最新美国发明专利第2012-04-17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
US08158536B2	Low dielectric constant films and manufacturing method thereof, as well as electronic parts using the same While a fine porous diamond particle film has been known as a high heat resistant and low dielectric constant film and also has high mechanical strength and heat conductivity, and is expected as an insulating film for multi-layered wirings in semiconductor integrated circuit devices, it is insufficient in current-voltage characteristic and has not yet been put into practical use. According to the invention, by treating the fine porous diamond particle film with an aqueous solution of a salt of a metal such as barium and calcium, the carbonate or sulfate of which is insoluble or less soluble, and a hydrophobic agent such as hexamethyl disilazane or trimethyl monochlolo silane, as well as a reinforcing agent containing one of dichlorotetramethyl disiloxane or dimethoxytetramethyl disiloxane, thereby capable of putting the dielectric breakdown voltage and the leak current within a specified range of a practical standard.
US08158534B2	Reduction of defects formed on the surface of a silicon oxynitride film Methods for reducing defects on the surface of a silicon oxynitride film are disclosed, in one embodiment, the methods include, forming a silicon oxynitride film on a semiconductor substrate and heating the silicon oxynitride film to increase a hydrophilicity of a surface of the silicon oxynitride film prior to treating the surface of the silicon oxynitride film with a hydrofluoric acid.
US08158528B2	Method for forming pattern of semiconductor device A method for forming a pattern of a semiconductor device comprises: forming a stacked film including an underlying layer, an antireflection film and a photoresist film over a semiconductor substrate; coating an over-coating composition over the photoresist film to form an over-coating film; performing an exposing and developing process with a cell mask on the photoresist film where the over-coating film is formed to form a photoresist pattern; forming a silicon-containing-RELACS layer over the antireflection film including the photoresist pattern where the over-coating film is formed; removing the over-coating film and the silicon containing RELACS layer on the photoresist pattern to form a spacer of the silicon containing RELACS layer at sidewalls of the photoresist pattern; removing the photoresist pattern; and etching the antireflection film and the underlying layer with the spacer of the silicon containing RELACS layer as a mask to form an antireflection pattern and an underlying pattern.
US08158527B2	Semiconductor device fabrication method using multiple resist patterns A resist pattern (5) is formed in a dimension of a limitation of an exposure resolution over a hard mask material film (4) over a work film (3). The material film (4) is processed using the resist pattern (5) as a mask. A hard mask pattern (6) is thereby formed. Thereby a resist pattern (7), over a non-selected region (6b), having an opening (7a) through which a selection region (6a) in the mask pattern is exposed is formed. Only the mask pattern (6a) exposed through the opening (7a) is slimmed by performing a selection etching, the work film (3) is etched by using the mask pattern (6). A work film pattern (8) is thereby formed, which include a wide pattern section (8a) of a dimension width of the limitation of the exposure resolution and a slimmed pattern section (8a) of a dimension that is not more than the limitation of the exposure resolution.
US08158524B2	Line width roughness control with arc layer open To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention a method for etching an etch layer disposed below an antireflective coating (ARC) layer below a patterned mask is provided. The ARC layer is opened, and features are etched into the etch layer through the patterned mask. The opening the ARC layer includes (1) providing an ARC opening gas comprising a halogen containing gas, COS, and an oxygen containing gas, (2) forming a plasma from the ARC opening gas to open the ARC layer, and (3) stopping providing the ARC opening gas to stop the plasma. The patterned mask may be a photoresist (PR) mask having a line-space pattern. COS in the ARC opening gas reduces line width roughness (LWR) of the patterned features of the etch layer.
US08158523B2	Quantification of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of materials A non-destructive and simple analytical method is provided which allows in situ monitoring of plasma damage during the plasma processing such as resist stripping. If a low-k film is damaged during plasma processing, one of the reaction products is water, which is remained adsorbed onto the low-k film (into pores), if the temperature is lower than 100-150 C. A plasma (e.g. He) that emits high energy EUV photons (E>20 eV) which is able to destruct water molecules forming electronically excited oxygen atoms is used to detect the adsorbed water. The excited oxygen is detected from optical emission at 777 nm. Therefore, the higher the adsorbed water concentration (higher damage), a more intensive (oxygen) signal is detected. Therefore, intensity of oxygen signal is a measure of plasma damage in the previous strip step. The proposed analytical method can be performed in-situ immediately after plasma processing and most preferred the optical emission of oxygen radicals is monitored during the de-chucking step in the plasma chamber.
US08158521B2	Two step post-deposition treatment of ILD layer for a lower dielectric constant and improved mechanical properties A method of lowering the dielectric constant of an organosilicon low k dielectric layer while improving the hardness and thermal stability is provided. A deposited layer of carbon doped oxide, HSQ, or MSQ is cured and treated with a He plasma which improves hardness for a subsequent CMP step and lowers the dielectric constant. There is no loss of H2O or CH4 during the He treatment. The low k dielectric layer is then treated with a H2 plasma which converts some of the Si—O and Si—CH3 bonds near the surface to Si—H bonds, thereby further lowering the dielectric constant and increasing thermal stability that improves breakdown resistance. Moisture uptake is also reduced. The method is especially useful for interconnect schemes with deep sub-micron ground rules. Surprisingly, the k value obtained from two different plasma treatments is lower than when two He treatments or two H2 treatment are performed.
US08158516B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device According to one embodiment, a method is described for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method can form a conductive layer including tungsten on a foundation layer. The method can form a trench by selectively etching the conductive layer. The trench is shallower than a depth from a surface of the conductive layer to the foundation layer. The method can form a protective film on a side surface and a bottom surface of the conductive layer in the trench using a gas containing bromine. The protective film includes a compound of the tungsten and the bromine. The method can remove the protective film on the bottom surface of the conductive layer. The method can etch a portion of the conductive layer below the trench with the protective film on the side surface of the conductive layer.
US08158511B2	Method of depositing a uniform barrier layer and metal seed layer with reduced overhang over a plurality of recessed semiconductor features A method of depositing a metal seed layer with underlying barrier layer on a wafer substrate comprising a plurality of recessed device features. A first portion of the barrier layer is deposited on the wafer substrate without excessive build-up of barrier layer material on the openings to the plurality of recessed device features, while obtaining bottom coverage without substantial sputtering of the bottom surface. Subsequently, a metal seed layer is deposited using the same techniques used to deposit the barrier layer, to avoid excessive build up of metal seed layer material on the openings to the features, with minimal sputtering of the barrier layer surface.
US08158503B2	Multilayer interconnection substrate and method of manufacturing the same A multilayer interconnection substrate is disclosed that includes a multilayer interconnection layer having at least a first interconnection layer and a second interconnection layer stacked with an insulating layer provided therebetween, and a connection via configured to electrically connect the first interconnection layer and the second interconnection layer. The connection via includes an internal conductor and a metal film covering the internal conductor. The internal conductor is an aggregate of metal particles.
US08158499B2	Wire structure, method for fabricating wire, thin film transistor substrate, and method for fabricating thin film transistor substrate Provided are a wire structure, a method for fabricating a wire, a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, and a method for fabricating a TFT substrate. The wire structure includes a barrier layer formed on a substrate and including copper nitride and a copper conductive layer formed on the barrier layer and including copper or a copper alloy
US08158486B2	Trench isolation structure having different stress By locally heating isolation trenches with different annealing conditions, a different magnitude of intrinsic stress may be obtained in different isolation trenches. In some illustrative embodiments, the different anneal temperature may be achieved on the basis of an appropriate mask layer, which may provide a patterned optical response for a lamp-based or laser-based anneal process. Consequently, the intrinsic stress of isolation trenches may be specifically adapted to the requirements of circuit elements, such as N-channel transistors and P-channel transistors.
US08158481B2	CMOS structure and method for fabrication thereof using multiple crystallographic orientations and gate materials Methods for fabricating a CMOS structure use a first gate stack located over a first orientation region of a semiconductor substrate. A second gate material layer is located over the first gate stack and a laterally adjacent second orientation region of the semiconductor substrate. A planarizing layer is located upon the second gate material layer. The planarizing layer and the second gate material layer are non-selectively etched to form a second gate stack that approximates the height of the first gate stack. An etch stop layer may also be formed upon the first gate stack. The resulting CMOS structure may comprise different gate dielectrics, metal gates and silicon gates.
US08158480B2	Method of forming a pattern for a semiconductor device, method of forming a charge storage pattern using the same method, non-volatile memory device and methods of manufacturing the same A method of forming a semiconductor device pattern, a method of forming a charge storage pattern, a non-volatile memory device including a charge storage pattern and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method of forming the charge storage pattern including forming a trench on a substrate, and a device isolation pattern in the trench. The device isolation pattern protrudes from a surface of the substrate such that an opening exposing the substrate is formed. A tunnel oxide layer is formed on the substrate in the opening. A preliminary charge storage pattern is formed on the tunnel oxide layer and the device isolation pattern by selective deposition of conductive materials. The preliminary charge storage pattern may be removed from the device isolation pattern. The preliminary charge storage pattern remains only on the tunnel oxide layer to form the charge storage pattern on the substrate.
US08158474B2	Semiconductor device with localized stressor A semiconductor device, such as a PMOS transistor, having localized stressors is provided. Recesses are formed on opposing sides of gate electrodes such that the recesses are offset from the gate electrode by dummy spacers. The recesses are filled with a stress-inducing layer. The dummy recesses are removed and lightly-doped drains are formed. Thereafter, new spacers are formed and the stress-inducing layer is recessed. One or more additional implants may be performed to complete source/drain regions. In an embodiment, the PMOS transistor may be formed on the same substrate as one or more NMOS transistors. Dual etch stop layers may also be formed over the PMOS and/or the NMOS transistors.
US08158471B2	Capacitorless DRAM on bulk silicon A method of forming capacitorless DRAM over localized silicon-on-insulator comprises the following steps: A silicon substrate is provided, and an array of silicon studs is defined within the silicon substrate. An insulator layer is defined atop at least a portion of the silicon substrate, and between the silicon studs. A silicon-over-insulator layer is defined surrounding the silicon studs atop the insulator layer, and a capacitorless DRAM is formed within and above the silicon-over-insulator layer.
US08158470B2	Thin film transistor substrate and method of manufacturing thereof A thin film transistor substrate and a method of manufacturing the thin film transistor substrate comprises forming a gate line and a data line intersecting each other with a gate insulating layer interposed and defining a pixel area on the substrate, a thin film transistor electrically connected to the gate line and the data line, and a stepped-structure occurring pattern overlapping at least one of the gate line and the data line; forming a passivation layer having a stepped-structure portion formed by the stepped-structure occurring pattern on the substrate; forming a photoresist pattern having a second stepped-structure portion corresponding to the stepped-structure portion on the passivation layer; patterning the passivation layer using the photoresist pattern as a mask; forming a transparent conductive layer on the substrate; and removing the photoresist pattern where the transparent conductive layer is covered by a stripper penetrating through the stepped-structure portion of the photoresist pattern and forming a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor.
US08158467B2	Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines on a first substrate defining a plurality of pixel regions, a thin film transistor within the pixel regions, a pixel electrode within the pixel regions, and at least one TiOx layer provided with the thin film transistor.
US08158463B2	Process and method for manufacturing a MOS device with intercell ion implant using one or more parallel enrichment windows A process for manufacturing a MOS device includes forming a semiconductor layer having a first type of conductivity; forming an insulated gate structure having an electrode region (25), above the semiconductor layer (23); forming body regions having a second type of conductivity, within the semiconductor layer, laterally and partially underneath the insulated gate structure; forming source regions having the first type of conductivity, within the body regions; and forming a first enrichment region, in a surface portion of the semiconductor layer underneath the insulated gate structure. The first enrichment region has the first type of conductivity and is set at a distance from the body regions. In order to form the first enrichment region, a first enrichment window is defined within the insulated gate structure, and first dopant species of the first type of conductivity are introduced through the first enrichment window and in a way self-aligned thereto.
US08158458B2	Power semiconductor module and method of manufacturing the same A power semiconductor module and a method of manufacture thereof includes lead a frame carrying lead having inner and outer lead portions. The outer lead portions, which are connected by soldering to semiconductor chips simultaneously, eliminate the need for using bonding wires. Since no bonding wire is used for connecting the leads and the semiconductor chips, a sufficient current capacity is obtained. The bonding between an insulating circuit board and the semiconductor chips and the bonding between the semiconductor chips and the leads can be made simultaneously in a single step of reflow-soldering. As a result, the mounting time can be shortened and the power semiconductor module can be manufactured more efficiently.
US08158457B2	Rule-based semiconductor die stacking and bonding within a multi-die package A rule-based method of optimizing wire bonding jumps is disclosed which minimizes the amount of wire used for wire bonds and/or minimizes a number of power and ground pads on a substrate to support all wired connections.
US08158446B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a groove portion in a dicing region of an insulating layer and forming a via hole in an internal circuit formation region; providing a first resist film on the insulating layer; providing a second resist film to cover the first resist film; forming an interconnect opening in a region covering an internal circuit formation region of the second resist film and forming a position aligning opening in a region covering the dicing region of the second resist film; and detecting a positional relationship between the groove portion and the position aligning opening so as to detect whether the interconnect opening of the second resist film exists at a predetermined position with respect to the via hole of the insulating layer. In selective removing of the second resist film, the position aligning opening is formed such that a region of the position aligning opening covers the groove portion of the insulating layer.
US08158445B2	Methods of forming pattern structures and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices using the same Methods of forming pattern structures and methods of manufacturing memory devices using the same are provided, the methods of forming pattern structures include forming an etching object layer on a substrate and performing a plasma reactive etching process on the etching object layer using an etching gas including at least ammonia (NH3) gas. The etching object layer includes a magnetic material or a phase change material.
US08158443B2	Turbidimetric immunoassay for assessing human Cystatin C There is a demand for improved turbidimetric immunoassays for human Cystatin C in biological samples, especially in human clinical samples of body fluids. The present invention provides a turbidimetric immunoassay method and reagent set enabling measurement of human Cystatin C by turbidimetric methods, resulting in a surprisingly stronger and faster turbidimetric signal than in the present state of the art. The increased and faster signal is accomplished by the use of new reagents and compositions, and enables shorter assay times and kinetic reading with a stronger signal, improving overall assay speed and quality. Improved robustness to lipid interference and improved linearity is achieved.
US08158442B2	Antagonists of bitter taste receptors and uses thereof The present invention relates to antagonists of the human bitter-taste receptors hTAS2R38. The invention also relates to methods for identifying further molecules that suppress hTAS2R38 mediated bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response and uses thereof.
US08158440B2	Method for quantitative measurement of thyroid related antibodies or antigens in a serum sample This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate thyroid functions and to diagnose thyroid diseases. 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 antibodies and antigens used for the detection of respective thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample.
US08158437B2	Luminescent detection of hydrazine and hydrazine derivatives The present invention generally relates to methods for modulating the optical properties of a luminescent polymer via interaction with a species (e.g., an analyte). In some cases, the present invention provides methods for determination of an analyte by monitoring a change in an optical signal of a luminescent polymer upon exposure to an analyte. Methods of the present invention may be useful for the vapor phase detection of analytes such as explosives and toxins. The present invention also provides methods for increasing the luminescence intensity of a polymer, such as a polymer that has been photobleached, by exposing the luminescent polymer to a species such as a reducing agent.
US08158436B2	Methods for characterizing heparin-like glycosaminoglycan mixtures The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.
US08158425B2	Cell culture scaffold containing gel having interpenetrating polymer network structure A cell culture scaffold containing a gel having a network structure comprised of a synthetic polymer such that cultured cells spread in a shorter time and the number of adsorbed cultured cells per unit area is larger than in the case of using a gel having a network structure comprised of polyacrylic acid, while taking advantage of synthetic polymers with low manufacturing cost, easy quality control and no risk of virus infection in cultured cell. Used as the cell culture scaffold is a gel containing a synthetic polymer obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of a monomer having a sulfonic group such as p-styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (NaSS) and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium salt (NaAMPS).
US08158422B2	Erythroid cells producing adult-type β-hemoglobin generated from human embryonic stem cells Methods and compositions of erythroid cells that produce adult β-hemoglobin, generated by culturing CD31+, CD31+/CD34+ or CD34+ cells from embryonic stem cells under serum-free culture conditions.
US08158418B2	Chimeric alphavirus replicon particles Chimeric alphaviruses and alphavirus replicon particles are provided, including methods of making and using same. Specifically, alphavirus particles are provided having nucleic acid molecules derived from one or more alphaviruses and structural proteins (capsid and/or envelope) from at least two or more alphaviruses. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle, are disclosed.
US08158415B2	Combined use of cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 for increasing self-renewal and suppressing differentiation of stem cells The present invention discloses cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins that comprise a kaposi fibroblast growth factor 4 (kFGF4)-derived macromolecule transduction domain (MTD). Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins, a method of increasing self-renewal and suppressing differentiation of stem cells by treating the cells in combination with the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins, and the combined use of the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins for increasing self-renewal and suppressing differentiation of stem cells.
US08158414B2	Gene silencing The present invention relates to unique strategies and constructs for producing a nucleic acid product that down-regulates or prevents expression of a desired target polynucleotide. Such construct may include an expressing cassette having two convergently-oriented promoters each operably linked to a polynucleotide, but not to a terminator. The two polynucleotides are fully identical in sequence over at least 23 nucleotides.
US08158411B2	Method of separating microorganism using nonplanar solid substrate and device for separating microorganism using the same Provided is a method of separating microorganisms from a sample including contacting the sample containing microorganisms with an inorganic ion exchange material such that the sample reacts with the inorganic ion exchange material, and contacting the reacted sample with a means for capturing microorganisms.
US08158405B2	Process for concentrating and processing fluid samples A method of treating a liquid sample having microbiological target species therein to concentrate the species and collect lysate is disclosed. The liquid sample comprises non-target microbiological particles, inorganic particles, and microbiological target species. The liquid is passed through a prefilter medium to allow the target species to pass through as filtrate and retain non-target microbiological products and inorganic particles thereon. The filtrate is contacted with a main filtration medium adapted to retain the target species thereon as retentate. The retentate is lysed to form a lysate containing target material that was enveloped within the microbiological target species. The microbiological species may comprise cell containing or viral material. Target materials comprise intracellular nucleic acids, or in the case of viral sampling, nucleic acids encased within the protein sheath or coating of the virus.
US08158403B2	Enhancer of proliferation of lactic acid bacterium, and agent for improvement in survivability of lactic acid bacterium A dead cell of a lactic acid bacterium or a culture containing the dead cell of a lactic acid bacterium is added to the dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk beverage or the like in an amount of 0.001 wt % or more in dry weight of the dead cell, therefore, it is possible to enhance the growth of a lactic acid bacterium, to shorten the time required for fermentation, and to improve the viability of a lactic acid bacterium during storage over a long period, without affecting the flavor or production cost of the dairy product.
US08158402B2	Acetoin high-yield Bacillus pumilus strain A high-yield bacterial strain for producing acetoin named Bacillus pumilus XH195 has been deposited in a microorganism deposit center in Germany. The deposit number is DSM 16187. The bacteria of the strain are rod-shaped, 1.5 μm to 3.0 μm in length, and 0.6 μm to 0.7 μm in diameter. The colony color of the bacterial strain is yellow or white. The strain has the typical fatty acid profile of Bacillus and its physiological and biochemical characteristics align with those of Bacillus pumilus. When the bacteria of strain were cultured at 37° C. for 60 hours with shaking, the yield of acetoin could reach 63.0 g/L or 58.1 g/L, when glucose or sucrose was used as the substrate, respectively.
US08158401B2	Method for isolating and culturing unculturable microorganisms The invention provides a method for isolating and culturing a previously unculturable microorganism, which comprises: (i) collecting a sample from an environmental source; (ii) counting/estimating the number of microorganisms in the sample; (iii) diluting the sample in an appropriate medium; (iv) adding a gelating agent such as to entrap one or more microorganisms within a sphere of the gelating agent; (v) coating the spheres containing the entrapped microorganism(s) with a natural or synthetic polymer to form a polymeric membrane; (vi) incubating the coated spheres in the original environment for an appropriate time; (vii) cutting the spheres and scanning for microorganisms colonies; and (viii) isolating the microorganisms, and repeating steps (iii) to (vii) until a pure clone of said previously unculturable microorganism is obtained.
US08158398B2	Microelectronic sensor device An optical device provides evanescent radiation, in response to incident radiation, in a detection volume for containing a target component in a medium. The detection volume has at least one in-plane dimension (W1) smaller than a diffraction limit. The diffraction limit is defined by the radiation wavelength and the medium. The evanescent radiation is provided by aperture defining structures having a smallest in plane aperture dimension (W1) smaller than the diffraction limit. The detection volume is provided between the aperture defining structures. The aperture defining structures further define a largest in plane aperture dimension (W2). The largest in plane aperture dimension is larger than the diffraction limit. A source is provided for emitting a beam of radiation having a wavelength incident at the optical device and having a direction of incidence non parallel to an out of plane normal direction, for providing the evanescent radiation in the detection volume, in response to the radiation incident at the optical device. The plane of incidence may be parallel to the largest in plane aperture dimension.
US08158392B1	Synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by recombinant cells The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08158390B2	Method for the fermentative production of L-valine and suitable microorganism The invention relates to a method for producing L-valine and to a suitable microorganism. The inventive method is characterized by preferably enhancing the transaminase C activity of a coryneform bacterium, especially Corynebacterium glutamicum. The organisms so modified have a yield in L-valine which is 35.8% higher than that of non-modified organisms.
US08158385B2	Cell death-inducing agent To identify antigens of the 2D7 antibody, the present inventors cloned the 2D7 antigen. The results suggested that the 2D7 antigen is an HLA class I molecule. Based on this finding, the present inventors examined whether the 2D7 antibody has cell death-inducing activity. Nuclei fragmentation was observed when the 2D7 antibody was cross-linked with another antibody, indicating that cell-death was induced. Further, diabodies of the 2D7 antibody were found to have very strong cell death-inducing activities, even without the addition of another antibody. These results indicate that minibodies of an HLA-recognizing antibody can be used as cell death-inducing agents.
US08158384B2	Methods for reducing or eliminating α-mannosidase resistant glycans in the production of glycoproteins The present invention provides methods to reduce or eliminate α-mannosidase resistant glycans on glycoproteins in yeast. The reduction or elimination of α-mannosidase resistant glycans on glycoproteins results from the disruption of the newly isolated P. pastoris AMR2 gene encoding β1,2-mannosyltransferase. The present invention also discloses novel genes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors and host cells relating to α-mannosidase resistance on glycans.
US08158381B2	Methods for integrated tissue processing and staining Methods that combine processing and staining of tissue samples such that the processed tissue is stained and ready for histological evaluation prior to embedding and sectioning, and separate staining of the sectioned tissue is not required. The method may be used with chemical and/or mechanical/thermal tissue penetrant enhancers in an automated tissue processing system.
US08158380B2	Imaging agents for protein misfolding Charged and neutral small fluorescent molecules based upon the styryl scaffold are useful as imaging agents for misfolded proteins such as amyloid plaque. Charged molecules are prepared using pyrrolidine catalyzed reactions by solution-phase synthesis. Neutral styryl molecules are prepared using acetic anhydride catalyzed reactions, Horner-Emmons reactions or Wittig reactions.
US08158378B2	Utilizing waste tail gas from a separation unit biogas upgrade systems as beneficial fuel The invention relates to a method for utilizing low-quality tail gas derived from a pressure swing adsorption system or membrane system, which is used to upgrade biogas, as a beneficial fuel for the facility and/or digester boiler.
US08158376B2	Bisubstrate fluorescent probe binding to protein kinases This invention relates to fluorescent probes for identification of compounds binding to protein kinases, for measurement of the affinity of inhibitors of protein kinases, and determination of the active concentration of protein kinases binding to the probe. Bisubstrate-analog character of the probe enables the simultaneous evaluation of inhibitors targeted to both ATP binding site and/or substrate protein/peptide binding domain of the kinase. High affinity of the probe (Kd=1.0 nM towards cAMP-dependent protein kinase) affords the application of the enzymes at low concentration which leads to the substantial decrease of the consumption of the kinase. Due to the ability of the conjugates of oligo(D-arginine) with a ATP binding site targeted inhibitors of this invention to bind with high affinity to a wide spectrum of (basophilic) kinases, a single Fluorescent probe is applicable for assessment of inhibitory potency of compounds towards a great number of protein kinases.
US08158374B1	Quantitative diagnostic methods using multiple parameters Materials and Methods related to diagnosing a clinical condition in a subject, or determining the subject's predisposition to develop the clinical condition, using a multi-parameter system to measure a plurality of parameters and an algorithm to determine a disease score.
US08158373B2	Method of detecting cancer and evaluating cancer prognosis A method of detecting cancer in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes obtaining a bodily sample from the subject. Next, the level of pro-prion protein (pro-PrP) in the bodily sample is detected. The level of pro-PrP in the bodily sample is then compared to a control level. An increased level of pro-PrP in the bodily sample as compared to the control level indicates that the subject has cancer or an elevated risk of having cancer.
US08158372B2	Agonists of a bitter taste receptor and uses thereof The present invention relates to agonists of the hTAS2R14 bitter taste receptor and its role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block hTAS2R14 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response.
US08158368B2	Diagnosis and risk stratification of infections and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs by means of provasopressin, particularly copeptin or neurophysin II The invention relates to a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of infections or chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs, particularly lower respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In said method, provasopressin (proAVP) or fragments or partial peptides thereof, especially copeptin or neurophysin II, is/are determined. The invention further relates to suitable biomarker combinations for in-vitro diagnosis.
US08158365B2	Anti-2-O-desulfated acharan sulfate antibody and its application An antibody that reacts with 2-O-desulfated acharan sulfate, a hybridoma that produces the antibody, a detection method and a detection kit to which the antibody is applied are disclosed. The antibody that reacts with 2-O-desulfated acharan sulfate can be produced by immunizing a mammal using as an antigen a substance obtained by chemically bonding a protein to 2-O-desulfated acharan sulfate.
US08158364B2	Methods and compositions involving nucleotide repeat disorders The present invention concerns the methods and compositions involving nucleic acids with long repeat sequences. In some embodiments of the invention, there are methods for generating such a nucleic acid, and in other methods, there are methods for using such a nucleic acid to screen for candidate therapeutic compounds. Furthermore the present invention relates to methods of screening for Notch inhibitors and other substances that may be used to treat muscle loss and wasting.
US08158361B2	Tumor marker The present invention concerns a gene product largely homologous to the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). It further refers to mRNA coding for such epithelial growth factor receptor. The present invention provides such an epithelial growth factor receptor which is characterized in that either exons 12 to 14 or exons 12 to 15 are deleted. These novel variants of the epithelial growth factor receptor can be used for a diagnosis, stratification, therapy guidance of a tumor or therapy guidance of tumor surgery.
US08158355B2	Method to generate or determine nucleic acid tags corresponding to the terminal ends of DNA molecules using sequences analysis of gene expression (terminal SAGE) A method of providing an indication of an instance of expression of a gene is described herein, the method which may comprise the steps of: (a) providing a complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) having a terminus comprising a terminal transcribed sequence of a gene; (b) linking the cDNA to an linker sequence thereby forming a linked nucleic acid, in which the linker sequence comprises a first recognition site for a first nucleic acid cleavage enzyme, preferably a restriction endonuclease, that allows nucleic acid cleavage at a site distant from the first recognition site; and (c) cleaving the linked nucleic acid with the first nucleic acid cleavage enzyme to provide a linked tag, in which the linked tag comprises a nucleotide sequence tag representative of a terminal transcribed sequence of the gene; and (d) detecting the presence or identity of the linked tag or the nucleotide sequence tag to provide an indication of an instance of gene expression.
US08158348B2	Apparatus and method for preparative scale purification of nucleic acids Apparatus and methods are described for pharmaceutical grade manufacture extrachromosomal nucleic acids from cell lysates using flotation to separate and eliminate undesired insoluble cellular debris including chromosomal DNA from the lysates. A gas is introduced to controllably generate bubbles that reduce the density of the cell debris and create a buoyant flocculent phase that can be readily separated from, and thus provide, a substantially clarified fluid lysate phase that is enriched in extrachromosomal DNA but substantially depleted of cellular proteins and chromosomal DNA.
US08158345B2	Labeled oligonucleotide The present invention relates to a labeled oligonucleotide comprising a first nucleotide segment and a second nucleotide segment, complementary to a target sequence, a fluorophore, a quencher and at least one alpha-anomeric nucleoside. The invention also relates to the use of such an oligonucleotide and also to a process using such an oligonucleotide.
US08158344B2	Methods and compositions for correlating genetic markers with multiple sclerosis The present invention provides, in certain aspects, a method of identifying a subject as having an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, comprising detecting in the subject the presence of a nucleotide variant in the interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain gene, whereby the presence of said variant identifies the subject as having an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
US08158340B2	Methods for detecting conformational changes in bioentities Described herein are methods for detecting conformational changes in bioentities.
US08158339B2	Method of preserving a platelet concentrate under elevated xenon concentration and pressure with refrigeration Provides are improved methods for storing platelets and compositions that contain stored platelets for use in transfusions. The method entails obtaining a platelet concentrate from blood obtained from an individual and holding the platelet concentrate in at refrigerated temperatures under an atmosphere having a pressure of from 3.5 to 5 bars comprising more than 65% xenon and for at least one week. Also provided is a refrigerated composition that contains a platelet concentrate, wherein the platelet concentrate contains xenon, and wherein the platelet concentrate has been isolated from an individual for at least seven days.
US08158338B2	Resist sensitizer Methods and compositions for enhancing the sensitivity of a resist composition are disclosed. In one aspect, compositions for use with a matrix material (e.g., a lithographically sensitive polymeric material) can be formulated with an acid generator and a sensitizer, where the sensitizer can be present in a relatively small amount. The sensitizer can include a compound with one or more silicon-silicon bonds, and can act to enhance the efficiency of acid generation when the resist is impinged by a selected lithographic radiation. The methods of the present invention can be especially useful in performing short wavelength (e.g., less than 200 nm) lithography, or for processes such as e-beam lithography, which traditionally suffer from low throughput.
US08158335B2	High etch resistant material for double patterning The present invention includes a lithography method comprising forming a first patterned insist layer including at least one opening therein over a substrate. A water-soluble polymer layer is formed over the first patterned resist layer and the substrate, whereby a reaction occurs at the interface of the first patterned resist layer and the water-soluble polymer layer. The non-reacted water-soluble polymer layer is 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 or abuts at least one portion of the first patterned resist layer. The substrate is thereafter etched using the first and second patterned resist layers as a mask.
