loading of the composition is less than about 20 g/ft3. The catalyst composition may be provided on a diesel particulate filter by impregnating the filter with an alumina, silica or zirconia sol solution modified with glycerol and/or saccharose, impregnating the filter with a stabilizing solution, and impregnating the filter with a solution containing the active metal oxide precursor(s) and the catalytic metal precursor(s). The resulting catalyst coated diesel particulate filter provides effective soot oxidation, exhibits good thermal stability, has a high BET surface area, and exhibits minimal backpressure.
US08137635B2	Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine, provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, includes: a filter-shape carrier adapted to trap particulate matter in exhaust gas; and an oxidation catalyst supported on the filter-shape carrier and comprising: a particulate oxygen storage material; and an oxygen ion conductive material supported around the oxygen storage material in surface contact therewith.
US08137633B2	Compositions and methods for treating exhaust gases The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for achieving high efficiencies of nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal from exhaust gases while minimizing ammonia slip and sulfur dioxide oxidation. In one embodiment, a method of removing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust gas comprises providing a first catalyst layer, adding an ammonia-containing compound to the exhaust gas upstream of the first catalyst layer in excess of the stoichiometric equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, flowing the exhaust gas through the first catalyst layer, selectively catalytically decomposing ammonia in excess of the stoichiometric reaction equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, and catalytically reducing the nitrogen oxides by reaction with ammonia not selectively catalytically decomposed.
US08137631B2	Unit, system and process for catalytic cracking One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The fluid catalytic cracking unit can include a first riser, a second riser, and a disengagement zone. The first riser can be adapted to receive a first feed terminating at a first reaction vessel having a first volume. The second riser may be adapted to receive a second feed terminating at a second reaction vessel having a second volume. Generally, the first volume is greater than the second volume. What is more, the disengagement zone can be for receiving a first mixture including at least one catalyst and one or more products from the first reaction vessel, and a second mixture including at least one catalyst and one or more products from the second reaction vessel. Typically, the first mixture is isolated from the second mixture.
US08137622B2	Device for washing and hybridization of biochips A device for biochip hybridization or washing is provided, which comprises a carousel (12), a translational movement controller, a revolving movement controller, and optionally a heating chamber (13). The revolving movement controller controls the revolving movement of the carousel and allows it to move in a wobbling fashion, allowing liquid movement of the hybridization or washing boxes (11) during hybridization and/or washing of biochips on the carousel. The translational movement controller brings the carousel back to horizontal position once the revolving movement controller stops, thereby ensures that the liquid do not spill out. The heating chamber circulates hot air within the device, thereby ensures that the hybridization and washing in a thermostatic condition.
US08137621B2	Sample carrier for automatic loading of sample tubes for clinical analyzer A module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples contained in the sample tubes for an automated clinical analyzer. In one embodiment, this module comprises a mixing drum, which is capable of mixing the contents of a sample tube in an end-over-end manner. The mixing drum is capable of mixing samples in the sample tubes without separating the solid components of the sample, e.g., red blood cells from the liquid components of the sample, e.g., plasma. A device for elevating the sample tube in the sample tube carrier can be used to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in a piercing assembly. After the cap of the sample tube is punctured, a probe for aspirating the sample from said sample tube can obtain the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. The piercing assembly can include a resiliently biased element for ejecting the sample tube from the piercing assembly.
US08137617B2	Thin film heater and analytical instrument The present invention relates to a thin film heater (2) including a thin film heat-producing resistor, and a first and a second thin film electrodes (22, 24) electrically connected to the thin film heat-producing resistor to apply voltage to the thin film heat-producing resistor. In the thin film heater (2), at least part of the thin film heat-producing resistor is light transmissive. Preferably, the first thin film electrode (22), the thin film heat-producing resistor and the second thin film electrode (24) are laminated in the film thickness direction in the mentioned order. The present invention further provides an analytical instrument (X) provided with the thin film heater (2).
US08137612B2	Apparatus for continuously manufacturing stoichiometric Mg2Ni hydrogen storage compound The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing stoichiometric Mg2Ni compound applicable to industry and capable of manufacturing continuously. The apparatus mainly comprises: a vacuum chamber, comprising a material feeding tube; a first crucible, set in the vacuum chamber; a heating device, set on the first crucible; a stirring device, set in the vacuum chamber, and above the first crucible; and a second crucible, set in the vacuum chamber, and on one side of the first crucible. Through this apparatus, a stoichiometric γ-phase Mg2Ni hydrogen storage compound with an exactly atomic ratio of 2:1, without other phases, and with excellent hydrogen absorption-desorption dynamics is given and the rest waste magnesium-rich liquid can be recycled.
US08137603B2	Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US08137600B2	Injection molding of polymeric material Injection molding systems and methods useful for making microcellular foamed materials are provided as well as microcellular articles. Pressure drop rate and shear rate are important features in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these parameters in an injection molding system. Another aspect involves an injection molding system including a nucleator that is upstream of a pressurized mold. Another aspect involves an extrusion system with the reciprocating screw for forming a single phase solution of non-nucleated blowing agent and polymeric material. Another aspect involves very thin walled microcellular material and very thin walled polymeric material. Another aspect provides a method for producing high weight reductions in very thin-walled parts with surfaces that have no noticeable differences from non-foamed parts.
US08137599B2	Method for conduit expansion Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a polyvinyl chloride material at least partially within a host conduit; circulating fluid within an inner area of the liner conduit; and injecting fluid into the inner area of the liner conduit; wherein the liner conduit at least partially expands within the host conduit.
US08137598B2	Spreader box apparatus and method of forming bi-laminar paintball shell material and paintballs for use with paintball gun A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.
US08137594B2	Zinc oxide thin film, transparent conductive film and display device using the same A zinc oxide thin film having desired crystallinity is fabricated. The present invention provides a zinc oxide thin film which laminated on a substrate, and which is a crystalline thin film of a wurtzite form. The c-axis of the crystalline thin film is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate. A zinc surface of being one polar surface of the crystalline thin film in the c-axis direction is formed in the uppermost layer. In addition, the invention also provides a zinc oxide thin film which is laminated on a substrate, and which is a crystalline thin film of a wurtzite form. The zinc oxide thin film is formed on a metal thin film layer by a thin film fabricating technique.
US08137592B2	Method of incorporating an additive into a polymer composition and dispersion used therein A method of incorporating an additive into a polymer composition includes the step of melt blending a polymer with a dispersion comprising a liquid carrier, an unmodified clay, and an additive. Using the dispersion rather than a polymer-based additive masterbatch saves energy. Like a polymer-based masterbatch, the dispersion provides the additive in a diluted form and therefore preserves the masterbatch's advantages of providing more uniform distribution additive in the plastic and avoiding direct handling of additives in the final compounding step. The dispersion is also described.
US08137589B2	Non stoichiometric tetragonal copper alkaline earth silicate phosphors and method of preparing the same Disclosed are non stoichiometric Copper Alkaline Earth Silicate phosphors activated by divalent europium for using them as high temperature stable luminescent materials for ultraviolet or daylight excitation. The phosphors are represented as the formula (BauSrvCawCux)3−y(Zn,Mg,Mn)zSi1+bO5+2b:Eua. The nonstoichiometric tetragonal silicate is prepared in a high temperature solid state reaction with a surplus of silica in the starting mixture. Furthermore, luminescent tetragonal Copper Alkaline Earth Silicates are provided for LED applications, which have a high color temperature range from about 2,000K to 8,000K or 10,000K showing a CRI with Ra=80˜95, when mixed with other luminescent materials.
US08137588B2	Nanoscale phosphor particles with high quantum efficiency and method for synthesizing the same Described herein are batches of nanoscale phosphor particles having an average particle size of less than about 200 nm and an average internal quantum efficiency of at least 40%. The batches of nanoscale phosphor particles can be substantially free of impurities. Also described herein are methods of manufacturing the nanoscale phosphor particles by passing phosphor particles through a reactive field to thereby dissociate them into elements and then synthesizing nanoscale phosphor particles by nucleating the elements and quenching the resulting particles.
US08137581B2	Chlorine dioxide releasing composite article A composite article that includes a ClO2-producing material integrated into an organic matrix and methods of using the same are described. The organic matrix of the composite article is formable at a temperature under about 150° C., permits contact between an activating stimulus (e.g., water vapor and/or electromagnetic energy) and the ClO2-producing material when the composite article is exposed to the activating stimulus, and is permeable to ClO2.
US08137580B2	CMP slurry composition for forming metal wiring line Disclosed is CMP slurry, which includes a pyridine-based compound including at least two pyridinyl groups, and minimizes the occurrence of dishing and erosion of a wiring line.
US08137579B2	Non-aqueous heat transfer fluid and use thereof The present invention is directed to a heat transfer system comprising a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid comprising non-buffered propylene glycol, and at least one propylene glycol soluble additive selected from the group consisting of a molybdate salt, a nitrate compound and an azole compound.
US08137578B2	Leaching resistant pre-wetted deicer composition A deicer comprises a mixture of a deicing agent, a pre-wetting agent, and a leaching inhibitor. The leaching inhibitor results in decreased liquid migration within and out of a mass of pre-wetted deicer. The deicer can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, a pre-wetting agent comprised of magnesium chloride, and a leaching inhibitor such as xanthan gum. The deicer can also include a corrosion inhibitor and/or radiation absorber.
US08137571B2	Method for manufacturing perpendicular magnetic recording head Embodiments of the present invention help to provide a method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head including a main magnetic pole having a width that does not generally vary. According to one embodiment, a magnetic film, a first inorganic mask film, an organic film, a second inorganic mask film, and a resist pattern are formed in this order. Reactive ion etching (RIE) is performed using the resist pattern as a mask to etch the second inorganic mask film and the organic film and form a mask for the subsequent step. A flow rate of an Ar gas is then controlled, and ion milling is performed, to correct a difference between the width of the mask located at the central portion of the wafer and the width of the mask located at the outer peripheral portion of the wafer. The magnetic film is processed to have a uniform track width. Ion milling is then performed to form the main magnetic pole having an inverted trapezoidal shape.
US08137568B2	Rotary drum vacuum filter Prior art washer designs have segmented radial ducts feeding the filter valve which collect the filtrate emerging from the longitudinal ducts. Because these ducts are radial, the volume at the periphery is much greater than at the valve entry which creates undesirable conditions such as a large volume where air can escape from the filtrate forming a pocket which will reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum and promote non-uniformity in filtrate velocity. The present invention incorporates a baffle in the radial duct which reduces the volume at the periphery and maintains a uniform cross-sectional area for the filtrate to reach the valve. This maintains a constant filtrate velocity and prevents the possibility of the formation of an air pocket.
US08137565B2	Naphthenic acid removal and conversion Methods and apparatus relate to handling of organic contaminants in aqueous streams. The methods and apparatus enable removing the contaminants, such as naphthenic acids, from the aqueous streams and then converting the contaminants into hydrocarbons. The removing and converting of the organic contaminates results in treated discharge and generation of the hydrocarbons, which add to amount of hydrocarbon recovery.
US08137564B2	Filtration of hydrocarbon containing liquid An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. In the event of a hydrocarbon spill, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media. Preferably, each compartment is manufactured as a cartridge which may be dropped into a housing inserted into a drain opening.
US08137561B2	Media for membrane ion exchange chromatography based on polymeric primary amines, sorption device containing that media, and chromatography scheme and purification method using the same Media and devices, such as anion exchangers including such media, wherein the media is a membrane having a surface coated with a polymer such as a polyallylamine. The resulting membrane offers stronger binding of protein impurities and superior removal of host cell proteins from biological samples than conventional ligands based on quaternary ammonium salts, including trimethylammonium ligands. Also described is a chromatography scheme and method for purifying monoclonal antibodies, wherein the anion exchange sorber is placed downstream of an affinity column (such as Protein A or Protein G affinity column) and optionally one or more polishing devices such as cationic exchange columns. Little or no dilution of the cation exchanger pool (or affinity column exchange pool where no cation exchanger is used) is necessary to lower the conductivity of the sample. The sorber functions well to strongly bind host cell proteins and other impurities in biological samples even at high conductivities and pH.
US08137558B2	Stepwise extraction of plant biomass for diesel blend stock production A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08137557B2	Wastewater treatment method A liquid aeration apparatus includes a vessel having sidewalls, a closed bottom end and, a liquid outlet being provided at or near the upper end. The sidewalls define a cross-sectional interior open area with a vertical depth. An air diffuser is positioned within the interior open area of the vessel. A liquid intake conduit is positioned with an inlet end located at or near the upper end of the vessel and an outlet located near the bottom end of the vessel.
US08137556B2	Methods of producing biofuels from an algal biomass A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08137555B2	Methods of and systems for producing biofuels A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08137553B2	Priming system and method for dialysis systems The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.
US08137552B2	Device for treating and purifying a liquid product The invention substantially relates to the distillery industry. Said invention makes it possible to increase the vodka purification efficiency by arranging a filter in the entire volume of a cartridge and by flowing a liquid product through the equal volume of filtering materials.
US08137551B1	Push filter with floating key lock A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.
US08137547B2	Fluid treatment tank and a well fluid processing system comprising such a tank A fluid treatment tank for use in a well fluid processing system. The tank is divided into at least three compartments, including an oil treatment compartment for receiving oil from a separator vessel of the well fluid processing system so as to allow stabilization and/or final separation and treatment of the oil, a reject treatment compartment for receiving reject fluid from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow gravitational separation of heavier and lighter components of the reject fluid, and a water treatment compartment for receiving de-oiled water from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow degassing and/or final separation of the water. Also, a well fluid processing system including such a fluid treatment tank.
US08137544B1	Waste water treatment system A molded modular wastewater treatment system including a tank with molded double thick baffle walls made of UV stabilized ⅜″ thick polyethylene. The system is designed with three separately molded and interconnected chambers, a pretreatment chamber connected to a first side of an aeration chamber and a second side of the aeration chamber connected to a clarification chamber. The pretreatment chamber initially receives the wastewater and uses anaerobic bacterial action and gravity to precondition the wastewater and then passes the preconditioned water to an aeration chamber. The aeration chamber receives the pretreated wastewater from the pretreatment chamber and uses aerobic bacteria to biologically convert the waste in the wastewater into stable substances and then pass it to the clarification chamber. The clarification chamber receives the flow from the aeration chamber and settles out any biologically active material in the flow and returns it to the aeration chamber for additional processing.
US08137543B2	Sealing system for a removable internal wall within a vessel A vessel system comprising a vessel is presented. The vessel system comprises at least one internal wall located within the vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one inflatable seal to create a seal between an outer periphery of the internal wall and an internal cavity wall of the vessel. The vessel system further comprises a shaft longitudinally traversing the vessel and adapted to transmit a force applied on the at least one internal wall to an end of the vessel.
US08137537B2	Filtered water monitoring device and filtered water monitoring system The present invention provides a filtered water monitoring device used for detecting damages in a filtration medium installed inside a membrane filtration water clarification device, thereby monitoring degradation of a performance thereof, in order to secure safety of filtered water flowing out from the membrane filtration water clarification device, comprising a branch filtered water pipeline system which is branched from a filtered water pipeline system connected to an outlet of the membrane filtration water clarification device, a filtered water observation plate which is installed in a certain position of the branch filtered water pipeline system, imaging means which takes an image of the filtered water in an observation tank of the filtered water observation plate and outputs image information thereon, and image analyzing means which receives the image information output from the imaging means, and compares the image information with a stored image pattern to identify impurities contained in the filtered water.
US08137535B2	Method for adjusting catalyst activity Systems and methods for producing and using one or more doped catalysts are provided. One or more coked-catalyst particles can be fluidized in the presence of one or more oxidants to provide a fluidized mixture. The coke from the one or more coked-catalyst particles can be removed to provide regenerated catalyst particles within the fluidized mixture. One or more doping agents can be distributed to the fluidized mixture, and the one or more doping agents can be deposited onto the surface of the regenerated catalyst particles to provide a regenerated, doped catalyst particle.
US08137533B2	Mixture of catalysts for cracking naphtha to olefins A process is presented for the selective catalytic cracking of naphtha to light olefins. The process includes contacting a naphtha feedstream with a mixture of catalysts to reduce the amount of recycle, and especially the recycle of light paraffins. The mixture of catalysts includes a first molecular sieve made up from a small pore zeolite having a pore index between 13 and 26, and a second molecular sieve made up from an intermediate pore zeolite having a pore index between 26 and 30.
US08137531B2	Integrated process for the production of lubricating base oils and liquid fuels from Fischer-Tropsch materials using split feed hydroprocessing An integrated process for producing liquid fuel and lubricating base oil from Fischer-Tropsch derived products which comprises (a) recovering separately from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor a Fischer-Tropsch wax and condensate; (b) hydroprocessing the wax and recovering a waxy intermediate and a hydrogen-rich normally, liquid fraction; (c) mixing the condensate and at least part of the hydrogen-rich normally liquid fraction to form a Fischer-Tropsch condensate mixture; (d) hydrotreating the condensate mixture and recovering a Fischer-Tropsch condensate product; (e) recovering from the condensate product a liquid fuel; (f) separately dewaxing the waxy intermediate and recovering a base oil; (g) hydrofinishing the base oil; (h) recovering from the hydrofinishing zone a stabilized base oil and a hydrogen-rich gas; and (i) recycling the hydrogen-rich gas to the wax hydroprocessing zone wherein the total pressure in the hydrofinishing zone is at least as high as the total pressure in the wax hydroprocessing zone.
US08137530B2	Process for producing petroleum coke A process is provided for producing petroleum coke that is high in strength and sufficiently small in thermal expansion coefficient and sufficiently suppressed from puffing. The process includes coking a feedstock containing a first heavy oil having a sulfur content of 1.0 percent by mass or less, a nitrogen content of 0.5 percent by mass or less, and an aromatic index of 0.1 or greater, produced by hydrodesulfurizing a heavy oil with a sulfur content of 1 percent by mass or more under conditions (1) where the total pressure is 10 MPa or greater and less than 16 MPa and the hydrogen partial pressure is 5 MPa or greater and 16 MPa or less or conditions (2) where the total pressure is 20 MPa or greater and 25 MPa or less and the hydrogen partial pressure is greater than 20 MPa and 25 MPa or less, and a second heavy oil with an aromatic index of 0.3 or greater and an initial boiling point of 150° C. or higher.
US08137528B2	Applications for sacrificial anodes This invention relates to protection of a metal component exposed to a corroding medium. One or more of the following are provided: cathodic protection, measuring of a condition of the component, retarding or avoiding of fouling. A sacrificial anode is used as the energy source such that the electric circuit can provide a pulsating current, voltage, automatically adapted current, or protecting potential. Germanium solid state elements are used.
US08137527B1	Carbon dioxide isolation and generation Methods and apparatus for collecting/concentrating carbon dioxide are disclosed. In addition, methods and apparatus for utilizing collected carbon dioxide in biofuel production and biomass cultivation are disclosed.
US08137526B2	Method of making an electrochemical nanowire assembly and attaching cells thereto A method of growing a crystalline nanowire is disclosed. The method includes providing a pair of electrodes, immersing the electrode pair in a salt solution, and selectively applying a voltage signal to the electrode pair to induce growth of the nanowire between the electrode pairs.
US08137513B2	Sulfuric acid electrolytic cell and a sulfuric acid recycle type cleaning system applying the sulfuric acid electrolytic cell In a sulfuric acid electrolytic cell to electrolyze sulfuric acid supplied to an anode compartment and a cathode compartment comprising a diaphragm, said anode compartment and said cathode compartment separated by said diaphragm, a cathode provided in said cathode compartment and a conductive diamond anode provided in said anode compartment, as said conductive diamond anode, a conductive diamond film is formed on the surface of said conductive substrate, the rear face of said conductive substrate is pasted, with conductive paste, on an current collector comprising a rigid body with size equal to, or larger than, said conductive substrate, an anode compartment frame constituting said anode compartment is contacted via gasket with the periphery on the side of the conductive diamond film of said diamond anode, said diaphragm is contacted with the front face of said anode compartment, further, with the front face of said diaphragm, the cathode compartment frame constituting said cathode compartment, a gasket, and said cathode are contacted in sequence, the rear face of said cathode is pasted with conductive paste to the current collector comprising a rigid body with size equal to, or larger than, said cathode and electric power is supplied from one current collector to the other current collector via said conductive paste.
US08137512B2	Process for analyzing sample by capillary electrophoresis method A process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method is provided that allows the apparatus to be reduced in size, allows a high analytical precision to be obtained, and can be carried out easily. The analytical process of the present invention is a process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method. The analytical process includes preparing a capillary tube to be used for the capillary electrophoresis method, and performing electrophoretic separation of a complex of a sample and an anionic group-containing compound that are bonded together, in the capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube includes an anionic layer that is formed of the anionic group-containing compound and that is coated on the inner wall of the capillary tube, and the anionic layer is fixed to the inner wall of the capillary tube by a covalent bond.
