最新美国发明专利第2012-04-10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
US08153525B2	Polishing method, polishing apparatus, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A polishing method includes a first polishing step of halfway polishing a film to be polished formed on a substrate, and a second polishing step of further polishing the polished film, wherein a first film thickness profile showing an in-plane distribution of a film thickness of the polished film after the second polishing step for a first substrate is measured, and the first polishing step for a second substrate is executed to obtain a second film thickness profile which has a size relation in a film thickness opposite to the first film thickness profile.
US08153524B2	Providing superior electromigration performance and reducing deterioration of sensitive low-k dielectrics in metallization systems of semiconductor devices During the formation of complex metallization systems, a conductive cap layer may be formed on a copper-containing metal region in order to enhance the electromigration behavior without negatively affecting the overall conductivity. At the same time, a thermo chemical treatment may be performed to provide superior surface conditions of the sensitive dielectric material and also to suppress carbon depletion, which may conventionally result in a significant variability of material characteristics of sensitive ULK materials.
US08153523B2	Method of etching a layer of a semiconductor device using an etchant layer A method of semiconductor fabrication including an etching process is provided. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a target layer on the substrate. An etchant layer is formed on the target layer. The etchant layer reacts with the target layer and etches a portion of the target layer. In an embodiment, an atomic layer of the target layer is etched. The etchant layer is then removed from the substrate. The process may be iterated any number of times to remove a desired amount of the target layer. In an embodiment, the method provides for decreased lateral etching. The etchant layer may provide for improved control in forming patterns in thin target layers such as, capping layers or high-k dielectric layers of a gate structure.
US08153522B2	Patterning mask and method of formation of mask using step double patterning A method of forming a mask for use in fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming first non-removable portions of a photoresist material through a mask having a plurality of apertures, shifting the mask, forming second non-removable second portions of the photoresist material overlapping the first portions, and removing removable portions of the photoresist material arranged between the first and second portions. The formed photoresist mask may be used to form vias in an integrated circuit. The pattern of vias produced have the capability to exceed the current imaging resolution of a single exposure treatment.
US08153517B2	Processes and structures for IC fabrication The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for the separations of IC fabrication and assembling of separated IC components to form complete IC structures. In an embodiment, the present fabrication separation of an IC structure into multiple discrete components can take advantages of dedicated IC fabrication facilities and achieve more cost effective products. In another embodiment, the present chip assembling provides high density interconnect wires between bond pads, enabling cost-effective assembling of small chip components. In an aspect, the present process coats the component surfaces to facilitate the bonding of the bond pads. In another aspect, the present process coats the bond pads with shelled capsules to facilitate the bonding of the bond pads.
US08153516B2	Method of ball grid array package construction with raised solder ball pads The present invention provides for a BGA solder ball interconnection to an outer conductive layer of a laminated circuit assembly having an underlying circuit layer. The invention includes a raised BGA solder ball pad substantially co-planar with the outer conductive layer, the raised pad having a raised face and a plurality of vertical conductive walls and a BGA solder ball having an average diameter of greater than the width of the raised face, the BGA solder ball being adhered to the raised face and to a substantial portion of the vertical conductive walls.
US08153511B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device It is an object to improve a yield of a step of cutting off a substrate. A substrate is cut off by using an ablation process. An ablation process uses a phenomenon in which a molecular bond in a portion irradiated with a laser beam, that is, a portion which absorbs the laser beam is cut off, photodegraded, and evaporated. In other words, a substrate is irradiated with a laser beam, a molecular bond in a portion of the substrate is cut off, photodegraded, and evaporated; accordingly, a groove is formed in the substrate. A method for cutting the substrate has steps of selectively emitting a laser beam and forming a groove in the substrate, and selectively emitting a laser beam to the groove and cutting off the substrate. Methods for manufacturing a groove in a substrate and cutting off a substrate are used for manufacturing a semiconductor device.
US08153510B2	Semiconductor bond pad patterns and method of formation In a semiconductor wafer, the polyimide film underneath a power metal structure is partially etched to create corresponding surface depressions of the conformal top power metal. The depressions at the surface of power metal are visible under optical microscopy. Arrangement of the depressions in a pattern facilitates the alignment of probe needles, set-up of automated wire bonding and microscopic inspection for precise alignment of wire bonds.
US08153506B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same It is provided a contacting method when a plurality of films to be peeled are laminating. Reduction of total layout area, miniaturization of a module, weight reduction, thinning, narrowing a frame of a display device, or the like can be realized by sequentially laminating a plurality of films to be peeled which are once separately formed over a plastic film or the like. Moreover, reliable contact having high degree of freedom is realized by forming each layer having a connection face of a conductive material and by patterning with the use of a photomask having the same pattern.
US08153504B2	Process for manufacturing a composite substrate The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite substrate comprising bonding a first substrate onto a second semiconducting substrate, characterized in that the process includes, before bonding, the formation of a bonding layer between the first and the second substrate, the bonding layer comprising a plurality of islands distributed over a surface of the first substrate in a determined pattern and separated from one another by regions of a different type, which are distributed in a complementary pattern, wherein the islands are formed via a plasma treatment of the material of the first substrate.
US08153503B2	Protection of cavities opening onto a face of a microstructured element The invention relates to a method for protecting the interior of at least one cavity (4) having a portion of interest (5) and opening onto a face of a microstructured element (1), consisting of depositing, on said face, a nonconformal layer (6) of a protective material, in which said nonconformal layer closes off the cavity without covering the portion of interest.The invention also relates to a method for producing a device comprising such a microstructured element.
US08153502B2	Methods for filling trenches in a semiconductor material Methods of filling cavities or trenches. More specifically, methods of filling a cavity or trench in a semiconductor layer are provided. The methods include depositing a first dielectric layer into the trench by employing a conformal deposition process. Next, the first dielectric layer is etched to create a recess in the trench within the first dielectric layer. The recesses are then filled with a second dielectric layer by employing a high density plasma deposition process. The techniques may be particularly useful in filling cavities and trenches having narrow widths and/or high aspect ratios.
US08153500B2	Method of fabricating an epitaxially grown layer on a composite structure A method of fabricating materials by epitaxy by epitaxially growing at least one layer of a material upon a composite structure that has at least one thin film bonded to a support substrate and a bonding layer of oxide formed by deposition between the support substrate and the thin film. The thin film and the support substrate have a mean thermal expansion coefficient of 7×10−6 K−1 or more. The bonding layer is formed by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of a layer of silicon oxide on the bonding face of the support substrate or on the bonding face of the thin film. The thin film has a thickness of 5 micrometers or less while the thickness of the layer of oxide is equal to or greater than the thickness of the thin film. The method also includes a heat treatment carried out at a temperature that is higher than the temperature for deposition of the layer of oxide of silicon and for a predetermined period.
US08153498B2	Downsize polysilicon height for polysilicon resistor integration of replacement gate process A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device protecting a resistive structure in gate replacement processing is disclosed. The method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate; forming at least one gate structure including a dummy gate over the semiconductor substrate; forming at least one resistive structure including a gate over the semiconductor substrate; exposing a portion of the gate of the at least one resistive structure; forming an etch stop layer over the semiconductor substrate, including over the exposed portion of the gate; removing the dummy gate from the at least one gate structure to create an opening; and forming a metal gate in the opening of the at least one gate structure.
US08153497B2	Lanthanide dielectric with controlled interfaces Methods and devices for a dielectric are provided. One method embodiment includes forming a passivation layer on a substrate, wherein the passivation layer contains a composition of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The method also includes forming a lanthanide dielectric film on the passivation layer, and forming an encapsulation layer on the lanthanide dielectric film.
US08153488B2	Method for manufacturing nonvolatile storage device Manufacturing a nonvolatile storage device including: stacking a first electrode film forming a first electrode and a first storage unit film forming a first storage unit on a substrate; processing the first electrode film and the first storage unit film into a strip shape; burying a sacrifice layer between the processed first electrode films and between the processed first storage unit films; forming a second electrode film forming a second electrode on the first storage unit film and the sacrifice layer; forming a mask layer on the second electrode film; processing the second electrode film into a strip shape using the mask layer; removing a portion of the first storage unit film exposed from the sacrifice layer using the mask layer processing the first storage unit film into a columnar shape, removing the sacrifice layer exposing the first storage unit film; and removing the exposed first storage unit film.
US08153484B2	Metal-oxide-semiconductor device having trenched diffusion region and method of forming same An MOS device includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and first and second source/drain regions of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer proximate an upper surface of the semiconductor layer. The first and second source/drain regions are spaced apart relative to one another. A gate is formed above and electrically isolated from the semiconductor layer, at least partially between the first and second source/drain regions. At least a given one of the first and second source/drain regions is configured having an effective width that is substantially greater than a width of a junction between the semiconductor layer and the given source/drain region.
US08153471B2	Method for forming a reduced active area in a phase change memory structure A phase change memory structure and method for forming the same, the method including providing a substrate comprising a conductive area; forming a spacer having a partially exposed sidewall region at an upper portion of the spacer defining a phase change memory element contact area; and, wherein the spacer bottom portion partially overlaps the conductive area. Both these two methods can reduce active area of a phase change memory element, therefore, reducing a required phase changing electrical current.
US08153469B2	Reaction methods to form group IBIIIAVIA thin film solar cell absorbers The present invention provides a method to form Group IBIIIAVIA solar cell absorber layers on continuous flexible substrates. In a preferred aspect, the method forms a Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer for manufacturing photovoltaic cells by providing a workpiece having a precursor layer formed over a substrate, the precursor layer including copper, indium, gallium and selenium; heating the precursor layer to a first temperature; reacting the precursor layer at the first temperature for a first predetermined time to transform the precursor layer to a partially formed absorber structure; cooling down the partially formed absorber structure to a second temperature, wherein both the first temperature and the second temperature are above 400° C.; and reacting the partially formed absorber structure at the second temperature for a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, to form a Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer.
US08153461B2	Light-emitting diode apparatus and manufacturing method thereof A light-emitting diode (LED) apparatus includes a thermoconductive substrate, a thermoconductive adhesive layer, an epitaxial layer, a current spreading layer and a micro- or nano-roughing structure. The thermoconductive adhesive layer is disposed on the thermoconductive substrate. The epitaxial layer is disposed opposite to the thermoconductive adhesive layer and has a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer. The current spreading layer is disposed between the second semiconductor layer of the epitaxial layer and the thermoconductive adhesive layer. The micro- or nano-roughing structure is disposed on the first semiconductor layer of the epitaxial layer. In addition, a manufacturing method of the LED apparatus is also disclosed.
US08153458B2	Image sensing devices and methods for fabricating the same Image sensing devices and methods for fabricating the same are provided. An exemplary image sensing device comprises a first substrate having a first side and a second side opposing each other. A plurality of image sensing elements is formed in the first substrate at the first side. A conductive via is formed through the first substrate, having a first surface exposed by the first substrate at the first side and a second surface exposed by the first substrate at the second side. A conductive pad overlies the conductive via at the first side and is electrically connecting the image sensing elements. A conductive layer overlies the conductive via at the second side and electrically connects with the conductive pad. A conductive bump is formed over a portion of the conductive layer. A second substrate is bonded with the first substrate at the first side.
US08153454B2	Fabrication apparatus and fabrication method of semiconductor device produced by heating substrate A fabrication apparatus and fabrication method of a semiconductor device are provided, allowing the temperature distribution of a substrate to be rendered uniform. The fabrication apparatus for a semiconductor device includes a susceptor holding the substrate, a heater arranged at a back side of the susceptor, a support member located between the substrate and susceptor, including a support portion, and a spacer located between the susceptor and support member. The spacer has an opening formed corresponding to the site where said support portion is located, at an opposite face side of the support member.
US08153453B2	Betavoltaic battery with a shallow junction and a method for making same This is a novel SiC betavoltaic device (as an example) which comprises one or more “ultra shallow” P+N− SiC junctions and a pillared or planar device surface (as an example). Junctions are deemed “ultra shallow”, since the thin junction layer (which is proximal to the device's radioactive source) is only 300 nm to 5 nm thick (as an example). In one example, tritium is used as a fuel source. In other embodiments, radioisotopes (such as Nickel-63, promethium or phosphorus-33) may be used. Low energy beta sources, such as tritium, emit low energy beta-electrons that penetrate very shallow distances (as shallow as 5 nm) in semiconductors, including SiC, and can result in electron-hole pair creation near the surface of a semiconductor device rather than pair creation in a device's depletion region. By contrast, as a high energy electron penetrates a semiconductor device surface, such as a diode surface, it produces electron hole-pairs that can be collected at (by drift) and near (by diffusion) the depletion region of the device. This is a betavoltaic device, made of ultra-shallow junctions, which allows such penetration of emitted lower energy electrons, thus, reducing or eliminating losses through electron-hole pair recombination at the surface.
US08153450B2	Method for manufacturing SIMOX wafer At oxygen ion implanting steps in manufacture of a SIMOX wafer, a path is formed inside or on a back surface of wafer holding means, and oxygen ions are implanted while heating an outer peripheral portion of the wafer that is in contact with the wafer holding means by flowing a heated fluid through this path. An in-plane temperature of a wafer held at the time of ion implantation is prevented from becoming uneven, and in-plane film thicknesses of both an SOI layer and a BOX layer are uniformed.
US08153449B2	Microwave integrated circuit package and method for forming such package A method for packaging a semiconductor device. The method includes: providing a dielectric layer over the semiconductor device; determining patterns and placement of material on the dielectric layer to provide a predetermined magnetic or electric effect for the device, such effects being provided on the device from such patterned and placed material solely by electrical or magnetic waves coupled between such material and the device; and forming the material in the determined patterns and placement to provide the predetermined effects.
US08153446B2	Fluorogenic compounds converted to fluorophores by photochemical or chemical means and their use in biological systems Fluorophores derived from photoactivatable azide-pi-acceptor fluorogens or from a thermal reaction of an azide-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an alkene or alkyne are disclosed. Fluorophores derived from a thermal reaction of an alkyne-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an azide are also disclosed. The fluorophores can readily be activated by light and can be used to label a biomolecule and imaged on a single-molecule level in living cells.
US08153445B2	Method for screening of infectious agents in blood This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect the presence of infectious agent related antibodies and/or antigens in a serum sample, which can be used to screen for infectious agents in blood. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antigens and antibodies used for the screening of infectious agents in blood.
US08153434B2	Fluid storage and dispensing vessels having colorimetrically verifiable leak-tightness and method of making same A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.
US08153429B2	Compositions and methods useful for culturing differentiable cells The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand.
US08153426B2	Preparation of antigen-presenting human gamma-delta T cells and use in immunotherapy The invention relates to a method for the preparation of efficient antigen-presenting human γδ T cells, to the γδ T cells prepared by such a method, and to their use in immunotherapy, vaccination, vaccine development and diagnostics. Similar to dendritic cells (DCs) in potency and efficacy, these human γδ T cells process antigens and present antigenic peptides to αβ T cells and induce antigen-specific responses (proliferation and differentiation) in naïve αβ T cells. γδ T cells are easily purified from peripheral blood, acquire “maturation” status (expression of essential adhesion, co-stimulatory and major histocompatibility complex molecules) within 1 day of in vitro culture under stimulation and induce strong primary and secondary T helper cell and cytotoxic T cell responses. The γδ T cells may be used in a method of treatment of tumors or chronic or recurrent infectious diseases, in identification of novel tumor or pathogen-derived antigens, and in the diagnosis of the immune competence of a patient.
US08153425B2	Dendritic cell compositions and methods Methods are provided for the production of dendritic cells from monocytes that have been incubated at a temperature of 1° C.-34° C. for a period of approximately 6 to 96 hours from the time they are isolated from a subject. After the incubation period, the monocytes can then be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells. Mature dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention have increased levels of one or more of CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC class I molecules, or MHC class II molecules as compared to mature dendritic cells prepared from monocytes that have not been held at 1° C.-34° C. for at least 6 hours from the time they were isolated from a subject. Dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention are useful for the preparation of vaccines and for the stimulation of T cells.
US08153422B2	Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from embryonic cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases Disclosed herein are methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro by inhibiting a pathway component of a TGF-β signaling pathway and overexpressing one or more cell fate-inducing polypeptides in pluripotent cells, causing differentiation of the pluripotent cells into dopaminergic neurons. Also disclosed are methods for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient by generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and transplanting them into the brain of the patient, such that the dopaminergic neurons are sufficient to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.
US08153418B2	Apparatus and method for analyzing bacteria An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analytic sample preparation section for preparing an analytic sample by treating a specimen so as to generate a morphological difference between Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, a detector for detecting optical information from each particle contained in the analytic sample and an analyzing section for detecting Gram-positive bacteria contained on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.
US08153417B2	Ionic liquid apparatus and method for biological samples Apparatus and method for handling biological samples. Segments of ionic liquid can provide voltage across segments of immiscible liquid to concentrate or separate charged species in the biological samples. Reactants in biological samples can be contacted and reacted in segments of immiscible liquid.
US08153416B2	Process for manufacture of optically active 2-(acyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolanes using enzymatic resolution There is provided a process for manufacture of optically-active, 2-(acyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolanes of Formula I comprising a preparation of a racemic compound and an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the enantiomers. The invention may further provide for the esterification and racemization of the by-product of the enzymatic reaction. In this manner, 2(R)-(benzoyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane is prepared as a useful intermediate for manufacture of the anti-HIV drug Apricitabine.
US08153412B2	Variants of Bacillus sp. TS-23 alpha-amylase with altered properties Variants of Bacillus sp. TS-23 strain alpha-amylases exhibit improved enzymatic performance, including increased themostability, reduced calcium dependence, increased washing/cleaning performance, and baking ability. Compositions comprising these variants are useful in methods of starch processing, starch liquefaction, fermatation, starch saccharification, cleaning, laundrying, textile desizing, baking, and biofilm removal.
US08153406B2	Microorganism A microorganism which is Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164 or a mutant thereof. A method of culturing the microorganism in a culture medium comprising urea or urea derivative is claimed. A nitrile hydratase obtainable from the microorganism is claimed. Also claimed is a process of preparing an amide from the corresponding nitrile wherein the nitrile is subjected to a hydration reaction in an aqueous medium in the presence of a biocatalyst selected from the group consisting of a microorganism which is a Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164, a mutant thereof and a nitrile hydratase obtainable from Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164 or a mutant thereof. Also claimed is a method of storing the Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 41164.
US08153404B2	Alleles of the zwf gene from coryneform bacteria The invention relates to mutants and alleles of the zwf gene of coryneform bacteria, which encode variants of the Zwf subunit of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC: 1.1.1.49), and to processes for preparing amino acids, in particular L-lysine and L-tryptophan, by using bacteria which harbor said alleles.
US08153403B1	Process for identifying existence of single nucleotide polymorphism without DNA sequencing A process for detecting the presence of a mutation in an oligonucleotide strand such as a DNA strand from a gene without the need for DNA sequencing is provided. The inventive process provides a rapid pre-test to screen for the presence or absence of a mutation in a target gene of a subject to determine whether laborious sequencing protocols are required to further characterize a mutation. The inventive process provides a rapid screening protocol for identifying and detecting a genetic mutation in a patient who presents with a disease.
US08153401B2	Method for direct amplification from crude nucleic acid samples The present teachings relate to improved methods, kits, and reaction mixtures for amplifying nucleic acids. In some embodiments a novel direct buffer formulation is provided which allows for the direct amplification of the nucleic acids in a crude sample with minimal sample purification.
US08153400B1	Nucleic acids encoding a mutT domain-containing polypeptide The invention pertains to nucleic acids encoding a mutT domain-containing polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. The invention also pertains to therapeutics and diagnostics involving the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids and agents that bind the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids. The invention also pertains to the identification of a novel mutT domain in human TrpC7, a polypeptide previously described as a putative calcium ion channel. Accordingly, the invention also pertains to methods and compositions for identifying agents useful modulating mutT domain-mediated calcium or other ion transport in cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a mutT domain and a calcium or other ion channel.
US08153399B2	Methods and compositions for inactivating glutamine synthetase gene expression Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating a glutamine synthetase (GS) gene, using fusion proteins comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding said fusion proteins are also provided, as are cells comprising said polynucleotides and fusion proteins.
US08153397B2	Recombinant light chains of botulinum neurotoxins and light chain fusion proteins for use in research and clinical therapy The present invention relates to the construction, expression, and purification of synthetic or recombinant light chain (LC) botulinum neurotoxin genes from all botulinum neurotoxin serotypes. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product is stable and proteolytically active. Methods of using the products of the invention are described.
US08153395B2	Method of making activated carboxypeptidases The invention is related to a method for making an activated carboxypeptidase in a fungi cell comprising introducing a DNA sequence encoding a proform of the carboxypeptidase wherein a Kex2 site has been introduced in the prosequence of the carboxypeptidase, culturing the fungi cell under conditions suitable for expression of the procarboxypeptidase and cleaving off the prosequence within the cell to liberate the free active form of the carboxypeptidase. The invention is also related to methods for making mature human insulin and human insulin analogues by use of the activated carboxypeptidase enzyme.
US08153390B2	FRET-based binding assay The present invention provides for an assay that identifies kinase inhibitors by employing fluorescence resonance energy transfer in a competition binding approach.
US08153389B2	Methods for the identification of PI3K interacting molecules and for the purification of PI3K The present invention relates to methods for the identification of a PI3K interacting compound using phenylthiazole ligand 1.
US08153386B2	Human T2R64 taste receptor and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators The present invention relates to the discovery of a specific human taste receptor in the T2R taste receptor family, hT2R64 that responds to particular bitter compounds The present invention further relates to the use of this receptor in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of this taste receptor. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for blocking bitter taste.
US08153384B2	Marks as modifiers of the p53 pathway and methods of use Human MARK genes are identified as modulators of the p53 pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective p53 function. Methods for identifying modulators of p53, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MARK are provided.
US08153379B2	Gene expression markers for colorectal cancer prognosis A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.
US08153375B2	Compositions and methods for nucleic acid sequencing Compositions and methods for nucleic acid sequencing include template constructs that comprise double stranded portions in a partially or completely contiguous constructs, to provide for redundant sequence determination through one or both of sequencing sense and antisense strands, and iteratively sequencing the entire construct multiple times. Additional sequence components are also optionally included within such template constructs. Methods are also provided for the use and preparation of these constructs as well as sequencing compositions for their application.
US08153374B2	Heat flow polymerase chain reaction methods Methods and systems for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) that are capable of detecting amplified DNA during or after the PCR process. The methods and systems may utilize DSC or DTA analysis techniques.
US08153373B2	Capture and characterized co-localized chromatin (4C) technology The present invention relates in one aspect to a method for analyzing the frequency of interaction of a target nucleotide sequence with one or more nucleotide sequences of interest (e.g., one or more genomic loci) comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample of cross-linked DNA; (b) digesting the cross-linked DNA with a primary restriction enzyme; (c) ligating the cross-linked nucleotide sequences; (d) reversing the cross linking; (e) digesting the nucleotide sequences with a secondary restriction enzyme; (f) ligating one or more DNA sequences of known nucleotide composition to the available secondary restriction enzyme digestion site(s) that flank the one or more nucleotide sequences of interest; (g) amplifying the one or more nucleotide sequences of interest using at least two oligonucleotide primers, wherein each primer hybridises to the DNA sequences that flank the nucleotide sequence of interest; (h) hybridising the amplified sequence(s) to an array; and (i) determining the frequency of interaction between the DNA sequences.
US08153364B2	Emulsion compositions An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.
US08153363B2	Methods and products for in vitro genotyping An in vitro method for genotyping genetic variations in an individual, and products for use in the method.
US08153362B2	Mitochondrial function of prohibitin 2 (PHB2) The present invention relates to a PHB2 gene regulator and a therapeutic drug for mitochondrial-function-related disease containing the same, for example.
US08153360B2	Flavivirus fusion inhibitors The present invention provides an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:36, as well as derivatives thereof comprising various N-terminal and C-terminal chemical moieties, substituted analogs thereof, and fragments thereof. The peptides of the invention are useful for treating and preventing a Flavivirus invention. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, and methods of treating or preventing Flavivirus infections, are also provided.
US08153359B2	Toxicity assay based on human blastocyst-derived stem cells and progenitor cells An in vitro toxicity assay based on human blastocyst-derived stem cells for the detection of toxicity in the human species is provided, which enables novel detection of in vitro human toxicity for a substance and/or more efficiently detects human toxicity compared to non-human assays. Furthermore, the detection of toxicity for substances is enabled, which is known to display inter-species differences and the toxic effect was not detectable by toxicological tests in mice.
US08153358B2	Selection and enrichment of proteins using in vitro compartmentalization Compositions and methods are provided for selection and enrichment of a target gene from a library of polynucleotide sequences such as might be formed from a genome or by random mutagenesis of a genetic sequence. The selection and enrichment occurs in aqueous droplets formed in an emulsion that compartmentalize individual polynucleotides from the library or a plurality of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides not derived from the library, transcription and translation reagents and optionally additional chemical and enzyme reagents. The selection and enrichment method utilizes a polynucleotide adaptor which when ligated to the polynucleotide fragment enables amplification to occur in the presence of an adaptor specific primer.
US08153357B2	Photosensitive composition remover A photosensitive composition remover used for removal of an uncured photosensitive composition, which remover comprises 1 to 80 percent by mass of at least one type of aromatic hydrocarbon having 9 carbon atoms or more within the molecule. The photosensitive composition remover further comprises an aprotic polar solvent and/or another solvent other than aprotic polar solvents. The photosensitive composition remover is effective for removal of an uncured photosensitive composition film deposited at the periphery, edges, or back of a substrate or removal of an uncured photosensitive composition deposited at the surface of system members or equipment in a process for forming a photosensitive composition film on a glass substrate, a semiconductor wafer, or the like. It is preferably used for removal of a photosensitive composition containing a pigment.
US08153356B2	Method for forming film pattern A method for forming a film pattern includes applying a water-soluble photosensitive resin on a substrate, exposing the photosensitive resin to light, developing the photosensitive resin with a developer, after developing the photosensitive resin, depositing a material for the film pattern on the substrate, and, after depositing the material for the film pattern, removing photosensitive resin remaining on the substrate with a remover. The remover and the developer include the same solute, and a concentration of the solute in the remover is higher than that in the developer.
US08153350B2	Method and material for forming high etch resistant double exposure patterns The present invention includes a lithography method comprising forming a first patterned resist layer including at least one opening therein over a substrate. A protective layer is formed on the first patterned resist layer and the substrate whereby a reaction occurs at the interface between the first patterned resist layer and the protective layer to form a reaction layer over the first patterned resist layer. The non-reacted protective layer is then removed. Thereafter, a second patterned resist layer is formed over the substrate, wherein at least one portion of the second patterned resist layer is disposed within the at least one opening of the first patterned resist layer. The substrate is thereafter etched using the first and second patterned resist layers as a mask.
US08153348B2	Process sequence for formation of patterned hard mask film (RFP) without need for photoresist or dry etch Method and systems for patterning a hardmask film using ultraviolet light is disclosed according to one embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention alleviate the processing problem of depositing and etching photoresist in order to produce a hardmask pattern. A hardmask layer, such as, silicon oxide, is first deposited on a substrate within a deposition chamber. In some cases, the hardmask layer is baked or annealed following deposition. After which, portions of the hardmask layer are exposed with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light produces a pattern of exposed and unexposed portions of hardmask material. Following the exposure, an etching process, such as a wet etch, may occur that removes the unexposed portions of the hardmask. Following the etch, the hardmask may be annealed, baked or subjected to a plasma treatment.
US08153347B2	Flexographic element and method of imaging A relief (or flexographic) printing precursor has first and second radiation-sensitive layers, or a plurality of radiation-sensitive layers. The first radiation-sensitive layer is sensitive to a first imaging radiation having a first λmax. The second radiation-sensitive layer is disposed on the first radiation-sensitive layer and is sensitive to a second imaging radiation having a second λmax that differs from the first λmax by at least 25 nm. An infrared radiation ablatable layer can be present and is opaque or insensitive to the first and second imaging radiations and contains an infrared radiation absorbing compound. These relief printing precursors can be used to prepare flexographic printing plates, cylinders, or sleeves where the ablatable layer is used to form an integral mask on the element. Use of the invention provides a relief image without any loss in the strength of the small dots and can be carried out using multiple irradiation steps using the same apparatus.
US08153345B2	Laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and laser induced thermal imaging method A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus for imaging an imaging layer of a donor film on an acceptor substrate. The laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes: a substrate stage having an electromagnet, and adapted to receive an acceptor substrate having a pixel area of the organic light emitting device and a donor film including the organic light emitting layer to be imaged on the pixel area; a laser oscillator for irradiating a laser on the donor film; a contact frame adapted to be located between the substrate stage and the laser oscillator and including an opening portion of a pattern corresponding to a part to be imaged of the donor film and a permanent magnet for forming a magnetic force with the substrate stage; and a contact frame moving mechanism for moving the contact frame toward the substrate stage.
US08153343B2	Toner, two-component developer, developing device, and image forming apparatus A toner in which even a toner containing crystalline polyester exhibits excellent fixing property, chargeability, color reproducibility, and long-term stability, as well as a two-component developer, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus are provided. The toner includes toner base particles which contain a colorant and a binder resin containing at least crystalline polyester and an amorphous resin; and a mixed oxide of aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide externally added to the toner base particles, and the toner is so adjusted that the binder resin contains 20% by weight to 50% by weight of the crystalline polyester and that a compositional proportion of aluminum oxide in the mixed oxide of aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide falls within a range of 35% by weight or more and less than 50% by weight.
US08153337B2	Photomask and method for fabricating source/drain electrode of thin film transistor A photomask for fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) is disclosed. The photomask includes a translucent layer disposed on a transparent substrate and covering U-shaped and rectangular channel-forming regions of the transparent substrate. First and second light-shielding layers are disposed on the translucent layer and located at the outer and inner sides of the U-shaped channel-forming region, respectively, and third and fourth light-shielding layers are disposed on the translucent layer and located at opposite sides of the rectangular channel-forming region, respectively, to serve as source/drain-forming regions. An end of the third light-shielding layer extends to the first light-shielding layer. A plurality of first light-shielding islands is disposed on the translucent layer and located within the rectangular channel-forming region. A method for fabricating source/drain electrodes of a TFT is also disclosed.
