最新美国发明专利第2012-04-24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
US08163544B2	Methods and compositions for increasing tissue tropism of recombinant adenoviral vectors Methods are provide to allow for the preparation of adenoviral vectors with altered tropism. Compositions comprising such vectors and methods of use thereof also are provided.
US08163541B2	Cell culture apparatus and control method thereof A cell culture apparatus is provided in which a plurality of culture vessels can be mounted and removed in a set, which has a regulation mechanism that can fix each culture vessel in the correct position, and which enables suppression of production costs. The cell culture apparatus has one or a plurality of concave portions, and can arrange and accommodate one or a plurality of culture vessels in the concave portions. Spring-type fixing devices are provided in the depth direction and the width direction, respectively, in each concave portion. The two spring-type fixing devices press against side surfaces of the culture vessel to fix the culture vessel in the culture vessel set. At this time, by pressing against the culture vessel at two points, the position of the culture vessel at the time of fixing can be maintained with good accuracy.
US08163540B2	Filtered petri dish A petri dish includes a cover and base, the cover having at least one circular opening in the top of the cover. A number of securing members are connected to the underside of the cover around the opening to secure at least one filter under the opening, the filter(s) being used to prevent any contaminants from the air from entering the petri dish. A guard member such as a plastic disc is disposed under the filter(s) to prevent any oil in the base of the petri dish from contaminating the filter(s). A sealing member is provided on a peripheral edge of the base to seal the petri dish when the petri dish is closed.
US08163537B2	Nested permeable support device and method for using the nested permeable support device A nested permeable support device is described herein that can be used to perform various experiments to test new therapeutic compounds (new chemical entities). In one application, the nested permeable support device is used to perform a first pass assay to determine the bioavailability of a new chemical entity following absorption through the digestive tract and metabolism by the liver.
US08163536B2	Device for preparing an undifferentiated cell from a more committed cell A device for preparing an undifferentiated cell, the device comprises means for contacting a more committed cell with an agent that causes the more committed cell to retrodifferentiate into an undifferentiated cell.
US08163535B2	Devices and processes for nucleic acid extraction Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.
US08163534B2	Estrogenic substance degradable microorganism and use thereof A microorganism capable of degrading an estrogenic substance contained in wastewater and the like; a method for the simple and effective degradation of an estrogenic substance contained in domestic wastewater, wastewater discharged from a livestock farm, or the like by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided. An estrogenic substance-degrading microorganism which belongs to the genus Pseudaminobacter, Gordonia, Nocardia, Zoogloea, Pandoraea, Cryptococcus or Trichosporon and has an ability to degrade an estrogenic substance; a method for the degration of an estrogenic substance by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided.
US08163531B2	Purification of vaccinia viruses using hydrophobic interaction chromatography The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.
US08163530B2	Nucleic acids encoding respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strain 9320 The complete polynucleotide sequence of the human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strain 9320 genome is provided. Proteins encoded by this polynucleotide sequence are also provided. Isolated or recombinant RSV (e.g., attenuated recombinant RSV), nucleic acids, and polypeptides, e.g., comprising mutations in the attachment protein G, are also provided, as are immunogenic compositions comprising such isolated or recombinant RSV, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. Related methods are also described.
US08163529B2	Nicking endonuclease methods and compositions A nicking endonuclease is described which has an amino acid sequence with at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:6 and comprising a mutation at least one of an arginine or glutamic acid corresponding to position 507 and position 546 respectively in SEQ ID NO:6.
US08163527B2	Subsystems and methods for use in patch clamp systems Subsystems and methods for use in patch clamp systems are provided. For example, in certain embodiments, compensation circuitry is used to compensate for non-idealities present in the patch clamp system. The accuracy of this compensation may be verified by employing, for example, circuitry that models the patch clamp system.
US08163525B2	Method of expressing long-chain prenyl diphosphate synthase The present disclosure describes a method of producing a long-chain prenyl diphosphate synthase (in particular decaprenyl diphosphate synthase and solanesyl diphosphate synthase) using a gene and a protein which are required for enabling or enhancing the activity expression of a eukaryote-derived long-chain prenyl diphosphate synthase as well as a method of efficiently producing a coenzyme Q having a long-chain isoprenoid in its side chain (in particular coenzyme Q9 or coenzyme Q10) using a microorganism. The present disclosure also describes a DNA having a base sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1, 3 or 5 and a DNA sequence derived from the above base sequence by deletion, addition, insertion and/or substitution of one to several bases thereof, and coding for a protein enabling (functioning) or enhancing the activity expression of a eukaryote-derived long-chain prenyl diphosphate synthase in a cell of a host organism.
US08163522B1	Human TNF receptor The present invention is concerned with non-soluble proteins and soluble or insoluble fragments thereof, which bind TNF, in homogeneous form, as well as their physiologically compatible salts, especially those proteins having a molecular weight of about 55 or 75 kD (non-reducing SDS-PAGE conditions), a process for the isolation of such proteins, antibodies against such proteins, DNA sequences which code for non-soluble proteins and soluble or non-soluble fragments thereof, which bind TNF, as well as those which code for proteins comprising partly of a soluble fragment, which binds TNF, and partly of all domains except the first of the constant region of the heavy chain of human immunoglobulins and the recombinant proteins coded thereby as well as a process for their manufacture using transformed pro- and eukaryotic host cells.
US08163519B2	Fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) prepared by microorganisms and uses thereof The invention relates to an improved nucleic acid molecule encoding fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) that is better expressed in fungi, to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecule, to hosts transformed with said vectors, to processes of expressing the protein of the invention in said transformed hosts, to the protein of the invention produced by said processes, to uses of said hosts comprising the protein of the invention and to a process of purifying FIP. The protein of the invention has wide immunomodulatory activity. Thus, the present invention further relates to uses of the protein of the invention in cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions and to food or feed additives comprising the protein of the invention. Finally, the invention relates to the method of modulating immunological activities by orally administering FIP or proteins fused with FIP to a subject.
US08163516B2	Selection of ADH in genetically modified cyanobacteria for the production of ethanol The present invention discloses genetically-modified cyanobacteria with ethanol-production capabilities enhanced over the currently-reported art, and methods of making such cyanobacteria. The invention provides a genetically modified photoautotrophic, ethanol producing host cell comprising an overexpressed pyruvate decarboxylase enzyme converting pyruvate to acetaldehyde and an overexpressed Zn2+ dependent alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme converting acetaldehyde to ethanol.
US08163512B2	Method for determination of cholesterol in small dense low-density lipoprotein A method for determination of sdLDL-C in a reaction solution containing a surfactant that preferentially inhibits the reaction of sdLDL-C with enzymes for cholesterol measurement such as cholesterol ester hydrolase. In the method, the enzymes for cholesterol measurement act on a sample to eliminate HDL-C, VLDL-C, CM-C and LgLDL-C. A reagent that causes the reaction of sdLDL-C remaining in the reaction solution to form hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme is then added, following which the formed hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme is measured. The sdLDL-C concentration in the sample may be determined by comparing the measurement value with and a previously-prepared calibration curve.
US08163509B2	Biological markers predictive of anti-cancer response to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor kinase inhibitors The present invention provides diagnostic methods for predicting the effectiveness of treatment of a cancer patient with an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor. Methods are provided for predicting the sensitivity of tumor cell growth to inhibition by an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor, comprising assessing whether the tumor cell expresses certain sensitivity or resistance biomarkers, or genomic classifiers. Improved methods for treating cancer patients with IGF-1R kinase inhibitors that incorporate this methodology are also provided.