US08137508B2	Pyrolytic process for producing enhanced amounts of aromatic compounds A pyrolysis process and reactor converts various hydrocarbons such as waste materials, for example, scrap polymers, tires, etc., into various chemical components or amounts thereof, not otherwise produced by conventional pyrolytic processes. A large reactor size is utilized in association with a low heat input per unit weight of charge. A thick pyrolyzate/“char” layer is formed during pyrolysis. The product or various components thereof can be utilized as a fuel or octane additive.
US08137506B2	Paper comprising PIPD pulp and process for making same The invention concerns a paper comprising polypyridobisimidazole fibers, where the apparent density of the paper is from 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm3 and the tensile strength of the paper in N/cm is at least 0.00057X*Y, where X is the volume portion of polypyridobisimidazole in the total solids of the paper in % and Y is basis weight of the paper in g/m2.
US08137499B2	Method for reinforcing a fibre composite component and a vacuum mat and arrangement for producing a reinforced fibre composite component In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.
US08137497B2	Method of manufacturing wiring substrate A method includes the steps of providing a first tape base material on a single side of a stiffener substrate, forming, on the stiffener substrate, a cavity for accommodating a semiconductor chip therein, inserting the stiffener substrate in the cavity and providing the stiffener substrate on the first tape base material, sealing the semiconductor chip and the stiffener substrate with a sealing resin, and removing the first tape base material and forming a build-up layer on a tape removing surface.
US08137486B2	Proximally self-locking long bone prosthesis A method for arthroplasty includes using a self-locking prosthesis that has a member structured to transfer a load produced by the weight of a patient to a bone. An expandable bone-locking portion that is integral to the member includes a shape-memory material and expands to produce a locking force. A portion of the bone is removed to form an aperture in the bone. The bone-locking portion is inserted into the aperture, and a temperature increase causes a change from a contracted state to an expanded state resulting in expansion of the bone-locking portion so as to contact the inner surface. The expanding is sufficient to create a locking force at the junction between the inner surface and the bone-locking portion of the prosthesis and the majority of the locking force is applied at or above the metaphysis. The length/width ration of the prosthesis may be less than or equal to 5. The resulting reconstructed long-bone may have improved primary and long-term stability.
US08137483B2	Method of making a low cost, high strength, high toughness, martensitic steel A method of designing low cost, high strength, high toughness martensitic steel uses mathematical modeling to define optimum low cost chemical compositions, the content of retained austenite, and critical temperatures; melting an ingot, processing same, making steel articles, and heat treating the articles using the critical temperatures and the content of retained austenite. The new steel comprises, by weight, about 0.3-0.45% of C; at most 2.5% of Cr; at most 1.0% of Mo; at most 3.50% of Ni; about 0.3 to 1.5% of Mn; about 0.1-1.3% of Si; about 0.1-1.0% of Cu; Cu being less than Si; about 0.1 to 1.0% of V+Ti+Nb; at most 0.25% of Al; the sum of alloying elements being less than about 11.5%; the balance being essentially Fe and incidental impurities. Procedures of melting, processing and heat treatment using the mathematical model are disclosed.
US08137482B2	Carburization heat treatment method and method of use Disclosed is a carburization heat treatment method including carburizing a workpiece at a relatively low temperature within a temperature range of A1˜A3 using a vacuum carburizing furnace and then performing quenching using a high-pressure gas, in which the workpiece is made of typical carburizing alloy steel having a carbon content of about 0.10˜0.35 wt %. This method can be applied to carburization heat treatment of a steel workpiece sensitive to heat deformation, such as an annulus gear, in lieu of a conventional gas carburization method using plug quenching.
US08137481B2	Tank cleaning apparatus A cleaning device for cleaning of the inside of tanks and similar containers by a cleaning fluid, the cleaning device including a connector part for connecting the cleaning device to a piping system, a rotor part rotatably arranged relative to the connector part and a holding part for rotatably holding the rotor part adjacent to relative to the connector part, and where the holding part is provided with a first holding arrangement which co-operates with a corresponding second holding arrangement on the connector part releasably hold the holding part to the a connector part, where the holding part can rotated around its longitudinal direction between a holding position and a releasing position.
US08137476B2	Secondary reaction quench device and method of use In this disclosure, a reactor system is described. The reaction system comprises (a) a reaction vessel having an inner wall, wherein said reaction vessel is configured to receive reactants and export products and byproducts; (b) a primary quench device (PQD) configured to receive a coolant and disperse said coolant into said reaction vessel; and (c) a secondary quench device (SQD) configured to receive a coolant and disperse said coolant into said reaction vessel; wherein said PQD comprises an array of spray nozzles fixed on the inner wall of said reaction vessel at a first axial position; and wherein said SQD comprises (1) an axially movable pipe having a coolant entry end and a nozzle end, wherein said pipe is configured to be removably fixed inside said reaction vessel; and (2) a spray nozzle that is fluidly connected to said pipe at its nozzle end via a fluid tight seal connection.
US08137467B2	Temperature controlled showerhead A temperature controlled showerhead for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers enhances heat dissipation to enable accurate temperature control with an electric heater. Heat dissipates by conduction through a showerhead stem and fluid passageway and radiation from a back plate. A temperature control system includes one or more temperature controlled showerheads in a CVD chamber with fluid passageways serially connected to a heat exchanger.
US08137463B2	Dual zone gas injection nozzle The present invention generally provides apparatus and method for processing a substrate. Particularly, the present invention provides apparatus and methods to obtain a desired distribution of a process gas. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate comprising an injection nozzle having a first fluid path including a first inlet configured to receive a fluid input, and a plurality of first injection ports connected with the first inlet, wherein the plurality of first injection ports are configured to direct a fluid from the first inlet towards a first region of a process volume, and a second fluid path including a second inlet configured to receive a fluid input, and a plurality of second injection ports connected with the second inlet, wherein the second injection ports are configured to direct a fluid from the second inlet towards a second region of the process volume.
US08137461B2	Piezoelectric substrate, piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus A piezoelectric substrate of a perovskite-type oxide is expressed by a general formula of ABO3 having a laminate structure of a single crystal structure or a uniaxial crystal structure expressed by (Pb1-xMx)xm(ZryTi1-y)O3 (where M represents an element selected from La, Ca, Ba, Sr, Bi, Sb and W). The laminate structure has a first crystal phase layer having a crystal structure selected from a tetragonal structure, a rhombohedral structure, a pseudocubic structure and a monoclinic structure, a second crystal phase layer having a crystal structure different from the crystal structure of said first crystal phase layer and a boundary layer arranged between the first crystal phase layer and the second crystal phase layer with a crystal structure gradually changing in a thickness direction of the layer. The thicknesses of the first and second crystal phase layer differ.
US08137454B2	Cementitious composition incorporating high levels of glass aggregate for producing solid surfaces A cementitious composition for high density, low porosity sheet-form building materials having solid surfaces is comprised of cement, pozzolans, and a high percentage of fine and/or coarse glass aggregate.
US08137453B2	Fiber reinforced concrete and method of manufacturing fiber reinforced concrete member Fiber reinforced concrete is generated by including fiber in a dispersed manner in a cement matrix including: cement; first pozzolanic reactant particles having a high activity; second pozzolanic reactant particles having an activity lower than the first pozzolanic reactant particles; first aggregate particles having a maximum particle diameter smaller than or equal to 2.5 mm, a mean particle diameter within a range of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm and a fineness modulus within a range of 1.5 to 3.5; second aggregate particles having a maximum particle diameter smaller than or equal to 0.425 mm, a mean particle diameter within a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and a fineness modulus within a range of 0.4 to 0.8; at least one type of plasticizer; and water.
US08137450B2	Collagen-based lyophilised glue and the use thereof for producing an adhesive prosthesis A lyophilized glue contains a collagen which is partially crosslinked with the aid of at least one type of aldehyde. A method for preparing the glue and the use thereof for producing an adhesive on anti-adhesive prosthesis are also provided.
US08137449B2	Inkjet ink An inkjet ink is provided, which is hardly wettable to the surface of nozzle plates, and thus is stably ejected and is prevented from staining images. The inkjet ink is an oil-based inkjet ink which contains at least a pigment, a pigment-dispersing agent and a solvent constituted by at least an ester solvent, a salt of a long-chain polyaminoamide and a polar acidic ester in an amount of 1% by weight or more relative to the total amount of the ink.
US08137448B2	Ink composition for ink jet recording There is provided an ink composition that can realize high-quality images free from white streaks or roughness even in low resolution when printing paper for running-on such as art paper is used. The ink composition comprises at least a colorant, water, an alcohol solvent, and a surfactant, wherein the alcohol solvent comprises a sparingly water soluble alkanediol, a water soluble alkanediol, and a water soluble alkanetriol.
US08137444B2	Systems and methods for processing CO2 Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.
US08137437B2	Vapour generators A vapor generator system (1, 101) for an IMS (4, 104) or other apparatus has a chamber (9, 109) in which vapor is produced. A fan or other flow generator (6, 106) is connected to an inlet (8, 108) of the vapor chamber (9, 109) and its outlet (13, 113) is connected to an adsorbent passage (14, 114), such as formed by a bore through a block (15) of carbon. When the fan (6, 106) is on gas flows through the vapor chamber (9, 109) and the adsorbent passage (14, 114) to the IMS (4, 104) or other outlet, with little vapor being adsorbed in the passage. When the fan (6, 106) is off, any vapor molecules that escape to the adsorbent passage (14, 114) do so at a low rate such that substantially all is adsorbed and no vapor escapes.
US08137436B2	Humidifier membrane A passive humidifier membrane includes polyolefin with a plurality of pores, wherein the average pore size of the plurality of pores is 0.05 μm to 0.4 μm as established by a PMI Capillary Flow Porometer. The humidifier membrane is virtually airtight while providing a high transfer rate of water. Transfer of heat is also high. The humidifier membrane is particularly suitable for heat exchange and water transfer between fluids and, it is particularly useful for applications inside or outside fuel cells such as PEMFC. The membrane is also particularly useful in the application as humidifier for air or oxygen.
US08137435B2	Carbon dioxide recovery from low concentration sources A system and method of purifying gaseous carbon dioxide from a gaseous mixture obtained at low pressure from a flue gas by passing the gaseous mixture through a vacuum swing adsorption unit and then a gas purification unit to produce carbon dioxide having a purity of approximately 97% by volume or more.
US08137433B2	Method of regenerating metal, regenerated metal, material for lithographic printing plate bases, and lithographic printing plate A metal regeneration method including: a melting furnace cleaning step of melting pure aluminum with an aluminum content of 99.5% by weight or higher in a melting furnace to clean the inside of the melting furnace; and a metal regeneration step of melting waste lithographic printing plates selected from unused lithographic printing plates and used lithographic printing plates, in the melting furnace whose inside has been cleaned by the melting furnace cleaning step, to obtain regenerated metal.
US08137432B2	Method and furnace for melting steel scrap A method for smelting steel scrap in a furnace, including: blowing a working gas into the furnace via a flow channel to supply melting energy; guiding the working gas through at least one electrodeless plasma torch; producing a plasma by at least one inductive heating coil, which encloses the flow channel coaxially and forms a heating zone; and guiding a cooling gas through a radially outside region of the flow channel.
US08137426B2	Filter mounts for a portable fan and methods for mounting a filter to a portable fan A filter frame is removably attachable to a box fan. The filter frame is adapted for receiving a standard HVAC-style filter for removing contaminants from air flow induced by the fan. In this manner, a cost-effective means for filtering a flow of air is provided for residential and commercial settings. The filter frame is adaptable to a variety of standard box fan types of different styles and dimensions. The frame is configured to accommodate standard filters, such as those readily available from retail hardware stores and home centers.
US08137424B2	Air cleaning device for internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine An air cleaner device that has a reduced size achieved by curving an air introduction path, that has a cleaner element with extended service life, and in which air flows uniformly in a clean chamber. The air introduction path (21) having an exit (21o) open to a dust chamber (12) of an air cleaner chamber (11) of an air cleaner (10) has a bent path partitioned by a flow regulation plate (22) into an inside branch path (23) inside the curve and an outside branch path (24) outside the curve. Airflows separately flowing into the dust chamber (12) from the exit (21o) after passing through the inside and outside branch paths (23, 24) are deflected upward and directed toward the cleaner element (F) by a first deflection section (33) and a second deflection section (34) arranged in the dust chamber (12). The second deflection section (34) is located at a position closer in the front-rear direction to the exit (21o) than the first deflection section (33).
US08137423B2	Method of making abrasive article A method of making an abrasive article comprising an abrasive disc (1) of non-woven fibres having a central shaft (3) and a hub (2) securing the shaft (3) to the abrasive disc (1). The method comprising forming the hub (3) by injecting molten thermoplastic material into the abrasive disc (1), and allowing the thermoplastic material to cool and solidify such that the shaft (3) is secured to the abrasive disc (1). The invention provides a simple, economical and effective method of securing a shaft to a disc.
US08137420B2	Densified fuel pellets A method of producing a biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The method commonly includes compressing a feed mixture to form a densified material, where the feed mixture includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.
US08137419B2	Odorant mixture for odorless gas fuel The invention concerns a composition for use in particular as odorant of a gas fuel, more particularly of natural gas, comprising: 0.1 to 49.9 particles by weight of at least one alkyl sulphur (I) of formula: R1—S—R2, wherein R1 and R2, identical or different, represent: an alkyl radical comprising 1 to 4 carbon atom; or R1 and R2 together with the sulfur atom to which they are bound represent a saturated or unsaturated ring including 3 to 5 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 alkenyl; 50 to 99.8 parts by weight of at least two alkyl acrylates (II) the alkyl radicals of which comprise 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 8: 0.001 parts by weight of at least compound (III) inhibiting polymerization of the alkyl acrylates (II).
US08137414B2	Coloring and perming compositions for hair The present invention is related to an aqueous composition comprising an alkalizing agent and a cationic polymer. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found out that a composition comprising at least one alkalizing agent and a cationic polymer consisting of a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole and a homopolymer of dimethyl dially ammonium chloride colors and/or permanently shapes hair excellently and improves hair shine, combability and manageability and especially hair treated with such composition has less flyaway. Additionally it has been observed that hair colored and/or permanently shaped more homogeneously from root to tips. The object of the present invention is a composition for hair comprising at least one alkalizing agent and a cationic polymer consisting of a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole and a homopolymer of dimethyl dially ammonium chloride. Cationic charge density of the polymer is preferably between 3 and 4 mEq/g and particularly 3.7 mEq/g at pH 7.0.
US08137413B2	Coloring composition An aqueous oxidative coloring composition for keratin fibers has at least one oxidative dye precursor and optionally at least one coupling agent and an aqueous emulsion of divinyldimethicone/dimethicone copolymer with an internal phase viscosity of more than 1×108 mm2/s measured at 0.01 Hz and at about 25° C. and at least one alkyl ether or ester or amine alkyl amine or quaternary ammonium compound.
US08137403B2	Hemi-interbody spinal fusion implants manufactured from a major long bone ring An interbody spinal implant comprising cortical bone having a width less than one-half the width of the disc space into which it is adapted to be inserted. The implant has a leading end that is asymmetrical from side to side and/or includes a straight portion adapted to be used in side-by-side pairs.
US08137402B2	Vertebral defect device A vertebral defect device for insertion into an intervertebral space between a pair of adjacent vertebrae and for assisting in fusion between the adjacent vertebrae includes a rigid body having an distal end, a proximal end, a top, a bottom and a pair of lateral sides. The distal end is tapered in a general direction that extends between the top and the bottom of the body in order to facilitate insertion of the body into the intervertebral space. At least a first arch is proximate the top of the body and extends from the proximal end of the body toward the distal end of the body. The first arch is spaced from both lateral sides of the body. At least a second arch is proximate the bottom of the body and extends from the proximal end toward the distal end. The second arch is spaced from both lateral sides and is generally laterally aligned with the first arch for providing a rigid, generally vertical support.
US08137400B2	Tensile force-adjustable fixing tool for fixing tendon graft and ligament reconstruction method A fixing tool used in a ligament reconstruction operation includes a fixing member having a main body part provided with a through-hole and two spike parts which can be stricken into the bone and a fixing screw. The fixing screw includes a shaft part having a self-tap portion and a male screw portion, a head part, and a lumen. The fixing screw can be screwed into the bone plug in a state where a guide pin pierced into the bone plug penetrates the lumen of the fixing screw and a pulling member mounted to the bone plug and extended from the bone tunnel is being pulled. The fixing screw can adjust a tensile force of the tendon graft by adjusting the amount of screwing of the fixing screw into the bone plug after the head part of the fixing screw contacts the fixing member.
US08137397B2	Medical devices Medical devices, particularly stents, suitable for drug delivery and including a sugar, sugar derivative, inorganic ionic salt, polysaccharide, amino acid, amino acid derivative, polypeptide, surfactant, or combination thereof, are disclosed.
US08137394B2	Valve with delayed leaflet deployment A valve for use in a body lumen, where the valve includes a valve leaflet with delayed leaflet deployment relative an in vivo implant time. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame. The valve leaflet includes a commissure that can reversibly seal for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve, and a biodegradable adhesive between the valve leaflet and the valve frame to hold at least the commissure of the valve leaflet in a static relationship relative the valve frame for a predetermined time once implanted in vivo.
US08137391B2	High viscosity composition A high viscosity composition which according to the invention comprises at least one polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block copolymer (poloxamer) having the structural formula HO(C2H4O)a (C3H6O)b (C2H4O)a H and having an average molecular weight of above 6000; at least one additional polymer having an average molecular weight of above 150000, and a dispersion medium, comprising at least one freezing point depressing dispersant and at least one freezing point non-depressing dispersant. The composition is heatable above the body temperature of a mammal and coolable below 0° C. within a predetermined temperature range.
US08137388B2	Transverse connector for rod-based spinal implants A spinal implant system is provided for correcting spinal abnormalities. The system involves connectors configured to fit over spinal implant rods, a transverse rod, and a locking member for fixing each connector to the spinal implant rod and transverse rod. The connector is configured such that when the locking member is in a first position, the transverse rod is temporarily fixed to the connector, and when the locking member is in a second position, both the transverse rod and spinal implant rod are fixed to the connector.
US08137386B2	Polyaxial bone screw apparatus A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandible retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.
US08137385B2	System and method for dynamic vertebral stabilization An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.
US08137383B2	Knotless suture anchor and method for knotlessly securing tissues A method for securing first and second tissues with a suture anchor. The steps include forming a borehole in the first tissue; threading a suture through the second tissue forming a loop in the suture with the tissue thereby secured in the loop, the loop defining two suture portions; attaching the two suture portions to the anchor whereby the two suture portions are threaded through the anchor and initially movable with respect to the anchor; and providing a force to a shaft of the anchor, the force causing clamping of the two suture portions in the anchor and deformation of a deformable portion of the anchor to cause the deformable portion to engage a wall of the borehole thereby to secure the suture anchor in the first tissue and the loop holding the second tissue to the suture anchor.
US08137375B2	Nasal packing device A kit for packing and supporting the nasal cavities after surgical procedures performed on the nose having two inflatable non-elastomeric balloons (6′, 6″) and inflation port arrangement (27) arranged so that, in use, each balloon (6′, 6″) can be located in a nasal cavity and inflated.
US08137367B2	Obesity treatment tools and methods Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08137366B2	Obesity treatment tools and methods Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08137364B2	Articulating suturing device and method Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract. The suture may be provided with a bight between first and second ends, the bight including one or more loops prearranged to define a pre-tied knot when one or more ends of the suture passed therethrough. A suture cutting blade may be positioned on the device such that when the needle is withdrawn from the device, the suture can be drawn across the blade to sever the suture.
US08137363B2	Electrical dermabrasion device An electrical dermabrasion device (10) for exfoliating a foot includes a hollow main body (12); an abrasion unit (32, 42) connected to the main body (12), for exfoliating the foot; and a driving unit (14, 16, 18) incorporated in a hollow portion of the main body (12), for rotating the abrasion unit (32, 42).
US08137357B2	Rod coercer A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating handle branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second handle branches, first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the first and second handle branches, and means for releasably locking the handle branches and the implant gripping arms in a closed and locked position. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes a single handle having first and second implant gripping arms connected by a bridge and pivotally attached to the handle, and spring-loaded implant gripping arms for gripping sides of an implant. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes an adjustable rod contacting arm which can be adjusted to a desired angle with respect to the handles of the coercer. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes pivotally interconnected handle branches, each of which is divided into upper and lower branch portions which are pivotally interconnected with each other, an implant gripping assembly extending from the lower branch portions of the handle branches, and a rod contacting arm slidably and pivotally coupled to the upper and lower branch portions. In another embodiment, the implant gripping arms of the rod coercer of the present invention are secured to each other by a flexible retainer.