US08153336B2	Photomask substrate, photomask substrate forming member, photomask substrate fabricating method, photomask, and exposing method that uses the photomask A photomask substrate with a substantially uniform thickness comprises: a first surface, which is a continuous curved surface whereon a mask pattern is to be formed; and a second surface. The first surface exhibits a square shape that comprises an opposing pair of first set sides and an opposing pair of second set sides and has support parts at end parts along the first set sides. When the photomask substrate is held such that the first surface is in a substantially vertical state, a reference plane that is parallel to a tangential plane of the first surface at the center point of the first surface is defined on the photomask substrate side that is closer to the first surface than to the second surface. At this time, a first distance in the thickness direction between the reference plane and the center point of the first surface is shorter than second distances in the thickness direction between the reference plane and the midpoints of the second set sides.
US08153332B2	Fuel cell system Fuel cells 100 of the invention are operable at a temperature of about 500° C. The unit cell has a solid oxide electrolyte layer formed on a hydrogen separable metal layer. An anode has a catalyst supported thereon to accelerate a reforming reaction of methane. A fuel gas is produced by reforming a hydrocarbon-containing material in a reformer 20. Setting a lower reaction temperature enables production of the fuel gas containing both methane and hydrogen. In the fuel cells 100 receiving a supply of the fuel gas, the reforming reaction of methane contained in the fuel gas proceeds simultaneously with consumption of hydrogen contained in the fuel gas. This methane reforming reaction is endothermic to absorb heat produced in the process of power generation and thereby equalizes the operation temperature of the fuel cells 100.
US08153330B2	Fuel cell separator stacked on an electrolyte electrode assembly A fuel cell separator has a sandwiching section. The sandwiching section is connected to a fuel gas manifold through a bridge, and connected to an oxygen-containing gas manifold through a bridge. The circumferential length R of the sandwiching section, the width H of the bridges the length L of the bridges, and the outer diameter D of the manifolds satisfies relationships of 0.03≦H/R≦0.20, 0.01≦L/R≦0.55, and 0.06≦D/R≦0.32.
US08153327B2	Interconnector for high temperature fuel cells In a high-temperature fuel cell at least one electroconductive agent is provided for contacting an anode with an interconnector. Side edges of the interconnector are electrically connected with the anode by the electroconductive agent. Electrically nonconductive spring-loaded elements are provided between the anode and the interconnector for permitting relative movement therebetween.
US08153326B2	Electronics cabinet with air feed and exhaust system for backup power fuel cell A fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system is provided. The air feed and exhaust system includes a sealed air feed system that feeds air from outside a fuel cell cabinet to a fuel cell disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet, and a sealed air exhaust system that exhausts air from the fuel cell to the outside of the fuel cell cabinet. Each of the sealed air system and the sealed air exhaust system is sealed with respect to the fuel cell such that the sealed air system, the sealed air exhaust system, and the fuel cell form a sealed system.
US08153325B2	Fuel cell A first separator has an outlet side first connection channel connecting a first fuel gas flow field and a fuel gas discharge passage, and a second separator includes an outlet side second connection channel connecting a second fuel gas flow field and the fuel gas discharge passage. The outlet side first connection channel and the outlet side second connection channel include outer passages and outer passages arranged in the same plane formed by facing the first separator and the second separator. The outer passages and the outer passages are formed alternately and independently in the same plane.
US08153324B2	Controlled-release vapor fuel cell A controlled-release fuel cell comprising (a) a proton exchange membrane having a first surface and a second surface, a fuel electrode or anode being coupled to the first surface, and an oxidant electrode or cathode being coupled to the second surface; (b) a fuel flow field plate having surface channels positioned in front of the anode with the channels containing therein a controlled-release material that retains a liquid fuel at or below an ambient temperature, but releases the fuel at a temperature higher than an activation temperature to deliver a fuel vapor to the anode; (c) heating means in heat-supplying relation to the controlled-release material to activate fuel vapor release on demand at a desired rate; and (d) fuel supply means that feeds the liquid fuel to the controlled-release material. The invented fuel cell is compact and lightweight, with significantly reduced fuel crossover and improved fuel utilization efficiency. The fuel cell is particularly useful for powering small vehicles and portable devices such as a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, and a digital camera.
US08153322B2	Fuel cell system having an injector A fuel cell system having a fuel cell, a reactant gas pipe for supplying a reactant gas to the fuel cell, and an injector for driving a valve body at a predetermined drive cycle by an electromagnetic driving force to separate the valve body from a valve seat, regulating conditions of the gas on the upstream side in the reactant gas pipe and supplying the gas to the downstream side. A gas element component responding to the physical quantity of the reactant gas circulating through the reactant gas pipe is integrally provided in the injector so as to come close to the injector.
US08153318B2	Method of making a fuel cell device A method of making a fuel cell device comprises forming a green stacked structure to provide an internal active section of intervening green layers of ceramic material separating anode layers from cathode layers and sacrificial layers of organic material adjacent each of the anode and cathode layers opposite the intervening green layers, and a non-active section of the green layers substantially surrounding the active section. The sacrificial layers are sized to provide internal gas passages in the active section for feeding gases to the internal anodes and cathodes, and the sacrificial layers are coupled to edges of the structure to couple each of the internal gas passages to an inlet and an outlet of the device. The green stacked structure is heated to bake out the organic material to form the passages and to sinter together the green layers in the active and non-active sections.
US08153314B2	Alert method relating to remaining fuel amount of fuel cell system and fuel cell system using the same An alert method capable of preventing problems due to excessive lowering of a remaining fuel amount of a fuel cell system is provided. The alert method includes the following steps of: switching over operation/stopped states of the fuel cell system, detecting that the state of the fuel cell system is switched over to a stopped side, and communicating information related to the remaining fuel amount to a user when fuel of the fuel cell system is consumed in a state where the switch is switched over to a stopped side. According to the alert method, information related to the remaining fuel amount is communicated to the user when fuel is consumed by the fuel cell system while in a practically stopped state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive lowering of the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell system.
US08153312B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell body to generate electrical energy using a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a reformer to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming fuel and to supply the reformed gas to the fuel cell body; a fuel tank to store the fuel in a partially liquefied state and to supply the fuel to the reformer; a case to encase the fuel cell body and the reformer; and a refrigeration unit attached to the case to store ambient air of the fuel tank, the ambient air of the fuel tank being cooled by latent heat of vaporization of the fuel.
US08153311B2	Method and apparatus for burst disk identification The present invention provides a method and apparatus for identifying an activation of a burst disk. A pressure data or a temperature data relating to a flow is received. A determination is made whether the flow is interrupted based upon the at least one of the pressure data and the temperature data. A burst disk activation is identified in response to determining that the flow is interrupted.
US08153306B2	Organic electrolyte for lithium-ion battery and lithium-ion battery comprising the same Disclosed are an organic electrolyte for a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-ion battery comprising the same, wherein the electrolyte includes a base electrolyte containing a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent, and diphenyloctyl phosphate added thereto in an amount of 0.1 to 20 wt %. As compared to a conventional organic electrolyte using only a carbonate ester-based solvent, such as ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, etc., the lithium-ion battery employing the organic electrolyte can improve thermal stability of an electrolyte solution, high-rate performance, and charge/discharge cyclability of a battery, while maintaining battery performance of the base electrolyte.
US08153303B2	Negative electrode material for lithium ion secondary battery and method for producing the same A negative electrode material for lithium ion secondary batteries includes core-shell composite particles prepared by covering the surface of a graphite powder with an amorphous carbon powder via a carbide of binder pitch, the graphite powder having an average particle diameter of 5 to 30 μm and an average lattice spacing d(002) of less than 0.3360 nm, and the amorphous carbon powder having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2 μm and an average lattice spacing d(002) of 0.3360 nm or more. A method to produce the negative electrode material includes mixing a graphite powder with pitch having a softening point of 70 to 250° C., adding an amorphous carbon powder to the resulting product, kneading the mixture while applying a mechanical impact to soften the pitch and carbonizing the pitch by heat treatment of the mixture at 750 to 2250° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
US08153301B2	Cathode compositions for lithium-ion electrochemical cells Provided are compositions useful as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. The compositions include lithium mixed metal oxides of the formula, Li[LixNiyMnz]O2, whereinx+y+z=1, 0
US08153299B2	Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell with cathode consistency compensation In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging.
US08153298B2	Positive electrode for alkaline battery and alkaline battery using the same A positive electrode for an alkaline battery of the present invention includes a spinel-type manganese oxide as a positive electrode active material, wherein the spinel-type manganese oxide has a potential of 0.26 to 0.34 V with respect to a Hg/HgO reference electrode, and the content of the spinel-type manganese oxide in the entire positive electrode active material is not less than 30 mass %. Further, an alkaline battery of the present invention includes the above-described positive electrode for an alkaline battery of the invention, a negative electrode and an electrolyte.
US08153294B2	Multiple-cell battery A multiple-cell battery includes a battery case and a number of cells positioned in the battery case. Each of the cells includes a positive lead and a negative lead. A number of electrically conductive elastic elements are correspondingly seated between every two adjacent positive leads and/or negative leads. The elastic elements each include at least two contacting portions resiliently abutting against the two adjacent positive leads and/or negative leads, so as to connect the cells in series and/or in parallel.
US08153293B2	Sandwich cathode electrochemical cell with wound electrode assembly A new design for a cathode having a configuration of: SVO/first current collector/CFx/second current collector/SVO is described. The two cathode current collectors are vertically aligned one on top of the other in a middle region or zone of the cathode. This coincides to where a winding mandrel will be positioned to form a wound electrode assembly with an anode. The overlapping region of the two current collectors helps balance the expansion forces of the exemplary SVO and CFx active material layers. This, in turn, helps maintain a planar cathode that is more amenable to downstream processing. The use of two current collectors on opposite sides of an intermediate cathode active material also provides for enhanced reliability when cathodes are wound from the center as they lend structural integrity to outer portions of the wind.
US08153292B2	Electrochemical device, manufacturing method of electrode thereof and processing apparatus for electrode of electrochemical device According to a method for manufacturing an electrode of an electrochemical device, an electrode precursor capable of absorbing and releasing lithium is provided with lithium, and the resistance of the electrode precursor is measured after absorbing lithium. In addition, a processing apparatus for an electrode of an electrochemical device includes a lithium providing section for providing lithium to such an electrode precursor, and a first measurement section for measuring the resistance of the electrode precursor after absorbing lithium.
US08153291B2	Power supply device A plurality of cylindrical power storage bodies are immersed in a cooling liquid filled in a power supply device. The power supply device includes: rotary members that are disposed to surround the respective cylindrical power storage bodies, and that rotate to agitate the cooling liquid around the cylindrical power storage bodies; and drive means for rotating the rotary members.
US08153287B2	Air supply system for fuel cell and fuel cell system using the same An air supply system for a fuel cell and a fuel supply system with the same include a housing having an inlet hole and an outlet hole for respectively allowing inward and outward flow of a fluid; an air pump inserted and installed into the housing and having an inlet tube into which the fluid flows and an outlet tube through which the fluid flows out; a filtering portion installed between the inlet hole and the outlet hole within the housing and filtering particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants in the fluid; and a soundproofing member installed between the outlet tube and the outlet hole within the housing.
US08153281B2	Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process and apparatus to produce multi-layer high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coated tape An MOCVD apparatus and process for producing multi-layer HTS-coated tapes with increased current capacity which includes multiple liquid precursor sources, each having an associated pump and vaporizer, the outlets of which feed a multiple compartment showerhead apparatus within an MOCVD reactor. The multiple compartment showerhead apparatus is located in close proximity to an associated substrate heater which together define multiple deposition sectors in a deposition zone.
US08153280B2	Composition comprising silicon carbide A method of depositing a ceramic film, particularly a silicon carbide film, on a substrate is disclosed in which the residual stress, residual stress gradient, and resistivity are controlled. Also disclosed are substrates having a deposited film with these controlled properties and devices, particularly MEMS and NEMS devices, having substrates with films having these properties.
US08153276B2	Polymer compound and polymer light emitting device using the same A polymer compound comprising at least one of residues of compounds of the following formula (1): (wherein, ring A, ring B and ring C represent each independently an aromatic ring or non-aromatic ring optionally having a substituent, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5 represent each independently C-(Q)z or nitrogen atom, Q represents a substituent or hydrogen atom, z represents 0 or 1, the ring A and the ring B may share an atom other than Z5 constituting each ring, and one or more and two or less of the rings A, B and C are non-aromatic rings.).
US08153275B2	Organic electroluminescent element and display device or light emitting device equipped with the same It is an object of the present invention to provide an organic electroluminescent element having a longer lifetime. In order to accomplish the object, an organic electroluminescent element adapted to comprise a light emitting layer including an organic material between an anode and a cathode is provided with a hole transport layer for transporting holes injected from the anode toward the light emitting layer. Along with the hole transport layer, an intermediate layer having an energy level of a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital lower than those of the hole transport layer and the light emitting layer is provided therebetween.
US08153274B2	Thermal barrier layer A thermal barrier layer for metallic components, in particular for gas turbine components which are subject to high temperatures or hot gas, is disclosed. The thermal barrier layer includes an inner contact layer and an outer top layer, where the inner contact layer is applied to a surface of the component via an adhesion-promoting layer that is disposed therebetween, and between the outer top layer and the inner contact layer an intermediate layer is formed.
US08153271B2	Article with a coating of electrically conductive polymer and precious/semiprecious metal and process for production thereof The invention relates to a coated article which has (i) at least one electrically non-conducting base layer, (ii) at least one layer of copper and/or a copper alloy, and (iii) a layer which contains at least one electrically conductive polymer, wherein the copper or copper alloy layer (ii) is positioned between the base layer (i) and the layer containing the conductive polymer (iii), and which is characterized in that the layer (iii) contains at least one precious metal or at least one semiprecious metal or a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to a process for its production and also its use for the prevention of corrosion and to preserve the solderability of printed circuit boards.
US08153270B2	Decorative casing and manufacturing method thereof The invention concerns a decorative casing fabricated by bonding a film having a polarizing characteristic to the surface of the casing body via an adhesive layer, and an object of the invention is to provide the casing with enhanced decorativeness by designing the adhesive layer so as to render various color effects in addition to the effect rendered by the polarizing characteristic. The polarizing film is bonded to the surface of the casing body via the adhesive layer containing a special-effect material having a color effect. According to the present invention, by directly bonding the polarizing film to the casing via the adhesive layer that produces a desired color effect, other effects such as color hue can be conferred in the film bonding step, and thus a casing having an excellent decorative effect can be manufactured by a simple process without increasing the number of process steps.
US08153269B2	Hybrid components containing reactive hotmelt adhesives Reactive hotmelt adhesives based on copolyamide can be used in hybrid components. These hybrid components find application in, for example, vehicle construction and aircraft construction.
US08153265B2	Coated substrate and process for the production of a coated substrate A transparent glass-type substrate coated with a stack of thin layers and a process for the production of the substrate coated with a stack of thin layers which are deposited by pyrolysis. The stack of thin layers includes at least one titanium oxide-based underlayer and a tin oxide-based main layer, the coated substrate having a very low haze, while also exhibiting a low emissivity or favourable electrical conductivity.
US08153263B2	Optical article comprising an external water- and/or oil-repellent coating coated with a temporary coating The present invention relates to an optical article comprising on one of the main surfaces thereof an external water- and/or oil-repellent coating, characterized in that a temporary coat of a dried polyurethane latex-based composition is directly deposited onto the external water- and/or oil-repellent coating.
US08153262B2	Strippable floor coating and method of forming the coating Disclosed is a strippable floor coating which includes an undercoat layer (A) to be applied to a floor surface, and a strippable overcoat layer (B) over the undercoat layer (A). The undercoat layer (A) is formed from an undercoating agent mainly containing a wax or analogue thereto and having film-formability. The overcoat layer (B) is formed from a floor polish composition mainly containing an aqueous emulsion. The undercoat layer (A) has greater adhesion to the floor surface than to the overcoat layer (B). Even when applied to various flooring materials, this strippable floor coating does not peel off practically and is excellent in soiling resistance and wear resistance to retain a beautiful appearance over long time. If necessary, the coating can be easily stripped off.
US08153261B2	Solid polymeric substrate having adherent resin component derived from curable silylated polyurethane composition A solid polymeric substrate having a resin derived from curable silylated polyurethane composition exhibiting superior properties adhered thereto. The silylated polyurethane is prepared by reacting a polyol component with a diisocyanate component to form a hydroxyl-terminated prepolymer and endcapping the prepolymer with an isocyanate silane.
US08153257B2	Capped particles comprising multi-block copolymers for use in lubricants The present invention relates to capped particle additives for use in lubricant compositions, to processes for producing the additives, and to the use of the additives in lubricants and in systems that are lubricated. When used in a lubricant to lubricate a metallic surface of a workpiece, the capped particle preferably adhere to the metallic surface of the workpiece.
US08153252B2	Industrial high tenacity polyester fiber with superior creep properties and the manufacture thereof The present invention relates to an industrial high tenacity polyester fiber with superior creep properties and a method of preparing the same, and more particularly to an industrial polyester fiber having a mono-filament fineness of 5 to 15 dpf, an intrinsic viscosity of 0.8 to 1.25 dl/g, and a creep change rate of 4.7% or less, wherein the creep change rate is measured at 160° C. for 24 hours while giving a load corresponding to a strain of 3% after heat-treating the fiber at 220° C. for 2 minutes while giving a load of 1 g/d, and the load corresponding to the strain of 3% is based on a value obtained from a load-strain curve of the fiber before heat-treatment, and a method of preparing the same.
US08153251B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which is excellent in antistatic property of pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets upon peeling, and has reduced stainability in an adherend (subject to be protected) and is excellent in adhesion reliance, and electrification preventing pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets and a surface protecting film using the same. There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, which comprises a (meth)acryl-based polymer containing, as a monomer component, 15 to 100% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid alkylene oxide adduct, 0 to 85% by weight of a (meth)acryl-based monomer having an alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 14 other than the adduct, and 0 to 85% by weight of other polymerizable monomer, and an alkali metal salt.
US08153247B2	Method of manufacturing ABS resin molded part and ABS resin molded part An ABS resin molded part is manufactured by forming a molded part of an ABS resin into which a particulate filler is mixed, eluting butadiene particles from the surface of the molded part by etching, and forming a plating coat on the surface after the etching.
US08153242B2	Multi-layer impact resistant bumper An impact resistant bumper device that is elongated along a longitudinal axis and mountable on a mounting member, the device having a cross-section having an open undersurface configuration comprising: a first layer of a first polymer material having a first hardness or durometer; a second layer of a second polymer material having a second hardness or durometer; wherein the first layer is formed into an inner core body having an outer surface and an open undersurface; wherein the second layer is formed into a layer bonded to the outer surface of the first layer; a third layer of a third polymer material formed into an elongated strip bonded to the undersurface of the first layer; and wherein the hardness or durometer of the first polymer is selected to be readily manually bendable and compressible.
US08153238B2	Stretch bonded laminate including an elastic member containing an adhesive composition Elastic composite laminates are disclosed. The laminates include an elastic member bonded to at least one facing material. In accordance with the present disclosure, an adhesive composition is coextruded with an elastomeric material to form the elastic member. In this manner, the elastic member can be bonded to the facing material in a stretched state without having to apply a separate adhesive layer between the two materials. In one embodiment, the elastic member can be bonded to the facing material according to a pattern that includes bonded areas and non-bonded areas.
US08153236B2	Roof covering for a building having a roof with structured roof tiles and a structure projecting out from the roof surface, such as a chimney, a window, a wall, or ventilating pipe A roof covering for a building having a roof with structured roof tiles and a structure projecting out from the roof surface, such as a chimney, a window, a wall, or ventilating pipe. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08153233B2	Patterned coatings having extreme wetting properties and methods of making A surface with superhydrophobic and hydrophilic or superhydrophilic regions can be made. The hydrophilic or superhydrophilic regions can selective collect water on the surface.
US08153232B2	Laminated substrates for mounting electronic parts and methods for making same A method is provided for producing a laminated substrate for mounting semiconductor chips. At least respective metal and plastic structure films having respective different recurrent contours are laminated together in such a way that a material strip is obtained. The lamination is followed by perforations or cuttings, and the method includes at least one of the following steps: A. the films are structured in such a way that superposition thereof makes it possible to obtain the areas which are devoid of overlap through the total width thereof; B. the films are not laminated through the total width of the laminate in partly recurrent areas; and C. recurrent segments of the recurrent contours are bent out of the surface of the laminated strip starting from the laminate.
US08153229B2	Epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite material Provided is an epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite materials, which serves as a matrix resin for a prepreg. This epoxy resin composition is improved in tackiness stability during storage, while maintaining mechanical characteristics. The epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite materials is characterized by containing 25 to 50 parts by weight of an amine curing agent (B) selected from aliphatic polyamines, alicyclic polyamines and aromatic polyamines, and 1 to 20 parts by weight of an organic acid dihydrazide compound (C) having a melting point of not less than 150° C., per 100 parts by weight of an epoxy resin (A).
US08153228B2	Protective cover for slings, ropes, cables and the like A protective cover formed substantially of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarns and having first and second opposing edges connected by a high shear strength hook and loop fastener system. The high shear strength hook and loop fastener system includes areas of a plurality of high shear strength hooks along opposing edges of the cover and an intermediate disposable strip having a plurality of loops on both sides of the strip configured to be received between the areas having the plurality of hooks. The cover wraps around the sling so that a portion of the first edge and second edge overlap with the intermediate disposable strip to form the releasable connection. When the edges are released, the intermediate strip may be replaced, when worn, by a new intermediate strip with the remainder of the cover and fastener system being reusable.
US08153227B2	Substrate for floorings such as, for instance, synthetic grass turf, corresponding synthetic grass turf and methods of manufacture A substrate for floorings, such as synthetic grass turf includes: a pad made of a first heat-meltable material, a stabilizing mesh made of a second heat-meltable material, and a connection layer set between said pad and the mesh. The connection layer includes a third heat-meltable material with a melting point lower than the melting point of the first and of the second heat-meltable materials. The connection layer is a discontinuous layer with a granular structure, so that the substrate is permeable to liquids in order to enable, for example, draining-off of rainwater.
US08153226B2	Capped tufted laminate web A laminate web having a nonwoven web in facing relationship with a polymer film. The laminate web has a first side comprising the polymer film and a plurality of discrete tufts including fibers integral with and extending from the nonwoven web. Each of the tufts has a tuft base proximal to the nonwoven web and a distal portion opposing the tuft base. At least part of the distal portion of each of the tufts is covered by a cap, each cap being an integral extension of said polymer film extending over the distal portion of a discrete tuft. The cap has a first opening including a location of rupture in the polymer film above which the tuft extends.
US08153225B2	Tufted fibrous web Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.
US08153223B1	Label structure incorporating a leaflet for use on small containers A label structure is disclosed for mounting on a container and includes a base panel for affixing to a surface of the container. An adhesive is applied to at least a portion of a rear face of the base panel for adhering the base panel to the container. The label structure further includes a leaflet associated with the base panel for application to the container with the base panel, and the leaflet comprising at least one panel with opposite faces. The label structure also includes a laminating strip securing the leaflet to the base panel, and the laminating strip overlies the leaflet and overlying the base panel. In some embodiments, the leaflet is positioned adjacent to the base panel and does not overlie the base panel. In other embodiments, the leaflet has a width dimension that is greater than a width of the base panel.
US08153214B2	Multilayer laminated film for packages A multilayer laminated film for packages, constituted by a first layer made of plastic material and by at least one second layer made of material chosen among plastic material, metallic material, paper-like material or equivalent materials; each layer is coupled to the adjacent layer by means of an intercalated layer of adhesive material. The multilayer laminated film has, on at least one face of the more rigid layer of plastic material, a plurality of continuous, parallel, side-by-side incisions, which are adapted to facilitate a reduction of the breaking load at right angles to the direction of the incisions. The incisions are obtained by removing material and affect only partially the thickness of the more rigid layer.
US08153212B2	Ink jet recording medium The invention provides an ink jet recording medium excellent in light fastness, gas fastness and uniform ink absorption. The ink jet recording medium has a substrate and an ink receiving layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate. The ink receiving layer contains a compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are individually a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2 and R3 has a hydroxyl group.
US08153209B2	Cellulose acylate film and method for producing it, and polarizer and liquid-crystal display device comprising it A cellulose acylate film having a water vapor permeability at 40° C. and 90% RH of from 100 to 400 g/(m2·day), of which the water vapor permeability change after kept at 60° C. and 95% RH for 1000 hours is from −100 g/(m2·day) to 10 g/(m2·day). This film is an excellent optical compensatory film.
US08153208B2	Liquid crystal display, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display and a liquid crystal composition A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a field generating electrode disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules and an alignment polymer. The alignment polymer is formed by light-irradiating the liquid crystal molecules and an alignment aid. The alignment aid includes a mesogen having halogen atoms and at least one photo-polymerizable group combined to the mesogen, and the alignment aid is electrically neutral or quasi-neutral.
US08153205B2	Patterned medium and method of manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a patterned medium includes depositing a magnetic recording layer and applying an ultraviolet curable resin on both surfaces of a medium substrate, pressing a first resin stamper and a second resin stamper each including patterns of recesses and protrusions, corresponding to a patterned medium, against both surfaces of the medium substrate in such a manner that a direction from a center of the medium substrate toward a center of the first resin stamper is off-oriented from a direction from the center of the medium substrate toward a center of the second resin stamper to imprint the patterns of recesses and protrusions on the ultraviolet curable resin, and irradiating the ultraviolet curable resin with an ultraviolet ray through each of the first and second resin stampers to cure the ultraviolet curable resin.
US08153203B2	Conductive microcylinder-based paints for integrated antennas The present invention is directed to a method for making a conformal antenna on a surface by providing a composition comprising a polymer matrix and a plurality of metalized tubules and applying the composition to the surface as two parallel wires connected at their ends to make a closed loop with one of the parallel wires broken in the middle. Also disclosed is an alternate method for making a conformal antenna on a surface by spraying a first material comprising a polymer matrix onto the surface and simultaneously spraying a second material comprising a plurality of metalized tubules and a coagulant onto the surface, wherein the first and second materials mix together during the spraying. A further method for making a conformal antenna includes spraying a first material comprising a polymer matrix and a plurality of metalized tubules onto the surface and simultaneously spraying a second material comprising an aqueous electroless plating bath onto the surface, wherein the first and second materials mix together during the spraying.
US08153202B2	Method of manufacturing a layered silicone composite material A method of manufacturing a layered silicone composite material comprising the steps of: applying a second addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition that contains a second adhesion promoter onto a first silicone layer that is formed by curing a first addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition containing a first adhesion promoter and where the first silicone layer has a hardness of less than JIS A 50; and forming a second silicone layer that has hardness of JIS A 50 or more by curing said second addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition.
US08153201B2	Method of manufacturing light-emitting device, and evaporation donor substrate The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a light-emitting device and an evaporation donor substrate, by which the precision of patterning of an EL layer of each color can be improved in manufacture of a full color flat panel display using emission colors of red, green, and blue. A first substrate which includes a reflective layer including an opening portion, a heat insulating layer including an opening portion in a position overlapped with the opening portion of the reflective layer over the reflective layer, a light absorption layer covering the opening portion of the reflective layer and the opening portion of the heat insulating layer over the heat insulating layer, and a material layer over the light absorption layer is used. While one surface of the first substrate is disposed close to a deposition target surface of a second substrate, the first substrate is irradiated with light from the other surface of the first substrate. The irradiation light is absorbed in the light absorption layer in the position overlapped with the opening portion of the reflective layer to heat an evaporation material. The heated evaporation material is evaporated onto the second substrate.
US08153198B2	Fluoropolymer solutions, coatings and coated articles Provided are coatable solutions of copolymers of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene, processes for preparing coated articles, films, and coated articles.
US08153194B2	Method for producing laminate The invention intends to provide a method for preventing deterioration in quality of the primer layer resulting from spinning-off and reattachment of a primer liquid on forming a polyurethane primer layer on a substrate for an eyeglass lens or the like using a coating composition containing a moisture-curing polyurethane resin.The method for producing a laminate according to the present invention comprises performing spin-coating while a spin-coating apparatus is forcefully evacuated through the side wall and/or the bottom thereof, on producing a laminate by spin-coating the surface of a substrate with a coating composition containing a moisture-curing polyurethane resin. More preferably, the spin-coating apparatus comprises a top cover, a lower chamber, and a rotatable substrate supporting device installed in the lower chamber; exhaust ports are provided in the top cover and at the bottom of the lower chamber; and the substrate supporting device is housed in a cylinder member wherein the aperture of at the lower end is larger than the aperture at the upper end.
US08153193B2	Method for producing an article made of a transparent material devoid of visible surface lines and the thus obtained article A method for producing an article which is made of a transparent material and devoid of visible surfacing lines, comprising: obtaining a substrate which is made of a transparent material having a refractive index ns, at least one main face of which has been ground and polished in such a way that the Ra value thereof ranges from 0.001 to 0.1 μm, but has visible surface defects in the form of thin individual scratches; depositing, a liquid polymerisable composition of a masking coating, the contact angle of which with said substrate main face being equal to or less than 30° and which forms upon polymerization a masking coating having a refractive index nc such that 0.01<\|ns−nc\|≦0.15 and a thickness less than 10 micrometers, directly onto the ground and polished main face of the substrate, polymerizing the masking coating composition; and recovering the transparent article.
US08153188B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetoresistive element The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive element having a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, and a spacer layer including an insulating layer provided between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer and current paths penetrating into the insulating layer. A process of forming the spacer layer in the method includes depositing a first metal layer forming the metal paths, depositing a second metal layer on the first metal layer, performing a pretreatment of irradiating the second metal layer with an ion beam or a RF plasma of a rare gas, and converting the second metal layer into the insulating layer by means of supplying an oxidation gas or a nitriding gas.