US08158334B2	Methods for forming a composite pattern including printed resolution assist features An underlayer to be patterned with a composite pattern is formed on a substrate. The composite pattern is decomposed into a first pattern and a second pattern, each having reduced complexity than the composite pattern. A hard mask layer is formed directly on the underlying layer. A first photoresist is applied over the hard mask layer and lithographically patterned with the first pattern, which is transferred into the hard mask layer by a first etch. A second photoresist is applied over the hard mask layer. The second photoresist is patterned with the second pattern to expose portions of the underlying layer. The exposed portions of the underlying layer are etched employing the second photoresist and the hard mask layer, which contains the first pattern so that the composite pattern is transferred into the underlying layer.
US08158332B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes: forming a first resist pattern made of a first resist material on a workpiece material; irradiating an energy beam onto the first resist pattern, the energy beam exposing the first resist material to light; performing a treatment for improving resistance the first resist pattern after irradiation of the energy beam; forming a coating film on the workpiece material so as to cover the first resist pattern; and forming a second resist pattern made of a second resist material on the coating film after the treatment.
US08158330B2	Resist protective coating composition and patterning process A protective coating composition comprising a copolymer of an alkali-soluble (α-trifluoromethyl) acrylate and a norbornene derivative as a base polymer, optionally in admixture with a second polymer containing sulfonic acid and/or sulfonic acid amine salt in repeat units is applied onto a resist film. The protective coating is effective in minimizing development defects and forming a resist pattern of improved profile.
US08158328B2	Composition for formation of anti-reflection film, and method for formation of resist pattern using the same A composition for forming an anti-reflection film on a resist film is provided, which is superior in handling characteristics, and is not accompanied by generation of deposits and the like after forming the film. A composition for forming an anti-reflection film to be provided on a resist film is provided, which includes at least a certain fluorochemical surfactant, and a certain water soluble film forming component. The composition for forming an anti-reflection film can be easily handled, has no adverse effect on health or the environment, and also avoids the generation of deposits and the like even after forming an anti-reflection film.
US08158327B2	Onium salt compound, polymer compound comprising the salt compound, chemically amplified resist composition comprising the polymer compound, and method for patterning using the composition A compound represented by the following formula (1) is provided: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group; and A represents a group represented by the following formula (2) or formula (3): wherein R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted allyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted perfluoroalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and two or more of R2, R3 and R4 may be linked to each other to form a saturated or unsaturated carbon ring or a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. The chemically amplified resist composition comprising a polymer compound which is produced from the compound of formula 1 according to the present invention provides a chemically amplified resist sensitive to far-ultraviolet radiation, which is represented by KrF excimer laser or ArF excimer laser.
US08158326B2	Photosensitive composition, compound for use in the photosensitive composition, and method of pattern formation with the photosensitive composition A compound which generates a sulfonic acid having one or more —SO3H groups and one or more —SO2— bonds upon irradiation with an actinic ray or a radiation; a photosensitive composition containing the compound; and a method of pattern formation with the photosensitive composition.
US08158321B2	Method and apparatus for liquid electrostatic printing Novel UV-curable liquid toner compositions, methods for preparing same and imaging processes and apparatus utilizing same are provided. The UV-curable liquid toner compositions include a dispersion of toner particles in a hydrocarbon based liquid carrier and one or more UV-curable component(s) which form a part of the carrier.
US08158318B2	Multicolor image forming apparatus and image forming method thereof A multicolor image forming apparatus which includes a developer image forming unit to form an image using a developer and a transferring unit to transfer the formed developer image to a recording medium, wherein the developer comprises a plurality of dark developers and one or more light developers, wherein the dark developers and the light developers each include a binder resin having a weight average molecular weight from about 50,000 Mw to about 160,000 Mw, and wherein about 50,000 Mw to about 160,000 Mw of the weight average molecular weight of the binder resin of the dark developer is larger than about 50,000 Mw to about 160,000 Mw of the weight average molecular weight of the binder resin of the light developer.
US08158317B2	Azo dye compound, coloring composition, ink sheet for thermal transfer recording, thermal transfer recording method, color toner, ink for inkjet, and color filter An azo dye of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and R5 represent a substituent. The dye has an excellent optical characteristic with sharp absorption and excellent fastness.
US08158315B2	SN containing hole blocking layer photoconductor A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, a hole blocking layer, a ground plane layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the hole blocking layer includes a SN containing compound and an aminosilane.
US08158313B2	Image forming apparatus for forming a color image, and image forming method for forming a color image An image forming apparatus configured (a) to charge uniformly an image bearing member once, (b) to form a latent image including n levels of electric potential on the image bearing member with a single exposure, (c) to adhere a first toner on a portion of the image bearing member which has the lowest electric potential, (d) to decrease the electric potential of a portion of the image bearing member not developed with the first toner by uniformly exposing light at a first wavelength whose transmission factor is lowest for the first toner, (e) to develop using a second toner a portion of the image bearing member which has the second lowest electric potential, (f) to perform a second uniform exposure at a wavelength whose transmission factor is lowest for both the first toner and the second toner, (g) to develop using a third toner a portion of the image bearing member which has the third lowest electric potential, (h) to perform a third uniform exposure at a wavelength whose transmission factor is lowest for each of the first toner, the second toner, and the third toner, and (i) to develop a portion of the image bearing member which has the fourth lowest electric potential.
US08158310B2	Aberration evaluation pattern, aberration evaluation method, aberration correction method, electron beam drawing apparatus, electron microscope, master, stamper, recording medium, and structure A method of evaluating astigmatism of an irradiation system irradiating an electron beam is disclosed. In this method, a figure pattern consisting of plural (for example, four) concentric circles is formed on a reference sample “WP” and an image (scanned image) is formed based on an electron signal obtained by scanning the electron beam onto the reference sample “WP”. In the scanned image, the image has a blur in a region with its longitudinal direction parallel to the generating direction of the astigmatism and the size of the blur depends on magnitude of the astigmatism. Therefore, the direction and the magnitude of the astigmatism of the irradiation system of an irradiation apparatus can be detected based on the obtained scanned image.
US08158309B2	Fabricating methods of multi-domain vertical alignment display panel and color filter substrate A fabricating method of a color filter substrate includes following steps. First, a base is provided. A patterned color filter film layer having a plurality of recesses is then formed on the base. Next, a common electrode layer is formed on the patterned color filter film layer and the base. Here, the common electrode layer conforms to surfaces of the recesses. Thereafter, a plurality of shelters are formed on the common electrode layer and correspond to the recesses.
US08158308B2	Negative curable composition, color filter, and method of producing the same The invention provides a negative curable composition comprising a colorant, a photopolymerization initiator, a radical polymerizable monomer, a binder, and a monofunctional thiol compound, wherein the content of the radical polymerizable monomer with respect to the total solid content of the composition is from about 10 mass % to about 50 mass %, and the content of the binder with respect to the total solid content of the composition is about 20 mass % or less; a color filter formed by using the composition; and a method of producing the color filter. The negative curable composition has excellent developability at high sensitivity and enables formation of a fine rectangular pattern even in a low-binder content formulation.
US08158304B2	Formulation of nano-scale electrolyte suspensions and its application process for fabrication of solid oxide fuel cell-membrane electrode assembly (SOFC-MEA) This invention describes the recipe and preparation process of nano-scale electrolyte suspension and its application via a spin coating process for fabrication of airtight/fully dense electrolyte layers composed in solid oxide fuel cell-membrane electrode assembly with high performance characteristics. The recipe of nano-scale electrolyte suspension includes 10˜50 wt % nano-scale electrolyte powder, 0.01˜1 wt % poly acrylic acid (PAA as dispersant), 0.1˜5 wt % poly vinyl alcohol (PVA as binder), 0.005˜1 wt % octanol as defoamer, and deionized water as solvent. Solid oxide fuel cell fabricated via this recipe and process exhibits that the open-circuit voltage (OCV) is over 1 Volt, and maximum power density is 335 mW/cm2 at 800° C.
US08158302B2	Separator and separator seal for polymer electrolyte fuel cells A rubber composition comprising (A) a liquid alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane with Mw<100,000, (B) a gum-like organopolysiloxane with Mw≧150,000, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (D) fumed silica, and (E) an addition reaction catalyst and having a viscosity of 20-200 Pa-s at a shear rate of 10 s−1 and 25° C. is effectively injection moldable into a cured product which is useful as a separator seal in PEFCs.
US08158300B2	Permselective composite membrane for electrochemical cells An electrochemical cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode including a cathode catalyst, and a first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles between the anode and the cathode, such that the first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles is not in contact with the anode. The cathode may be a cathode assembly including a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and proton-conducting metal nanoparticles on the cathode catalyst.
US08158291B2	Hydrogen recirculation system using integrated motor generator energy A system for delivering a supply fluid stream to a fuel cell stack that discharges an unused fluid stream is provided. A fuel supply is adapted to provide a pressurized supply fluid stream. An expander is in fluid communication with the fuel supply and is configured to receive the pressurized supply fluid stream to reduce the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream and to generate mechanical energy in response to reducing the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream. An electric machine is operably coupled to the expander and for selectively converting the mechanical energy generated by the expander into electrical energy. A compressor/blower is capable of being driven by at least one of the mechanical energy and the electrical energy to control the flow of the unused fluid stream to the fuel cell stack for recirculating the unused fluid stream back to the fuel cell stack.
US08158287B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell system which provides stable cell outputs at startup. The fuel cell system comprises: a fuel cell stack including a laminate formed by combining a membrane electrode assembly composed of an electrolyte membrane, an anode jointed to one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode joined to the other side of the electrolyte membrane, with a fuel channel plate having a fuel channel for supplying a fuel to the anode, an oxidant channel plate having an oxidant channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode, and a coolant channel plate having a coolant channel for a coolant to flow through; piping and a circulation pump necessary for cooling the coolant exhausted from the fuel cell stack before putting the coolant into the fuel cell stack for circulation; a fuel humidifier which humidifies the fuel by heat exchange with the coolant; an air humidifier which humidifies the air by heat exchange with the coolant; and a control unit which continues the circulation of the coolant in a system stopping process until a predetermined cooling stop condition holds, and stops power generation of the fuel cell when the predetermined cooling stop condition holds.
US08158282B2	Method of producing prelithiated anodes for secondary lithium ion batteries A method of producing a lithium-ion battery anode comprising: (a) providing an anode active material; (b) intercalating or absorbing a desired amount of lithium into this anode active material to produce a prelithiated anode active material; (c) comminuting the prelithiated anode active material into fine particles with an average size less than 10 μm (preferably sub-micron and more preferably <200 nm); and (d) combining multiple fine particles of prelithiated anode active material with a conductive additive and/or a binder material to form the anode. The battery featuring such an anode exhibits an exceptionally high specific capacity, an excellent reversible capacity, and a long cycle life.
US08158281B2	Anode active material and battery using the same A battery with a high capacity and superior cycle characteristics and an anode active material used in the battery are provided. An anode includes an anode active material capable of reacting with lithium. The anode active material includes tin, cobalt and carbon as elements, and the carbon content is within a range from 9.9 wt % to 29.7 wt % inclusive, and the ratio of cobalt to the total of tin and cobalt is within a range from 30 wt % to 70 wt % inclusive. Moreover, the size of a crystalline phase of an intermetallic compound of cobalt and tin measured by small-angle X-ray scattering is 10 nm or less. Thereby, while a high capacity is maintained, cycle characteristics can be improved.
US08158274B2	Welding material and welded joint structure A welding material, to be used for welding a base metal made of an austenitic alloy comprising C≦2.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn: 0.01 to 3.0%, P: more than 0.03% to not more 0.3%, S≦0.03%, Cr: 12 to 35%, Ni: 6 to 80%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities to a base metal made of another austenitic alloy, which comprises C: more than 0.3% to 3.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn≦3.0%, P≦0.03%, S≦0.03%, Cr: more than 22% to 55%, Ni: more than 30% to not more than 70%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities can suppress the weld solidification cracking which occurs in an austenitic alloy having a high P content and showing fully austenitic solidification. Therefore, the said welding material can be widely used in such fields where a welding fabrication is required. The said welding material may contain a specific amount or amounts of one or more elements selected from Cu, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ti, Ta, Zr, Hf, Co, B, Ca, Mg and REM.
US08158271B2	Waveform panel A panel is disclosed formed of sheet material, the panel having opposite edges and being profiled to include a plurality of formations spaced along the length of the panel and extending between the edges, each formation including a substantially convex section and a substantially concave section which meet at a peak, and wherein each formation meets an adjoining formation at a trough.
US08158270B2	Titania-metal composite and method for preparation thereof, and film forming method using dispersion comprising the composite Under the presence of at least one out of copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, zinc, and compounds thereof, a tetravalent titanium salt solution and a basic solution are reacted together to form a hydroxide of titanium and the above metal, and then the titanium hydroxide is peroxidated with an oxidizing agent to manufacture an aqueous liquid or dispersion having therein titanium oxide fine particles having peroxy groups; by using this alone to form a coating film adjacent to a coating film of an organic dye or pigment, or using this to form a coating film together with an organic dye or pigment, a drop in decorativeness of color due to fading or discoloration of a coating material, a printed article, a building material, a fiber, an organic polymer resin product or the like can be prevented, and moreover surface anti-soiling and hydrophilic properties can be realized.
US08158267B2	Method for partially metallizing a product A method for partially metallizing a product comprising a first surface, a first polymer material, and a second surface, a second polymer material, wherein the method comprises the sequential steps of exposing the first and second surfaces to conditions which render the first surface hydrophilic, and the second surface hydrophobic; contacting the first and second surfaces with water or aqueous solution; contacting the first and second surfaces with a solution of a film former in a water-immiscible solvent; evaporating the solvent to allow formation of a film by the film former on the second surface; adherence of a film by the film former on the first surface is prevented by the presence of the water or aqueous solution thereupon; performing a conventional metallization process to deposit a metal layer on the first and second surface; and removing the metallized film from the second surface to render the first surface metallized.
US08158261B2	Glass-ceramic composite encapsulation material A glass-ceramic composite encapsulation material composed of glass matrix materials of SiO2, Al2O3, BaO and B2O3, and at least one glass filler selected from the group consisting of kaliophilite (KAlSiO4), leucite (KAlSi2O6), magnesium oxide (MgO). The glass-ceramic composite encapsulation material according to the invention comprises a high temperature type glass matrix (softening point: 750-850° C.) and a intermediate temperature type glass matrix (softening point: 650-750° C.), and glass filler mixed therein, wherein said glass filler in the high temperature type glass matrix comprises 5% to 20% by volume of the total volume of said glass matrix and glass filler, and the glass filler in the intermediate temperature type glass matrix comprises 0% to 40% by volume of the total volume of said glass matrix and glass filler, and wherein said glass filler has an effect of adjusting the expansion coefficient.
US08158259B2	Spreading layer and humidity control layer for enhancing sensor performance The invention is directed to optical sensors for measuring clinically relevant analytes, their methods of manufacture, and their various uses. In an effort to develop a dry calibration method for the optical sensors of the invention it is discovered that water content inside or in the immediate vicinity of a such a sensor can have a major impact on fluorescence intensity (i.e., a sensor's response in the dry state). Thus, one of the objectives of the invention is the elimination of the bias of sensor responses measured at different humidity environments.
US08158258B2	Polycrystalline diamond Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
US08158252B2	Stamping film for producing tamper-proof motor vehicle license plates and tamper-proof motor vehicle license plate comprising such a stamping film The invention concerns a stamping film for the production of tamper-proof license plates and a license plate produced using a stamping film. The stamping film includes a carrier film and a transfer layer which is detachable from the carrier film and which can be fixed on a substrate of the license plate. Starting from the carrier film, the transfer layer includes a transparent release layer, an opaque decoration layer, a transparent protection layer, an optically variable layer, a reflection layer, a colored layer and an adhesive layer. The decoration layer has mutually spaced areal interruptions where the transparent protection layer adjoins the release layer. The adhesive layer is provided for fixing the transfer layer to the substrate of the license plate.
US08158248B2	Porous ceramic for slide member, method for preparing the same, and mechanical seal ring In porous ceramic for slide member including independent pores having a pore size of 5 μm or more, the independent pore is flattened body having minor axis in a direction perpendicular to a sliding surface, and a cross sectional area (S1) of an independent pore at a cross section perpendicular to the sliding surface is 95% or less of an area (S2) of a complete round having a diameter which is the same length as a major axis of the cross section of the independent pore, and in a cumulative distribution curve of pore sizes of independent pores in a plane parallel to the sliding surface, a ratio (P75/P25) of a pore size of cumulative 75% by volume (P75) to a pore size of cumulative 25% by volume (P25) is 1.9 or less. The porous ceramic can be suitably used as slide member such as seal ring.
US08158244B2	Water-dispersible and multicomponent fibers from sulfopolyesters Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US08158239B2	Identification medium An identification medium provided with a laminated structure comprises laminated layers of a magnetically controllable layer, in which magnetic microcapsules are dispersed, and a color shifting layer.
US08158236B2	Conductive seam cover tape The present invention is generally directed to tapes designed for use in conjunction with lighter-than-air vehicles, platforms or other inflated structures. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to conductive seam cover tape that can be, for example, used to protect and/or cover one or more seams in a lighter-than-air vehicle, platform or other inflated structure. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a conductive seam cover tape that can be, for example, used to protect and/or cover fabric panels or sections that are used to form lighter-than-air vehicles, platforms or other inflated structures that are in, one instance, designed for deployment at high altitudes.
US08158235B2	PTFE membranes and gaskets made therefrom Improved expanded PTFE materials and improved gasket materials made therefrom, the gaskets being capable of forming a seal with greater bolt load retention than is possible with existing PTFE gaskets. The expanded PTFE membranes of the invention can be tailored to exhibit a matrix tensile strength in at least one direction of at least 25,000 psi, a matrix tensile strength ratio in two orthogonal directions of between 0.25 and 4, an orientation index of 50° or less, and a density of 2.0 g/cc or less. The improved gaskets exhibit improved mechanical properties such as high bolt load retention, low creep, high tensile strength, low stress to seal and high crystallinity index.
US08158234B2	Optical recording medium The invention is principally to provide an archival optical recording medium of high quality which has satisfactory recording/reading characteristics when used in high-speed recording and high-density recording. The invention accomplishes the object with an optical recording medium comprising a resin substrate, a recording layer comprising an organic dye, and a reflective layer, wherein the reflective layer has a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer in this order from the side close to the recording layer, the second reflective layer has a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the first reflective layer, and the first reflective layer has a film thickness larger than the thickness of the second reflective layer.
US08158233B2	Optical information recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and sputtering target An optical information recording medium (9) of the present invention is an optical information recording medium including: N information layers, where N is a natural number of 2 or more; and an intermediate layer for separating the N information layers optically from each other. With the N information layers being referred to as a first information layer (10) to an N-th information layer (7) sequentially from an optical beam incident side, a first information layer (10) corresponding to an L-th information layer included in the N information layers includes a recording layer (104) on which information can be recorded by irradiation with an optical beam, a reflective layer (108), and a transmittance adjusting layer (109) in this order from the optical beam incident side, where L is an at least one natural number that satisfies 1≦L≦N−1. The transmittance adjusting layer (109) contains tungsten (W) and oxygen (O).
US08158232B2	Foldable chair pad A chair pad has foldable panels for movement and shipment. A hard wood chair pad forms from multiple elongated rigid planks, processed like hardwood flooring. The chair pad provides a substantially rigid surface that folds easily for transport and shipping. The rigid planks utilized in the chair pad, similar to hardwood flooring planks, have sufficient thickness such that when they are bonded in an adjacent side by side abutting manner along the longer lengthwise edges similar to some hardwood flooring and further bonded to a backing in an adjacent side by side manner, the planks form a substantially rigid surface. The planks connect adjacently lengthwise along their long side edges.
US08158226B2	Paper container Provided is a paper container having a window and being formed of a laminate that includes at least a paper layer and a gas barrier laminate, the paper layer having a cutout part for the window, the cutout part being covered with the gas barrier laminate, and the gas barrier laminate including a substrate and a gas barrier layer laminated on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the gas barrier layer is formed of a composition containing a polymer having at least one functional group selected from a carboxyl group and a carboxylic anhydride group, and wherein —COO— groups contained in the at least one functional group are neutralized at least partly with a metal ion having a valence of two or more.
US08158223B2	Ink jet recording medium and production process thereof, and fine particle dispersion The invention relates to an ink jet recording medium, in which at least one of a substrate and an ink receiving layer contains a compound of the general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are individually a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, with the proviso that R1 and R2 may be the same or different from each other, R3 is a linear or branched alkylene group or arylene group, and X is an acidic solubilizing group.
US08158217B2	CNT-infused fiber and method therefor A carbon nanotube-infused fiber and a method for its production are disclosed. Nanotubes are synthesized directly on a parent fiber by first applying a catalyst to the fiber. The properties of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber will be a combination of those of the parent fiber as well as those of the infused carbon nanotubes.
US08158216B2	Spinulose titanium nanoparticulate surfaces Vapor plasma deposition of titanium (Ti) metal onto a substrate forms a structured surface that exhibits enhanced cell attachment properties. Initially deposited round nanoparticulate surface structures develop tentacles with a spine or thorn-like appearance upon continued deposition under special conditions. The density and size of the formed spinulose particles can be controlled by timing the deposition intervals. A significant increase in osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cell attachment is observed on Ti spinulose surfaces compared to attachment on nanoparticulate surfaces lacking spinulous nanostructure.
US08158215B2	Magnetic recording media and method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording/reproduction device A method of manufacturing magnetic recording media with a high areal recording density, in which there write bleeding during magnetic recording is eliminated by reducing insofar as possible the coercive force and remanent magnetization in areas between magnetic tracks, is provided. The method of manufacture can produce magnetic recording media 10, in which a magnetic layer 3 is provided on at least one surface of a nonmagnetic substrate 1, and a magnetically separated magnetic pattern 3a is formed in this magnetic layer 3; by implanting atoms into the magnetic layer 3 with a uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the magnetic layer 3, and partially rendering nonmagnetic the magnetic layer 3, nonmagnetic portions 5 which magnetically separate the magnetic pattern 3a are formed.
US08158214B2	Photocurable ink composition set, ink jet recording method, and recorded matter A photocurable ink composition set includes ink composition A and ink composition B. Ink composition A contains a dendritic polymer and an monomer expressed by general formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO—R2—O—CH═CH—R3. Ink composition B contains a coloring agent and a monomer expressed by general formula (1). In the formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents an organic moiety having a carbon number in the range of 2 to 20, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic moiety having a carbon number in the range of 1 to 11.
US08158209B2	Method and apparatus for coating resin Method and apparatus for coating a surface of a work with a thin resin or plastic film suitable for use in imprinting a pattern by impressing a master pattern on a transfer surface of a mold on the coated resin film. A curable resin liquid is coated on a work by the use of an inkjet feed means having a plural number of inkjet nozzle holes in a row or rows on a nozzle assembly, in association with actuators to propel droplets of resin liquid from the respective inkjet nozzle holes in controlled timings while moving the inkjet feed means and the work relative to each other.
US08158208B2	Method of preserving wood by injecting particulate wood preservative slurry The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to methods of preserving wood comprising the steps of providing an aqueous wood preservative slurry comprising a plurality of injectable particulates comprising at least 20% by weight of a sparingly soluble copper salt, wherein the first particulates have a d96 of about 1 micron or less, a d99 of about 1.5 microns or less, and a d50 of greater than 0.02 micron, and injecting the aqueous wood preservative slurry into wood.
US08158199B2	Method for making individually coated and twisted carbon nanotube wire-like structure A method for making an individually coated and twisted carbon nanotube wire-like structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes; forming at least one conductive coating on the plurality of carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube structure; and twisting the carbon nanotube structure.
US08158193B2	Highly luminescent color-selective nanocrystalline materials A nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a nanoparticle having photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%.
US08158192B2	Process for the coating of biomedical articles The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a hydrophilic coating on a biomedical article, which comprises treating the biomedical article for a time period of ≦5 minutes with a solution of an organic solvent comprising a polyanionic compound with a number average molecular weight Mn of >5000, wherein the solution comprises less than 10% by weight of water, and wherein the solution is devoid of a cationic polymer.The coated biomedical articles obtainable by the process of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding adherence to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability, biocompatibility and permeability and are thus especially useful in the field of ophthalmic devices.
US08158191B2	Coating compositions, articles, and methods of coating articles Processes for tinting a transparent, abrasion-resistant coating that is coated on at least one surface of a substrate are provided. The processes include coating the substrate with a transparent, tintable, abrasion-resistant coating composition, curing the coating composition on the substrate, and tinting the cured coating by immersing the cured coating in a dye bath for a period of time.
US08158190B2	Low magnetization materials for high performance magnetic memory devices Techniques for attaining high performance magnetic memory devices are provided. In one aspect, a magnetic memory device comprising one or more free magnetic layers is provided. The one or more free magnetic layers comprise a low magnetization material adapted to have a saturation magnetization of less than or equal to about 600 electromagnetic units per cubic centimeter. The device may be configured such that a ratio of mean switching field associated with an array of non-interacting magnetic memory devices and a standard deviation of the switching field is greater than or equal to about 20. The magnetic memory device may comprise a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device. A method of producing a magnetic memory device is also provided.
US08158184B2	Structured lipid containing compositions and methods with health and nutrition promoting characteristics Medium chain triglyceride oils are interesterified with long chain domestic oils in order to form interesterified structured lipids. These structured lipids find special application in combination with phytosterols to provide compositions and methods for enhancing health and nutrition characteristics. The compositions preferably have a structured lipid content of between about 92 and about 96 weight percent and a phytosterol ester content of between about 4 and about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the health and nutrition promoting composition.
US08158182B2	No evaporation process to produce gum based fruit snacks The present invention resides in methods of preparing low moisture sweetened fruit product base. The methods comprise the steps in sequence of forming a hot sweetened intermediate moisture flowable fruit or confectionary composition or slurry by extended cooking with agitation at final moisture levels and a solids content ranging from about 85 to 92° Brix; and without intervening drying, forming the hot slurry into sized and shaped individual pieces.
US08158181B2	Method to make steviol glycoside isomers Steviol glycoside isomers are provided having the formula: wherein R1 may be 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl or 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, and R2 may be hydrogen, 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2,3-bis(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, or 2-(1-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl. Methods for making steviol glycoside isomers are also disclosed. These compounds may be present in food and beverage products as non-nutritive sweeteners.
US08158180B2	Process for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate, to a flavoring concentrate which can be prepared by a process according to the invention, to products comprising one or more flavoring concentrates according to the invention, and to processes for the concentration of flavoring and/or aromatic substances.
US08158178B2	Method for removing odor from vinegar The invention relates to a method for removing odor from vinegar comprising: a) increasing the pH of the vinegar with base to at least 6; b) maintaining said pH for at least 15 minutes at 40-90° C.; c) adding acid to obtain vinegar having pH between 6 and 8, if the pH of the vinegar of step b) is 8 or higher.
US08158174B2	Container for food products Various packages for food products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a food package includes a rectangular substantially planar rigid bottom wall; two slanted side/side walls extending angularly upwardly from the bottom wall, and a rectangular opening opposite the bottom wall, the opening larger in area than the rectangular rigid bottom wall. A top side wall and a bottom side wall extend upwardly from the bottom wall; and a flexible film extends over the opening and seals the opening. The side walls are configured to engage and hold the food product, each side wall being angularly ramped and extending downward and inward toward the bottom wall, and having at least one well which extends downwardly from the angularly upward extending side wall.
US08158173B2	Composition for coating, process for coating and frozen coated confection Frozen confection comprising a core and a coating is provided, wherein the coating comprises 17 to 50% (w/w) of saccharides and polysaccharides; 0.017 to 12.5% (w/w) of sweeteners selected from the group consisting of fructose, sucrose, dextrose, artificial sweeteners and any mixture thereof; and 50 to 83% water; wherein the average molecular weight of the saccharides and polysaccharides is between 476 and 9000.
US08158172B2	Fermented food products containing probiotics strains, and method for preparing same The use of at least one sulphur-containing amino acid, at a total concentration of about 5 to 75 mg/ml, in particular of about 5 to about 50 mg/l, in particular of about 5 to about 30 mg/l, in particular of about 5 to about 20 mg/l, in free form, for implementing a method for preparing a fermented food product fermented by ferments containing bifidobacteria, the food product has acceptable sensory properties, contains more than about 5×107, in particular more than about 108 bifidobacteria per gram of food product fermented for a shelf lifetime of at least 30 days, in particular a shelf lifetime of at least 35 days, and containing no more than 0.5% of yeast extract or of yeast autolysate.
US08158170B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising metadoxine and garlic oil for preventing and treating alcohol-induced fatty liver and steatohepatitis Provided is a pharmaceutical or food or drink composition for preventing or treating alcohol-induced fatty liver or steatohepatitis comprising metadoxine (pyridoxol 1-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate) and garlic oil as active ingredients. The concurrent administration of metadoxine and garlic oil according to the present invention exhibits outstandingly superior effects of inhibiting the accumulation of triglyceride and increase of blood AST (aspartate aminotransferase) level in liver el tissue, inhibiting the expression of FAS (fatty acid synthase), CYP2E1 and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and inhibiting the deactivation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), as compared to the administration of metadoxine or garlic oil only.
US08158169B2	Chinese medicine composition and preparation method and use thereof This invention relates a traditional Chinese medicine composition and the drug containing this composition as well as preparation method and use thereof. The composition comprises 1-10 parts by weight of radix ginseng, 1-10 parts by weight of folium ginkgo, 0.05-0.5 parts by weight of stigma croci and 5-10 parts by weight of glycine max l. merrill. The components can be the traditional Chinese medicinal materials or the extracts obtained by extracting the same quantity of the Chinese medicinal material. The Chinese medicine composition can be used for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease and senile dementia.