US08163501B2	Methods of assessing Crohn's disease patient phenotype by I2 serologic response The invention provides a method of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease in a subject having Crohn's disease by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-I2 antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-I2 antibodies indicates that the subject has a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease. In one embodiment, a method of the invention is practiced by further determining the presence or absence in the subject of a NOD2 variant, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), IgA anti-OmpC antibodies, or perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA). The methods of the invention can be used to diagnose or predict susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease, for example, a fibrostenotic subtype, a subtype characterized by the need for small bowel surgery, or a subtype characterized by the absence of features of ulcerative colitis.
US08163500B2	Polypeptides and methods for the specific detection of antibodies in patients with a Borrelia infection The present disclosure relates to proteins derived from OspC from bacteria of the genus Borrelia, in particular a protein which comprises a first OspC polypeptide, wherein the first OspC polypeptide is linked to a second OspC polypeptide via a disulphide bridge. The disclosure also relates to a method for the detection of antibodies against OspC and a method for the detection of a Borrelia infection, wherein a protein according to the disclosure is employed, and also to a diagnostic kit and a vaccine against Borrelia.
US08163499B2	Drug selection for breast cancer therapy using antibody-based arrays The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in tumor cells. Information on the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments.
US08163498B2	Method for determination of molecular weight of hyaluronic acid A method of measuring a molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, comprising at least reacting hyaluronic acid in a sample containing the hyaluronic acid with a hyaluronic acid-binding protein to measure an amount of the hyaluronic acid-binding protein that is bound to the hyaluronic acid in the sample or a value that reflects the amount.
US08163489B2	Method for a continuous rapid thermal cycle system Disclosed herein is an efficient, high speed production scale synthesis method for high molecular weight organic substances, such as DNA. The invention includes a method of conducting a polymerase chain reaction which comprises transporting a liquid through polymeric tubing disposed through a first reaction cycle region and at least a second reaction cycle region, each of which regions comprises at least a first and a second temperature zone, the temperature in each zone of said at least second region being substantially identical to the corresponding first and second zones in said first region, wherein said liquid is an aqueous solution comprising polymerase chain reaction reactants and a surface absorbing polymer.
US08163485B2	Differential enzymatic fragmentation The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of methylation at a locus within a population of nucleic acids.
US08163484B2	Light emission modifiers and their uses in nucleic acid detection, amplification and analysis The present invention relates to methods and reagents for modifying the emission of light from labeled nucleic acids for the purpose of real time detection, analysis, and quantitation of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., using singly labeled probes. These methods and reagents exploit advantageous properties of thiazine dyes and diazine dyes. Furthermore, the use of these light emission modifiers in background reduction, nucleic acid duplex stabilization and other uses is also described. Related kits, reaction mixtures and integrated systems are described.
US08163476B2	CUDR as biomarker for cancer progression and therapeutic response Disclosed is a novel human gene designated CUDR. Provides is also a CUDR gene as a biomarker in the diagnosis of human cancers and a cancer therapy.
US08163474B2	NS1-NP diagnostics of influenza virus infection The present application describes methods for assessing influenza infection, including prognosis. An assay that determines the amount of the NS1 and NP proteins of influenza virus shows enhanced sensitivity and reliability compared to either antigen alone. Many formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least with multiple strains within an influenza type).
US08163467B2	Dummy light-exposed substrate, method of manufacturing the same, immersion exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method A dummy light-exposed substrate used for dummy light-exposure in an immersion exposure apparatus which exposes a substrate to light via a projection optical system and a liquid, comprises a lyophilic region, and a liquid repellent region surrounding the lyophilic region.
US08163466B2	Method for selectively adjusting local resist pattern dimension with chemical treatment A method forms a first patterned mask (comprising rectangular features and/or rounded openings) on a planar surface and forms a second patterned mask on the first patterned mask and the planar surface. The second patterned mask covers protected portions of the first patterned mask and the second patterned mask reveals exposed portions of the first patterned mask. The method treats the exposed portions of the first patterned mask with a chemical treatment that reduces the size of the exposed portions to create an altered first patterned mask.
US08163465B2	Ablatable elements for making flexographic printing plates Flexographic printing plates and other relief images can be formed from a laser-ablatable element having a laser-ablatable layer that is from about 300 to about 4,000 μm in thickness. The laser-ablatable layer includes a film-forming material that is a laser-laser-ablatable material or the film-forming material has dispersed therein a laser-ablatable material. The laser-ablatable material is a polymeric material that when heated to 300° C. at a rate of 10° C./minute, loses at least 60% of its mass to form at least one predominant low molecular weight product. The laser-ablatable material also comprises at least 0.01 weight % of a depolymerization catalyst that is a Lewis acid or organometallic based catalyst. The element can be imaged by ablation at an energy of at least 1 J/cm2 to provide a relief image.
US08163463B2	Photoresist composition, method of forming pattern using the photoresist composition and inkjet print head A photoresist composition including an oxetane-containing compound represented by Formula 1 or 2, an oxirane-containing compound represented by Formula 3 or 4, a photoinitiator, and a solvent, a method of forming a pattern using the photoresist composition, and an inkjet print head including a polymerization product of the photoresist composition. The photoresist composition provides a polymerization product which resists formation of cracks due to an inner stress, and has excellent heat tolerance, excellent chemical resistance, excellent adhesiveness, and excellent durability.
US08163459B2	Bio-based amorphous polyester resins for emulsion aggregation toners Disclosed are amorphous polyesters that contain only renewable resources designed for emulsion aggregation toner fabrication. The amorphous polyesters may be obtained from the mixture of three different monomers: 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbitol (isosorbide), nonanedioic acid (azelaic acid), and butanedioic acid (succinic acid). Different polymer properties may be achieved depending on the ratio of these three monomers. By altering the ratio, polymers of high to low acid value can be obtained, as well as different ranges of glass transition temperatures.
US08163456B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus An image forming method and image forming apparatus based on the application thereof wherein comet-like deposits do not appear on the surface of the photoreceptor even after prolonged use of small-diameter toner, and there is no dropout or damage on the photoreceptor surface in the image forming process using an intermediate transfer member. This image forming method contains a process wherein the toner developed on an electrophotographic photoreceptor is transferred onto an intermediate transfer member, and the toner contains at least a metallic oxide and metallic soap added as external additive agents, and the protective layer contains a resin component obtained by reaction of at least a curable compound, and alumina particles.
US08163452B2	Developing agent, image forming method and image forming apparatus A developing agent includes a carrier; a toner in which an inorganic oxide external additive has a coverage of from 60 to 120% relative to a core toner; and a charging auxiliary particle having charge properties of a positive electrode and having a volume average particle size of from 5 to 15 μm in an addition amount of from 0.5 to 6% by weight relative to the developing agent.
US08163446B2	Method for manufacturing photomask using self-assembled molecule layer A method for fabricating a photomask using a self-assembled molecule layer, comprising: forming, on a transparent substrate, a stacked structure of a phase shift pattern and a light shielding pattern over the phase shift pattern, the stacked structure exposing a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate; exposing the phase shift pattern and a portion of the surface of the transparent substrate by removing a portion of the light shielding pattern; forming a self-assembled molecule layer allowing movement of electrons on the exposed surface of the transparent substrate; measuring a critical dimension of the phase shift pattern formed with the self-assembled molecule layer; neutralizing electrons applied during the measurement of the critical dimension with the self-assembled molecule layer allowing movement of electrons; and removing the self-assembled molecule layer.
US08163445B2	Extreme ultraviolet mask and method for fabricating the same An EUV mask comprises a multi-reflecting layer is formed over a substrate and reflecting EUV light; an absorber layer pattern defining a sidewall formed over the multi-reflecting layer formed and selectively exposing a region of the multi-reflecting layer; and a reflecting spacer which additionally reflects the EUV light at the sidewall of the absorber layer pattern.