US08153186B2	Packaging board and manufacturing method therefor, semiconductor module and mobile apparatus An advantage of the present invention is to suppress moisture infiltrating from a pad electrode portion from spreading over the surface of a wiring pattern and improve the reliability of a packaging board. The wiring pattern of the packaging board is formed on an insulating substrate and includes a wiring region, an electrode region (pad electrode) connected with a semiconductor device, and a boundary region provided between the wiring region and the electrode region. A gold plating layer is provided on the surface of the electrode region of the wiring pattern. The top surface of the boundary region of the wiring pattern is so formed as to be dented from the top surface of the wiring region of the wiring pattern, and there is provided a stepped portion in the boundary region. A solder resist is formed in such a manner as to cover part of the gold plating layer and the wiring pattern corresponding to the boundary region and the wiring region, and the solder resist has a predetermined opening through which to connect to the semiconductor device. A conductive member is connected to the gold plating layer in the electrode region, and a molded resin layer seals the entire semiconductor module.
US08153184B2	Organic EL display device and method of manufacturing the same A method for fabricating a display device includes providing a substrate, forming an underlying layer over the substrate, forming an insulating layer over the substrate exposing the underlying layer, and forming an organic EL layer on the exposed portion of the underlying layer by a Laser Induced Thermal Imaging (LITI) method, wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is less than 500 nm.
US08153181B2	Medical devices and related methods This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.
US08153174B2	Fermented protein product The present invention relates to protein products with improved nutritional value, and enhanced organoleptic properties, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides fermented protein rich products on basis of fermented pulses and yeast, wherein the fermentation is followed by a heating step.
US08153173B2	Feedstuff The invention relates to feedstuff for economically useful animals such as, for example, chicken, pigs, calves and fish that are being raised. The inventive feedstuff contains functional additives. The feedstuff contains a pure finely divided cellulose additive and optionally a prebiotic additive.
US08153171B1	Solution for dissolving pre-melanoma lesions and melanoma lesions including psoriasis, herpes simplex lesions and eczema lesions Alcohol constitutes a majority of the solution. Water, melaleuca alternifolia, amebicidal, acetate, aloe barbadensis, larrea tridentat and benzoic acid constitute a minority of the solution. The minority of the solution optionally includes a corticosteroid and a nutritional supplement.
US08153169B1	Method of preparing herbal medicine for treating female infertility The various embodiments herein provide a herbal medicine for treatment of infertility in women. The medicine includes a tea-spoon of corncockle powder and a tea-spoon of turmeric powder dissolved in a sheep oil. The embodiments herein also provide a method of preparing a medicine for treatment of infertility. According to the method, a corncockle powder and a turmeric powder are prepared and mixed with an animal oil to form a liquid mixture. The mixture is kept for 24 hrs at room temperature. Moreover, the embodiments herein also provide a method of treating infertility in a patient by injecting a dose of 2 cc to 10 cc of the prepared medicine in the vagina of the patient for 3 consecutive days immediately after a completion of a menstrual cycle using a disposable or reusable syringe without a needle.
US08153167B2	Herbal medicine for osteoporosis and related conditions A composition derived from six plant materials: ((i) Herba epimedii (Yin Yang Huo) (ii) Fructus Psoraleae (Psoralea coryfolia) (Bu Gu Zhi) (iii) Radix Rehmanniae preparatae (Rehmannia glutinosa) (Shu Di) (iv) Cortex Eucommiae (Du Zhong) (v) Fructus Cnidii (She Chuang Zhi) (vi) Radix Astragali (Astragalus Membranaceus) (Huang Qi)) is useful in treating conditions linked to the activity of osteoblasts and/or osteoclasts, such as osteoporosis and other conditions relating to bone mass or the menopause; obesity; glucose intolerance; and diabetes.
US08153166B2	Composition for prophylaxis or treatment of urinary system infection and method thereof The present invention relates to a composition for prophylaxis or treatment of urinary system infection, comprising a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor. The present invention also relates to a method for prophylaxis or treatment of urinary system infection, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of composition comprising a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor.
US08153162B2	Purified amniotic membrane compositions and methods of use Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF β signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases.
US08153161B2	Medicament-containing particle and a solid preparation containing the particle The invention provides a medicament-containing particle wherein an unpleasant taste of the medicament is alleviated, which is obtainable by mixing and granulating the following ingredients: (1) the medicament with an unpleasant taste, (2) methylcellulose and (3) mannitol; and a solid preparation including the particle. The invention can make an unpleasant taste of the medicament alleviated and furthermore when the formulation including the particle is administered, the unpleasant taste can be masked and the formulation has a good dissolvability in gastrointestinal tract.
US08153158B2	Tissue substitutes comprising stem cells and reduced ceria A biocompatible composite includes a solid biocompatible material and a plurality of living human progenitor or living stem cells attached thereto. The composition resulting in accelerated repair to damaged bones and tissues.
US08153155B2	Arginine-conjugated bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) polymers for gene delivery system An arginine-grafted bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) (“ABP”) as a reagent for efficient and nontoxic gene delivery is described. ABP forms positively charged nano-particles of less than 200 nm with siRNA. ABP is biodegraded under reducing conditions, such as in the cytoplasm. ABP exhibits much higher transfection efficiency than polyethyleneimine in mammalian cells and exhibits no cytotoxicity. ABP is an effective delivery vehicle for gene silencing with siRNA and may be used for treating cancer.
US08153153B1	Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles for protein drug delivery The invention discloses nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent, wherein equal moles of the positively charged chitosan and the negatively charged poly-glutamic acid substrate form an electrostatic network with zero surface charge enabling improved loading the bioactive agent.
US08153151B2	Composition and method for controlling drug delivery from silicone adhesive blends Compositions and methods for controlling transdermal drug delivery, particularly of amine-functional and basic drugs, comprising a blend of a first silicone-based polymer having a reduced silanol concentration and a second silicone-based polymer have a substantial or high silanol concentration. The blend of such silicone-based polymers, particularly pressure-sensitive silicone adhesives, provides sufficient drug solubility and reduced initial drug delivery onset to permit a prolonged delivery duration at a substantially zero-order rate of delivery.
US08153150B2	Methods of administering tetrazole-containing rapamycin analogs with other therapeutic substances for treatment of vascular disorder A medical device comprising a supporting structure capable of containing or supporting a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient may contain one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier preferably including a coating on the surface thereof, and the coating containing the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature. Drugs that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, This drug can be used in combination with another drug including those selected from anti-proliferative agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents, cytotoxic drugs, agents that inhibit cytokine or chemokine binding, cell de-differentiation inhibitors, anti-lipaedemic agents, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, cytostatic drugs, or combinations of these drugs.
US08153148B2	Porous biocompatible implant material and method for its fabrication A biocompatible and biodegradable implant for a cavity in a bone of a living organism is made of biocompatible and biodegradable granules. The biocompatible and biodegradable granules are provided with a coating, which includes at least one layer of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The biocompatible and biodegradable implants are obtained by fusing together the polymer-coated granules through polymer-linkage of the polymer coatings of neighboring granules.
US08153141B2	Immunostimulatory G, U-containing oligoribonucleotides Compositions and methods relating to immunostimulatory RNA oligomers are provided. The immunostimulatory RNA molecules are believed to represent natural ligands of one or more Toll-like receptors, including Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8). The compositions and methods are useful for stimulating immune activation. Methods useful for screening candidate immunostimulatory compounds are also provided.
US08153139B1	Treatment of rosacea with clostridia neurotoxins Methods of using clostridial toxins and other biological agents to treat rosacea in humans is provided. The disclosed methods provide beneficial effects in humans.
US08153134B2	Anti-MDL-1 antibodies Antibodies to human MDL-1 are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in treatment of immune disorders, in particular, infectious diseases and sepsis.
US08153132B2	Antibodies immunoreactive with mutant hydroxypenylpyruvate dioxygenase Antibodies immunoreactive to mutant Pseudomonas HPPD are provided, and in an embodiment the mutant HPPD is one in which the wild-type HPPD is substituted at residue 336 with tryptophan for glycine. Also provided are hybridomas producing the antibodies, as well as methods of making and using the antibodies.
US08153124B2	Method for treating cancer using monoclonal antibodies The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADDC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcγ receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunization in Rh negative persons, in particular for haemolytic disease in a new-born baby or for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
US08153123B2	Method for restoring dendritic cell populations The present invention provides methods for restoring and increasing dendritic cell populations in a subject by modulation of the lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR) via LTβR agonists. The invention also provides methods for screening for agents capable of restoring or increasing dendritic cell populations. The invention further provides a method for the treatment of immunodeficiency by administration of an LTβR agonist.
US08153119B2	Engineered enzymatically active bacteriophage and methods for dispersing biofilms The present invention is directed to engineered enzymatically active bacteriophages that are both capable of killing the bacteria by lysis and dispersing the bacterial biofilm because they have been also engineered to express biofilm-degrading enzymes, particularly dispersin B (DspB), an enzyme that hydrolyzes β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, a crucial adhesion molecule needed for biofilm formation and integrity in Staphylococcus and E. coli, including E. coli K-12, as well as clinical isolates.
US08153118B2	Method for altering the metabolism of plant The invention is related to a method of altering the metabolism of a plant by carrying out the steps of treating seeds of the plant with non-genetically engineered selected mutant pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph having a plant altering capability, and growing the plants from the treated seeds, wherein the plants that grow from such treated seeds exhibit an altered characteristic relative to non-treated plants.
US08153113B2	Method of increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to ischemia-damaged tissue This invention provides a method of increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to ischemia-damaged tissue in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of interleukin-8 effective to attract endothelial progenitor cells to the ischemia-damaged tissue.
US08153112B2	Compositions and methods for treating cavity conditions Compositions, methods and kits to be used as a lubricant and for treatment of a cavity pathology including joint pathology are provided. The composition comprises therapeutically effective amounts of at least one bioactive agent, such as magnesium compound, at least one lubricating agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and at least one cell membrane repairing agent, such as polyethylene glycol. The components of these compositions may be administered by a direct application, an application through a cannula, an intra-articular injection, as a flush fluid during an arthroscopy of the affected area, as a post-arthroscopy injection, or as part of a lavage of the area affected by the intra-articular pathology. In addition, the composition of the present invention may be administered to the patient from a pump or a depot.
US08153108B2	Hair cosmetic product A hair cosmetic product has a two agent type hair cosmetic which comprises a first agent containing an alkali agent and a second agent containing hydrogen peroxide, wherein at least one of the first and second agents contains a surfactant; and a foamer vessel which discharges a mixed liquid comprising the first and second agents in the form of foam. Another hair cosmetic product has a two agent type hair cosmetic which contains a first agent that includes an alkali agent and a second agent that includes hydrogen peroxide, and which is used after mixing the first and second agents immediately prior to use, and a foamer vessel from which a mixed liquid of the first and second agents is discharged in the form of foam. A surfactant is contained in the mixed liquid at an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt %, and the viscosity of the mixed liquid at 25° C. is 1 to 300 mPa·s.
US08153107B2	Process for the preparation of aqueous suspensions of anionic colloidal silica having a neutral pH and applications thereof The instant invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aqueous suspension of anionic colloidal silica having a neutral pH which is stable over time and comprises individualized particles of colloidal silica which are not bound to one another by siloxane bonds. The instant suspensions show high storage stability and are particularly useful for the clarification of beer, for the preparation of cosmetic formulations, for the production of ink for printers, for paints and for anticorrosive treatments.
US08153099B2	Uniformly b-oriented MFI zeolite membrane with variable thickness supported on substrate and preparation method thereof A b-oriented MFI zeolite membrane with variable thickness is provided. The MFI zeolite membrane is composed of zeolite crystals whose b-axes are all uniformly oriented perpendicular to a substrate. Further provided is a method for preparing the MFI zeolite membrane. The method comprises forming zeolite or zeotype molecular sieve seeds with different thicknesses on a substrate and adding the seeded substrate to a gel for the synthesis of an MFI zeolite containing a structure-directing agent to grow zeolite or zeotype molecular sieve crystals thereon. The MFI zeolite membrane overcomes the limitations of prior art zeolite membranes to maximize its applicability.
US08153093B2	Process for producing carbonate particles To provide a process for producing carbonate particles, capable of efficient, easy formation of carbonate particles which have high crystallinity, less prone to agglomeration and offer orientation birefringence, particularly carbonate particles that are needle- or rod-shaped, and of controlling the particle size. In the process a metal ion source and a carbonate ion source are heated together in a liquid of 55° C. or higher for reaction to produce carbonate particles with an aspect ratio of greater than 1, wherein the metal ion source contains at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of Sr2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+. The carbonate particles are preferably needle- or rod-shaped, pH of the liquid after heating reaction is preferably 8.20 or more, and in its X-ray diffraction spectrum the full-width at half maximum of the diffraction peak corresponding to (111) plane is preferably less than 0.8°.
US08153092B2	Method for manufacturing hydroxylamine Provided is a method for manufacturing hydroxylamine. In this method, an aqueous reaction medium containing acidic buffer agent and nitrate ions in the presence of a limited amount of metal impurities such as Fe is introduced into a hydroxylamine synthesis reactor in the presence of catalyst to proceed hydroxylamine synthesis by reduction of nitrate ions with hydrogen gas as reducing agent in the aqueous reaction medium to produce hydroxylamine. The reaction is processed in the aqueous reaction medium with a limited amount of metal impurities, such that the selection rate of the hydroxylamine product is increased while high catalytic activity is kept.
US08153091B2	Xenon retrieval system and retrieval device To provide a simple highly-pure Xe retrieval method and device with high retrieval efficiency by functionally removing such elements as water, CO2 and FCs from waste gases from semiconductor production processes, such as the plasma etching, that contain low-concentration Xe. For samples containing xenon and fluorocarbon, this invention is characterized by having at least first adsorption means (A1) filled with synthetic zeolite with pore size of 4A or smaller and aluminum oxide, arranged serially, gas separation means (A2) composed of silicone or polyethylene hollow fiber gas separation membrane modules 4, second adsorption means (A3) filled with either activated carbon, synthetic zeolite with pore size of 5A or larger, molecular sieving carbon with pore size of 5A or larger, or a combination of these, and reaction means (A4) filled with calcium compounds as reactant.
US08153090B2	Cold selective catalytic reduction A system to control the emissions of a fluid stream in a cyclical fashion utilizing an up-flow cycle and a down-flow cycle. The system may include a first inlet and a first outlet at a first end of the system and a second inlet and a second outlet at a second end of the system, a catalyst zone between the first end and second end, two heat transfer zones, at least one heat transfer zone positioned between the catalyst zone and the first end of the system and between the catalyst zone and the second end of the system, and two heating zones, at least one heating zone positioned between the catalyst zone and each of the at least one heat transfer zones. The symmetrical arrangement permits a bi-directional fluid cycle to recover a portion of the energy supplied to the system during each cycle.
US08153089B2	Exhaust filter system for non-road engine An exhaust filter system, adapted for removing substances entrained in an exhaust gas from a nonroad engine, includes a casing having a filter cavity for communicating with an exhaust outlet of the generator and a filter core which includes a plurality of filtering loops, each having a plurality of air pores, coaxially received in the filter cavity, a plurality of filtering spacers each having a plurality of air meshes and positioned between each two filtering loops to define a plurality of air passages therebetween, and a catalyzing element for chemically reacting with the substances of the exhaust gas. Therefore, when the exhaust gas passes through the air passages of the filter core, the exhaust gas is evenly diffused to the filter cavity through the air pores and the air meshes so as to enhance a chemical reaction of the exhaust gas with the catalyzing element.
US08153083B2	Uninterrupted flow pump apparatus and method This invention describes a method for pumping or delivering fluids utilizing a flexible vessel subject to controlled pressures within another pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be sourced with positive and/or negative (e.g., vacuum) pressure.
US08153081B2	Test sensor and method for manufacturing the same According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical-based test sensor for use in the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample is disclosed. The test sensor includes a base, a polymer carrier, and a test membrane. The base has a capillary channel formed in a surface of the base that is adapted to move a liquid sample from an inlet to a reaction area formed in the base. The polymer carrier has a lower surface adhered to the surface of the base and is disposed over at least a portion of the capillary channel. The test membrane, which contains a reagent, is adhered to the lower surface of the polymer carrier and extends from the polymer carrier into the reaction area.
US08153080B2	Cartridge and sensor-dispensing instrument A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.
US08153078B2	Transportable decontamination unit and decontamination process The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may employ a shipping container for transporting a decontaminant generator and optionally a power generator, and for functioning as a decontamination chamber. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.
US08153076B2	System and process for production of aniline and toluenediamine A method for producing aniline or toluenediamine is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid medium comprising either nitrobenzene or dinitrotoluene, wherein the hydrogen gas bubbles have a mean diameter less than 1 micron; and subjecting the dispersion to hydrogenation reaction promoting conditions comprising pressure less than about 600 kPa and temperature less than about 200° C., whereby at least a portion of the nitrobenzene or dinitrotoluene is hydrogenated to form aniline or toluenediamine, respectively. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
US08153074B2	Ozone sterilizing system for water dispensing system An ozone generating system includes a water reservoir for accepting water from a water source, such as an inverted water bottle or a point of use water source. Once delivered to the reservoir, water therein may be dispensed for human consumption. An ozone generator produces ozone and such ozone is delivered to water within the reservoir through an ozone diffuser connected to the ozone generator and positioned within the water reservoir at a central bottom location. The water reservoir includes a cover which is sealed closed to prevent release of generated ozone into the atmosphere. Filter means, such as an active carbon filter, is provided which captures and neutralizes excess ozone within the reservoir. Preferably, the ozone generator is mounted inside of the dispenser, either above the water reservoir or below the water tank, inside of the cooler cabinet.
US08153072B2	Hydrolysis catalyst with larger duct cross-sections in the peripheral portion than in the central portion, and method for hydrolysis of a uric substance A hydrolysis catalyst forming part of an exhaust system for a combustion engine for catalytically converting a uric substance to ammonia which can be used in a downstream SCR catalyst. The hydrolysis catalyst includes an active catalyst element with a central portion and a surrounding peripheral portion, both of which are lined with the same catalyst material. To ensure that injected urea, or other uric substance, which can become crystallized, does not cause blockages in the catalyst, the cross-sectional areas of separate ducts in the peripheral portion are larger than the cross-sectional areas of the separate ducts in the central portion. A method for hydrolysis of a uric substance by use of the catalyst and directing flow through the ducts of the peripheral portion upon blockage of ducts in the central portion.
US08153070B2	Microreactor A microreactor capable of reducing a pressure drop in an entire system includes a mixer 103 having a mixing channel for mixing two kinds of raw materials 101 and 102, and a reactor 109 having a reaction channel connected to the downstream side of the mixing channel to receive the mixture flowing out from the mixing channel and cause chemical reactions of the mixture inside the reaction channel. The reactor 109 a first reactor unit 107 having a large surface-to-volume (S-V) ratio of the reaction channel at an upstream side, and a second reactor unit 108 having a small S-V ratio of the reaction channel at a downstream.
US08153068B1	Method of using an upper discharge in a fluidized bed reactor and system thereof A method according to one embodiment includes operating a reactor or providing a reactor after operation, wherein the reactor includes a bottom section, a bed section above the bottom section, a distributor plate between the bottom section and the bed section, an expanded section above the bed section, and an upper section above the bed section, wherein the bed section has a height H measured from the distributor plate to the expanded section; measuring a concentration of particulates in the upper section of the reactor to obtain a first determined level of particulates in the upper section; and discharging at least some of the particulates from the reactor at an upper discharge point located above 0.55H as measured vertically from the distributor plate based on the first determined level. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
US08153065B2	Flourescent organic nanofibrils based on arylene-ethylene macrocycles as sensory materials for explosives detection The present invention relates to a class of fluorescent, organic nanofibrils, and particularly the films comprising entangled piling of these nanofibrils exhibiting effective quenching of their fluorescence upon exposure the vapor of explosives. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing the explosives vapor and other volatile organic compounds, including the explosives taggants through the modulation of the fluorescence of the nanofibril film and the electrical conductivity of the nanofibrils. The invention also relates to a development of synthetic methods, protocols and techniques that leads to production of various arylene-ethynylene macrocycle (AEM) molecules, which consist of a shape-persistent, toroidal scaffold in planar conformation, with minimal ring strain and highly tunable ring sizes (from 0.5 nm to above 10 nm). The invention also relates to an approach to optimization of the one-dimensional molecular arrangement along the long axis of the nanofibril, which provides increased exciton (excited state) migration (via cofacial intermolecular electronic coupling) and charge transport (via pi-electronic delocalization). A combination of long-range exciton migration and efficient charge transport makes the nanofibrils ideal as sensory materials for detecting explosives and other volatile organic compounds through both optical and electrical sensing mechanisms.
US08153064B2	Systems and devices for isothermal biochemical reactions and/or analysis An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.
US08153061B2	Storage and supply system for clinical solutions used in an automatic analyzer A fluid handling system adapted to provide storage and supply of a number of liquid solutions to an automatic clinical analyzer having three different bottle-like containers, a collapsible plastic-metal-plastic pouch having a mouth-like opening, a fitment to be sealed within mouth-like opening a septum within the fitment, and open meal band or cap to seal the septum into the fitment.
US08153058B2	Device for the treatment of a liquid or gaseous medium by means of UV radiation A device for the treatment of a liquid or gaseous medium, in particular water or air, using UV radiation, comprises a UV radiation source (24), with an axial longitudinal direction and an essentially perpendicular, in particular radial direction of irradiation (R), with several layers of transmissive treatment chambers (K1-K4), serially arranged one on the other in the radiation direction (R), separated from the UV radiation source (24) and from each other by a transparent, UV-transmissive separating layer (T1-T4) which is UV transparent. The chambers, beginning with a first treatment chamber (K1), adjacent to the UV radiation source, form a flow channel for the medium running in the longitudinal direction of the UV radiation source (24), the flow channel emptying (26) into the subsequent treatment chamber (K2, K3, K4) that is at a greater distance from the UV radiation source (24) in the direction of irradiation (R).
US08153055B2	Ferritic stainless steel with excellent heat resistance A ferritic stainless steel contains no expensive elements such as Mo and W, is free from the oxidation resistance loss caused by addition of Cu, and thereby has excellent levels of oxidation resistance (including water vapor oxidation resistance), thermal fatigue property, and high-temperature fatigue property. The ferritic stainless steel contains, in mass %, C at 0.015% or less, Si at 0.4 to 1.0%, Mn at 1.0% or less, P at 0.040% or less, S at 0.010% or less, Cr at 16 to 23%, Al at 0.2 to 1.0%, N at 0.015% or less, Cu at 1.0 to 2.5%, Nb at 0.3 to 0.65%, Ti at 0.5% or less, Mo at 0.1% or less, and W at 0.1% or less, the Si and the Al satisfying a relation Si (%)≧Al (%).
US08153052B2	High-temperature composite articles and associated methods of manufacture The present invention provides a method for forming a refractory metal-intermetallic composite. The method includes providing a first powder comprising a refractory metal suitable for forming a metal phase; providing a second powder comprising a silicide precursor suitable for forming an intermetallic phase; blending the first powder and the second powder to form a powder blend; consolidating and mechanically deforming the powder blend at a first temperature; and reacting the powder blend at a second temperature to form the metal phase and the intermetallic phase of the refractory metal-intermetallic composite, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.
US08153050B2	Device for implementing a high efficiency method of scooping-up slag from liquid iron The present invention provides a method of high efficient slag scooping-up from liquid iron and a device for implementing said method. The two wings of slag rake mounted to the front end of cantilever descend side by side until beneath the surface of the liquid iron at a certain depth. The two rakes make swing movement respectively along the surface of liquid iron. When gradually moving close to each other in the course of swing movement, they get put together and clamp the solid slag. Then, driven by the cantilever, the two slag rakes which clamp the sold slag are brought to ascend until above the surface at a certain height. Finally they leave the space over the ladle and discharge the slag. The deslagging rate can reach over 90%. It just takes less than 3 minutes for the whole process of slagging-off. Additionally, the iron carried away in the process of slagging-off could be greatly reduced. The iron loss rate can be strictly controlled within 0.1%.
US08153049B2	Method and apparatus for melting metal A stack of copper plates is placed in a melting chamber having a closed roof of refractory material. The stack is placed in a tilted orientation leaning against a side wall of the melting chamber, with lower edges of the copper plates resting on an inclined hearth surface. A door to the melting chamber is closed to block the infiltration of oxygen. A burner is fired into the melting chamber to heat the closed roof of refractory material, and the stack of copper plates is melted under the influence of combustion products from the burner and heat radiated from the closed roof. Molten copper is drained downward from the bottom edge of the inclined hearth surface to avoid immersing the copper plates in a molten bath.
US08153048B2	Method and device for manufacturing container by compression molding and stretch blow molding The present invention relates to manufacture of container product with a constant level of quality, wherein the performance is constant, by resolving problems including transformation of perform performance caused by the temperature variation of the preform; or by the variation in the stretching blow molding due to a thermal difference between the surface and the inner part of the preform, resulting from the thickness thereof, in order to industrialize a new molding method recognized to be an excellent molding method from the point of view of economic efficiency and production efficiency, wherein compression molding and stretch blow molding are performed continuously. By a method or device for manufacturing continuously synthetic resin containers, preforms are molded by compression with a compression molding machine, then stretch blow molding is performed with a stretch blow molding machine. After discharging molded preforms from the compression molding machine, an even-heating treatment of preforms, a partial heating or partial cooling treatment according to need and then stretch blow molding are performed.
US08153045B2	Color variation control process for molding plastic and composite multi-color articles A process to effect random color variation in multi-color molded articles includes feeding individual colors to molding equipment in a pre-established sequence and manner that prevents substantial mixing of the colors, and at pre-established ratios in relation to a non-integer multiple of the volume associated with the molded article.
US08153041B2	Crystalline polymer microporous membrane, method for producing same, and filter for filtration To provide a membrane capable of efficiently collecting fine particles for a long period of time, disclosed is a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane wherein the mean pore size in the surface of the membrane is larger than the mean pore size in the back thereof and the mean pore size continuously changes from the surface toward the back.
US08153039B2	Method for producing and monitoring the compressive strength of foam insulation board A method for producing foam insulation board, the method comprising forming a foam product as part of a continuous process, where said foam product includes at least one side edge, monitoring on-line the compressive strength of the foam product, along said at least one side edge, and adjusting said step of forming a foam product in view of data obtained from said step of monitoring.
US08153036B2	Thermoplastic polymer powder A process for producing a thermoplastic polymer powder that is made by subjecting an acrylic triblock copolymer (B)(A)(B) to an underwater cutting process to obtain a thermoplastic polymer powder, wherein block (A) has structural units originating from an acrylic ester; and block (B) has structural units originating from a methacrylic ester, this thermoplastic polymer powder is suitable for use as molding, skin material, and the like which are excellent in weatherability, flexibility, mechanical strength, low-temperature properties, adhesion to polar resins, rubber elasticity, safety, etc.
US08153031B2	In-Ga-Zn-Sn type oxide sinter and target for physical film deposition An oxide sintered body including an indium element (In), a gallium element (Ga), a zinc element (Zn) and a tin element (Sn), and including a compound shown by Ga2In6Sn2O16 or (Ga,In)2O3.
US08153027B2	Methods for producing syngas This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
US08153020B1	Hydrogen-storing hydride complexes A ternary hydrogen storage system having a constant stoichiometric molar ratio of LiNH2:MgH2:LiBH4 of 2:1:1. It was found that the incorporation of MgH2 particles of approximately 10 nm to 20 nm exhibit a lower initial hydrogen release temperature of 150° C. Furthermore, it is observed that the particle size of LiBNH quaternary hydride has a significant effect on the hydrogen sorption concentration with an optimum size of 28 nm. The as-synthesized hydrides exhibit two main hydrogen release temperatures, one around 160° C. and the other around 300° C., with the main hydrogen release temperature reduced from 310° C. to 270° C., while hydrogen is first reversibly released at temperatures as low as 150° C. with a total hydrogen capacity of 6 wt. % to 8 wt. %. Detailed thermal, capacity, structural and microstructural properties have been demonstrated and correlated with the activation energies of these materials.
US08153019B2	Methods for substantially equalizing rates at which material is removed over an area of a structure or film that includes recesses or crevices Methods for preventing isotropic removal of materials at corners formed by seams, keyholes, and other anomalies in films or other structures include use of etch blockers to cover or coat such corners. This covering or coating prevents exposure of the corners to isotropic etch solutions and cleaning solutions and, thus, prevents higher material removal rates at the corners than at smoother areas of the structure or film from which material is removed. Solutions, including wet etchants and cleaning solutions, that include at least one type of etch blocker are also disclosed, as are systems for preventing higher rates of material removal at corners formed by seams, crevices, or recesses in a film or other structure. Semiconductor device structures in which etch blockers are located so as to prevent isotropic etchants from removing material from corners of seams, crevices, or recesses in a surface of a film or other structure at undesirably high rates are also disclosed.
US08153016B2	Shaping a cover glass The fabrication of a touch sensor panel having co-planar single-layer touch sensors fabricated on the back side of a cover glass is disclosed. It can be desirable from a manufacturing perspective to perform all thin-film processing steps on a motherglass before separating it into separate parts. To perform thin-film processing on a motherglass before separation, a removable sacrificial layer such as a photoresist can be applied over the thin-film layers. Next, the motherglass can be scribed and separated, and grinding and polishing steps can be performed prior to removing the sacrificial layer. In alternative embodiments, after the protective sacrificial layer is applied, the bulk of the coverglass can be dry-etched using a very aggressive anisotropic etching that etches primarily in the z-direction. In this embodiment, the etching can be patterned using photolithography to create rounded corners or any other shape. The photoresist can then be removed.
US08153014B2	Separation of carbon nanotubes into chirally enriched fractions A mixture of single-walled carbon nanotubes (“SWNTs”) is separated into fractions of enriched chirality by preparing an aqueous suspension of a mixture of SWNTs and a surfactant, injecting a portion of the suspension on a column of separation medium having a density gradient, and centrifuging the column. In some embodiments, salt is added prior to centrifugation. In other embodiments, the centrifugation is performed at a temperature below room temperature. Fractions separate as colored bands in the column. The diameter of the separated SWNTs decreases with increasing density along the gradient of the column. The colored bands can be withdrawn separately from the column.