US08137356B2	Flexible guide for insertion of a vertebral stabilization system An installation system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an implant guide and an insert. The implant guide includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The distal end of the shaft is configured for engagement with a head portion of a vertebral anchor. The shaft has flexibility characteristics allowing the shaft to flexibly bend between a first configuration and a second configuration. The insert is slidably disposed along the shaft of the implant guide. The insert inhibits the shaft from bending from the second configuration to the first configuration.
US08137355B2	Spinal stabilization installation instrumentation and methods A system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an installation tool including a handle portion and a shaft extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft includes a conduit and a staple mechanism. The system also includes a flexible implant member extending along the conduit configured to be advanced out from a distal end of the shaft, and a staple housed in the staple mechanism. The staple is configured to secure the flexible implant member to a vertebra. The handle portion is configured to selectively advance the flexible implant member from the shaft and to selectively actuate the staple mechanism.
US08137354B2	Localized cartilage defect therapy Methods of repairing cartilage defects are provided. The cartilage defect is identified and shaped to prepare the cartilage defect for a localized therapy. The cartilage defect is isolated with an isolation device. The localized therapy is then delivered to the cartilage defect through the isolation device.
US08137352B2	Expandable intervertebral tool system and method The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, the at least one expandable member operably connected to the at least one abrading member such that as the at least one expandable member expands from the first condition to the second condition, the at least one abrading member is moved from a first position to a second position. The system includes an expansion media for insertion within the at least one expandable member and an expansion media conduit for delivering the expansion media to the at least one expandable member to expand the at least one expandable member from the first condition to the second condition.
US08137350B2	Fracture fixator for femoral trochanteric fracture In an internal fixator having a sliding mechanism for treating femoral trochanteric fracture, it is intended to firmly hold the femoral head by setting a sliding direction at a high angle. The fixator is constituted of a sliding nail, a femoral head nail, and a sleeve plate. The sliding nail is inserted at a high angle of about 160° in relation to a femoral axis. The femoral head nail is inserted at a low angle of about 95°. A tip of the femoral head nail is located within the femoral head. The femoral head nail is combined and joined with the sliding nail within the bone. A sliding nail passes and slides within the sleeve of the sleeve plate. A sliding direction is consistent with a tangential direction of an inner cortical bone at a fracture side. Thus, displacement between the fracture edges is less likely to occur and excessive shortening can be avoided. With the femoral head nail, the femoral head can be firmly held.
US08137347B2	Method of fracture fixation An external fixator includes a main body and an outrigger for extending over a fractured joint, such as a wrist joint. The main body can be positioned next to a right arm, or flipped over and positioned next to a left arm. The outrigger is attachable to extend either to the left or to the right of the main body, as appropriate. A distal body is removeably connectable to the distal end of the main body, and the distal body can be affixed to bone on the opposite side of the fracture to immobilize the joint where the fracture occurs. The distal body is connected to the main body with an adjustable securement section which provides six degrees of adjustment freedom. The outrigger is attached to the main body through a slide plate in a dual rail configuration which provides two dimensions of adjustment. Fragment pin supports ride in a track of the outrigger, and provide seven degrees of adjustment freedom for directed fixation of fragments at the fracture site. The outrigger is pivotally adjustable relative to the main body, and includes track portions separated by a wrap around angle. The major components of the fixator are molded of plastic. A surgical technique using the fixator includes immobilizing the joint for an initial healing duration and retaining fragment pins in place during a secondary healing duration.
US08137346B2	Electrosurgical lesion location device A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. The first plurality of locator wires mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal retracted position and a deployed distal position. The second plurality of locator wires is mounted for movement between a distal retracted position and a proximal deployed position. The locator wires are electrically energized to facilitate their deployment electrosurgically.
US08137345B2	Electrosurgical devices for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
US08137344B2	Flexible, automated capsulorhexis device A capsularhexis electrode device and corresponding insertion tool are disclosed. A flexible capsulorhexis electrode device comprises an elastomeric ring, first and second electrically conductive traces disposed at a first face of the elastomeric ring and extending concentrically around the elastomeric ring, and first and second electrically conductive connectors. The first and second electrically conductive connectors are electrically connected to the first and second traces, respectively, and are disposed at opposing points across the elastomeric ring from one another. An insertion tool includes first and second stretcher bars with connectors for mating to the electrode device. One of the stretcher bars translates relative to the other to elongate the flexible electrode device for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye through a small incision.
US08137340B2	Apparatus and method for soft tissue ablation employing high power diode-pumped laser The present invention discloses a high power diode-pumped laser for laser ablation of soft tissue. The present invention contemplates to operate the high power diode-pumped solid-state laser at a continuous Q-switching mode and at a big number of transverse modes. The present invention also contemplates to reduce beam divergence and beam spot size and thus to increase power density of the laser on target tissue to improve the speed of tissue ablation. The present invention further contemplates to minimize power consumption such that external water-cooling or secondary cooling loop can be eliminated. The present invention even further contemplates to implement combined mechanisms to protect intracavity optics from power damage. Finally, the present invention contemplates hospitals and surgeon offices to use the high power diode-pumped laser for soft tissue ablation with standard electrical wall-plug outlet and elimination of inconvenient external water-cooling or secondary cooling loop.
US08137339B2	Working mechanism and manipulator A working unit includes a gear body disposed forwardly of a tubular member around which a wire is wound and having a rotational axis disposed substantially parallel to the tubular member, and a first gear and a second gear for transmitting rotation of a gear body to another gear body. The numbers of turns of wires, the size of a main shaft, and the size of a gear body, which are positioned forwardly of the tubular member, have no adverse effect on the manner in which a wire is wound around the tubular member. The wire can be wound around the tubular member over a wide region thereof for increasing the angular displacement of the gear body. The increased angular displacement of the gear body makes it possible to increase the angular displacement and rotational torque of the gear body.
US08137338B2	Tissue patches and related delivery systems and methods Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A tissue patch includes a substrate, a tissue implant attached to the substrate, and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. A method includes providing a tissue patch having a tissue implant attached to a substrate and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. The tissue patch is formed into a contracted state and inserted into a lumen containing the lesion. The tissue patch then is positioned in the vicinity of the lesion. After removing the protective liner to reveal the tissue implant, the tissue implant is placed in the lesion.
US08137337B2	Indwelling urinary catheter with self-retaining mechanism A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.
US08137334B2	Reduction of inflammatory mass with spinal catheters Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes that develop significant back pressure to enhance uniform delivery of the drug over an infusion section; catheters that have two or more infusion sections spaced apart along the length of the same catheter, catheters that include two or more infusion sections serviced by independent lumens (such that, e.g., different drug solutions can be delivered to the different infusion sections); implantable drug delivery systems with pumps and multiple reservoirs from which drugs can be delivered; systems that are capable of delivering drug solutions with selected densities; etc. Methods for treating diseases, including pain and spasticity are also discussed, as well as methods for screening patients and optimizing therapies. In addition, methods for delivering a drug to a brain through a spinal canal are described.
US08137331B2	Protection tampon and method of making A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed. Microwave conditioning of tampon pledgets following compression is disclosed as part of the tampon formation process.
US08137330B2	Expandable and portable emesis receptacle A liquid receptacle made of a wire frame and a disposable and biodegradable material that is substantially impervious to water. The liquid receptacle is capable of being expanded and collapsed for ease of transportation and storage. For ease of use, the liquid receptacle is shaped with a flat bottom allowing it to stand without support, and equipped with a flap surrounding a top opening of the receptacle. For ease of transportation after use, a cord is supplied around the flap for closing the top opening of the liquid receptacle.
US08137329B2	Method and apparatus for transforming a delivery container into a waste disposal system This application teaches practical and cost effective methods and apparatus to enhance supply chain efficiency by transforming fluid enclosing supply delivery containers in to collection and disposal containers, and in particular, providing inter alia, a canister system having a lid which would couple to either a thread able supply container or a spike able supply container. This enables the user to select from a plurality of supply containers for the collection and removal of waste such as a threaded pour bottle type of supply container, or a spike able type of intravenous solution supply container.
US08137325B2	Needle mounting system and a method for mounting a needle assembly A needle mounting system and methods for mounting a needle assembly on a needle mount are disclosed. The needle mounting system includes a needle hub having protrusions extending radially inward. A needle mount has a plurality of slots to receive the protrusions. The slots have a first portion that defines a passageway substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the needle mount and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the axis. The needle hub and mount provide a method wherein a needle assembly may be mounted on an injection device without completely rotating the needle hub relative to the needle mount.
US08137324B2	Syringe with internal safety device A syringe includes a syringe cylinder, a sealing plug movably disposed within the syringe cylinder, and with a plunger cooperating with the sealing plug. A safety device prevents a sliding back of the sealing plug within the syringe cylinder in any position the sealing plug assumes within the syringe cylinder. The safety device has a locking element which engages at the plunger in any position the plunger assumes within the syringe cylinder. The locking element is attached to a retaining fixture and protrudes from the retaining fixture same such that an attachment point of the locking element is closer to the sealing plug at the retaining fixture than the free end of the locking element opposite of the attachment point.
US08137323B2	Anchoring a medical instrument Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.
US08137322B2	Stabilization assist device for trocar A stabilizer is provided to secure and fix the position of a cannula assembly relative to tissue. The stabilizer is a liquid swellable member which expands within an incision in tissue in response to the absorption of a liquid. The stabilizer includes an inner adhesive layer to secure the stabilizer relative to a cannula assembly. The stabilizer is formed of a polymeric gel or foam. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is fixedly secured to an elongate tubular member of a cannula assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the stabilizer is mounted for longitudinal movement along an elongate tubular member of a cannula assembly.
US08137320B2	Securement for a surgical site marker and deployment device for same A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.
US08137318B2	Surgical protection device for a surgical sealing element and surgical sealing system In order to improve a surgical protection device for a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, the protection device comprising a base member which can be arranged on the trocar or on a part thereof, is closed in a ring shape and has an opening and several protection elements which are arranged in circumferential direction and point parallel or towards a longitudinal axis of the protection device, the protection elements having free ends pointing essentially in a distal direction, such that protection of the sealing element can be as complete as possible irrespective of the degree of expansion thereof, it is suggested that at least some of the protection elements have retaining elements on an outer side at their free ends or in the area of their free ends for engagement with the sealing element.Furthermore, an improved surgical sealing system is suggested.
US08137313B2	Device for injection of a product, in particular for medical use A medical device for the injection of a product. The device includes a body receiving an injection needle and a container containing the product to be injected; an arrangement for holding the needle in an injection position; an arrangement for holding the container in a position permitting injection; and, a piston engaged in the container. The device also includes first and second actuators which make it possible, at the end of the injection, to respectively release the arrangement for holding the needle before, or simultaneously to, the release of the arrangement for holding the container. A container support is mounted slidably on the body and is displaceable relative to the latter in order to perform the injection. The container support is held in a standby position before injection with the needle being held in the injection position.
US08137310B2	Syringe hub A syringe hub comprises a hub body which is engagable with a syringe body, a needle held by the hub body, a movable bung element within a flow passage of the hub body, and at least one fixed engagement element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and which is non-releasably engagable with the bung element to block a flow path defined by the hub body and the needle. The movable bung element including a cap element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and a splayable engagement element which extends from the cap element. The splayable engagement element includes a plurality of legs. A syringe which has a syringe body and the said syringe hub is also provided.
US08137309B2	Indwelling urinary drainage catheter A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.
US08137307B2	Syringe devices, components of syringe devices, and methods of forming components and syringe devices A syringe device includes a syringe barrel and piston having a fluid passageway extending from a vial port. Another syringe device includes a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A channel extends along a side of the insert. A valve controls fluid communication between the channel and the syringe barrel. Another syringe device has a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A valve controls fluid communication between a compartment within the insert and the syringe barrel. A method of preparing a medication includes providing a component within a syringe barrel and another component within a compartment of a piston insert. A seal is over-molded onto a tip of the insert and an end of a piston sleeve. The sleeve is rotated relative to the insert to establish fluid communication between the compartment and the barrel chamber.
US08137305B2	Programmable electric breast pump A programmable electric breast pump system includes a vacuum pump pneumatically coupled to breast cups and a vacuum relief valve bypassing the vacuum pump. A controller receives command input from a vacuum level selector and a vacuum rate selector, and feedback from a pressure sensor measuring vacuum in the breast cups. In response, the controller cycles the relief valve between minimum and maximum vacuum setpoints to create a periodic vacuum pulse in the breast cups. By adjusting the vacuum min/max levels and vacuum rate, a user may change the strength of the pulse after let-down, or synchronize the frequency of the pulse with the natural refractory time of a lactating breast. Related methods for operating a breast pump mimic the suckling cycle of a nursing infant and may include steps for bypassing a vacuum pump with a vacuum relief valve, selecting a vacuum rate and a vacuum level, driving a vacuum pump at the selected vacuum rate, cycling the relief valve according to the vacuum level, and adjusting the vacuum level until the vacuum pulses in phase with a natural refractory time.
US08137303B2	Vascular access device cleaning status indication A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal whether and to what extent at least a portion of the vascular access device has been cleaned.
US08137302B2	Methods and systems for occluding collateral flow channels in the lung The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.
US08137298B2	Absorbing medical binder system and method Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state. The inner layer and the outer layer are coupled to one another at or near a first end of the inner layer and a first end of the outer layer, and a second end of the inner layer and a second end of the outer layer are configured to allow movement relative to one another.
US08137296B2	Wrist guard A wrist guard has a glove body and two adjustable support parts. The glove body has a palm-holding part and two connection parts. The palm-holding part is mounted in an upper half portion of the glove body. The two connection parts are mounted to a lower half portion of the glove body and have a through hole respectively. The adjustable support parts are adjustably mounted to the corresponding connection part. Each of them has a support piece and a locking module. The support piece having an interconnection part is movably mounted to the corresponding connection part, and a locating slot is formed through the interconnection part to overlap with the through hole of the corresponding connection part. The locking module passes through the through hole of the corresponding connection part and locating slot to position the support piece on the corresponding connection part.
US08137295B2	Manually powered pulsating jet device A manually powered portable device for creating a high-pressure pulsating stream of water or other liquid is disclosed. The device is intended for use in flushing and cleaning dentures. The device has a reservoir for storing the water or liquid, a piston and cylinder for pressurizing the water, a trigger operated slide valve for releasing the water from the reservoir and a rotating cylinder for creating the pulsating flow through the output nozzle of the device.
US08137294B2	Two-piece bandage system, swab and cotton product A bandage for covering an affected area of the skin is provided. The bandage including: a first bandage having an adhesive for adhering to the skin and an opening for exposing the affected area; a second bandage for covering the opening; and a releasable attachment system for releasably securing the second bandage to the first bandage to cover the opening. Also provided is a swab including: a tubular body having a conduit and a breakable wall portion disposed in the conduit; a fluid disposed in the conduit; and a cotton swab disposed at an end of the tubular body; wherein bending of the tubular body breaks the breakable wall portion allowing the fluid to flow into the cotton swab. Still further provided is a cotton product including: a cotton body; and a breakable capsule disposed in the body, the breakable capsule having a cavity filled with a fluid.
US08137293B2	Guidewires including a porous nickel-titanium alloy Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include an elongate shaft. The shaft may include a porous metal alloy. The porous metal alloy may be arranged so that the porous metal alloy has a first pore distribution along a first portion of the shaft and a second pore distribution different from the first pore distribution along a second portion of the shaft.
US08137292B2	Elongated medical device for intracorporal use Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for medical devices. Some embodiments disclosed deal with attachment of an elongated structure, such as a wire or ribbon, or a tubular member, such as a coil, to an elongated member in an elongated device. For example, an elongated core member having defining an outer surface, and an elongated structure including a first portion and a second expanded portion along the length thereof can be provided. An attachment member, such as a centering ring, or the like, is disposed about a portion of the elongated core member and a part of the first portion of the elongated structure. The attachment member defines a lumen and having an inner surface. Part of the first portion of the elongated structure is disposed between the inner surface of the attachment member and the outer surface of the elongated core member. A part of the second portion of the elongated structure is in mechanical engagement with the inner surface of the attachment member and the outer surface the elongated core member to provide a mechanical coupling of the elongated structure between the attachment member and the elongated core member. Some embodiments provide a method of making such a construction, wherein the elongated structure can be moved relative to the attachment member such that the second portion of the elongated structure engages the inner surface of the attachment member and the outer surface the elongated core member to mechanically couple the elongated structure to the elongated core member.
US08137291B2	Wire guide having distal coupling tip A coupling wire guide generally includes a main body defined by a first wire wound around a safety wire. A first loop is defined by an enlarged revolution of the first wire within a distal portion of the main body. The first loop is sized to receive a previously introduced wire guide for coupling the two wire guides.
US08137276B2	Method and apparatus for guidance and application of high intensity focused ultrasound for control of bleeding due to severed limbs An ultrasonic diagnostic and therapy system is described for stopping the bleeding of severely damaged bloodvessels or vessels severed in a limb amputation. A cuff (30) is attached to the stump of the severed limb which contains a diagnostic transducer array and a HIFU transducer (42, 44). The diagnostic transducer surveys the tissue of the severed limb, searching for a Doppler flow signal. When a Doppler flow signal is detected, the range to and coordinates of the sample volume where the flow was detected are determined, as well as the flow velocity. This information is supplied to a HIFU therapy transducer controller, which controls the HIFU transducer to transmit focused ultrasound to the sample volume of the flow locus, the center of the lumen of a blood vessel. The focused ultrasound heats and coagulates blood in the severed vessel to stem the bleeding.
US08137273B2	Systems and methods for integrating hemodynamic and imaging examinations Hemodynamic data and imaging data are obtained about a patient, and the data is combined to generate a single report integrating same. While a hemodynamic system obtains the hemodynamic data, an imaging system obtains the imaging data. Preferably, the report confirms the absence or presence (and/or severity) of peripheral arterial disease, including quantitative data. The hemodynamic system and the imaging system can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. They may be contained within a common enclosure and/or integrated into a single apparatus. Either or both of the hemodynamic system and/or the imaging system can also be configured to measure the blood pressure of the patient. Preferably, the imaging system is an ultrasound imaging system, and improved workflows for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease result.
US08137272B2	Ultrasonic synthetic transmit focusing with a multiline beamformer An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned and are combined with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to prevent undesired phase cancellation. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. To prevent motion artifacts the multiline order is adjustable as a function of image motion.
US08137269B2	Method and system for managing physiological system A method and system for managing physiological systems is provided. The physiological system management (PSM) system includes one or more signal acquisition blocks to collect physiological information. The PSM system includes oversampled filterbanks for transferring one or more input signal related to the physiological information into subband signals, and a subband processing scheme for processing the outputs from the oversampled filterbanks for event detection in one or more physiological systems. The PSM system includes an adaptive controller which decides on the proper control measure and delivers the measure to the one or more physiological systems.
US08137264B2	Endoscope system having two endoscopes with different viewing angles An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first observation optical system with a first viewing angle; and a second endoscope that includes a second observation optical system with a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle. A second distance from a second distal end face of an insertion portion of the second endoscope to a minimum focal point of the second observation optical system is shorter than a first distance from a first distal end face of a distal end portion of the first endoscope to a minimum focal point of the first observation optical system.
US08137263B2	Articulating endoscope instrument An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided that includes a handle portion, an elongated middle portion, an articulating portion and a tool portion. The tool portion is steerable by control mechanisms disposed on the handle portion which are accessible to a single hand of a user of the endoscopic surgical instrument. The endoscopic surgical instrument is advantageously employed in a variety of endoscopic surgical techniques, including transgastric or transluminal surgery.
US08137261B2	Device for the treatment of obesity A device for the treatment of obesity includes at least one first and one second band each with closure means for closing the particular band to form a ring. The first band is connected or is connectable with an enveloping part and is placeable about the esophagus, the stomach or a transition region between the esophagus and the stomach. The second band, also connected or connectable with the enveloping part, is placeable about the stomach distally to the first band and spaced apart from it, and the region of the stomach located between the first and the second band is envelopable by the enveloping part.
US08137257B1	Magnetic therapeutic device and method of using the same A magnetic therapeutic device useful for medical purposes wherein the head or body part of a user is exposed to a magnetic field created by magnetic elements having opposite polarities. One side of the treated volume, member or body cavity receives a magnetic flux having a north to south polarity while at the same time the opposite side of the treated volume or member is subject to a south to north polarity. The magnetic therapeutic device comprises two permanently mounted magnetic elements, means for mounting the said magnetic elements and means for holding the said magnetic elements at a particular location and substantially opposite sides to each other.