US08163434B2	Barrier coatings for interconnects; related devices, and methods of forming A method of preparing a solid oxide fuel cell is described herein, as well as the fuel cell itself. The method comprises forming a cathode layer comprising a strontium composition on a ceramic electrolyte layer; and forming a barrier layer between the cathode layer and an overlying interconnect structure comprising chromium, so as to substantially prevent the formation of strontium chromate.
US08163430B2	Synthesis of metal compounds under carbothermal conditions Active materials of the invention contain at least one alkali metal and at least one other metal capable of being oxidized to a higher oxidation state. Preferred other metals are accordingly selected from the group consisting of transition metals (defined as Groups 4-11 of the periodic table), as well as certain other non-transition metals such as tin, bismuth, and lead. The active materials may be synthesized in single step reactions or in multi-step reactions. In at least one of the steps of the synthesis reaction, reducing carbon is used as a starting material. In one aspect, the reducing carbon is provided by elemental carbon, preferably in particulate form such as graphites, amorphous carbon, carbon blacks and the like. In another aspect, reducing carbon may also be provided by an organic precursor material, or by a mixture of elemental carbon and organic precursor material.
US08163426B2	Polysiloxane-based compound for electrolyte of lithium secondary battery, organic electrolyte solution including the polysiloxane-based compound, and lithium battery using the solution An additive for an electrolyte of a lithium secondary battery, the additive including a polysiloxane-based compound represented by Formula 1 below: In formula 1 R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, l, m, n, o and p are as described in the detailed description of the present invention.
US08163425B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a porous electron-insulating layer adhered to a surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an electrolyte. The porous electron-insulating layer comprises a particulate filler and a resin binder, and the particulate filler comprises an indefinite-shape particle comprising a plurality of primary particles that are joined to one another. A neck is preferably formed between the primary particles. Since the porous electron-insulating layer has high porosity, it is possible to obtain a secondary battery that exhibits excellent low-temperature characteristics, which are particularly important in actual use, and that is capable of discharging at a large current.
US08163423B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte battery and method of manufacturing the same Gas generation of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery having a negative active material that intercalates/deintercalates lithium ions at a potential not lower than 1.2 V relative to the potential of lithium as negative electrode is suppressed.A non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte containing an electrolyte salt and a non-aqueous solvent, a positive electrode and a negative electrode is characterized in that the main active material of said negative electrode is an active material that intercalates/deintercalates lithium ions at a potential not lower than 1.2 V relative to the potential of lithium and the auxiliary active material of said negative electrode is an active material that at least intercalates lithium ions at a potential lower than 1.2 V relative to the potential of lithium and that there exists lithium showing a spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of not less than 1 second as determined by a solid-state Li—NMR measurement in the main active material of said negative electrode. A method of manufacturing a non-aqueous electrolyte battery containing a non-aqueous electrolyte, a positive electrode and a negative electrode (a main active material and an auxiliary active material of the negative electrode) is characterized in that the negative electrode potential is lowered to not higher than 0.8 V relative to the potential of lithium at least once in the initial cycle.
US08163420B2	Battery system with battery cells held in a stack by metal bands A battery system has a battery block with a plurality of battery cells that are rectangular batteries stacked with intervening insulating separators, and that battery block is held by fastening components. The fastening components are provided with a pair of endplates disposed at the ends of the stacked battery cells, and metal bands on both sides of the battery block connected at both ends to the endplates. An insulating separator has an insulating plate section, which intervenes between adjacent battery cells, and insulating walls, which cover both battery cell side-walls, formed from plastic as a single-piece. In this battery system, insulating plate sections are sandwiched between battery cells, and the insulating walls are disposed between battery cell outer side-walls and metal bands to insulate the battery cells from the metal bands.
US08163419B2	Battery pack A battery pack comprises a plurality of battery modules and a holding spacer which holds the battery module. A plurality of projections are provided on the holding spacer. The projections contact the battery module to hold the battery module and form a flow path for a coolant. A heat generating structure is embedded in the holding spacer or inserted into a hollow section of the holding spacer. In a cold climate, electricity is applied to the heat generating structure, to heat the battery module.
US08163417B2	Electronic device with battery securing mechanism An electronic device includes a main body, a battery, and a fixing module. The main body defines a receiving groove to receive the battery. The battery defines a latching groove. The fixing module includes a fixing member, an elastic member, and a touching member. The touching member urges the elastic member such that the elastic member drives the fixing member to rotate, thereby engaging or disengaging the fixing member with the latching groove.
US08163416B2	Electronic apparatus According to one embodiment, a battery unit comprises a plurality of cells and a case to contain the cells. The case includes a first part to contain at least one cell, a second part to contain at least one cell, and a third part to connect the first and second parts. At least a portion of the third part is made thinner than the first and second parts.
US08163415B2	Electronic device An electronic device includes two batteries and a main body. The main body defines a sliding groove passing through two parallel surfaces of the main body. The sliding groove includes an upper surface, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface, a positive contact plate and a negative contact plate. The positive contact plate is positioned on the upper surface. The negative contact plate is positioned on the lower surface. During replacement of the battery, each positive power supply plate of the two batteries remaining in contact with the positive contact plate, and each negative power supply plate of the two batteries remaining in contact with the negative contact plate.
US08163411B2	Abnormality detection apparatus for battery pack The abnormality detection apparatus for a battery pack includes a first determining function of making a first determination that abnormality is present when a voltage across a unit battery of interest is higher than a first threshold, a second determining function of making a second determination that abnormality is present when the voltage is lower than a second threshold lower than the first threshold, a short-circuit function of making a short-circuit between a detection line of interest connected to one electrode of a unit battery of interest and an adjacent detection line connected to the other electrode of the unit battery, and a third determining function of making a third determination that there is faulty electrical continuity in the detection line of interest if the first determining function makes the first determination and the second determining function makes the second determination when the short circuit function makes the short-circuit.
US08163409B2	Evaluation method for safety upon battery internal short circuit, evaluation device for safety upon battery internal short circuit, battery, battery pack, and manufacturing method for battery and battery pack A method for evaluating the safety of a battery under an internal short-circuit condition. The method for evaluating an internal short-circuit of a battery is characterized in that a short-circuit can be caused at a desired location inside the battery. According to the evaluation method of the invention, the evaluation result is not affected by the constitution of the outermost part of the battery unlike nail penetration tests which are conventional evaluation methods. Also, unlike crush tests which are conventional evaluation methods, the locations of short-circuits do not vary among tests and the safety under an internal short-circuit condition can be evaluated accurately.
US08163408B2	Battery with pressure relief channel A battery having an outer casing and an anode/cathode assembly within that casing, wherein the anode/cathode assembly includes plural anodes and cathodes and electrolyte therebetween. The battery has a pressure relief feature associated with the casing and a channel preservation element sufficiently rigid to preserve at least one gas passageway to the pressure relief feature under conditions of anode/cathode assembly warpage. Thus the gas in the passageway will not become impeded by anode/cathode assembly warpage.
US08163406B2	Membrane-electrode assembly for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell A membrane-electrode assembly for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell that exhibits superior dimensional stability to high temperature of hot water generated on power generation, and that has both excellent power generation performance and durability in a low temperature environment is provided. According to the membrane-electrode assembly for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which a polyarylene-based copolymer having a specific repeating constitutional unit is used as a proton conductive membrane, the membrane-electrode assembly for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell that exhibits superior dimensional stability to high temperature of hot water generated on power generation, and that has both excellent power generation performance and durability in a low temperature environment can be provided.
US08163404B2	Chlorine, fluorine and lithium co-doped transparent conductive films and methods for fabricating the same A chlorine, fluorine and lithium co-doped transparent conductive film is provided, including chlorine, fluorine and lithium co-doped tin oxides, wherein the chlorine, fluorine and lithium co-doped tin oxides have a chlorine ion doping concentration not greater than 5 atom %, a fluorine ion doping concentration not greater than 5 atom %, and a lithium ion doping concentration not greater than 5 atom %.