US08153012B2	Device and method for filtering a fluid, in particular for plastics processing plants The invention relates to a device for filtering a fluid, in particular a liquefied plastic, with a housing with backflush channel and screen carrier and filter element whereby, in order to accelerate and improve the backflush effect, one or more displacement cylinders are provided that guide material removed from the production at adjustable high pressure and speed to the screen to be cleaned from the clean screen side to the dirty screen side, whereby an additional pressure generator ensures constant process pressure.
US08153009B2	Apparatus and methods for mass-spectrometric directed purification of biopolymers A method for extracting at least one target compound from a sample includes injecting an overloaded amount of the sample into a chromatographic conduit (110), and flowing a solvent having a time-varying composition through the conduit (110). An apparatus for extracting at least one target compound from a sample includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module in fluid communication with the chromatography module to receive a portion of an eluent from the chromatography module, and a control unit in communication with the chromatography module and the mass-spectrometry module.
US08153008B2	Device and method for filtering blood Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.
US08153006B1	Anaerobic treatment process for ethanol production A method of treating thin stillage from an ethanol production process that includes in a digester, treating thin stillage from the ethanol production process using anaerobic digestion to produce an ammonia-rich liquid product. During anaerobic digestion of the thin stillage, with a solids/liquids separation system of the digester, the ammonia-rich liquid product may be separated from a mixed liquor to produce a permeate. At least a portion of the permeate from the solids/liquids separation system of the digester may be recycled directly to the ethanol production process. A mesophilic anaerobic digester with a thin stillage COD loading rate of about 3 kg/m3/d to at least about 7.5 kg/m3d. An anaerobic biomass prepared by a method that includes subjecting the biomass to at least one stress event.
US08153005B1	Retention/detention pond stormwater treatment system Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events. The green roof system includes recycling runoff stormwater by irrigating the green roof with the stored stormwater.
US08152999B2	Membrane cascade-based separation The present invention provides counter flow cascade separation systems useful to separate solute/solute pairs present in a solvent. The separation systems include a series of interconnected stages with each stage comprising a diafilter preferentially permeable for one solute. Solute/solute pairs are preferentially separated by the diafilter into permeate and retentate flows. Stages are combined to form separation systems capable of operation approaching an ideal cascade.
US08152998B2	Screenless granular media filters and methods of use A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material, the bed comprising at least two different sizes of filter media wherein the filtration material is stratified using upper and lower spaced apart inverted cones so that the unfiltered liquid first contacts coarse grained filtration material and then finer grained filtration material. The apparatus includes an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. The apparatus is devoid of screen cartridges. Methods of filtering and cleaning the filtration material are also disclosed.
US08152996B2	Filter anti-drainback valve and media pack seal A filter is provided having a housing that includes a cavity. A center tube includes first and second ends spaced from one another. A seat extends radially from the center tube and is arranged between the first and second ends. A media pack is arranged within the cavity and supported on the seat such that the center tube extends through a central opening of the media pack. An anti-drainback valve is supported on the seat and is in sealing engagement with the center tube and the media pack. The housing includes a tapping plate that provides an inlet and outlet. An annular lip of the anti-drainback valve is in sealing engagement with the tapping plate when in a closed position in which the engine is shut off.
US08152994B2	Process for upgrading atmospheric residues Systems and methods for processing one or more hydrocarbons are provided. One or more hydrocarbon feedstocks can be selectively separated to provide one or more light deasphalted oils. At least a portion of the light deasphalted oil can be hydrocracked to provide one or more hydrocarbon products.
US08152987B2	Method for ensuring and monitoring electrolyzer safety and performances There is described a method for ensuring and monitoring electrolyzer safety and performances in a manufacturing process which uses at least one electrolyzing cell containing at least one cathode and at least one anode separated by a membrane, comprising the step of: determining a safe single voltage operation range depending of the current and corresponding to the normally working electrolyzing cell; determining a reference voltage deviation depending on the time derivation of the current; measuring the voltage over time at the terminals of the electrolyzing cell; determining the measured voltage deviation by calculating the time derivative of the measured voltage; comparing the measured voltage to the safe single voltage operation range and the measured voltage deviation to the reference voltage deviation over time; stopping the manufacturing process when the measured voltage is outside the safe single voltage operation range or the difference between the measured voltage deviation and the reference voltage deviation is outside a predetermined range or a single voltage behavior is different than the average of a group of reference cells.
US08152986B2	Process for forming organic films on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces using aqueous solutions The present invention concerns the area of surface coatings in the form of organic films, the coatings being in the form of organic films. It most especially relates to a method for forming copolymer organic films by electrochemical grafting on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces using electrolytic aqueous solutions containing at least one protic solvent, at least one radically polymerizable monomer and at least one surfactant. The invention also concerns surfaces obtained with the use of this method, their applications especially for preparation of microelectronic components, biomedical devices or screening kits, as well as the electrolyte solution used in the course of the method.
US08152985B2	Method of chrome plating magnesium and magnesium alloys A process for chrome plating magnesium and its alloys. The process uses a combination of electroless nickel plating, a multi-stage copper coating transition system and multiple layers of electrodeposited nickel to form a corrosion resistant system of substantial impermeability and interlayer adherence suitable for direct chromium electroplating.
US08152983B2	Electrophoretic paint containing bismuth components Electrocoat materials comprising bismuth compounds, further comprising (A) at least one self-crosslinking and/or externally crosslinking binder containing (potentially) cationic or anionic groups and reactive functional groups which (i) with themselves or with complementary reactive functional groups in the self-crosslinking binder, or (ii) in the case of the externally crosslinking binder, with complementary reactive functional groups present in crosslinking agents (B) are able to undergo thermal crosslinking reactions, (B) if desired, at least one crosslinking agent comprising the complementary reactive functional groups, and (C) bismuth subsalicylate of empirical formula C7H5O4Bi.
US08152977B2	Multichannel potentiostat having an adjustable counter-electrode potential The multichannel potentiostat comprises a reference terminal, a counter-electrode terminal, and at least two working terminals, respectively designed to be connected to a reference electrode, a counter-electrode and at least two working electrodes of an electrochemical cell. The potentiostat comprises first and second regulating circuits to apply a setpoint voltage respectively between the first and second working terminals and the reference terminal. The potentiostat comprises a control circuit of the counter-electrode voltage applied to the counter-electrode terminal. The control circuit comprises a first input terminal connected to a predefined potential and a second input terminal to which a regulating voltage representative of at least one of the voltages of the working terminals is applied.
US08152974B2	Electrode for electrochemical cell operating with high differential pressure difference, procedure for the manufacturing of such electrode and electrochemical cell for the use of such electrode The invention relates to a porous electrode used in an electrochemical cell, containing a carrier and/or catalytic agent, which is characterized by that it consists of two or more layers with different average pore sizes, out of which layers the contact layer with the smallest average pore size is in contact with the membrane, and one or more supporting layers with a greater average pore size are linked to the other side of this contact layer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a procedure for the manufacturing of such electrodes and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes.
US08152973B2	Cleaning device for heat exchanger There is disclosed a cleaning device for a heat exchanger which safely and effectively cleans the heat exchanger and which can sufficiently obtain a deodorizing effect and a sterilization effect. The cleaning device for the heat exchanger includes an electrolysis unit for treating dew condensation water of the heat exchanger by an electrochemical technique, a supply unit for supplying electrolytic water produced by the treatment performed by this electrolysis unit to an outer surface of the heat exchanger, and an control unit for controlling the electrolysis unit and the supply unit, and the control unit allows the electrolysis unit to electrolytically treat the dew condensation water of the heat exchanger and produce the electrolytic water, and allows the supply unit to supply the produced electrolytic water to the outer surface of the heat exchanger.
US08152971B2	Cutting tool A method for manufacturing a cutting tool includes the steps of providing a body of cermet or cemented carbide, having a cutting edge with an edge radius Re smaller than 40 μm, a flank a rake face, applying by PVD a single or a multilayer coating to at least a part of the surface of the body, comprising at least a part of the cutting edge and applying by PVD said single or multilayer coating, comprising PVD coating with at least one oxidic layer.
US08152970B2	Method and apparatus for producing coke A method and apparatus for quenching metallurgical coke made in a coking oven. The method includes pushing a unitary slab of hot coke onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a hot car. The hot car containing the coke is then transported to a quench car station. The unitary slab of hot coke is pushed onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a quench car at the quench car station. Quenching of the slab of hot coke is conducted in the quench car with a predetermine amount of water. After quenching, the quenched coke is dumped onto a receiving pad for collection thereof.
US08152967B2	Process and machine for making air dried tissue Described herein is a new concept in air dried tissue (ADT). The wet tissue web is received from the wet end of a papermaking machine and dried by an air floatation dryer that uses an endless loop to transport and support the wet tissue web as it is dried.
US08152962B2	Method for producing paper with a high substance weight A process for producing paper of high basis weight by draining a paper pulp on a wire in the presence of a combination of at least two polymers as a retention and drainage aid system, forming sheets, and drying the sheets, which comprises forming the sheets in the absence of finely divided inorganic flocculants and using as retention and drainage aids(a) at least one amino-containing polymerand(b) at least one branched cationic polyacrylamide.
US08152961B2	Paper substrates useful in wallboard tape applications This invention relates to paper products and/or substrates suitable for being made and/or converted into wallboard tape; which also may be known as joint tape and/or drywall tape, having a pH of at least 7.0 and containing a plurality of cellulose fibers, a wet strength additive, an alkaline sizing agent, and an anionic promoter, as well as methods of making and using the same.
US08152951B2	Multi-lumen catheter with separate distal tips A multi-lumen catheter including tip sections distal to a dividing point, the tip sections releasably joined by a method that produces a variable separation force between the tip sections along a length thereof. An increasing separation force may be imparted to the tip sections by providing an increasing bond strength in fusion zones from a distal portion of the tip sections toward the dividing point.
US08152949B2	Pultruded arc-segmented pipe A method for forming a large diameter and very long pipe comprises forming a plurality of pultruded segments via pultrusion and joining the segments along the lengthwise edges thereof.
US08152935B2	Vacuum carburization method and vacuum carburization apparatus There are provided a method, between a diffusion process and a quenching process, a normalizing process of performing step cooling in which a temperature lowering treatment and a temperature keeping treatment are alternately repeated plural times so that a temperature history from the first temperature to a predetermined temperature satisfies a predetermined condition; an after-normalizing maintaining process of maintaining the temperature of the whole workpiece for a predetermined time after the normalizing process so that the whole workpiece becomes the predetermined temperature, thereby producing fine crystal grains in the workpiece; and a reheating process of raising the temperature of the workpiece to the second temperature, after the after-normalizing keeping process. According to the invention, even when a process temperature is set high to make rapid progress of carburization and diffusion and thus the process time is shortened, uniformity in temperature is achieved between a surface and a inside of a workpiece by the high-temperature process and crystal grains are prevented from being coarse, thereby obtaining a workpiece having a predetermined property value.
US08152933B2	Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, and drain cup cleaning method A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a wafer (W) held thereon and a drain cup (51) configured to surround the wafer (W). A cleaning process is performed by rotating the wafer (W) while supplying a process liquid onto the wafer (W), and then a rinsing process is performed by rotating the wafer (W) in a similar way while supplying a rinsing liquid onto the wafer (W). The rinsing process is performed by first adjusting a rotational speed of the wafer (W) to be the same as the rotational speed used in the cleaning process while supplying the rinsing liquid, and then raising a liquid level of the rinsing liquid inside the drain cup (51) by decreasing the rotational speed of the wafer (W) or increasing a flow rate of the rinsing liquid, and raising a reach position of the rinsing liquid on the outer sidewall of the drain cup (51) by increasing the rotational speed of the wafer (W).
US08152929B1	Non-abrasive cleaning products The subject invention relates to cleaning products that are highly effective in cleaning articles that are susceptible to scratching, scuffing and/or abrasion. More specifically, the present invention relates to cleaning products that are made with a non-abrasive fabric that is comprised of a multitude of non-woven polyester fibers which are bound together with an ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer binder into the form of a sheet. These cleaning products are highly effective at removing foreign matter from a substrate surface without scratching or scuffing the surface of the substrate. These cleaning products can be use to clean inanimate articles and in cleaning open lesions on humans and animals. The present invention more specifically discloses a method for cleaning an article which is susceptible to scratching, scuffing and/or abrasion which comprises rubbing the surface of the article with a non-abrasive fabric which is comprised of a multitude of non-woven polyester fibers which are bound together in the form of a sheet with an ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer binder. The subject invention further reveals a mitt having a body, a thumb compartment, and a finger compartment wherein said mitt is comprised of a non-abrasive fabric which is comprised of a multitude of non-woven polyester fibers which are bound together in the form of a sheet with an ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer binder.
US08152925B2	Baffle plate and substrate processing apparatus A baffle plate, provided in a processing chamber for processing a substrate therein such that the baffle plate is disposed around a mounting table for mounting the substrate thereon, has a plurality of gas exhaust holes, through which a gas is exhausted from the processing chamber. The baffle plate has a stacked structure including a plurality of plate-shaped members. The baffle plate includes a pressure adjustment gas supply passageway to supply a pressure adjustment gas for adjusting a pressure in the processing chamber.
US08152924B2	CVD reactor comprising a gas inlet member The invention relates to a device for depositing at least one layer on a substrate by means of a process gas which is introduced through a flow channel (4), extending in a vertical direction, of a gas inlet member (3), fixed in place with respect to a reactor housing, into a process chamber (1), extending in a horizontal direction, wherein the process gas leaves a gas outlet opening of a portion of the gas inlet member (3), protruding into the center of the rotationally symmetrical process chamber (1), and flows in a radially outward direction via a base (8′) of the process chamber (1), extending in a horizontal direction and rotating about the center, on which base the substrate lies. In order to improve the gas flow directly above the base of the process chamber, it is proposed that the front (3′) of the gas inlet member (3) protrudes into a pot-like recess (23) and an end portion (6′) of a gas deflecting face (6) is flush with the base (8′).
US08152923B2	Gas treatment systems An MOCVD reactor such as a rotating disc reactor (10) is equipped with a gas injector head having diffusers (129) disposed between adjacent gas inlets. The diffusers taper in the downstream direction. The injector head desirably has inlets (117) for a first gas such as a metal alkyl disposed in radial rows which terminate radially inward from the reactor wall to minimize deposition of the reactants on the reactor wall. The injector head desirably also has inlets (125) for a second gas such as ammonia arranged in a field between the rows of first gas inlets, and additionally has a center inlet (135) for the second gas coaxial with the axis of rotation.
US08152922B2	Gas mixer and manifold assembly for ALD reactor A system and method for mixing a plurality of gases for an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. The mixer is configured to mix the plurality of gases while minimizing the potential for re-circulation within the mixer. The mixer is further configured to maintain the flow velocity of the plurality of gases as the gases pass through the mixer.
US08152919B2	Epitaxial silicon wafer and fabrication method thereof An epitaxial silicon wafer is provided in which an epitaxial layer is grown on a silicon wafer having a plane inclined from a {110} plane of a silicon single crystal as a main surface. In the silicon wafer for growing the epitaxial layer thereon, an inclination angle azimuth of the {110} plane is in the range of 0 to 45 degrees as measured from a <100> orientation parallel to the {110} plane toward a <100> direction. With such an arrangement, LPDs of 100 nm or less can be measured from a {110} wafer that has a carrier mobility (including the hole and electron mobilities) higher than that of a {100} wafer. Also, surface roughness degradation in the {110} wafer can be suppressed. Also, the surface state of the {110} wafer can be measured. Further, a quality evaluation can be performed on the {110} wafer.
US08152918B2	Methods for epitaxial silicon growth Methods of cleaning substrates and growing epitaxial silicon thereon are provided. Wafers are exposed to a plasma for a sufficient time prior to epitaxial silicon growth, in order to clean the wafers. The methods exhibit enhanced selectivity and reduced lateral growth of epitaxial silicon. The wafers may have dielectric areas that are passivated by the exposure of the wafer to a plasma.
US08152917B2	Method for manufacturing concrete containing electric arc furnace dust A method for manufacturing concrete bodies or forms containing electric arc furnace dust in an amount of up to about 4% at elevated temperatures to provide concrete bodies is disclosed. The concrete bodies have improved compressive strength and slump retention capability. The method for producing the bodies includes the steps of providing pre-selected amounts of electric arc furnace dust, water, cement and aggregate. The electric arc furnace dust is mixed with water and then added to the cement and aggregate and mixed together at a temperature of about 32° C. and 45° C. to form a hot mixture. The hot mixture is added to a mold and cast at an elevated temperature to form a body with improved strength and slump retention characteristics.
US08152916B2	Fumed silanized and ground silica The invention relates to a hydrophobic fumed silica which is obtained by grinding a fumed silica which, as a result of silanization, has octylsilyl groups fixed on the surface, to a process for preparing it, and to coating formulations comprising this silica.
US08152914B2	Process for applying a metal coating to a non-conductive substrate Described is a new process for applying a metal coating to a non-conductive substrate comprising the steps of (a) contacting the substrate with an activator comprising a noble metal/group IVA metal sol to obtain a treated substrate, (b) contacting said treated substrate with a composition comprising a solution of: (i) a Cu(II), Ag, Au or Ni soluble metal salt or mixtures thereof, (ii) 0.05 to 5 mol/l of a group IA metal hydroxide and (iii) a complexing agent for an ion of the metal of said metal salt, wherein an iminosuccinic acid or a derivative thereof is used as said complexing agent.
US08152913B2	Dust collecting apparatus for compressing dust A dust collecting apparatus for compressing dust is provided. The dust collecting apparatus for compressing dust may include a centrifugal dust separating device having a dust outlet, a compressing device formed inside the dust receptacle, and including a compressing plate in which a dust inlet is formed, and a dust passage forming member forming a dust passage between the dust outlet and the dust inlet.
US08152908B2	Micromachined gas chromatography columns for fast separation of Organophosphonate and Organosulfur compounds and methods for deactivating same Improved microcolumns and methods for producing microcolumns particularly suitable for use in gas chromatographs are disclosed. In particular, following deposition of the stationary phase coating, the microcolumns are subjected to a postcoating treatment with a molecule that binds to the active sites in the stationary phase column thereby eliminating or reducing loss of gas chromatograph performance associated with those active sites. The postcoating treatment molecule binds to the same active sites as the analytes of interest.
US08152906B2	Apparatus and method for filtering sectioning wastes of a microtome that are present in an air stream An apparatus and a method for filtering sectioning wastes of a microtome that are present in an air stream are described. The apparatus has an aspiration device with which sectioning waste can be aspirated from a blade region of the microtome with an air stream. A main filter and a prefilter are provided. The direction of the air stream can be reversed and a filter insert in the prefilter can be rotated for emptying the prefilter into the main filter. According to the method, the prefilter is only emptied to the main filter after all the sections of a block that are to be produced with the microtome have been produced.
US08152905B2	Device and method for separating particles out from a fluid Device (34) for separating particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material out of a fluid, which device has a cyclone (14) with an inlet (16) and an outlet (28). The device also has a centrifuge (36) that is arranged to separate particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material from the outlet fluid in the cyclone (14). The centrifuge (36) is located downstream of the cyclone (14) and is located in the cyclone (14). The centrifuge's axis of rotation is arranged to extend in the same direction as the cyclone's axis of rotation. The centrifuge (25) has a plurality of lamellae (40) that is arranged coaxially on a shaft (42) at a distance from one another so that fluid channels are formed between adjacent lamellae (40) and so that fluid flows in between adjacent lamellae (40) in a direction from the lamellae's periphery (40p) towards the shaft (42) when the centrifuge (36) is in use.
US08152902B2	Packaging material such as film, fiber, woven and nonwoven fabric with adsorbancy The invention relates to compositions that can be used to adsorb low concentration, preferably, for example less than 15 ppm, of unwanted or target substances. Typically the absorbance can be from an enclosed vapor phase. Such absorbency is accomplished in a contained substantially enclosed gaseous volume or atmosphere using a composition comprising a cyclodextrin compound and a polyethylenimine that can have an absorbency capability for low concentrations of unwanted or target substances. Such absorbency can be obtained with thermoplastic materials used in the form of bulk polymer or a film, fiber, web, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, sheet, packaging and other such structures including or surrounding the enclosed volume. The adsorbent of the invention is typically used in the context of an enclosed volume, also known as an enclosed ambient vapor phase that contains the adsorbent of the invention and the unwanted or target substances at a concentration that is not desirable. The concentration should be reduced to non-offensive sensed limits or a limit that does not produce a biological response.
US08152900B2	Reactive gas detection in complex backgrounds A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08152896B2	Separation of fine particle precious metals from clays and other gangue materials through application of diluted solution of a silicon chemical The present invention generally relates to a formulation created by reacting sodium hydroxide, water, and silicon metal which has unique properties and many uses. The present invention further relates to the separation of fine particle gold and other precious metals from clays and other gangue materials through application of a diluted solution of a silicon chemical. The present invention further relates to the use of the diluted solution of the silicon chemical with vibration tables, concentrators, wash towers, hydro-cyclones and centrifuges and the like to aid in the separation of fine particle gold and other precious metals from clays and other gangue materials.
US08152895B2	Production of magnesium metal A process of producing magnesium metal includes providing magnesium carbonate, and reacting the magnesium carbonate to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The carbon dioxide is used as a reactant in a second process. In another embodiment of the process, a magnesium silicate is reacted with a caustic material to produce magnesium hydroxide. The magnesium hydroxide is reacted with a source of carbon dioxide to produce magnesium carbonate. The magnesium carbonate is reacted to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The invention also relates to the magnesium metal produced by the processes described herein.
US08152890B2	Kimberlite based fertilizer products Kimberlite based fertilizer products are produced by treating micronized Kimberlite with alkali or first acid then alkali or by mixing the micronized kimberlite with DAP or NPK fertilizer.
US08152889B2	Filter with EPTFE and method of forming A filter media product and method of making the same wherein the filter media is pleatable and has at least one support scrim comprised of a melt bonded non-woven material or a fuse bonded non-woven material bonded to a layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The filter media may have a single support scrim with one or more layers and optionally may have a support scrim on both an upstream and downstream surface where both or neither support scrim is multilayered. The filter media may have an efficiency greater than, equal to, or less than HEPA.
US08152887B2	Air/oil separator An improved air/oil separator assembly for removal of oil from a gaseous stream is disclosed. The air/oil separator includes a head flange and an end plate positioned in a spaced-parallel relationship. A first and a second elongated support member and an outer jacket are concentrically arranged and secured along opposing ends to the head flange and end plate. A first separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the first support member and a second separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the second support member. A pre-separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the second separator element but inboard of the outer jacket. The pre-separator and separator elements are operative to remove oil from the gaseous stream. The pre-separator improves oil removal performance by removing a significant amount of oil before it reaches the separator elements.
US08152881B2	Housing for a centrifugal fan, the centrifugal fan, and electronic device having the centrifugal fan A housing for a centrifugal fan includes a surrounding wall extending upwardly from a periphery of a bottom wall with an air inlet, and including a surrounding wall body defining an opening, a protruding wall body extending outwardly from the surrounding wall body, corresponding to the opening, and having a dust-discharging hole, and a shielding plate disposed on the protruding wall body. The surrounding wall body and the bottom wall cooperatively define an accommodation space communicated with the air inlet, and an air outlet communicated with the accommodation space. The protruding wall body, the shielding plate, and the bottom wall cooperatively define a turbulence space communicated with the accommodation space. The shielding plate is movable between a closed position to close the dust-discharging hole, and an open position to open the dust-discharging hole so as to permit fluid communication between the turbulence space and the outside environment.
US08152877B2	Shroud for a cleaning service apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber has an air inlet and an opposed end. The dirt outlet from the cyclone chamber comprises a gap at the terminal end of a cyclone chamber wall proximate the opposed end. A shroud extends inwardly into the cyclone chamber from the opposed end and is preferably tapered in the upstream direction.
US08152875B2	Method and apparatus for producing methane from carbonaceous material A method for producing methane (69) from a carbonaceous (22) material includes conveying pulverized carbonaceous material (28) entrained in an inert carrier fluid, such as carbon dioxide (36), into a reactor (34). The reactor (34) includes a vortex region (72) for receiving hydrogen gas (38) and imparting a swirling motion to the hydrogen gas (38). The pulverized carbonaceous material (28) is exposed to the swirling stream of hydrogen gas (38) in a first reaction zone (114) within the reactor (34) to form an exit gas (40) that includes methane (69). Remaining unreacted carbonaceous material (28) is further exposed to the hydrogen gas (38) in a second, low velocity, reaction zone (120). The methane rich exit gas (40) is subsequently extracted from the reactor (34) for further processing.
US08152872B2	Modular reformer with enhanced heat recuperation The thermal reformer system (1) is provided that compromises a planar assembly including a reformer zone (5), a combustion zone (6), and various inlet and outlet manifolds with associated fluid flow passages (11, 20). The reformer system further compromises an inlet combustion fluid flow passage (31) connecting an inlet combustion fluid manifold (30) and the combustion zone (6), and an outlet combustion fluid flow passage (41) connecting the combustion zone (6) and the outlet combustion fluid manifold (40). In the thermal reformer system the heat transfer and recuperation from outlet fluid flows is efficiently transferred to inlet fluid flows, in order to minimize heat loss and insulation requirements.
US08152870B2	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, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining 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 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.
US08152869B2	Fuel compositions Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel, in particular a diesel base fuel, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C. In component (b), the ratio of the percentage of epsilon methylene carbon atoms to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms is suitably 8.2 or below. Its pour point may be −30° C. or lower. Also disclosed is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil in a middle distillate fuel composition, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of a cold flow or flow improver additive in the composition.
US08152859B2	Colouring of keratinous fibers using a pretreatment comprising an iron salt and a colour developer comprising hydrolysable tannin A method of coloring keratinous fibers comprising contacting the keratinous fibers sequentially with a pre-treatment composition and a color developer wherein: i. the pre-treatment composition comprises: (a) 0.5-25% by weight of an iron salt at a pH below 2 including 0.5-5% by weight of a reducing agent (b) a buffer effective in the pH range 3-6 and (c) a penetration enhancer comprising one or more solvents having Hansen solubility parameter δh between 1-10 (MPa)1/2 and δp between 10-25 (MPa)1/2 wherein the component (b) is mixed with (a) or (c) not more than 360 minutes prior to contacting the keratinous fibers and ii. the color developer is selected from one or more of hydrolysable tannin or its breakdown products or derivatives or a mixture thereof obtained from a natural or synthetic source, where the sequence of contact is in any order.
US08152858B2	Head hair dyeing method There is provided a head hair dyeing method using a two-part hair dye composition which contains: a first part containing a first part stock solution and a propellant, the first part stock solution containing an alkali agent and a surfactant; a second part containing a second part stock solution and a propellant, the second part stock solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a surfactant; and two aerosol containers for respectively discharging the first part and the second part as foam, the method including respectively discharging the first part and the second part as foam from the containers, applying the foam mixture to the head hair, and then re-foaming the mixture on the head hair.
US08152857B2	Tension-free elastic tape A tension-free elastic tape is used for the surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence. The tape has a textile structure that allows ingrowth of the tape into the connective tissue. On its longitudinal edges, the tape has edge threads (2, 4, 6, 8) that project from the textile structure of the tape and that especially facilitate a good primary anchoring of the tape in the tissue. The edge threads are firmly incorporated in the structure of the tape.
US08152852B2	Variable height vertebral body replacement implant A variable height vertebral body replacement implant used in corpectomy surgery to provide support in place of a removed or damaged vertebrae, and contain and compact bone graft material.
US08152851B2	Expandable corpectomy device An adjustable length corpectomy device is provided with a means for providing bidirectional length adjustment and a means for selectively fixing the length of the implant.
US08152849B2	Implant with one piece swivel joint An implant for permanent or temporary introduction into the human or animal body includes a base body for connecting spaced body parts and/or other implant components, the implant having a load axis, along which primarily tensile and/or compressive forces are transmissible, with at least one rotary axis formed at right angle to the load axis, the rotary axis facilitating at least limited bending of the base body about the rotary axis, especially of the ends of the base body arranged along the load axis, with the at least one rotary axis being defined by a swivel joint, which is formed in one-piece at the base body.
US08152848B2	Structural/biological implant system A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant. The osteotropic/angiotropic materials may be simultaneously placed with the staged implant to provide consistent stabilization for the materials and to provide an immediately available surface for bone cell adhesion and growth. The invention thus allows implants to be used in location where the volume and/or shape of the bone would not be adequate for existing implant systems.
US08152847B2	Methods of use of cartilage implants Methods of using cartilage implant devices are provided. The methods include locating articular cartilage having a lesion, and utilizing an implant having dimensions compatible with the lesion. The method further includes forming a cavity in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and cancellous bond, and engaging the implant with the cavity so that the lower face of the articular end of the implant abuts against the subchondral bone, and the stem of the implant abuts against the cancellous bone.
US08152845B2	Blood pump system with mounting cuff An implantable blood pump system includes a blood pump housing and a mounting cuff. The blood pump housing at least partially contains a pump drive system adapted to transfer blood from an interior chamber of a heart and return the blood to a circulatory system. The blood pump housing includes an inlet port adapted to provide a passage for the flow of blood from the interior chamber of the heart into an interior space of the pump housing and an outlet port adapted to provide a passage for the flow of blood from the interior space of the pump housing to the circulatory system. The blood pump housing includes a first external surface adjacent to the inlet port and a second external surface adjacent to the first external surface. The first external surface is adapted to be implanted substantially adjacent to an outer surface of an epicardium of the heart. The second external surface at least partially defines an outside perimeter of the pump housing. The mounting cuff is adapted to mechanically couple to the second external surface and to the epicardium of the heart. The mounting cuff can allow for the placement of the pump against the epicardium without a gap, thus minimizing the effective size of the pump. The mounting cuff can also provide a mechanical advantage to the attachment and consequently greater resistance to myocardial trauma.