US08158168B2	Anti-gastritis and anti-ulcer agent containing Momordicae semen extract and momordica saponin I isolated from the same The present invention relates to a Momordicae semen extract effective in the prevention and treatment of gastritis or gastric ulcer and momordica saponin I isolated therefrom. The Momordicae semen extract and the momordica saponin I isolated therefrom is effective in the prevention and treatment of gastritis or gastric ulcer since they prevent the damage of the gastric mucosa caused by alcohols and inhibit the secretion of gastric acid.teh
US08158167B2	Composition to enhance HDL cholesterol and to decrease intima-media thickening in animals and humans and a method for its preparation A method of producing a product to correct hypercholesterolemia including pulping fruits of Emblica officinalis with demineralized water to create a slurry. The slurry is treated with pectinase. The pectinase-treated slurry is filtered to create a solution. The solution is concentrated to create a product. A product having an extract of Emblica officinalis for prophylactic and for therapeutic treatment of coronary diseases, atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
US08158166B2	Enhanced antimicrobial activity compositions of blends of plant essential oils Antimicrobial compositions based on a combination or blend of plant essential oils is of enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness; by adding to the combination of at least two plant essential oils, and preferably adds a small but antimicrobial enhancing effective amount of an enhancer selected from the group consisting of polyionic organic enhancers and polyionic inorganic enhancers. One preferred blended oil composition is a mixture of plant essential oils wherein at least one of the oils is oregano oil. The oil blend is used as a major component in the finished product anti-microbial.
US08158163B2	Antimicrobial and antiviral composition An antimicrobial and antiviral barrier composition for topical application to the proximal anterior nares includes an antiseptic solution in combination with cocos nucifera (coconut oil) and one or more citrus oils such as, for example, citrus sinensis (orange oil). Various embodiments may also include one or more of the following additional ingredients: lauric acid; d-limonene; soy oil; emu oil; grapefruit seed extract; glycine soja; simmondsia chimensis (Jojoba); aloe vera; and a preservative, such as sodium benzoate, BHT, benzalkonium chloride, vitamin E.
US08158159B2	Pharmaceutical formulation for treating tinea of feet and hands and preparation thereof A pharmaceutical formulation for treating tinea of feet and hands is disclosed, which is composed of Fructus Gleditsia, Alumen and Borneol. Also disclosed is a cream preparative method of the pharmaceutical formulation, which comprises Fructus Gleditsia is decocted with water, and the decocted liquid is dried under decompression into powder, which is formulated to a cream together with the powders of Alumen and Borneol as well as the respective excipients.
US08158158B2	Composite biocidal particles A biocidal composition is disclosed comprising composite particles, each of said composite particles containing a shell and a core, said core comprising a metal or a metal-containing compound wherein the metal is a moiety selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, zirconium, and combinations thereof said shell comprising a pyrithione adduct comprising the reaction product of pyrithione with a portion of said core metal or metal compound. In one aspect, an anti-fouling composition is disclosed comprising (a) an anti-soft-fouling effective amount of copper pyrithione; and (b) an anti-hard-fouling effective amount of a copper-containing salt, or oxide or hydroxide thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of making an anti-fouling composition comprising particles of copper pyrithione and a copper-containing salt that is effective against hard-fouling and soft-fouling organisms.
US08158157B2	Multi-part substitution infusion fluids and matching anticoagulants A multi-part substitution infusion fluid for an extracorporeal blood treatment and methods for using same are provided. Generally, the multi-part substitution fluid comprises a first solution composed of electrolites but without divalent cations and a second solution comprising divalent cations. Another embodiment includes a third solution comprising a matching citrate/citric acid anticoagulant. The described methods of using the multi-part substitution infusion fluids significantly reduce risks associated with various extracorporeal blood treatments.
US08158151B2	Solvent-assisted loading of therapeutic agents Methods are provided for loading polymeric regions of medical devices with therapeutic agents. In these methods, a polymeric region of a medical device is first pretreated with a solvent system. Subsequently, therapeutic-agent-containing particles are impacted into the pretreated polymeric region at a velocity that is effective to at least partially embed the particles within the pretreated polymeric region. The pretreatment step parameters (e.g., the particular solvent system employed, amount of time that the solvent system contacts the polymeric region, etc.) are typically selected such that the surface tack of the polymeric region is increased. Consequently, the depth, the amount, or both the depth and the amount of the particles that become at least partially embedded in the polymeric region is/are typically increased, relative to what would be achieved in the absence of the pretreatment step. Also provided are medical devices made by such methods.
US08158147B2	Modified release formulations of at least one form of tramadol The present invention relates to a modified release composition of at least one form of tramadol which is a delayed and extended release composition for oral administration suitable for once daily dosing. That composition comprises a core comprising at least one form of tramadol selected from the group consisting of tramadol, racemic mixtures thereof, enantiomers thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. That composition further comprises a modified release coating which substantially surrounds said core. The compositions of the invention provide delayed and extended release of said at least one form of tramadol such that the mean plasma concentration of the at least one form of tramadol reaches a therapeutically effective level at a time which is after at least about 3 hours after first administration.
US08158140B2	Silver polyamide composite A polymer composite comprising a thermoplastic polyamide polymer compounded with an organo-disulfide additive and a silver-based antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The organo-disulfide additive inhibits undesirable discoloration of the thermoplastic polyamide polymer including one or more silver-based antimicrobial agent. Processes for preparing the composite are also disclosed, including compounding the organo-disulfide additive in a polymeric carrier with the silver-based antimicrobial agent, then with the thermoplastic polyamide polymer, or compounding the organo-disulfide additive with the thermoplastic polyamide polymer before adding the silver-based antimicrobial agent.
US08158138B1	Urea compositions and their methods of manufacture Urea compositions useful for treatment of dermatological conditions. The compositions, which are free from perceptible solids, may include at least about 50 wt-% urea, zinc pyrithione, and lactic acid, and may be formulated as a topical gel.
US08158136B2	Emulsification system for use in cosmetics Disclosed are cosmetic compositions containing water, at least one non-polar and/or polar oil, and an emulsification system comprising a polyoxyethylene oxide C12-C24 fatty acid ester; a sucrose fatty acid ester of vegetable origin, and a glyceryl and/or sorbitan C12-C24 fatty acid ester, and methods of making and using the compositions.
US08158134B1	Microemulsion preconcentrate, microemulsion and use thereof The invention relates to compositions in the form of microemulsion preconcentrates that contain (a) a mixture that consists of a medium-chain triglyceride and an omega-9 fatty acid and/or an omega-6 fatty acid; and (b) a surface-active component that contains a polyoxethylene tenside. When contacted with water or with an aqueous medium these microemulsion preconcentrates form microemulsions. The microemulsions of the O/W type have an average particle size below 150 nm, preferably below 100 nm. The inventive microemulsion preconcentrates and microemulsions are suitable for use as vehicles for substances, namely active agents, that are hardly soluble in water, but soluble in components (a) and/or (b). In the aqueous phase, said microemulsions may contain water-soluble substances.
US08158132B2	Clostridial toxin derivatives able to modify peripheral sensory afferent functions This invention describes a novel agent for the targeted control of a mammalian cell activity, in particular the agent is used to control the interaction of particular cell types with their external environment. The agent has applications as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of a variety of disorders. An agent according to the invention comprises three Domains B, T and E linked together in the following manner: Domain B-Domain T-Domain E where Domain B is the Binding Domain which binds the agent to a Binding Site on the cell which undergoes endocytosis to produce an endosome, Domain T is the Translocation Domain which translocates the agent (with or without the Binding Site) from within the endosome across the endosomal membrane into the cytosol of the cell, Domain E is the Effector Domain which inhibits the ability of the Recyclable Membrane Vesicles to transport the Integral Membrane Proteins to the surface of the cell.
US08158128B2	Monoclonal antibodies to progastrin The present invention provides progastrin-binding molecules specific for progastrin that do not bind gastrin-17(G17), gastrin-34(G34), glycine-extended gastrin-17(G17-Gly), or glycine-extended gastrin-34(G34-Gly). Further, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) selective for sequences at the N-terminus and the C-terminus of the gastrin precursor molecule, progastrin and the hybridomas that produce these MAbs. Also provided are panels of Mabs useful for the detection and quantitation of progastrin and gastrin hormone species in immuno-detection and quantitation assays. These assays are useful for diagnosing and monitoring a gastrin-promoted disease or condition, or for monitoring the progress of a course of therapy. The invention further provides solid phase assays including immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays suitable for detection and visualization of gastrin species in solid samples, such as biopsy samples or tissue slices. The progastrin-binding molecules are useful therapeutically for passive immunization against progastrin in progastrin-promoted diseases or conditions. Also provided are surrogate reference standard (SRS) molecules that are peptide chains of from about 10 to about 35 amino acids, wherein the SRS molecule comprises at least two epitopes found in a protein of interest of greater than about 50 amino acids. Such SRS molecules are useful as standards in place of authentic proteins of interest.
US08158127B2	Compounds for neutralizing the effects of secreted PLA2 IIA A compound comprising at least a structural entity which binds secretory phospholipase A2 IIA (sPLA2 IIA) or parts of it and more preferably human sPLA2 IIA and which a.) blocks at least one or more sPLA2 IIA function on cell surfaces or in a solution, preferably blood or other body fluids or from tissues, most preferably in vivo, b.) and/or depletes sPLA2 IIA from a solution, preferably blood or other body fluids or from tissues, most preferably in vivo.
US08158125B2	B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, novel amino acid sequences, DNA encoding the amino acid sequences of said peptides, antibodies directed against said peptides and different uses thereof in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, particularly the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID: NOs. 1-5 and their biologically functional homologues and derivatives thereof. Also included are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against them and their compositions for passive immunization against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses of these antibodies, for identifying people at risk of developing arthritis or diabetes, and a method of monitoring progress of the disease conditions and disease prognosis.
US08158115B2	Copolymer and detergent composition employing it A detergent composition, which imparts smoothness in finger-combing in rinsing after washing and smoothness, silky texture and non-stiffness to hair after application and drying is provided. The detergent composition comprises a copolymer having no cross-linking units and comprising constituting units corresponding to a cationic vinyl monomer (A) and constituting units corresponding to a specific vinyl monomer (B) having a hydroxyl group or an amide group, wherein the proportion of the constituting units corresponding to the cationic vinyl monomer (A) is from 25 to 45 mol % based on the entire constituting units constituting the copolymer.
US08158113B2	Guar gum containing compounds Disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of coloring streaks in a composition that has a colorant comprising adding a guar gum containing compound to said composition.
US08158111B2	Cosmetic composition and a process for preparing said composition The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition that provides prolonged moisturizing to the skin and a differentiated sensorial, and may be employed in various types of products. This cosmetic composition comprises olive esters, biosaccharide gum-1, a wetting agent of vegetable origin, an emollient of vegetable origin, a silicone and an oiliness adsorber. Further, the present invention relates to a process of preparing this cosmetic composition.
US08158107B2	Genes and proteins associated with angiogenesis and uses thereof Disclosed is a panel of biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, and the use of such biomarkers (genes, proteins, homologues and analogs thereof) to regulate angiogenesis. Methods for identifying compounds useful for regulating angiogenesis and conditions related thereto are disclosed.
US08158105B2	UZM-37 aluminosilicate zeolite A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the propyltrimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MWW but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US08158104B2	UZM-7 aluminosilicate zeolite, method of preparation and processes using UZM-7 A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized designated UZM-7. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rrp+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M is an alkali, alkaline earth, or rare earth metal such as lithium, potassium and barium, R is an organoammonium cation such as the choline or the diethyldimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US08158103B2	UZM-37 aluminosilicate zeolite method of preparation A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1−x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the propyltrimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MWW but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US08158102B2	System, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port.
US08158094B2	Methods of preparing metal carbides The present embodiments relate methods of preparing metal carbides, for example some embodiments relate to methods of preparing metal carbides that do not contain the formation of an intermediate oxide compound. Some embodiments relate to methods that do not employ hydrocarbons in the reaction. Some embodiments relate to a method of preparing metal carbides that involves citrate gel precursors and a non-hydrocarbon gas but does not use a hydrocarbon gas, does not form an oxide intermediate species and does not produce carbon monoxide. In some embodiments, the metal carbides are transition metal carbides.
US08158091B2	Sulfide scavenging processes Processes directed to the removal of sulfurous compounds from air are presented herein. The compositions and processes may be able to treat air with H2S concentrations of at least 1000 ppm. The processes are used to remove sulfurous compounds from air associated with wastewater systems in various aspects. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and processes disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.
US08158090B2	Amorphous and partially amorphous nanoscale ion storage materials Amorphous or partially amorphous nanoscale ion storage materials are provided. For example, lithium transition metal phosphate storage compounds are nanoscale and amorphous or partially amorphous in an as-prepared state, or become amorphous or partially amorphous upon electrochemical intercalation or de-intercalation by lithium. These nanoscale ion storage materials are useful for producing devices such as high energy and high power storage batteries.
US08158089B2	Compositions and methods for wastewater treatment Particular aspects provide a method for recovering phosphate, comprising: obtaining an effluent or wastewater, etc. having calcium-sequestered phosphate; adding to the effluent or wastewater a calcium chelating or sequestration agent suitable to chelate or sequester Ca++ ions from the calcium-sequestered phosphate to facilitate release of phosphate from the calcium-sequestered phosphate; transferring, facilitated by said Ca++ ion capture and in the presence of sufficient concentrations of NH4+ and Mg2 ions, of the phosphate into struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate or MgNH4PO4.6H2O), or hydrated magnesium ammonium complex of phosphate; and recovering the struvite, or the formed hydrated magnesium ammonium complex. Preferably, the method further comprises acidification of the effluent or wastewater to facilitate release of Ca++ ions from the calcium-sequestered phosphate and chelation of sequestration of the Ca++ ions by the calcium chelating or sequestration agent. Additional aspects provide a phosphate-containing fertilizer comprising struvite, and methods for making same.
US08158088B2	Extractant compositions for co-extracting cesium and strontium, a method of separating cesium and strontium from an aqueous feed, and calixarene compounds A mixed extractant solvent that includes at least one dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound, 4′,4′,(5′)-di-(t-butyldicyclohexano)-18-crown-6, at least one modifier, and, optionally, a diluent. The dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound is 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(octyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(decyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(dodecyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(3,7-dimethyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(4-butyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, or combinations thereof. The modifier is a primary alcohol. A method of separating cesium and strontium from an aqueous feed is also disclosed, as are dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compounds and an alcohol modifier.
US08158085B2	Multi-well rotary synthesizer An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system. The controller rotates the cartridge and operates the banks of valves and the waste tube system in response to the required sequence of dispensing various reagent solutions and flushing appropriate vials in order to form the desired polymer chain within each vial.
US08158084B2	Control scheme for enhanced filtered water systems An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user. The control system can also include a monitor element that can gather data from outside the enhanced water system, such as user health information or environmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced water system. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used to coordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced water system.
US08158082B2	Micro-fluidic device Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.
US08158081B2	Analyte monitoring devices Covers for covering an opening in an analyte meter, and meters that include the same are provided.
US08158078B2	Easy strip access primary container and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.
US08158069B1	Apparatus for mild hydrocracking An apparatus is disclosed for hydroprocessing two hydrocarbon streams at two different pressures. A hydrogen stream is compressed and split. A first split compressed stream is further compressed to feed a first hydroprocessing unit that requires higher pressure for operation. A second split compressed stream is fed to a second hydroprocessing unit that requires lower pressure. Recycle hydrogen from the second hydroprocessing unit is recycled back to the compression section.
US08158068B2	Plasma reactor A plasma chemical reactor is provided. The reactor includes a chamber, a cathode assembly, and a baffle plate. The chamber forms a plasma reaction space. The cathode assembly includes a cathode support shaft and a substrate support. The cathode support shaft is coupled at one side to a wall surface of the chamber. The substrate support is coupled to the other side of the cathode support shaft and supports the substrate. The baffle plate is out inserted and coupled to the substrate support, and has a plurality of vents arranged to be spaced apart and through formed such that reaction gas can pass through, and the vents asymmetrically arranged and formed to get a vent area smaller at an opposite side than a top side of the cathode support shaft.
US08158061B2	Automated slide staining apparatus A slide stainer assembly is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that is configured to carry one or more laboratory slides and a plurality of slide processing stations for processing the slides. A transport member including a plurality of engagement portions is configured for releasably engaging the slide carrier. A drive mechanism is coupled to the transport member. The drive mechanism is configured to move the transport member in a cyclical path such that, in the course of one cycle, the transport member engages a slide carrier docked in a first station, removes the slide carrier from the first station, docks the slide carrier in a second station and returns to the first station to engage another slide carrier.
US08158059B2	Integrated dissolution processing and sample transfer system The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 μl to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.
US08158055B2	Melting furnace with agitator An agitator for agitating a melt includes a heat-resistive container having a blast opening through which cooling air is blown and an exhaust opening for exhausting air having been subjected to heat exchange, and a rotating magnet assembly composed of a permanent magnet housed in the heat-resistive container in a rotatable manner, magnetic lines of force emitted from the permanent magnet penetrating through the heat-resistive container to exit outside, and then penetrating the heat-resistive container again to return to the permanent magnet.
US08158051B2	Vacuum transfer seal An intermediate sealing element and method for unsealing a vacuum membrane from one tool surface and transferring it to another tool surface without damaging the vacuum membrane. The intermediate sealing element forms a continuous path around the periphery of a vacuum membrane and is sealed directly to one or more vacuum membranes and a tool surface using any means known in the art to create an airtight seal between two surfaces. The intermediate sealing element is able to withstand high temperatures and high pressure without altering its structural characteristics. Because of its durability, the intermediate sealing element can be removed from the tool surface without tearing or elongating, subsequently allowing the vacuum membranes to be detached from the tool surface without tearing or elongating.
US08158048B2	Mold for fine pattern transfer and method for forming resin pattern using same A mold for forming a resin pattern using nanoimprint lithography according to the present invention comprises a main mold including a fine pattern of a protrusion and a depression intended to be transferred, and a spacer for forming a space between the protrusion of the fine pattern of the main mold and a transferred object during a transfer of the fine pattern, in which the spacer has a vent passage capable of flowing gas therethrough and has an elasticity against a pressing force during the transfer.
US08158045B2	Method for manufacturing lightning strike mitigation composites A method for manufacturing a composite material utilizes a tooling material having a desired shape. The surface of the tooling material is coated with a composite film that includes a conductive filler material. A composite composition is introduced into contact with the surface of the tooling material to form a desired shape. The composite composition is processed to produce the composite material, and the composite material has a conductive composite surface layer that includes the conductive filler material.
US08158043B2	Method for making an apertured web A method for making apertures in a precursor web using a forming apparatus is provided where the web comprises a film having molecular orientation and the forming apparatus comprises an arrangement of teeth. The orientation of the arrangement of teeth and the molecular orientation of the film are predetermined and modified to provide a relative angle between the orientation of the teeth and the molecular orientation of the film. Apertures formed in the precursor web material have a length and width exhibiting a minimal aspect ratio.
US08158033B2	Polymeric precursors for CAIGAS aluminum-containing photovoltaics This invention relates to compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers including CAIGAS.
US08158021B2	Polymerizable liquid crystal compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, liquid crystalline polymer, and optical anisotropic article A polymerizable liquid crystal compound shown by the following formula (I), a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that includes the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a chiral compound polymerizable with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a liquid crystalline polymer obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and an optical anisotropic article that includes the liquid crystalline polymer. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound shows a liquid crystal phase over a wider temperature range, is chemically stable, can be inexpensively produced, and has a wide selective reflection wavelength band Δλ (i.e., a large value Δn). The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the liquid crystalline polymer is obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and the optical anisotropic article includes the liquid crystalline polymer. wherein Y1 to Y6 represent —O—, —O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)—O—, or the like, G1 and G2 represent divalent aliphatic groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, Z1 and Z2 represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or the like, A1 and A2 represent divalent organic groups A having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, X1 to X8 represent a hydrogen atom or the like, and a and b represent 0 or 1.
US08158017B2	Detection of arcing events in wafer plasma processing through monitoring of trace gas concentrations A method of detecting substrate arcing in a semiconductor plasma processing apparatus is provided. A substrate is placed on a substrate support in a reaction chamber of a plasma processing apparatus. Process gas is introduced into the reaction chamber. A plasma is generated from the process gas and the substrate is processed with the plasma. Intensities of real-time spectrometry signals of selected gas species produced in the reaction chamber during plasma processing are monitored. The selected gas species are generated by a substrate arcing event. The arcing event is detected when the intensities are above a threshold value.
US08158012B2	Film forming apparatus and method for manufacturing light emitting element A film forming apparatus is provided with a processing chamber having a substrate holding table for holding a substrate to be processed inside the container; a gas material generation unit arranged outside the processing chamber, for generating a gas material by evaporating or sublimating a film forming source material including a metal; a gas material supply unit for supplying the processing chamber with the gas material; and a transport path for transporting the gas material to the gas material supply unit from the gas material generation unit. The film forming apparatus is characterized in that a metal-containing layer is formed on an organic layer including a light emitting layer on the target substrate.
US08158011B2	Method of fabrication of cubic boron nitride conical microstructures A conical structure of cubic Boron Nitride (cBN) is formed on a diamond layered substrate. A method of forming the cBN structure includes steps of (a) forming diamond nuclei on a substrate, (b) growing a layer of diamond film on the substrate, (c) depositing a cBN film on said diamond layer, (d) pre-depositing nanoscale etching masks on the cBN film, and (e) etching the deposited cBN film. In particular, though not exclusively, the cubic Boron Nitride structure has great potential applications in probe analytical and testing techniques including scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and nanoindentation, nanomechanics and nanomachining in progressing microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanoelectyromechanical system (NEMS) devices, field electron emission, vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and different electrode systems including those used in electrochemistry.
US08158007B2	Method for magnetically supported extraction A method for magnetically assisted extraction of a target substance from an aqueous solution containing a plurality components includes mixing a surfactant and functional magnetic particles having affinity for the target substance into the aqueous solution containing the target substance so as to bind the target substance to the functional magnetic particles and form a particle-containing single-phase aqueous surfactant solution. The particle-containing single-phase aqueous surfactant solution is transitioned to a two-phase state, a first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase being formed within a surrounding second phase. The first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase and the surrounding second phase are separated using a magnetic field. The first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase are separated.
US08158006B2	Method for removing fluorine using a fluorine adsorbent/desorbent In order to remove fluorine from a zinc containing solution before zinc electro-refining in lower cost, fluorine is removed by adsorption from a zinc containing solution (leached solution) utilizing the character of the predetermined iron compound or zinc compound which can adsorb fluorine in an acid solution and desorb fluorine in an alkaline solution. The fluorine adsorbent/desorbent having adsorbed fluorine is treated in an alkaline solution, to desorb the fluorine. This makes it possible to regenerate the fluorine adsorbent/desorbent. Further, an electrolytic solution for zinc electro-refining can be prepared in lower cost, thus total zinc refining costs can be reduced.
US08158003B2	Precision peak matching in liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy A method that identifies common peaks among unidentified peaks in the data from different LC-MS or LC-MS/MS runs is provided. The method employs an algorithm, herein referred to as “Precision Peak Matching (PPM).” The different runs can be from different laboratories, instruments, and biological samples that result in a significant variability in the data. PPM allows estimation and control of precision, defined as the fraction of truly identical peptide pairs among all pairs retrieved, in the matching process. PPM finds the maximal number of peptide pairs at a prescribed precision, thereby allowing quantitative control over the trade off between the number of true pairs missed, and false pairs found. PPM finds common peptides from a database of LC-MS runs of heterogeneous origins, and at the specified precision. PPM fills a much-needed role in proteomics by extracting useful information from disparate LC-MS databases in a statistically rigorous and interpretable manner.
US08157999B2	Method and apparatus for the filtration of biological solutions A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.
US08157997B2	Canister filter system with drain that cooperates with filter element A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and positioned inside the canister a filter element having filter media. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter element in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. Because the drain is engaged to and forms a seal with the filter element in the closed position, the drain cannot be closed unless a filter element is present inside the canister. This prevents accidental or intentional use of the filter system without a filter element in place.
US08157996B2	Water treatment device comprising a reactor and means for injecting a reagent into the reactor mounted on mobile supporting means The invention concerns a water treatment device comprising a reactor (1) and means for injecting (2) at least one reagent into said reactor, characterized in that it comprises means for supporting said injection means mobile relative to said reactor (1) between an active position whereby the injecting means (2) are arranged inside said reactor and a retracted position whereby the injecting means (2) are brought outside said reactor.
US08157995B2	Systems for treating water using iron Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.
US08157992B2	Device and method for the cleaning of lubricant and a lubricant circuit A cleaning device for cleaning lubricating oil which circulates in a lubricating oil circuit has an intake to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit, through which a part quantity of the lubricating oil circulating in the lubricating oil circuit is to be fed to the cleaning and a return to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit for the returning of the cleaned lubricating oil into the lubricating oil circuit. The device includes a closed cleaning circuit in which the intake terminates, a feed device for the circulating a mixture of a circulating oil contained in the cleaning circuit and the lubricating oil to be cleaned fed to the cleaning circuit through the intake, and at least one cross-flow filter arranged downstream of the feed device seen in the feed direction, which is provided with at least one filter membrane past which flows the mixture of circulating oil and lubricating oil to be cleaned, wherein a part of the mixture flows through the filter membrane into a filtrate chamber connected with the return.
US08157989B2	Filter relief valve and filter cartridge assembly seal A filter includes a housing having a cavity. A media pack, which includes a filter media, is arranged within the cavity and includes a central opening extending between opposing ends of the media pack. A center tube is arranged within the central opening and extends out of the central opening beyond one of the ends to provide a first end. A relief valve is supported on the first end. The filter cartridge assembly is installed into the housing with the relief valve in sealing engagement with a tapping plate of the housing. The relief valve performs the function of a seal between the filter cartridge assembly and the tapping plate in addition to performing pressure relief functions.
US08157983B2	Composite anode for cathodic protection The galvanic cathodic protection of steel embedded in concrete structures is enhanced by the utilization of a flexible composite anode assembly containing a sacrificial anode member. The anode member is at least partially covered by a matrix comprising an ionically-conductive material. The conductive material includes at least one electrochemical activating agent such as a mixture of lithium bromide and lithium nitrate and a compressible water-retaining mineral such as a phyllosilicate mineral. The presence of this mineral in the matrix increases the current delivered by the anode, thereby resulting in a greater level of cathodic protection, and a longer effective service life of the anode. Exfoliated vermiculite is a preferred phyllosilicate mineral and is present in an amount of between about 2% and about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix.
US08157982B2	Method of extracting hexavalent chromium Hexavalent chrome is extracted from a film on a workpiece which film contains hexavalent chrome and reduced by contacting the contacting workpiece with a liquid or fine particle reducing agent.
US08157981B2	Electrolytic system and method for enhanced release and deposition of sub-surface and surface components The present electrolytic system and method for extracting components includes a means for providing a carrier fluid; a means for providing a pair of electrodes interposed by a permeable membrane to create a first channel and a second channel; a means for flowing the carrier fluid through the first and second channel; a means for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid in the first channel and a second ionized carrier fluid in the second channel; a means for injecting at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface reservoir to release the components; and a means for recovering the at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid and the components from a subsurface strata or ex-situ mineral deposit.
US08157980B2	Multi-cell dual voltage electrolysis apparatus and method of using same A method and apparatus for achieving high output efficiency from an electrolysis system (100) using a plurality of electrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank (101) is provided. Each individual electrolysis cell includes a membrane (105A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of different polarity (115A/116A). The electrolysis system also includes at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (119A/120A). In at least one embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a first type (115A/116A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a second type (117A/118A). In at least one other embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (701A/702A). The voltage applied to the electrodes is pulsed.
US08157975B2	Sprayed Si- or Si:Al-target with low iron content A sputter target for sputtering a silicon-containing film is provided. The target includes a silicon-containing sputter material layer, and a carrier for carrying the sputter material layer, wherein the sputter material layer contains less than 200 ppm iron.
US08157974B2	Magnet unit for magnetron sputtering system A magnet unit for a magnetron sputtering system includes a base plate and a plurality of magnet parts each including a first magnet and a first supporting member. The first supporting member supports the first magnet and fixes the first magnet to the base plate. The magnet parts confine a plasma.
US08157971B2	Electronic pool water treatment system An electronic water treatment apparatus includes an electronic impulse generator and control box attached to a power source. An impulse chamber includes a cylindrical anode rod inside a tubular cathode and is connected to the impulse generator and control box with a low-voltage cable which is no more than about six feet long. The impulse generator and control box supply about 16 v DC power and 120-180 milliamps to the impulse chamber at between 2300 and 5200 Hertz. The discharge frequency within the impulse chamber automatically varies with the conductivity of the aqueous solution within the impulse chamber. The impulse generator and control box supply power with a waveform that includes about a two microsecond break between each positive and negative pulse to prevent corrosion of the electrodes and create the aragonite form of calcium carbonate instead of the calcite form.
US08157970B2	Sputtering target fixture A method and apparatus for sputter deposition. The method including: providing a sputter target having a back surface and an exposed front surface; providing a source of magnetic field lines, the magnetic field lines extending through the sputter target from the back surface to the exposed front surface of the sputter target; providing one or more pole extenders between magnetic poles of the source of the magnetic field lines and the exposed front surface of the sputter target.
US08157969B2	Method and apparatus for minimizing accumulation of polymer on process equipment, especially safety devices Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method involves positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The apparatus of the present invention includes: a process vessel having at least one wall forming an interior space which includes at least one wetted region having moving liquid phase fluid therein during operation of a process in the process vessel; and equipment affixed to the wall of the process and positioned proximate to the wetted region such that, during operation of a process in the process vessel, the moving liquid phase fluid at least intermittently contacts the equipment, and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The method and apparatus of the present invention are effective for maintaining the service-readiness of the equipment, which provides for safe long-term operation of the process apparatus.
US08157967B2	Arrangement in connection with screening apparatuses An arrangement in screening apparatuses of the pulp and paper industry, including a conduit for removing reject formed in a screening process. The circulation of material is arranged between the reject removal conduit and the interior of the screening apparatus from the removal conduit into the interior of the screening apparatus via a conduit external to the screening apparatus. When such a by-pass flow is arranged for pulp via external circulation, heavy particles in the layer being diluted are allowed to be separated onto the bottom of the reject removal conduit and therethrough e.g. into a separate junk trap.
US08157954B2	Method of recovering a base paper for gypsum board There are provided a method of recovering a base paper for gypsum board for continuously and efficiently recovering a base paper for gypsum board from a waste material of gypsum board including a gypsum core and the base paper for gypsum board adhering thereto. The method of recovering a base paper for gypsum board includes steps of breaking the waste material of gypsum board, separating a gypsum component and a paper piece of the base paper for gypsum board from the broken waste material of gypsum board, and washing the separated paper piece with water using a rotary drum-type washing device so as to eliminate a gypsum component adhering to the paper piece.