US08163403B2	Epitaxial layers on oxidation-sensitive substrates and method of producing same This invention disclosure describes methods for the fabrication of metal oxide films on surfaces by topotactic anion exchange, and laminate structures enabled by the method. A precursor metal-nonmetal film is deposited on the surface, and is subsequently oxidized via topotactic anion exchange to yield a topotactic metal-oxide product film. The structures include a metal-oxide layer(s) and/or a metal-nonmetal layer(s).
US08163398B2	Leather production method and products suited thereof Process for the production of leather using products obtainable by reacting (A) at least one cyclic organic carbonate with (B) at least one compound having at least two nucleophilic groups per molecule, selected from sulfonic acid, hydroxyl, primary or secondary amino or mercapto groups.
US08163394B2	Aluminum foil and method of manufacturing the same Provided is an aluminum foil according to the present invention including: a primer coated layer (13) which is formed by depositing a primer coating liquid on a non-glossy surface of the aluminum foil (11), and drying the primer coating liquid deposited on the non-glossy surface of the aluminum foil at temperature of 20 to 110° C. to then cool the same at temperature of 0 to 20° C.; a mid-coat layer (15) which is formed by depositing the mid-coating liquid on the upper portion of the primer coated layer (13); and a two-coat layer (17) which is formed by depositing the coating liquid on the upper portion of the mid-coat layer (15), and plasticizing the coating liquid deposited on the upper portion of the mid-coat layer for three to five minutes at temperature of 60 to 430° C.
US08163393B2	Anti-dazzling optical laminate An anti-dazzling laminate which is an optical laminate comprising a light transparent base material and an anti-dazzling layer provided on the light transparent base material. The outermost surface of the anti-dazzling layer has a concavoconvex shape, and the optical laminate satisfies the following requirements: Ha is more than 0% and less than 8%, Hi is more than 0% and not more than 6%, and Hi/Ha is not less than 0.013 and less than 0.8, wherein Ha represents the whole haze value of the optical laminate; and Hi represents the internal haze value of the optical laminate.
US08163390B2	Radiation-curable compounds The invention relates to radiation-curable compounds, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to coating compositions comprising them and featuring high scratch resistance.
US08163388B2	Compositions comprising metal-modified silica nanoparticles A composition comprising particles with a transition metal imbedded therein is disclosed. Specifically, the mole ratio of transition metal to particles is from about 25:1 to about 50:1. The composition is prepared in the presence of ultrasonic energy. The particles are selected from the group consisting of organic particles, inorganic particles, and metal particles.
US08163387B2	Organic friction modifier comprising laminar graphite and aramid resin An organic friction modifier is provided with a composite material particle in which laminar graphite particles are dispersed in an aramid resin. In addition, a friction material is provided with an organic friction modifier including a composite material particle in which laminar graphite particles are dispersed in an aramid resin.
US08163386B1	Fine hollow powder thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverization of the fine hollow powder and processes for producing the same The present invention relates to fine hollow powder with a titanium oxide shell, obtained by spray drying an exfoliated titania sol, and thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverizing the fine hollow powder, and also to processes for producing the same. The present fine hollow powder and thin flaky titanium oxide powder have a distinguished dispersibility and are useful for additives to cosmetics, pigments, paints, etc., and the present fine hollow powder also has a distinguished flowability and is useful for seed particles for flow measurement.
US08163385B2	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.
US08163384B2	Antimicrobial composites, films, labelstocks and labels This invention relates to antimicrobial composites, films, labelstocks and labels. The antimicrobial composites comprise a mixture of (A) a terpolymer prepared from a mixture comprising (i) an olefin, (ii) at least one copolymerizable comonomer comprising ethylenically unsaturated organic acids or esters, vinyl esters of saturated carboxylic acids and mixtures of two or more thereof, and (iii) carbon monoxide, and (B) an antimicrobial composition which comprises at least one metal chlorite and at least one hydrophilic material capable of reacting with the metal chlorite when exposed to water. The composites which are described herein are useful in preparing films, labelstocks and labels which exhibit the desirable antimicrobial properties by providing a controlled release of chlorine dioxide gas over an extended period of time.
US08163379B2	Sandwich structure The present invention provides a sandwich structure with a core element in honeycomb form and outer layers with carbon fiber and glass fiber layers, the glass fiber layers being applied to the outer sides of the sandwich structure.
US08163378B2	Scratch-resistant moulded article made from a filled polypropylene composition The invention relates to a moulded article made from a polypropylene composition comprising 48-94.9 mass % of a polypropylene; 5-30 mass % of glass fibers having average length of 1-50 mm; 0.1-2 mass % of oleamide and/or erucamide; and 0-20 mass % of other additives; the article showing a color change of dL<2 in the PSA/Renault scratch tests and a color change of dL<1.5 in the Erichsen scratch test.This article shows an excellent combination of properties, especially a good balance between stiffness and impact resistance, which have excellent surface appearance, and high resistance to surface scratching and abrasion.
US08163377B2	High temperature resistant fibres Thermal insulation comprises sol-gel formed fibers comprising 10 to 99 mol % of a refractory base composition, and 1 to 90 mol % of a component selected from earth metal oxides, alkali metal oxides, and mixtures thereof, and wherein said alkaline earth metal oxides if present comprise one or more of calcium oxide, strontium oxide, barium oxide or a mixture thereof. The refractory base comprises SiO2 and Al2O3.
US08163376B2	Shape memory polymer composition, fiber reinforced plastic and production process thereof Provided are a shape memory polymer composition, which comprises a bifunctional isocyanate and/or a trifunctional isocyanate, and a polyol having an average molecular weight of from 100 to 550, with a molar ratio in terms of functional groups of isocyanate:polyol=0.9 to 1.1:1.0; FRP having the shape memory polymer and a fibrous material; and a production process of the FRP comprising impregnating the fibrous material with, as a matrix resin, the shape memory polymer composition and curing. According to the present invention, the shape memory polymer composition has an extended pot life and FRP has excellent inflatability.
US08163370B2	Buffer device providing reliable buffer effect A buffer device providing reliable buffer effect includes a channel-shaped buffer member and at least one first reinforcing tubular member. The channel-shaped buffer member is a substantially U-sectioned hollow member and includes two facing inner sidewalls, two opposing outer sidewalls, an inner bottom wall, two outer top walls and an outer bottom wall to enclose a third buffer space therein. The first reinforcing tubular member is received in the third buffer space and encloses a first buffer space therein. The first reinforcing tubular member includes at least one normal-direction supporting wall extended between and pressed against the inner and outer bottom walls and provided with at least one second curved buffer section. The normal-direction supporting wall and the second curved buffer section thereof not only give the channel-shaped buffer member an increased normal-direction supporting strength, but also buffer impact force and compressing force applied normal to the outer bottom wall.
US08163369B2	Vehicle floor tray A vehicle floor tray has a base, upstanding side walls, a forward panel, and an aft wall that define a basin for confining liquid such as water, mud, and slush. An array of spaced apart chevron-shaped treads project upwardly from the base. The chevron-shaped treads are arranged in adjacent rows and the treads in each row are oriented in a direction opposite from the direction of orientation of the treads in adjacent rows. Further, each row of treads is shifted or staggered with respect to adjacent rows by a distance substantially equal to half the length of a tread plus half the distance between adjacent treads in a row. This configuration forms a convolutedly shaped network contiguous channels within which liquid may collect and spread out. The shape of the channel network and the shapes and orientations of the chevron-shaped treads inhibits the mass flow of liquid to the front, back, or sides of the floor tray during acceleration, deceleration, and up or down hill traverses. This, in turn, inhibits puddeling of liquid during off-road operation of a vehicle and the problems attendant thereto.