US08152842B2	Self-expanding stent A self-expanding stent comprising a series of zig-zag stenting rings (A, B, C, D, E, F, D1, D2) spaced along the axis and with adjacent said rings connected by connecting links (12, 14) spaced around the circumference of the rings, the links (12) between any two axially adjacent rings A, B being circumferentially staggered relative to the links (14) between the rings B and C, each ring being constituted by a succession of alternating struts (18) with points of inflection (16, 16′, 16″) therebetween. The points of inflection at one end of at least one of the rings are staggered in their location along the longitudinal axis whereby, with axial withdrawal of a surrounding sheath at a stenting site, to deploy the self-expanding stent, the individual points of inflection at said one ring end escape from the sheath sequentially, with continued withdrawal of the sheath, rather than simultaneously.
US08152841B2	Medical devices including metallic films Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The medical device can include a composite cover formed of a deposited metallic film and one or more polymer layers. The polymer layers contribute to mechanical or biological properties of the endoprosthesis.
US08152837B2	Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
US08152832B2	Apparatus for anchoring an intravascular device along a guidewire Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.
US08152831B2	Foam embolic protection device An embolic protection device includes a foam body attached to a plurality of flexible struts. The foam body has a generally conical geometry and the bottom of the conical geometry having a generally conical recess. The filter portion has pores sized such that blood cells can pass through the foam body, but larger material such as objects would be trapped in the recess. Each strut is attached along the periphery of the foam body and extend from the first end of the foam body to a connection point located proximate the first end.
US08152829B2	Retractable dilator needle A dilator having a retractable needle is disclosed. The dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. A handle is mounted at the proximal end of the dilator body, and a control button is moveably connected to the outside of the handle. The needle extends through the lumen and has a distal end comprising a needle tip section. An arm attached the control button to the needle. Distal movement of the control button causes the needle to move from a retracted position, wherein the needle tip is disposed within the lumen of the dilator body, to a protruding position, wherein the needle tip protrudes beyond the distal end of the dilator body. In use, the distal end of the dilator is inserted into the right atrium of a patient, a position on the atrial septum to be punctured is located with the distal end of the dilator body, the needle tip is advanced beyond the distal end of the dilator body, and the atrial septum is punctured with the needle tip.
US08152826B2	Lancet device A lancet device for obtaining a blood sample from a finger or at an alternate site of a patient. The lancet device includes a body and a lancet, the lancet being movable between a retracted position in which the lancet tip is disposed within the body and an extended position in which the lancet tip extends beyond the body. The device is cocked by compressing a U-shaped spring steel accessible on opposite sides of the body, the U-shaped spring steel being coupled to the lancet. Once cocked, a pawl retains the U-shaped spring steel in a compressed state. The device is fired by contacting the patient where sampling is to occur with one end of an actuator, the opposite end of the actuator serving to release the pawl from the U-shaped spring steel.
US08152818B2	Medical device delivery systems Medical device delivery systems, and related methods and components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery system includes a catheter, a sheath at least partially surrounding the catheter, and a tip coupled to a distal end portion of the catheter. The tip can cooperate with a distal end surface of the sheath to form a gap therebetween so that there is fluid communication between an interior region of the sheath and an exterior region of the sheath.
US08152815B2	Constrained acetabular trialing system A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are provided.
US08152810B2	Spinal fixation tool set and method A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.
US08152808B2	Surgical bone cutting assembly and method of using same The invention is directed toward a surgical kit having component parts capable of use in excising a cartilage defect site on a patient to prepare the same for receipt of an implant plug, the kit comprising a cylindrical gauge with a central bore used to measure the defect area, a guide rod adapted to be driven through the gauge tube into the center of said defect area and a cartilage cutting assembly adapted to be mounted over the guide rod and used for excising the defect area and cutting a cylindrical bore into the defect area. The method for use of the kit comprises the steps of: marking the defect area to be cut; placing a guide rod into the center defect area and driving the same to a predetermined distance to secure the same in the defect area and placing a drill bit over the guide rod and rotating the drill bit to cut a cylindrical blind bore removing the cartilage defect.
US08152807B2	Intramedullary device assembly and associated method An intramedullary device assembly is provided for repairing defects of a bone. The intramedullary device assembly includes a device that is configured to be inserted into the medullary canal of the bone. The assembly also includes a guide adapter that attaches to the end of the device and includes a movable and adjustable bone engagement member. Also a compression member may be attached to the guide adapter that pushes the bone engagement member into engagement with the bone. The bone engagement member defines at least two bone engagement points and wherein at least one bone engagement point is movable relative to at least one other bone engagement point in the direction of the bone. The compression member forces the bone engagement member in the direction of the bone along the bone engagement member guide and the at least one bone engagement point is permitted to move relative to the other at least one bone engagement point so that both bone engagement points can engage the end of the bone as compression is applied to the bone. The guide adapter and compression member may then be detached from the intramedullary device. A breakaway stud may also be included to connect the guide adapter to the intramedullary device such that the application of force on the assembly may break the breakaway stud and detach the guide adapter and compression member from the installed intramedullary device.
US08152806B2	Monopolar electrosurgical instrument A monopolar electrosurgical instrument including a pair of diverging shanks with a pair of uninsulated tips formed respectively on the distal ends thereof, a housing secured to one of the shanks and having a button disposed therein, a metal wire extending adjacent the one shank so that depression of the button bends the metal rod to energize the instrument.
US08152805B2	Ablation probe having a plurality of arrays of electrodes An ablation device includes a cannula having a lumen, a first array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, and a second array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, wherein the first array of electrodes has a configuration that is different from a configuration of the second array of electrodes.
US08152804B2	Transurethral needle ablation system A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.
US08152803B2	Apparatus to detect and treat aberrant myoelectric activity An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.
US08152802B2	Energy delivery algorithm filter pre-loading A method for controlling energy applied to tissue in two or more states as a function of a detected tissue property is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial value of the detected tissue property, recursively processing the detected tissue property to obtain an averaged value thereof, updating the recursively processing step with the initial value of the detected tissue property and transitioning between two or more states based on a comparison of averaged values obtained by two or more recursive filters.
US08152796B2	Method and apparatus for performing percutaneous laser disc decompression with vaporization monitoring by fluid displacement Apparatus and method of performing percutaneous laser spinal disc decompression with the patient retaining consciousness. The clear plastic hub of a discectomy needle has a translucent hub with a chamber which is filled with a saline solution prior to insertion of an optical fiber of a laser apparatus through the needle. Gas production from the vaporization of the nucleus of the disc by the optical fiber of the laser apparatus forms bubbles in the water or saline fluid interface thereby providing the physician with an indication of the rate of vaporization of the disc nucleus. In addition, the detection of gas bubbles in an awake, responsive patent facilitates (a) determining the appropriate amount of laser energy required, (b) confirmation of disc vaporization, (c) following the course of laser surgery, and (d) minimizing the potential for laser associated patient injury.
US08152793B2	Membrane shell of an implantable dosage system The membrane shell of an implantable dosage system according to the invention is particularly suitable for subcutaneous applications to release an active agent with steady amounts during a longer period of time. The membrane shell (3) according to the invention comprises a first half (1) and a second half (2), which both halves comprise a continuous closure edge (8, 9), and are adapted to be connected to each other through a closable joint. The closure edges (8, 9) of the halves comprise at least one groove (10) and/or at least one protrusion (11) as continuous or discontinuous, and the membrane shell (3) is adapted to be closed so that at least one protrusion (11) and/or at least one groove (10) of the second half becomes opposed to at least one groove (10) and/or at least one protrusion (11) of the first half through a snap-fit joint.
US08152792B1	Subcutaneous drain for a body cavity A subcutaneous drain, preferably for implantation into the skull of a patient comprises a basically hollow cap and a stem with an inside, central passageway passing from top of the cap through the stem. A lumen is provided through at least a portion of the inside, central passageway with the lumen preferably exiting the cap through a side slit in the cap and stem. The lumen is provided with a supporting ledge to reduce kinkage and promote an unimpeded fluid path. The side slit is resilient to allow for the selective removal of the lumen. The cap and stem are, as mentioned, substantially hollow and defines a chamber in communication with the subdural space, so that with the device in place, a physician can use a hypodermic needle to gain access to fluid in the subdural space by piercing the needle tip of the hypodermic syringe or needle through the thin wall of the cap of the device. A circumferential flange is provided to facilitate location of the device. Also, the stem is slightly inwardly tapered.
US08152790B2	Connector for medical use A connector for medical use includes an adapter equipped at its center with a needle extending into a chamber and optionally terminating in a part of a terminal end of the chamber. The terminal end has a cross section suitable for receiving, by friction, a luer type male connector. The needle a terminal part including an orifice or orifices, which is encased in a cavity of an elastic seal having, in the thickness of its free end, a slit or equivalent. The elastic seal has a free end at a tangent to that of the chamber and is provided with a ring encircling its terminal part at least as far as the zone opposite the orifice or orifices of the needle. Along part of the length of the terminal end of the chamber, the outer surface of the elastic seal and/or the inner surface or thickness of the ring has at least one recess for promoting the expulsion of the material constituting the seal, at the time of passage of the needle.
US08152786B2	Collection catheter and kit A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.
US08152780B2	Pinch valve mechanism for a medical fluid injection device In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
US08152775B2	Access port using shape altering anchor The present disclosure provides access ports for use in surgery. The access ports possess a distal end which adopts an alternate shape upon the application of energy, thereby securing the access port to tissue. Alternatively, the access port may have barbs on a surface thereof which are formed upon the application of energy, thereby securing the access port to tissue.
US08152772B2	Attachment for a syringe or a cartridge The invention relates to an attachment or a cartridge comprising a sealing element having an opening for a medium located in the syringe or cartridge or to be introduced into the syringe or cartridge. The attachment is characterized by an actuating device which, in a first functional position, exerts a force on the wall of the opening in such a way that the opening is closed, and leaves the opening open in a second functional position.
US08152770B2	Needle device having retractable needle providing enhanced safety A medical device includes a base member coupled to a needle assembly and a retractor mechanism enables retraction of the needle into the base member for safe disposal of the device. In one embodiment, a stop mechanism prevents rotation of the needle assembly in a use position.
US08152768B2	Huber needle safety enclosure A safety enclosure for a Huber needle includes a needle housing and a panel unit. The panel unit includes a series of planar panels assembled in an enclosing arrangement defining an enclosed area and is movable between an installation position where the sharp outer end of the Huber needle projects from the panel unit and a safety position where the sharp outer end is covered by the panels. The Huber needle has an aft end and a fore end connected by a bend with the fore end including a sharp outer end.
US08152767B2	Low profile introducer apparatus An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch, and is sized such that a first wire guide is receivable therethrough. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The inner cannula distal open end is sized such that a second wire guide is receivable therethrough, and the first wire guide is not receivable therethrough. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.
US08152764B2	Modular external infusion device A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
US08152762B2	Plunger activated vacuum release mechanism for a syringe A retractable safety syringe may comprise a needle, needle holder, syringe body, and a plunger. A proximal portion of the body and a piston of the plunger may define a variable vacuum compartment. A through hole pneumatically connecting ambient air and the variable vacuum compartment may be formed through a thumb platform and rigid shaft of the plunger for allowing air to escape out of the variable vacuum compartment when a piston of the plunger is traversed toward the retracted position and allow air to be introduced into the variable vacuum compartment when the piston is traversed toward the engaged position. A retraction force may be created by the variable vacuum compartment by covering an entrance of the through hole and traversing the piston to the engaged position. At the engaged position, the piston may engage the needle holder and the retraction force may retract the piston, needle holder and needle into the syringe body to prevent accidental needle pricking and needle reuse.
US08152761B2	Safety needle assembly A safety needle assembly has a collar or ring that is rotatably mounted to a needle hub, which may be connected to a medical device such as a syringe. The needle assembly may be connected to the syringe by the user grasping the needle hub in first and second embodiments, or turning of the needle sheath in other embodiments. In all of the embodiments, the collar of the needle assembly may be rotated by turning the needle sheath, which is designed to interact with the collar. In some of the embodiments, the needle hub likewise interacts with the collar in such a way that by rotating the needle sheath, the needle hub is likewise rotated for connection to a syringe. When an exposed needle is to be covered, after the needle sheath has been removed, a housing connected to the collar is pivotally moved to cover the needle. Mechanisms are provided at both the collar and the housing so that once the contaminated needle is covered, the needle assembly may be removed from the syringe for disposal by rotating the needle housing. In all of the embodiments disclosed, the needle sheath does not come into contact with the needle hub and the collar is rotatable about the needle hub.
US08152759B2	Internal medical devices for delivery of therapeutic agent in conjunction with a source of electrical power The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field. In another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of ion-conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents. In yet another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of electrically conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents.
US08152757B2	Intra-ventricular substance delivery catheter system A guide catheter and a needle catheter are disclosed. The guide catheter construction provides for maximum articulation of the deflectable tip and maximum torque response during rotation. The needle catheter may include a release mechanism that imparts a sudden force to the needle in order to facilitate tissue penetration.
US08152755B1	System and method for delivering a therapeutic agent with finesse A catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a human or animal subject can include a substantially flexible and biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. An eductor can be located at the distal end of the catheter body, and a first lumen within the catheter body for housing the therapeutic agent can be in fluid communication with the eductor. A second lumen, also in fluid communication with the first lumen, can extend from the proximal end of the catheter body towards the eductor and can have an output port at the distal end of the catheter body. The eductor can be operable to induce the therapeutic agent to flow from the first lumen out of the output port in response to fluid flowing through the second lumen.
US08152754B2	Soft breastshield A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.
US08152752B2	Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
US08152750B2	Vascular access preservation in hemodialysis patients The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.
US08152749B2	Stabilization wedge for ulcer prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.
US08152742B2	Crossing guide wire with corrugated shaping ribbon A medical device with a corrugated shaping ribbon is provided. The corrugated shaping ribbon for the medical device, which may be provided in the form of a guide wire or catheter, specifically a crossing guide wire or catheter, provides a mechanism by which energy can be stored as the distal tip of the medical device engages a lesion or other area of occlusion within a blood vessel. By storing such energy and continuing to apply force, eventually the distal tip extends thereby releasing the stored energy and allowing the distal tip to advance or cross through the lesion.
US08152740B2	Blood withdrawal system The present invention generally relates to a blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes. The blood withdrawal system comprises housing with a lancet, which can be moved within the housing. The housing also includes a lancet drive with a drive spring and a cocking mechanism that includes an actuation element. The blood withdrawal system of the present invention also includes a lancet ejection mechanism that can be moved from an active position to remove the lancet to a passive position where such removal of the lancet is not possible.
US08152739B1	Adjustable dual-brush cervical cytology collection device A method and cytology device for manually adjusting the depth of endocervical sampling, and simultaneously sampling the endocervical canal and outer cervix using a dual-brush system. The device (38) comprises a primary cone-shaped endocervical sampling brush (40) adjacent to a secondary donut-shaped cervical sampling brush (42). The primary brush handle (52) is joined to the secondary brush handle (54) by means of a slidable rail (78), allowing adjustability of the primary brush length. The desired length and depth are visible by means of aligning incremental markings or measurements on the primary brush handle (80) with the positioning mark on the secondary brush handle (82). The brush handles are fixed in position and stabilized by means of a securing sheath (58), which has a pinch-release option to release or restore the friction existing between the sheath and the brush handles.
US08152738B2	Cytoblock preparation system and methods of use An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.
US08152733B2	Method for improving recognition rate of respiratory wave The present invention discloses a method for improving recognition rate of respiratory wave, which is used for a data processing module of a respiratory rate measuring or monitoring device, specifically, said method comprises the steps of: receiving, via a data processing module, respiratory wave data which come from a measuring circuit and have been analog-to-digital converted; according to the feature that each crest or trough signal in the respiratory wave data has rising stairs and falling stairs, sequentially searching for and finding out, based on a predetermined number of stairs, the data corresponding to each crest and trough via said data processing module; and determining each crest and trough in a corresponding respiratory wave. According to the present invention, interferences may be effectively eliminated and recognition rate of respiratory waveform may be effectively improved, so that the computation of respiratory rate will be more accurate and stable, and the measuring or monitoring device will have a higher clinical practicability.
US08152732B2	Microprocessor system for the analysis of physiologic and financial datasets A system and method for organization and analysis of complex and dynamically interactive time series is disclosed. One example comprises a processor based system for relational analysis of physiologic signals for providing early recognition of catastrophic and pathologic events such as pathophysiologic divergence. The processor is programmed to identify pathophysiologic divergence of at least one of first and second physiologic parameters in relationship to the other and to output an indication of the divergence. An object-based method of iterative relational processing waveform fragments in the time domain is described wherein each more complex waveform object inherits the characteristics of the waveform objects from which it is derived. The first physiologic parameter can be the amplitude and frequency of the variation in chest wall impedance or nasal pressure and the second parameter can be a measure or indication of the arterial oxygen saturation.
US08152731B2	Wavelet transform and pattern recognition method for heart sound analysis A wavelet transform and pattern recognition method for analyzing a subject's heart sounds including (a) obtaining subject-related heart-sound data utilizing a first sampling rate, (b) obtaining simultaneously existing subject ECG data, including pre-selected ECG fiducial data, and (c) processing such obtained data including, relative to the heart-sound data, (1) computing the maximum-overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) for a preselected number of wavelet scales, (2) locating the peaks in time of the absolute values of the MODWT coefficients respecting each of a such scales, and (3), for each such scale, (i) interpolating between the located peaks, and (ii) subsampling each interpolation result at a second sampling rate which no greater than the mentioned first sampling rate.
US08152730B2	Method for continuous baroreflex sensitivity measurement A medical device and method for determining baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) based on one or more respiration cycles. The BRS determination may be performed continuously based on measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration cycles.
US08152727B2	Method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain for diagnosis and treatment The present invention is a method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain using cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring, specifically transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The method including steps of transluminating color discs from a light source of a specific color temperature, which act on the visual pathways and color centers to alter mean blood flow velocity in the cerebral arteries. The mean flow velocity is analyzed and using Fourier computation to calculate spectral density estimates. Opponent mechanism in the cortical and subcortical regions determined as opposing tendency for short wavelength versus medium wavelength or for medium wavelength versus long wavelength colors. The method is applied for diagnosis, and treatment of variety of conditions.
US08152724B2	Ultrasound guided probe device and method of using same The present invention is directed to devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer. The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement.
US08152723B2	System and method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging for therapy guidance and monitoring An ultrasound system is provided which includes a therapy ultrasound transducer and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer and operates in accordance with a method to direct the application of the therapy ultrasound. The method includes operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer to acquire a first ultrasound image; simultaneously operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer and therapy ultrasound transducer for a second interval to acquire a second ultrasound image; and determining a difference in the first and second images indicative of the pattern of the therapy ultrasound transducer signal. The difference in the images, which result from enhanced non-linearities and propagation distortions induced by the high intensity therapy ultrasound, can be obtained by subtracting the two images. A method is also provided for monitoring the progress of high intensity therapy ultrasound which evaluates transient changes due to in-situ heating as well as permanent changes which result from cell microstructure alteration.
US08152717B2	Device for white balancing and appying an anti-fog agent to medical videoscopes prior to medical procedures A device is configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.
US08152707B2	Bio cell cleaning centrifuge and bio cell cleaning rotor used in the same According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bio cell cleaning centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor rotated by the motor; holders that are equipped on the rotor and that hold test tubes to be pivotable toward a rotational radial direction of the rotor; a cleaning liquid distributor mounted on the rotor to supply a cleaning liquid to the test tubes; a locking mechanism that locks the holders so that the test tubes are in a vertical state with respect to the rotational radial direction; and a controller that controls the motor and the locking mechanism, wherein the holders are configured to hold the test tubes so that central axes thereof are inclined from a rotational axis direction toward a rotational tangent direction of the rotor.
US08152706B2	Method and mechanism for rolling an opening perforation line A rolling mechanism for having an opening perforation line on a plastic packaging film is disclosed, including a carriage frame, a pressure bearing unit, an impact cushioning mechanism, and an opening cutter assembly. The pressure bearing unit includes a pressure bearing seat, an anvil roll, and a retention plate, wherein the retention plate comprises a receptacle channel. The retention plate is used to position the anvil roll in the receptacle channel of the pressure bearing seat. The impact cushioning mechanism is coupled between the carriage frame and the pressure bearing seat. The opening cutter assembly is arranged adjacent to the anvil roll, which includes an opening cutter shaft and at least one opening cutter blade attached to the periphery of the opening cutter shaft. The opening cutter assembly is driven to rotate so as to have the opening cutter blade rolling on the anvil roll of the pressure bearing unit and an impact applied to the anvil roll or the pressure bearing unit is absorbed by the impact cushioning mechanism.
US08152703B1	Exercise device providing variable lift assistance during pull-up and push-up exercises An exemplary exercise device descending from an elevated support (e.g., a bar or door frame) allows a user to insert a body part in a loop (e.g., a foot for pull-ups or a waist for push-ups) descending from an elastic resistance unit, which uses a variable number of stretchable elastic members between top and bottom connectors to reduce the effective weight the user has to pull/push up. Each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors has several elastic member sockets, each socket having a socket passage extending through the connector. Each elastic member has an elongated portion between two member plugs sized to resist passing through the elastic member socket passages. Elastic members can be removably and replaceably installed by inserting a portion of each member plug within an elastic member socket, one member plug in each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors.
US08152701B2	Counterweight module structure of a weight trainer An improved counterweight module of a weight trainer having two vertical guide rods as well as top, bottom and intermediate counterweight blocks superimposed along the vertical guide rods. It is mainly characterized in that a liner ring assembly is only assembled onto the bottom and top counterweight blocks. The liner ring assembly has upper liner rings set into the top counterweight block and lower liner rings set into the bottom counterweight block. The annular rings of the upper and lower liner ring are mated slidably with two vertical guide rods. Moreover, a guide rod pulling portion is set onto every intermediate counterweight block for penetration of the vertical guide rod. There is a spacing between the guide rod pulling portion and vertical guide rods. The superimposition surface of the counterweight block is provided with a mating portion to enable limitation of every intermediate counterweight block.
US08152697B2	Exercise tool An exercise tool is provided to ensure a good degree of freedom in the direction of movement of the wrists and allows the magnitude of the load applied to the wrists during the exercise to be changed easily so as to enable more effective strengthening of the deep muscles. The exercise tool has a first rod body 10 and a second rod body 20 which are rotatable in opposite directions and also movable away from each other against the biasing force of a coil spring 70. Ring-shaped latch portions 71 and 72 provided at respective ends of the coil spring 70 are removably latched by first and second elastic-member latch bodies 50 and 60, respectively, so that the coil spring 70 can readily be replaced with another coil spring 70 having a different elastic force, thereby facilitating changing the magnitude of the load applied during the wrist exercise.
US08152696B2	Exercise apparatus and methods An exercise apparatus including a video display. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes an integrated platform. Memory within the apparatus contains a library of instructional exercise programs, such as yoga, Pilates, body toning and stretching routines. The apparatus may also connect to a network, such as the Internet to stream and/or download additional exercise programs. A user interface enables the user to select from available programs, which are shown on the video display. Audio for the programs may be provided via speakers or though headphones, which may be rechargeable and/or wireless.
US08152695B2	Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems and methods Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
US08152694B2	Activity monitoring device and method A physical activity monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable sensor device configured to generate physiologic data associated with a sensed physiologic condition of a wearer, and to generate audio context data associated with a sensed audio context of the wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a memory for storing the physiologic data and the audio context data, a computer and a computer program executed by the computer, wherein the computer program comprises computer instructions for rendering activity data associated with the physiologic data and the audio context data, and a user interface operably connected to the computer for rendering the activity data.
US08152688B2	Compensator for continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission may have a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers that act upon skewed driving and driven surfaces of discs. The input to output ratio of the continuously variable transmission may be changed by pushing either one of the first and second sets of rollers closer to a rotating shaft. To maintain symmetrical loading within the continuously variable transmission, an idler disc assembly may have a strain compensator that deflects to compensate for deflection of outer discs due to elasticity of the main shaft.
US08152687B2	Powdered metal variator components The use of powder metal components in a variator is disclosed. Traction fluid of various sorts may be used in the variators, not just high performance synthetics or application specific lubricants.
US08152686B2	Drive transmission device and ink jet recording apparatus In the revolving restricted state, the planetary gear meshes with the drive input gear, and the clutch mechanism is unable to transmit the rotational drive force; in the freely revolvable state, the planetary gear is separated apart from the drive input gear, and the clutch mechanism is able to transmit the rotational drive force, the drive transmission switching mechanism is provided with first and second abutting portions which are configured to come into contact with the planetary arm rotated in the freely revolvable state so as to initialize the revolving position of the planetary gear, and the drive transmission switching mechanism is capable of selecting which one of the first and second abutting portions will come into contact with the planetary arm in accordance with the position of the drive input gear transmitting the rotational drive force among the plurality of drive input gears.
US08152683B2	Eight to thirteen speed automatic transmission An eight, nine, eleven or thirteen speed automatic transmission has an input and output, four planetary gear assemblies, four connecting members for coupling certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements, four brakes for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to ground and three friction clutches for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements. Sequenced operation of the brakes and clutches provides, eight, nine, eleven or thirteen forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse.
US08152682B2	8-Speed hybrid transmission architectures The hybrid powertrain has a plurality of members that can be utilized to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in a hybrid transmission architecture. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine, a damper, a pump, an engine disconnect clutch, and a drive motor, all operatively connected with the transmission to provide strong hybrid operating capability.
US08152680B2	Differential assembly with assembly openings A differential assembly is described, in the form of a crown differential for use in a driveline of a motor vehicle. The differential assembly comprises a one-piece differential carrier which is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation and, in a casing portion, comprises no more than two identical openings for mounting sideshaft gears rotatably held in the differential carrier on the axis of rotation, as well as differential gears, which rotate jointly with the differential carrier around the axis of rotation and engage the teeth of the sideshaft gears. With reference to a longitudinal central plane, the openings are arranged so as to be mirror-symmetrical and comprise an axial length corresponding at least to the diameter of the differential gears, and a greatest circumferential extension which, in a radial view, corresponds at least to the diameter of the sideshaft gears.
US08152677B2	High ratio eccentric planetary traction drive transmission A traction drive transmission has an outer ring 40, a sun roller 10, support rollers 30, and one or more loading rollers 20. The outer ring 40 includes a raceway 42 presented inwardly. The sun roller 10 includes a raceway 12 presented outwardly toward the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40. The sun roller 10 is offset eccentrically with respect to the outer ring 40 so that a wedge gap 112 exists between the raceways 42, 12 of the outer ring 40 and sun roller 10. The support rollers 30 are located between the outer ring 40 and sun roller 10. Each support roller 30 has first and second raceways 36, 38 that have different diameters and contacts the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10 along its first raceway 36 and the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 along its second raceway 38. Each loading roller 20 is located at the wedge gap 112 between the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 and the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10. Each loading roller 20 has first and second circular raceways 22, 26 that have different diameters and contacts the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10 along its first raceway 22 and the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 along its second raceway 26.
US08152675B2	Device for optimizing the feed function of the ring gear of a differential with regard to the maximum flow rate A device for optimizing the oil delivery function of the ring gear of a differential to maximize the volume of oil flow. The device includes an annular disk (6) which, when viewed in an axially direction, is arranged adjacent the ring gear (1) on the side of the ring gear (1) facing the differential cage (5) and is coaxial with the ring gear (1). The annular disk (6) also serves as a scraper ring.
US08152674B2	Auxiliary lubrication pump for carriers A carrier assembly includes an auxiliary lubrication pump that lubricates gear components positioned within an internal cavity of a carrier housing. A differential gear assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to rotate about an axis. The auxiliary lubrication pump includes a first gear that is driven by the differential gear assembly about the axis and a second gear that is driven by the first gear. The first and second gears of the auxiliary lubrication pump cooperate to direct and control lubrication with the carrier housing.
US08152673B2	Continuously variable transmission-based planetary gear A continuous variable transmission is provided that is based on gearwheels. The novel gear acts as efficient transmission that can replace conventional manually or automatics gears. The CVT comprises sun gear connected to input shaft and ring gear fixedly connected to output shaft. Planet gear is arranged between and engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear wherein a planet carrier that is vertically enclosing the ring gear and the sun gear is provided with a canal in which an oil pump is provided. A control valve is capable of controlling the flow of lubricant within the canal.
US08152668B2	Electric variable transmission for hybrid electric vehicles with two forward modes and four fixed gears The present disclosure provides a power split transmission with two Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes and four fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, three planetary gear sets, and four selectively engageable clutches. The clutches are engaged in different combinations to engage the different gears and EVT modes. In the four fixed gears, power is transmitted only on the mechanical path for the highest transmission efficiency. In the two EVT modes, a part of the power is transmitted electrically. Alternatively, the E-motors can be located in the middle integrated with the transmission design. Advantageously, the present invention works with lower component speeds than existing two-mode hybrid transmissions. This can be achieved with a front E-motor design enabling modularity and also with a center E-motor design.
US08152663B2	Trackable arrow An arrow for use with a bow has a shaft, an arrowhead and vanes, wherein at least one of the vanes or the shaft contain substantive phosphorescent dye or substantive phosphorescent pigment in a transparent or translucent carrier.
US08152662B2	Radial baseball bat A laminated wood bat having may comprise wedges of wood adhered together in such a manner that the entire surface or sections of the surface of the bat barrel, throat, and handle have the tight grain of the normal hitting surface. Adjacent wedges of wood may be cut from the same strip of wood. The bat may be glued together with a low viscosity polyurethane adhesive.
US08152654B2	Three-layer-core golf ball having highly-neutralized polymer outer core layer A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is substantially the same as the second surface hardness and the inner surface hardness.