US08157951B2	Capacitively coupled plasma reactor having very agile wafer temperature control A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece includes a reactor chamber, an electrostatic chuck within the chamber having a top surface for supporting a workpiece and having indentations in the top surface that form enclosed gas flow channels whenever covered by a workpiece resting on the top surface. The reactor further includes thermal control apparatus thermally coupled to the electrostatic chuck, an RF plasma bias power generator coupled to apply RF power to the electrostatic chuck, a pressurized gas supply of a thermally conductive gas, a controllable gas valve coupling the pressurized gas supply to the indentations to facilitate filling the channels with the thermally conductive gas for heat transfer between a backside of a workpiece and the electrostatic chuck at a heat transfer rate that is a function of the pressure against the backside of the workpiece of the thermally conductive gas. The reactor further includes an agile workpiece temperature control loop including (a) a temperature probe in the electrostatic chuck, and (b) a backside gas pressure controller coupled to an output of the temperature probe and responsive to a specified desired temperature, the controller governing the gas valve in response to a difference between the output of the temperature probe and the desired temperature.
US08157947B2	Method and apparatus for fabricating composite protective material The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite, foam/fabric material for use as protective material in products, and utilizes an apparatus which includes a punch press with punches arranged in rows and correspondingly aligned dies for receiving the punches therethrough. The system operates by punching a sheet of foam material into a plurality of discrete foam elements which are transferred onto a heated fabric substrate, and retained thereon by heat bonding. The apparatus consists, in one preferred embodiment, of a clamp plate which clamps a sheet of foam material onto a die plate, and after a punching sequence, the sheet of foam material, along with the sheet of fabric material, are indexed downstream, and the process repeats.
US08157945B2	Thin plate glass laminate, process for producing display device using thin plate glass laminate, and support glass substrate To provide a thin plate glass laminate of a thin plate glass substrate and a support glass substrate, which suppresses inclusion of bubbles and occurrence of convex defects due to foreign matters, from which the thin plate glass substrate and the support glass substrate are easily separated, and which is excellent in heat resistance, a process for producing a display device using such a thin plate glass laminate, and a support glass substrate for such a thin plate glass laminate.A thin plate glass laminate formed by laminating a thin plate glass substrate and a support glass substrate, wherein the thin plate glass substrate and the support glass substrate are laminated by means of a silicone resin layer having releasability and non-adhesive properties, and the silicone resin layer and the support glass substrate each has at least one hole that communicate with each other.
US08157943B2	Method for producing hemmed joint structure A method for producing a hemmed joint structure having a second member placed on a first member and an edge of the first member bent over the second member to join the two members with each other. In this method, there is provided an flange part jutting out from an edge of the first member. The flange part is disposed at a position where the flange part, when bent, does not overlap an adhesive layer between the first member and the second member. Since the adhesive layer is set apart from the flange part, even when the flange part is subjected to friction stir bonding, the resultant frictional heat will not affect the adhesive layer.
US08157940B2	Methods for making a supported graft A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft, including coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that adjacent windings include regions of polymer cladding that overlap, heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another, manipulating the stent-graft from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath, wherein the restraining sheath prevents the stent-graft from reverting to the first diameter.
US08157937B2	Method of making a fiber reinforced core panel A fiber reinforced core panel having a first side and an opposing second side. The core panel contains a series of adjacent low density strips having at least three faces and having a length to width aspect ratio of at least 5:1. The longitudinal axis of the low density strips are substantially parallel and the cross-section of each strip has a major face, a first edge face, and a second edge face. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel and the major face of each strip is disposed within an opposite face of the core panel than the major face of the adjacent strips. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips. The reinforcement sheet forms at least about sixty five percent (65%) of the surface area of the first side of the core panel and at least about sixty five percent (65%) of the surface area of the second side of the core panel.
US08157935B2	Ammonium nitrate granules This invention relates to explosive grade ammonium nitrate porous granules. The granules are produced in a fluidized bed and are formed through a combination of layering and agglomeration to produce ammonium nitrate granules are spherical in shape, smooth, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. Ammonium nitrate granules of a specific size range and density can be prepared and the size range and density of the granules can be varied, depending on the application of the granules, and this has particular advantages in preparing granules for use in ANFO explosive compositions.
US08157933B2	High-strength hot rolled steel sheet being free from peeling and excellent in surface properties and burring properties, and method for manufacturing the same This hot rolled steel contains, in terms of mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.01 to 0.1%, Mn: 0.1 to 3%, P: not more than 0.1%, S: not more than 0.03%, Al: 0.001 to 1%, N: not more than 0.01%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.08%, and Ti: 0.001 to 0.2%, with a remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein a formula: [Nb]×[C]≦4.34×10−3 is satisfied, a grain boundary density of solid solution C is not less than 1 atom/nm2 and not more than 4.5 atoms/nm2, and a grain size of cementite grains precipitated at grain boundaries within the steel sheet is not more than 1 μm.
US08157932B2	Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sc high strength alloy for aerospace and automotive castings An aluminum casting alloy, comprises, in weight percent, about 4-9% Zn; about 1-4% Mg; about 1-2.5% Cu; less than about 0.1% Si; less than about 0.12% Fe; less than about 0.5% Mn; about 0.01-0.05% B; less than about 0.15% Ti; about 0.05-0.2% Zr; about 0.1-0.5% Sc; no more than about 0.05% each miscellaneous element or impurity; no more than about 0.15% total miscellaneous elements or impurities.
US08157926B2	Permanent magnet and method of manufacturing same There is provided a method of manufacturing a permanent magnet in which Dy and/or Tb adhered to the surface of a sintered magnet containing a lubricant can be efficiently diffused and in which the permanent magnet having high magnetic properties can be manufactured at good productivity. The permanent magnet is manufactured by executing a first step of adhering at least one of Dy and Tb to at least a part of a surface of a sintered magnet made by sintering iron-boron-rare earth based alloy raw meal powder containing a lubricant; and a second step of heat-treating the sintered magnet at a predetermined temperature to thereby disperse at least one of Dy and Tb adhered to the surface of the sintered magnet into grain boundary phase of the sintered magnet. At this time, as the sintered magnet, there is used one manufactured in an average grain size within a range of 4 μm˜8 μm.
US08157917B2	Thermal conduction during alkaline extraction The present invention relates to an improved process for extracting and subsequently isolating components from biological material, in particular sugar beets.
US08157915B2	CVD reactor having a process-chamber ceiling which can be lowered The invention relates to an apparatus for the deposition of one or more layers on a substrate (4), which comprises a process chamber (2) which is arranged in a reactor housing (1) and has a heatable bottom (3) on which the substrate rests and a lid (5) extending parallel to the bottom (3) and also a gas inlet facility (6) for introduction of process gases. The distance (H) between the process chamber lid (5) and the process chamber bottom (3) can be reduced to virtually zero. A cooling apparatus (7) by means of which the process chamber lid (5) is cooled in the process position during deposition of the layers is provided above the process chamber lid (5), with the distance between the cooling apparatus (7) and the process chamber lid (5) increasing as the distance (H) between the process chamber lid (5) and the process chamber bottom (3) is reduced.
US08157913B2	Method of forming a sapphire single crystal Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.
US08157912B2	Method of converting PCA to sapphire and converted article Polycrystalline alumina (PCA) that has been doped with magnesium oxide is converted to sapphire by additionally doping the PCA with boron oxide and sintering to induce abnormal grain growth. The boron oxide may be added to an already formed green PCA ceramic shape by applying an aqueous boric acid solution to the green ceramic and heating the green ceramic in air to convert the boric acid to boron oxide.
US08157910B2	High SRI cementitious systems for colored concrete IR reflective cementitious systems comprising one or more IR reflective pigments are provided. The cementitious systems of the invention may be in the form of mixtures which increase the total solar reflectivity (TSR or albedo) and the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of concrete are provided. The cementitious systems are infrared reflective and may be toppings mixed with water for application to existing concrete surfaces, or dry-shake hardeners for application to freshly-placed plastic concrete. The formulations of the invention utilize one or more of cementitious binder(s), graded aggregates, super-plasticizers, one or more pigments selected for improving infrared reflectivity and color composition, and/or optionally other additives, such as dry redispersible polymers or fillers to provide decorative and LEED compliant, highly durable (sustainable) concrete hardscapes and other decorative concrete.
US08157909B2	Mixture of copper-containing metal effect pigments and method for the production thereof A mixture of platelet-shaped, copper-containing metallic effect pigments having a copper content of 60% to 100% by weight, based on the total metal content, with at least one further component, where the copper-containing metallic effect pigments have a thickness distribution, determined via thickness counting by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and represented as cumulative undersize distribution, a) with an h50 of 10 to 100 nm, and b) with an h90 of 20 to 150 nm, and in that the at least one further component is a cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of alkylcellulose, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkyl(hydroxyalkyl)cellulose, and mixtures thereof, and/or is at least one additive having antioxidative and/or radical-inhibiting properties. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing this mixture, and to a coating composition.
US08157905B2	Security inks containing infrared absorbing metal compounds Composition including an oleophilic base ink composition having dispersed therein particles of an infrared-absorbing material wherein the infrared-absorbing material is selected from reduced indium tin oxide, titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, molybdenum metal, copper chromate, lanthanum hexaboride, neodymium oxide, neodymium chloride, dysprosium oxide and praseodymium oxide.
US08157902B2	Non-thermal plasma particulate removal systems and methods thereof The present invention is broadly directed to non-thermal plasma-based systems for reducing the amount of particulate matter in a gas stream, as well as to methods for using such systems. The present invention is particularly directed to such non-thermal plasma-based particulate matter reduction systems with self-cleaning surfaces. Particularly contemplated are self-cleaning surfaces that reduce particulate matter buildup such as is likely to cause the reduction of non-thermal plasma production in the system, and therefore the ability of such systems to reduce the amount of particulate matter in the gas stream.
US08157901B2	Apparatus for purifying air, in particular for ventilation and air-conditioning systems An apparatus for purifying air, in particular for ventilation and air-conditioning systems, has an air filter (11), which is inserted in an air channel (10) or in a filter wall for collecting dust. A dust agglomerator (12) with a DC voltage field is connected directly upstream of the air filter (11). In conventional filters, the efficiency is increased to such an extent that the dust throughput can be approximately halved. In addition, the initial efficiency is only insignificantly reduced during the operating time.
US08157899B2	Particulate material processing apparatus and particulate material processing system A particulate material processing apparatus has a vessel and a processing tank. The vessel has a charging port for charging a particulate material into the vessel. The processing tank receives the particulate material charged from the charging port. The processing tank is shaped so as to narrow towards the bottom. At least the lower part of the processing tank is made of a gas-permeable material that allows the process gas for processing the particulate material to pass through. The upper part of the processing tank has lower gas permeability than the lower part of the processing tank.
US08157898B2	Condenser A condenser having improved condensation performance is provided. The condenser includes a plurality of cooling pipes, being disposed in a chassis to which the steam is introduced, through the interior of which cooling water used for heat exchange with steam flows; an inner channel that extends in a top-bottom direction and that is surrounded by the plurality of cooling pipes; a plurality of pipe-supporting plates disposed at a distance from one another in a direction in which the plurality of cooling pipes extend to support the plurality of cooling pipes; and a water receiving portion disposed between the plurality of pipe-supporting plates and being inclined downward from one pipe-supporting plate to the other pipe-supporting plate.
US08157888B2	Process for producing molten iron A high purity of molten iron is produced efficiently at a higher productivity, by feeding a raw material mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent, an iron oxide-containing material and a CaO-containing material onto a hearth of a moving-hearth reducing furnace, heat-reducing the raw material mixture in the reducing furnace, and melting it in a melting furnace melting, wherein a blending amount of the CaO-containing material in the raw material mixture is adjusted in such a manner that another feeding of the CaO-containing material into the melting furnace makes a basicity of a slag generated in the melting furnace 1.1 or more an feeding amount of the CaO-containing material becomes 40 kg or less per ton of the molten iron obtained in the melting furnace.
US08157886B1	Bulk synthesis of nanoporous palladium and platinum powders Disclosed is a method for providing nanoporous palladium and platinum powders. These materials were synthesized on milligram to gram scales by chemical reduction of tetrahalo-complexes with ascorbate in a concentrated aqueous surfactant at temperatures between −20° C. and 30° C. The prepared particles have diameters of approximately 50 nm, wherein each particle is perforated by pores having diameters of approximately 3 nm, as determined by electron tomography. These materials are of potential value for hydrogen and electrical charge storage applications.
US08157884B2	Method for the continuous or discontinuous extraction of a metal or several metals from a slag that contains the metal or a compound of the metal The invention concerns a method for the continuous or discontinuous extraction of a metal or several metals from a slag that contains the metal or a compound of the metal, in which the liquefied metal-containing slag is heated in a primary or secondary smelting unit (1). To provide an improved method for extracting metals, especially copper, from slags, the invention provides that the metal-containing slag is heated in a primary or secondary smelting unit (1) designed as an alternating-current electric furnace, and the molten material is then fed from the primary or secondary smelting unit (1) into a furnace (2) designed as a direct-current electric furnace, in which the metal to be extracted is subjected to an electrolytic separation, where a reducing agent in the form of calcium silicide (CaSi), calcium carbide (CaC2), ferrosilicon (FeO), aluminum (Al), and/or reducing gases is added and/or injected into the primary or secondary smelting unit (1).
US08157880B2	Filter device, especially air filter for an internal combustion engine The invention relates to a filter device (10), especially an air filter for an internal combustion engine, in which a main filter element (22) is arranged in a filter housing (12). The main filter element is flown through by a fluid to be filtered. The main filter element (22) is embodied as a multi-bellows filter having at least two radially nested filter bellows (32, 34). Between the filter bellows (32, 34) a flow space (44) for the fluid is formed communicating with an end face of the main filter element (22), wherein each one of the filter bellows (32, 34) is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the main filter element (22) there is a seal (36) between one of the filter bellows (32, 34) and the filter housing (12). The main filter element (22) is forced seal-tightly against the filter housing (12) by a lateral insert (38) insertable into a housing receptacle (66) of the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is seal-tightly forced by means of a locking device (74) against the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is sealed by means of a two-component synthetic seal (36, 96, 98) relative to the filter housing (12,104).
US08157878B2	Air distribution arrangement for a dust collector system A dust collector system including a plurality of air filters that are at least partially self-cleaning via a pulsed air system. The dust collector system presents a self-aligning, tool-free assembly for providing the pulsed air. The pulsed air system includes an air distribution assembly including an air distribution manifold having a plurality of purge pipes and a frame for supporting at least some of the purge pipes, wherein at least two or more of the purge pipes are coupled together in a generally unitary assembly; and a positioning assembly for selectively positioning and removably locking the air distribution manifold in either of a service position or an operational position.
US08157877B2	Chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion, chemical mechanical polishing method, and kit for preparing chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) abrasive grains having a pore volume of 0.14 ml/g or more, and (B) a dispersion medium.
US08157875B2	Engineered fuel feed stock Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.
US08157872B2	System and method for creating ink art A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for coloring a substantially wicking substrate comprising applying to a substantially wicking substrate an ink comprising a first dye and a second dye to define a region of reference; applying a first solvent to the substantially wicking substrate to move the first dye and the second dye within the body of the substantially wicking substrate; moving the two dyes in a defined direction to carry the two dyes outside of the defined region to color an area of the wicking substrate; coloring at least a portion of the substantially wicking substrate by allowing the first solvent to move through a portion of the first dye for a first distance from the defined point of origin of the ink and the second dye a second distance from the defined point of origin of the ink wherein the first distance is sufficiently different from the second distance to recognize a separation between the first dye and the second dye thereby coloring the substantially wicking substrate outside of the defined region on the front surface; shaping a portion of the colored wicking substrate into a form; assembling one or more such colored forms with a support into an assemblage; and affixing the form onto a support for display.
US08157871B2	Femoral HIP prosthesis and method of implantation Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprises a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur.
US08157865B2	Apparatus and method for stabilizing adjacent bone portions An apparatus and method for stabilizing first and second adjacent bone portions. The apparatus has a spacer configured to be placed between the first and second bone portions and at least one stabilizer configured to be joined: a) to each of the first bone portion and the spacer; and b) to at least one of the first bone portion and spacer by being translated relative to the at least one of the first bone portion and spacer.
US08157864B2	Vertebral replacement device A vertebral replacement device (1) includes a female part (2), a male part (3) that is mounted inside the female part (2) and can be axially displaced relative to the female part (2), first and second locking elements (14, 15) mounted so as to be movable in translation on the female part (2) in order to occupy a first position in which they cooperate with respective opposing parts (31) of a peripheral surface (6) of the male part (3) to axially lock the female and male parts (2, 3) relative to one another, and a second position in which the female and male (2, 3) parts can be freely displaced axially relative to one another, and a rotating control element (20) extending radially through the male part (3) this control element (20) cooperating with the locking elements (14, 15) so that, when a rotational movement is communicated to it, it transforms this rotational movement into a translational movement of each of the locking elements (14, 15) so as to bring the locking elements (14, 15) into either of the first and second positions.
US08157862B2	Tissue marking implant An implant for marking an area within a living body includes a matrix material and a marking material. The implant is formable to fit the shape and size of a cavity in the human body. The implant is configured to support tissue surrounding the cavity and to allow in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replace at least a portion of the matrix material.
US08157843B2	Flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.
US08157840B2	Spine distraction implant and method A method of inserting an interspinous-process implant includes using an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes an inner shaft disposed at least partially within an outer shaft. The inner shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the outer shaft and rotatably engagable with the implant. The implant is alignable with a first engagement portion on the tool, advantageously when a second engagement portion associated with the inner shaft is retracted.
US08157839B2	Systems and methods for closing a tissue opening The present invention is directed to tissue closure devices for closing a tissue opening, including one or more closure components, each closure component having a first member and a second member, each of the first and second members having a first surface that adheres to a tissue surface proximate to the tissue opening, each of the first and second members having a second surface substantially orthogonal to the first surface, and each of the first and second members having a transitional region between the first surface and the second surface which is contoured to evert an edge of the tissue opening upon the drawing together of the first and second members. The present invention is also directed to systems and kits, dressing systems, and methods for tissue repair and closure.
US08157831B2	Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic procedures with laparoscopic visualization A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layer to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creature of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision. If needed, a trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.
US08157830B2	Apparatus for applying wound treatment material using tissue-penetrating needles A surgical apparatus is provided including a disposable loading unit selectively operatively engagable within a distal end of a first half-section; and a wound treatment material applicator assembly for delivering wound treatment material to the target surgical site. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge; a plurality of deployable needles supported within the cartridge, wherein each needle includes a lumen extending therethrough and at least one hole formed in an outer periphery thereof; and an actuation member translatably disposed within the cartridge for delivering a driving force to each needle to deploy the needles from the cartridge. The applicator assembly includes a first and second reservoir supported on the distal end of a respective first and second half-section; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with each reservoir.
US08157827B2	Detectable hand switch and surgical handpiece A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece.
US08157824B2	Living tissue ligation device This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.
US08157823B2	Lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems The invention provides improved medical devices, therapeutic treatment systems, and treatment methods for treatment of the lung. A lung volume reduction system includes an implantable device having an elongate body that is sized and shaped for delivery via the airway system to a lung airway of a patient. The implant is inserted and positioned while the implant is in a delivery configuration, and is reconfigured to a deployed configuration so as to locally compress adjacent tissue of the lung, with portions of the elongate body generally moving laterally within the airway so as to laterally compress lung tissue. A plurality of such implants will often be used to treat a lung of a patient.
US08157822B2	Surgical implant and methods of use A method of treating a vaginal prolapse is provided. The method includes accessing a vaginal prolapse, inserting an implant comprising a knitted mesh into a patient, and securing the knitted mesh in place such that the implant supports the pelvic floor of the patient. The knitted mesh has a mass density of less than 20 g/m2.
US08157814B2	Appliance A spatula for depilatory use comprises a generally S-section flexible plastics body 4, a straight elastomeric fin 10 at one end, and at the other end, an elastomeric fin of “fish-tail” shape. The straight fin can remove a depilatory preparation from most areas of the skin, and the other fin is able to remove the preparation from less accessible areas. The elastomeric fins give effective hair removal while avoiding the deleterious effects of earlier scrapers.
US08157813B2	Apparatus and method for subcutaneous electrode insertion Devices and methods for electrode implantation. A first embodiment includes an electrode insertion tool adapted to tunnel through tissue and attach, at its distal end, to a lead, such that the lead may be pulled into the tunneled space as the electrode insertion tool is removed. Additional embodiments include methods for inserting electrode/lead assemblies, including a method wherein an insertion tool is first used to tunnel through tissue, then to pull an electrode/lead into the tunneled space. In a further embodiment the insertion tool is next used, with a splittable sheath disposed thereon, to create an additional path into tissue, after which the insertion tool is removed, leaving the sheath in place; a lead is inserted to the sheath, and, finally, the splittable sheath is removed over the lead.
US08157812B2	Slotted deployment device A delivery cannula for a site marker deployment device is disclosed. The delivery cannula includes a cannula having a tubular sidewall and at least one slot intersecting through the side wall. Each slot is sized to have a predetermined width so as to be configured to receive at least one filament of a site marker. When the site marker is inserted into the delivery cannula, at least a portion of the filament extends outwardly from the cannula and through the slot. A deployment system is also disclosed.
US08157810B2	Prosthesis adapted for placement under external imaging A expandable prosthesis having an imageable structure comprising one or more elements visually distinguishable by an external (e.g., radiographic or ultrasonic) imaging system, the structure being located about a first axis that corresponds to a structural feature of the prosthesis that is configured to perform a specific function particular to that axis. The imageable structure is configured to assist in the rotational orientation of the prosthesis during placement within the implantation site. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a venous valve that includes imageable elements or structure, such as a pair of radiopaque markers, that defines the orifice of the valve structure such that the orifice can be oriented with a particular anatomical feature under imaging, such as to align the orifice with the long axis of the vessel. In another embodiment, the imageable structure is configured to permit an aperture located about a stent graft to be oriented with a anatomical feature of the vessel, such as a branch vessel opening. The invention includes a method for using imageable structure to confirm that the orientation of the prosthesis within a delivery apparatus is consistent the desired delivery approach to be used.
US08157809B2	Percutaneous compression and distraction system The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. A hour glass shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. A distraction pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae they are locked in this position. A compression pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae they are locked in this position.
US08157803B1	Bone fixation using an intramedullary nail interlocked with a buttress member System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing a bone using an intramedullary nail interlocked with a buttress member disposed on the bone.
US08157799B2	Bipolar coagulation electrode The invention concerns a bipolar coagulation probe (10) having an electrode tip (14) which has an end face (16) in which a pole (17) of a first electrode (18) and a pole (19) of a second electrode (20) are integrated. In accordance with the invention the bipolar coagulation probe (10) includes a temperature control unit (26) with a temperature control medium for temperature control of the end face (16).
US08157797B2	Capsularhexis device with retractable bipolar electrodes A capsularhexis device includes a loop-shaped cutting portion formed from flexible, superelastic metal strips separated by an insulating layer, and configured so that the cutting portion may be retracted into a tubular insertion cartridge for insertion into and removal from the eye, and extended from the insertion cartridge for the capsularhexis procedure. In its extended configuration, the cutting portion forms a cutting loop such that a free end of the cutting loop is proximate a connecting end of the cutting loop, with the connecting end joined to a shaft portion. The shaft portion extends into the insertion capsule, and is used to move the cutting portion in and out of the insertion cartridge.
US08157794B2	Method and device for performing cooling-or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.
US08157792B2	Wound drainage suction relief In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a wound drainage system for draining fluid from a wound of a patient. The system includes a drain catheter. A suction means applies suction at the drain catheter such that fluid is drawn from the wound. While drawing fluid from the wound, a controller periodically increases and decreases the application of suction at the drain catheter. This allows the tissue surrounding the wound drain to relax, thus preventing obstruction of the drain catheter.
US08157788B2	Multi-site drug delivery platform A pharmaceutical composition for administration to a patient body. The composition includes a physiologically-acceptable formulation including at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, wherein said physiologically-acceptable formulation including said at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient is provided in a delivery form, said delivery form being administrable to a patient body through a plurality of administration routes, which include the oral and rectal routes.
US08157785B2	Burn patient resuscitation system A method and system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered as part of the method and/or by the system. The method in at least one embodiment includes receiving patient information, calculating an infusion rate based at least on part on a portion of the received patient information, outputting the infusion rate to an infusion pump, obtaining a urinary output, calculating a new infusion rate using infusion rate model based constants, and outputting the new infusion rate to an infusion pump. In some embodiments, the method includes notifying medical staff when problems arise, displaying information regarding the resuscitation, and setting limits regarding the infusion rates.
US08157784B2	Medical substance transfer system Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.
US08157783B2	Medical liquid container In order to provide a medical liquid container which allows for no forgetful failure to open the partition wall and can realize simple and easy sterilization of the liquid medicament bag and thereby decrease the production cost, the present invention provides a medical liquid container having a plurality of communicatably partitioned medical liquid-housing chambers and a discharge reserve chamber having formed therein a discharge port for a liquid medicament, the medical liquid container comprising liquidtightly partitioning portion for liquidtightly separating said liquid medicament-housing chambers from each other, and non-liquidtightly partitioning portion for non-liquidtightly separating between at least one of said liquid medicament-housing chambers and said discharge reserve chamber.
US08157781B2	Disposable body waste handling article A body waste handling article includes a first sheet, a second sheet and a body fluid absorbent core sandwiched between these two sheets, wherein the first sheet defines a liquid-pervious skin-contacting surface. The second sheet is rectangular and has a pair of ends and a pair of lateral edges wherein inside these ends and lateral edges, end flaps and lateral flaps are formed. The end flaps and the lateral flaps are provided with elastic members attached in a stretched state thereto so as extend along the ends and the lateral edges and to become contiguous one to another at corners of the second sheet.
US08157778B2	Absorbent article Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a first sheet leak preventer; a second sheet leak preventer present above and in a rear part of the first leak preventer; and an absorbent containing a super absorbent polymer, capable of absorbing a body fluid, and provided above the first leak preventer extending from a front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leak preventer in at least one layer. The absorbent article of the present invention can separate urine and feces efficiently in use and having high urine absorption capacity.
US08157775B2	Postoperative fluid monitoring and alert system Continuous performance monitoring and an automated alert system are provided for a postoperative fluid drainage procedure. The system uses an automated controller in communication with at least one sensor that monitors the amount of liquid collected during the procedure. The controller compares current collection data with historical collection data to identify trends that can be indicative of problems in the patient's recovery or in system drainage. Upon identifying such trends, the controller automatically provides an alarm to alert the care provider so that the system can be checked and remedial action taken.
US08157774B1	Apparatus for stem cell collection and methods thereof Apparatus and methods for collecting stem cells from an umbilical cord utilize a plurality of needles that are inserted into the umbilical cord. The needles may be fenestrated, and may have a common output to a line via which the stem cells are collected. A negative pressure source, such as a vacuum, may be used to draw the cells through the needles and the line. Apparatus for holding the umbilical cord, compressing the umbilical cord, positioning the plurality of needles in relation to the umbilical cord, guiding insertion of the needles toward and into the umbilical cord, withdrawing blood from the umbilical cord, and/or collecting blood withdrawn from the umbilical cord may be provided. One or more one-way check valves may be used to control fluid flow. Additionally or alternatively, a shunt may be used during blood collection to prevent backflow through the needles.
US08157769B2	Cartridge insertion assembly for drug delivery system A cartridge insertion assembly including apparatus with a pathway formed therein, a cartridge insertable into the pathway, the cartridge including a cartridge coupling element connectable to an activation mechanism disposed in the apparatus operative to cause a substance contained in the cartridge to be metered out of the cartridge, and a door pivoted to the apparatus that includes a door coupling element arranged with respect to the cartridge such that when the door is in a fully closed position, the door coupling element couples the cartridge coupling element with a coupling element of the activation mechanism.
US08157766B2	Torqueable kink-resistant guidewire An occlusive guidewire system having an ergonomic handheld control mechanism and torqueable kink-resistant guidewire having a distally located inflatable balloon. The present invention provides convenient structure and overall mechanism for operation of a torqueable kink-resistant guidewire, including evacuation and inflation control of an occlusive balloon, and sealing and severing of a crimpable inflation tube which is in communication with an occlusive balloon. The torqueable kink-resistant guidewire includes a centrally located shaft which imparts robustness to the torqueable kink-resistant guidewire. An inflation lumen aligns within the torqueable kink-resistant guidewire for inflation of the balloon.
US08157765B2	Medical catheter assembly including a balloon bolster A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.
US08157764B2	Patient hydration system A patient hydration system comprises a bladder, a flexible tube, a safety guard, and a mouthpiece. The bladder can be a generally rectangular-shaped pouch designed to hold liquids. The bladder can have an attachment means whereby a retention member can be used to hang the bladder. The bladder has a port that allows the attachment of the flexible tube. The tube is also connected to the safety guard and mouthpiece. The contents of the bladder flow through the tube and out of the mouthpiece on demand. A keeper clip can be added in proximity to the mouthpiece. The safety guard provides a substantial handle for grasping and maneuvering the system, ensures that the mouthpiece is not inadvertently swallowed by the patient, and protects the mouthpiece from surface contamination if the mouthpiece is placed on a table, plate, etc.
US08157763B2	Insufflating system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media to an endoscopic device The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media (such as an insufflating gas) from a distending media source to an endoscopic device so as to prevent the excess venting and/or waste of distending media. More specifically, the present invention provides for the detection of a pressure level within a lumen of an endoscopic device and adjusts a supply parameter of the distending media based at least in part on the detected pressure level, and in some cases, on the relationship between the detected pressure level and a user-defined threshold.
US08157762B2	Portable medical liquid infusion device A portable medical liquid infusion device receives an input of a medical liquid infusion rate (cc/hour), the quantity of medical liquid to be infused or the length of time for infusion, and outputs a recognition signal corresponding to the input, thereby allowing a drip interval to be easily adjusted, and which quantitatively calculates and outputs a medical liquid infusion rate on the basis of a count input which is received in accordance with a drip interval when measuring the medical liquid infusion rate. The medical liquid infusion device judges a count input having an irregular interval as an erroneous input, and renders another count input to be conducted again through automatic resetting, whereby the medical liquid infusion device can output a correct measurement result only, and also can output the length of time for infusing the remaining medical liquid when measuring the medical liquid infusion rate.