US08137253B2	Automatic bag handling system for precisely securing a plastic handle to a plastic bag An automatic handle attaching system and method for precisely securing a plastic handle on an edge of a preformed plastic bag is described. The system comprises a delivery conveyor for conveying spaced-apart groups of flat plastic bags with each group having two or more bags disposed one on top of the other and offset along a leading straight edge thereof which is oriented approximately transverse to a conveying direction of a conveyor. Two or more automated bag handling mechanisms are disposed spaced-apart adjacent the conveyor at respective bag transfer stations. Each of the bag handling mechanisms are independently operated and have an orientable bag engaging hand secured to an articulated arm. The bag handling mechanisms are independently controlled by a controller whereby to orient the bag engaging hand in alignment with a top one of the groups of bags at its transfer station and to transfer the bag to a handle securing station where the bag is precisely positioned with respect to a handle which is then welded thereto. After the handle is welded its relationship with respect to other parts of the bag is verified and the bag with the handle is then transferred to a magazine for accumulation to form bag bundles which are then automatically transferred for bundle securement and shipping.
US08137250B1	Abdominal exercising apparatus An abdominal exercising apparatus includes a frame with a first lateral member, a second lateral member, a first end member and a second end member attached together in a rectangular configuration. A pair of slides is provided. Each of the first and second lateral members has one of the slides attached thereto. The slides are slidable toward or away from the second end members and are engageable with a person's foot. A connecting assembly is coupled to each of the slides. The connecting assembly couples together the slides to cause a first one of the slides to move away from the second end member when a second one of the slides is moved toward the second end member. A person's feet are positionable on the slides while the person faces the upper surface of the frame. The person moves the slides back and forth to exercise the person's abdominal muscles.
US08137249B2	Exercise apparatus This description is not intended to limit the scope of the claims herein. An exercise device comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which is designed to carry and restrain one end of a cantilevered resilient member. Said connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. The resilient members can be affixed to any of the connection interfaces that the user desires, so that the resilient members can be positioned in a correspondingly wide range of locations and angular orientations relative to the base to enable the user to perform a wide range of exercises on the apparatus by gripping and exerting a force on the resilient members or other handles attached to the resilient members.
US08137244B2	Cross over flywheel exercise device An exercise device for the crossover step, including an upper wheel supported, the upper wheel having a skating surface and being rotatable; a lower wheel joined to the upper wheel via a hub, the lower wheel having idler wheels supporting the upper wheel; upper legs and lower legs, the upper and lower legs being joined to the lower wheel; a track joined to the upper legs and lower legs, the track adapted to allow the upper wheel, lower wheel, upper legs and lower legs to be stored vertically against a wall and positioned for use adjacent a floor; and mechanism for controlled increase of simulated G-forces applied to a skater skating on the skating surface.
US08137228B2	Transmission system A sun gear of a first planetary gear train is connected to an input shaft. A carrier 9 of the first planetary gear train is connected to a sun gear of a second planetary gear train and to a first pump/motor. A ring gear of the first planetary gear train is connected to a second pump/motor, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear train is connected to an output shaft. A first clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the second planetary gear train and the ring gear of the first planetary gear train with and from each other, and a second clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the carrier of the second planetary gear train and a fixed end with and from each other.
US08137226B2	Silent chain A silent chain that can reduce friction loss during travel of a chain. A silent chain 1 is configured by stacking a large number of link plates 2 comprising a pair of tooth parts 22 and pin holes 21 in the thickness direction and the lengthwise direction, and also arranging guide plates 4 on the outermost side of the link plates 2, and coupling the link plates 2 and the guide plates 4 by means of connecting pins 3. Protruding parts 45 which can come into sliding contact with guide parts 56B of a chain guide 56 and guide parts 57B of a tension arm 57 during travel of the silent chain 1 are provided on an outer side surface 4A of the guide plates 4. The contact between the silent chain 1 and the chain guide 56 and tension arm 57 is made to be point contact, and friction loss during travel of the chain can be reduced.
US08137224B2	Tensioner for endless transmission belt and internal combustion engine having the tensioner A tensioner for an endless transmission belt includes a plunger body. A plunger is movably provided in a hole of the plunger body to press the belt. A chamber is provided between the plunger and the plunger body to store hydraulic oil. An oil supply passage is provided in the plunger body to supply the oil from an oil pump to the chamber. A check valve is provided between the chamber and the passage and configured to allow the oil to be supplied from the pump to the chamber while the check valve is configured to be closed when a pressure in the chamber is higher than a pressure of the oil supplied by the pump. A relief valve is provided between the chamber and the passage and configured to discharge the oil in the chamber to the passage when the pressure in the chamber exceeds a first predetermined value.
US08137223B2	Bicycle rear derailleur A bicycle rear derailleur is provided with a base member, a movable member, a moving mechanism and an angular adjustment arrangement. The base member includes a first support portion and a first axle with the first support portion being pivotally mounted on the first axle. The movable member includes a second support portion, a chain guide and a second axle with the chain guide being pivotally mounted on the second support portion by the second axle. The moving mechanism is coupled between the first and second support portions. The angular adjustment arrangement is operatively coupled to either electrically pivot the first support portion relative to the first axle, or electrically pivot the chain guide relative to the second support portion when the moving mechanism is moved to move the second support portion of the movable member relative to the first support portion of the base member.
US08137222B2	Accessory drive tensioner system An accessory drive tensioner system may include a bracket, a coupling mechanism, and a biasing member. The bracket may have an aperture therethrough and a tensioner hub coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism may extend through the aperture to rotatably couple the bracket to a mounting member that is fixed relative to an engine. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and the bracket to bias the bracket axially along the coupling mechanism.
US08137220B2	Electronic marker stakes for sports fields A marker stake for locating a boundary reference point on a sports field can be buried and out of sight when not in use, and then quickly located using an electronic receiver which detects a signal emitted by an electronic marker in the marker stake. Various field boundary indicators can be removably attached to the marker stake. The stake may be embodied in a cylindrical body constructed of a moldable polymer with a socket at one end for receiving a pin or post of the field boundary indicator, and the electronic marker embedded inside the body. The electronic marker may be a passive LC marker tuned to a frequency associated with a known field sport. Different sets of such marker stakes tuned to different frequencies may be used to mark and relocate reference points for multiple sports played on the same field.
US08137213B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. At least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of less than 1.05 g/cc and/or at least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of greater than 1.25 g/cc.
US08137211B2	Method of making a golf ball with a multi-layer core A multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.
US08137209B2	Indoor and outdoor golf swing training apparatus A golf training apparatus that is capable of operation both indoors and outdoors is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of anchor points, through which there are placed a plurality of anchors, typically comprising golf tees, for anchoring the apparatus outdoors. The apparatus further includes a cleated surface configured to adhere to a carpeted surface for anchoring the apparatus indoors. The apparatus further comprises a guide line retractably coupled to a tensile mechanism, whereby a golf player may, after coupling a golf club or putter to the guide line of the apparatus, determine based upon the motion of the guide line, whether the player's stroke is accurate or requires correction.
US08137208B2	Automatic real-time game scoring device and golf club swing analyzer An automatic real-time game scoring device and golf club swing analyzer which may include enhanced capability based on GPS parametric and golf course specific information. One aspect of the invention includes the capability to assess a player's swing as a function of ball strike, club information, and length of an actual golf shot. In another aspect of the invention, the device provides for scoring a game as a function of the club used, the shot characteristics, and specific course parameter such as the hole played, game conditions, which may be analyzed during game play, as well as post game. The system presented according to the present invention is capable of adding to an individual's score only actual golf ball shots while ignoring practice swings. For recreational golf, the system allows for user overrides (“whiffs” and “mulligans”) at the golfer's digression.
US08137207B2	Golf swing practice apparatus A golf swing practice apparatus is provided including a rotating drum, a plurality of laser generating means mounted on the rotating drum, an elongated cord including a proximal end secured to the rotating drum and a distal end secured to a golf ball whereby the golf ball is tethered to the rotating drum, a base member having an impact area over which a user may swing a golf club, and a frame structure secured to the base member and to the rotating drum whereby the frame structure holds the rotating drum in an elevated position above the base member. The rotating drum rotates with the golf ball when the golf ball is struck by the user. At least one of the plurality of laser generating means generates a laser beam which propagates substantially along the path of the golf ball. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of laser generating means generates a laser beam which propagates parallel to a theoretical path of a fairway.
US08137205B2	Motion-based attraction The present disclosure provides a motion-based attraction device engagable with a plurality of spaced guest supports that are movable along a path, having a rotatable carousel configured to temporarily and separately synchronize with the plurality of spaced guest supports, at least one pair of domes supported by the carousel, each dome having a viewing portion that is positioned towards the guest supports and the dome being movable to temporarily cover the guest supports, and an image projecting assembly supported by each dome and configured to display an image on the viewing portion.
US08137200B2	Networked gaming system having a browser manager An integrated browser manager and networked gaming system that provides server based dynamic content onto a content display area of one or more gaming machines is disclosed. The system includes: a browser manager, one or more application servers connected to the browser manager by a server-to-server (S2S) server and S2S web service, and one or more gaming machines are connected to the browser manager by a game-to-server (G2S) server and G2S web service. The browser manager includes a user interface application and a core service, wherein the user interface application generates a user interface display on a user control station. Each gaming machine includes a network interface to receive external content from the application server via the browser manager, and a content display area for displaying the external content.
US08137199B2	Partitioned artificial intelligence for networked games Partitioned artificial intelligence (AI) for networked gaming. An exemplary system splits the AI into a computationally lightweight server-side component and a computationally intensive client-side component to harness the aggregate computational power of numerous gaming clients. Aggregating resources of many, even thousands of client machines enhances game realism in a manner that would be prohibitively expensive on the central server. The system is tolerant of latency between server and clients. Deterministic and stateless client-side components enable rapid handoff, preemptive migration, and replication of the client-side AI to address problems of client failure and game exploitation. The partitioned AI can support tactical gaming navigation, a challenging task to offload because of sensitivity to latency. The tactical navigation AI calculates influence fields partitioned into server-side and client-side components by means of a Taylor-series approximation.
US08137197B2	System and method for generating targeted newsletters A system and a method of providing a targeted newsletter is provided. The method includes monitoring a game while a game player plays the game on a game computer, collecting game related information, uploading the game related information to a remote server, generating a newsletter on the remote server that is tailored for the game player based on the game related information, and transferring the newsletter to the game player.
US08137193B1	Supply delivery for interactive social games Systems and methods that deliver supplies in interactive social games are described. In some embodiments, a method receives a request for supplies from a first player in an interactive social game. A graphical expression of a supply delivery vehicle is presented to the first player. The supply delivery vehicle offers multiple supply options, each having an associated processing time. A supply option selection is received from the first player as well as an identity of additional players. The method distributes a supply fulfillment invitation to the additional players using the graphical expression of the supply delivery vehicle. An in-game benefit is provided to the additional players in response to acceptance of the supply fulfillment invitation. The first player is notified upon completion of the processing time for the selected supply option, which indicates availability of the requested supplies to the first player.
US08137187B2	Systems and methods for redeeming future value wagering chips A system and method enabling a casino to issue chips or credits to customers whose redemption and face value is set at some future date, as well as systems and methods for facilitating redemption of such future value wagering chips.
US08137186B2	Secondary game system, a gaming system and a method of providing at least one secondary game in a gaming system A secondary game system for a gaming terminal network, including at least one secondary game controller for providing at least one secondary game; a communications device for receiving secondary game registration request messages and secondary game deregistration request messages from a gaming terminal; the system being responsive to a received secondary game registration request message from a gaining terminal by causing said gaming terminal to be registered in one of said at least one secondary game; the system being further responsive to a received secondary game deregistration request message from a gaming terminal by causing said gaming terminal to be deregistered from one of said at least one secondary game.
US08137184B2	Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (E) paying out a fixed number of game media to the gaming machine determined based on a extracted random number, when a number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than a specific number.
US08137180B2	Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal. The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification, such as color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.
US08137176B2	Configurable displays used, for example in gaming machines Configurable rotatable displays may allow display of visual effects and/or information, and may simulate a non-configurable mechanical reel, for example those found in conventional slot machines. Rotatable displays may be used in a variety of locations on a gaming machine, providing a primary game display and/or box top displays such as a pole. A single rotatable display may be logically segmented to create an appearance of multiple sections or reels. One or more rotatable displays, or one or more mechanical reels, may be positioned within an outer rotatable display. A configurable fixed translucent or transparent display may be positioned between a configurable rotatable display and a user or player.
US08137174B2	Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing multiple hand card game A gaming device includes a single player poker game that includes one or more opportunities for selecting or forming player hands. In one embodiment, wagers are placed on several player hands, and the gaming device matches these wagers for each of several dealer hands. A play of the game includes one or more opportunities for a player to fold or cancel one of the player hands and withdraw the wager associated with the withdrawn hand. The gaming device may also cause one or more of the dealer hands to be folded. In another embodiment, the game includes dealing several initial player hands and enabling a player to select one of the player hands to compete against one or more dealer hands. In another embodiment, a play of the game includes dealing a plurality of player cards and enabling a player to form multiple player hands from the dealt player cards. The game also includes dealing a plurality of dealer cards and forming multiple dealer hands from the dealt dealer cards. In the embodiments, a number of community cards are dealt and the highest ranking combined hand of the formed or selected player and dealer hands wins an award.
US08137169B2	Arrangement and method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft The present application describes an arrangement and a method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft, wherein the bilge area is connected to a heat transfer unit via a first air supply pipe, through which a bilge air flow drawn in from the bilge area flows into the heat transfer unit, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a second air supply pipe, through which a waste air heat flow to be cooled that is created at another location in the aircraft flows into the heat transfer unit in order to heat the drawn-in bilge air flow, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a first air discharge pipe, through which the cooled waste air heat flow is discharged, and a second air discharge pipe with a bilge inlet section, and wherein at least a portion of the heated bilge flow is returned to the bilge area via the air discharge pipe and the bilge inlet section.
US08137165B2	Dust shroud with adjustable mounting mechanism A universal dust shroud includes mounting brackets held above the shroud body by springs. The brackets move radially and vertically relative to the body to accommodate different angle grinders, and allow vertical movement of the shroud body relative to the grinding disk while using the grinder to allow the user greater control over the angle grinder.
US08137162B2	Semiconductor wafer polishing machine Embodiments of the invention comprise a machine adapted for polishing work pieces such as large silicon wafers. A wafer polishing machine in accord with the invention comprises a rotatable platen in a table base, above which is mounted a lid having a head moving assembly with four synchronously rotatable head assemblies. A motor and linkage connected to the head moving assembly imparts reciprocating linear motion to the head assemblies in a selected direction in a plane parallel to an upper surface of the platen. Embodiments of the invention produce a complex relative motion between a surface of a wafer to be polished and the platen. The complex relative motion, resulting from a combination of motions including rotation of the platen, rotation of the head assemblies, and translation of the head moving assembly, improves a uniformity of polish and a rate of polishing compared to wafer polishing machines known in the art.
US08137159B2	Abrasive, method of polishing target member and process for producing semiconductor device To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor device which make use of this abrasive.
US08137158B2	Electrical contact method An electrical contact method. An axle having an axis of rotation is provided. Cantilever arms are provided. Each cantilever arm has a first end and a second opposing end. The first end is connected to the axle. Each cantilever arm extends radially outward from the axle about perpendicular to the axis of rotation. At least two electrically conductive contacts is provided. At least one electrically conductive contact of the at least two electrically conductive contacts is disposed on the second end of each cantilever arm. A sample is supported on a support member. The electrically conductive contacts are pressed against a first surface of the sample. After the electrically conductive contacts are pressed, the electrically conductive contacts are revolved about the axis of rotation, wherein the at least one electrically conductive contact remains in electrical contact with the first surface.
US08137155B2	Clothing having cups Clothing having cups in which a front center supporting part is provided at a portion where front sides of left and right cups covering left and right breasts respectively which are disposed nearer to a front center in a left-to-right direction than top portions of the left and right cups are continuous with each other, with a front central position interposed between the front sides of the left and right cups. Upper and lower portions of the front center supporting part are spread in a left-to-right direction with the upper and lower portions thereof extended to upper and lower sides of the left and right cups respectively surrounding each of the top portions to such an extent that the upper portion is located at a position where the upper portion and a strap are continuous with each other.
US08137152B2	Remote control ball assembly A remote control ball assembly includes a housing, an actuating device having a circuit board disposed in the housing and having a processing device and a signal receiving device attached to the circuit board, two motors each include a wheel attached to a spindle and contacted with the housing, and a radio transmitter includes another processing device and an angle detector and a signal emitting device attached to another circuit board for detecting a status of the radio transmitter and for emitting the status signal to the signal receiving device, which then actuates the motors and the wheels to operate or to move the housing on land and on water without being operated by the fingers of the user.
US08137148B2	Method of manufacturing monolithic parallel interconnect structure An optoelectronic device having a monolithic interconnect structure includes a continuous anode layer, a discontinuous cathode layer, and an electroactive layer sandwiched between the continuous anode layer and the discontinuous cathode layer.
US08137147B2	Organic electroluminescence display and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence display includes forming a first electrode, forming an organic light emitting medium layer including an organic light emitting layer on the first electrode, the respective organic light emitting medium layers including respective organic light emitting layers having different life-times in light emitting, and forming a second electrode on the organic light emitting medium layer, wherein the organic light emitting layer having a longer life-time is formed earlier.
US08137146B2	Closed loop fluid cooling system for marine outboard, inboard, and inboard-outboard motors A closed loop fluid cooling system for marine motors is described. The system includes a motor cooling circuit in fluidic communication with fluid cooling jackets about a motor. The system includes a heat dissipation circuit. The motor cooling circuit is in closed fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit. A cooling fluid variably circulates between the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit. A heat dissipation member is in fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit to receive the circulating cooling fluid, and the heat dissipation member is submerged in the body of water in which the boat is traveling to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the body of water. A temperature control valve is in fluidic communication with the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit. The temperature control valve variably connects the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit in response to a temperature of the cooling fluid or the motor to provide for the circulation of the cooling fluid between the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit.
US08137134B1	Coaxial cable connector with an insulating member with a bendable section with a pair of projections A coaxial cable connector includes: a connection terminal having a base section and a pair of resilient clamping plates upward extending from two sides of the base section; an insulating member having an insulating main body for supporting the base section of the connection terminal, an insulating bendable section upward extending from one side of the insulating main body, and a pair of projections formed on two sides of the insulating bendable section corresponding to the resilient clamping plates; and a metal case for supporting the insulating main body of the insulating member. When the insulating bendable section is bent downward, the projections compress the resilient clamping plates to move inward so as to securely clamp an internal conductor of the coaxial cable. Accordingly, the resilient clamping plates of the connection terminal are electrically connected with the internal conductor of the coaxial cable.
US08137130B2	Foldable patch panel The present invention provides a foldable patch panel. The foldable patch panel includes a first frame, a second frame, and a pivot unit. The pivot unit is connected to the first frame and the second frame, respectively, so that spinning center of the first frame and the second frame is the pivot unit. Besides, the first frame and the second frame are separably engaged with each other and form an obtuse angle.
US08137128B2	SATA electrical connector and assembly thereof A SATA electrical connector extends a lateral rib and a longitudinal guiding portion from a base surface of an insulator. The insulator and the terminals have intimate engagements, for minimizing height and width of the entire structure. The electrical connector can be joined to another electrical connector for forming an electrical connector assembly.
US08137127B2	Electronic devices using divided multi-connector element differential bus connector In one example an electronic device includes a housing that includes an A/C input or DC input, and at least one circuit substrate that includes electronic circuitry, such as graphics processing circuitry that receives power based on the A/C input or DC input. The electronic device also includes a divided multi-connector element differential bus connector that is coupled to the electronic circuitry. The divided multi-connector element differential bus connector includes a single housing that connects with the circuit substrate and the connector housing includes therein a divided electronic contact configuration comprised of a first group of electrical contacts divided from an adjacent second group of mirrored electrical contacts wherein each group of electrical connects includes a row of at least lower and upper contacts. In one example, the electronic device housing includes air flow passages, such as grills, adapted to provide air flow through the housing. The electronic device housing further includes a passive or active cooling mechanism such as a fan positioned to cool the circuitry during normal operation. In one example, the electronic device does not include a host processor and instead a host processor is in a separate electronic device that communicates with the graphics processing circuitry through the divided multi connector element differential bus connector. In another example, a CPU (or one or more CPUs) is also co-located on the circuit substrate with the circuitry to provide a type of parallel host processing capability with an external device.
US08137124B2	Self-locking connector for a cable termination A self-locking assembly for a cable termination having a connector with a step. The self-locking assembly includes a ring having a circumference and a plurality of latches located around the circumference. Each latch is configured to move between a locked position, where the latch is engaged with the step, and an unlocked position, where the latch is disengaged from the step. A sliding ring is configured to move along a portion of the connector and includes a groove, and a support ring is located on the connector and is configured to restrict movement of the sliding ring in at least one direction.