US08152652B2	Golf club head with improved performance A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
US08152646B2	Damper with two-piece plate configuration A damper for a torque converter, including: a first plate with at least one first opening; a second plate with at least one second opening; and at least one first spring disposed in the at least one first and second openings and including: a radially inward portion in contact with the at least one first opening; and first and second radially outward ends in contact with first and second sides of the at least one second opening and free of contact with the first plate. In one embodiment, the at least one first opening includes third and fourth sides and the radially inward portion includes first and second radially inward ends in contact the third and fourth sides. In another embodiment, the third and fourth sides are free of contact with the second plate.
US08152644B2	Data stream processing A method for outputting data streams in a communication system, the method comprising the steps of: executing an electronic game application at a user terminal, the game application being programmed to allow two or more users of the communication system to participate in the game; receiving two or more data streams at the user terminal, each data stream being generated by a user of the communications system participating in the game; applying game logic to determine the current state of the game application; and selecting one or more of the received data streams to be output from an output device of the user terminal, wherein the selection depends on the current state of the game application.
US08152643B2	Solitaire game played over the internet with features to extend play The present invention provides a method for playing a computer-based solitaire game including the steps of retrieving an input from an internet server to a computer, playing and scoring the game according to the input. The internet server and the computer are intermittently connected during the game and the input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet. The present invention also provides a computer-based solitaire game comprising a network connection to an internet server for retrieving an input and for comparing scores, and a control system for a player having means for operating on the input and means for displaying the input and the comparison results to the player. The input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet server, and the game pattern comprises game features and graphic elements. The present invention further provides a method for operating a tournament game over the internet having the steps of establishing communication between a central server and a player's computer, downloading an input onto the player's computer, re-accessing periodically to the player's computer from the central server, transferring information relating to player's identity, the game, and result to the central server, comparing scoring results from multiple players in the central server according to the tournament structure, displaying the comparison results on the player's computer, and continuing playing the game according to results and the tournament structure.
US08152640B2	Information processing apparatus and computer readable storage medium A player can change the direction of the right hand of a character object, or extend and retract the right arm of the character object, by changing the direction of the core unit 70. The player can change the direction of the left hand of the character object, or extend and retract the left arm of the character object by changing the direction of the subunit 76. The player can retract and extend a leg of the character object, by shifting the center of gravity in the front-back direction when the player is standing on the load controller 36.
US08152638B2	Gaming machine and gaming management system A gaming machine includes a housing, which is playable by a plurality of players, that has a station provided for each individual player; an operation detection unit that detects an operation of a player present at each of the stations performing a bet operation through a bet image displayed on the image display unit; an image capturing unit, provided at the housing, that can capture images of a player present at each of the stations, and a determination unit that determines tampering or an error of a game by comparing image capturing information obtained by the image capturing unit with predetermined information.
US08152632B2	Gaming machine for use in a system with a common bonus feature A gaming machine system includes a system controller. A plurality of gaming machines are linked to the system controller. Each gaming machine has a first display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the first display, the game controller being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the first display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize; a second display; and a feature game where, during play of the feature, feature images associated with the feature game are displayed on the second display. The system further includes a remote display to which each of the gaming machines is connected. The remote display is visible to a player playing any one of the gaming machines connected to the remote display. Images appearing on the displays of any of the gaming machines of the system participating in the feature game are related to images displayed on the remote display and the feature images are used in determining outcomes on those gaming machines participating in the feature game.
US08152628B2	Methods and devices for authentication and licensing in a gaming network Methods and devices are provided for managing licenses in gaming networks. Some aspects of the invention are provided as a license manager module that operates as part of a server-based system for provisioning and configuring gaming machines. Security and authentication techniques are provided to prevent unauthorized gaming software usage. Such gaming software may be, for example, downloaded to gaming machines in the network under the control of a gaming establishment's game management server that is in communication with a license manager device. In preferred implementations, a gaming machine is prevented from executing software for a game of chance unless the license for that game is valid and has not expired.
US08152625B2	Bonus game awarding and displaying selected values Various bonus games for being played on a gaming machine are described. The base game may consist of the random selection and display of a 5×3 matrix of symbols. In one bonus game (FIGS. 5-7), upon a certain outcome of the base game including special symbols, all symbols in the matrix except for the special symbols are replaced with values, such as different credit amounts. The player selects a particular special symbol using a touch screen, and the identified special symbol randomly moves to select one of the displayed values in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 11-13), the player applies hidden multipliers to a randomly selected award value in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 14-19), pointers moving across the matrix of values accumulate values for awarding to the player. The multi-stage interactive bonus games add excitement and more player involvement.
US08152621B2	Gaming apparatus and method with full-motion video characters One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion having a first video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion having a second video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion having a third video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters.
US08152614B2	Gaming machine capable of operating to indicate the number of bets, and game playing method Baccarat is executed by placing a bet using a bet screen 70 displayed on a liquid crystal display 10. On the bet screen 70 is provided a bet-with-a-bonus button 201 in addition to an ordinary bet button 75. When the amount of bets is indicated using the bet-with-a-bonus button 201, a card game which is separate from Baccarat is executed as a bonus game subsequent to Baccarat, and the player is awarded a bonus payout based on an outcome of the bonus game. The odds when the amount of bets is indicated using the bet-with-a-bonus button 201 is set to be lower than the odds indicated using only the ordinary bet button 75.
US08152612B1	Online gaming system for simulating a football game An online gaming system for simulating a football game comprising a server with a processor, a network in communication with the server, at least one client device in communication with the network, wherein the at least one client device has an input device, a display device, and a monetary acceptance feature, and a database in communication with the processor. The database comprises an electronic deck of playing cards comprising offensive play cards and defensive play cards and an electronic deck of special teams cards. Computer instructions in the database instruct the processor to permit input of bets, electronically deal cards from the electronic decks, designate offense and defense players, permit selection of cards by players, determine game outcomes based on the selected cards, and award winnings based on bets and game outcomes.
US08152609B2	Support assembly for moveable members of an agricultural combine and devices thereof A support assembly for supporting a moveable member of an agricultural combine is provided. The support assembly includes a moveable member, such as a foldable chaff pan assembly for spreading chaff and other crop residue from the rear of an agricultural combine, a support member and a resilient member connected to the support member for supporting the moveable member. The resilient member can be configured as an arched shaped or cylindrically shaped member.
US08152596B2	Apparatus for deburring boards An apparatus for deburring boards includes a platform, on which first and second guiding rail units perpendicular to each other are fixed, a deburring unit mounted on the first guiding rail unit, a carrying unit adapted for carrying the boards and mounted movably on the second guiding rail unit perpendicular to the first guiding rail unit, and a driving unit disposed on the platform and operable to drive the carrying unit to move between a loading/unloading zone, where the carrying unit is spaced apart from the deburring unit, and a processing zone, where the carrying unit is disposed between opposite deburring members of the deburring unit so that opposite deburred edges of each board contact respectively the deburring members. The driving unit further drives the carrying unit to move back and forth within the processing zone a predetermined number of times, thereby deburring the boards.
US08152595B2	System and method for optical endpoint detection during CMP by using an across-substrate signal In a polishing process, the characteristics of the removal process may be monitored at different lateral positions to identify the clearance of the various device regions with a high degree of reliability. Consequently, upon forming sophisticated metallization structures, undue over-polishing may be avoided while at the same time providing reduced leakage currents due to enhanced material removal.
US08152594B2	Polishing apparatus A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table having a polishing surface, a top ring configured to hold and press the substrate against the polishing surface, a top ring shaft configured to lift and lower the top ring, and an elongation detecting device configured to detect an elongation of the top ring shaft. The polishing apparatus further includes a controller configured to set a vertical position of the top ring at the time of polishing, and control a lifting and lowering mechanism to lower the top ring to a preset polishing position as the set vertical position. The controller corrects the preset polishing position based on the elongation of the top ring shaft which has been detected by the elongation detecting device.
US08152593B2	Open front undergarment and method of making the same An open front undergarment having a form that allows the back of the garment to be closed and the front of the garment to be completely open and free from clasps, fabric or fasteners in the front between the cups. The open front undergarment includes a brassiere having an underwire and an overwire to form a frame, a rear band, a pair of cups extending from opposite ends of the rear band a cover material and a slip-resistant band. The underwire runs through the lower perimeter of a lower portion of the brassiere and the overwire runs through the upper perimeter. The underwire and overwire can be formed of a metal or a metal coated with plastic. The frame can also be formed of a single ductile member. The brassiere also includes a flexure region at the rear band to allow for flexure of the back and torso of the wearer.
US08152592B1	Breast crease comforter A breast crease comforter decreases pain and promotes healing during and after radiation therapy to the breast. The skin crease between the breast and the torso is typically exposed to daily friction, sheer, and moisture. When the breast is also compromised by radiation therapy, these various insults may combine to cause skin breakdown and excoriation, including resultant pain. The breast crease comforter intervenes between the underside of the breast and the torso to protect and pad this sensitive crease area when compromised by radiation therapy. The breast crease comforter may also be used to treat other conditions besides vulnerable skin resulting from radiation therapy to the breast or torso. The breast crease comforter may also be combined with the bottom of a conventional bra.
US08152590B2	Acoustic sensor for beehive monitoring A method of and system for using sounds produced by bees flying near a beehive entrance enable a beekeeper to assess the operational productivity of the beehive. In a preferred embodiment, the method entails positioning an acoustic pickup device, such as a microphone, at a location to pick up and provide an audio signal representing sounds produced by bees flying around the beehive entrance. The flying bees produce the sounds either while hovering in the vicinity of the beehive or while launching from locations around the beehive entrance to forage for pollen and nectar. The audio signal is analyzed to distinguish the sound of launching flying bees from the sound of ambient background noise.
US08152589B2	Toy vehicle play set A play set comprises master and slave toy vehicles and a stationary base unit. The master toy vehicle includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver to be controlled by a manually operated RF remote control unit and an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes a directional receiver to detect the source of the IR tracking signal and an on-board, self-directing control circuit coupled to the at least one directional receiver to control the slave toy vehicle to chase the master toy vehicle. The base unit includes a platform with a game controller and one or more targets mounted so as to move when struck by the master toy vehicle. The game controller and one or both of the toy vehicles are configured for one way or two way wireless communication between the game controller and toy vehicles(s). The game controller is configured to initiate and control one or more modes of game play through the targets or communication with the toy vehicles.
US08152585B2	Method for manufacturing plasma display panel The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plasma display panel having a front plate provided with a front substrate, a display electrode formed on the front substrate, a dielectric layer covering the display electrode, and a protective layer covering the dielectric layer. In the method above, after the protective layer has been formed, the front plate is processed in a moisture-free atmosphere for only a period where the front plate has a temperature of 400° C. or lower.
US08152584B2	Cold cathode fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is disclosed. The CCFL includes a light transmitting shell and an electrode disposed at one end of the light transmitting shell. The method includes the steps of exhausting a gas existing inside the light transmitting shell via a vent of the light transmitting shell, charging at least one inert gas into the light transmitting shell, and removing an amalgam, which is initially disposed in a gas adjusting instrument, into a temporal region of the light transmitting shell after the step of exhausting.
US08152582B2	Method of manufacturing image displaying apparatus In a method of manufacturing an image displaying apparatus which has plural spacers for defining a distance between substrates, the present invention enables to effectively perform a process of assembling the spacers in a less number of steps and improves accuracy of a spacer assembling position. In this method, in case of clamping plural spacers respectively by individual hands, positioning the plural spacers on the substrate in a lump, applying an adhesive to the positioned spacers, heat hardening the adhesive, and fixing the spacers to which the adhesive was applied to the substrate, pitches of the hands are adjusted according to heat expansion of the substrate in the pitch direction of the spacers occurred due to the heating of the adhesive.
US08152580B2	Loading system The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.
US08152577B1	Electric boat An electric boat comprising a boat housing with a rechargeable battery bank; two wind turbines disposed in sides of the boat housing, the wind turbines are driven by oncoming wind; a first turbine system operatively connected to the wind turbines via a first drive shaft; a transformer's power inverter/charge controller operatively connected to the rechargeable battery and to the first turbine system; an electric motor operatively connected to the transformer's power inverter/charge controller or rechargeable battery; jet pump for propelling the boat, the jet pump is operatively connected to the electric motor; and a plurality of solar panels disposed on the boat housing operatively connected to the rechargeable battery.
US08152574B2	Connector for use with apparatus Upon fitting of the first housing 10 and the second housing 50, joints 21, 63 of the two terminals 20, 60 are superposed in the fitting portion 11, the two joints 21, 63 having respective bolt-insertion holes 21A, 63A that allow for insertion of a bolt V thereinto so that the two joints 21, 63 are fixed together. The fitting portion 11 of the two housings 10 has an operation hole 23 that allows for bolting of the two terminals 20, 60. A first shield shell 40 is attached to the first housing 10. The first shield shell 40 is fixable to the case. A second shield shell 70 is attached to the second housing 50. The second shield shell 70 in a fitted state of the two housings 10, 50 is slidable between: a position to expose the operation hole 23 to the outside; and a position to cover the operation hole 23 and to cooperate with the first shield shell 40 to cover the fitting portion 11.
US08152573B2	Electrical connector with a lug rotationally coupled to a base having an aperture for mounting to a base board An electrical connector with a base and a lug rotationally coupled to the base with a bolt having an integral compression washer. The lug and the base have complementary gear faces. A set screw in the lug has a threaded shaft and a head with a projecting hexagonal configuration. The lug can be rotated so as to receive a relatively large gauge wire.
US08152571B2	ECG electrode connector Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.
US08152569B2	Extension to version 2.0 universal serial bus connector with additional contacts An extension to USB includes an insulative tongue portion and a number of contacts held in the insulative tongue portion. The contacts have four conductive contacts and a plurality of differential contacts for transferring differential signals located behind/forward the four standard USB contacts along a front-to-rear direction. The four conductive contacts are adapted for USB 2.0 protocol and the plurality of differential contacts are adapted for non-USB 2.0 protocol. The extension to USB is capable of mating with a complementary standard USB 2.0 connector and a non-USB 2.0 connector, alternatively.
US08152566B1	Electrical connector with resilient arm configured in fixed ended beam manner formed on metal shell An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts retained in the insulative housing and a metal shell enclosing the insulative housing. The metal shell includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall to jointly form a receiving space to accommodate the insulative housing. The top wall includes a resilient arm having two fixed distal ends and a locking protrusion located between the two fixed distal ends. The locking protrusion extends beyond a top surface of the top wall for deformably locking with a notch of a mateable connector. The resilient arm is configured in a fixed ended beam manner so as to achieve suitable flexibility and rigidity.
US08152564B2	Connector having protection components A connector having protection components includes an insulation body, a signal transmission module provided in the insulation body, a first protection component set and a second protection component set both electrically connected to the signal transmission module. The signal transmission module includes a circuit board and an input terminal set and an output terminal set electrically connected to the circuit board. The first protection component set is electrically connected between the input terminal set and the output terminal set for protection between the lines. The second protection component set is electrically connected between the first protection component set and a grounding line, thereby providing protection between the lines and a grounding line.
US08152563B1	Electrical connector having a spin ring, a pre-mold and an over-mold An electrical connector assembly is provided and includes an electrical conductor, an electrical connector having an electrical connector front and rear, wherein the electrical connector rear includes an electrical connector termination connected to the conductor, a pre-mold material having an over-mold groove and being securely associated with the electrical connector assembly to cover the electrical connector rear, the electrical connector termination, and a portion of the electrical conductor and the cable, an over-mold material securely associated with the electrical connector assembly to cover a portion of the pre-mold material and the cable, wherein a portion of the over-mold material is located in the over-mold groove and a spin ring having a spin ring front and rear, wherein the spin ring is movably associated with the electrical connector assembly such that the spin ring rear is located proximate the over-mold material and such that the spin ring covers the electrical.
US08152559B1	Split compression mid-span ground clamp A grounding clamp positioned on a coaxial cable at a location other than an end of the coaxial cable, wherein the grounding clamp includes an outer shell formed by the unity of a first split shell portion and a second split shell portion, the outer shell having a radial relationship with an elastomeric sleeve, the elastomeric sleeve being radially disposed over a conductive bonding contact, the conductive bonding contact being radially disposed over an outer conductive portion of the coaxial cable, wherein axial compression of a first split driver and a second split driver against the ends of the grounding clamp facilitates electrical contact between the outer shell and the conductive bonding contact and between the conductive bonding contact and the outer conductive portion of the coaxial cable. Furthermore, an associated method for maintaining ground continuity is also provided.
US08152554B2	Locking electrical receptacle A method and apparatus (“utility”) for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may be translated into a rotational movement of a portion of the clamping mechanism into an abutting relationship with the clamped prong.
US08152552B2	Card coupling system A card coupling system includes a card having an electrical coupler and defining a plurality of extension member coupling holes. An extension member is operable to couple to the card and includes a base. A plurality of card engagement members extend from a first edge of the base, each card engagement member operable to be located in a respective extension member coupling hole in order to couple the extension member to the card. A mounting plate extends from a second edge of the base and defines at least one mounting hole. The card may be a half size form factor card and may be coupled to a full size form factor card connector by engaging the card connector with the electrical coupler, coupling the card engagement members to respective extension member coupling holes, and securing the mounting plate to the card connector through the at least one mounting hole.
US08152550B2	Vehicle charging connector A vehicle charging connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle-side connector to charge a vehicle battery via the vehicle-side connector. The vehicle charging connector includes a housing, a coupling portion provided on a housing, and a lever. The lever has a lever bar accommodated in the housing, a lock portion provided on one end of the lever bar and configured to engage with a lock receiving portion of the vehicle-side connector to maintain the coupling portion and the vehicle-side connector in a coupled condition, and an unlock operation portion provided on the other end of the lever bar and operable to release an engagement between the lock portion and the lock receiving portion. An upper surface of the lever bar includes a water guide adjacent to the lock portion. The water guide includes a slope surface having a downward inclination.
US08152549B1	Multiple stem design for high density interconnects A plurality of connecting elements projects from a body's surface. A plurality of indents is defined in the body's surface. Each stem element includes first and second stalks projecting orthogonally from the surface. The first stub includes a pyramidical cap section and at least one generally planar wall. The second stalk is generally parallel to the first stub and spaced apart from the at least one wall, defining a gap therebetween. The second stalk includes a stem projecting from the surface. A lip section extends from a distal end of the stem and protrudes outwardly relative to the stem. An engagement section extends from the lip section. A free end of the engagement section defines a distal end of the second stalk. An outer surface of the engagement section defines a first gradient tapering from the lip section to the distal end of the second stalk.
US08152547B2	Two-material separable insulated connector band Stiff and soft materials each provide certain advantages when used in the manufacture of separable insulated connectors, such as elbow and T-body connectors. Utilizing a shell or an insert that includes one section made from a stiff material and one section made from a soft material can provide a separable insulated connector that capitalizes on the advantages associated with both types of materials. The stiff materials and soft materials can be placed strategically on the shell or insert of the separable insulated connector to maximize the advantages of each material. For example, the stiff material can be used to form a section of the separable insulated connector where strength and durability is most desirable, and conversely, the soft material can be used to form a section of the connector where flexibility is desirable. A relatively stiff band can be provided around a relatively soft portion of a connector.
US08152544B1	Energy-saving socket structure An energy-saving socket includes a housing, at least one control switch, and at least one LED (Light-Emitting Diode) indicator. The housing receives therein an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes at least one set of electrical receptacles and one set of external power connection terminal. The housing forms at least one set of through holes corresponding to the electrical receptacles and a slot located close to the through holes. The control switch is associated with at least one set of the electrical receptacles and includes a switching pivot structure and a depression structure. The switching pivot structure is arranged inside the housing in engagement with the electrical circuit. The depression structure straddles the switching pivot and includes a pushbutton exposed through the slot. The LED indicator is received through a wall of the housing to be fixed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the electrical circuit and the control switch.
US08152542B2	Electrical connector enclosure An electrical connector enclosure which includes a framework having at least one wall, and which at least partly defines an internal cavity; and a moveable panel mounted on the framework, the panel being moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the internal cavity, and wherein the at least one wall and the moveable panel cooperate to define a conductor aperture when the moveable panel is located in the closed position relative to the internal cavity.
US08152541B2	Card connector A card connector which effectively prevents erroneous insertion of a card having a width smaller than a specified width has an introducing space formed between a body having contacts and a cover. An insertion preventing wall is formed in the body facing the upstream side in the card inserting direction. The cover includes a restricting plate projecting toward the introducing space, with the restricting plate being under a posture projecting further toward the introducing space on the downstream side in the card inserting direction. The restricting plate forms, at widthwise opposed ends thereof, contacting pieces which are deformed as coming into contact with widthwise opposed ends of a card, thereby lifting up the restricting plate.
US08152538B1	Fluid bonding fitting and assembly and system incorporating the fitting, and method of use An assembly for bonding a fluid, wherein the assembly comprises a fitting having an electrically conductive body comprising: a base, a first extension member which extends from a first part of the base, and a second extension member which extends from a second part of the base; and an electrically conductive protrusion extending from an exterior surface of the body; a fluid filter having a receiver which is in operable communication with the first extension member of the fitting; and a pump which draws the fluid from a fluid source and into the fluid filter, wherein the fluid further flows from the fluid filter and through the fitting; whereby the fluid, when it flows through the fitting, and when a bond wire is in electrical communication with the electrically conductive protrusion of the fitting, is bonded.
US08152531B1	Team-based fitness challenge system and method A fitness challenge program designed to encourage physical activity as well as to entertain and engage participants. Individuals are organized into teams and compete individually as well as against other teams. The program incorporates the use of computer technology to record physical activity and track progress for individuals as well as their teams. The individual and team activity information is posted to a web site accessible to the participants. Each participant has an account and can access his or her activity data through the web site. Team progress can also be viewed in the form of activity level data as well as movement to various locations associated with activity levels. The program incorporates educational content that is tied to team progress in the challenge. The program may be organized and administered through the middle schools that student participants attend.
US08152530B2	Rating method and system for early childhood educational programs The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.
US08152529B2	Computerized system and method for visually based education A computer-based educational system provides the user or instructor with a suite of graphic editing tools, allowing the design of graphical objects, such as symbols and text that can be displayed to a viewer, such as a student, using a projector or computer terminal. In order to facilitate the educational process, the invention provides the user with robust ability to control parameters of the graphical objects, allowing the user to create simulations or models of subject matter, such as mathematical principles, in order to facilitate the educational process. In the preferred embodiment, the parameters of these graphical objects can actually be defined in terms of variables and specifically functions or expressions including those variables and then the values of the variables controlled in real-time by the user. This ability allows the user to control the execution of the simulations or models, enabling the user or instructor to dovetail the execution of those simulations with the instructional process.
US08152528B2	Instructional kits, maps, and related methods Provided are embodiments of instructional maps providing instructions for creating a finished product—such as a finished food product—and kits—such as baking or cooking kits—which include one or more such instructional maps. The instructional maps preferably include a recipe in the form of a series of step-by-step instructions for creating a finished food. The instructional maps may also include one or more activities to be completed while making the food, such as games, quizzes, puzzles, experiments, foreign language activities, social interaction activities, and instructions for doing one or more physical exercises. Some embodiments may also include two sides made up of instructions, activities, facts, etc. which are respectively designed for users of different ages, genders, interests, etc.
US08152526B2	Dental implant Dental implants for fixed and removable prosthetic devices, and for other devices such as orthodontic devices, which have application to single tooth replacement, e.g., caps and crowns, and multiple tooth replacement using one or more implants, e.g., bridges, and multiple implants for full and partial prosthetic devices. The dental implants include a post or posts inserted into the jawbone and a base that is loaded, in the general area of the gum line, against the jawbone using the post or posts. The base may be loaded against the jawbone by a fastener system.
US08152525B2	Dental prosthesis removal tool A dental prosthesis removal tool comprising a handle portion and a top portion, the top portion including a head portion and a beak portion. The beak portion is configured to engage both a maxillary dental prosthesis and a mandibular dental prosthesis without the tool needing to be reoriented. The dental prosthesis removal tool makes it possible for a dental prosthesis wearer to remove dental prostheses without the user placing his or her fingers inside of his or her mouth. The dental prosthesis removal tool also allows a denture wearer to remove dental prosthesis without bending, work hardening, or breaking metal clasps contained in some dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool further allows a denture wearer to more comfortably remove his or her dental prosthesis, promoting better patient compliance with maintenance procedures and oral hygiene.
US08152513B2	Multiple-gate injection molding apparatus One or more nozzles define separate nozzle channels. The nozzles are coupled to a manifold, so that each of the nozzle channels communicates with a different mold gate. A molding material distribution insert is coupled to the manifold and has a body defining a distribution channel and a plurality of drop channels equal in number to the nozzle channels. The distribution channel is an open distribution channel formed on an outer surface of the body and enclosed by the manifold. The drop channels intersect the distribution channel and exit the body at a different one of the nozzle channels. A valve pin bushing can extend into the drop channels. Valve pins can extend from actuators, through the valve pin bushing and the drop channels, and to the mold gates. A valve pin holder can be coupled to the actuator and coupled to heads of the valve pins.
US08152509B2	Gap adjusting mechanism for rolls on a roll stand used in the extrusion forming of a sheet product A roll stand for use in the extrusion forming of a sheet product from a flowable material having a main frame supporting first and second rolls between which there is a first gap through which at least one sheet layer passes during sheet product formation. A first adjusting mechanism moves the first roll relative to the second roll so as to vary a dimension of the first gap. The first adjusting mechanism has a first element that is moved by a first actuator that is: a) maintained on the apparatus; b) engageable by a hand of an operator; and c) manually movable through an operator's hand to thereby cause repositioning of the first roll.
US08152508B2	Apparatus for manufacture of single-use dental floss holders The invention concerns a mold for forming a single-use floss holder containing a length of dental floss having a wax composition applied thereto, the mold including a first part having a first cavity disposed therein, the first cavity defined by a bottom base surface and a peripheral sidewall, and including a base portion, first and second spaced-apart portions having proximal and distal sections and extending from the base portion, and a second part having a second cavity disposed therein, the second cavity defined by a bottom base surface and a peripheral sidewall, and including a base portion, first and second spaced-apart portions having proximal and distal sections and extending from the base portion and terminating in the distal section; and a groove having an aspect ratio of about 10:1 or greater and having first and second terminal sections and a mid-section, the groove extending an entire width of the second part, where the first and second terminal sections of the groove traverse and are coincident with the distal section of the first and second spaced-apart portions of the second cavity, respectively.
US08152506B1	Pressure generating device with food compressing attachment Described herein is a removable food compressing attachment in combination with a pressure generating device. The food compressing attachment connects to an aperture within the pressure generating device, so the aperture is continuous with the food compressing attachment interior. When a longitudinal cooking tool inserts into the food compressing attachment interior, food flowing from the aperture enters the attachment interior under pressure from the pressure generating device. The compressed food within the attachment interior forms a fixed continuous shaped mass along the longitudinal cooking tool which traverses the attachment interior. There is also a removable template by which the food compressing attachment can produce a narrower continuous food mass along the longitudinal cooking tool.
US08152503B2	Baffle member for scroll compressors A baffle member for use in scroll compressors. In one exemplary embodiment, the baffle member is attached to a portion of the crankcase and, in use, deflects lubricant that may be thrown from the thrust surface of the crankcase during operation of the compressor away from the flow of working fluid, and also aids in directing the flow of working fluid away from the thrust surface of the crankcase and toward a suction inlet in the compression mechanism.
US08152500B2	Scroll compressor build assembly A scroll compressor build assembly is provided. An outer housing includes multiple shell sections that interfit to provide internal steps that provide seating surfaces. One or both bearing members can use the internal seats. The outer housing may comprise three shells that telescopically interfit and that can be welded with circumferential welds.
US08152499B2	Eccentric screw pump An eccentric screw pump with an annular outer part (10; 40; 74) and an inner part (12; 42; 72) arranged therein has an interior of the outer part (10; 40; 74) and an exterior of the inner part (12; 42; 72) tapering in a complementary manner towards an axial end (16; 46; 70). In the axial direction (X, W), the inner part (12; 42; 72) and the outer part (10; 40; 74) are movably received in relation to each other and the inner part (12; 42; 72) and/or the outer part (10; 40; 74) are configured in such a manner that pressure applied to the pressure side of the eccentric screw pump generates a force that acts upon the inner part (12; 42; 72) axially to the direction in which the inner part (12; 42; 72) tapers and/or a force that acts upon the outer part (10; 40; 74) in an opposite axial direction.
US08152497B2	Compressor In sealed compressors, in one form of the invention, the compressor housing and the compression mechanism are assembled to one another without fasteners. As a result, the time required to install and tighten the fasteners is eliminated, lessen the time required to assemble the compressor. Further, such a fastenerless assembly requires less parts and machining, further reducing the cost of the compressor. Additionally, in one form of the invention, the compression mechanism includes two bearings mounted to the compressor housing and a cylinder block reciprocatingly driven between the bearings by an eccentric member of the crankshaft. Typically, the cylinder block of existing compressors is rigidly mounted to the compressor housing and does not reciprocate.
US08152495B2	Peripheral discharge tube axial fan A mixed flow fan assembly includes an electric motor, an impeller having a hub enclosing the motor, and a plurality of fan blades spaced circumferentially around the hub. The fan assembly also includes an axis of rotation extending through the hub, an annular venturi radially surrounding the impeller, and a mounting plate with an opening to allow for axial airflow positioned on one open end of the venturi. The venturi has at least one elongated slot to allow for radial airflow from the fan assembly, the slot being oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and having a generally rectangular shape. Rotation of the hub and the fan blades caused by the electric motor generates both axial and radial airflow through the fan assembly.
US08152494B2	Methods and systems for fluid control A magnetically coupled fluid actuator for microfluidic applications which affords the actuated fluid some degree of separation from the drive mechanism, increasing biocompatibility and making part of the device potentially disposable.
US08152491B2	Pump using unimorph diaphragm A pump using a piezoelectric diaphragm is designed to allow the diaphragm to be supported appropriately and accurately and to facilitate assembly of housing members. The peripheral edge of a sheet metal of a unimorph diaphragm 40 on the side thereof facing a first housing member 14 is pressed and supported with the ridge of an annular projection 52 annularly provided along the peripheral edge of a vent chamber 38. The first to third housing members 14, 16 and 30 are stacked on one another, and the first and third housing members 14 and 30 are welded together by ultrasonic welding such that the first and second housing members 14 and 16 abut against each other at abutting portions 66 and 68 and the second and third housing members 16 and 30 abut against each other at abutting portions 70 and 72, thereby definitely determining the positional relationship between the housing members.