US08157760B2	Methods and systems for establishing retrograde carotid arterial blood flow Interventional procedures on the carotid arteries are performed through a transcervical access while retrograde blood flow is established from the internal carotid artery to a venous or external location. A system for use in accessing and treating a carotid artery includes an arterial access device, a shunt fluidly connected to the arterial access device, and a flow control assembly coupled to the shunt and adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. The flow control assembly includes one or more components that interact with the blood flow through the shunt.
US08157758B2	Quick priming connectors for blood circuit A connector system is provided for use in priming a fluid circuit. The system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple with one end of a conduit. The first connector has a gas permeable membrane, a main lumen extending from the gas permeable membrane, and a second lumen. The second lumen has a first end configured to couple with a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the main lumen. The second connector is configured to couple with an end of a cannula. The second connector has an end configured to be inserted through the gas permeable membrane into the first connector, whereby fluid communication can be established between the main lumen of the first connector and the cannula lumen.
US08157757B2	Special bed to self induce body traction A special bed and apparatus, having a fixed section and a movable section, supports a person lying face up, and allows self to restrain two regions of self's body, one on the fixed section and another on the movable section, and further allows the person to self induce traction force between the restrained regions.
US08157752B2	Posture assessment and feedback instrument A posture assessment and feedback instrument (FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) all contained within a single housing (1). The output of a capacitive sensor (4) within the housing (1) varies in response to the distance between the sensor and the body of a user. The housing (1) is strapped to the body of a user (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B) with a belt (2). The application area is chosen such that the distance between the sensor (4) and the body varies in response to a defined posture change (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). Thus the sensor output will vary in response to the defined posture change. The output is compared to a stored threshold value and triggers a feedback signal when the threshold is exceeded.
US08157751B2	Coil member for a medical device A coil for use in a medical device. The coil includes a plurality of coil windings or turns, wherein adjacent coil windings are connected together at a plurality of discrete connection locations to increase the torsional rigidity and torque transmitting properties of the coil without sacrificing the flexibility characteristics of the coil. In some embodiments the coil may be a wave wound coil, such as a nested wave wound coil or a crest-to-crest wave wound coil.
US08157750B2	Integrated analytical test element A lancet integrated test element (LIT) includes an incision forming member that has a cutting end configured to form an incision in tissue. A test element is attached to the incision forming member to test fluid from the incision. The test element has a sampling end with a sample opening through which the fluid is collected. The test element is bendable from a first state where the cutting end of the incision forming member is retracted from the sampling end of the test element to a second state where at least a portion of the cutting extends past the sampling end of the test element to form the incision in the tissue.
US08157749B2	Blood component measurement device and tip for blood measurement A blood component measurement device (10) has a puncturing unit (18) provided inside a housing (12) and having a puncture needle (16); a button unit (20) for advancing and retreating the puncture needle (16); a contact mechanism (68) coming into contact with the skin of a person to be measured; and a holder (14) for displaceably holding the puncturing unit (18). The blood component measurement device (10) also has an introduction section (94) at the substantially center of a contact member (70). After the skin is punctured by the puncture needle (16) provided at the substantially center of the mechanism (68), the introduction section (94) introduces blood to testing paper (100) when the contact member (70) of the contact mechanism (68) is displaced in a sliding manner along a guide member (72).
US08157747B2	Single-use indicator for a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument incorporating same A single-use indicator is provided and is particularly well suited for use with a surgical catheter device. The indicator includes an absorbent filament or wick which is placed in a transparent or translucent indicator lumen of a multi-lumen catheter. The lumen is provided with at least one side port. When the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, blood enters the indicator lumen through the side port and is absorbed by the filament, thus turning the filament red or purple in color. When the instrument is removed from the blood vessel, the stained filament is clearly visible as an indicator that the instrument has been used. Because the filament is trapped inside a lumen of a relatively long catheter, it is difficult or impossible to remove it during a remanufacturing process.
US08157744B2	Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device A biopsy device for harvesting at least one tissue sample from a human or animal body, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a hollow needle with a distal end portion adapted to be introduced into the body. A sample-receiving device with a cavity is movable in the hollow needle between a first extended and a second retracted position. A liquid supply unit comprising a flushing liquid, such as saline, is provided for ejecting the sample from the cavity, when the sample-receiving device is in the second retracted position. The liquid is conveyed form the liquid supply unit to a flushing chamber by an appropriate pump, such as a peristaltic pump.
US08157743B2	Device and method for evaluating a signal indicative of the respiration of a person A device and a method for evaluating a signal that can indicate the respiration of a person, particularly suitable for examining a patient with respect to the occurrence of sleep-related breathing disturbances. In one example, a device for evaluating a signal indicative of the temporal course of the respiration of a patient, in particular a respiratory flow signal, includes an electronic evaluation program or circuitry which is configured in such a manner that it evaluates the signal by continuously generating intermediate evaluation results for short signal periods and for longer signal periods being parallel thereto, and performs an identification of respiratory patterns in the time signal or in specific time periods on the basis of the position of the intermediate evaluation results of the short signal periods relative to the intermediate evaluation results of the longer signal periods.
US08157742B2	Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and a physics-based model relating to the anatomical structure of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to modify the three-dimensional model, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified three-dimensional model.
US08157740B2	Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) device and in-body-cavity diagnostic ultrasound system A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) device, includes: a cMUT obtained by processing a silicon substrate by using a silicon micromachining technique; and an oscillator circuit having the cMUT as a capacitor, and outputting a frequency modulation signal by modulating a frequency of an oscillation signal to be output on the basis of a change of capacitance of the cMUT.
US08157735B2	Ultrasound system and method of providing ultrasound images The present invention relates to an ultrasound system for providing ultrasound images in a duplex mode. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit for alternately transmitting a first ultrasound beam and a second ultrasound beam to a target object. The first and second ultrasound beams are transmitted for first and second time durations, respectively. The ultrasound system further comprises an image processing unit for forming a first diagnostic mode image based on echoes of the first ultrasound beam and a second diagnostic mode image containing a gap corresponding to the first time duration based on echoes of the second ultrasound beam. The image processing unit is further configured to perform gap filling based on edge points of the second diagnostic mode image to form a second diagnostic image with the gap removed.
US08157731B2	Method and apparatus for auto journaling of continuous or discrete body states utilizing physiological and/or contextual parameters Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.
US08157730B2	Physiological and environmental monitoring systems and methods Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.
US08157726B2	Endoscopic imaging system A portable hand-held endoscopy system adapted for interchangeable use with a variety of endoscopes. The system includes an endoscope having a first end and a second end, the first end having an eyepiece and the second end having a viewing end, the endoscope further having a coupler for coupling to a light source; and a battery operated unitary digital camera having an optical input, viewing screen, digital signal processor, memory with embedded software for processing data from the processor and for displaying an image on the viewing screen, and a coupler having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a connector for removably connecting to the eyepiece, and the second end is coupled to the optical input of the digital camera. The video display is rotatable and pivotable about several different axes of rotation and a pivot point spaced distally from the main camera body. An ergonomic camera housing is provided, including a bulbous gripping region and two opposing forefinger accepting regions, facilitating a trigger-like grip and use of the camera by a physician. Redundant controls for moving video and still image capture facilitate ease of use by the physician as the camera and associated endoscope are held in a variety of orientations.
US08157724B2	Female relaxation device A female relaxation device comprises an inserting portion. The inserting portion includes a clubbed heat-conducting body (11), and a water flow channel disposed in the heat-conducting body (11). The water flow channel includes an inlet (12) and an outlet (13), both of which are disposed in one end of the heat-conducting body (11). The female relaxation device also includes a water providing apparatus for providing the water flow of determined temperature to the water flow channel through connecting with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13). A female is stimulated to reach a climax by providing water flow of the determined temperature to the heat-conducting body from the water providing apparatus and adjusting the water temperature.
US08157719B1	Devices and methods to perform minimally invasive surgeries In one embodiment, there is disclosed a device adapted to be used for percutaneous minimally invasive heart surgery including a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be fed through a blood vessel, a pump associated with the distal end of the catheter, and a tool associated with the distal end of the catheter. The tool is adapted to be used for percutaneous minimally invasive heart surgery. Examples of the tools include a tool for excising natural tissue, a tool for excising a natural valve, and anthretomy device, a prosthetic valve delivery system, a balloon catheter, a knife, a stapler, and a screwdriver. The pump is used for maintaining blood flow around the site of the heart surgery while the surgery is taking place without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
US08157716B2	Centrifugal separator for recovery of kinetic energy from a discharged liquid The centrifugal separator comprises a rotatable bowl having a separation chamber defined by a base. The base comprises a first outlet opening defined by a weir at a first level. An outlet chamber communicates with the separation chamber through a first outlet opening. The outlet chamber is connected with an outlet opening, which opens at a second level below the first level into an exterior of the bowl. The outlet chamber outlet opening is provided with an outlet nozzle with an outlet direction opposite the direction of rotation, and an overflow inlet opening is present in the outlet chamber, and is placed at a third level between the first and the second level. The overflow inlet opening communicates with an overflow outlet opening, that opens into the exterior of the bowl.
US08157712B1	Resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus A resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus is provided. The resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus includes: an elongate resilient member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate resilient member includes an elastic material with a first enlargement at the proximal end, a second enlargement at the distal end, and one or more spaced-apart third enlargements along the length of the elongate resilient member, wherein the first enlargement is grasped by a first foot of a human user or by one or more floor or wall mounted sockets. A method of resistance exercise and a kit including the resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus are also provided.
US08157708B2	Sensing applications for exercise machines Sensing applications for exercise machines are described. An example sensing application for profiling a workout session of an exercise machine comprises a user interface to input physical characteristics or workout parameters. A sensor is operatively coupled to the exercise machine to generate an output signal in proportion to a magnitude of a force imparted on the exercise machine in response to an impact to the exercise machine. A control system processes the output signal to determine a magnitude of a peak or trough value of the output signal, where the control system is to process the peak or trough value of the output signal to profile the exercise session.
US08157707B2	Method and device enabling an athlete to determine and then control the rate of displacement of a mass Method enabling an athlete (3) performing a muscular training exercise to determine a setpoint for the rate of displacement of the displaced mass (2), comprising the following steps: 1) determining at least one initial setpoint rate at which said mass has to be displaced; 2) during the athlete's training exercise, measuring a series of acceleration values (a(n)) using a portable accelerometer (30) according to the displacements of said mass; and 3) depending on said series of acceleration values, having said portable accelerometer calculate at least one modified setpoint rate.
US08157704B2	Method for controlling the drivetrain of a motor vehicle and control unit for performing the method A method controls a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with at least two discrete transmission stages, and a clutch which is controlled automatically. The method is characterized in that when there is a transmission output speed at which the transmission input speed in an n-th transmission stage would be above a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and a transmission input speed in an (n+1)-th transmission stage would be below the minimum rotational speed, the drivetrain is operated in the (n+1)-th transmission stage with a slipping clutch and a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine which is above the minimum rotational speed. A control unit is configured to carry out such a method.
US08157702B2	Control apparatus for automatic transmission A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a hydraulic pressure control means for controlling supply of hydraulic pressure to a first friction engagement element and a second friction engagement element and discharge of hydraulic pressure from the first friction engagement element and the second friction engagement, and a discharge rate changeover control means for increasing a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element in a case where when shifting from one of operating ranges to the other thereof is selected, changeover to the other operating range is carried out before completing release of the first friction engagement element, so as to become larger than a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element before the changeover to the other operating range is carried out.
US08157701B2	Lightweight gearing A high ratio epicyclic gear assembly comprising two high torque planetary trains through which power flows via two parallel paths in one or other of which is an intermediate star train (7) with a low torque differential train or gear which transmits the combined power in such a way that the high torque planetary trains share the total torque in a predetermined ratio.
US08157698B2	Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08157697B2	Ten-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08157696B2	Multi-speed transaxle for a front wheel drive vehicle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US08157694B2	Outboard motor In an outboard motor having a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of an engine to a propeller, the power transmission mechanism has a transmission ratio changing unit having a planetary gear train including a sun gear, planetary gears, and an internal gear. The internal gear is connected to an input side shaft on the engine side. The planetary gears are connected to an output side shaft on the propeller side. The sun gear is connected to a stationary portion via a one-way clutch. The planetary gears and the internal gear and/or the sun gear are connected by an on-off clutch. When the on-off clutch is disengaged, the one-way clutch is engaged and the speed from the input side shaft is outputted from the output side shaft with a reduced speed. When the on-off clutch is engaged, the speed from the input side shaft is outputted from the output side shaft with the same speed.
US08157688B2	Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US08157687B2	Transmission system A sun gear of a first planetary gear train is connected to an input shaft. A carrier 9 of the first planetary gear train is connected to a sun gear of a second planetary gear train and to a first pump/motor. A ring gear of the first planetary gear train is connected to a second pump/motor, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear train is connected to an output shaft. A first clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the second planetary gear train and the ring gear of the first planetary gear train with and from each other, and a second clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the carrier of the second planetary gear train and a fixed end with and from each other.
US08157681B2	Control device and control method for continuously variable transmission When a speed ratio (ip) at a stopping time of the vehicle cannot be stored, an operating position of a step motor (27) is initialized to a home position such that a primary pulley pressure (Ppri) is completely drained, a secondary pulley pressure (Psec) is increased to a predetermined pressure (P1), and a pulley ratio (the speed ratio (ip)) between a non-rotating primary pulley (2) and a non-rotating secondary pulley (3) is set at a lowest speed ratio. As a result, the primary pulley pressure (Ppri) is supplied reliably, and the startability of the vehicle improves.
US08157680B2	Molded archery arrow for an archery bow with a metal barrel A novel molded archery arrow (100) includes a cylindrical steel shaft (101) with sharpened tip, a plastic ferrule (102) molded over the shaft (101), and cutting blades (103) serving as fletchings. The shaft (101) has a front end with a sharpened tip and a rear end with a stem, the stem having a smaller diameter than the front end of the shaft. The front end of shaft (101) includes indented rings (116) and the stem includes protruding rings (117) that affix shaft (101) to plastic ferrule (102) during the molding process. Since the ferrule (102) of arrow (100) is plastic, arrow (100) slides with little or no friction when launched from metal barrel (206) of a crossbow (200). In the molding process for arrow (100), an open space (115) is created by a tapered pin inserted into an arrow mold opposite the rear end of the stem of shaft (101). The tapered pin engages an indented portion of the stem and holds the shaft (101) in position in the mold while plastic material in liquid form (liquefied at high temperature) is pumped into the mold to form arrow (100). The mold also includes slots for positioning blades (103) so that holes (106) in blades (103) are inside the mold. Hot plastic is pumped into the mold through the tapered pin, coats the front end and stem of shaft (101) to create the ferrule (102) and extends through holes (106) in blades (103) to hold them in place.
US08157676B2	Goalie training device A device for training hockey goaltenders including a base having an ice engaging surface to reduce sliding on the ice, a plurality of side panels arranged around a perimeter of the base and secured directly or indirectly to the base, each side panel having an outer surface adapted to deflect a hockey puck directed at it, and wherein a first side panel outer surface is made of a material that is different from a second side panel outer surface.
US08157675B2	Golf ball with negative hardness gradient core A golf ball comprising a single layer core and a cover layer disposed about the single layer core, the single layer core being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the single layer core further comprising an inner core region disposed about the geometric center, an outer core region adjacent the outer surface, and an intermediate core region disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extending radially from about 8 mm to about 18 mm from the geometric center. The single layer core has first, second and third hardnesses disposed within the inner core region, outer core region, intermediate core region, respectively, wherein the third hardness is greater than the first hardness and the second hardness, and a hardness of the outer surface is substantially the same as or lower than a hardness of the geometric center.
US08157674B2	Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient inner core layer A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol such that the geometric center has a hardness of 50 to 60 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 85 to 95 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C, an inner surface having a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the inner core outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 20 Shore C, and the hardness of the outer core outer surface is lower than the hardness of its inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −5 Shore C.
US08157668B2	Golf club head An iron-type golf club head is disclosed including a main body including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. The main body has a recessed region including a relief region in the front portion. A replaceable striking plate is inserted into the recessed region and the relief region. The replaceable striking plate includes a front surface, a first rear surface region and a second rear surface region. A threaded opening is located on the rear surface of the replaceable striking plate and receives a fastener to retain the replaceable striking plate on the front portion of the main body and within the recessed region and relief region.
US08157667B2	Golf swing training aid The golf swing training aid for simulating the feeling of creating a divot during a practice golf swing includes a flexible mat including an upper surface and a leading edge. A flexible ball support member is spaced from the leading edge for temporarily supporting a golf ball therebetween. The support member resiliently flexes away from the leading edge as the golf ball is struck by a golf club permitting the golf club to travel below the upper surface immediately beyond the leading edge and provide a divot feedback to a golfer. The upper surface or the ball support member comprises resiliently flexible plastic and can also include a ball alignment feature. The flexible mat includes an upper pad overlying a turf layer disposed above a resiliently flexible base layer. The flexible mat comprises a U-shaped recess where the ball support member is disposed within.
US08157663B1	Head alignment trainer A sports head alignment trainer comprised of a pair telescoping tubes mounted to a bridge or frame provided at its opposite ends with hinge elements to which are connected a pair of temple bars or arms. The telescoping tubes are two identical hollow adjustable multi-scopes each comprised of an inner scope and outer scope that can be selectively retracted or extended. The arms are configured to be placed on the user's head and maintain position by wrapping around a person's ears, like ordinary glasses. The telescoping tubes selectively limit the wearer's field of view thereby preventing the wearer from focusing on a target unless proper head alignment is maintained.
US08157662B1	Billiards systems An L-shaped billiard table system comprising a pocket-specific ball return feature.
US08157659B2	Telescopic shaft and vehicle steering apparatus A telescopic shaft (5) has an inner shaft (12) and a tubular outer shaft (13) that are fitted to each other so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction (X1) and to be able to transmit torque between each other. A row of a plurality of rolling bodies (14) is interposed between corresponding axial grooves (15, 16) of the inner shaft (12) and the outer shaft (13). A retaining member (17) moving together with the rolling bodies (14) while retaining the rolling bodies (14) has a facing portion (33) facing an end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12). As the telescopic shaft (5) telescopes in and out, the facing portion (33) comes into contact with the end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12), and this limits the movement of the rolling bodies (14) in the axial direction (X1).
US08157645B1	System and method for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.
US08157643B1	Digital gaming chip counter A gaming chip counter, for use counting a plurality of gaming chips, each gaming chip have a known predetermined weight. The gaming chip counter has a housing having a top surface, a front, rear, and sides, with digital total displays thereupon. A plurality of counting elements are located on the top surface arranged in counting zones. For each counting zone, a denomination setting system allows the user to establish a currently set denomination. When chips are stacked upon the counting elements in each counting zone, a zone value is determined by weighing the gaming chips thereupon. A total chip value is determined by summation of the zone values, and displayed on the total displays in real time.
US08157642B2	Methods and apparatus for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wagering environment Disclosed are data processing apparatus, systems, and methods, implemented over a gaming network for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wager-based gaming environment. A monitoring engine is coupled to receive an identification of a promotional offer associated with a customer relationship management program in the wager-based gaming network as having an unredeemed status. A determining engine is coupled to determine that the promotional offer having the unredeemed status has one or more attributes satisfying one or more parameters to designate the promotional offer for an auction. Such designation is independent of real-time wager-based game play in the gaming network. An auction control engine is coupled to provide the designated promotional offer as an item to be auctioned in the wager-based gaming network. An auction resolution engine is coupled to generate a report including data indicating results of the auction. The report can be output to provide the auction results data as a part of customer relationship management data maintained by the customer relationship management program in the wager-based gaming network.
US08157637B2	Apparatus and method for mapping multiple bingo game results to a common display Apparatus and methods are described for presenting multiple bingo game results on a common display. A bingo game player may participate in a number of bingo games and obtain results for each of those games. These bingo game results are combined to amount to a cumulative result, and a common graphic display is produced that is representative of the cumulative result. The common graphic display is then shown to the player on the display device of a particular electronic player station.
US08157635B2	Method and apparatus for providing player incentives A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. One aspect relates to accumulating outcomes. Another relates to incentives provided to player program member(s). In some embodiments, the person does not need to be qualified. In one embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location, in another at a redemption location. In one embodiment, a player is required to take an action in order to redeem an outcome. In some embodiments, game play and/or redemption and/or any action must occur in a specified time, respectively. In one embodiment the electronic game is not located at a gambling location, in another it is not located at a redemption location. According to another aspect, redemption systems and methods are provided for facilitating determination and validation of bonus awards by a bonus game operator. According to one embodiment, processing of redemption occurs at a gambling location using equipment connected to a bonus game operator, that retrieves awards corresponding to player entries.
US08157627B2	Air conditioning system for the passenger compartment of a vehicle An air conditioning system for a passenger compartment of a road vehicle; the air conditioning system has an elongated upper air inlet, which comes out through a top surface of a dashboard of the passenger compartment, close to a windscreen, extends substantially along the whole of the top surface of the dashboard, and is directed towards the passenger compartment to direct airflow tangent to the top surface of the dashboard and over the top surface.
US08157625B2	Method and apparatus for collecting meat from an animal part A method and device are disclosed for mechanically collecting meat from animal parts having an elongated bone extending through a sleeve of meat. The device includes a deboning unit adapted to be associated with a supporting tray for supporting one of the animal parts, a stripper diaphragm on one end of the supporting tray, when associated with the deboning unit, and a movable bone pusher rod and a movable tubular knife on an opposite end of the supporting tray, when associated with the deboning unit. The bone pusher rod and the tubular knife are arranged concentrically about one another. A mechanism is provided for advancing and retracting the bone pusher rod and the tubular knife between first positions, allowing loading of the animal part, and second positions, in which the meat is collected against the stripper diaphragm and the bone is pushed partly through the diaphragm. The mechanism for advancing and retracting is adapted to move the bone pusher rod over one distance and the tubular knife over another distance smaller than the one distance, so as not to extend through the diaphragm. A rotating mechanism can rotate the tubular knife upon engagement with the meat and a cutting anvil for severing the meat from a trailing one of opposite ends of the elongated bone. An engaging member for engaging the bone portion partly protruding through the diaphragm pulls the bone completely through the diaphragm.
US08157623B2	Apparatus for handling of sausage casings A sausage casing gripping apparatus for use with gathered concertinaed sausage casings and a sausage filling machine. The apparatus includes two gripping elements which are movable relative to each other and which grip the concertinaed sausage casing by a reduction in the intermediate space between the gripping elements and which release the concertinaed sausage casing by an expansion of the intermediate space. The apparatus further includes a drive device for moving at least one of the gripping elements, and at least one lever element for coupling the drive device to at least one gripping element where the gripping element is mounted movably on the lever element.
US08157622B2	Composite support structure for use in sanding and sanders formed therefrom A composite support structure for use in sanding and sander includes a rigid plate having a front surface which includes a wall defining a contained surface and a back surface for connection to a handle and a polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface of the polyfoam is reaction bonded to the front surface of the rigid plate such that the back surface of the polyfoam layer forms within the contained surface and about the wall in a complementary manner thereto and the front surface of the polyfoam layer extends outward from the front surface of the rigid plate and is formed to have a relatively planar surface thereby rendering the composite support structure for removably connecting sandpaper to the back surface of the polyfoam layer.
US08157620B2	System and method for cleaning stator slots A system and method for cleaning receiver slots with hook-fits for stator blade ring segments. A first cleaning tool with an abrasive coating and sideward projection in the shape of the hook is slid through the slot using the hook-fit as a guide. A second cleaning tool with an abrasive coating and a formed/machined hook-fit used as a guide while cleaning the receiver slots as it is pushed through the receiver slots. The tools remove trash, oil rust/oxidation, and other foreign materials from receiving slot. Both tools may attach to a metal rod with two knuckles as part of the handle that connects to and uses the hook-fit as a guide enabling the operator to reach deep into the radius of the compressor case receiver slots and hook-fits located adjacent to and beneath the rotor and rotor blades so that the hook-fit and receiver slot can be thoroughly cleaned.
US08157612B2	System to direct movement of a dancing figure The present invention provides for an interactive figure with several pivot regions in the ankles, knees and hips. Two drive mechanisms are housed within a base to drive movement of the lower portion of the figure while an additional drive mechanism is included within the torso of the doll to drive movement of the arms and head. Additionally, gear mechanisms are included within the base and the figure to transfer movement from the drive mechanisms to the figure along with various electronics. In response to a user's input or a preprogrammed play routine, the figure will respond with various movement and audio content.
US08157610B1	Location-sensitive toy and method therefor A small stuffed animal (10) is worn on the wrist of a user (14) and is held on via long arms featuring hook and loop fasteners. When the user wishes to activate the toy, the user places the animal's mouth close to the user's ear. A sensor (50) detects this action, and triggers one of many entertaining audio messages stored in the toy, thus creating the sensation of the animal whispering in the user's ear. In addition, the toy has a sensor (30) that can detect the presence of nearby location transmitters. This allows the toy to appropriately choose the audio messages to match the current location. Also, rather than waiting for the user to randomly discover the location driven messages, the toy alerts the user that it has an interesting message waiting.
US08157608B1	One-piece polyhedral construction modules One piece, injection-moldable, functionally polyhedral construction modules. The construction modules are thin-walled, cored out versions of a polyhedron. Each construction module comprises one polyhedron wall portion that is interiorly tangent to each face of at least one set of identical faces of a superimposed polyhedron template. Each polyhedron wall portion forms a complex with its tangent face of its superimposed polyhedron template that is the mirror image of at least half of such complexes. Each polyhedron wall portion is visible in both directions along a predetermined axis. Each polyhedron wall portion comprises an asymmetric aligning means that may include one or more snap-fit connectors. Every polyhedron wall portion is part of a single piece of material. Accordingly, these construction modules may be injection molded as single pieces of material, and, when they are aligned face-to-face, they exhibit the constructive properties of their polyhedron templates.
US08157607B2	Throwing disc A throwing disc includes an elliptical, continuous, flexible frame which changes shape during flight. The flexible frame defines a central opening through the thickness thereof. The flexible frame has an arched shape with a height that changes during flight and which defines a three dimensional cavity situated at the bottom side of the frame to provide lift to the throwing disc during flight.
US08157606B2	Fabricating method of electron-emitting device A fabricating method of an electron-emitting device is provided. The fabricating method of the electron-emitting device includes at least following procedures. Firstly, a substrate is provided. Next, a first electrode and a second electrode are formed on the substrate. Afterward, a conductive layer covering the first electrode and the second electrode is formed on the substrate. Then, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a gap are formed by patterning the conductive layer. The gap is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. After that, a plasma process is performed at the first conductive layer and second conductive layer.
US08157604B2	Electrical linear motor for propulsion of marine vessel An electrical linear motor for propelling a marine vessel through a liquid medium, comprises a housing secured to the marine vessel and submerged in the liquid medium, an insert within the housing and having at least two electrical coil windings disposed on internal walls of the insert; a thruster subassembly moves between the internal walls of the insert, the thruster subassembly having a front cover, an internal channel with check valve and at least two sets of permanent magnets attached to the thruster subassembly and maintained in sufficiently close proximity to the electrical coil windings so that an electromagnetic field created by a controlled energizing of the electrical coil windings interacts with a magnetic field from the permanent magnets to provide a resulting linear force, which causes a reciprocating linear motion of the thruster subassembly, wherein the check valve is in an open position during a back stroke of the thruster subassembly so that the liquid medium flows freely through the thruster subassembly internal channel and wherein the check valve is closed during a working stroke of the thruster subassembly so that the front cover of the thruster subassembly displaces the liquid medium, thereby propelling the marine vessel through the liquid medium.
US08157592B2	Connector for transferring high frequency signals A connector includes a first connector member configured to arrange a plurality of plane first boards with gaps in a thickness direction of the first boards, the first board including a conductive layer and an insulation layer, the insulation layer having a surface where a first signal pattern is formed; and a second connector member configured to arrange a plurality of plane second boards with gaps in a thickness direction of the second boards, the second board including a conductive layer and an insulation layer, the insulation layer having a surface where a second signal pattern is formed.
US08157591B2	Electrical connector system An electrical connector system may include a center housing that defines a plurality of first electrical contact channels on a first side face of the center housing and a plurality of second electrical contact channels on a second side face of the center housing. A first array of electrical contacts is positioned substantially within the plurality of first electrical contact channels on the first side face of the center housing. A second array of electrical contacts is positioned substantially within the plurality of second electrical contact channels on the second side face of the center housing. The first array of electrical contacts is paired with a third array of electrical contacts to form a first plurality of differential pairs of electrical contacts. The second array of electrical contacts is paired with a fourth array of electrical contacts to form a second plurality of differential pairs of electrical contacts.
US08157590B2	Jack side connector and connector set having the jack side connector A jack side connector configured to be connected to a plug side connector, the plug side connector including a plug side signal contact and a plug side ground contact extending from a holding part, the jack side connector includes a jack side signal contact and a jack side ground contact configured to come in contact with the plug side signal contact and the plug side ground contact, respectively, so that electric conduction between the plug side connector and the jack side connector is made when the plug side connector is connected to the jack side connector, wherein the jack side ground contact includes a first contact part and a second contact part, and when the plug side connector is connected to the jack side connector, the electric conduction between the plug side connector and the jack side connector is made by the first contact part and the second contact part.
US08157589B2	Connector having a conductively coated member and method of use thereof A connector having a conductively coated member is provided, wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein the conductively coated member, such as an O-ring, physically seals the connector, electrically couples the connector and the coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08157587B2	Connector stabilizing coupling body assembly A stabilizing coupling body assembly for a coaxial connector is provided with a coupling body dimensioned to couple at a connector end of the coupling body with a cable end of the connector. A jacket grip of rigid material is retained between the coupling body and a stabilizing body coupled to a cable end of the coupling body. An outer diameter of the jacket grip abuts an annular wedge surface of the stabilizing body. The wedge surface is provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate a connector end of the jacket grip and a minimum diameter proximate a cable end of the annular wedge surface. The jacket grip is driven radially inward as the stabilizing body is advanced axially towards the coupling body. Methods of manufacture include forming elements of the coupling body assembly via injection molding.
US08157586B2	Connector hat with extended mounting posts for securing a connector shell to a circuit board Concepts and technologies described herein provide for securing a connector shell to a circuit board using a separate connector hat with elongated mounting posts. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a connector hat includes a one-piece body with a top surface and a pair of mounting posts. The mounting posts extend downwards from opposing side edges of the top surface. The posts are of sufficient length to extend beyond a bottom surface of a connector shell to which the connector hat is configured to attach, and through a bottom surface of an associated circuit board. The two-piece connector assembly design utilizing the connector hat with mounting posts allows the mounting posts to be manufactured at any desirable length to facilitate installation of the connector assembly to a circuit board.