US08163361B2	Pliable plastic film and container using the same A pliable plastic film according to the present invention comprises a heat sealable sealing layer, wherein the sealing layer is made of a mixture of a propylene-α-olefin random copolymer having a crystalline melting point Tm of 135 to 145° C. and a polypropylene (PP) homopolymer having a crystalline melting point Tm of higher than 160° C.
US08163358B2	Surface modification of contact lenses A method of increasing the hydrophilicity of a polymer surface, such as a contact lens surface, includes exposing the polymer substrate to a first plasma under conditions selected to generate free radicals on the surface of the polymer substrate. The method also includes reacting an organic compound with the free radicals on the surface of the polymer substrate to thereby form an organic coating. The method further includes exposing the organic coating to a second plasma under conditions selected to oxidize the organic coating to thereby form a hydrophilic layer at the substrate surface. The hydrophilic layer can have a contact angle with respect to water that is less than about 50°.
US08163357B2	Scratch-resistant coatings with improved adhesion to inorganic thin film coatings A scratch-resistant coating comprising a polymer including a functionalized polysilsesquioxane. The scratch-resistant coating is exposed to oxidizing conditions (e.g., ozone or ultraviolet light) that modify the surface chemistry of the coating to enhance adhesion to inorganic thin film coatings, such as antireflective coatings.
US08163356B2	Products A laboratory consumable having a polymeric coating, coating formed by exposing said consumable to pulsed plasma for a sufficient period of time to allow a polymeric layer to form on the surface of the laboratory consumable, said plasma comprising a compound of formula (I) where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification. Consumables of this type show significantly reduced liquid sample retention, maximum sample recovery and ultra non-binding properties, as well as oil and water-repellency.
US08163355B2	Formation of carbon-containing material A method includes forming ionic clusters of carbon-containing molecules, which molecules have carbon-carbon sp2 bonds, and accelerating the clusters. A surface of a substrate is irradiated with the clusters. A material is formed on the surface using the carbon from the molecules. The material includes carbon and may optionally include hydrogen. The material may include graphene. The material may form a monolayer. The molecules may include one or more material selected from the group consisting of graphene, carbon allotropes, ethylene, and hydrocarbon molecules containing ethylenic moieties. A fused region may be formed in the substrate as an interface between the substrate and the material. The clusters may have diameters of at least 20 nanometers and may be accelerated to an energy of at least 0.5 keV.
US08163353B2	Fabrication of copper-based anodes via atmosphoric plasma spraying techniques A fuel electrode anode (18) for a solid oxide fuel cell is made by presenting a solid oxide fuel cell having an electrolyte surface (15), mixing copper powder with solid oxide electrolyte in a mixing step (24, 44) to provide a spray feedstock (30,50) which is fed into a plasma jet (32, 52) of a plasma torch to melt the spray feed stock and propel it onto an electrolyte surface (34, 54) where the spray feed stock flattens into lamellae layer upon solidification, where the layer (38, 59) is an anode coating with greater than 35 vol. % based on solids volume.
US08163351B2	Method for coating substrates with coating systems containing reactive hydrophobic inorganic fillers The present invention relates to a process for coating substrates, which comprises the steps: a) provision of a substrate which is not natural stone and/or natural ashlar, b) application of a composition comprising a silane of the general formula (Z1)Si(OR)3, where Z1 is R, OR or Gly (Gly=3-glycidyloxypropyl) and R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and all radicals R can be identical or different, oxide particles selected from among the oxides of Ti, Si, Zr, Al, Y, Sn, Zn, Ce and mixtures thereof, with bound organic radicals SiR′3 being present on the surface of the oxide particles, where R′ has the general formula CnX1+2n where n=1 to 20, X=hydrogen and/or fluorine, all radicals R′ can be identical or different and the organic radicals SiR′3 being able to be split off, and an initiator to at least one surface of the substrate and c) drying of the composition applied in step b), and a coated substrate which can be obtained by the abovementioned process.
US08163350B2	Processes for making selectively permeable laminates Processes for fabricating selectively permeable laminates are provided. In one process, continuous chitosan film is prepared by casting a chitosan solution directly onto a substrate that will be incorporated along with the film into a laminate. Alternatively, the chitosan solution is cast onto a work device (for example, such as glass or a polymer film), dried, detached, and then incorporated into a laminate in a separate step. In various embodiments, the laminates are useful for fabrication as a protective article and are substantially impermeable to hazardous chemical and biological agents, but sufficiently permeable to water vapor that, if worn as protective apparel, it is both protective and comfortable to wear.
US08163349B2	Methods for applying a washcoat and heat treating a ceramic honeycomb, and treated articles A method for treating a microcracked, ceramic substrate is provided that obviates the need for filling the microcracks of the substrate via a passivation step prior to sintering a layer of washcoat to the surfaces of the substrate that may either contain a catalyst, or provide a support layer for a catalyst subsequently applied. In the first step of the method, a slurry of particles of a washcoating composition is applied over the surface of the substrate such that particles of the composition are lodged into microcracks of the substrate. Next, the substrate is heat treated to between about 700° C. and 1300° C. The method is particularly applicable to ceramic honeycomb structures used as catalytic converters in automotive exhaust systems.
US08163344B2	Method for the formation of doped boron A chemically doped boron coating is applied by chemical vapor deposition to a silicon carbide fiber and the coated fiber then is exposed to magnesium vapor to convert the doped boron to doped magnesium diboride and a resultant superconductor.
US08163336B2	Methods for preoducing coated phosphors and host material particles using atomic layer deposition methods Layers of a passivating material and/or containing luminescent centers are deposited on phosphor particles or particles that contain a host material that is capable of capturing an excitation energy and transferring it to a luminescent center or layer. The layers are formed in an ALD process. The ALD process permits the formation of very thin layers. Coated phosphors have good resistance to ambient moisture and oxygen, and/or can be designed to emit a distribution of desired light wavelengths.
US08163330B2	Molten metal spraying for metallization application in solar cells The present invention provides a method of making back side contacts and back surface fields in photovoltaic devices such as silicon solar cells. According to one aspect, the process of the present invention is a non-contact process, overcoming many of the problems of the prior art. According to certain aspects, molten aluminum is used to form the contact regions as opposed to the screen printing process of the prior art. According to additional aspects, the process can be used to form the distributed point contacts and localized back surface fields for dielectric passivated back surface. According to still further aspects, molten aluminum spray and/or atomization is used for the back side metallization.
US08163329B2	Method for mounting a component A method includes steps of (1a) preparing a hydrophilic first liquid, (1b) preparing a component-dispersing liquid where the component is dispersed in a second liquid, (1c) preparing a substrate having a hydrophilic region and a water-repellant region, (2) disposing the first liquid to the hydrophilic region, (3) bringing the component-dispersing liquid in contact with the first liquid disposed on the hydrophilic region, and (4) removing the first liquid and the second liquid from the substrate to dispose the component on the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region includes a component-mounting region and a liquid-capturing region surrounding the component-mounting region. The surface of the liquid-capturing region has a material represented by X—(CH2)n—Si-(substrate), where X represents N+R3Q− (Q represents Cl, Br, or I), OR, or halogen atom, R represents lower alkyl group with a carbon number of 1-4, and n represents a natural number of 1, 2, or 3.
US08163328B2	Compositions for marking objects with DNA and methods for marking and linking an object to its owner The invention can be summarized as follows. There is provided one or more DNA coating compositions that comprise one or more polymer compounds, water, and optionally one or more non-water polar solvents. The DNA coating composition may also comprise DNA. Also provided are methods and kits for marking objects with a DNA coating composition comprising DNA.