US08137122B2	Mini power supply module The present invention discloses a mini power supply module comprising a circuit board and a power connector. Said power connector is abutted and electrically connected with said power connector through coupling parts. Said power connector is provided with an orientating mechanism to change the angle between said power connector and said circuit board. Said power connector is further included with an input port for receiving the input of an external power source, a contact terminal for matching with the connector on motherboard, and at least one output port for outputting power to peripheral devices.
US08137121B2	Fastener and electric connector device having the same A fastener for securing a chip module onto a circuit board includes a fixing bracket mounted on the circuit board; a pressing frame covering the chip module; a lever having a driving portion and a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion is formed by extending and bending from the driving portion, with the shaft portion running through the fixing bracket and the pressing frame for controlling the forward and backward rotation of the pressing frame; a protective cover mounted on the pressing frame, wherein a projection portion is formed on a bottom surface of the protective cover and located at the rear end of the chip module, and the projection portion has a slant surface adjacent to the chip module; and thereby, when the pressing frame moves forward, the slant surface presses against the chip module.
US08137120B2	Adapter device for housing a multi-phase low voltage switch inside a switchboard and relative adapter-switch and switchboard assembly An adapter device (1; 201; 401; 501) for housing a multi-phase low voltage type switch (2) inside a switchboard (100), comprising, for each phase: first and second electric connection means (31, 32) with the switch (2); third and fourth electric connection means (33, 34) with an electric distribution network (4); the adapter device (1; 201; 401; 501) is structured so as to define a connection area (10) housing the first and second electric connection means (31, 32), and also comprising heat removal means (5; 205; 405; 505) which remove heat from the connection area (10).
US08137117B2	Electrical supply device for a discharge lamp comprising ballast shielding An electrical supply device for a discharge lamp of a motor vehicle headlight that comprises: an electronic module for converting source electric current into supply electric current for the discharge lamp; a housing that encloses the electronic module and is produced from an electrically conductive material so as to form electromagnetic shielding; an electrical connection harness that is intended to electrically connect the electronic conversion module with the discharge lamp; an envelope produced from an electrically conductive material that surrounds the connection harness so as to form electromagnetic shielding; the housing and envelope being electrically connected to a common reference electrical potential (−); wherein the housing and the envelope are connected in parallel to the common reference electrical potential (−).
US08137116B2	Ground joint connector and wire harness including the same The present invention provides a ground joint connector capable of collectively connecting a plurality of grounding wires included in a wire harness for a vehicle, to a given ground site, while occupying a little space. The ground joint connector JC comprises a plurality of wire terminals to be attached to respective terminal ends of the grounding wires, a grounding conductor a connector housing holding the grounding conductor. The grounding conductor includes a plurality of wire-side terminal portions to be fitted to the respective wire terminals in a terminal fitting direction and a ground-side terminal portion to be connected to the ground site while fixed onto the wall surface around the ground site. The wire-side terminal portions aligned in a direction approximately perpendicular to the terminal fitting direction and parallel to the wall surface, and integrally joined to the ground-side terminal portion. The connector housing holds the grounding conductor to allow the ground-side terminal portion to protrude to outside and includes a plurality of terminal receiving chambers and a plurality of terminal locking portions. The terminal locking portions lock the respective wire terminals inserted into the respective terminal receiving chambers and fitted with the respective wire-side terminal portions.
US08137113B2	Socket, method for manufacturing socket, and semiconductor device A socket includes an insulating elastomeric sheet having a penetration hole, metal circuits formed on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the elastomeric sheet, and a through-hole having a metal film formed on an inner wall of the penetration hole. The metal circuit on the front surface of the elastomeric sheet is electrically connected to the metal circuit on the rear surface of the elastomeric sheet via the through-hole. With such a configuration of the socket, it is possible to provide a socket contact terminal and a semiconductor device having the same, which is suitable for low-resistance, large-current, and high-speed configurations.
US08137105B2	Chinese/English vocabulary learning tool The present invention is a methodology for helping a student to learn vocabulary in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Pin Yin. The present invention comprises a Selection Program (SP), a Testing Program (TP), and a Character Sizing Program (CSP). The SP allows the user to select a Chinese-English textbook chapter, a question language, and an answer language. The SP then displays the chapter vocabulary for review and runs the TP. The TP calculates the probability factors for the vocabulary terms and determines a question to ask. The TP uses two Unicode tables to check to see if the answer is correct. The TP decrements the probability factor for wrong answers and increments the probability factor for right answers. The TP ends when all of the probability factors are equal to one. The CSP changes the font size of the Chinese characters.
US08137104B1	Game of chance and strategy pertaining to emergency preparedness The present invention, game of chance and strategy pertaining to emergency preparedness, is a social game, based on the timely topic of disaster preparedness, providing simplification of a complex topic plus improvement and entertainment value for groups and individuals. There are two fields of play on the game surface—the outer tracks where collection of resources occurs and the inner circle—the opportunities that all participants simultaneously complete. The player or team that maximizes resources and opportunities wins. Through play conversations emerge, strategies shared, and observation occurs, opportunities to improve and practice skills applicable to emergency preparation.
US08137103B1	Implant system An implant system may comprise implants, abutments, cylinders and a structural framework with a veneer thereon. A prosthesis comprises the structural framework and veneer. The cylinders are provided with grooves or shelves thereon to retain a structural framework thereon. The structural framework may comprise fiber reinforced composite material which is disposed on and around the cylinders to provide the framework for a prosthesis. Abutments are provided for single or small implant systems wherein the abutments comprise mechanical retentive features such as grooves, holes, nodules or beads thereon for retaining polymeric material thereon.
US08137102B2	Fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.
US08137100B2	Installation for producing cement clinker, and method for operating one such installation A cement clinker production line with a calcining stage connected upstream of the rotary tubular kiln including an integrated calcining combustion chamber, with a CO-containing reduction zone whose size and reduction potential can be adapted to different NOx contents contained in the kiln exhaust gas and/or different types of secondary fuels used in the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber has an upper, raw-meal-free reducing zone with a feed for secondary fuels, and first tertiary partial airstream with sub-stoichiometric fuel combustion for gasifying the secondary fuels. The combustion chamber has a lower zone. The inflow for at least one raw meal partial stream and one second tertiary partial airstream are arranged in the junction region of the upper zone and the lower zone. The height (H) of the upper zone in relation to the height (h) of the lower zone has a ratio of approximately 5:1 to approximately 1:1.
US08137096B2	Device for producing blowmolded container products from plastic material A device for producing blowmolded container products (11) from plastic material, using single mold parts (7) movable along a production line (5) and in pairs toward one another and away from one another to close or open a production mold. The container products (11) are molded and exit after the demolding procedure in the form of a container chain (9) moved along the production line (5). A demolding unit (3) engages the exiting container chain (9) outside the production mold to support the demolding procedure. The demolding unit (3) has a force drive (17) deflecting the container chain (9) out of the production line (5) into back and forth movement.
US08137093B2	Tiebar reverse extraction clamp A clamp includes (a) a first engager that engages with engagement parts formed at ends of the tiebars at the moving platen side after moving the moving platen in the fixed platen direction to close a die or mold, in the tiebar insertion holes of the moving platen, (b) a second engager that engages with engagement parts formed at ends of the tiebars at the fixed platen sides detachably at ends of clamping pistons using a detachable engager, (c) a pushing device that cooperates with the tiebars and pushes the moving platen after die or mold closing against the fixed platen in the tiebar insertion holes of the fixed platen, and (d) a tiebar inserting and extracting device coupled with ends of the tiebars at the fixed platen sides at a side of the fixed platen opposite to the die or mold mounting surface.
US08137091B2	Stretching rod holding arrangement A stretching rod holding arrangement may include a stretching rod for expanding plastic containers, wherein the stretching rod has an elongate rod-shaped main body and a holding body, which protrudes with respect to this rod-shaped main body in a radial direction of the rod-shaped main body. The arrangement comprises a receiving space for mounting the stretching rod, wherein at least one region of the holding body can be received by this receiving space, and the receiving space has a lower boundary wall in the longitudinal direction of the stretching rod. An opening is provided in this lower boundary wall, through which opening the main body of the stretching rod can pass. An arresting mechanism, which can be moved with respect to the receiving space between at least two positions, may be provided above the lower boundary wall in the longitudinal direction of the stretching rod. In the first position, the arresting mechanism allows the passage of the holding body in the longitudinal direction of the stretching rod, and in the second position prevents the passage of the holding body of the stretching rod.
US08137085B2	Gear pump with slots in teeth to reduce cavitation A gear pump comprises a drive gear being mounted for rotation about a first axis and having a plurality of gear teeth at a radially outer location. A driven gear is mounted for rotation about a second axis, and having a plurality of teeth at a radially outer location. The drive gear teeth engage the driven gear teeth at a contact face to cause the driven gear to rotate. Slots are formed in the contact face of one of the drive and driven gear teeth.
US08137084B2	Interlocking device for holding body and flange of machines using bean-shaped dowels An interlocking device for rigidly holding together the body and flange of a hydraulic machine includes a body, flange, gears, sealing elements acting as a body seal and lobe seal adapted to effectively seal pressurized oil pockets within the hydraulic machine with a back-up ring that prevents squeezing of the lobe seal and to retain it in its original position, appropriately dimensioned bush bearings adapted to act as load bearing journals. The interlocking device includes a plurality of bean-shaped dowels located at both inlet and outlet sides that hold the body and flange together with minimum relative displacement to ensure high volumetric efficiency of the hydraulic machine even at high operating pressures in excess of 275 bar or higher.
US08137083B2	Infusion pump actuators, system and method for controlling medical fluid flowrate An infusion pump includes an actuator having an output shaft; a pump actuator having a length (lactuator) moved by the output shaft and in contact with tubing, such that the pump actuator at an output shaft actuated distance (x) creates flat contact areas with the tubing, and wherein remaining non-contact areas of the tubing are at least substantially circular in shape; and a logic implementer configured to use at least two relationships to solve for a same number of variables to calculate a cross-sectional area of the tubing at an output shaft actuated distance (x).
US08137074B2	Wind turbine lightning protection system A glass-reinforced fiber or carbon-reinforced wind turbine blade having a suction side and a pressure side includes a tip portion adapted with an electric field control region disposed solely on or within the tip portion. The electric field control region is in electrical communication with or galvanically connected to an electric discharge conduction mechanism, wherein the electric field control region and the electric discharge conduction mechanism together operate to protect a wind turbine and its associated blade(s) from damage due to a lightning strike at the tip of the wind turbine blade(s) by controlling an electric field at the tip portion(s) caused by the lightning strike.
US08137072B2	Turbine blade including a seal pocket A turbine blade is disclosed. The turbine blade may have an airfoil extending from a first surface of a turbine platform. The turbine blade may further have a first side pocket of the turbine platform that is configured to substantially entirely house a first moveable seal between a forward wall of the first side pocket and an aft wall of the first side pocket. The first side pocket may have a convex surface, extending between the forward wall and the aft wall, and a concave surface. The turbine blade may also have a second side pocket of the turbine platform configured to receive a portion of a second moveable seal.
US08137071B2	Damper for turbomachine vanes A turbomachine vane damper constructed so as to be housed between the lower face of the platforms of two adjacent turbomachine vanes and the rim of the rotor disk on which the vanes are mounted is disclosed. The damper includes a weight, a bearing plate and a spring. The spring connects the weight to the bearing plate.
US08137069B2	Turbine blades A cast turbine blade is disclosed and includes an internal cooling passage that passes (e.g., zig-zags or meanders) through the blade from an inlet in the blade root to an outlet in the blade tip. The cooling passage can have a zone at a bend that is at a distance which is remote from the inlet of the cooling passage when the distance from the inlet is measured around the passage, but that is closer to the inlet when the distance from the inlet is measured in a straight line. During casting of the blade, the cooling passage can be defined by a core or cores having a leachable material, the cores being removed after casting by a chemical leaching process. A supplementary passage is also provided for connecting the remote zone to the inlet during the leaching process. The supplementary passage can likewise be defined by a leachable core, or it may be machined into the blade after casting. During the service life of the blade, a plug can be used to obturate the supplementary passage to prevent leakage of cooling air from the cooling passage through the supplementary passage.
US08137063B2	Component of a steam turbine plant, steam turbine plant, application, and production method The aim of the invention is to provide a superheated component of a steam turbine installation with high thermal and mechanical resistance. To this end, the component comprises a lining applied to a body of the component, on a hot side facing a steam chamber, said lining being adapted to the contour of the component body. According to the invention, the lining comprises a number of molded parts, each molded part comprising a metallic and ceramic composite layer formed from at least one metallic layer and at least one ceramic layer. The ceramic layer is used especially as a insulating layer, and the metallic layer is especially used as a support or for protection against abrasion and/or erosion.
US08137059B2	Fan guard and outdoor unit for air conditioner having the same An outdoor unit for an air conditioner is disclosed. The outdoor unit according to the present invention comprises a housing which has an air inlet and an air outlet, a ventilation fan rotatably mounted in the housing, and a fan guard connected to the housing to cover the air outlet. Here, the fan guard comprises a plurality of closed ribs arranged sequentially and concentrically between a center and an outline thereof, and a plurality of radial ribs arranged in radial directions to interconnect the plurality of closed ribs, in such a manner that some of the closed ribs, which are disposed at intermediate positions near tips of the ventilation fan, are at a further distance from the ventilation fan than the other closed ribs, which are disposed near the center and the outline. Accordingly, since the fan guard is convexly raised at a position corresponding to the tips of the ventilation fan, thereby guaranteeing a predetermined space between the fan guard and the tips where the airflow is fastest, the flow resistance and the flow-induced noise can be reduced.
US08137057B2	Engine intake air compressor and method A compressor assembly (304) includes a compressor housing (312) having a main air inlet (324) and an annular wall (328) defining an inducer bore (325). A secondary inlet passage (322) is disposed around the inducer bore (325). The secondary inlet passage (322) has an inlet slot (320) operatively intersecting the inducer bore (325) to permit the entry of a fluid thereinto through an inlet port (327). The inlet slot (320) advantageously defines an augmented inducer diameter region (331). Preferably the secondary inlet passage (322) may be selectively partially or completely isolated from the main air inlet (324). A compressor wheel (318) is located in the compressor housing (312) and has a stepped portion (330) formed by at least one plurality of vanes (238) operatively associated with the augmented inducer diameter region (331) adjacent to the inlet slot (320) of the housing (312) to receive fluid therefrom.
US08137056B2	Impingement cooled structure An impingement cooled structure includes a plurality of shroud members disposed in a circumferential direction to constitute a ring-shaped shroud surrounding a hot gas stream, and a shroud cover mounted on radial outside faces of the shroud members to form a cavity therebetween. The shroud cover has a first impingement cooling hole which communicates with the cavity and allows cooling air to be jetted to an inside thereof so as to cool an inner surface of the cavity by impingement. The shroud members each has a hole fin. The hole fin divides the cavity into a plurality of sub-cavities. Further, the hole fin has a second impingement cooling hole which allows the cooling air having flowed through the first impingement cooling hole to be jetted obliquely toward a bottom surface of the sub-cavity adjacent thereto.
US08137054B2	Supersonic compressor A novel supersonic compressor is provided by the present invention. In one embodiment, the novel supersonic compressor comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and at least two counter rotary supersonic compressor rotors, said supersonic compressor rotors being configured in series such that an output from a first supersonic compressor rotor having a first direction of rotation is directed to a second supersonic compressor rotor configured to counter-rotate with respect to the first supersonic compressor rotor.
US08137052B1	Wind turbine generator A wind turbine generator assembly comprising a support tower and a turbine assembly mounted in a downwind position with respect to the support tower. The turbine assembly comprises a cowling assembly and a spoked wheel having a plurality of relatively short blades mounted radially outward with respect to and downwind the cowling assembly. Each blade has an airfoil cross-sectional configuration of a predetermined structure to provide lift. The bladed wheel is coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The support tower has an upper tower portion having a biased hinge assembly with respect to the lower tower position to permit the turbine to pivot in high wind conditions. The support tower further has a rotating mechanism above the lower tower portion and below the biased hinge assembly to allow the turbine to rotate with respect to wind direction and a pivot assembly is provided to permit the turbine assembly to be brought to ground level for erecting and maintenance purposes.
US08137050B2	Pickup device and pickup method It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which can pick up a chip from an adhesive film while preventing damage to the chip. In addition, a device which can pick up a chip over an adhesive film with a high yield is provided. A pickup device includes: a frame for holding a film to which a chip is attached, which is fixed to a support; a pressing jig which presses a surface of the film, to which a chip is not attached, while rotated or moved; a holding jig which holds the chip simultaneously with or after the pressing jig pressing the film; and a moving unit which moves the holding jig.
US08137049B2	Rebar separator A rebar separator having a crossbar situated atop one or, preferably, two vibrational insulators which are preferably inflatable cushions. Preferably, there are two or more such crossbars on one or two inflatable cushions. At least one vibrational motor is in contact with at least one crossbar. And preferably each crossbar slopes from a first end to a second end. A source of fluid is in communication with each inflatable cushion. Preferably, the vibrational insulators are placed on top of first and second longitudinal channels of a horizontal rack.
US08137045B2	Bin tunnel with collapsible sides A bin tunnel having collapsible sides is used with a truck box of a truck to load content into the truck box from a bin that is sized to fit within the bin tunnel when the bin tunnel is in an open position. When the bin tunnel is in a closed position a footprint of the bin tunnel is very small compared to the open position because the sides are retracted. The footprints can be less when the bin tunnel is in the closed position from thirty (30) percent of the footprint of the bin tunnel in the open position. When the bin tunnel is closed, the contents of the truck box are secure as the space inside of the closed bin tunnel is too small to allow access to the interior.
US08137043B2	Device for opening and closing the discharge door of a bulk seed box A device is described for opening and closing the discharge door of a bulk seed box. The device comprises a portable lightweight structure which is attached to the box and which uses an electrically operated screw actuator to move the discharge door of the box from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. The device also includes a spreader mechanism which relieves the stress or tension on the supporting slide or track for the discharge door so that the discharge door may be more easily opened and closed.
US08137041B2	Vibration-isolating fastening assembly Herein is disclosed a fastening assembly that may be used for securing first and second workpieces to each other in such manner as to provide vibration isolation between the first and second workpieces. The fastening assembly comprises an elongated, rigid fastener, and an elastomeric bushing, that are integrally secured together.
US08137039B2	Connecting fitting A connecting fitting includes a body having a cam surface and an inserting assembly which is pivotally connected with the body. The inserting assembly includes an inserting member and at least one expandable member mounted between the body and the inserting member. The expandable member includes an expandable portion and a lip portion extending from the expandable portion. A compressible space is defined by the expandable portion and the lip portion, and the expandable portion has a plurality of snap portions. When the body is axially turned relative to the inserting assembly at a certain angle to generate a push force, the snap portions will be expanded outwardly by the push force.
US08137032B2	Anchor with grout jacket An anchor 1 for consolidating non-cohesive rock layers or for connecting them to solid rock 2 primarily has the necessary components for realising a stressed or expansion anchor. Furthermore, when a conventional domed plate 10 is used, which reliably transmits the necessary stress forces, it is possible additionally to bond the anchor bar 4 in the drill hole 3 after stressing. To this end, the anchor bar 4 is either constructed with a connecting tube 22 with distributor head 24 or the sheathing tube 11 comprises a top tube 50, these both fulfilling the task of conveying the grout bonding material 12 reliably from the drill hole mouth end of the anchor bar 4 to the rock end 5A and then diverting it there and returning it to the drill hole mouth, so ensuring complete fixing and sheathing of the anchor bar 4 in the drill hole 3.
US08137028B2	Small boat dock racking system A small vessel dock racking system provides a three-sided cradle that is rotatably connected to two lateral supports extending outward from one side of the dock. A person in the water can float the canoe or kayak into the cradle and lift it into a secure vertical storage position on the side of the dock without having to get up on the dock. A pivot point extending out into the water has the advantages of both accommodating freeboard and minimizing the distance between the pivot and the boat's center of gravity, thereby allowing for much less effort in lifting. Depending on the depth of the vessel, the cradle can be dimensioned so that the position of the vessel's center of gravity tends to hold the cradle in a vertical alignment after it's been lifted. Where needed, a cradle latch that can be activated from the water side further secures the storage position.
US08137020B2	Computer-contained binder A computer-contained binder provided in the disclosure has a document binder and a computer device. The document binder having at least one cover and plural parallel folder rings piercing through an edge of the cover. The computer device has a main body, a column-shaped battery portion pierced through by all of the parallel folder rings, and two shafts. Each shaft respectively pivots the column-shaped battery portion and the main body at two opposite end of the shaft.
US08137019B2	Ink composition for writing instrument and writing instrument The ink composition for a writing instrument has an aqueous component containing water, a thixotropic agent, a polyhydric alcohol and a pigment, dispersed in an oil component having dyes and non-dye components, wherein the IOB value for all of the dyes in the oil component is no greater than 0.9.