US08152490B2	Motor driven compressor A motor-driven compressor has a compression mechanism, a rotary shaft, an electric motor, a motor drive circuit and a housing assembly. The compression mechanism, the electric motor and the motor drive circuit are disposed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft in the housing assembly. The housing assembly has first and second housings. The first housing mounts the electric motor and the compression mechanism. The first housing has first and second mounting lugs formed integrally with the peripheral surface of the first housing. The second housing is joined to the first housing for accommodating the motor drive circuit. The second housing has a third mounting lug formed integrally with the second housing. The first through third mounting lugs are fastened to a mounting object to which the motor-driven compressor is to be mounted by means of fastening members.
US08152485B2	DC brushless motor pump A DC brushless motor pump comprises a stator unit consisting of a plurality of silicon steel laminations and a coil, a rotor, an excitation circuit connected to the stator unit, a signal controller supplying power to the excitation circuit, and a magnetic induction module connected to the signal controller to control the pump running. Further, in the pump, a cylinder is provided between the stator unit and the rotor. An orientation component that protrudes in a radial direction is provided on an outer circumferential wall of the cylinder so that the magnetic induction module may be mounted onto the orientation component. Thus, the orientation component is used to fix the magnetic induction module for increasing the accuracy of detection.
US08152484B2	Engine cooling fan assembly A fan assembly that includes a fan having a fan hub and motor having a drive shaft and a drive member coupled to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft. The fan hub includes an inner face and an outer face. The drive member contacts the inner face of the fan hub to define a plurality of discrete drive member contact zones between the drive member and the inner face of the fan hub. A clip engages the drive shaft and the outer face of the fan hub to couple the fan to the drive shaft. The clip contacts the outer face of the fan hub to define a plurality of discrete clip contact zones between the clip and the outer face of the fan hub. The plurality of drive member contact zones are generally aligned with the plurality of clip contact zones.
US08152482B2	Displacement control valve for variable displacement compressor A displacement control valve for a variable displacement compressor. The displacement control valve includes a drive force transmission body, a pressure sensitive chamber, an internal passage, and a valve body. The valve body includes an annular seal which is contactable with a valve seat surface facing toward the first valve body. The drive force transmission body includes a drive rod and a valve body structure having a shaft passage and forming the first valve body. The drive rod is fitted to the shaft passage and coupled to the valve body structure so as to form a gap passage between an outer surface of the drive rod and a wall surface of the shaft passage. The internal passage includes a recess arranged radially inward from the annular seal, the shaft passage, and the gap passage. The gap passage is in direct communication with the recess.
US08152481B2	Piston-type compressor This invention is to provide a piston-type compressor that assures optimal lubrication by supplying oil in plentiful quantity to a sliding portion in a cylinder block having cylinders formed therein, through which pistons slide reciprocally. A crankcase is defined by a cylinder block 1 having formed therein a plurality of cylinders 17 through which pistons slide, and a housing mounted at the cylinder block 1, and as a shaft passing through the crankcase rotates, a swashplate disposed inside the crankcase is made to rotate, thereby engaging the pistons to reciprocally slide through the cylinders. At the cylinder block 1, an inbound oil guide passage 35 having one end thereof made to open over an area at the end surface of the cylinder block facing the crankcase between adjacent cylinders 17 and another end thereof connecting to a sliding portion inside the cylinder block.
US08152478B2	Compressor with controlled capacity A double cylinder compressor with controlled capacity having a capacity switch device, and a reservoir having an inlet and two outlets which are connected with an upper and a lower cylinder of the double cylinder compressor through the capacity switch device. The capacity switch device being switched to realize the connection in series or in parallel for the cylinders of the double cylinder compressor, as a result, the discharge capacity of the compressor is that of the second stage cylinder when the connection in series, or the sum of the two cylinders when the connection is in parallel.
US08152476B2	Positive displacement pump with a working fluid and linear motor control The present invention relates to positive displacement pumps, and particularly to diaphragm positive displacement pumps. An inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump is provided comprising at least one pumping chamber containing a deformable hose diaphragm, a working fluid cylinder fluidly connected to the deformable hose diaphragm, and at least one linear motor to displace the working fluid within the working fluid cylinder and thereby increase and decrease the volume of the pumping chamber. An inventive method of controlling an inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump comprising at least one pumping chamber and powered by at least one linear motor is also provided.
US08152475B2	Method for controlling operation of a compressor In a method for controlling operation of a compressor, the compressor is shut off by a control device in order to prevent thermal damages when an estimated temperature value Ts calculated by said control device exceeds an upper threshold value Tmax while the compressor remains on or is allowed to be turned on when there is a need for compression and a lower threshold value Tmin is not reached. In order to be able to more accurately estimate the estimated temperature and increase the thermal availability of the compressor, the estimated temperature value Ts is indirectly and cyclically determined by means of a mathematical-physical model that characterizes the cooling and heating properties of the compressor.
US08152473B2	Airfoil design for rotor and stator blades of a turbomachine For the rotor and stator blades of turbomachines, more particularly of gas-turbine engines, an airfoil design is provided with a defined area of a skeleton line angle distribution for skeleton lines of airfoil sections near the gap. With the distribution of the dimensionless skeleton line angles (α) over the chord length (l) in a certain area between two limiting curves (7, 8) according to the present invention, and the corresponding course of the skeleton lines in a blade portion extending up to 30 percent of the blade height, a uniformed pressure distribution is ensured, minimizing disturbances and losses due to the influence of the gap.
US08152470B2	Device for the adjustment of the pitch of a motor blade of a wind turbine A device is provided for the adjustment of the pitch of a rotor blade of a wind turbine. The device includes a pitch actuator and a fixing device. The pitch actuator includes a tube. The fixing device includes a first and a second ring-like element, each of which is arranged at the tube and each of which is supported towards a respective stopper assigned to the tube, and a clamping means which press the first and the second ring-like element in such a way towards the respective stopper that the fixing device and the tube are substantially non-relocatable relatively to each other.
US08152468B2	Divoted airfoil baffle having aimed cooling holes A baffle insert for an internally cooled airfoil comprises a liner, a divoted segment and a plurality of cooling holes. The liner has a continuous perimeter formed to shape a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The divoted segment of the hollow body is positioned between the first end and the second end. The plurality of cooling holes is positioned on the divoted segment to aim cooling air exiting the baffle insert at a common location.
US08152465B2	Rotor blade for a rotor airplane A rotor blade comprises an inner rotor blade root area, a rotor blade main area disposed adjacent to the inner rotor blade root area along a length of the rotor blade and having an aerodynamically effective rotor blade profile, the profile including a nose area and a rear edge area, and a rotor blade tip disposed adjacent to the rotor blade main area along the length of the rotor blade. The rotor blade tip is configured to be deformable relative to the rotor blade main area and is operatively connected to a first actuator device. The first actuator device is configured to initiate a vertical movement of the rotor blade tip upwards or downwards relative to the lift direction. The vertical movement starts from a neutral position relative to the rotor blade main area.
US08152463B2	Method for impingement air cooling for gas turbines In impingement air cooling of gas turbine components, cooling air velocity packs of a certain amplitude and a given frequency are applied to impingement air openings, with intervallic annular swirl structures being formed which penetrate a cross-flow and hit a component to be cooled with high intensity, thus providing for efficient cooling. In order to obtain annular swirl structures with optimum cooling effect, the Strouhal number, which is determined by a ratio of amplitude, frequency of the velocity packs and size of impingement air cooling openings, ranges between 0.2 and 2.0, and preferably between 0.8 and 1.2.
US08152462B1	Card seal with conical flexible seal A card seal with an annular arrangement of cards that are positioned within an annular groove of a casing, and a conical flexible seal is secured to the casing on the low pressure side of the cards. The cards and the flexible seal both includes slanted surfaces that interact during operation such that the flexible seal gap decreases with the rotor shaft and the cards are secured within the annular groove during assembly and installation of the card seal. The flexible seal blocks leakage through the cards and includes an axial extending inner end that can include an abradable material to allow for rub with the shaft while decreasing the gap to prevent leakage across the cards.
US08152461B2	Integrated inlet design A nacelle assembly and a method for assembling the same is provided. The nacelle assembly includes an inner barrel and an outer structure comprising a highlight and an outer aft section, wherein the highlight is defined by a forward end of the outer structure, wherein the outer aft section includes a point defined by a maximum diameter of the nacelle assembly, wherein the nacelle assembly extends at least between the highlight and the point.
US08152460B2	Device for bleeding air from a turbomachine compressor A turbomachine compressor, including an air bleed device including a duct having a suction end opening out into an outer casing of the compressor level with a rotor wheel and a stator stage of the compressor is disclosed. A screen sheet of annular shape is mounted radially inside the casing facing a portion of the suction end of the duct so as to make the bleeding of air uniform over 360° around the axis of the compressor.
US08152456B2	Turbojet compressor The invention relates to a turbojet compressor comprising a shroud and a plurality of blades, each fixed via its root to the shroud. Level with each blade root, the shroud presents a suction-side ramp and a pressure-side ramp extending from the trailing edge of the blade to beyond its leading edge. The pressure-side and suction-side ramps join together upstream from the leading edge of the blade to form a projection presenting a profile that is twisted about the axis of the shroud so as to force the gas stream flowing in each flow passage to go round the blade root essentially on the suction-side thereof, and the suction-side ramp presents a profile that is inclined relative to the outside surface of the shroud so as to deflect the gas stream flowing in the corresponding flow passage from the suction-side surface of the blade towards the pressure-side surface of the adjacent blade.
US08152450B1	Floating air seal for a turbine A gas turbine engine with a floating air seal to form a seal between a rotor disk and an adjacent stator vane segment shroud and allow for both axial and radial shifting of the rotor disk with respect to the stator while maintaining the sealing capability. The floating air seal includes an annular piston that slides within an annular groove formed within the stator in an axial direction. The annular piston includes an annular groove on the rotor disk side to form an air cushion against the rotor disk, a pressure buffer surface on the opposite end, and a central passage to supply the air cushion chamber with pressurized fluid from the buffer pressure chamber. A balancing force on the annular piston is formed between the air cushion formed and the pressure force acting to push the annular piston toward the rotor surface.
US08152443B1	Self-priming centrifugal pump free of mechanical seals A centrifugal pump mounted in an external housing. The pump has a split housing containing an impeller with outwardly extending vanes that is mounted on a drive shaft. The drive shaft at one end is mounted to a sealed bearing within the external housing and at the other end to a drive.
US08152442B2	Centripetal pumping stage and vacuum pump incorporating such pumping stage A molecular spiral-type vacuum pumping stage comprises a rotor disk having smooth surfaces cooperating with a stator. The stator is provided with a plurality of spiral channels at least on the surface facing the rotor disk, wherein the gas to be pumped flows in centripetal direction. The cross-section area (σ) of the channels is reduced from the center towards the outer periphery of the stator. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to avoid the reduction of the internal gas flow velocity along the pumping stage and the related risk of internal compression or re-expansions, this limiting the power losses. The present invention also refers to a vacuum pump comprising at least one pumping stage as described above.
US08152441B2	Submersible waterwheel with hinged rotor blades and spring-loaded water seals A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.
US08152439B2	Method and apparatus for starting supersonic compressors A supersonic gas compressor. The compressor includes aerodynamic duct(s) situated on a rotor journaled in a casing. The aerodynamic duct(s) generate a plurality of oblique shock waves for efficiently compressing a gas at supersonic conditions. The convergent inlet is adjacent to a bleed air collector, and during acceleration of the rotor, bypass gas is removed from the convergent inlet via a collector to enable supersonic shock stabilization. Once the oblique shocks are stabilized at a selected inlet relative Mach number and pressure ratio, the bleed of bypass gas from the convergent inlet via the bypass gas collectors is eliminated.
US08152437B2	Interface member for a power plant A power plant includes a first turbine having a plurality of turbine stages. The first turbine discharges a first fluid flow. A second turbine is operatively coupled to the first turbine. The second turbine receives the first fluid flow from the first turbine and a second fluid flow. An interface member is mounted between the first and second turbines. The interface member includes a main body portion having an inner surface, an inlet portion and an outlet portion that combine to form a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second turbines. The interface member further includes an input member having an input passage that leads the second fluid into the fluid flow path. The interface member also includes a baffle plate that extends toward the fluid flow path. The baffle plate establishes a flow gap between the input passage and the inlet and outlet portions.
US08152436B2	Blade under platform pocket cooling Inlets are provided at a front end of inter-blade cavities for allowing coolant to flow therein to cool down the undersurface of the blade platforms as well as the rim of the disc of a rotor assembly.
US08152433B2	Loader vehicle having a lift arm A loader vehicle includes a main frame, a lift arm, and a lift cylinder. The lift arm is connected to the main frame. A working implement is attached to the lift arm at the front end thereof. The lift cylinder is connected to the lift arm and the main frame. The lift cylinder includes a piston, a piston rod fixed to the piston, and a cylinder tube. The piston rod is connected to the main frame. The cylinder tube has a bottom portion and a side wall portion. The cylinder tube is connected to the lift arm by a connecting portion. The connecting portion is provided at the side wall portion of the cylinder tube.
US08152426B2	Rotation indicator device A rotation indicator device comprises a body having a bore, whereby the body is adapted to be releasably mounted on a polygonal fastener or other multi-angled component in any selected position. At least part of the body which defines the bore is formed of a resilient material of suitable grip and flexibility characteristics, such as silicone rubber material, and the bore has an edge margin which is of a tapered profile in cross-section so that the body can be snugly mounted onto the fastener or other component without any relative rotation occurring between the device and the fastener or other component.
US08152419B1	Tubular member notching system and method A tubular member notching system includes a system frame, a clamp jaw assembly carried by the system frame, a jaw actuation assembly carried by the system frame and engaging the clamp jaw assembly, a pivoting swing arm assembly positioned generally alongside the system frame adjacent to the clamp jaw assembly and an arbor housing assembly carried by the pivoting swing arm assembly.
US08152418B2	Deploying a chemically-inflatable bag with an unfurling action Embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for providing a nonlabor-intensive process for preventing backfill entering, or environmental factors eroding, a cavity formed in the ground. Preventing cavity degradation involves constructing a chemically-inflatable bag that separates two or more chemical reactants by creases and cylindrical coils formed in the chemically-inflatable bag. The creases typically act as watertight releasable seals that separate the chemical reactants while the cylindrical coils resist unintentional compromise of the releasable seals. However, the cylindrical coils are designed to give way upon the user applying an unfurling action on the chemically-inflatable bag; thus, furnishing a passageway for the chemical reactants to intermix and initiate a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide as a by-product, which expands the chemically-inflatable bag from a collapsed condition to an inflated condition. In the inflated condition, the chemically-inflatable bag fills and protects the integrity of the formed cavity.
US08152415B2	Method and apparatus for building support piers from one or more successive lifts formed in a soil matrix A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.
US08152414B2	Device and method for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations A device and method for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration of a deepwater riser. A device for attachment to a structure, which is subject to movement relative to a fluid surrounding the structure, for reducing vortex-induced vibration effects on the structure, the device comprising: a flexible netting (4) interconnecting a plurality of relatively inflexible members comprising a plurality of elongate members (3) and a plurality of spacer members (6), wherein each elongate member has a first cuter boundary and each spacer member has a second outer boundary wherein the second boundary extends radially outward of the first outer boundary relative to the netting, over at least: a substantial portion of the boundary.
US08152412B2	Pipelayer with cab riser A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.
US08152410B2	Method and apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubblization An apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubbilization comprises a first non-circular plate having a first plate flat portion and a first plate thickness, a second non-circular plate having a second plate flat portion and a second plate thickness substantially equivalent to the first plate thickness, and a third plate having a third plate first flat portion and a third plate second flat portion and a third plate thickness less than the first plate thickness and the second plate thickness. The first plate flat portion is coupled to the third plate first flat portion and the second plate is coupled to the third plate second flat portion and each of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are configured to form a multi-lobed roller assembly.
US08152409B1	Apparatus for screeding concrete An apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface includes a rigid frame assembly; a telescopic boom assembly secured directly to the frame assembly; and a screeder head assembly having a plurality of vertically oriented alignment poles secured to the boom assembly. The telescopic boom assembly may include a plurality of boom sections, each having a leveling mechanism whereby each boom section may be individually leveled with respect to each preceding boom section to provide for a consistently level finished surface.
US08152403B2	Three-way connector for cabinet frame A three-way connector for a cabinet frame, including a body 1, multiple positioning columns 4, 8, a pair of M6 tapping holes 7, a pair of M6 tapping holes 11, a M12 tapping hole 3, a ten-folded section 6, and a fifteen-folded section 10. A pair of triangular corners 2 is disposed on both sides of the body 1. The M12 tapping hole 3 is disposed at the top of the body 1. The positioning columns 4 are fit with a cavity of the ten-folded section 6. The M6 tapping holes 7 are disposed on the positioning columns 4, and fit with an installation hole of the ten-folded section 6. The positioning columns 8 are fit with a cavity of the fifteen-folded section 10, and are parallel to each other. The M6 tapping holes 11 are disposed on the positioning columns 8.
US08152401B2	Surgical skin marker with disposable sterilized tip A surgical skin marker has a handle body and a removably attached marking tip that is provided in a protective sterilized bag. After a single use, the marking tip can be removed and discarded. A new marking tip can be attached for a subsequent surgical procedure or treatment. Such a marker can help maintain a sterile surgical environment while minimizing waste and costs.
US08152399B2	Packaging and application device The invention is a device for packaging and applying a product. The device includes a receptacle for containing the product and an applicator including a rod provided at one end with an application element. The receptacle further has a tubular body with a movable piston guided axially in the tubular body wherein the piston has a passage opening for the application element. The applicator includes an axial stop protruding radially relative to the rod and is capable of being in abutment against the piston. The stop can be retracted radially in order to allow it to pass through the passage opening of the piston and includes at least one orifice for the passage of air when the stop is in abutment against the piston.
US08152389B1	Camera support apparatus A camera mount supported by a beam. The mount includes an inverted “U” shaped flexible member including first and second fingers that are parallel to one another, a connecting member joins the first and second fingers at one end, the first and second finger free ends have a stiffness of about ten to thirty pounds per inch. Also the mount includes a camera mount interface extending from the connecting member opposite of the first and second fingers. Wherein the first and second fingers and the connecting member have a slip compressive fit over the beam to hold the mount in place, giving the camera an overhead view. The first and second fingers and connecting member deflect outward to facilitate the slip compressive fit.
US08152383B2	Tapered roller bearing In a tapered roller bearing, the roller coefficient γ is greater than 0.94. At least one member of an inner ring, an outer ring, and the tapered rollers includes a nitrogen-rich layer, and the grain size number of austenite crystal grains in the nitrogen-rich layer is greater than 10. A cage of the tapered roller bearing includes a small annular portion continuous on a small end face side of the tapered rollers, a large annular portion continuous on a large end face side of the tapered rollers, and a plurality of bars that connect the small and large annular portions. The cage has trapezoidal pockets between adjacent ones of the bars. Each of the bars has cut-away portions on the narrow side of the pockets.
US08152381B2	Rolling bearing comprising a device for withdrawing a liquid A rolling bearing which has a sealing arrangement and a sensor component, particularly an encoder, which is fitted with a mounting flange. The rolling bearing further has an inner ring and an outer ring between which rolling members are arranged. The sealing arrangement is equipped with at least one sealing element between the inner ring and the outer ring. In order to provide a rolling bearing which can easily be retrofitted with a retrofit sensor, particularly a retrofit encoder, and is well protected against environmental influence, the sensor component that is fitted with the mounting flange is designed as a retrofit part, while at least one water discharge port is disposed in the region of the mounting flange.
US08152380B2	Sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefor includes a woven inner portion bonded to an injection molded elastic outer portion. The inner portion includes a first yarn of lubricious yarn material and a second yarn of material that is different than the first yarn. The first yarn substantially provides an inner bearing surface and the second yarn substantially provides an outer surface that is bonded to the outer portion. The first and second yarns are woven together so that the first yarn is woven in one of a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface or a warp direction corresponding to an axial direction of the journal bearing surface to substantially provide the bearing surface and the second yarn is woven in a direction different than the first yarn to substantially provide the outer surface bonded to the outer portion.
US08152375B2	Bag and method for emptying a bag To empty a bag which has at least one cross bottom (4) which is covered with a bottom cover sheet (18) and which has an essentially rectangular shape and is glued together out of corner tucks (11) angled from narrow sidewalls via folding lines and out of bottom flaps (12) angled from wide sidewalls via folding lines (13, 14), there is provision, according to the invention, whereby the bottom cover sheet (18) is drawn off, starting from a narrow sidewall, from the respective corner tuck (11) and from part of the adjoining bottom flaps (12), whereby the bottom flaps (12) are torn on the far side of the corner tuck, transversely with respect to their free edges, as far as the adjoining wide sidewall, in order to separate a part (12′) of the bottom flaps (12), and whereby the separated parts (12′) of the bottom flaps (12), together with the corner tuck (11), are bent, by being folded up about the folding lines (13, 14, 23), into a pour-out channel (24), via which the emptying of the bag contents takes place.
US08152374B2	Protective cover for backpacks The invention pertains to a protective cover for a backpack, the cover preventing unauthorized access to the backpack and its contents. Apertures and slots are formed in the protective cover to allow the straps on the backpack to pass through the cover, so that the protective cover and backpack can be retained on the shoulders of the user. A single, elongated zipper on the protective cover provides access to the interior thereof, and the end point of the zipper is hidden from view when resting upon the back of the user.
US08152372B1	Methods for monitoring chip temperature during test Described herein are methods and apparatuses for testing an integrated circuit chip including a thermal diode. According to various embodiments, a method for testing an integrated circuit chip including a thermal diode may comprise performing a test operation on the integrated circuit chip, and during the test operation, detecting a signal representative of a temperature sensed by a thermal diode embedded in the integrated circuit chip. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08152370B2	Sensor and method for determining temperature along an optical fibre An optical fiber temperature sensor comprising: an optical pulse generator; an optical fiber into which said optical pulses are fed; an optical receiver to receive said optical pulses reflected by said optical fiber and to convert them into an electrical signal; a processor which receives said electrical signal and determines the temperature along said optical fiber; said optical receiver comprising a first filter and a second filter to filter said optical pulse reflected by said optical fiber, characterized in that said first and said second filters filter two adjacent portions of anti-Stokes optical signals or of Stokes optical signals.
US08152367B2	Insulated container having a temperature monitoring device The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.
US08152365B2	Method and system for determining optical properties of semiconductor wafers A method and system are disclosed for determining at least one optical characteristic of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. Once the optical characteristic is determined, at least one parameter in a processing chamber may be controlled for improving the process. For example, in one embodiment, the reflectivity of one surface of the substrate may first be determined at or near ambient temperature. From this information, the reflectance and/or emittance of the wafer during high temperature processing may be accurately estimated. The emittance can be used to correct temperature measurements using a pyrometer during wafer processing. In addition to making more accurate temperature measurements, the optical characteristics of the substrate can also be used to better optimize the heating cycle.
US08152363B2	Temperature detection circuit A temperature detection circuit includes a first voltage source circuit to generate a first voltage having a temperature dependence by utilizing a work function difference of gate electrodes of a plurality of field effect transistors, a second voltage source circuit to generate a reference voltage having no temperature dependence by utilizing a work function difference of gate electrodes of a plurality of field effect transistors, a correction circuit configured to correct the reference voltage and output a corrected voltage, and a subtraction amplifier configured to subtract the corrected voltage from the first voltage, amplify a resulting subtracted voltage, and output a resulting amplified voltage as a correction voltage signal to adjust a temperature coefficient of the correction voltage signal.
US08152362B2	Mixer and methods of mixing A mixer (10) includes a coupler (22) receiving an upper end of a shaft (24) rotatably connected to an offset pin (20) of a circulating plate (18) mounted to a rotatable output (14) of a motor (12). The shaft (24) is slideably mounted by a linear bearing (40) to a swivel plate (32) which is mounted to swivel relative to a support rod (106). Due to the non-parallel angle (C) of the offset pin (20) to the rotatable output (14), the shaft (24) and a paddle (30) mounted thereto moves up and down, rotates about the offset pin (20) and swivels at swivel angles (A, B) in first and second planes in a multi-direction which is angular and non true circular.
US08152361B2	Mug with stirring mechanism A mug body has an open top. A lid is fitted to the open top. The lid has first and second top to bottom holes formed therein. An arm extends down from the bottom of the lid into the mug body. An actuator handle extends out from the top of the lid, through the second hole. The actuator handle is coupled to the arm to move the arm relative to the mug body. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08152360B2	Storage device for laboratory samples having storage racks and a shaker The invention provides a storage device with storage racks and a shaker where the undesired horizontal oscillations of the upper ends of the storage racks are small. The storage device for laboratory samples includes a shaker drive, a rack carrier being driven by said shaker drive for performing a shaking motion with horizontal component, at least one storage rack arranged on the rack carrier, which storage rack comprises vertical side walls, each side wall having a plurality of ledges arranged vertically above each other and forming storage locations for a plurality of laboratory samples on top of each other, and a counterweight assembly connected to an upper end section of the storage rack and being driven to exert a force opposite to the shaking motion in order to counteract an oscillation of the upper end section of the storage rack.
US08152355B2	Lamp-set structure The present invention includes a lamp cap and a lamp body. An interior of the lamp cap is provided with an illuminating element which is electrically connected with a circuit board. The circuit board is provided with electric contacts which are exposed at a bottom of the lamp cap and peripheries of the lamp cap are provided with latching parts. The lamp body includes a handheld part and a lamp holder. An interior of the lamp holder is provided with fastening parts which correspond with the latching parts of the lamp cap, allowing the lamp cap to be engaged on and electrically connected with the lamp holder. In addition, the handheld part is provided with a control switch.
US08152353B2	Surface emission apparatus, light guide, and method of manufacturing light guide A surface emission apparatus includes a first light source for emitting invisible light rays; a second light source for emitting visible light rays; a light guide having a light entrance surface for entering therethrough into the light guide the invisible light rays emitted from the first light source and the visible light rays emitted from the second light source, and a light exit surface for emitting the invisible light rays and the visible light rays therethrough out of the light guide; and a plurality of optical devices disposed on a surface of the light guide which confronts the light exit surface, for scattering more of the invisible light rays than the visible light rays.
US08152349B2	End reflector for a flat panel lens End reflectors, flat panel lens that may utilize the end reflector, and methods are provided. The end reflector for a flat panel lens may include a first grating having a first set of parallel planes. The first set of parallel planes may be of layers of alternating refractive indexes disposed at a first angle with a central plane of the flat panel lens. The end reflector may also include a second grating having a second set of parallel planes. The second set of parallel planes may be of layers of alternating refractive indexes of alternating refractive indexes disposed at a second angle with the central plane. The second angle may be equivalent to the first angle reflected about the central plane.
US08152346B2	Vehicle lighting unit and vehicle light A vehicle lighting unit can include a first reflector surface and a second reflector surface disposed vertically with the optical axis of an LED light source interposed therebetween. The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can form respective light distribution patterns. The first reflecting surface can include an edge near the projection lens formed in a substantially elliptic shape and designed so as to take an aberration of the projection lens into consideration. The edge can be disposed so as to coincide with a focus group of the projection lens. The second reflecting surface can be formed to have a substantially conical curved surface or a curved surface having at least a part of a cross section of a substantially conical curved surface. Direct light emitted from the LED light source and passing through/between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can form a light distribution pattern.
US08152344B2	Double-shaft hinge and lamp using the same A lamp including a double-shaft hinge, which includes at least one first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, an installation connector and a supporting connector connected with the installation connector, a pair of first shaft brackets and a second shaft bracket. The first shaft bracket is non-rotatably fixed with the first rotating shaft, and the second shaft bracket is non-rotatably fixed with the second rotating shaft. The installation connector defines a pair of symmetrical sleeves, the supporting connector defines a shaft hole, and the central axis of the shaft hole and the central axis of the sleeves are perpendicular to each other. The first rotating shaft are rotatably positioned in the sleeves, the second rotating shaft is rotatably positioned in the shaft hole.
US08152341B2	Expandable liquid volume in an LED bulb An LED bulb includes a base, a shell, a plurality of LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a liquid-volume compensator mechanism. The shell is connected to the base. The plurality of LEDs is attached to the base and disposed within the shell. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism is attached to the base. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism is configured to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism moves from a first position to a second position. A first volume is provided for the thermally conductive liquid in the first position. A second volume, which is greater than the first volume, is provided for the thermally conductive liquid in the second position.
US08152340B1	Compact loupe light A loupe light that is compact and lightweight is described. The loupe light includes an adhesive that is electrically insulating and thermally conducting to help secure a wire supplying power to a light source. The loupe light also includes an end piece configured to help secure the wire as well.
US08152337B2	Electronic display panel A multi-panel electronic display for use on a structure, comprising a frame removably attached to the structure in such a way as to encounter a natural airflow, a plurality of individual panels mounted on the frame, each panel comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein each individual panel works with other individual panels to display an image, and a printed circuit on the second side of more than one of the individual panels of the multi-panel electronic display and in thermally conductive communication with the frame such that heat generated by electronic components on the circuit board is dissipated within the frame and such that the frame is cooled by the natural airflow. The frame may be corrugated to facilitate dissipation of the heat and create space for electrical wiring, and thermally conductive pads may be inserted between the circuit board and the frame to further dissipate heat. A 12 volt, 24 volt, or greater power source can be stepped down to 5 volts on the panel itself, outside the structure, to minimize holes needed in the walls of the structure.