US08157585B2	Electrical device An electrical device includes a connector, a circuit board and a connector-securing structure. The connector includes a body and a fixing pin extending from the body for fixing the connector on the circuit board. The circuit board defines a gap corresponding to an outer profile of the connector for receiving the connector. The connector-securing structure is provided for securing the connector in the gap of the circuit board. The connector-securing structure includes a holding portion and a holding slot. The holding portion is perpendicular to and extends from the fixing pin. The holding slot is defined through the circuit board in a position corresponding to the holding portion. The holding slot is engaged with the gap of the circuit board for receiving and holding the holding portion.
US08157582B2	Telecommunications patch panel A patch panel for telecommunications connectors includes a patch panel frame having a front face, the front face having a series of openings therein for receiving telecommunications plugs; the patch panel frame including a tray extending rearward from a bottom portion of the front face; and a plurality of multiport bezels mounted to the patch panel frame, each multiport bezel having a plurality of cavities, each cavity aligned with one of the openings in the front face.
US08157581B2	Thermal management method and device for powerline communications A plug in power line module apparatus, e.g., removable to be for plug and play. The apparatus has a removable housing member, which has an outer region and an inner region. In a preferred embodiment, the housing member has a width, a length, and a depth. The apparatus has a first prong and a second prong extending from the removable housing member. The first prong and the second prong are adapted to couple into a power line outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the first prong and the second prong can be physically inserted into one or more different power outlets, e.g., U.S. standard, China standard, European standard, Japan standard. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a communication port coupled to the first prong and the second prong, the communication port. In a preferred embodiment, the communication port is for an Ethernet (i.e., CAT 5) connector, VoIP connector, or other communication devices. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a spatial volume provided by the width, length, and depth of the housing member.
US08157572B2	Modular interconnect apparatus The present application provides a modular interconnect apparatus. In one embodiment, the interconnect apparatus includes a frame; and a plurality of coaxial modules connected to the frame, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial modules comprises: a signal contact having a middle portion, a first end and a second end; a first ring shaped ground contact surrounding the first end of the signal contact, wherein the first end of the signal contact is coaxial with the first ring shaped ground contact; a second ring shaped ground contact surrounding the second end of the signal contact, wherein the second end of the signal contact is coaxial with the second ring shaped ground contact; and a housing that houses at least a portion of signal contact and ground contacts.
US08157571B2	High-frequency module having a coaxial connector with its center conductor contacting a print wiring at only one point A high-frequency module includes: a shield cover of the high-frequency module; a coaxial connector which is fixed to an outer side surface of the shield cover; a center conductor of the coaxial connector which protrudes to the inside of a region of the high-frequency module; and a metal plate terminal which is mounted on a print wiring formed on a substrate. The shield cover is fixed to the substrate so as to cover the upper portion thereof, while the center conductor of the coaxial connector is fitted to the metal plate terminal so as to allow input and output of a high-frequency signal.
US08157570B2	Power connection socket unit sewed on fabric This invention relates to a power connection socket unit sewed on fabric, which is mainly sewed onto clothing or fabric object in need of connecting to power source. The socket unit has a holder for wrapping over the power connection socket and a combination sheet extending outwardly from the periphery of the holder for sewing together with the fabric, and a power cord of the socket extends out from the back of the combination sheet. In this way, when fabric or clothing is combined with electrical parts such as electric heating piece, power supply function is achieved by means of the power connection socket unit sewed on fabric or clothing. Further, the power cord is not exposed to outside so as to obtain good looking effect.
US08157568B2	Ophthalmologic model An ophthalmologic ball model having a set of ocular parts of a human anatomy comprises of molded components of a ductile resin such as soft silicone, polyurethane resin, fluorine resin, synthetic rubber, natural rubber or a combination of these resins; said parts are transparent or are colored and are patterned; said parts are in a solid form or a sheet form which can be attachable or removable; and such a structure is adopted as a model as to be transformed by pressure.
US08157567B2	Endoscope simulation apparatus and system and method using the same to perform simulation An endoscope simulation apparatus aims to offer improved simulation, a simpler structure and can be fabricated at lower costs. The endoscope simulation apparatus comprises a bracing rack, a spheroid and a controlling bar. The spheroid is held in the bracing rack and turnable freely. The controlling bar is slidable relative to the spheroid in a passage running through the center of the spheroid to control rotation of the spheroid. The bracing rack has an inner side spaced from the spheroid to hold at least two direction sensors. The controlling bar has a depth sensor. The controlling bar is a simulated endoscope and also is insertable and retractable. The invention can be turned at a greater angle and provide improved simulation through the turnable spheroid. Through the direction sensors and depth sensor that are linked to a computer, the turning angle and insertion depth of the simulated endoscope can be measured.
US08157565B2	Military training device According to one embodiment, a military training device includes a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device configured in a piece of apparel. The multiple integrated laser engagement system device includes a light transducing element coupled to an electrical circuit. The light transducing element transmits or receives multiple integrated laser engagement system compliant signals. The light transducing element is attached to an outer surface of the apparel and oriented so that a radiation pattern of the multiple integrated laser engagement system compliant signals is generated outwardly from the apparel during use.
US08157560B2	Heater A heater including a heat dump opening and a heat dump cover moveable between an open and a closed position to selectively block flow of fluid through the heat dump opening. The heat dump opening is formed in the top of the housing, and the heat dump cover is biased toward the open position. The cover moves to an open position in response to a sensed preselected limit temperature to vent excessively heated air to ambient to prevent damage to the heater and a duct system and a building to which the heater may be connected. Air escaping the heater via the heat dump opening may cause replacement air to be drawn into the heater to cool the heater, including electrical components of the heater located near an inlet and an outlet of the heater.
US08157558B2	Apparatus and method for forming a clay slab An apparatus and method for forming a clay slab includes a frame, a front panel supported on the frame and a rear panel supported on the frame. An outer cable is attached to the rear panel at one end and to the rear panel and to the front panel at another end. A rotatable drive axle is configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw a block of prepared clay into a gap defined by the front panel and the rear panel. The drive axle is further configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable in the opposite direction and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to remove the clay slab from the slab roller.
US08157555B2	Extrusion feed device for composite resin and composite resin mass An extrusion feed device for a composite resin capable of forming a composite resin extruded material having a variety of layer configurations not necessarily symmetrical. A plurality of cylindrical flow passages (3) and (4) for feeding a molten resin, an opening/closing valve (7) capable of opening/closing a center flow passage (36) and a cylindrical flow passage (4a), and a center opening/closing valve (39) capable of opening/closing the center flow passage are provided at the upstream side end part (2a) of a discharge passage (2) for delivering the composite resin extruded material. A main resin (30a) forming an outside layer is always fed from the cylindrical flow passage (3), and the other molten resin (30b) and/or (30c) as an auxiliary resin is fed, at a proper timing, from the cylindrical flow passage (4) and the center flow passage (36) on the inside into the molten resin (30a) on the outside by controlling the opening/closing valve (7) or the center opening/closing valve (39). Thus, the composite resin mass in a variety of forms can be provided by involving, for example, multiple types of resins in the main resin layer in the state of being not involved in each other.
US08157553B2	Scroll compressor having a shifted gravity center In a scroll compressor, a center of a turning scroll body is shifted with respect to a drive central axis so that a distance between a gravity center and the drive central axis in a turning scroll becomes smaller than a predetermined allowable value set based on theoretical displacement and mass of the turning scroll. A moment force about the drive central axis acting on the turning scroll is reduced during revolving, and an alternating force acting on an autorotation preventing pin in the turning scroll is reduced to an allowable level.
US08157552B2	Rotary fluid pressure device and improved parking lock assembly therefor A rotary fluid pressure device (11) includes an end cap (23) which is disposed rearwardly of, and adjacent, the fluid displacement mechanism (21). The end cap defines a piston cavity (103) in which is disposed a lock piston (105), which is moveable between a first position and a second position, in which the forward portion (107) of the lock piston extends within a central opening (121) of a rotor member (49) to prevent movement. A release piston (137) is disposed in a central opening (125) of one of the housing member (13) and stationary valve member (63). A brake pin (141) is disposed in a bore (139) of a drive shaft (57), with a first axial end of the brake pin being operably associated with release piston and a second axial end being operably associated with the lock piston.
US08157550B2	Scroll compressor having spiral bodies with seal projections In a scroll compressor, a fixed scroll (3) and a movable scroll (5) each having a spiral body are engaged with each other, grooves (13, 14) extending along the spiral shape of the spiral body are formed on the forward end surface of the spiral body of at least either one of the fixed scroll and movable scroll, and tip seals (11, 12) are disposed in the grooves so as to project from the forward end surface and be slidable on the bottom plate surface of the other scroll facing the forward end surface. The tip seals have large projection parts (17, 18) with a larger amount of projection from the forward end surface and small projection parts (19, 20) with a smaller amount of projection from the forward end surface, and the large projection parts and small projection parts are arranged alternately in the direction along the spiral shape of the spiral body. The scroll compressor does not produce an excessive load at the end of the wall of the scroll while achieving the same sealability as in the case of conventional structures, i.e., the efficiency of the compressor can be improved.
US08157547B2	Peristaltic pump with flow control A pump for circulating a medium comprising an elastically deformable hose against a pressing surface, and a medium inlet and a medium outlet; pressing elements that move along the hose and press the hose against a pressing surface thereby closing the hose. The pressing surface comprises an infeed part having a distance from the pressing elements that decreases from a first value when the hose is open to a second value when the hose is closed; an intermediate part having a constant distance from the pressing elements equal to the second value; and an outfeed part connected to the medium outlet. The length of the outfeed part and/or the infeed part is greater than the distance between the pressing elements as measured along the pressing surface.
US08157542B2	Brushless motor fuel pump with control electronics arrangement The invention relates to a fuel conveying device for conveying fuel towards an internal combustion engine. The fuel conveying device comprises a housing and a head connected to the housing. Further, a fuel pump is provided, having an electronically commutated brushless motor. The control electronics for the electronically commutated brushless motor of the fuel pump are carried by or arranged within and/or on the head or housing.
US08157539B2	Artificial heart pump By inserting a protruding portion (8b), which is installed to a center position of a rear end surface (8x) of a fixed body (8), into a hole (4a), which is provided to a center position of an end surface (4x) on a side of a fixed body (8) of a fixed shaft (4) that is connected to a fixed body (3), the fixed bodies (3) and (8) and the fixed shaft (4) are connected. As a result, a sleeve (5) can be removed only by dismantling the fixed body (3).
US08157535B2	Electrical air pump assembly and inflatable product having the same An inflatable product includes an inflatable body having an exterior wall defining at least one air chamber therein, at least one electrical air pump unit, an electrical switch connected electrically to the electrical air pump unit, and at least one controller. The controller is operable manually to activate the electrical air pump unit so as to perform a selected one of inflation, full deflation, and partial deflation of the air chamber in the inflatable body.
US08157532B2	Wind turbine blade with anti-noise devices A wind turbine comprising at least a blade (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (13), a trailing edge (15) and suction and pressure sides between the leading edge (13) and the trailing edge (15) that includes an anti-noise device (31) placed on the suction side formed by elements (33) that modify the frequency spectra of the boundary layer noise. Preferably the anti-noise device (31) is placed on the suction side between two sections corresponding to chord positions in the range of 40%-95% of the chord length, measured from the leading edge (13).
US08157521B2	Wind turbine generator and method of controlling the same There is provided a wind turbine generator and a method of controlling the same which can prevent the decline in power generation efficiency even when the generator is located where the wind is not always strong. The wind turbine generator mainly includes an anemometer, an anemoscope, a nacelle swiveling mechanism which turns a nacelle, and a control unit which controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism. The control unit controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to swivel the nacelle based on the wind direction obtained from the measurement result of the anemoscope when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is greater than a first threshold Vth1 which is smaller than a cut-in wind speed Vcut—in, and controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to stop the swiveling of the nacelle when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is not greater than a first threshold Vth1.
US08157517B2	Boltless multi-part diaphragm for use with a centrifugal compressor A diaphragm assembly of a centrifugal compressor includes a return channel wall having a generally ring-like shape; a vane assembly having a plurality of vanes formed integrally with at least one ring-shaped track having a rail structure extending therefrom; and a diaphragm wall having a generally ring-like shape and at least one groove extending around a circumference thereof. The vane assembly is fixedly coupled to the return channel, thereby forming a return channel assembly. The return channel assembly is coupled to the diaphragm wall by sliding the rail structure into the at least one groove of the diaphragm wall.
US08157515B2	Split doublet power nozzle and related method A vane doublet for a turbine nozzle includes a radially inner band; a radially outer band; and a pair of airfoils extending between the inner band and the outer band. One of the inner and outer bands is split in a generally axial direction along a split line passing between the pair of airfoils, and a seal is secured between or adjacent to facing edges of the split line.
US08157513B2	Axial flow fan An axial flow fan according to the present invention comprises an impeller which rotates about a central axis and including a plurality of blades, a hollow member accommodating therein the impeller, a base portion which is arranged at the hollow member and supports the base portion in a rotatable manner, a plurality of inner air guide members each connected to the base portion, and a plurality of outer air guide members each connected to the hollow member.The inner air guide members and the outer air guide members each include a first edge member and a second edge portion. A length of the first edge member and that of the second edge member of the outer air guide member are greater than those of the first edge member and the second edge member of the inner air guide member.
US08157512B2	Heat pipe intercooler for a turbomachine A turbomachine includes a compressor having an intake portion and an outlet portion. The compressor compresses air received at the intake portion to form a compressed airflow that is passed from the outlet portion. The turbomachine also includes an intercooler operatively connected downstream from the compressor. The intercooler includes a plurality of heat pipes that are configured to extract heat from the compressed airflow.
US08157508B2	Blower apparatus Blower apparatus has: an air duct having suction and supply openings; a blower fan for creating a flow of air in the duct; and an electrostatic atomizer. The atomizer includes a hollow body exposed to the air in the duct. The body is provided therein with an electrostatic atomization chamber, and has a barrier, an inlet and an outlet. The barrier is put in the duct so that a part of the air flowing in the duct collides with the front of the barrier and thereby pressure-increased air is obtained. The inlet is located at the front side of the barrier so that the pressure-increased air can enter the chamber through the inlet. The outlet is located at the rear side of the barrier so that all the pressure-increased air higher than that of the air flowing in the duct, from the chamber can flow out into the duct.
US08157506B2	Device for supplying ventilation air to the low pressure blades of a gas turbine engine A device for supplying ventilation air to a turbine rotor of a gas turbine engine including a first turbine disk, a second turbine disk, and a downstream shell ring together forming a one-piece drum is disclosed. The second turbine disk includes cavities machined in the rim to house the turbine blades, where the blades are axially retained by axial retaining segments. The downstream shell ring has at least one aperture drilled therethrough, downstream of the rim, which places an internal volume of the drum in fluid communication with at least one of the cavities via a passage formed in the segments.
US08157505B2	Turbine blade with single tip rail with a mid-positioned deflector portion A turbine blade is provided comprising: an airfoil including an airfoil outer wall extending radially outwardly from a blade root, a squealer tip section located at an end of the airfoil distal from the root, and cooling structure. The squealer tip section comprises a blade tip surface including pressure and suction edges joined together at chordally spaced-apart leading and trailing edges of the airfoil, and a squealer tip rail. At least a substantial portion of the squealer tip rail is located near the blade tip surface suction edge. The cooling structure directs cooling fluid toward the squealer tip rail to effect impingement cooling of the rail after the cooling fluid has convectively cooled at least a portion of the airfoil outer wall. Cooling fluid is also deflected by the squealer tip rail so as to yield a very small effective flow area above the squealer tip section through which hot working gases may flow.
US08157502B2	Pump with an elastic device on a rolling bearing Pump (1) comprising a rotary shaft (30), a bearing housing (80) that is fixed relative to the rotary shaft, at least one rolling bearing (70) the inner ring (71) of which is connected to the said rotary shaft and the outer ring (76) of which is able to slide in this housing along the axis of rotation of the rotary shaft. The bearing housing (80) comprises a shoulder (81) situated on one side of this bearing and able rigidly to prevent translational movement of the outer ring (76) along the axis of rotation, and a deformable elastic device (100) fixed to the housing on the other side of the bearing (70) so that the bearing lies between the shoulder and the elastic device.
US08157500B1	Forklift tilt direction indicator A device for determining the orientation of a fork on a forklift has an indicating rod adjustably attached to the fork assembly which passes through a electrical contact switch assembly mounted to the cylinder which in turn is rigidly attached to the cylinder of the piston assembly and is comprised of electrical contactors that are activated by the indicating rod that indicates to the forklift operator with an orientation of the forks relative to the wheel base.
US08157498B2	Storage racks A storage rack having a shelf with storage spaces, arranged over top of each other, for pallets that are horizontally removed sideways. A rack operating device moves the pallets from the spaces, and a station cart forms a lowermost space for a pallet, and can be horizontally moved from the rack on first rails. An upper cart is located above the station cart and forms another one of the spaces to receive a pallet and is horizontally movable on second rails that have a wider track than the first rails and also lead out of the rack. The upper cart has a greater clearance in an area of the station cart which is larger than a length of the pallet, and runs on the second rails, and parts of the upper cart not related to the support structure thereof can be inserted between the vertical rack supports of the rack.
US08157497B2	Method and loader apparatus for TEM machine work chamber device A loader assembly for a TEM machine having a retractable arm that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A hoop portion of the retractable arm also moves between the retracted position and the extended position. A lower closure for holding a part to be processed in the TEM machine is removably positioned in the hoop portion. A ram piston of the TEM machine is movable between a load position and a process position. When the ram piston moves from a load position to a process position the ram piston contacts the lower closure and extends through the hoop of the retractable arm to move the lower closure to the process position. A thermal chamber receives the lower closure when the ram piston moves to the process position.
US08157496B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate transfer method A substrate processing apparatus includes a cassette placing table; a first transfer mechanism having a first substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and using this first substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the cassette; a substrate processing unit for executing a predetermined process on a substrate; a second transfer mechanism having a second substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and pivotable at a vertical axis, and using the second substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the first transfer mechanism and the substrate processing unit; a moving mechanism for moving the first transfer mechanism in an arrangement direction of the cassettes; and a control unit for controlling transfer of a substrate between the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism in a position where the first transfer mechanism is opposed to a cassette.
US08157493B2	Book binding device A milling unit of a book binding device removes a coating material adhered to cutting surfaces of coating sheets. A book binding device binding a bunch of sheets fed from a sheet aligning unit includes a sheet aligning plate aligning a section of the bunch of sheets fed from the sheet aligning unit; a gripper fixing the bunch of sheets aligned by the sheet aligning plate; an adhesive unit feeding an adhesive member to the section of the bunch of sheets to bind the bunch of sheets; and a milling unit milling the section of the bunch of sheets before the bunch of sheets is subjected to binding by the adhesive unit.
US08157491B2	Concertina tape products configured for stable deployment and retrieval A deployment system and associated products utilize a magazine for holding and dispensing the products. The products may have any of a number of internal and external trusses that may be in tension and/or compression for rigidifying the product in selected directions. Thus the product may be shaped to fit a predetermined contour. The magazine may be supported on a deployment vehicle for ease of deployment of the product.
US08157486B2	Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor A cutting tool has a cutting insert retained within an insert pocket of an insert holder by a retaining screw. Spaced apart first insert rear abutment surfaces abut spaced apart first pocket rear abutment surfaces, a second insert rear abutment surface abuts a second pocket rear abutment surface, and spaced apart insert lower abutment surfaces abut spaced apart pocket lower abutment surfaces. The cutting insert has a first dimension taken between extremities of the insert side surfaces, a second dimension taken between extremities of the insert upper and lower surfaces, and, a fourth dimension taken between the insert lower abutment surfaces and the insert upper surface. The size ratio between the fourth dimension and the second dimension is in the range of 0.2 to 1, and, preferably, in the range of 0.55 to 0.6. The size ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension is in the range of 1 to 2.
US08157485B2	Shuttle and component feeding system A shuttle (11) for feeding tubular rivets (12), which are of relatively short axial length compared with their head diameter, along a flexible hose (26) to a movable rivet-installation tool has an aperture (18) running parallel to its axis along its whole length. Through this aperture a rivet can be both inserted into, and removed from, the shuttle. It also enables the sideways removal from the shuttle of an elongated mandrel, over the end of which a rivet has been axially fed. The exterior of the shuttle (11) and the interior of the hose (26) have similar cross-sections, which are a sliding fit and which co-operate with each other to maintain the shuttle (11) in a pre-determined rotational relationship with the hose (26), to facilitate insertion and removal of the rivet as aforesaid.
US08157481B1	Method for templateless foundation installation A method of installing a foundation system for securing the tendons of a TLP to the ocean floor. The foundation system is installed in templateless operations in which a pile is secured to the ocean floor and a tendon receptacle is secured to the pile such that the load from a tendon secured therein is transferred to the ocean floor through coaxially aligned load paths of tendon-to-tendon receptacle-to-pile-to-ocean floor.
US08157475B2	Reinforcement liner installation mold mounted on a corrugated steel plate structure The present invention relates to a reinforcement liner installation mold for a corrugated steel plate structure. The reinforcement liner installation mold for the corrugated steel plate structure according to the present invention is mounted on one surface of a corrugated steel plate and forms a reinforcement liner when concrete is placed inside the mold the placed concrete cures. The mold includes a plurality of unit mold panels, each having a rectangular front panel part and two side panel parts integrally formed along the opposite lengthwise edges of the front panel part. The plurality of unit mold panels is sequentially fastened to the corrugated steel plate by a plurality of anchor bolts and a plurality of nuts along the outer surface of the corrugated steel plate in a lengthwise direction.
US08157469B2	Composite structural member and method for producing the same A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
US08157466B2	Cleaning device A cleaning device having a handle, the handle having a cleaning pad assembly capable of pivoting between a cleaning position and a rinsing position. The handle of the cleaning device may further comprise a conduit for directing the flow of a liquid from a liquid input to a liquid output, the liquid output being capable of direction either though the cleaning pad to wet the cleaning pad or at a surface to rinse a surface. The cleaning device may further comprise a valve, the valve being operable to control the flow of water through the handle.
US08157465B2	Applicator and a kit including such an applicator The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to the human body, the applicator comprising: a support that is configured to be mounted in removable manner on an appliance that enables movement to be transmitted to said support; a reservoir that is secured to the support and that contains the composition, the reservoir being defined, at least in part, by at least one closure element; an applicator element that is secured to the support at least during use; and an opener element that is suitable for acting on the closure element in order to put the reservoir and the applicator element into communication.
US08157463B2	Extended bristles “Extended Bristles” is a application tool that replaces a standard nail polish brush and cap to obtain the complete contents of nail polish by pushing the top plunger cap, which slides over a spring and lower cap and immerses the bristles to the bottom of the bottle. The plunger cap which is attached to the plunger shaft and bristles has a spring located between upper and lower cap around the plunger shaft that retracts when application is completed. The brush is able to extend to the bottom of the bottle when the cap is closed securely or when it is resting unsecured at top of polish bottle. By using the entire contents of the bottle of nail polish the only remaining part is the glass bottle which will not pollute the ground or environment.
US08157455B2	Optical connector The optical connector, comprising: a first plug having a first ferrule for holding a first multiple optical fiber; a second plug having a second ferrule for holding a second multiple optical fiber; a first housing on which the first plug is detachably fixed; a second housing which is detachably fixed on the first housing and on which the second plug is fixed in such a manner that each edge face of optical fibers of the first multiple optical fiber and each edge face of optical fibers of the second multiple optical fiber are mutually adjusted, and the first housing has a first ferrule positioning member for positioning the first ferrule in relation to the second ferrule.
US08157454B2	Releasable locking mechanism for optical connector A receptacle (20) detachably accommodating a connector plug (34) connected to optical fibers (32) is rotatably supported by a shaft (14) provided in an installation table (10). The receptacle (20) is biased by a leaf spring (16) for biasing opposite ends of the shaft (14) in one direction. A locking/unlocking mechanism for selectively locking or unlocking the receptacle (20) connected with the connector plug (34) relative to the installation table (10) and a locking mechanism fixing portion (12) includes a locking nib (30Ra) of a lock releasing button (30R), a locking nib (30La) of a lock releasing button (30L), locking nib receiving portions (12na, 12nb) and a coil spring (31).
US08157453B2	Bearing device for wheel In an assembly of retainers and tapered rollers to be easily incorporated into an outer ring having a rib portion on an inner peripheral surface on an outboard side thereof, recesses are formed in a large end surface and a small end surface of an outboard side tapered roller. Projections to be inserted into the recesses are formed in an outboard side retainer. A diameter of a circumcircle of the tapered rollers before they are inserted into a hub ring is smaller than an inner diameter of a rib portion. When a hub ring is inserted into the outer ring, the tapered rollers move in a radial direction to cause the diameter of the circumcircle to be greater than the inner diameter dimension of the rib portion, and as a result, the tapered rollers can be received in a specified position.
US08157449B2	Ball bearing cage Cage 4 for a ball bearing, comprising an annular heel 7 and a substantially axial portion 8 provided with claws 11 defining pockets 9 for balls and connected to the heel 7, the substantially axial portion 8 extending axially over a part of the pockets 9. The substantially axial portion 8 has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the heel 7, the outside diameter of the substantially axial portion being somewhere between the pitch circle diameter of the cage reduced by half the radial thickness of the heel and the pitch circle diameter of the cage increased by half the radial thickness of the heel.
US08157445B2	Plastic pouch and manufacturing method therefor At least one of an obverse surface film and reverse surface film, which are used to together constitute a plastic pouch, is folded back across the entire width of the plastic pouch, and peripheral edge portions of the pouch are heat-sealed, to thereby form, on at least one position, a folded-back section communicating with the body of the pouch.
US08157441B2	Temperature sensor probe To provide a temperature sensor probe that can take stable measurements, and a manufacturing method thereof. The temperature sensor probe related to the present invention is a temperature sensor probe for measuring temperature using a fluorescent substance that changes fluorescent characteristics depending on temperature. Then, a powdered fluorescent substance, a guide wave route member that propagates excitation light, which is irradiated on the fluorescent substance, and fluorescent light, which is produced by the fluorescent substance, are provided. Further, the particle size of the powdered fluorescent substance is confined to the range of 60 to 100 μm.
US08157440B2	Temperature sensor and method for measuring temperature The invention provides a total gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of gas in a gas flow. A gas temperature sensor in accordance with the invention comprises a measurement chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; an outlet valve located at the gas outlet, operable to seal the gas outlet when in a closed position, and a temperature sensing element located in the measurement chamber. The sensor is simple to manufacture, is robust, provides for a low recovery correction and does not suffer from significant boundary layer problems.
US08157439B2	Methods for determining wafer temperature Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
US08157437B2	Insulated beverage container with counting device A thermo insulated beverage container having a sensor and a counting device. The sensor senses the number of beverages that have been placed into the container and the counting device records the sensor signal as a count repetition and displays the count on a displayer which is a count of the total number of beverages that have been placed into the container from the beginning and a count of the total number of beverages that have been placed into the container from the time that the counter was reset.
US08157433B2	Magnetic fluid rotation system for a cavitation chamber A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller blade located within the cavitation chamber. The impeller assembly is magnetically coupled to an external drive system which is used to rotate the impeller, thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to, or during, bubble cavitation. In the latter scenario, the impeller can be stopped, and if desired locked, at a specific rotational position, thus minimizing possible interference between the impeller and the source of the cavitation energy. The impeller can be shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the cavitation chamber, for example spherically or cylindrically, and can utilize multiple impeller blades.
US08157428B2	Multiple source reticle illumination A reticle illumination system. The novel system includes a fluid material adapted to absorb incident energy and emit fluorescent light to illuminate a target surface, and a first light source for providing the incident energy to pump the fluid material. In an illustrative embodiment, the target surface is a prism surface upon which a reticle is disposed, and the fluid material is a cement or epoxy doped with a fluorescent dye or a suspension of nanodots. The fluorescent cement is applied to the target surface behind the reticle and has an index of refraction matching that of the prism. The system may also include one or more additional light sources that transmit light into the cement and illuminate the reticle either directly or by pumping the fluorescent cement.
US08157421B2	Light emitting diode lamp A light emitting diode (LED) lamp including a connector, an LED module, an angle adjusting ring, an isolating ring, and a heat dissipating module is provided. The LED module is electrically connected to the connector and has at least one LED unit. The angle adjusting ring is disposed between the LED module and the connector for rotating the LED module, and includes at least one locking element for fixing the LED module on the connector. The isolating ring is disposed between the connector and the angle adjusting ring. The heat dissipating module is in contact with the LED module for preventing the LED module from overheating. The heat dissipating module includes at least one heat pipe and a plurality of fins connecting to the at least one heat pipe, where the at least one LED unit is disposed on the at least one heat pipe.
US08157419B2	LED assembly An LED module or assembly is disclosed, the assembly having at least one LED component mounted on a support or circuit board and an optical element which encloses the at least one LED component and defines an interior space in which the at least one LED component is housed. A vent device is defined within the optical element for permitting gases generated from operation of the at least one LED component to be vented to atmosphere. The vent device prevents outside moisture from entering the interior space, but permits the gases to pass out to atmosphere for minimizing the likelihood of fogging of the optical elements in the interior space of the assembly.
US08157410B2	Light unit and display apparatus having the light unit A light unit and a display apparatus having the light unit are provided. The light unit comprises a light emitting parts comprising one or more light emitting diodes and an middle optical panel on the light emitting parts comprising a top surface with one or more lens. The display apparatus comprises the light unit, a bottom cover accommodating the light unit, and a display panel on the light unit.
US08157408B2	Lighting apparatus A lighting apparatus includes a housing, a light source disposed in the housing and at least one adjustable assembly. The adjustable assembly disposed at an end of the housing includes a connection element fixed to the end, a cap capping the connection element, at least one electrical terminal electrically connected to the light source and a detachable fixing element. The cap includes a side wall, an end wall and an opening disposed at the side wall. The side wall is disposed at the end wall to which the opening is opposite. The connection element passes through the opening. The electrical terminal disposed at the end wall extends outside the cap. The detachable fixing element passes through the side wall to detachably fix the cap to the connection element. When the detachable fixing element is detached, the housing and the connection element are adapted to be rotated relative to the cap.