US08137015B2	Image forming method for determining a position of an ink ribbon with a boundary line A method of forming an image on a transfer sheet based on electronic data uses an image forming device and an ink ribbon cartridge. An ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cartridge has a plurality of ink films formed thereon with boundary lines being provided between the ink films. In the image forming method, the ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cartridge is conveyed when the power to the image forming device is turned on and the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the image forming device and before the user inputs the image forming instruction. While the ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cartridge is conveyed, it is determined with a boundary line detecting unit whether at least one of the boundary lines formed on the ink ribbon has reached a predetermined position in the image forming device.
US08137011B2	Actuator and blade drive device for camera An electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with the different magnetic poles in accordance with a circumferential direction, and rotated by a magnetic force generating between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The outputting member is provided with a fitting hole press-fitted onto the rotor.
US08137009B2	Privacy ensuring camera enclosure A privacy ensuring camera enclosure with a camera enclosing configuration and a surveillance configuration wherein the camera enclosing configuration entirely surrounds a surveillance camera such that it is visibly removed from a privacy sensitive area, thereby preserving the expected level of privacy in the privacy sensitive area; the enclosure is configured to dynamically change from the camera enclosing configuration to the surveillance configuration in response to a heightened threat level.
US08137008B1	Mobile camera mount A remote-controlled, roof-mounted, digital camera mount for a motor vehicle is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mount system with a remote control. The mount system provides for remote control of pan and tilt functions on the mount. The remote control is provided by two (2) or more electric motors in wireless communication with said remote control located by an operator's position enabling the operator to control the positioning of the camera while operating the camera.
US08137006B2	Mirror and shutter drive control mechanism for imaging apparatus An imaging apparatus is provided, including a mirror movable between a viewing position and a retracted position; a shutter which prevents the light that is passed through the imaging optical system from being incident on the image sensor and allows the light that is passed through the imaging optical system to be incident on the image sensor when open and shut, respectively; a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; a second operating mechanism which carries out the shutter charge operation without moving the mirror when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; and a driving force transmission switcher for transmitting driving forces of the reversible motor in first and second rotational directions thereof to the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively.
US08137005B2	Lens barrel and camera A lens barrel has a drive frame, a first lens frame, a zoom motor, and a control device. The drive frame has three first cam grooves. The first lens frame has cam pins inserted into the first cam grooves. The zoom motor rotationally drives the drive frame. The control device limits the drive range of the zoom motor so that the cam pins do not stop near the wide-angle position of the imaging region.
US08137001B2	Repeatable optical waveguide interconnection including an index matching elastomeric solid layer and related methods A repeatable optical waveguide interconnection may include first and second optical waveguides having respective first and second end faces. Each of the first and second optical waveguides may include a core having a core index of refraction, and a cladding surrounding the core and having a cladding index of refraction different than the core index of refraction. The repeatable optical waveguide interconnection may further include a first index matching elastomeric solid layer having a proximal face chemically bound to the first end face and a low-tack distal face opposite the proximal face to be repeatably optically coupled to the second end face. Further, the first index matching elastomeric solid layer may have an index of refraction matching at least the index of refraction of the core.
US08136998B2	Bearing apparatus A bearing apparatus includes: two split outer ring halves which are mounted to the housing; a plurality of rolling elements which are provided so as to roll on the two split outer ring halves; and a cage which holds the rolling elements such that the rolling elements are disposed at substantially equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the cage and which is split at a position of the cage to form joint surfaces, an outside diameter of the cage being guided by inner circumferential surfaces of the split outer ring halves. An outside diametrical dimension in a normal direction to the joint surfaces is made larger than an outside diametrical dimension of the cage in a direction parallel to the joint surface, and vicinity of an outside diametrical position of the cage lying in the normal direction is made to be guided by the outer ring halves.
US08136995B2	Sealing device and rolling bearing apparatus First portions are fixed to an outer ring, and second portions are fixed to an inner ring. Bimetal members and electromagnets are embedded in and fixed by elastic portions of the first portions and portions of the second portions are constituted by ferromagnetic members. Whereas at a normal temperature region, the first portions and the second portions are brought into contact with each other, based on deformations of the bimetal members at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the normal temperature region, the first portions and the second portions are made to be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by intervals therebetween at a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the normal temperature region.
US08136993B2	Sliding bearing A cylindrical sliding bearing having a cylindrical steel back metal, and a bearing alloy layer, serving as a sliding surface, on the inside of the steel back metal is provided. The cylindrical sliding bearing further have a coat layer of Bi or a Bi-based alloy formed on the outer back surface of the steel back metal. Preferably, the coat layer is made from the Bi-based alloy of 1 to 30 mass % of one or more kinds of Sn, Pb, In, Ag and Cu; and the balance being Bi and inevitable impurities.
US08136989B2	X-ray detector An X-ray detector is provided. The X-ray detector is a grid wall device, having a radiation detector that is movable vertically by way of a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism is a scissor-type arm or an articulated arm having at least two arms hinged to one another. At least one drive device is provided for the purpose of moving the scissor-type arm or an articulated arm.
US08136983B2	Sensor and control system A system is disclosed that essentially eliminates the delay in measurement of temperature by a sensor due to exponential response of the sensor. The system finds the rate of change of the sensor signal, multiplies it by the time constant of the sensor signal and adds the result to the instantaneous value of the sensor signal to predict the final value of the sensor signal or the actual value of the temperature. When the sensor is permanently attached to an object, the final temperature of the object is predicted in a similar manner using the combined time constant value of the sensor and the object. The system can be software, analog hardware or digital hardware. The system also allows more accurate temperature control without undershoot or overshoot by providing a control signal proportional to the difference between a desired value and the predicted final value of the sensor signal. The system similarly eliminates the time delay in measurement and control of flow in thermal flow meters.
US08136982B2	Thermal profiling to validate electronic device authenticity Counterfeit electronic devices are detected by comparing a thermal profile of the counterfeit device and an authentic device under predetermined operating conditions. A thermal profile for an authentic electronic device is recorded executing an instruction set over time, such as with static infrared images at predetermined times, video infrared images over a predetermined time period or temperature measurements made at predetermined locations of the electronic device. In one embodiment, a thermal profile indicates that a processor device has been used in the place of a field programmable grid array device. In an alternative embodiment, an electromagnetic profile is detected instead of or in addition to the thermal profile. The electromagnetic profile of an authentic device is used to create an expected profile for comparison with an electromagnetic profile of electronic devices under test.
US08136981B2	Heat transfer evaluating apparatus Disclosed is a heat transfer evaluation apparatus of a nano-fluid including: a long pipe formed as a circular pipe; a rubber tube connected to one end of the long pipe to surround the outer surface of the long pipe; a short pipe communicated through the rubber tube; and a hot wire sensor formed of a metal hot wire at one end of the short pipe.
US08136977B2	Lighting apparatus A lighting apparatus including a base, a light emitting unit, and a conducting wire is provided. The base includes a bottom board and a side frame. The bottom board has a first surface, a second surface, a recess, a first through hole, and a second through hole. The recess is located at the second surface. The first through hole and the second through hole are located at the recess and pass through the bottom board. The side frame is disposed on the first surface. The light emitting unit is disposed on the first surface. An end of the conducting wire is electrically connected to the light emitting unit. The conducting wire extends from the first surface to the recess through the first through hole, and extends from the recess to an outer side of the first surface through the second through hole.
US08136967B2	LED optical lens An optical lens and method for designing the lens are disclosed. The lens includes a first surface and a second surface. Light emitted from multiple light emitting elements enters the lens through a central section of the first surface. The light can be reflected from a reflective central section of the second surface and/or undergo total internal reflection at an outer ring section of the second surface one or more times before exiting the lens through the outer ring section of the second surface. Upon exiting the lens, the light beam has a predetermined divergence angle and has a fairly uniform color in the far field even if the multiple light emitting elements have different peak wavelengths.
US08136966B2	Light mixing chamber An illumination chamber for illuminating an object with substantially uniform illumination and providing an image of the object, the illumination chamber includes a generally 6-faced polyhedron opaque housing, which encloses a light mixing chamber. The housing includes an object transparent glass sheet, an image transparent glass sheet and at least one light source disposed inside the housing. The object transparent glass sheet is disposed at a first of the two larger faces of the 6-faced polyhedron and image transparent glass sheet is disposed at the second large face of the 6-faced polyhedron, opposing the object glass sheet. The object to be imaged, typically a document, is disposed immediately adjacent to the external surface of the object transparent glass sheet. The image of the objects exits the housing through the image transparent glass sheet.
US08136960B2	Light emitting diode display An LED display with a reduced thickness is described. In one embodiment, the LED display includes a second support plate between a front support plate and a back support plate. The second support plate enables the front support plate to be thinner than if the second support plate was not included. The second support plate increases the distance between an LED chip and a light exit surface thereby allowing the front support plate thickness to be reduced by about the thickness of the second support plate. In one embodiment, the second support plate allows the thickness of an LED display to be thinner. The second support plate adds structural integrity to a back support plate. Therefore, the back support plate can be thinner, and thickness of the LED display can be reduced.
US08136955B2	Illumination system and display including same An illumination system comprises at least one light source (2) and a light-guide (1). A first part of the light-guide (1) is defined by a surface (12) for light emission and a back surface (13), and a second part of the light-guide is defined by a light receiving surface (14) and a light reflecting surface (15). The light source (2) is disposed adjacent or substantially adjacent to the light receiving surface (14), and light from the light source enters the light-guide through the light receiving surface (14), and is reflected by the light reflecting surface (15) into the first part of the light-guide. Light is emitted from the waveguide through the surface (12) for light emission, and may be used to illuminate, for example, a display device placed over the surface (12) for light emission. The light source and the light receiving surface are on the same side of the waveguide as the surface for light emission.
US08136953B2	Flat panel display apparatus A flat panel display apparatus including a display unit, a cover covering the display unit, and a film disposed on the cover. The film has one or more protrusions, each having a reflective first surface and a transparent second surface. The first surface can include a coating. The second surface transmits light from the display unit, at a first angle, and the second surface reflects external light at a second angle.
US08136952B2	Image capturing apparatus An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor adapted to opto-electronically convert the image of a subject; an optical member placed in front of the image sensor; first and second piezoelectric elements placed at respective ones of both ends of the optical member; first and second driving units adapted to independently vibrate the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively; a detection unit having first and second detecting piezoelectric elements placed adjacent to the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively, for detecting vibration of the optical member; and a first control unit adapted to control the first and second driving units and the detection unit so as to vibrate the optical member by vibrating the first piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the second detecting piezoelectric element, or vibrate the optical member by vibrating the second piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the first detecting piezoelectric element.
US08136951B2	Projection type display apparatus and optical unit with optical coupling lens In a projection type display apparatus using plural light sources, an optical unit including plural light sources, a first collimator lens, an optical coupling lens, an image display element and a projection lens is formed, and in an optical path extending from the light sources to the projection lens, light is condensed only once on the image display element, thereby minimizing the number of optical parts used and shortening the length of the optical path from the plural light sources up to the projection lens to attain the reduction in size of the projection type display apparatus or the optical unit. In this way it is possible to provide a projection type display apparatus or an optical unit each capable of attaining the reduction of cost by minimizing the number of optical parts used and capable of attaining a high luminance by irradiating the image display element with the light emitted from the light sources without leakage of the light.
US08136949B2	Interactive projected sandbox A method for creating an interactive display in which users/players can form the projection screen. The method includes providing granular display material, such as a layer of sand in a container, and storing a guide image and a display image in memory of a control system. Then, a projector is first operated to project the guide image on an upper surface of the display material. After a sculpting period or in response to a user or operator provided trigger, the method includes second operating the projector to project the display image on the upper surface which has been sculpted by the user into a 3D projection surface or screen during the first operating step. The projected guide image may include an outline of an object, and the display image may include an image element that is mapped to the location of the outlined object.
US08136948B2	Etendue maintaining polarization switching system and related methods Etendue maintaining polarization switching occurs, according to various embodiments, with a mirror that quickly transitions between two positions. Light having uniform polarization is transmitted to the mirror. Light reflected off of the mirror in one of the two positions has its polarization changed, whereas light reflected off of the mirror in the other of the two positions has its polarization maintained. Thereafter, the polarization-changed light and the polarization-maintained light easily may be recombined in an entendue-maintaining manner. Because the recombined light includes two different polarization states, stereoscopic images may be generated.
US08136946B2	Apparatus for determining prescription for prism lenses for diplopic patients An apparatus is provided for finding and defining a prescription for prism glasses for Diplopic patients and AMD patients whose Macula and Fovea are damaged enough that the patients have double vision, but, still have relatively good acuity. The apparatus positions lenses in infinitely variable locations horizontally and vertically in front of the patient's eyes until the patient indicates that he/she sees the two images fuse. The H-V coordinates of the location of the Optic center of each lens axis in relation to the patient's visual axis are decentration dimensions indicated for each eye by the H and V dials on the apparatus and are thus the basis for an accurate prescription for prism lenses.
US08136945B2	Ophthalmological measuring apparatus An opthalmological measurement apparatus (1) is proposed which comprises a first measurement system and a second measurement system. The first measurement system comprises a first light projection system for projection of a first light beam (2) through a cross-sectional part (4) of an eye (3). In addition, the first measurement system comprises image detection means, arranged in the Scheimpflug configuration with respect to the first light beam (2), for detection and storage of a cross-sectional image (30A) of at least one subregion of the cross-sectional part (4) which is illuminated by the first light projection system, from a first position outside the first light beam (2). The second measurement system comprises a second light projection system for projection of a second light beam onto the eye (3), and comprises a wavefront detector (19) for determination and storage of a wavefront profile of the second light beam reflected by the eye (3). The second measurement system allows the detection of extended measurement data which, in addition to cross-sectional images, also includes the wavefront profile, so that not only geometric eye parameters but also optical characteristics of the eye, in particular optical characteristics of the eye lens, can be determined on the basis of the detected measurement data.
US08136942B2	Aspheric fluid filled lens optic A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.
US08136941B2	Light dispersion eyeglass nose pad A nose pad for supporting eyeglasses on a nose is disclosed. The nose pad includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface opposing the first surface and including a contact portion configured to contact a wearer's nose. In an embodiment, the first surface includes a first outer edge portion, a second outer edge portion, and a central portion that is provided between the first outer edge portion and the second outer edge portion. In an embodiment, the first outer edge portion, the second outer edge portion, and the central portion are configured so that light directed at the first surface and passing through the second surface is dispersed so that the light is not concentrated on a wearer's nose.
US08136938B2	System and method for printing on lenticular sheets A system for printing on lenticular sheets, including a printer having a lenticular sheet feed tray for holding at least one lenticular sheet having a plurality of lenticules; a laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor flushly disposed on the lenticular sheet feed tray for sensing parameters of the plurality of lenticules; a computing system in communication with the printer and the laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor and configured to execute software modules for adapting an interphased graphical image to the parameters and printing the adapted interphased graphical image on the at least one lenticular sheet. Methods for printing on lenticular sheet and electronic systems for printing on lenticular sheet are also included.
US08136937B2	Ink-jet printer An ink-jet printer, including: a feeding mechanism which feeds a recording medium in a feeding direction; an ink-jet head which ejects ink onto a surface of the recording medium at a recording position where the ink-jet head faces the recording medium fed by the feeding mechanism in the feeding direction; a pressing device including at least one spur and pressing the surface of the recording medium on a downstream side of the recording position in the feeding direction by bringing at least one of the at least one spur into contact with the surface of the recording medium; and a pressing-position-changing mechanism which selectively realizes one of a plurality of states which are different from each other in at least one pressing position, in the feeding direction, at which the pressing device presses the surface of the recording medium.
US08136935B2	Inkjet printer and ink dryer An inkjet printer includes a plurality of guide walls and a plurality of choke portions. Each of the plurality of guide walls is arranged substantially in parallel with a feeding direction of a medium to provide a guide wall clearance between the plurality of guide walls. The wave guide has a first internal space connected to the guide wall clearance and an electromagnetic-wave supplier and configured to apply the electromagnetic wave to the medium which is introduced into the first internal space. Each of the plurality of choke portions includes a second internal space adjacent to each guide wall and an opening from the second internal space to the guide wall clearance. The second internal space is connected to the first internal space via the guide wall clearance. The second internal space has a length of λ/4 relative to wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave in the feeding direction.
US08136932B2	Liquid storage container and liquid filling method and liquid refilling method using the same A liquid storage container includes a liquid containing body that is formed of a flexible film and contains liquid therein; a liquid lead-out member connected to the liquid containing body; and a spacer member disposed in the liquid containing body. The liquid containing body deforms in a direction in which inner wall surfaces of the flexible film facing each other are brought into contact with each other at the time of reduction in the remaining amount of the liquid as the inside liquid is taken out through the liquid lead-out member, and the spacer member regulates contact between parts of the inner wall surfaces of the flexible film facing each other at the time of reduction in the remaining amount of the liquid to thereby form a remaining liquid space where liquid remains.
US08136930B2	Liquid container and manufacturing method therefor A liquid container detachably mountable to a mounting portion of an ink jet printer including an information storing portion for storing information relating to the liquid container; a controller controls light emission of a light emitting portion, based on individual information corresponding to the ink container, supplied through a container contact from a printer contact, and the discrimination information stored in the memory; a light guide member having a light incident portion and a light emergence portion, the light guide member configured to guide the light entered from the light incident portion to the light emergence portion so as to cause a light receptor to receive the light emerged from the light emergence portion to obtain light reception information used for discriminating properness of position of the ink container mounted in the mounting portion.
US08136929B2	Installing fluid container in fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device ejecting a fluid, the fluid ejection device includes: a fluid ejection unit; a fluid container; a delivery needle; and a guard cover. The fluid ejection unit ejects a fluid onto an ejection target. The fluid container includes a container portion and a withdrawal portion. The container portion contains a fluid for ejection, and the withdrawal portion allows withdrawal of the fluid contained in the container portion. The delivery needle sticks through the withdrawal portion to provide a flow passage which communicates with the fluid ejection unit. The guard cover projects over the delivery needle to prevent the withdrawal portion from approaching the delivery needle from a direction intersecting a center axis of the delivery needle.
US08136926B2	Ink-jet head and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed are an ink-jet head and a method of manufacturing the ink-jet head including a plurality of chambers, a membrane covering the plurality of chambers, and a plurality of actuators separated from one another by a virtual dividing line on the membrane such that pressure is applied to each of the plurality of chambers. The method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a groove at a position on one surface of the membrane, the position corresponding to the position of the dividing line; bonding a piezoelectric member to the one surface of the membrane having the groove formed therein by using adhesive resin; and dividing the piezoelectric member such that the groove is exposed.
US08136924B2	Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head unit includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid, a first holding member that holds the liquid ejecting head, and a second holding member positioned on the first holding member. The liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle face having a nozzle opening for ejecting the liquid and a flexible first wiring substrate having that can be erected in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle face. The first holding member has a wiring substrate inserting hole that contains the first wiring substrate, and is held by the second holding member on a side opposite to the liquid ejecting head. The first wiring substrate of the liquid ejecting head and a connection member electrically connected to a second wiring substrate are electrically connected to each other on the first holding member side of the second holding member.
US08136920B2	Nozzle plate, method for manufacturing nozzle plate, droplet discharge head, and droplet discharge apparatus A nozzle plate includes: a first silicon layer; a glass layer; a second silicon layer provided between the first silicon layer and the glass layer, the second silicon layer being bonded to the glass layer; and a silicon oxide layer provided between the first silicon layer and the second silicon layer. A nozzle hole passing through the first silicon layer and discharging a droplet is formed. A channel passing through the silicon oxide layer and the second silicon layer and communicating with the nozzle hole is formed. A liquid chamber formed in the glass layer and communicating with the channel is formed.
US08136916B2	Image forming apparatus An image-forming apparatus includes a head unit configured to include line-type recording heads for ejecting ink droplets, a transport mechanism disposed facing the recording head and configured to transport a sheet, a maintain-recovery mechanism disposed downstream from the transport mechanism in a direction in which the sheet is transported and configured to maintain and recover the line type recording heads, and a head drive mechanism configured to move the head unit between a position facing the transport mechanism and a position facing the maintain-recovery mechanism in the direction in which the sheet is transported.
US08136915B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus, computer system, and liquid ejection method A liquid ejecting apparatus etc. creating no blank space on a medium is achieved. The liquid ejecting apparatus has: a movable ejection head for ejecting a liquid; a feed mechanism for feeding a medium; and detecting means for detecting a position of an edge of the medium; wherein the apparatus repeats an operation of detecting the position of the edge with the detecting means, an operation of feeding the medium with the feed mechanism, and an operation of ejecting the liquid onto the medium from the moving ejection head; in accordance with the position of the edge that has been detected, the apparatus changes at least either one of a start position and an end position for ejecting the liquid from the moving ejection head; and if the position of the edge was not detected, the apparatus sets the start position or the end position to a position that has been established in advance.