US08152330B2	Lighted reading glasses Lighted reading glasses are provided to enable clear reading of normal sized text to occur when the reading material is held at usual distances from the reader in poorly lit locations. The lighted glasses have high intensity lights, such as in the form of LEDs that generate narrow light beam cones and which are oriented in light modules to inwardly cant the light beam cones to meet and overlap so high brightness light is generated in a conical overlap area of light which is maximized in size in the range of normal reading distances. In another form, a clip-on light apparatus is provided that includes a spacer frame having opposite end portions each mounting lights, preferably constructed as described above. In one form, retainers at the end portions are adapted to releasably engage outer sides of the eyeglass lenses. The frame preferably incorporates a draw spring assembly to allow adjustments for different size glasses. In another form, the light spacing is fixed and a clipping mechanism is provided for clipping to the eyeglasses in the area generally between the eyeglasses lenses.
US08152329B2	Solar table lamp and solar flashlight combination A solar table lamp and solar flashlight combination includes a pivotal parallelepiped electricity generation and storage assembly including two solar cell panels mounted thereon, an internal circuit board, and a rechargeable battery. Electricity generated by the solar cell panels is supplied to the rechargeable battery for charging via the circuit board, and the circuit board can control on or off of the charging of the rechargeable battery. A pivotal parallelepiped illumination assembly includes a light source mounted on a front end, and a switch mounted thereon. Two links each include a first pivot pivotably connected to a midpoint of either side of the illumination assembly and a second pivot pivotably connected to a rear end of either side of the electricity generation and storage assembly.
US08152325B2	Reflective surface road flare A reflective surface electric road flare designed to be positioned on a roadway and to emit light to alert oncoming drivers to a hazard on the roadway. The flare comprises a housing supporting a circuit. The circuit comprises an led light source, a power controller and a power supply. The power controller energizes the led light source with the power supply such that the led light source emits light according to its design specification. The emitted light is concentrated about the horizontal by a lens into a horizontal light beam visible throughout the azimuth. Concentrating the emitted light into a horizontal light beam increases its intensity as perceived by oncoming drivers located within the projected horizontal light beam. A portion of the horizontal light beam intersects a top surface of the road flare where it is reflected towards oncoming vehicles. The light reflected from the top surface enhances the visibility of the road flare by increasing the intensity of the light perceived by oncoming drivers and by increasing the perceived size of the illuminating surface of the road flare. The road flare is configured to withstand being run over by vehicles and to resist being moved or shifted to an undesirable location during vehicle run over.
US08152321B2	Illumination apparatus for a drink holder An illumination apparatus for a drink holder that includes a base portion having a planar top surface attachable to a bottom surface of the drink holder, a lighting device disposed at an exterior bottom surface of the base portion, to supply light in a downward direction away from the drink holder, and a circuit enclosed by the base portion at a predetermined distance from the planar top surface of the base portion. The circuit includes a power supply unit to supply power for operation of the lighting device, a light driving unit electrically connected with the power supply unit and the lighting device, to regulate power supplied to the lighting device, and a switch device configured to switch the illumination apparatus between an on-state and an off-state.
US08152320B2	Surface light source device A surface light source device including a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting sources in a two-dimensional direction, and a lenticular lens sheet having a plurality of unit lenses, each of which is a part of a substantially elliptic cylinder, such that lens surfaces of the unit lenses face a light emergent side. There is a particular relationship between an interval at which the light-emitting sources are arranged in the same direction as an arrangement direction of the unit lenses, an interval between the light emitting sources and a rear surface of the lenticular lens sheet, a unit-lens end-portion angle, and the refractive index of the material of the lens sheet.
US08152317B2	Light source device, lighting device and image display device A light source device includes an optical element 22 having a first face 1 opposed to a solid light emitting element 21. The optical element 22 includes second and third faces 2, 3 opposing in parallel to each other and both substantially perpendicular to the first face 1, a fourth face 4 substantially perpendicular to the second and third faces 2, 3 and also obliquely-opposed to the first face 1 and a fifth face 5 as an exit face. The fifth face 5 has an area smaller than an area of a light emitting face of the solid light emitting element 21. The light source device further includes a polarization converting element 42 having an incident surface opposing in substantially-parallel to the fifth face 5 through a space, polarization separating elements 43 for separating incident light from the optical element 22 in polarization, a first reflecting surface 45 for reflecting one of polarization-separated fluxes and wave plates 44 for converting either of phases of the polarization-separated fluxes.
US08152315B2	Flat-panel optical projection apparatus with reduced distortion A light guide of the tapered-waveguide type includes an input slab (30) for expanding a projected image between an input end and an output end (40); and a tapered output slab (10) arranged to receive rays from the said output end of the input slab, and to emit them at a point on its face that corresponds to the angle at which the ray is received. The taper is calculated so that all rays injected into the input end undergo the same number of reflections before leaving the output face. The thickness of the input slab light guide (30) is greater in the transverse direction away from the centre line C, so that light travelling at the critical angle from the input face of the slab waveguide towards the output waveguide (10) bounces the same number of times in the input slab, regardless of its fan-out angle, in order to further reduce image distortion.
US08152314B2	Display device A display device (100) of the present invention has a first switch (3) and a second switch (4) on an upper surface of its casing, and includes a control circuit (18) for controlling the first switch (3) and the second switch (4) and a light source (19) inside the casing. The control circuit (18) performs control so that the light source (19) is turned on when the second switch (4) is pressed after a predetermined period of time has passed from when the first switch (3) was pressed. Thereby, the display device (100) of the present invention prevents entering of a person into a projection area before projection of video, and controls inadvertent start-up.
US08152311B2	Display apparatus and light control method of the same Disclosed are a display apparatus and a light control method thereof, in which the display apparatus including a display panel, a light source unit, an illumination unit to illuminate the display panel with light emitted from the light source unit, and a projection unit to project the light from the display panel in a predetermined direction includes: a light sensor which is provided between the light source unit and the illumination unit; and a light controller which corrects brightness of light sensed by the light sensor on the basis of reflective characteristics of the display panel. With this configuration, the quantity of light is prevented from decreasing so as to prevent the brightness of an image from decreasing.
US08152309B2	Image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method An image display apparatus which displays an image as a transmitted projection image includes: a tread-board of a step which has a first projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the first projection surface; and a cross-board of the step which has a second projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the second projection surface.
US08152307B2	Diffractive optical element having periodically repeating phase mask and system for reducing perceived speckle A optical apparatus (201) for use in an laser imaging system (200) is provided. The optical apparatus (201) includes one or more optical elements (215) that are configured to create an intermediate image plane (217) in the laser imaging system (200). A diffractive optical element (216) is then disposed at the intermediate image plane (217) to reduce speckle. The diffractive optical element (216) includes a periodically repeating phase mask (218) that can be configured in accordance with steps, vortex functions, Hermite-Gaussian functions, and so forth. Smooth grey-level phase transitional surface (337) can be placed between elements (333,334) to improve brightness and image quality. The periodically repeating phase mask (218) makes manufacture simple by reducing alignment sensitivity, and can be used to make applicable safety standards easier to meet as well.
US08152303B2	Signal synthesizer for periodic acceleration and deceleration of rotating optical devices In a stereographic projector that places a single linear polarizing wheel in the light path of the projector to impart a desired polarization state onto the projected light, a method and apparatus for periodically slowing the wheel down while in optimal states, and accelerating through invalid states. Stereo separation is greatly increased providing a marked improvement in visual quality and perceived depth when this invention is applied to such a polarizing filter wheel.
US08152302B2	System for characterizing a cornea and obtaining an ophthalmic lens A system for determining the shape of a cornea of an eye illuminates at least one of the interior surface, the posterior surface, and the interior region of the eye with infrared light of a wavelength that can generate fluorescent light from the portion of the cornea illuminated. The generated fluorescent light is then detected. A step of illuminating can comprise focusing the infrared light in a plurality of different planes substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the eye. From the detected light it is possible to create a map of at least a portion of the interior surface, at least a portion of the posterior surface, and/or portion of the interior region of the cornea. Clarity of vision can be determined by generating fluorescence from proteins in the pigment epithelial cells of the retina.
US08152301B2	Vision testing system and method A method for testing a person's vision is disclosed. The method includes providing, for display to the person, one or more sequences of test images, each test image including one or more test symbols. For each test image, a target symbol is identified to the person. The person then views each test image in the sequence and activates a control in response to recognizing a test symbol that replicates the shape of the target symbol. At the completion of the sequence, a parameter value associated with the activations is processed and correlated with a vision metric. A system for testing a person's vision is also disclosed.
US08152300B2	Premium vision ophthalmic lenses An ophthalmic lens with premium vision corrections provides significantly improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The premium vision corrections include precisely correcting for two aberration mode sets simultaneously, second-order astigmatism and fourth-order spherical aberration, instead of correcting for only second-order astigmatism or simultaneously correcting for all aberrations present. Fourth-order astigmatism, sixth-order spherical aberration, and third-order coma are additionally corrected in other premium vision correction schemes. In addition, methods are provided for prescribing and fabricating the premium vision lenses to permit mass customization.
US08152294B2	Compact front-operable image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a substantially flat top face and a slanted front face, the bottom side of which recedes backward. The image forming apparatus may includes a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the slanted front face, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be tiltable upward and downward. Because the bottom side of the slanted front face recedes backward, the flat top face can be provided, and simultaneously, enough space for the feeding and discharging of paper can be secured.
US08152293B2	Oil reservoir with float level sensor A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes a reservoir for the storage of release agent used by the drum maintenance unit. The reservoir includes a bottle, an end cap, and a float sensor. The float sensor operates to detect the release agent in the bottle reaching a predetermined minimum level.
US08152291B2	Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards A device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic substrates, preferably plastic cards, having a depot comprising the parts to be imprinted, a printing station with a printing device, and a transport device for transporting the parts through the printing station, characterized in that aligning means serving the alignment of the parts on the transport device are provided in front of the printing station.
US08152284B2	Inkjet head and inkjet head assembly having the same There is provided an inkjet head and an inkjet head assembly having the same. The inkjet head includes an inkjet head plate having a plurality of nozzles ejecting ink provided therein; pressure chambers storing ink drawn in from both outer ends of the inkjet head plate in a width direction thereof and facing each other in a direction inwards of the width direction; piezoelectric elements supplying the pressure champers with driving force allowing ink to be ejected through the nozzles connected to the pressure chambers and disposed on the pressure chambers having membranes interposed therebetween; a pressure adjusting channel connecting the pressure chambers to adjust a pressure of ink ejected through the nozzles.
US08152283B2	Liquid-jet head and liquid-jet apparatus A liquid-jet head has a passage-forming substrate with an individual path including a pressure-generating chamber communicating with a nozzle orifice which ejects a liquid. The head also has a pressure-generating element, a protection plate, a reservoir, a compliance plate, a through hole, an introducing path, and a flexible portion with flexibility in a region of the compliance plate, the region facing the reservoir, which region covers at least from a part facing the through hole to a part surrounding the introducing path.
US08152282B2	Droplet discharge device and method of manufacturing droplet discharge device A droplet discharge device including a plurality of vibrators arranged on an upper surface of a substrate. The substrate has a cavity, discharge hole and supply hole, which serve as a liquid flow path, formed inside a plate including flat upper and lower surfaces. A width of the cavity narrows from the upper surface side toward the lower surface side. A depth of the cavity deepens from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side. The depth of the cavity may become shallower from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side in a part which is positioned on the supply hole side and occupies a relatively small area, and the depth of the cavity may become deeper from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side in a part which is positioned on the discharge hole side and occupies a relatively large area.
US08152281B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head including a first base member in which a plurality of pressure generating chambers communicating with nozzle openings and a series of partition walls are arranged in parallel, a second base member disposed on the first base member, a reservoir serving as a common liquid chamber for the pressure generating chambers, and an adhesive agent adhered to a first angular portion formed in an end portion of the partition walls near the reservoir which is adjacent to the second base member.
US08152279B2	Liquid ejection head having substrate with nickel-containing layer An ink jet printing head substrate has a high adhesion between an electrode layer and a nozzle formation member and the corrosion or electrolysis, for example, of an electrode due to the contact between the electrode and ink can be reduced. The ink jet printing head includes an electrode layer for supplying power to a heat-generating portion that is provided on a substrate and that generates thermal energy for ejecting ink; and a resin layer provided on the electrode layer via a nickel-containing layer. The electrode layer includes precious metal as a main component. The nickel-containing layer consists of a gold-nickel alloy containing nickel.
US08152276B2	Liquid jet head, method for manufacturing liquid jet head, and method for forming structure for liquid jet head A liquid ejecting head includes a coating resin layer including a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting liquid and flow paths which are in fluid communication with the ejection outlets, respectively; a substrate having energy generating elements for generating energy for ejecting liquid; and an adhesion improving layer provided between the coating resin layer and the substrate. The coating resin layer further includes a first resin material layer closest to the substrate and at least one second resin material layer, and the first resin material layer provides at least one stepped portion continuing from a periphery of the second resin material layer.
US08152266B2	Inkjet recording apparatus To provide a method of effectively reducing the amount of ink droplets remaining on a nozzle surface after a cleaning operation, and an inkjet recording apparatus capable of shortening an entire processing time of an initial filling operation and a cleaning operation by shortening an ink discharge operation time. By providing a partition wall so that a suction port and an atmosphere opening port provided on a back side of a porous sheet placed in a cap are not directly communicated with each other, in an ink discharge operation in the cap, air having entered through the atmosphere opening port flows through a space between the porous sheet and the nozzle surface, and thereafter, flows to the suction port via the porous sheet. Therefore, ink droplets remaining adhering to the nozzle surface can be removed using the force of air flow.
US08152264B2	Inkjet printing apparatus An inkjet printing apparatus that can perform printing with a single printing speed even in a case of being connected with a post-processing apparatus having a different transport speed, and that can suppress increased apparatus costs. A discharge transport portion positioned at a connection side of a post-processing apparatus of the inkjet printing apparatus is constituted by transport roller pairs and discharge roller pairs, and is capable of being driven independently from the inkjet transport portion. When the transport speed of the post-processing apparatus is different from the printing speed, printed papers are temporarily stopped at the discharge transport portion. After this, transport recommences with a predetermined timing matched to the transport speed of the post-processing apparatus, and papers are fed to the post-processing apparatus. In a case of continuous printing, a distance between the papers (paper feeding interval) is adjusted in the inkjet printing apparatus to enable transport jams to be avoided.
US08152263B2	Printer When the number of sheets that have been printed has reached the number of sheets guaranteed for printing, a number representing a upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed, an ink jet printer declines to perform printing with an ink cartridge for which the number of sheets guaranteed for printing has been set, but when the number of sheets printed has not reached the number of sheets guaranteed for printing, performs printing of an image onto a recording sheet S by using the ink cartridge, the ink jet printer determining the number of sheets remaining N on the basis of the number of sheets printed that have been printed, and displaying on a display unit 82 the number of sheets remaining information display screen 80 incorporating a number of sheets remaining display unit 80b that causes visual recognition of a relation between the number of sheets guaranteed for printing and the number of sheets remaining.
US08152260B2	Apparatus for application and accurate positioning of graphics on a surface In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.
US08152259B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprises a body, an engine part provided in the body and including a recording head that ejects droplets of a recording liquid, the engine part recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head while feeding the recording medium in a main scanning direction, a medium discharging part provided in the body at a side of the engine part, the medium discharging part feeding the recording medium to a medium take-up part after recording of the image with the engine, and a cartridge loading part that holds a cartridge of the recording liquid in a detachable manner, the cartridge loading part being provided in the body of the image forming apparatus and feeding the recording liquid to the recording head of the engine part, wherein the cartridge loading part is provided underneath the medium discharging part.
US08152258B2	Elevation adjustment apparatus for shelf in refrigerator In order to can conveniently operate the elevation of the shelf, move the shelf only by the movement of the shelf without performing the separate work in order to allow the user to move the shelf, and automatically fix the position of the shelf by means of the restoring force of the elastic member after the movement of the shelf is completed, the present invention discloses an elevation adjustment apparatus for a shelf in a refrigerator comprising an engaging guide lengthily formed up and down in the inside of the refrigerator; a shelf movably mounted up and down along the engaging guide; an engaging apparatus rotatably supported on the shelf and re-stricting the downward movement of the shelf by selectively hooking it on any position of the engaging guide by a rotation operation; and a load supporting apparatus supporting the load of the shelf at the position fixing the shelf by the engaging apparatus.
US08152257B2	Door basket for refrigerator Provided is a door basket for a refrigerator. The door basket includes a case, a cover, and a contact member. The case is mounted on a rear side of a refrigerator door and forms a space for receiving food. The cover is axially coupled between both sides of the case and selectively shielding the case through up/down rotation. The contact member is provided on an inner side of the case contacting one end of the cover when the cover is completely opened, and formed of an electrical material to relieve a contact impact with the cover.
US08152256B2	Accepting device for refrigerator A storage device for a refrigerator includes a storage box defining a storage chamber storing food therein and installed removably in a storage space, an opening/closing unit for opening/closing partly or fully the storage chamber, and a guide unit for guiding the opening/closing of the storage chamber by the opening/closing unit. An apparatus/method is provided.
US08152253B2	Anti-falling apparatus for cabinets An anti-falling apparatus for a cabinet includes a receiving member capable of being mounted to the cabinet. An extending arm is slidably received in the receiving member. The extending arm includes a first end a second end, and is capable of moving from a first position to a second position. A supporting sub-assembly is attached to the first end of the extending arm. A first distance from the first end to a top of the receiving member is greater than that a second distance from the second end to the top of the receiving member.
US08152252B2	Slide assembly A slide assembly includes a bracket, having a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion; a first rail member slidably disposed on the bracket, having a first horizontal portion, a first vertical portion, a second horizontal portion, and a second vertical portion; a second rail member slidably disposed on the first rail member, having a first vertical portion, a first horizontal portion and a second vertical portion; a first auxiliary sliding member disposed between the bracket and the first rail member; a second auxiliary sliding member disposed between the first rail member and the second rail member; and a plurality of ball bearings including at least one first ball bearing and at least one second roller bearing.
US08152251B2	Slide detent device A slide detent device includes a second slide member slidably connected to a first slide member, and a stop member secured to the first slide member. A third slide member slidably connected to the second slide member includes a pair of third margins walls defining a pair of sliding raceways. The stop member includes a pair of extension wings corresponding to the pair of sliding raceways of the third slide member. The pair of extension wings has a pair of contacting surfaces. A distance defined between the pair of contacting surfaces is slightly smaller than a distance defined between the pair of the sliding raceways of the third slide member so that the pair of sliding raceways urges the contacting surfaces to form a locating effect of frictional contact when the pair of sliding raceways of the third slide member are in touch with the contact surfaces.
US08152247B2	Method of managing the power supply to a non-reversible actuator for a vehicle wheel brake A wheel brake for an aircraft, the brake comprising a support (2) that receives at least one electromechanical actuator (1) fitted with a pusher (8) facing friction elements (3) and movable under drive from an electric motor (6) to apply a braking force selectively against the friction elements. The actuator is non-reversible such that a reaction force applied on the pusher cannot cause the electric motor to turn, and the actuator is associated with elements (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) for selectively switching off an electric power supply to the electric motor, which elements allow power to be delivered to the actuator in normal circumstances, and switch off the power if (a) the measured speed of rotation (wmes) of the electric motor drops below a first predetermined threshold (S1); and (b) the commanded speed of rotation ( ω) of the electric motor drops below a second predetermined threshold (S2).
US08152243B2	Electrically controlled brake system An electrically controlled brake system 10 for a tractor is provided that is equipped with an anti-jackknifing brake that can be actuated by means of a manual operating element and that acts only on the brakes of a trailer coupled to the tractor. The operating element is an electrical element which generates an electrical signal to control a valve device by means of which the braking force of the anti-jackknifing brake can be increased.
US08152240B2	Vehicular seat device A vehicular seat device has a first linking member (21) that is linked to a front portion of a seat cushion frame (16) and to a base member (24) so as to be respectively pivotable, and a second linking member (22) that is pivotably linked to a rear portion of the seat cushion frame (16) and is also pivotably linked to a position on a seatback frame (18) which is upward of a reclining mechanism (26) when the seatback is in a standing state. The seat arrangements thereof include a retracted state in which the seatback (14) is superimposed on the upper side of the seat cushion (12), and an entry/exit state in which the seat cushion (12) is placed in the standing state producing a space for an occupant's entry or exit behind the seat.
US08152237B2	Stacking chair A chair is designed to stack generally vertically with a number of like chairs. A chair frame has a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs and a generally horizontal seat frame element that is supported by the front and rear legs. A generally horizontal stack frame element is interconnected with the front and rear legs of the chair frame and is spaced below the seat ring. A seat is supported by the chair frame. When the chair is stacked on a like chair, the stack frame element of the upper chair is disposed on and supported by the seat frame element of the lower chair.
US08152235B2	Method of upholstering chair element An elongated edging is provided for use in a method of upholstering a chair element with a perimeter edge. The edging has a pair of sides and a top portion, with a slot defined between the sides for receiving the perimeter edge of the chair element. A flange extends outwardly from the outward face of the side of the edging and defines a recess between an upper side of the flange and the outward face of the side of the edging. A portion of upholstery is attached to the chair element using fasteners which are positioned in the recess.
US08152234B2	Amenity pocket Embodiments of the present invention include an amenity pocket comprising a rigid structure, a vehicle surface, and a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism provides a non-zero deployment angle of the rigid structure relative to the vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the amenity pocket is coupled to a passenger seat back. In other embodiments, a mounting structure comprising a base may be pivotally coupled to the base of the rigid structure and coupled to the vehicle surface. An interior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a filler. In some embodiments, the filler may be coupled to a protective surface. In other embodiments, an exterior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a cover.
US08152231B2	Collapsible seat and system Collapsible seats may be installed on a track or rail system to allow the collapsible seats to move laterally within a vehicle's interior. The track system also may permit removal of the collapsible seats from the vehicle. The collapsible seats may include a seat back with multiple sections joined by flexible hinges that permit folding of the seat pan and seat back in a lateral direction. In certain embodiments, the seat pan or the headrest also may include multiple sections joined by flexible hinges. The flexible hinges may allow the seats to collapse laterally to reduce the width of the seats. The available space for seating or cargo storage may be adjusted by selectively collapsing, expanding, and removing the collapsible seats.
US08152227B2	Structure of mounting cowl top cover A structure of mounting a cowl top cover which has a back end portion mounted to a lower end portion of a front windshield panel. The structure includes: a surface portion disposed at the back end portion of cowl top cover, the surface portion covering a surface of lower end portion of front windshield panel and extending in a vehicular widthwise direction; a plurality of clip portions disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, the lower end portion of front windshield panel being clamped between the clip portions and the surface portion in a plurality of places along the direction in which the surface portion extends; and a thin plate portion disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, wherein the thin plate portion connecting plurality of clip portions with each other is thinner than surface portion and is spaced apart from front windshield panel.
US08152226B2	Cab for construction machine, and construction machine and motor grader each having the cab mounted thereon A cab for a construction machine, a construction machine, and a motor grader are described. The construction machine and the motor grader each have the cab mounted thereon. The cab includes a floor and a roof, each having a respective front side having corresponding left and right ends, which are diagonally cut forward. A front window is provided on a front surface of the cab is formed in a trapezoidal shape. Upper and lower window frames are disposed along both the left and right ends of the floor and the roof. Frames are also disposed on front sides of side window frames along both left and right side window frames of the front window. When mounted on a construction machine or motor grader used for road surface and ground operations, the cab increases visibility of the area to be operated upon, specifically, visibility in the forward view.
US08152224B2	Vehicle front-end upper load path assembly A structure for transferring energy during an automotive front end impact includes an upper load path structure having a first shotgun rail a second shotgun rail and an upper radiator bar extending therebetween, a lower load path structure having a first side rail a second side rail and a lower support member extending therebetween. During an impact, the upper radiator bar is configured to transfer energy to the first and second shotgun rails, and the lower support member is configured to transfer energy to the first and second side rails during an impact.
US08152215B1	Utility vehicle A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame; a seat frame including a seat bottom support member and a seat backrest support member, at least the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member being formed by square pipes with rectangular cross-sections; a seat bottom fastened to the seat bottom support member; and a seat backrest fastened to the seat backrest support member; wherein the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member of the seat frame are integral with each other to have a bent portion; and the seat bottom support member of the seat frame is fastened to the vehicle body frame.
US08152214B2	Gripper with self-compensating jaw guides A gripper assembly which in one form includes a body, at least one jaw, a longitudinally extending wedge, and a spring. The body has a slot disposed therein and opposed longitudinally extending walls. The jaw is laterally slideable within the slot. The longitudinally extending wedge is fitted along the longitudinally extending wall. The jaw comprises a surface that is engageable with the wedge. The surface of the jaw is slideable along the wedge. And a spring biases the wedge toward the jaw to reduce the running clearance between the two structures.
US08152206B2	Securing device for a load system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft, comprising at least one securing catch A securing device for a loading system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The securing device comprises at least one securing catch arranged in the region of a cargo compartment door, a control mechanism and an activation member, in particular a foot pedal.
US08152204B2	Flared brake tube connector A fluid connector assembly comprising (a) a connector body having an inner concave seat having a portion defining a frustoconical surface; (b) an elongate tube having a flared end; and (c) a nut; wherein the connector body is adapted to receive the elongate tube and the nut to form a substantially rigid connection, and wherein the flared end of the tube and the frustoconical surface of the seat are engaged so as to form a fluid seal between the body and the tube; and wherein the flared end has a portion defining an abutment surface having a borderline region in abutment with the frustoconical surface of the inner seat of the body; and wherein the abutment surface of the flared end is a spherical surface.
US08152202B2	Spine elements for use with albums Spine elements for use with albums are described. An example album includes a first spine element and a second spine element that is substantially similar to the first spine element. The first spine element is adjacent and removably coupled to the second spine element to form an album spine. Additionally, the first spine element and the second spine element each include a binding gap positioned toward the interior of the album to receive and couple an edge of at least one album sheet to the respective spine element.
US08152200B2	Heavy equipment trailer with deck extension Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.
US08152198B2	Vehicular occupant sensing techniques Vehicular apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of an object that may be located on a seat of the vehicle includes emitters, each emitting a beam along a path on which the object may be located, each path being in a different direction, receivers, each receiving beams emitted from the array of emitters that are reflected from the object when present in the seat, and a processor coupled to the emitters and the receivers for determining time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam between emission of the beam from the emitters and reception of the beam at the receivers. The processor determines one or more characteristics of the object based on the determined time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam, taken either individually or in combination.
US08152196B2	Airbag apparatus with multi-ply airbag cushion An airbag apparatus may include a fastening unit mounted to a portion of a vehicle, a multi-ply airbag cushion fastened to the fastening unit, the multi-ply airbag cushion being formed by overlapping airbag cushion sheets on each other to form a multi-ply structure, and an inflator to provide gas to the airbag cushion sheets of the multi-ply airbag cushion.
US08152194B1	Utility trailer security device An object of this invention is to provide a way for a person to lock and secure the hitch of an unhitched utility trailer. Another object of this invention is to allow a person to keep an unhitched utility trailer from being stolen when the utility trailer is not hooked to a truck hitch.
US08152189B2	Bicycle frame and drive link case therefore A bicycle frame includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a front frame portion having a front coupling configured to receive a front wheel support member and to allow rotation between the front coupling and the front wheel support member, the front frame portion defining a central vertical plane of the frame. The rear section includes a drive link case having an upper tube, a lower tube, a rear hub housing, and a front sprocket housing all integrally arranged with each other to form a rigid drive link case having an opening disposed between the upper and lower tubes, the drive link case being connected to the front frame portion via the front sprocket housing. The drive link case is disposed eccentric to the central vertical plane and is cantilevered rearward from the front sprocket housing. The front frame portion extends forward from the front sprocket housing.
US08152187B1	Method and system for installing a step rail to a vehicle A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body having two opposing edges which define a longitudinal channel. The channel receives a pinch clamp which is wider than the channel and has a fastening hole and an alignment means. The rail body is lowered onto the mounting surface of a mounting bracket adapted for rigid connection to a vehicle. The mounting surface defines another fastening hole and another portion of the alignment means. A fastener draws the pinch clamp and the mounting surface toward opposite sides of the opposing edges of the rail body. Because the pinch clamp spans the width of the channel and is aligned properly relative to the mounting surface, the rail body is secured between the clamp and the mounting surface by the tightened fastener.
US08152186B2	Suspension arm A suspension arm may include a metal portion including a hemispherical metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, and a metal connecting portion, one end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal ball housing and the other end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal bushing housing, a bearing, made of synthetic resin material, disposed in and coupled to the metal ball housing, a ball stud, one end of which is disposed in and coupled to the bearing, and a reinforcement member, made of synthetic resin material, wrapping the metal portion and connecting the bearing to the metal ball housing.
US08152185B2	Wheel suspension A wheel is described in which the axle carrier is pivoted to a forked McPherson strut support, which in turn is joined with a McPherson strut on the one hand and a control arm on the other, wherein a dual bearing is present between the control arm and the forked McPherson strut support. The advantage to this is that the two bearings of the dual bearing can vary in stiffness, so that the resultant degree of freedom makes it possible to more exactly influence steering behavior, thereby enabling an improvement in the overall steering behavior of the vehicle. Even given an unchanged bearing bush stiffness by comparison to prior art, the greater distance between the bearing bushes and steering axis reduces the angle by which the forked McPherson strut supports can turn in the event of lateral forces.
US08152182B2	Pushchair A pushchair for restraining, supporting and transporting a child comprises a ground-engaging frame to support a seat for a child. The frame includes a plurality of ground-engaging wheels to facilitate movement of the frame and one or more handles to allow a carer to control movement of the frame. The seat includes first and second seating components mounted on the frame to define a seat base and a seat back. Each seating component includes a closed frame over which a flexible membrane is stretched to define a support surface.
US08152175B1	Jaw assembly A jaw and a related jaw assembly, the jaw assembly having a master jaw with a longitudinal axis and top and bottom surfaces, first and second side surfaces, a master jaw bore extending longitudinally therein between the top and bottom surfaces, and a channel extending from the first side surface to the second side surface generally transverse the longitudinal axis, and a top jaw adapted to be coupled to the master jaw and defining a top jaw bore positioned in substantial alignment with the master jaw bore.

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