US08163325B2	Cheese having reintroduced fine particles of cheese Methods of making acid and rennet-based cheeses include processing a previous lot of milk to produce curds and whey from the previous lot of milk, and removing the whey from the curd. For cottage cheeses, curds are washed with a wash water. Whey and wash water (when used) include fine particles of curd, which are collected, added, and mixed into a subsequent lot of milk preferably using a mixer such as a homogenizer or colloid mill. Mixing preferably reduces the fine particle size of at least a plurality of the fine particles and increases the total amount of surface area thereof. Fine particles are reincorporated into the matrix of the curd made from the subsequent lot of milk, which increases curd yield. Also provided is a higher yield cheese that is made from a subsequent lot of milk that includes fine particles of curd from a previous lot of milk.
US08163322B2	Method of formulating a seed suspension material The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.
US08163321B1	Coated potato substrates having reduced fat content A food product including a potato substrate having less than about 6% moisture content that is at least partially coated with a coating composition having a food starch component is provided. The at least partially coated potato substrate contains at least about 20% less fat content (adjusted to an about 1% product moisture basis) after thermal processing as compared to a substantially similar thermal processed uncoated potato substrate.
US08163319B2	Method of production of an alcohol-dipped food or drink The present invention provides a method of producing an alcohol-dipped material or a food or drink using the same which includes the following steps: (a) freezing one or more fruits and/or vegetables employed as a raw material; (b) micro grinding the frozen matter; and (c) dipping the micro ground matter in an alcohol having a concentration at which one or more components of the raw material can be extracted (preferably a 15% to 100% alcohol). The alcohol-dipped material thus obtained can be suitably usable as a starting alcohol drink for producing a low-alcohol drink. According to the method of the invention, the alcohol-dipped material or the food or the drink thus obtained can contain a sufficient amount of an efficacious and effective component contained in the vegetable(s) and/or fruit(s), for example, vitamin P.
US08163317B2	Method There is provided a process for the prevention and/or reduction of Maillard reaction in a foodstuff containing (i) a protein, a peptide or an amino acid and (ii) a reducing sugar, the process comprising contacting the foodstuff with an enzyme capable of oxidising a reducing group of the sugar.
US08163314B2	Flavor-retention agent and method for using same The invention provides a flavor-retention agent which is harmless to the environment and the human body and exhibits excellent ability to prevent deterioration of flavors. The flavor-retention agent contains an active ingredient which is obtained by subjecting a raw material such as leaves and/or tubers of a potato plant to extraction and Method for Using Same.
US08163313B2	Compositions containing amines and use thereof The present invention features compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof.
US08163311B2	Compositions and methods of inducing hair growth utilizing Cotinus coggygria Compositions and methods for inducing hair growth and improving hair quality utilizing extracts of Cotinus coggygria in an amount effective to induce hair growth when applied topically to an area of the skin on which hair growth is desired.
US08163302B2	Methods of making and using surfactant polymers Comblike, surfactant polymers for changing the surface properties of biomaterials are provided. Such surfactant polymers comprise a polymeric backbone of repeating monomeric units having functional groups for coupling with side chains, a plurality of hydrophobic side chains linked to the backbone via the functional groups, and a plurality of hydrophilic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups. Medical devices coated with the surfactant polymers are also provided. The surfactant polymers may be used to decrease the thrombogenic properties, encapsulation, and bacterial colonization of medical devices.
US08163301B2	Magnesium compositions and uses thereof for metabolic disorders A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08163298B2	Aqueous gel having an alpha-hydroxy acid and suspended particulates A personal care composition in the form of an aqueous gel may comprise an alpha-hydroxy acid, wherein the pH of the composition is less than about 4.5. The personal care composition comprises a gelling agent and an aqueous solvent. The personal care composition further comprises particulates and an effective amount of suspension agent to suspend the particulates. The personal care composition exhibits a consumer desired viscosity and translucency.
US08163292B2	Herpes simplex viruses and methods of viral replication A herpes simplex virus is disclosed in which the herpes simplex virus genome comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an ING4 polypeptide.
US08163291B2	Methods for generating stably linked complexes composed of homodimers, homotetramers or dimers of dimers and uses The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern homodimers comprising monomers that contain a dimerization and docking domain attached to a precursor. The precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc. Other embodiments concern tetramers comprising a first and second homodimer, which may be identical or different. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain homodimers, homotetramers and heterotetramers of virtually any functionality and/or binding specificity.
US08163288B2	S. aureus polypeptides and antibodies The invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, vaccines comprising said polypeptides; therapeutic antibodies directed to said polypeptides and methods to manufacture said polypeptides, vaccines and antibodies.
US08163284B2	Methods of treating TSLP-related inflammatory disorders The present disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to antigen binding proteins which bind to human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), including antibodies. In particular embodiments, the disclosure provides fully human, humanized and chimeric anti-TSLP antibodies and derivatives of such antibodies. The disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding such antibodies and antibody fragments and derivatives, and methods of making and using such antibodies including methods of treating and preventing TSLP-related inflammatory and fibrotic disorders.
US08163282B2	Monoclonal antibody capable of binding to heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor Medicaments for treating diseases related to HB-EGF escalation are in demand. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof which binds to a cell membrane-bound HB-EGF, a membrane type HB-EGF and a secretory HB-EGF.
US08163279B2	IL3Rα antibody conjugates and uses thereof The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the IL-3 receptor alpha subunit alpha (Il3Rα) chain, and compositions comprising such antibodies. The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or reducing an IL3Rα-expressing cell population, the methods comprising contacting a population of IL3Rα-expressing cells (e.g., cancer cells and/or cancer stem cells) with an antibody that binds to IL3Rα. The present invention also provides antibody conjugates comprising an antibody that binds to an IL3Rα chain linked to a cytotoxic agent or anticellular agent and compositions comprising such conjugates. The present invention also provides methods for preventing, treating and/or managing a disorder associated with IL3Rα-expressing cells (e.g., a hematological cancer), the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody that binds to IL3Rα.
US08163277B2	Kits for treating dysfunction of cardiac muscle Kits are described for the treatment of acute or chronic dysfunction of cardiac muscle. The kit includes a platelet-rich plasma composition with a pH adjusting agent and a catheter or syringe for delivery of the platelet-rich plasma composition to dysfunctional cardiac muscle. The kit may also include a syringe for withdrawing blood from a patient and a centrifuge device to obtain platelet-rich plasma.
US08163276B2	Systems and methods for isolating and using clinically safe adipose derived regenerative cells Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.
US08163275B2	Multi-lineage progenitor cells Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.
US08163274B2	Personal care products containing high refractive index esters and methods of preparing the same The invention includes personal care compositions and methods of preparing these personal care compositions that include incorporation of a polyol polyester that is the reaction product of an aliphatic polyol that does not contain an ether group, and benzoic acid, wherein the resultant polyol polyester has a refractive index at 25° C. of greater than about 1.5. The aliphatic polyol may have two to three carbon atoms. Alternatively, the invention includes personal care compositions and methods of preparing personal care compositions including incorporating a polyol polyester into a personal care formulation. The polyol polyester is represented by formula (I): wherein R is an aliphatic alkyl group that does not contain an ether group and has a refractive index of greater than about 1.5 at 25° C. Also described are methods of preparing personal care compositions comprising a first phase and a second phase, wherein the second phase contains any of the polyol polyesters described above.
US08163272B2	Sunless tanning substrate The present invention provides a sunless tanning substrate having one or more sunless tanning enhancers, which adjust the rate of color development and/or adjust or customize the color developed on the skin. The present invention further provides a method of sunless tanning comprising the step of using the sunless tanning substrate of the present invention either prior to application, simultaneously with application, after application, or any combinations thereof, of one or more sunless tanning actives or agents to the skin. The present invention also provides a sunless tanning kit that includes one or more of the sunless tanning substrates.