US08157407B2	Long-range, handheld searchlight A handheld searchlight for producing a high intensity beam of light output has an elongated housing including a handle portion for gripping by a user. A head has a window opening for transmitting a light beam. There is a mechanical coupling between the housing and the head. A parabolic reflector is mounted in the head facing the window and has an aperture for accommodating a high intensity lamp. The reflector has a longitudinal optical axis. The rotation of the head about the coupling causes movement of the parabolic reflector relative to the lamp along the optical axis thereby changing a spread of the high-intensity light beam. The searchlight further includes a rotatable bezel ring mounted on the head and a filter ring mount connected to the rotatable bezel. An optical filter is mounted in the filter ring mount.
US08157405B1	Traffic barricade light A traffic barricade light is described. A housing comprises a collar, a bottom side, a height, a width and a depth. The housing is divided along an axis positioned within the depth. The housing comprises at least two angled walls on opposing shoulders of the housing within the depth at an oblique angle relative to the bottom side of the housing. Each angled wall comprises a recess and a passage from the recess to a compartment within the housing. A solar panel is coupled to each angled wall. The solar panels are electrically coupled in parallel with each other and with at least one rechargeable battery stored within the housing. A regulator circuit is electrically coupled between the at least two solar panels and the at least one rechargeable battery. A light source is electrically coupled to the battery. A lens is coupled to the collar.
US08157404B2	Visible light transporter A visible light transporter (1) having a carrier (25) for holding a plurality of lighting devices (L1 through L4). The lighting devices frequently employed as road flares emit a light usually concentrated into a horizontal light beam (HB) and pulsing. Carrier (25) has body 9 constructed of a light transmitting resin which permits light from the held lighting devices to be transmitted with attenuation through body 9 of the carrier. Carrier (25) also includes openings (01 through 04) which permit lighting devices (L1 through L4) to be removeably installed in pockets (S1 through S4) provided for holding the lighting devices. Openings also permit some light to pass unattenuated exterior to carrier (25). The unattenuated light (HBU) and the transmitted light (HBT) each combine exterior to carrier 25 to make it appear as a large pulsing light source and to illuminate the first responder holding the visible light transporter (1) making him visible and thereby protecting him from being injured by approaching vehicles as he deploys the lights.
US08157398B2	Light source unit utilizing laser for light source and projector A projector including a light source unit, a display device and a projector control means, wherein the light source unit includes a fluorescent plate 130 including fluorescent material layers 131 disposed adjacent for emitting light in predetermined wavelength ranges by absorbing light, a diffusion plate 140 including a diffusion layer 141 disposed adjacent to the fluorescent material layers 131 for emitting light in a diffusing fashion, a light source for shining light on the layers 131, 141, a driving device for rotating the plates 130, 140, and a light cut-off plate 160 having a light cut-off portion 161, the light cut-off plate 160 capable of rotating together with the plates 130, 140 and movable so that the light cut-off portion 161 covers an area on the diffusion plate 140 where light is to be shone by the locked state being released when the diffusion plate 140 comes off.
US08157396B2	Inhibiting unwanted photography and video recording A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft operable to be held by an entity and a housing extending from one end of the shaft and operable to allow multiple deterrents to be emitted there from. The housing includes a rotation member coupled to a rim portion of the housing and operable to rotate along a track portion within the rim portion. The apparatus further includes a transparent material coupled to the rotation member and operable to allow a deterrent to travel there through. The housing includes a light source coupled to the transparent material and operable to emit a light. Further, the apparatus includes a swivel meshed between the shaft and the housing and operable to allow the housing oscillate in an angular direction. Each deterrent is operable to obscure an image of the entity captured by filming equipment.
US08157395B2	Folding outer mirror The object of this invention is to provide a folding outer mirror, in which the cost reduction, the prevention of large sizes and heavy weights, and higher stiffness of the stopper mechanism can be obtained. The folding outer mirror includes a mirror base extending outside from a side surface of vehicle body, a mirror assembly attached rotatably to the mirror base, and a stopper mechanism for stopping the mirror assembly at a predetermined position. The stopper mechanism is provided with a base-side engaging surface formed in the mirror base, and a body-side engaging surface formed in the mirror assembly and being in plane contact with the base-side engaging surface at a predetermined position. The base-side engaging surface and the body-side engaging surface are formed such that a raising angle relative to a rotating direction of the mirror assembly becomes a sharp angle.
US08157392B2	Image-producing apparatus An apparatus (3) for generating a three-dimensional kaleidoscopic image, comprising a screen (4) for the projection of images thereon, and a plurality of mirrors (31,32,33) surrounding the screen, wherein the screen is substantially shaped as a portion of a surface of a polyhedron or sphere with an icosahedral group symmetry of reflection, and the plurality of mirrors are aligned with planes extending through a projected centre of said polyhedron or sphere and intersecting each edge of the screen such that an image generated on the screen is reflected in the mirrors to produce an apparent three-dimensional image of said polyhedron or sphere.
US08157386B2	Projector In a projection optical system comprising: two lens groups, and a curved plane mirror, wherein the projection optical system including two story structure, and having bend means for bending at least two times the light incident from an electro-optic modulator.
US08157385B2	Reflector, light source apparatus, and projector A reflector used in combination with a light emitting portion that emits light and disposed around a central axis on which the light emitting portion is disposed includes a curved reflection section having the substantially same shape as that of a surface of revolution around the central axis, the curved reflection section reflecting light from the light emitting portion, and a flat deflection section formed on a flat surface positioned closer to the central axis than the surface of revolution, the flat deflection section deflecting the light from the light emitting portion forward. The flat deflection section has a plurality of structural members formed on the flat surface.
US08157383B2	System for displaying images and/or information on aircraft blades and method thereof A system for displaying information via a light source on rotating helicopter blades of an aircraft such as a helicopter is provided. The light source may be a laser light source and the light therefrom may be directed onto the aircraft blade by one or more motion controlled mirrors and a computer controller. A sensor is capable of determining the position of helicopter blades during rotation, such that light may be projected upon only the moving blade at precisely timed intervals, so as to form perceivable graphics and/or messages thereon. In addition, such system may be utilized for displaying graphics and/or messages on rotating propellers of fixed wing aircraft.
US08157380B2	Vertically mounted kaleidoscope A kaleidoscopic device is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the kaleidoscopic device may have a housing mounted within a wall and a collection drum that has a plurality of display elements. The collection drum may be intermittently rotated and/or rotated at various speeds by a driving system that has a motor. A mirror structure may be mounted within the housing and used with the display elements in order to generate a decorative kaleidoscopic effect.
US08157379B2	Perimeter and method of controlling perimeter In a perimeter, luminance judging means measures a sensitivity of an examinee, sensitivity deviation computing means obtains a sensitivity deviation, means for computing ratio to p value obtains a ratio to p value, and means for adding ratios to p value adds ratios to p value of respective measurement positions. The sensitivity deviation at the position where sensitivity dispersion is large is low evaluated and the sensitivity deviation at the position where the sensitivity dispersion is small is highly evaluated. Then, an element of the position where the sensitivity was changed can be also considered in a graph showing test results of perimetry periodically conducted with time.
US08157375B2	Variable prism eyeglasses The present invention is directed to an eyeglass device that has manually variable prisms to correct strabismus; that is, double vision. The variable prism eyeglasses consist of an eyeglass frame that holds two primary rings in position and provides baseline reference points for alignment. Prism lenses and corrective lenses fit inside the primary rings and allow the two prism lenses of each primary ring to rotate independently and to hold the corrective lens fixed in place relative to the primary rings. Detent channels on the upper surface and lower surface of the primary rings are the means by which the prisms are adjusted. Each prism lens is moved and positioned via a prism lens pin located in the base of each prism lens. The prism lens pins fit into the detents in the detent channels of the primary ring. The detent selected determines the amount of corrective power the prisms will produce.
US08157373B2	Free form ophthalmic lens This invention provides for an ophthalmic lens with at least one portion of the lens including multiple voxels of polymerized crosslinkable material. In addition, the present invention provides for apparatus for generating an ophthalmic lens with at least one portion including multiple voxels of polymerized crosslinkable material. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic Lens includes a surface with one or both of a raised area and a depressed area.
US08157372B1	Lens connection device for an eyewear A method for assembling a rimless spectacle has acts of forming multiple circular through holes in a lens of the rimless spectacle, forming two cavities respectively at two ends of a diameter of each through hole to form a non-circular connecting hole in the lens with a forming tool and assembling multiple connecting elements to the lens. Each connecting element has a plug securely connected to and held in one of the connecting holes in the lens. The plug has a non-circular cross section corresponding to the shape of the corresponding connecting hole and is slightly bigger than the corresponding connecting hole. In the assembling the connecting elements to the lens, the plug on each connecting element is forced to pressed into and be securely held in the corresponding connecting hole.
US08157369B2	Media hold-down system having cross process chambering A printable media hold-down system includes a print head array, a transport surface positioned adjacent to the print head array which transports a printable medium past the print head array in a location where the print head array may apply ink to the printable medium, and a vacuum system that creates vacuum pressure that holds the printable medium to the transport surface, the vacuum system having at least one adjustable baffle configured to move in a cross process direction and change a dimension of the vacuum system based on a dimension of the printable medium.
US08157367B2	Recording apparatus and recording method A recording apparatus includes a moving unit that can be moved in predetermined directions including a transport direction of a recording medium, a first recording processing unit that is mounted on the moving unit and performs a first recording process in which a first process solution is used for the recording medium, a second recording processing unit that is mounted on the moving unit together with the first recording processing unit and performs a second recording process, in which a second process solution that is different from the first process solution is used, for a recording processing area of the recording medium for which the first recording process is performed by the first recording processing unit, and a control unit that controls the moving unit, the first recording processing unit, and the second recording processing unit.
US08157365B2	Ink degassing for circulating ink supply systems in ink jet printers An ink circulation system includes a supply subtank for supplying ink to an ink jet print head and a return subtank returning the ink not ejected by the ink jet print head. A print circulation path links the supply subtank with the ink jet print head and the return subtank for providing a print flow of ink from the supply subtank to the ink jet print head, the return subtank, and back to the supply subtank. A degas circulation path links the supply subtank with a through-flow degassing unit for providing a degas flow of ink from the supply subtank to the through-flow degassing unit and back to the supply subtank. The ink circulation system improves the degassing quality of the ink supplied to the ink jet print head of a printing apparatus is provided.
US08157360B2	Injection apparatus and a valve device provided in a passage An ink jet type recording apparatus comprises a connection member which has a passage for leading ink to a recording head from an ink cartridge. In the passage, a valve member having a magnetic body is provided. A rotation member has a permanent magnet and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. When the rotation member is located in the first position, an attraction that can move the valve member in an opening direction of the passage acts between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member opens the passage. When the rotation member is located in the second position, the attraction that can move the valve member does not act between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member closes the passage.
US08157359B2	Liquid ejecting head and printer A liquid ejecting head includes a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber provided at a side of the first pressure chamber, a vibration plate provided above the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, a driving piezoelectric element provided above the first pressure chamber and above the vibration plate, and a non driving piezoelectric element provided above the second pressure chamber and above the vibration plate.
US08157357B2	Circuit substrate and liquid discharging apparatus with a first wiring layer directly connected to the substrate and a second wiring layer connected to the first wiring layer through a metal film The present invention provides a higher density, higher resolution, higher durability and lower cost circuit substrate. In a circuit substrate in which a circuit including: a plurality of heat generating elements in which a pair of electrodes opposing each other to form a predetermined gap is provided on a resistor 16 and a portion where a resistor layer is positioned between the electrodes is taken as a resistor portion; and first and second wiring layers 12 and 15 for energizing the pair of electrodes of each heat generating element; is mounted on a substrate 10, the substrate is formed of Si, the first wiring layer is formed of a metal material containing at least Si, the first wiring layer is electrically connected to the substrate, the second wiring layer is provided on the first wiring layer through a metal film 14 for preventing Si from diffusing and a resistor is provided over the second wiring layer.
US08157355B2	Heating channel unit, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A heating channel unit which includes a communicating channel for supplying liquid from a liquid supply source to a liquid ejecting head. The heating channel unit is detachably mounted between the liquid supply source and the liquid ejecting head, and includes a heat generator which heats the liquid in the communicating channel.
US08157349B2	Method of cleaning head and inkjet recording apparatus A method of a cleaning of an ejection face by supplying a head liquid on the face of an inkjet head provided with ink ejection openings and then by performing a wiping operation. Sufficient cleaning is achieved by appropriately specifying relative relationships among the surface tensions of the face, the ink and the head liquid, and by efficiently and surely removing an ink residue from the face. By supplying the head liquid to the ink residue on the face, both are mixed with each other, and thereby the ink residue is incorporated into the head liquid. In this respect, by using the ink and the head liquid both having a surface tension higher than that of the face, a wetting of a dissolved matter of the ink residue with respect to the face is reduced, and the dissolved matter of the ink residue is smoothly moved by the wiping operation.
US08157348B2	Print head servicing for a page wide array printer A page wide array printer comprises a print head bar which carries an array of print nozzles, and which is static during a printing operation. A carriage has print head service elements. The print head bar is movable perpendicularly to the plane of the print medium beneath the print head, between a lowered print position and a raised service position. The carriage is moveable along the print head to perform a service operation when the print head is in the raised position.
US08157343B2	Data processing method, data processing apparatus, mask generation method, and mask pattern The present invention provides a mask for divided printing that completes an image by plural scans using inks of different plural inks, the mask being able to suppress possible grains during printing to reduce image degradation resulting from beading. If for example, among the print permitting pixels for which the total repulsive potential is to be calculated, a print permitting pixel Do has the highest total repulsive potential, changes in repulsive potential after movement of the pixels are determined and the print permitting pixel Do is moved to a pixel having the lowest total repulsive potential after the movement. This processing is repeated to enable a reduction in the total energy of the entire plane. Consequently, the print permitting pixels are appropriately dispersed in overlapping plane masks so as to have few low frequency components.
US08157335B2	Dual mode undercarriage for tracked vehicle A vehicle with a frame connecting a driver wheel, an idler wheel and mid-roller wheels, an endless track belt being tensioned around the driver wheel and the idler wheel and being in contact with the mid-roller wheels on a lower run thereof, the mid-roller wheels being arranged in bogies, including a front bogie having a first pivot axis, a middle bogie and a rear bogie arranged in tandem having a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and said second pivot axis act as load transfer pivots.
US08157333B2	Braking device A braking device includes: an input member configured to interlock with a displacement of a brake pedal; an output member which is movable relatively to and independently of the input member and is configured to generate a fluid pressure in a master cylinder; a braking mechanism configured to exert a braking force on a wheel by the fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder; drive means configured to drive the output member independently of the input member; and a clutch mechanism which is provided between the input member and the output member and configured to engage the input member with the output member so as to allow the input and output members to uniformly move when the output member is not driven by the drive means, and to cancel the engagement between the input member and the output member when the output member is driven by the drive means.
US08157329B2	Furniture and method of furniture component attachment A method of attaching furniture components includes providing a first furniture component that may be comprised of polymeric material, positioning a second furniture component adjacent to the first furniture component, positioning stakes attached to the second component through holes formed in the first component, and heating the stakes to bond portions of the second component to portions of the first component. The second component may also be comprised of polymeric material and the stakes may be integral with the second component or formed on the second component. Chairs or other furniture such as office furniture may include components attached together by embodiments of the disclosed method. In some embodiments of the method, a second component may also have projections that are positioned through holes in a third furniture component that may subsequently be heated to bond the third component to the second component.
US08157328B2	Adjustable vehicle head restraint assembly for a vehicle seat A vehicle head restraint system for a vehicle seat has a support rod with a lateral portion. A head restraint is moveable relative to the lateral portion in a fore/aft direction. A first locking plate and a second locking plate are each moveably mounted to the head restraint to engage the support rod to lock the head restraint relative to the support rod. A rotary link is pivotally connected to the head restraint and interconnects the first and second locking plates. A biasing member is mounted to at least one of the first and second locking plates to bias the head restraint towards a retracted position. An actuator on the head restraint moves one of the first and second locking plates. The rotary link moves the other of the first and second locking plates for disengaging the first and second locking plates from the support rod.
US08157325B2	Chair back rest with improved resilience and support A chair having a seat and a back rest comprises a fluid-containing cushion in the back rest that provides passive automatically adjustable support for the user's lumbar region. The cushion can comprise one or more fluid-containing chambers encompassing the areas of the user's upper back and lumbar regions. As the user leans backs, fluid is forced from the regions adjacent the upper back down to the lumbar region to provide enhanced lumbar support to the user.
US08157324B2	Cover material terminal treating member, seat part, and vehicle seat There is provided a long-life and strong cover material terminal treating member in which the terminal treatment of a cover material is easy to perform, and the terminal of the cover material is less liable to be taken away by a force from the outside, and which can withstand a long-time use. The cover material terminal treating member 10 for a seat part in which a cushion material 23 is covered with a cover material 24 includes a retaining plate 17 fixed to the terminal of the cover material 24a and a retaining clip 11 for storing the retaining plate 17. The retaining clip 11 includes a first wall part 12 fixed at a position different from the terminal of the cover material 24a, a second wall part 14 facing to the first wall part 12, and a connecting part 13 for connecting the two wall parts 12 and 14 to each other. In the end part of the second wall part 14, a retaining claw 16 bent at an acute angle and being in contact with one end side of the retaining plate 17 is erectingly provided. In the first wall part 12, a protrusion 15 in contact with the other end side of the retaining plate 17 is erectingly provided. The protrusion 15 is provided on the opening 19 side of a position at which the retaining plate 17 is in contact with the first wall part 12.
US08157323B2	Seat occupancy detection unit A seat occupancy detection unit (10) has at least one sensor (12) which has a reed switch (14) and a magnet (22) movable relative thereto in a switching direction (z). The seat occupancy detection unit (10) can be inserted in the seat padding of a vehicle seat, It is used to produce a warning signal for the wearing of a seat belt.
US08157321B2	Cushion presenter system A variety of cushion presenters may be provided in seats such as motorcycle. These cushion presenters are filled with air to envelop and support the hips of a rider. The cushion presenters may further be used to provide sacrum, support. Additional cushion presenters may be used in the buttock region to relieve tail burn. A linkage may further be provided to provide a actuated backrest.
US08157320B2	Headrest and vehicle seat provided with the same There are provided a headrest that can be tilted from a head support state to a storage state by an operation at a position separate from the headrest, and an associated vehicle seat. The headrest includes a pillar mounted on the upper part of the seat back; a headrest frame turnably engaged with the pillar; a spring that urges the headrest frame to one side; a locking element or elements that hinder turning the headrest frame with respect to the pillar; a remote control section provided at a position separate from the headrest; and an inner cable one end part of which is connected to the locking element and the other end part of which is attached to the remote control section. The locking element or elements release by pulling the inner cable by the operation of the remote control section.
US08157318B2	Installation support of a loading floor of a passenger car An installation support of a loading floor of a passenger car is distinguished in that it is a component which is different from the bodyshell of the passenger car and is provided in order to define fitting positions of side wall panels and of the loading floor relative to one another. Furthermore, a welded assemblage of a passenger car body has at least one rear longitudinal member. The welded assemblage is provided in order to be screwed to such an installation support by a screw connection. The screw connection has cage nuts which are provided for the screw connection and are guided moveably in the longitudinal member transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member.
US08157316B1	Translating cargo bed A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a plurality of wheels and a cargo bed assembly. A cargo bed translation mechanism is operable between the vehicle frame and the cargo bed to translate the cargo bed between a range of positions including a first transport position, a plurality of raised position a variety of loading positions. A cargo bed dumping mechanism is operable for tipping the cargo bed to dump the contents of the cargo bed at least from the transport position and the raised positions.
US08157314B2	Overhead console for vehicle Provided is an overhead console for a vehicle including a housing installed in the front of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle, having an opening opened downward, and including a rotary shaft installed in the opening, a mirror case rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing and having an insertion part formed therein, a conversation mirror attached to the mirror case and including a mirror that enters and exits in a direction of a driver, and a spectacles-case inserted into the insertion part of the mirror case and rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing, to which the mirror case is coupled.
US08157312B2	Universal modular storage for a vehicle A modular storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system includes an adjustable frame having a plurality of first posts, a plurality of second posts, a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts, and a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts. The first posts and second posts are each secured to a curved member. The modular storage system is attached to a rail on an interior of a vehicle. Various off-the-shelf storage components can be used with the system.
US08157311B2	Vehicular trim panel with storage and interfacing of electronic devices An interior system of a vehicle includes an instrument panel substrate having a driver side, a passenger side, and a center section between the driver and passenger sides. The instrument panel substrate has an opening on the passenger side. A trim panel is mounted to the instrument panel substrate covering the opening and comprising a connector hub having a plurality of electrical connectors for mobile electronic devices. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the trim panel is releasable and pivotable after mounting in order to access a rear side of the trim panel. The trim panel may further include a cradle on the rear side to receive a printer, a paper holder on the rear side to receive and supply paper for the printer, and an elongated slot aligned with the cradle for feeding printed paper from the printer to a front side of the trim panel.
US08157308B2	Gripping device for a robot A gripping device arranged for gripping an article 44, such as a food article, in particular a piece of meat, said gripping device 1 comprising at least two gripping parts 5, 7 pivotally suspended with respect to each other. At least one of the gripping parts 5, 7 is pivotally suspended and comprises a gripping arm 4, 6 and a gripping clamp 12, 14, wherein the gripping arm 4, 6 is adapted for carrying the gripping clamp 12, 14. The gripping device 1 further comprises a flexible belt-shaped material 20, which extends at least between lower parts of the at least two gripping parts.
US08157307B2	Handling device and handling method for wafers The invention relates to a handling device and to a handling method for wafers, in particular for wafers with a thickness of less than 100 μm. According to the invention it is provided that an adhesive membrane is arranged so as to delimit at least one workspace, the volume of which can be changed by supplying or removing pressurising medium, and in that the size of the contact surface between the adhesive membrane and the wafer can be adjusted by changing the workspace volume.
US08157305B2	Robot hand and robot arm A force sensor is disposed on a base portion, a finger base on which a pair of fingers are opposed to each other is disposed on a measuring unit of the force sensor, a finger driving mechanism base is disposed on the base portion so as to not contact the force sensor, the finger base or the fingers, and finger driving mechanisms are disposed on the finger driving mechanism base so finger opening and closing driving force vectorsface each other within a plane on which the pair of the opposed fingers are moved to open or close so as to cancel each other, such that the fingers are driven so the resultant force is virtually zero. An actuator, is installed at a place other than the base portion, the force sensor, the finger base, or the fingers and the finger driving mechanism base, and drives the finger driving mechanism.
US08157304B2	Lifting sling system There is disclosed a lifting sling system for connecting various loads to a lifting hook (1), comprising a small number of combinable lifting sling units (10, 20), each consisting of a number of pre-assembled parts (11, 12, 13; 21, 22, 23). These units include at least one dual lifting sling unit (20) and possibly no more than two single lifting sling units (10). The units can be combined in a small number of predetermined combinations in accordance with information provided on an information carrier (32) which is permanently attached to the lifting sling system.
US08157303B2	Vehicle end structure A vehicle end structure mainly includes a vehicle bumper fascia and a grille assembly. The vehicle bumper fascia includes a sill portion and a receiving member extending from the sill portion. The receiving member defines a channel with an opening extending in a forward vehicle facing direction. The grille assembly includes inner grille and outer grille members that are coupled together. The inner grille member has a support member formed at a periphery of the inner grille member. The support member is disposed in the channel of the receiving member to limit movement of the inner grille member in a direction normal to the forward vehicle facing direction. The outer grille member is disposed on a forward vehicle facing side of the inner grille member to conceal the support member from view in the first direction.
US08157302B1	Integration of vertical adjustability in an electric strike An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element on the strike housing is slidably adjustable relative to the strike housing and is securable at the time of installation to align with the center of the latch bolt. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized. A travel limiting foot limits rotation of the keeper so that the latch bolt may transition from the keeper to the ramp element without interference.
US08157301B2	Door handle device for vehicle A door handle device for a vehicle includes a frame member mounted to a door of the vehicle, a handle main body fitted with the frame member, an engaging arm formed at the handle main body and engaging with the frame member, a handle axial portion formed at the engaging arm and serving as a pivotal center of the handle main body, a bearing member pivotally supported by the frame member, and a holding portion formed at the bearing member for holding the handle axial portion, wherein the holding portion is shifted between a released position where the handle axial portion is engageable with or disengageable from the holding portion and a supported position where the handle axial portion is pivotally supported with a pivoting of the bearing member.
US08157298B2	Multi-point entryway locking system and astragal A multipoint locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.
US08157292B2	Seat belt device for vehicle A seat belt device for a vehicle includes a buckle head mounted on a seat and designed to couple with a tongue and a carriage unit allowing the buckle head to be displaced in horizontal and vertical directions of the seat so that the buckle head and the tongue are easily coupled to or decoupled from each other when a belt is fastened or unfastened. The seat belt device facilitates fastening of a seat belt more conveniently by allowing for the horizontal and vertical displacement of a buckle head.
US08157290B2	Inflatable curtain airbag An Inflatable curtain airbag for a vehicle comprising an airbag body (1) rolled or folded to form a longitudinal airbag package with several attachment portions (6) and an indication element (2) for indicating a twisted attachment status of the airbag at the vehicle structure. The indication element (2) is arranged in a releasable manner along at least parts of the longitudinal extension of the package.
US08157289B2	Hinge for an airbag cover The invention relates to a hinge for an airbag cover, having a planar textile element as a hinge between the cover of the airbag and an adjacent airbag cover region, for example in the interior of a motor vehicle, and to a region of the planar textile element which faces a carrier of the airbag cover and is embedded in a matrix which is connected to the cover, and a region of the planar textile element which is not embedded in the matrix.
US08157287B1	Convertible wheelchair The convertible wheelchair includes a seat and a plurality of chair legs extending downward from the seat. Each leg includes a wheel to permit movement of the convertible wheelchair. A reclining backrest is pivotally mounted to the back of the wheelchair, which provides a flat, horizontal surface for a user to rest thereon. Both the seat and the backrest include a pair of panels selectively extendable towards the lateral side in order to form a bed. In this configuration, a caregiver can easily maneuver the user into any position required for ablutions and lavatory functions. Each panel and the handlebars on the backrest may include extendable legs to stabilize the bed.
US08157283B1	Fifth wheel release tool apparatus The fifth wheel release tool apparatus has a cable having a cable first end spaced apart from a cable second end, a handle affixed to the cable first end. a pulley moveably disposed on the cable, the pulley entrapped on the cable, a first hook connected to the pulley, a second hook affixed to the cable second end, whereby the first hook is removably hooked to a release handle of a fifth wheel, the second hook removably hooked to any desired fixed object, allowing a user to pull the release handle by way of pulling the apparatus handle. The flexible cable allows a user to operate the apparatus from any angle or position and thereby further allows latch release in what may be crowded conditions.
US08157280B2	Manually powered drive mechanism with steering member and vehicle employing same A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever arm to be pivoted and steered.
US08157278B2	Rear fascia integrated step load support The present invention is an integrated step load support for a rear fascia of a vehicle which includes features that are molded in one orientation and folded and fastened in a support orientation. The features are integrated into the existing component configurations of the vehicle, and no additional parts are molded, assembled, or shipped to the customer location. The present invention includes the lower fascia having a molded and support structure which is attached to a main body through the use of living hinge features. The structure is then folded into a support position and locked into place with complimentary folding features molded into the upper fascia. The upper folding structure also incorporates an offset attachment surface without additional tooling action.
US08157277B2	Retractable vehicle step A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member.
US08157276B2	Cylinder apparatus A piston coupled to a piston rod is inserted in a cylinder, and an outer cylinder is disposed around the cylinder so as to define a reservoir therebetween. A separator tube is disposed around the cylinder so as to define an annular passage therebetween. The piston rod can be locked and unlocked by closing and opening an electromagnetic open/close valve so as to block and allow a flow of hydraulic fluid through a flow passage between the annular passage and the reservoir. The separator tube has a greater thickness. O-rings are disposed so as to provide seals between the separator tube and the cylinder. The separator tube extends to positions such that the ends of the separator tube overlap a base valve and a rod guide, thereby holding the respective ends of the cylinder. Due to this configuration, it is possible to prevent deformation of the cylinder and the separator tube due to an increase in the hydraulic pressure.
US08157274B2	Torsionally flexible connecting structure for transportation device A twistable connecting structure for linking two wheeled assemblies (such as foot platforms) of a personal transportation device. This connecting structure has flexible elongated members linking the wheeled assemblies, and rigid support members bridging the gap between the elongated members. This configuration enables the connecting structure to twist without bending.
US08157273B2	Adjustable stroller In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable stroller, comprising: a central axle, which is an axle attached to the chassis of the adjustable stroller such that the axis of the central axle is disposed substantially vertically; a pedestal, attached in the center thereof to the central axle such that the edges thereof are substantially at the same elevation; two side axles, each being an axle attached to an opposite side of the pedestal such that the axis thereof is disposed vertically; and two baby seats, each attached to one of the side axles; thereby allowing arranging the seats in a manner selected from a group comprising: side by side, and in tandem mode. Preferably, each of the axles further comprises a securing mechanism, for securing the outer cylinder of the axle in a desired manner with regard to the inner cylinder thereof.
US08157268B2	Piston for internal combustion engines The present invention relates to a piston ring (10), particularly a compression ring, for an internal combustion engine, comprising a ring-shaped body (11) having a ring joint (13) formed by butt ends (14a, 14b), the ring-shaped body (11) further having a ring contact face (12) along its perimeter, for contacting a cylinder wall in operation. According to the invention, the ring contact face (12) has a barrel-shaped profile, the barrel-shaped profile having in any of its cross-sections an area of maximum curvature, whose radius of curvature increases in the direction of the butt ends (14a, 14b).
US08157266B2	Full contact flexible seal assembly for heat exchanger A seal assembly for a regenerative heat exchanger can include a sealing member with a mounting base and a flexible contact portion having a contact edge that resiliently contacts a sector plate of the heat exchanger housing when the seal assembly is mounted to the heat exchanger. The seal assembly can also include a curvilinear support with a mounting section and a curved extended portion attached to the mounting section and having a predetermined curvature that gradually contacts the flexible contact portion as flexion of the flexible contact portion is increased, thereby gradually moving a flex point of the flexible contact portion toward the contact edge of the curvilinear support and gradually increasing a spring constant of the unsupported end of the flexible contact portion to resist further flexion of the flexible contact portion.