US08136910B2	Calibration method for a printer The invention relates to a calibration method for a printer having a mechanism for advancing a medium in a direction of media advance comprising the following steps: (a) providing a printhead, the printhead having a swath height in the direction of media advance; (b) providing an estimate of either the swath height or the characteristic of the mechanism; (c) printing a base pattern on a medium using the printhead; (d) printing an overlay pattern on the medium using the printhead to form an interference pattern; (e) advance the medium of a predetermined distance using the mechanism at a time between the printing of the base pattern and the printing of the overlay pattern; (f) analyze an optical evaluation of the interference pattern; (g) evaluate as either: (i) the swath height if the characteristic of the mechanism is known or estimated; or (ii) the characteristic of the mechanism if the swath height is known or estimated.
US08136905B2	Drop volume compensation for ink supply variation The present invention relates to a method that enables image quality of a printed image to be maintained by reducing unintended variations in drop volume, through the adjustment of ink drop ejecting conditions depending on the amount of ink remaining in an ink tank chamber or reservoir, and/or the ink demand for printing an image. The method of printing of the present invention comprises: providing a printhead in fluid communication with an ink chamber or reservoir; detecting at least one parameter related to an amount of negative pressure provided to the printhead; and adjusting an ink drop ejecting condition of the printhead as a function of the parameter so that an amount of variation in size of ejected ink drop is reduced.
US08136899B2	Rack device and incubator having the same A rack device having a receiver that can be prevented from being separated from a rack post in an incubator. A rack device in which a receiver is mounted between a pair of rack posts to hold a rack on the receiver includes a pair of engaging hooks which are formed in the receiver and a plurality of engaging holes which are formed in both the rack posts and in which both of the engaging hooks of the receiver disengageably engage, respectively. The rack posts are configured to be able to change an interval there between and select a first state in which the engaging hooks can be disengaged from the engaging holes and a second state in which the movement of the receiver is restricted while the engaging hooks be kept to engage in the engaging holes by changing the interval between the rack posts.
US08136898B2	Closing and retaining device for an extension guide A closing and retaining device for an extension guide includes a rail of an extension guide, a housing slidably disposed on the rail, and a driver disposed on the housing. The closing and retaining device also includes a damper housing retained in the housing, a displaceable piston coupled between the damper housing and the driver, wherein the damper housing is displaceable in a direction of movement of the piston, and a latch disposed on the driver to connect the piston to the driver. After the piston is connected to the driver, the damper housing is pushed into position by the driver.
US08136896B2	Laundry treating machine A laundry treating machine is provided which includes a cabinet that forms an external appearance of the laundry treating machine, a washing tub mounted in the cabinet, a housing mounted in the cabinet below the washing tub, the housing defining a predetermined space, and a movable body received in the housing such that the movable body can move in forward-and-rearward directions with respect to the cabinet.
US08136890B2	Shock proof devices and methods Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).
US08136886B2	Displacement actuated side dumping haul body A displacement actuated side dumping haul body and related methods are disclosed. The side dumping haul body may, for example, be mounted to a trailer or truck frame. The side dumping haul body includes a floor with fore and aft end walls rigidly attached to the floor, at least one actuator and first and second sidewalls. When the at least one actuator is employed to pivot the floor to dump material from the haul body, the corresponding sidewall pivots at least generally away from the floor to create a side discharge opening. Various opening parameters and dumping characteristics can be achieved by varying locations of pivot and linkage points.
US08136884B2	Textile-attached deck assembly A seating product comprising a seat deck assembly secured at opposite ends to a frame. The seat deck assembly comprises a seat deck. A textile border is disposed between at least one end of the seat deck assembly and the frame. The textile border is attached to the frame, thereby flexibly coupling the seat deck assembly thereto. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.
US08136883B2	Vehicle seat and vehicle with a vehicle seat A vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one pair of adjustable lateral cheeks provided on a seat cushion and/or on a seat back, with at least one inflatable chamber for adjusting the lateral cheek being provided in each of the lateral cheeks. A plate-shaped element is provided outside the inflatable chamber and on the same side facing a person sitting on the vehicle seat.
US08136882B2	Multi-way adjustment device for a seat component and/or a cable A multi-way adjustment device, in particular a two-way adjustment device, is proposed for a seat component, which is suitable in particular for the seat-back width adjustment of a seat. The multi-way adjustment device comprises an adjustment part (7) adjustably mounted relative to a mounting plate a (1), which when moved in a first adjustment direction (A) requires less energy expenditure than when moved in a second adjustment direction (B). In order to compensate this, there are provided mechanical energy accumulation means (5), which takes up mechanical energy when the movement is in the first adjustment direction (A), in order to release this when the movement is in the second adjustment direction (B) and thus to assist the movement of the adjustment part (7) in the second adjustment direction (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a corresponding adjustment device for a cable, in particular a Bowden cable, in order, for example, to adjust a lumbar support for a seat with respect to curvature or height position.
US08136880B2	Adjustable width juvenile vehicle seat A juvenile vehicle seat includes a base, a seat back, and a width controller. The base includes a seat bottom and first and second armrests mounted for pivotable movement on opposite sides of the seat bottom. The width controller can be operated to cause the first and second armrests to pivot relative to one another and to the seat bottom.
US08136878B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat comprises a seat frame comprising a lower frame connected to side frames, and a seating frame connected to the lower frame. A connecting structure is formed at a position remote from a rotate center as a connecting portion of an end side of the side frame to the lower frame; the connecting structure comprises an elongated hole formed in the applicable side frame and extending in an up-and-down direction, a convex portion formed on the lower frame, an energy absorbing plate, and a guide member for guiding the energy absorbing plate; and the convex portion and the elongated hole are configured to be relatively movable, while plastically deforming the energy absorbing plate which is supported in an abutting manner by a seating frame side of the convex portion and which is disposed in a clamped manner between the convex portion and the guide member.
US08136875B2	Cup holder and pivoting armrest Some embodiments relate to armrests equipped with cup holders, wherein the armrest is in pivotal communication with a seat frame member so that the armrest can be stowed and deployed. Some embodiments are also equipped with a locking mechanism that can maintain the armrest in a deployed and/or stowed configuration. Still further, some embodiments include structure for detecting whether the cup holder is occupied and either engaging or disengaging the locking mechanism accordingly. Thus, some embodiments are adapted to lock the armrest in a deployed configuration when a cup or other object is detected within the cup holder.
US08136874B2	Fluidic climate control system for a seat A fluid-based or fluidic climate control system for a seat includes first and second portions positionable adjacent to first and second surfaces of the seat and a fluid control module (FCM) for circulating fluid in a closed-loop within the portions. The FCM delivers fluid to the portions at independently-controllable temperatures. An interface may be used to control the temperatures. The FCM may include a heat exchanger module (HEM) having a fan connected to an energy storage device (ESD). The FCM may include a miniature vapor compressor for circulating the fluid. A method of cooling a seat includes positioning first and second portions of the system adjacent to different surfaces of the seat, and using the FCM to circulate fluid within a closed-loop passage of the portions while independently controlling the temperature of the fluid, and thus the portions, using a user interface.
US08136872B2	Open roof construction for a vehicle Open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part and a movable panel. A slide is movable along a stationary slide guide and is provided with panel engagement elements cooperating with slide engagement elements of the movable panel. A movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The panel engagement elements of the slide comprise two curves and the slide engagement elements of the panel comprise two cams, each for cooperation with a respective one of the curves. Moving the slide in a first direction a cooperation between a first curve and corresponding first cam will lead to lowering a first transversal edge of the panel followed by translating the panel along with the slide. Moving the slide in an opposite second direction a cooperation between the second curve and corresponding second cam will lead to lifting said first transversal edge.
US08136869B2	Windshield support structure A windshield support structure for a vehicle, in particular an automobile, includes, but is not limited to a front bulkhead and a windshield support connected to the front bulkhead. The windshield support is supported on the front bulkhead by means of at least one support disposed on the windshield support and the front bulkhead. A method is also provided for producing a windshield support structure.
US08136867B2	Aerodynamic structure for vehicle An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall provided at a rear in a vehicle body longitudinal direction with respect to a front wheel in a wheel house, and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, an airflow guiding wall extending downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from an end portion of the airflow collision wall which end portion is at a side that is far from the front wheel, and a step portion formed at a portion in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the airflow guiding wall and the airflow collision wall, and including inward-facing walls that extend along a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction.
US08136865B1	Motorcycle windbreaker A windbreaker for a motorcycle prevents airflow between the front wheel assembly and the fairing connected to the handlebars, by flexibly connecting to the handlebars and the crash bars. An indentation allows airflow to cool the engine. Releasable connectors allow proper turning of the front wheel, even if mis-mounted.
US08136861B2	Assembly including a body-in-white and tailgate for automobile An assembly includes a body of an automobile and a tailgate mounted on the body so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The assembly also includes: an opening assistance device mounted between the body and the tailgate in order to apply a pushing force on the tailgate that tends to move the latter into an open position; and at least one abutment provided on the body, for applying on the opening assistance device, when the tailgate is in the closed position, a force opposite to the pushing force thereof so that the tailgate is not subjected, or barely subjected, to the pushing force of the opening assistance device.
US08136847B2	Coupling having angularly oriented shoulder surfaces A mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has a circumferentially extending cavity facing the central space flanked by arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Two arcuate shoulder surfaces are positioned on each segment. The arcuate shoulder surfaces face the central space and are positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the cavity between the cavity and the arcuate keys. The arcuate shoulder surfaces are angularly oriented with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. The coupling is used to couple pipe elements having a circumferential ring located at the ends of the pipe elements. The angular orientation of the arcuate shoulder surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements having circumferential rings is also disclosed.
US08136839B2	Apparatus for counterbalancing a vehicle positioned on an inclined surface An apparatus for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, a control unit may engage a motor, which rotates a weight such that it is positioned to act as a counterweight for a vehicle on an inclined surface. In another embodiment, when an inclinometer detects the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, logic circuitry engages motor, causing a weight to rotate to a position such that it acts as a counterweight for the vehicle.
US08136838B2	Airbag An occupant side-impact protection apparatus for a motor vehicle, including an inflatable cushion stored in a folded configuration and an inflator configured to provide gas to inflate the cushion. The cushion is configured to inflate to form a curtain to protect the head and upper torso of the occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a tension tether, having a first end coupled at a first portion of the cushion and a second end coupled to a second portion of the cushion, to provide tension to the cushion during its unfolding. The cushion is further configured to deploy along the internal side of the vehicle, wherein the first portion of the cushion is located proximate to the rear of the cushion along an edge of the cushion that trails the remainder of the cushion as the cushion unfolds, and wherein the second portion of the cushion is located proximate to the rear of the cushion along an edge of the cushion that leads the remainder of the cushion as the cushion unfolds.
US08136837B2	Folded airbag for a motor vehicle A folded airbag for a motor vehicle, which can be inflated in case of a crash, having a first rolled folding created by rolling up a first airbag section, and a second rolled folding created by rolling up a second airbag section. The spatial directions, along which the two airbag sections are rolled up to form a rolled folding are oriented at an angle to each other.
US08136835B2	Easy ejector seat with skeletal crash safety beam An arrangement in passenger vehicles, that diverts the impact energy in impacts away from the passengers to the remaining mass of the vehicle thereby protecting the passengers, and in the same arrangement provides utilitarian access to the vehicle, such utilitarian access making it possible to both install multi-element contoured surround seats for passengers and the driver, and also safety devices and arrangements for head-on collision protection that protect the passenger. An indo-skeletal structural arrangement proposed for the vehicle, provides further benefits by targeting the strength of the vehicle to protect passengers while minimizing other massive elements in the vehicle.
US08136832B2	Dashboard support part having a passenger airbag module A dashboard support part is provided having an airbag exit opening and a module fastening frame, on which a passenger airbag module is directly and removably fastened, the module fastening frame being implemented integrally with the dashboard support part. The passenger airbag module is fastened on the module fastening frame using screws and/or using projections of the passenger airbag module inserted into pockets of the module fastening frame transversely to a firing direction of the passenger airbag module.
US08136830B2	Towable impact attenuator A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.
US08136828B2	Easy riding bicycle A bicycle design includes a seat tube affixed to the chain stay at a fixed distance rearward of the bottom bracket so that the rider sitting on the saddle can comfortably fully extend one leg to place a foot flat on the ground or to use the proper full leg extension for pedaling. The rider sits comfortably upright on the saddle while pedaling and can pedal while standing up. Increasing the height of the saddle by extending the seat post tube for a taller rider increases the space between the saddle and the handle bars. The fixed distance may be on the order of about the height above ground of a heel of the rider's foot sitting on a properly adjusted conventional frame when the foot is outstretched to reach the ground and/or on the order of about a radius of a circle through which the pedals are moved during pedaling of the bicycle. The fixed distance is preferably in the range of about 4″ to 8″ and most preferably about 6″. The seat tube is preferably affixed to the chain stay frame member at an angle of about 66.5° and the head tube at an angle of about 68°.
US08136826B2	Power retractable rocker board A running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes an arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the motor vehicle. A pivot shaft extends through the arm and is rotatable relative thereto. A step is fixedly secured to the pivot shaft and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A motor is operably coupled to the pivot shaft such that actuation of the motor rotates the pivot shaft relative to the arm to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position.
US08136823B2	Cart for transporting lawn clippings in paper bags A cart for transporting associated paper refuse bags may include a first frame foldably attached to a second frame with a hinge for folding the cart between a use condition and a storage condition, a first mesh fixedly attached to the first frame for supporting a first associated paper refuse bag, a second mesh fixedly attached to the second frame for supporting a second associated paper refuse bag, a first plurality of wheels operatively attached to the first frame, a second plurality of wheels operatively attached to the second frame, a handle operatively attached to the first frame for moving the cart, and a plurality of tarp attachment devices for attaching a tarp to cover the associated paper refuse bags.
US08136822B2	Hand truck loading accessories Accessories to provide extra lifting leverage to two wheel hand truck used to move heavy objects. One accessory is a pair of extension rails are removable attached to the frame structure. Another accessory is a secondary foot assembly removable attached to the lower end of the frame structure.
US08136821B2	Method for producing different vehicle models as well as wheel suspension for a vehicle The invention relates to a method for producing different vehicle models in which in a comfort-oriented version a vehicle wheel is pivoted in a wheel guiding element of a wheel suspension. According to the invention, in a model with enhanced dynamics of vehicle motion, between the wheel guiding element and the vehicle wheel in the axial direction, an actuator is interposed for adjusting the camber and/or track of the vehicle wheel.
US08136820B2	Electrostatic chuck with heater and manufacturing method thereof An electrostatic chuck with a heater includes: a base formed of a sintered body containing alumina; an ESC electrode provided in an upper portion side in the base; and a resistance heating body embedded in a lower portion side in the base. The base is composed of a dielectric layer from the ESC electrode to an upper surface of the base, and of a support member from the ESC electrode to a lower surface of the base. In the support member, a carbon content differs between an ESC electrode neighborhood in contact with the dielectric layer and a lower region below the ESC electrode neighborhood, a carbon content in the dielectric layer is 100 wt ppm or less, the carbon content in the ESC electrode neighborhood is 0.13 wt % or less, the carbon content in the lower region is 0.03 wt % or more and 0.5 wt % or less, and the carbon content in the ESC electrode neighborhood is smaller than the carbon content in the lower region. The resistance heating body contains niobium or platinum.
US08136819B2	Sealing structure and gasket There is provided a sealing structure and a gasket which can seal both of a portion where a groove for mounting the gasket is formed and a portion where a groove for mounting the gasket is not formed when the portions are connected.The gasket includes a first gasket portion 110 which has a first mounted portion 111 to be mounted in a first groove 211 to come in close contact with a bottom face 211a of the first groove 211 and which is formed in a shape along an end portion of an outer wall portion 210 and a second gasket portion 120 which has a second mounted portion 150 to be mounted in a second groove 221 near a portion connected to the first gasket portion 110 and which is formed in a shape along an end portion 220 of a partition wall 220, the second mounted portion 150 having an inclined face for coming in close contact with the inclined bottom face 221a of the second groove 221.
US08136817B2	Motor with cutting tool mounting hole A tool holder plate (51) is fixed to a shaft end part (413) of a hollow motor shaft (41) of a brushless DC servo motor (1), and a cutting tool is mounted in a tool mounting hole (51a) formed in the tool holder plate (51) and a work is cut-processed by this cutting tool. In order to prevent intrusion of a cutting processing oil containing cutting powder into the inside of the motor from between the shaft end part (411) of the hollow motor shaft (41) and an end plate portion (22) of a motor housing (2), a labyrinth seal (55) including a double circular groove (553, 555) having a fine width extended in the axis direction (1a) is formed between a metal plate (53), the tool holder plate (51), and the shaft end part (411). The other shaft end part (414) is also formed with a labyrinth seal (56) of the same structure. Due to this structure, intrusion of the cutting processing oil into the inside of the motor can be prevented, which can prevent trouble such as early destruction of oil seals (48, 49) by attachment of the cutting powder contained in the cutting processing oil to the oil seals (48, 49).
US08136816B1	Laminated multiple-layered split boot A multiple layering means of a protective laminated multiple-layered split boot layer assembly, providing both very important qualities of easy installation and reliable boot sealing performance. Easy installation is easy to achieve but the reliable boot sealing performance of substantially high degree of reliable boot sealing performance is very much needed but has eluded many investors until now. Many different solutions and approaches are used, such as multiple layering, reinforcement with fastener such as glue sealant adhesive, reinforcement encircling rings, and appropriately positioning each split boot layer's cut (53) split line, in relationship to the cut (53) of preceding and adjacent split boot layer, with alternating slit (or seam) facing feature, for maximized sealing performance.
US08136814B2	Predetermined bonus enhancement for game card game This invention relates to a predetermined bonus feature for use in conjunction with a designated underlying game of chance, wherein the individual game card and master game card or master bonus game card include symbols that predetermine and identify which player(s) is eligible to win the bonus prize upon the occurrence of another event. A predetermined winning bonus symbol on a master game card or master bonus game card made known prior to or after conclusion of play of the designated underlying game. Players who have a symbol on their individual game card that matches the predetermined winning bonus symbol know, in advance, that they are eligible to participate to win the bonus prize. The winner(s) of the designated underlying game will win the bonus prize if s/he is able to match a symbol on the individual game card with the winning bonus symbol.
US08136812B2	Sheet stacker and finisher furnished with the same Affords sheet stacking device that, in stacking sheets onto a loading tray, enables stacking of the sheets always in the correct posture regardless of the nature of the sheets' surface material. The sheet stacking device includes a tray unit located downstream of a sheet discharging port, a sheet-end regulating member provided on the tray unit, a conveying unit for transporting sheets carried out onto the tray unit though the sheet discharging port, toward the sheet-end regulating member, and a conveyance controller for controlling the conveying unit. In conveying toward the sheet-end regulating member a sheet having been carried onto the tray unit, the conveyance controller varies the running time during which the conveying unit applies conveyance force to the sheet, in accordance with the material nature of the sheet surface.
US08136811B1	Automatic document feeder An automatic document feeder includes a paper guide casing, a photo interrupter, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit and a controller. During the paper is transported through the paper guide casing, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are respectively triggered by two ends of the paper. Consequently, the photo interrupter is conducted for a first duration T1 or a second duration T2. According to the first duration T1 or the second duration T2, a skew angle of the paper is calculated by the controller.
US08136810B1	Sheet alignment and ejection mechanism A sheet alignment and ejection mechanism includes a sheet alignment device, a sheet ejection device, a power device and a transmission unit. The sheet alignment device includes a first one-way element. The sheet ejection device includes a second one-way element. The transmission unit includes plural gears. The transmission unit is connected with the power device, the first one-way element and the second one-way element for driving rotation of the first one-way element and the second one-way element. The first one-way element and the second one-way element are rotated in opposite directions. When the first one-way element is rotated in a first direction, the sheets aligned on a sheet placement tray are aligned by the sheet alignment device. When the second one-way element is rotated in the first direction, the stapled sheets are ejected out of the sheet placement tray by the sheet ejection device.
US08136807B2	Sheet aligning apparatus In a sheet aligning apparatus, a pair of sheet aligning members stops at three positions such that when a sheet aligning operation is not conducted, the pair of sheet aligning members is stopped at the first position of an upper level so as not to come in contact with sheets discharged from a discharging section, when the sorting section shifts for sorting, the pair of sheet aligning members is stopped at the second position of a middle level lower than the first position so as not to come in contact with sheets stacked on the tray, and when a sheet aligning operation is conducted, the pair of sheet aligning members is stopped at the third position of a lower level so as to come in contact with the top surface of the tray or the upper surface of the sheets stacked on the tray.