US08163271B2	Oral hygiene products and method of using the same The present invention is directed towards a composition for highly efficient and quick plaque and tartar removal and inhibition including pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (vitamin C) and an enamel repairing composition such as hydroxyapatite. The composition can contain from about 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid without compromising the tooth enamel because hydroxyapatite will repair any damage to the enamel. The composition can be used as dental powder, toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth spray and chewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in different settings.
US08163267B1	Method of synthesizing magnesium-cobalt pentahydride In a method of synthesizing magnesium-cobalt pentahydride, a MgCo2 alloy is synthesized by completely reacting cobalt (Co) metal and excess magnesium (Mg) metal, followed by an isothermal evaporation casting process (IECP) for removing the residual magnesium metal. Then, the magnesium-cobalt alloy and another magnesium metal are ball-milled and hydrogenated to synthesize the magnesium-cobalt pentahydride (Mg2CoH5).
US08163266B2	Alpha-alumina powder α-Alumina powder having a purity of at least 99.99% by weight, a specific surface area of from 0.1 to 2.0 m2/g, a relative density of from 55 to 90%, and a closed porosity of 4% or less, wherein in a weight-based particle size distribution obtained by the dry sieving test according to JIS K0069 (1992), an amount of particles having a particle size of less than 75 μm is 5% by weight or less; an amount of particles having a particle size exceeding 2.8 mm is 15% by weight or less; and at least one frequency maximum peak appears in a particle size range of 100 μm or more and to less than 850 μm. This α-alumina powder can be charged in a crucible at a high bulk density, from which sapphire having a few voids can be produced without causing the oxidation of a crucible in a heat melting step.
US08163265B2	Mechanically stable catalyst based on alpha-alumina An oxidation process employing a mechanically stable catalyst of an active metal or combination of active metals supported on aluminum oxide, which is predominantly alpha-aluminum oxide, is provided. The active metal or metals is optionally one or a mixture of ruthenium, copper, gold, an alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal, palladium, platinum, osmium, iridium, silver, and rhenium. The process is applicable to the oxidation of hydrogen chloride to chlorine in a Deacon process.
US08163264B2	Expanded graphite and process for producing the expanded graphite An expanded graphite is derived from a graphitic or partially graphitic starting material selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, compressed expanded graphite, partially oxidized graphite and/or graphite fibers having a BET surface area of >30 m2/g. The expanded graphite is obtained by reaction of the starting material with substances capable of intercalation or mixtures of substances capable of intercalation to give a compound designated as an intercalation compound and subsequent expansion in plasma.
US08163263B2	Catalyst for the growth of carbon single-walled nanotubes Methods and processes for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes are provided. A carbon precursor gas is contacted with metal catalysts deposited on a support material. The metal catalysts are preferably nanoparticles having diameters less than about 3 nm. The reaction temperature is selected such that it is near the eutectic point of the mixture of metal catalyst particles and carbon. Further, the rate at which hydrocarbons are fed into the reactor is equivalent to the rate at which the hydrocarbons react for given synthesis temperature. The methods produce carbon single-walled nanotubes having longer lengths.
US08163260B2	Process for the production of monodisperse SiO2 particles The present invention relates to processes for the production of monodisperse SiO2 particles by hydrolytic polycondensation of tetraalkoxysilanes and/or organotrialkoxysilanes, in which the hydrolytic polycondensation is carried out in a medium comprising water, one or more solubilizers and one or more amines, and in which highly monodisperse, non-porous particles are obtained. The present invention likewise relates to powders obtainable by the processes, and to the use thereof.
US08163258B2	Pyrometallurgical process for treating molybdenite containing lead sulfide A method of removing lead sulfide contained in refined molybdenite powder concentrates (major component; MoS2) is provided. More specifically, in order to solve the problems associated with a leaching method using a leaching agent that is employed for conventional hydrometallurgical process, oxygen-free inert gas is circulated in a furnace for pyrometallurgical treatment to evaporate lead sulfide at high temperature, followed by condensing process to recover lead sulfide at low temperature. The method is characterized in that, it can reduce environmental contamination and can easily recover sulfides of valuable metals such as lead, indium, zinc and the like.
US08163256B2	Pipette tip mounting and ejection assembly and associated pipette tip An air displacement pipette has a tubular pipette tip with an upper section surrounding a locking chamber, and a body section leading from the upper section and tapering downwardly to a reduced diameter end. A tubular mounting shaft on the pipette has a distal end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion into the locking chamber of the pipette tip. Coacting surfaces on the distal end of the mounting shaft and the upper section of the pipette tip establish an axially interengaged relationship between the pipette tip and the mounting shaft in response to insertion of the distal end of the mounting shaft into the locking chamber. A sleeve is axially shiftable on the mounting shaft between a retracted position accommodating the establishment of the axially interengaged relationship, and an advanced position disrupting the axially interengaged relationship to thereby accommodate axial ejection of the pipette tip from the mounting shaft.
US08163255B1	Device for opening medicinal ampule A device for opening medicinal ampules is an apparatus to protect oneself from injury and prevent possible waste when utilizing injection medication dispensed in ampules. The device has a box type assembly with approximate dimensions of four inches wide, two inches deep and two inches high. The interior of the box is capable of holding up to three ampules at one time. The ampules are simply placed in their holding holes, and the lid is lowered. A sharp smack, administered by the user's hand and cushioned by foam padding, is adequate to snap off the neck of the ampules. The invention then serves as a holder for the ampule body while removing the medication with a syringe and for safe disposal thereafter.
US08163249B2	Multiple-stage granular moving bed apparatus A multiple-stage granular moving-bed apparatus comprises a first integrated moving-bed unit, a second integrated moving-bed unit and at least one granular material. The first integrated moving-bed unit, having a first inlet part for providing a raw gas flowing therein, a first outlet part for providing a partially-cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of first flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The second integrated moving-bed unit, coupled to the first integrated moving-bed unit, having a second inlet part for providing the partially-cleaned gas flowing therein, a second outlet part for providing a completely-cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of second flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The at least one granular material flows through the two channels respectively and then passes through the two channels respectively.
US08163246B2	Spouted-fluidized bed-type olefin polymerization reactor An olefin polymerization reactor according to the present invention comprises: a vertically extending cylinder; a decreasing diameter portion on the cylinder, having an inside diameter that decreases progressively downward, and having a gas inlet orifice at a bottom end thereof; and a plurality of through holes passing through from an outside surface towards an inside surface of the decreasing diameter portion. Inside a reaction zone enclosed by an inside surface of the decreasing diameter portion and an inside surface above the decreasing diameter portion of the cylinder, a spouted-fluidized bed or a spouted bed is formed.
US08163244B2	Cyclopropenes-generating devices to control ripening processes of agricultural products Provided is a device for generation of cyclopropene compounds which is capable of achieving direct in situ preparation and application of cyclopropene compounds inhibiting the action of ethylene which accelerates the ripening process of plants, the device comprising a first storage part for storing precursors of cyclopropene compounds (“cyclopropene precursors”), a second storage part for storing reaction reagents which convert cyclopropene precursors into cyclopropene derivatives via chemical reaction, and a spray part for spraying the cyclopropene derivatives produced by the chemical reaction between the cyclopropene precursors and the reaction reagents.
US08163241B2	Optical probe An optical probe for detecting luminescence emitted by a sample is disclosed. The optical probe includes a parabolic optical waveguide and an outer housing having a detachable component configured to hold a transparent sensor substrate that can be coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical probe also includes a sensing material for detection of at least one specified analyte. An excitation source is configured to excite the sensing material. The optical probe also incorporates a measuring photodetector that detects emitted luminescence.