US08157265B2	Bag tossing game with accessory stabilization A bag tossing game for one or more by players comprises foldably deployable target assemblies, associated stabilizing assemblies linked to the target assemblies, and a plurality of bags for throwing by players. Each target assembly presents an inclined impact surface with a target aperture towards which bags are thrown. A foldable elevator pivoted to the target assembly angles the target assembly during play. Foldable feet at an opposite end of the target assemblies offer further support. A stabilizing assembly associated with each target assembly comprises a base disposed on the supporting surface, a platform mounted over the base for supporting bags and beverages and an elongated stanchion extending upwardly from a socket in the base for supporting the platform. The base comprises an elongated slot and cooperating guide channels for interconnecting each target assembly elevator with the stabilizing assembly.
US08157264B2	Game apparatus An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface having a first area and a second area, a projectile, and at least two propulsion devices. First and second sets of playing pieces are provided, each playing piece having a lower peg portion, and a substrate overlaying and spaced above the playing surface and extending across both the first and second areas of the playing surface. In a game, the playing pieces are located on the substrate above the first area of the playing surface, with their peg portions extending below the substrate, and each propulsion device is capable of propelling the projectile such that the projectile can impact with a peg portion of a playing piece and thereby dislodge the playing piece.
US08157261B2	Paper sheet conveying device and paper sheet conveying system A paper sheet conveying device is equipped with a conveying path (2) formed of conveying roller pairs and a controlling section conveying rollers. The conveying path (2) is composed of a first-half conveying path (2A) and a last-half conveying path (2B). The first-half conveying path (2A) has a first-half driving mechanism for controlling the rotational speed of the lower conveying rollers and a first-half vertically moving mechanism for vertically moving the upper conveying rollers. The last-half conveying path (2B) has a last-half driving mechanism for controlling the rotational speed of the lower conveying rollers and a last-half vertically moving mechanism for vertically moving the upper conveying rollers. The controlling section is configured so as to control the first-half driving mechanism, the first-half vertically moving mechanism, the last-half driving mechanism and the last-half vertically moving mechanism depending on the position of the paper sheet being conveyed.
US08157258B2	Torque limiting roller and medium separating mechanism using the same A torque limiting roller includes a shaft, a frictional unit, a roller assembly, a fixing unit and an elastic unit. The shaft includes a first end and a second end. The frictional unit is mounted on the first end of the shaft. The roller assembly is rotatably mounted on the shaft and includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the roller assembly is in frictional contact with the frictional unit. The fixing unit is mounted on the second end of the shaft. The elastic unit is mounted on the shaft, disposed between the fixing unit and the roller assembly, and contacts with the second end of the roller assembly and the fixing unit to provide a normal force between the roller assembly and the frictional unit and thus to provide limiting torque. A medium separating mechanism using the torque limiting roller is also disclosed.
US08157254B2	Method and apparatus for processing mail to obtain image data of contents A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.
US08157250B2	Hydraulic mount having double idle rate dip frequencies of dynamic stiffness An hydraulic mount providing double idle rate dip frequencies of dynamic stiffness, the idle rate dips being vibration orders of an internal combustion engine corresponding to one and two times firing frequencies. The double idle rate dip is achieved by providing the first idle rate dip at the first vibration order via resonance tuning of the idle inertia track, and providing the second idle rate dip at the second vibration order via additional resonance tuning of a tunable air conduit.
US08157248B2	Carbonate spring producing system A carbonate spring producing system includes a gas-liquid separator which is connected on the downstream side of a carbonic acid gas dissolver which connects to a carbonic acid gas supply means and hot water supply. A liquid lead-out pipe is connected to the gas-liquid separator. Preferably an un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe is connected on the upstream sides of the gas-liquid separator and the carbonic acid gas dissolver. The un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe includes a control valve, a compressor, and a liquid level detection means. The control valve controls a flow rate of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas from the gas-liquid separator. An amount of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the gas-liquid separator is monitored, so that the un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the hot water can be separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator. The separated and removed un-dissolved carbonic acid gas can be re-dissolved.
US08157245B2	Ratchet tie-down and reinforcement assembly A ratchet tie-down includes a frame, a lever including two cams pivotally connected to the frame, a reeling device rotatably mounted on the frame and lever, and a ratcheting device including two ratchet wheels mounted on the reeling device. The ratchet tie-down further includes a reinforcement assembly including two reinforcement members mounted on the reeling device. Each ratchet wheel includes two lateral sides disposed between one cam and one reinforcement member. Each reinforcement member defines an annular surface in contact with one lateral side of one ratchet wheel, and with the reinforcement member imposing an urging force in a direction perpendicular to a rotation direction of the ratchet wheel.
US08157233B2	Tilt mounting system An improved adjustable mounting system for mounting a flat panel display to a surface. A mounting bracket is configured to attach to the surface, while an adapter bracket is operatively connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to operatively connect to the flat panel display. At least one carrier mechanism operatively connects the mounting bracket and the adapter bracket, the first carrier mechanism positioned with a set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces to couple the adapter bracket to the mounting bracket. When the flat panel display is operatively connected to the adapter bracket and the mounting bracket is attached to the surface, the flat panel display is generally selectively rotatably positionable about an axis substantially parallel to the surface as a result of the interaction of the first carrier mechanism with the set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces.
US08157223B2	Holder for an elongate article A holder for at least one elongate article, with a main part on which is formed at least one receptacle into which the article can be introduced, and with a lid part which is movably connected to the main part via a joint and closes the receptacle in a closed position at least the main part having a hard component portion and a soft component portion connected thereto, the soft component portion forming the receptacle for the article. The joint is also formed by the soft component portion.
US08157220B2	Hot rail wheel bearing detection system and method Hot rail car bearings or wheels are identified by sensing an infrared radiation from the hot surface and determining whether features of the sensed signals are indicative of hot rail car surfaces. The features may include the signals themselves, with distances or correlations being established between the signals and signals of known hot bearings or wheels. The features may be analyzed in a feature or decision space, with boundaries being established that identify hot bearings or wheels, or that establish false positive features or noise. The identification may also be implemented as a matched filter.
US08157216B2	Methods and apparatus for an asymmetrical fairing A fairing includes three sections: an aft section, a middle section, and a nose section. The aft section includes a first surface having a generally constant conic angle (i.e., a “boat-tail angle”) with respect to the longitudinal axis such that the aft section tapers to a first end configured to attach to a generally cylindrical body. The middle section, which intersects and is axially aligned with the aft section, has a second surface characterized by a constant elliptical cross-section along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The nose section intersects and is axially aligned with the middle section. The nose section is further defined by four generally concave trianguloid surfaces, each extending from the middle section to a common apex intersecting the longitudinal axis, wherein each adjacent pair of trianguloid surfaces intersects at an edge (e.g., an incurvate edge). The four trianguloid surfaces are asymmetrically disposed with respect to rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis, and the edges have a sharpness that varies from the common apex to the middle section.
US08157214B2	Aircraft window darkening system An aircraft window darkening system includes a movable slide that darkens an aircraft window when in a closed position and does not darken the aircraft window when in an open position. The darkening system also includes a motor which is coupled to the slide in order to move the slide. The motor may be attached to a window frame of an aircraft window. The slide may have a handle for moving the slide. The motor may be disposed behind a region covered by a frame cover and behind a holding ring, so that the motor is accessible from the aircraft cabin when the holding ring is removed.
US08157213B2	Integrated composite skin for aircraft mid-box lifting surfaces A composite skin (11) with swept angle and dihedral for an aircraft mid-box lifting surface having a left side (5), a right side (7) and a central transition area (9) where both sides meet, that is designed and manufactured as a single part from left tip to right tip following a common ply structure for the whole part defined in relation to a single orientation rosette (25). The invention also refers to a composite aircraft mid-box lifting surface including an upper and lower panel with said composite skin (11).
US08157211B2	Aircraft toilet facility The invention relates to an aircraft toilet facility, particularly an aircraft toilet facility on a single passenger-deck aircraft. The invention provides a first toilet unit situated at least partially in the space below the floor of a passenger deck of the aircraft, and a second toilet unit situated at least partially in the space above the ceiling of the passenger deck. The first toilet unit is proximate the second toilet unit, and both the first toilet unit and second toilet unit are accessible from the passenger deck.
US08157209B2	Method for isolating a cabin wall of an aircraft or for cooling or heating of cabin air and a cabin wall suitable therefore The present invention relates to a method for insulating an aircraft cabin 6 and for the cooling or heating of cabin air in an aircraft, respectively with the method comprising the steps of: introducing aircraft cabin air into an aircraft cabin wall 6; guiding this aircraft cabin air along a section of this aircraft cabin wall 6; and leading this aircraft cabin air away from the aircraft cabin wall 6.
US08157206B2	Two-motion wing-fold mechanism with independent load path An aircraft wing folding system folds an outboard wing section relative to an inboard wing section between a deployed position and a stored position in two discrete motions where each motion has an independent load path separate of the loading of the wing experienced by in-flight aerodynamic forces. The wing-fold mechanism of the present invention includes a fold assembly comprising a twist component and a fold component operable to fold the outboard wing section from the deployed position to the stored position that remains substantially unloaded with respect to in-flight aerodynamic forces when the wing is in the deployed or flight configuration.
US08157203B2	Methods and apparatus for transforming unmanned aerial vehicle Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.
US08157202B2	Filament container and methods of use thereof A container comprising a housing that is configured to rotatably mount a filament supply spool, and a filament guide mechanism mountable within a channel of the housing, where the filament guide mechanism comprises a filament pathway configured to guide the filament from the filament supply spool rotatably mounted in the interior chamber, and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the filament through at least a portion of the filament pathway.
US08157198B2	Tape reel, recording tape cartridge, take-up reel, and drive device There are provided a tape reel, a recording tape cartridge, a take-up reel, and a drive device at which, when a recording tape is wound on a hub, fluctuations in an axial direction of the hub can be suppressed and occurrence of tape edge damage can be prevented. At a tape reel having a hub on which a recording tape T is wound and flanges which are provided at both end portions of the hub, a large diameter portion, whose diameter is larger than diameters of both end portion sides of the hub, is formed at the hub. The large diameter portion is offset, from a widthwise direction central portion of the hub, toward the one flange side or the other flange side.
US08157197B2	System and method for producing a spool of tubular fabric for use in manufacturing paint roller covers A system and method for producing a spool having a length of tubular fabric wound thereupon is disclosed, the tubular fabric being substantially spirally wound upon a core with consecutive windings of the extended length tubular fabric being located close adjacent each other, and with consecutive rows of the extended length tubular fabric overlaying each other on the hollow core. The winding operation simultaneously controls both the lateral position at which the tubular fabric is wound onto the core and the rotation of the core to achieve the tight and highly compact winding operation, with the speed of the winding operation being controlled according to the amount of the tubular fabric which is available at any given time. The tubular fabric is suitable for use in the manufacture of paint roller covers.
US08157193B2	Waterless separation methods and systems for coal and minerals A waterless method of processing coal to remove impurities therefrom includes drying a batch of coal to remove moisture therefrom, pulverizing the coal into individual coal particles to liberate impurity particles from the coal and without substantially reducing the size of the impurity particles, and separating the impurity particles and pulverized coal particles into respective product streams via air classification. The dryer includes a plurality of rotating paddles, and an air stream forces the coal through the plurality of rotating paddles to pulverize the coal into individual particles and liberate the impurities.
US08157190B2	Air atomizing type coating apparatus There is provided an air atomizing type coating apparatus which is constituted by a main body (2) having a first feed tube passage hole (6) extended forward from a cartridge mount portion (5), a passage change-over mechanism (11) attached to the front side of the main body (2) to change over positions of a second feed tube passage hole (14) and a second wash fluid passage (15), a spray nozzle (22) attached on the front side of the passage change-over mechanism (11), and a paint cartridge (30) to be set in the cartridge mount portion (5). Upon shifting the passage change-over mechanism (11) to a coating position, the first and second feed tube passage holes (6) and (14) are brought into communication with each other, a coating operation can be performed by inserting a paint cartridge (30). On the other hand, upon shifting the passage change-over mechanism (11) to a washing position, the first and second wash fluid passages (9) and (15) are brought into communication with each other, permitting a supply of a wash fluid to the spray nozzle (22).
US08157188B2	Container for a device for dispensing a volatile liquid A container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device comprises a body and a neck extending from the body to define an opening. A retention structure is integral with the container body and is adapted to be releasably engaged with two opposing sidewalls of a housing of the dispensing device. The sidewalls are spaced apart in a first direction, and the retention structure is inhibits motion of the container in two opposing directions generally transverse to the first direction. The retention structure may be located on a side of the container body. A capillary member extends from inside the container to an exterior of the container. The volatile liquid migrates along the capillary member from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the capillary member by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing.
US08157185B2	Strike attachment railroad signal line connector A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.
US08157181B2	Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same The invention relates to transaction tokens (“fobs”) having wireless functionality and methods of using the same. More specifically, fobs having radio frequency functionality such that information, such as payment information, identification information, or other like information, may be wirelessly transmitted from a memory within the fob to a receiver are disclosed. The fobs of this invention may comprise a microchip or other memory component, and/or antenna disposed on or within an insert and encased within an enclosure in an interior compartment. The fobs may have a quick-release mechanism for easily attaching to and detaching from a securing device, such as a keychain or the like. Moreover, the interior compartments of the fobs may be easily accessible for replacing the enclosed insert.
US08157180B2	Integrated circuit device with multiple communication modes and operating method thereof An integrated circuit device having multiple communication modes is provided. The integrated circuit device includes a transceiver coupled to first and second data lines. The integrated circuit device further includes a voltage control circuit. The voltage control circuit determines whether or not an external device is connected to the integrated circuit device. In the case where the external device is connected to the integrated circuit device, the voltage control circuit controls the voltage of the first data line so as to cause the external device to not recognize the integrated circuit device for a predetermined time.
US08157179B2	Document having an integrated contactless resonator electronic device A support (10) provided with at least first (12) and second (14) parts capable of displacing relative to one another along a selected axis of displacement (16), and a contactless electronic device (1) mounted in the first part (12) of the support and including an electronic microcircuit (3) and an antenna (2) electrically connected to the electronic microcircuit (3), and capable of being (electro)magnetically coupled with an external reading station (5), the electronic microcircuit (3) being capable of exchanging information with the outside. The second part (14) is provided with electromagnetic coupling attenuating elements, having a resonator circuit (7) coupled to the antenna (2), and situated in line with the antenna (2) when the first and second parts are essentially superimposed one above the other, and are capable of rendering the exchange of information with the outside inoperative or operative according to the distance between the first and second parts.
US08157178B2	Manufacturing system to produce contactless devices with switches A contactless device comprises circuitry storing information, a switch having a first position and a second position, and a fusible link. When the fusible link is intact, wireless reading and writing of the information is enabled regardless of the position of the switch. When the fusible link has been parted, wireless reading of the information is enabled when the switch is in the first position, and wireless reading of the information is disabled when the switch is in the second position. The contactless device may be placed in a non-responsive state, and transformed to a responsive state by parting a second fusible link, or by transmitting an authenticating code to the device. The contactless device may be a card, or some other kind of device.
US08157174B2	Digital image capture and processing system employing an image formation and detection system having an area-type image detection array supporting single snap-shot and periodic snap-shot modes of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window, and an image formation and detection subsystem, disposed in the housing, having an area-type image detection array supporting a single snap-shot mode of image acquisition and a periodic snap-shot mode of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object. By virtue of its single and periodic snap-shot modes of operation, the digital image capture and processing system of the present invention has the capacity to support pass-through as well as presentation type methods of digital image capture and processing at demanding POS environments without the use of traditional video modes of image acquisition.
US08157167B2	Contactless smartcard bezel A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
US08157164B1	Systems and methods for providing financial card via automated teller machine An institution system may approve a user for a financial card. The institution system may notify the user that an application for the financial card has been approved and may advise the user to go to an automated teller machine (ATM) to obtain the financial card. The ATM may generate a financial card and issue the financial card to the user. The financial card generated and issued by the ATM may be a newly issued card for the user, a card customized by the user, or a replacement card issued for the user.
US08157163B1	Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transactions responsive to data bearing records including account data read from user cards. The banking machine may accept checks and dispense cash to users. The machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited checks.
US08157160B2	Meter register and remote meter reader utilizing a stepper motor A meter for flowing material, e.g., water, has a meter register having an electronic display, e.g., an LED or LCD display, and a mechanical read-out display driven by a stepper motor to record units of water that flowed through the meter. In the event of an electrical power failure, the LED or LCD readout values are lost, however, the mechanical read-out values remain. Further, signals are transmitted to a microprocessor of a meter register to change the rotation of the stepper motor so that the meter register can be used with different types of meters. Still further, a meter generator co-acting with a meter register forwards an electrical pulse signal after a quantity of material or utility passes through a water meter to a microprocessor of a remote reader. The remote reader includes an odometer coupled to a stepper motor.
US08157155B2	Automated assembly and welding of structures A system for automated assembly and welding is disclosed. The system includes a pallet for receiving incoming workpieces; a workpiece holder having a plurality of electromagnets; a handling robot configured to transport incoming workpieces from the pallet to the workpiece holder; and a controller in communication with the workpiece holder and the handling robot. The controller is configured to determine an orientation of a workpiece positioned on the workpiece holder, and to selectively adjust an activation state of one or more electromagnets of the workpiece holder based upon the orientation of the workpiece. A method of assembling and welding workpieces is also disclosed.
US08157154B2	Three-body joining using friction stir processing techniques A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.
US08157153B2	Surgical instrument with force-feedback capabilities A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.
US08157146B2	Stapling device An endovascular stapler (100) for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler has a staple housing (104), an actuating mechanism (148) and an expansion mechanism (126). The staple housing (104) has a plurality of staple cartridges (128) adapted for storing at least one staple (180) therein. The staple cartridges (128) have an exit area (130) for discharging at least one of the staples (180) therethrough. The actuating assembly (148) is adapted for actuating the plurality of staple cartridges (128) to discharge the at least one staple through the exit area. The expansion mechanism (126) is in operative association with staple cartridges (128). The expansion mechanism (126) is operative for pushing the exit area (130) against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough.
US08157144B2	Stapler A stapler has a drive train that drives a stapling head toward a base part in a driving stroke and away from the base part in a return stroke. To accommodate thick workpieces to be stapled, without jamming, the drive train includes a coupling constructed so that its effective connection between coupled parts is releasable and so that it loses its effective connection during the driving stroke to prevent jamming.
US08157140B2	Wearable zip wallet A wallet having at least two surfaces defining an internal compartment, a zipper movably connecting one of the at least two surfaces to another of the at least two surfaces, the zipper being movable between a first position and a second position such that, when the zipper is in the first position, the wallet will be closed and will hang, and when the zipper is in the second position, the wallet will be open and the zipper will be in a position rotated by an angular amount from its hanging position such that the zipper will be in a substantially horizontal position.
US08157136B2	Mobile confectionary apparatus with protectible dispensing system The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
US08157134B2	Piston with guide rings In a piston pump, the improvement of providing a locating disc on the piston extending radially outwardly from the piston to engage a chamber wall of the piston chamber and with the locating disc having an opening axially therethrough permitting fluid flow both in an inward direction and an outward direction.
US08157132B1	Fuel and oil mixing device A fuel and oil mixing device secured to and used with a fuel container storing a quantity of fuel includes an oil reservoir, a mixer body, an oil metering valve, and an adjustment knob. The oil reservoir stores oil, defines an orifice for oil to exit, and defines an orifice for fuel to pass through. The mixer body is secured to and in fluid communication with the oil reservoir for receiving oil and fuel. The oil metering valve is housed within the mixer body and defines a plurality of slots on an exterior surface thereof, each such slot controlling flow of oil into the mixer body. The adjustment knob is operably connected to the oil metering valve, such that manipulation of the adjustment knob effectively selects one of the slots, such that a mixture with a desired fuel-oil ratio can be dispensed.
US08157130B2	Gas cartridge In a gas cartridge, inside of a metal made outer can 1 is arranged with a metal made inner bag 2 charged with a fuel gas G1. A space between the outer can 1 and the inner bag 2 is charged with a compression gas G2 for pressing to crush the inner bag 2 in accordance with consumption of the fuel gas G1. Pertinent positions on an inner side of the outer can 1 are provided with deformation introducing members P1 through P7 for producing an initial deformation for introducing a deformation of the inner bag when a press force of the compression gas G2 is received.
US08157128B2	Indicating device A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, and a wall defining an elongated cavity open at the top and extending along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes a face member defining a viewing window. The face member is snap-fitted to the dispenser housing wall. The indicating device further includes an indicator member having a surface visible through the viewing window. The surface includes dosage indicia. The indicator member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An indicator actuator has at least a portion disposed in the cavity. The actuator is adapted to be moved by an actuation of the container, with the actuator adapted to rotate the indicator member upon a predetermined number of actuations of the container.
US08157127B2	Method of draining a flexible container housing a viscous product A method and kit for draining a flexible container holding a product having a viscosity of between 10 Pa·s and 200 000 Pa·s. The method includes using a flexible container (3); optionally, moving the container (3) to be drained to a drainage site; ensuring the viscous product (2) can flow from container (3) through at least one outlet (9); exerting a pressure on at least one defined area of container (3) using a pressurizing device which preferably includes at least one pressure member (5) and/or a pressure fluid to maintain container (3) in an inflated or partially-inflated state; and removing the pressure once the container has been drained. The drainage kit includes the viscous product (silicon mastic), a flexible container (3) and a draining device including at least one pressure member and/or pressure fluid.
US08157126B2	Probe cover dispenser The present invention discloses a probe cover dispenser, which comprises a base having a probe cover basin; a probe cover cartridge receiving probe covers; a gravitational member applying gravity to the probe covers; and a feeder assembly arranged between the base and the probe cover cartridge. The gravitational member makes a probe cover fall from the probe cover cartridge onto the base, and a feeder pushes the gravitationally released probe cover to the probe cover basin. Then, the user inserts a probe of an infrared thermometer into the probe cover inside the probe cover basin to sleeve the probe with the probe cover. Via the present invention, the user can fit a probe cover onto a probe without using his hands. Thus, the present invention can effectively reduce the pollution of probe covers and the infection of testees.
US08157123B2	Container The container includes a base and a detachable cover. To releasably attach the base and cover, the base includes a first closure portion and the cover includes an engagable second closure portion. In one aspect, the first and second closure portions are configured for engagement in both a fully engaged position and an intermediately engaged position. In the intermediately engaged position, the container can be further configured to vent steam during, for example, microwaving. In another aspect, the container including the first and second closure portions can be configured for simplified engagement of the base and cover, preferably by enabling engagement via a downward push applied to the center of the cover. In yet another aspect, the first and second closure portions can be configured with diverging flanges that simplify detachment of the base and cover.
US08157117B2	Locking mechanism for the cover for a drink dispensing machine A tank for receiving a drink to be dispensed, the tank is rectangular in shape and opens upwardly, a discharge valve is located at the lower, front end of the tank, and a cover fits over the open end of the tank. Detents are formed at the upper end of the walls of the tank. A manually operable locking mechanism secures the cover in fixed position atop the tank. The locking mechanism comprises a vertical shaft or axle that extends through the central part of the cover. A knob is secured to the upper end of the shaft, and a cam is secured to the lower end of the shaft. A plurality of elongated rods pass through diametrically opposed slots in a housing secured to the underside, or interior, of the cover. One end of each rod has a contact surface which is urged against the perimeter of the cam, while the opposite end of the is a locking surface. When the knob is rotated in one direction, the locking surfaces of the rods are forced into the detents to lock the cover in fixed position. When the cam is rotated in the opposite direction, compression springs retract the rods from the apertures, to allow the removal of the cover from the open end of the tank.
US08157111B2	Hanger for suspending at least one object from a support A hanger for suspending at least one object for a support includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface and a cap extending from the top surface of the base. Further, the cap is slideably and removably positioned within the at least one slot and the cap mutually engages the at least two legs to suspend the at least one object secured to the base.
US08157108B1	Pull-out, drop-down closet storage system A motorized pull-out, drop-down, closet storage shelf system is herein disclosed. The shelf system provides a track system and a series of roller slides which propel a shelf forward and downward from its conventional stowed position to a lowered position by simply pressing a button. The access position allows comfortable access for someone sitting in a wheelchair, for a child, or for someone unable to reach the shelf without assistance. The shelf system is capable of transporting heavy loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. When shelf access is complete, the motorized mechanism returns the shelf to its original position.
US08157100B2	Structure for fixing screen bars of screening apparatus for wastewater treatment Disclosed herein is a structure for fixing screen bars of a screening apparatus, which is installed in a wastewater treatment plant to remove impurities contained in wastewater and includes a screen panel formed by arranging the screen bars parallel to each other to have gaps ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm therebetween. The screen bar fixing structure of the present invention is constructed such that screen bars, which are thin and long shapes, can maintain the straightness and gaps therebetween constant even though the screen bars are not welded to support bars provided on the rear surfaces of the screen bars, thus solving the problem in which impurities such as hairs, which are relatively long, are wound around the support bars, with the result that rakes undesirably flip or are damaged, or the gaps between the screen bars become clogged.
US08157097B2	System and method for providing audio content to a person Described herein is a serving tray having an audio player associated therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the serving tray includes an item supporting portion having a periphery, and a wall extending upwardly from at least a portion of the periphery of the item supporting portion. In other preferred embodiments, the audio player of the serving tray includes a receiver and/or memory for storing digital content.
US08157095B2	Flexible package with tearing means The invention refers to a flexible package comprising a plurality of walls including first and second opposing side walls having side seams. At least a first gusset is formed in at least the first side wall, the first gusset comprising an internal panel and an external panel together forming a pocket. At least the first side wall comprises lines of weakness which are at least partially formed in or through the external panel. The lines of weakness are adapted to create an opening in the first side wall.
US08157089B2	Height adjustable top frame for golf bag A height adjustable top frame for a golf bag has a base, at least one locking rod mounted slidably through the base, a holding bracket mounted securely on an upper end of the at least one locking rod and a locking mechanism mounted between the base and the holding bracket and selectively engaging the at least one locking rod. Despite being different lengths, golf clubs can be supported by adjusting the holding bracket to allow heads of the golf clubs to rest on the holding bracket. The golf bag with the height adjustable top frame does not have to be lengthened and the golf clubs with different lengths are appropriately and stably mounted in the golf bag without colliding or damaging each other.
US08157086B1	Financial transaction card packaging having removable portion A financial transaction card is packaged within a carrier which contains the card and prevents access to any indicia borne on the card (e.g., magnetic stripe, barcode, and the like) prior to activation of the financial transaction account associated with the card at the point of sale. The package bears no alternative indicia correlated with those borne on the card, and thus only the indicia on the card itself may be used for account activation. Such indicia are exposed at the point of sale by opening a section of the carrier to reveal the actual indicia borne on the card itself. Thus, any breakage of the carrier or other attempts to access the card within the packaging, prior to presentation of the packaged card for activation at the point of sale, is evidence of tampering of the package. In a preferred embodiment, the package is a simple three-panel, partially perforated construction that provides substantial security for the packaged card, at minimal manufacturing cost.
US08157085B2	Device for monitoring a conveyor belt A device for monitoring a conveyor belt in which a sensor can be fixed easily to the body without using any special fixing device and the properties of the conveyor belt can be detected with high precision. The device for monitoring the conveyor belt comprises a body to be detected embedded in a conveyor belt running endlessly, and a sensor provided oppositely thereto in the body. The sensor detects the variation in properties of the conveyor belt by detecting variation of the body to be detected due to the variation in properties of the conveyor belt. The sensor is secured to a shaft which supports a hollow roller for guiding the conveyor belt in the conveyance direction rotatably on the body in the roller thus making the sensor itself nonrotatable.
US08157084B2	Method and device for orientating products on a conveyor The method relates to products such as bottles whose horizontal cross section of contact is oval and which are conveyed in the longitudinal direction, in single file and spaced apart, on a conveyor. The method includes introducing the bottles one by one into a neck, at the downstream end of which motorized rollers are disposed, applying the rollers to the opposite faces of each bottle to be orientated, providing the passive roller with a peripheral speed equal to the speed of conveyance of the bottles and providing the active roller with a higher peripheral speed to position the bottle diagonally on the conveyor.
US08157083B2	Self-clearing conveyor transfer system and transfer plate A self-clearing conveyor transfer system for transferring articles between two mutually perpendicular conveyor belts. One version of the transfer system includes a finger transfer plate with fingers at one end extending into the end of a raised-rib belt and powered rollers at the opposite end rotating about axes perpendicular to the fingers. A second conveyor belt perpendicular to the raised-rib belt advances parallel to the roller axes. Articles transfer from one belt to the other across the finger transfer plate. Because the rollers are powered, straggling articles are not stranded on the transfer plate.
US08157080B2	Product aggregating apparatus A product aggregating apparatus receives product with an in-feed conveyor assembly and provides the product in an aggregated, registered and/or organized form, such as to a product picking apparatus. The in-feed conveyor assembly includes at least one in-feed conveyor, each in-feed conveyor configured to deliver product to first and second locations. A product receiver assembly includes at least first and second product receiver carriages to receive product at the first and second locations, respectively. An aggregated product receiver assembly comprises a carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage. A pusher assembly, comprising a pusher carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage, contains pushers horizontally moveable to push product from the adjacent product receiver carriage and onto the carriage of the aggregated product receiver assembly for picking by an appropriate apparatus.
US08157070B2	Marine reduction and reverse gear unit A marine reduction and reverse gear unit having an output shaft disposed at an acute (or obtuse) angle with respect to an input shaft 7 comprises: a drive gear 15 for transmitting torque from the input shaft 7; first and second driven gears 30, 31 engaged with the drive gear and disposed on the right and left sides thereof to sandwich the drive gear between the first and second driven gears; a reverse gear 16 connected to the drive gear 15 via a reverse hydraulic clutch 16; a first forward speed gear 33 connected to the first driven gear 30 via a hydraulic clutch; a second forward speed gear connected to the second driven gear 31 via a hydraulic clutch; and an output gear 26 fixed on the output shaft and engaged directly with one of the reverse gear 16, first forward speed gear 33 and second forward speed gear 36, or engaged therewith via idle gears to thereby receive the transmitted torque. This marine reduction and reverse gear unit provides a stable boat speed and enhanced acceleration performance by increasing the number of engine revolutions when wakeboarding.
US08157067B2	Dynamic displacement anchorage energy management device A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10