US08136806B2	Cutting board with pivoting base A cutting board with a planar cutting surface and a stand pivotally mounted thereto. The stand supports the cutting board in a generally vertical position to facilitate frequent washing and drainage for healthier food processing.
US08136805B1	Row bar holder A row bar holder to hold a plurality of row bars containing reader heads for scanning operations is disclosed. The row bar holder includes: a base fixture having a length defining a y-axis and a width defining an x-axis, a plurality of separator walls formed on a top surface of the base fixture spaced from one another to separate the plurality of row bars containing reader heads, a plurality of grooves defined between the adjacent separator walls to receive the row bars, respectively, and a draw bar mountable within the base fixture, the draw bar having a plurality of draw bar walls that approximately align with the plurality of separator walls of the base fixture along the y-axis.
US08136800B2	Device and method for increasing blood flow and insulin-like growth factor In order to provide a device and a method for increasing blood flow and an insulin-like growth factor with use of a large amount of carbonic gas nano bubbles, the device of the present invention includes: a bathtub 1; and a nano bubble-producing section 41 for producing carbonic gas nano bubbles in bath water in the bathtub 1.
US08136796B2	Carburetor with a starter A carburetor with a starter includes a carburetor body, a main fuel supply device with a swing frame, an idle speed fuel supply device with a main metering pin, a starter, a joint for a fuel input pipe and a main nozzle having a fuel nozzle. The carburetor further includes an operating mechanism having a linkage arm and an air strangler. The air strangler and the linkage arm are pivoted to two sides of the carburetor body, respectively. The linkage arm has an upper position and a lower position formed thereon. The upper position presses against the swing frame so as to move the main metering pin and cause the air strangler to shut down an air passage in the carburetor body.
US08136792B2	Double containment valve system A stemmed control valve having a housing containing a first packing assembly that is compressively loaded externally of the housing, and a second packing assembly that is independently compressively loaded in a fixed manner internally of the housing.
US08136791B2	Fluid filling and/or extraction control device and tank including one such device The invention relates to a device for controlling the filling and/or extraction of a fluid, for example, in relation to a pressurized fluid tank including a body having a connection end (516) which is equipped with engagement means that are intended to co-operate with complementary engagement means which are provided, for example, on a connection interface of a tank, a member (17) for opening a valve that can move in relation to the body, actuation means (250) which can move the opening member (17) selectively and which can move between a running position and a stopped position corresponding respectively to an operating position and a rest position of the opening member (17) and a hole (105) which can receive a removable outlet or inlet coupling (75) for the distribution of the fluid. The invention is characterized in that the device includes retractable locking means (55) which are used to lock the actuation means (250) in the running position and which are designed to co-operate with the hole (105), such that, when there is no coupling (75) connected to the control device in the corresponding hole, the locking means (55) are biased towards the retracted position, thereby preventing the actuation means (250) from being stably maintained in the running position.
US08136786B2	Folding wire easel A collapsible easel with three legs is provided. First ends of the three legs are attached at an apex. The legs are moveable with respect to one another about the apex. The legs are moveable between collapsed and opened positions. The legs are disposed substantially adjacent one another in the collapsed position. The second ends of the legs are spaced a distance away from each other in the opened position. The legs form an upright pyramidal configuration when in the opened position. The easel is supported by a collapsible reinforcing member joining two of the legs. The reinforcing member has first and second arms joined by a pivoting mechanism. The easel is also reinforced by a collapsible bracing assembly comprising alpha, beta, and gamma support members attached to the set of three legs.
US08136784B2	Vehicle seat slide device A vehicle seat slide device is provided, wherein a manipulation handle has a grip portion, acting end portions for operating lock/unlock mechanisms, shaft support portions which are between the acting end portions and the grip portion and which are formed to a flat shape to become parallel to vertical walls, and pivot support shafts protruding from the shaft support portions in a direction of the pivot center of the manipulation handle. The vertical walls have opened holding holes which open at front parts and into which the pivot support shafts are inserted from opened portions to be supported at inner parts, and holding members holding the pivot support shafts in the opened holding holds.
US08136768B2	System and method for adjusting control surfaces for wind tunnel models A system and a method for adjusting and locking a control surface that is movably arranged on a wind-tunnel aircraft model and comprises a drive arrangement for driving the control surface, and a locking arrangement. The drive arrangement comprises a first drive motor, arranged in a fixed manner relative to the control surface, at least one first connecting rod eccentrically connectable to the first drive motor, and at least one lever, whose one end can be held on the first connecting rod and whose other end can be held on a fixed point of the aircraft model. The locking arrangement can be attached in a fixed manner relative to the control surface and is further designed to block a relative movement between the control surface and the aircraft model.
US08136767B2	Method and system for flow control with arrays of dual bimorph synthetic jet fluidic actuators A system and method for control of a fluid flow. The system includes an array of interdependent fluidic actuators, each including a chamber, a flow control port, and opposite side walls configured to expand apart and contract together to flow a control fluid through the flow control port in response to an input, wherein adjacent actuators in the array of interdependent fluidic actuators are integrally coupled together via a common side wall of the opposite side walls.
US08136758B2	Hybrid strut comprising metal and composite portions A strut (18, 50) includes a fiber-reinforced, elongate composite body (36, 54) and has first and second ends and a metal and/or tubular support (20, 52) at least partially embedded in the composite body (36, 54), where the composite body (36, 54) has first (40, 60) and second ends (42, 62) forming first and second load-bearing end portions of the strut (18, 50). Also a method forms such a strut using a mold (70).
US08136756B2	System for electrical generation, conversion, distribution, and starting on board an aircraft A system for electrical generation, conversion, distribution and starting on board an aircraft, of “bleedless” type, that is, with an electrical power architecture with no pneumatic circuits. The electrical distribution channels for high power loads specific to aircraft of “bleedless” type, and the electrical distribution channels for conventional loads, including technical loads, such as avionics, lighting, fuel pumps and commercial loads are separated, and are supplied with power by separate generators driven by the aircraft's engines.
US08136753B2	Transporter for box of spooled wire or cable Apparatus for manually transporting cartons or reels of goods include a support structure that includes a horizontal support member having first and second components, first and second vertical support members, and first and second bushings attached to the vertical support members for insertion into arbor holes in a reel or carton. Additionally, the apparatus includes a handle affixed to the support structure. In an alternate embodiment, one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as the contents of the carton are removed.
US08136750B2	Powder processing apparatus and powder processing system A powder processing apparatus includes a main body portion having a cylindrical rotor rotating at a high speed, and a cylindrical stator arranged coaxially with the rotor, outside the rotor with a gap therebetween; a supply port provided at one end of the main body portion, and supplying a processing raw material into the gap together with an airflow; and a discharge port provided at the other end of the main body portion, and discharging, from the gap, a processed product obtained by spheroidizing the processing raw material between the rotor and the stator. In the inner peripheral surface of the stator, there are provided circumferential grooves orthogonally intersecting the axis line of the stator, or a spiral groove forming an angle of not less than 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the axis line.
US08136732B2	Electronic transaction card with contactless interface An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
US08136729B2	Ballot tabulation device and method for tabulating paper ballots printed according to ballot style A ballot tabulation device and method for tabulating paper ballots that have been printed according to ballot style. In an exemplary embodiment, the ballot tabulation device includes an input device, such as a touch screen display, that enables a user to enter a precinct identification code for a paper ballot. The device also includes a scanner operable to scan the paper ballot, and a processing circuit operable to decode one or more voting selections marked on the paper ballot. The processing circuit is further operable to tabulate the decoded voting selections and include the tabulated voting selections within the vote tally associated with the precinct identification code. Other exemplary embodiments are also disclosed.
US08136718B1	Assist mechanism for operating an after hour/night depository device An after hour depository device, having a framework including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and having a front opening, a hopper assembly including a door having a front face and bottom portion, a handle disposed on an upper end of the front face, and a deposit hopper on the inside of the door, and a horizontal shaft fixed to and extending from at least one side of the bottom portion of the hopper assembly, the horizontal shaft having an end portion extending through the first sidewall, the horizontal shaft and the hopper assembly being pivotable within the framework between a closed position in which the door covers the front opening of the framework, and a full open position in which the front opening is uncovered. A lever arm fixed to the end portion of the horizontal shaft at a rotary angle, the lever arm including a distal arm end extending radially, and a gas spring secured pivotably at a first end to the distal end of the lever arm, and secured pivotably at a second end to the sidewall. The gas spring exerts a torsional force on the distal end of the lever arm to deliver a torque on the horizontal shaft that reduces the required pulling force on the handle to initiate the movement of the hopper assembly from the closed position toward the full open position.
US08136716B2	Soldering work piece, soldering method and heat exchanger The invention relates to a soldering work piece made of aluminium and/or aluminium compounds, to a soldering method, in addition to a heat exchanger soldered in said manner. One surface of the soldering work piece is provided with an artificially applied oxide layer.
US08136711B2	Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument The present disclosure describes a surgical fastener applying apparatus that includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector.
US08136710B2	Powered stapling device The present invention relates to an powered stapling device and, more specifically, but not limited to, a powered stapling device for driving staples over a strip of linear material, such as a cable located in an otherwise inaccessible or difficult to reach place. The stapling device includes an actuation mechanism, a handle, a staple ejection mechanism, and a drive arm operable along a primary axis of the stapling device. The actuation mechanism provides energy to the drive arm, which in turn engages the staple ejection mechanism, which in turn drives the staple. At least a portion of the staple engagement mechanism may be positioned at an angle with respect to the primary axis. This configuration of the staple engagement mechanism allows the stapling device to drive the staple at an angle relative to the linear object being stapled, even when the primary axis of stapling device is aligned substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the linear object being stapled.
US08136709B2	Article carriers A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.
US08136701B2	Fixed-volume liquid dispenser A dispenser for viscous liquids effectuates sequential operations by hydrostatic pressure on an assembly of two pistons separated from each other in a cylinder by a separation spring. When the piston assembly is embedded in material to be dispensed, the space between the pistons fills with material to be dispensed. Pressuring the reservoir by squeezing it or by the addition of pressurized gas, forces the piston assembly down the cylinder at the end of which is an opening from which material in the piston assembly can escape. One of the pistons moves toward the other end by pressure from the reservoir, causing material in the piston assembly to be dispensed. The volume inside the piston assembly defines and limits the volume of material that can be dispensed.
US08136697B2	Gravity fed dispensing container A gravity fed dispensing and display box has separate partition inserts therein dividing the interior into a plurality of compartments for stacking articles to be dispensed. A dispensing opening at the bottom of each compartment has a width less than the width of the compartment and of articles to be dispensed to prevent unintentional movement of an article through the opening. A yieldable retaining panel overlies the articles in each compartment to prevent loss of articles through the top during shipping, but flexes downwardly to enable an article to be placed in the compartment through the top. A lid is convertible from a shipping closure to a display panel for display at a point of sale. The box and the inserts are each held assembled by interlocking tabs and slots, avoiding the need for adhesive.
US08136696B2	Lottery ticket machine able to prevent tickets from being illegally drawn out A lottery ticket machine able to prevent tickets from being illegally drawn out includes a machine base provided with a driving device, two press rollers with pressed streaks on the wheel surface and a control device. One of the two press rollers is provided with a shaft extending out of the machine base for fixing the control device that contains a rotary gear with engage holes, a bushing and a control wheel bored with bushing hole to be fitted with the bushing and disposed with engage teeth and projecting members to be respectively engaged with the engage holes of the rotary gear. An outer cover covered on the control device is provided inside with engage teeth to correspondingly engage with the engage teeth of the control wheel, and a spring has opposite ends respectively pushing against the control wheel and the inner wall of the bushing cover.
US08136695B2	Cassette for a towel dispenser and towel dispenser for use of such a cassette The invention relates to a strip of towel material for use in a towel dispenser, which strip has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and has been wound onto a roller, or has been folded along folding lines extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, such that a stack has been obtained, wherein the strip is provided with at least one electronically readable marking.
US08136694B1	Cup with improved characteristics The cup of the present invention can have a body made of a foam material. The cup has a handle and a holder. The handle and the holder can each have a flange, respectively, to secure to the cup. The flanges, respectively, are shaped to mate with the external periphery of the cup, and can be initially held in place with an adhesive. A shrinkable wrap can then be positioned around the cup. Upon a heat treatment, the wrap shrinks to tightly engage the outside of the cup. Further, the shrink wrap maintains secure engagement between the flanges and the cup so that the handle and holder are secure. A cover can be provided for covering the cup. A package can be secured within a cavity on the top of the cover. The package can contain a fluid enabling the cup to be used for portable meals.
US08136693B2	Attachable container having openable snap ring A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.
US08136692B2	Anti-roll stabilizer for cylindrical containers An anti-rolling device for cylindrical containers, such as mailing tubes, has a stabilizing member with an internal aperture for inserting over a portion of the container. The outer periphery of the device is irregular, e.g., having flats, such that resting on a flat lowers the container to a stable position, and requires energy to rotate beyond the flat and consequently lift the container. The device may be slipped over a plug type cap or placed directly over the body of the container. In alternative embodiments, the device is provided in the form of a gasket, is made from a foam material, is split and resiliently grabs the container or has an elastic band holding it tightly to the container. The various embodiments may be used to retrofit an existing container. The stabilizer may be provided with one or more radial tabs, which may have burrs to grip the receptacle and/or feature a constraining ring to lock the cap into the receptacle. The stabilizer may be used to hold a container upright or constitute an indicia bearing surface.
US08136690B2	Sensing the amount of liquid in a vessel A vessel comprising a fluid-confining surface, a basal surface disposed below the fluid-confining surface, and a light guide. The light guide includes a first window partly defining the basal surface and a second window partly defining the fluid-confining surface, where the second window is disposed above a lowest region of the fluid-confining surface. In other embodiments, an isolating structure is provided that substantially surrounds the light guide between the first and second windows.
US08136689B2	Device for beverage can The present invention concerns a filter element (310, 410) for a conventional beverage can (1, 2), with a top of a can (100) comprising a pull tab with a fixing (103), a tab (110) and a sealing element (101) which at least adjoins to a punch edge (102) of an opening of the can, wherein the filter element has an area which at least covers the entire said opening when the can is opened, wherein the filter element (310, 410) is adapted to be fastened to the top side of the top of the can (100) either by the fixing (103) of the pull tab or adherence directly to the top of the can (100).
US08136687B2	Cover of container A cover of a container is provided. The cover displays the number of times a user has ever opened the container which contains medication to thereby inform the user of the user's history of medication use with a view to protecting the user from unnecessary repeat medication and suggesting the user to take medication.
US08136686B2	Dispensing container A dispensing container includes a selectively removable cap to which a variety of articles may be securely and selectively attached. The dispensing container includes a dispensing body in which material for dispensing is stored. The dispensing body includes a closed end, at least one side wall and an open end through which the material is dispensed. The dispensing container also includes a cap shaped and dimensioned for selectively covering the open end of the dispensing body. The cap includes a first end shaped and dimensioned for frictionally engaging the open end of the dispensing body for secure and selective attachment thereto and a closed second end including a clasp extending therefrom. The clasp includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first arcuate member and a first upwardly extending connecting member linking the first arcuate member to the cap, and the second arm includes a second arcuate member and a second upwardly extending connecting member linking the second arcuate member to the cap. The first arm and the second arm are oriented upon the cap so as to overlap in a mating configuration with the first arm lying over the second arm, the first arcuate member and the second arcuate member overlapping through a substantial portion of their respective arcs.
US08136685B2	Device for closing a barrel or the like A sealing device for a barrel or the like, the barrel including an opening (22) arranged especially at the level of at least one bottom (14), characterized in that it includes, on the one hand, an attachment ring (24) located on the periphery of the opening (22) at the level of the outer surface of the bottom (24), connected to the bottom by any suitable manner, and, on the other hand, a sealing device having a first part (30) that can be wedged at the level of the opening (22) and a second part (32) that can be screwed onto the ring (24), the second part (32) as it is being screwed tending to increase the force of the pressure between the first part (30) and the opening (22).
US08136681B2	Stackable stems A stem may comprise a circular base, a plurality of outer ears, and a plurality of outer uprights. The circular base may have a circular outer perimeter centered on a center point of the circular base. The plurality of outer ears may protrude outwardly from the circular outer perimeter. The plurality of outer uprights may be respectively connected to each of the plurality of outer ears at a bottom end of each of the plurality of outer uprights. The plurality of outer uprights may be substantially parallel with each other and may be substantially perpendicular to the circular base. The stem may be configured to allow an additional stem to mateable stack inside the stem. The additional stem may be rotated (with respect to the stem) an incremental amount such that sides of outer ears of the additional stem may respectively contact sides of the outer uprights of the stem.
US08136680B2	Whiteboard mounting system The mounting system may be used to support a display on a support surface. The mounting system may include a top rail secured to the support surface. The mounting, system may also include a mounting arm hung from the top rail and a support rail attached to the mounting arm that supports the whiteboard. The mounting system may provide permanent or removable attachment to the support surface that may interchangeably accommodate a variety of displays.
US08136675B2	Perm selective asymmetric hollow fibre membrane for the separation of toxic mediators from blood The present invention relates to a permselective asymmetric hollow fibre membrane for the separation of toxic mediators from blood, comprised of at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer. Further, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of such a membrane, and the use of said membrane in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and hemofiltration for treatment of toxic mediator-related diseases.
US08136674B2	Filter device and method for manufacturing the same A filter device includes a filtering member having a rough part, which is comparatively low in a density of flow pores for flowing fluid, and a dense part, which is comparatively high in the density of the flow pores. The filter device further includes a support member that supports the filtering member and has an inflow passage and a discharge passage. The dense part supports the rough part, and is located between the rough part and the discharge passage, and is supported by a mechanical pressure applied by the support members. The filter device is capable of supporting the filtering member easily in a case member and securing a filtering area to enhance the performance of removing a foreign matter.
US08136672B2	Sizing roller screen ore processing apparatus A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials.
US08136671B1	Document sort machine having dual feeders A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets from each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.
US08136669B2	Process and composition for froth flotation A method for conducting froth flotation using a collector which is primarily hydrocarbon in nature or is a mixture of hydrocarbons with certain oxygenates, the collectors being substantially free of polynuclear aromatics, sulfur and nitrogen.
US08136667B2	Cup retaining apparatus and methods Cup retaining apparatus and methods are described herein. Retaining a cup or glass within or along a plate assembly allows for the user to hold both the plate and cup or glass with a single hand. Generally, a cup or glass retaining plate assembly may comprise a platform defining an opening which is sized to support a cup or glass extending at least partially through the platform. A retaining clip or arm may be pivotably attached to the platform and movable between a retaining position and a releasing position, wherein the opening opens along a portion of a periphery of the platform such that the cup or glass is secured within the opening when the retaining clip or arm is in the retaining position and wherein the cup or glass is removable when the retaining clip or arm is in the releasing position.
US08136665B2	Package for candy bars and holder therefor The invention discloses a system comprising at least one package for one or more candy bars or other similar products, and a holder for said package comprising at least one flap for engaging the package in a holding position. A holder comprising a flat surface, at least one flap for engaging a packaged product in a holding position, and at least one flap for supporting a tubular envelope of the packaged product in the holding position, and a method for holding together for transport, storage and/or displaying at a retail outlet are also disclosed.
US08136661B2	Wrapped bundle of smoking articles A wrapped bundle comprises an inner liner wrapped about a predetermined collation of smoking articles. The inner liner comprises an inner liner outer edge and at least two sections defining an opening in the wrapped bundle. At least one section of the at least two sections is provided with an adhesive for releasably attaching the at least two sections to reclose the opening. The at least one section comprises a part of the inner liner outer edge.
US08136657B2	Packaged hardenable dental article Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.
US08136656B2	Suture packaging A package for surgical suture material is also provided. The package includes a base and a cover. The cover is configured to be placed adjacent to the base to form the package for surgical suture material and including a plurality of posts extending from an outer surface thereof configured for receiving an information label. The package may further include an information label heat staked to the cover.
US08136649B2	Wear-resistant lining A wear-resistant lining element (1) for a surface subjected to wear has an outwardly directed surface (4) over which material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move. The wear-resistant lining element also has a thickness (d). The wear-resistant lining element (1) comprises elastomeric material (2) mainly adapted to absorb impact energy and wear-resistant members (3) mainly adapted to resist wear. The wear-resistant members (3) are in a plane (P) perpendicular to the outwardly directed surface (4) designed so that in the direction of thickness (d) they at least partially overlap each other. Moreover, a wear-resistant lining made of a number of wear-resistant lining elements (1) is disclosed.
US08136644B2	Arrangement, device and method at a disturbance-eliminating valve for damper An electronically-controlled damper arrangement includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly features a valve slide that carries at least two pistons. The first piston controls flow through two separate flow paths while the second piston controls damping provided by the valve slide. The first piston being both axially moveable and radially moveable within a valve housing.

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