US08163240B2	Detection device and system A detection device and system are provided. The detection device includes a detection capacitor and a Field Effect Transistor (FET). The detection capacitor has a reactive material layer reacting to a specific functional group in a fluid, and first and second electrodes disposed on the both surfaces of an insulating layer, and the FET has a source electrode connected with the second electrode, a gate electrode connected with the first electrode, and a drain electrode. Here, the insulating layer of the detection capacitor is thicker than a gate insulating layer of the FET.
US08163238B2	Automated micro-well plate handling device An automated micro-well plate handling device for removing a micro-well plate from within a vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates and transferring the removable micro-well plate to a receiving area. A vertical storage device for storing the vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates creates a vertical clearance space between the vertically stacked micro-well plates. A shovel slides into the vertical clearance space underneath the micro-well plate that is being removed. The shovel then removes the micro-well plate from the vertical storage device and places the micro-well plate at a transfer station. A gripper then grabs the micro-well plate from the transfer station and transfers the micro-well plate to a receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the automated micro-well plate handling device is controlled via a computer network.
US08163236B1	Transportable decontamination unit and decontamination process The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.
US08163235B2	Method for removing gaseous or vaporous sterilants from a surface The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.
US08163234B2	Method for characterizing biological indicators in sterilization processes and apparatus for the implementation thereof The invention relates to a method for characterizing the bioindicators in sterilization processes using an autoclave and the like, in which a bioindicator is kept in the same conditions as the sterilization chamber (2) and extracted after a predetermined time interval. For this purpose the chamber (2) has, passing through it, a tube (5) on the ends of which valves (8-9, 10-11) are mounted, said valves allowing the insertion, from above, of a bioindicator sample and its extraction from below, when required, without a significant loss of sterilizing agent. Alternatively, the duct (5) may also be arranged outside the sterilization chamber (2) and kept in communication therewith by a bypass connection.
US08163230B2	Rotary hearth furnace for treating metal oxide materials A rotary hearth furnace for treating metal oxide materials comprises a hearth mounted for rotary movement within an enclosure. One or more fuel burners are positioned above the hearth. The burners are operably fired to heat the furnace so that heat radiates toward the hearth. One or more oxygen nozzles are positioned between the hearth and the burners in a manner that avoids substantial contact between the oxygen and the briquettes, thereby creating a quiescent zone immediately above the briquettes, with the quiescent zone being sufficient to minimize reoxidation of the reduced briquettes, and minimize entrainment of particulate matter from the briquettes.
US08163228B2	Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank by moulding a parison in which, during the moulding operation, a pipe (3) is attached to the parison at at least two points, the said pipe being deformable.
US08163220B2	Method of packaging integrated circuits The bottom mold portion for a transfer molding system is covered with a deformable material. During mold clamping, the deformable material contacts the bottom surface of the packaging substrate on which the integrated circuit die is mounted. Deformation of this relatively soft covering on the bottom mold portion accommodates thickness variations in the packaging substrate, as well as non-planarity of the adhesive layer between the integrated circuit die and packaging substrate in exposed active area integrated circuits.
US08163209B2	Method and apparatus for controlling the geometry of a composite component A method of controlling the geometry of a composite component (3). The method comprises applying pressure to the component with a pressure transmitter (6), and during said application of pressure: heating the component; measuring the position of the pressure transmitter to produce a feedback signal; and moving the pressure transmitter in response to a change in the feedback signal.
US08163203B2	Yellow emitting phosphors based on Ce3+-doped aluminate and via solid solution for solid-state lighting applications A Ce3+ based aluminate phosphor or Ce3+ based phosphor in a solid solution can be used for white light generation when combined with a blue or ultraviolet light emitting diode.
US08163200B2	Cyclohexene compounds for liquid-crystalline mixtures The invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, Z1, Z2, Z3, V, a, b and c have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one compound of the formula I, and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.
US08163198B2	Process for producing lithium-containing composite oxide for positive electrode of lithium secondary battery A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide having a large volume capacity density, high safety, excellent durability for charge/discharge cycles, and excellent low temperature characteristics. An oxide of general formula LipNxMyOzFa (wherein N is at least one of Co, Mn or Ni, M is at least one of Al, an alkali earth metal element, a transition metal element other than N, 0.9≦p≦1.2, 0.97≦x≦1.00, 0≦y≦0.03, 1.9≦z≦2.2, x+y=1 and 0≦a≦0.02) can be produced.
US08163196B2	Azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of chlorotrifluoropropene and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a C1-C3 alcohol, a C5-C6 hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, methylal, methyl acetone, water, nitromethane, and combinations thereof.
US08163179B2	Apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic treatment Disclosed is an apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide, including an anaerobic treatment tank (1) that anaerobically treats organic discharged water, a circulation water tank (3), means for introducing organic discharged water into circulation water, a treated-water tank (4) that temporarily stores anaerobically treated water, a biological desulfurization tower (5) that desulfurizes biogas formed by anaerobic treatment, air feeding means for feeding air to the biological desulfurization tower (5), water feeding means for feeding water to the biological desulfurization tower (5), first aerating means (9a) for blowing a part of biologically desulfurized gas from the biological desulfurization tower (5), into the treated-water tank (4), and second aerating means (9b) for blowing exhaust gas discharged from the treated-water tank (4) into a solution circulating between the anaerobic treatment tank (1) and circulation water tank (3).
US08163177B2	Delivery and assessment system for the automated manufacturing of high performance nanofluidic separation devices A multi-column packing system and packed bed assessment system for producing small bore LC columns of superior quality, improved column-to-column reproducibility, and lower cost than current commercially available columns. The process utilizes an automated multi-column packing system with an integrated sensor that detects when the slurry-packed bed has reached the desired length. The optical packed bed assessment system examines the packed bed within the column and detects any packing inconsistencies or voids within the column. The multi-column packing system makes automated connections to tubes via an automated compression mechanism.
US08163176B2	Continuous sludge decant system A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.
US08163175B2	Method and apparatus for treating lime slurry for grit removal A method and apparatus is provided for conveying lime slurry, removing and controlling the amount of grit, and feeding lime slurry, wherein the lime slurry moves through a recirculation loop, and wherein gravity removal of grit from the lime slurry takes place.
US08163174B2	Submerged biofiltration purifying apparatus A submerged biofiltration purifying apparatus includes a settling zone being a 3D space having open top, bottom, and two lateral sides; one or more filtering zones coupled to the two lateral sides of the settling zone, and each being a 3D space with open sides and having soft contact media connected thereto; and one or more bubble aeration units connected to bottoms of the filtering zones. The soft contact media allow biological films to grow thereon. The bubble aeration units generate air bubbles that guide sewage to flow toward the soft contact media, so that organic substances in the sewage are adsorbed to the biological films. The soft contact media are arranged at a specific angle for the sewage to naturally diffuse toward two lateral sides of the settling zone and recycle. And, purified water settles in the settling zone again to remove remaining suspended solids to achieve sewage purification.
US08163173B1	Water treatment system A well water treatment system includes a first ozonation tank that receives pressurized well water and introduces ozone into that well water. The ozone causes impurities to precipitate, which settle to the sides and bottom of the first tank. Remaining water is delivered by gravity flow to a second supply tank wherein the ozone is allowed to largely if not entirely dissipate from the water. When a household or other destination requires treated water, a pump in the supply tank operates to deliver water from the tank to that destination. The pump is operably positioned within the supply tank at an intermediate water level below precipitates floating on the surface and above precipitates that have settled in the tank.
US08163167B2	Process for the deep desulfurization of heavy pyrolysis gasoline A process for the deep desulfurization of a heavy pyrolysis gasoline to very low levels of organic sulfur, e.g., 30 ppmv or less, with minimal octane number loss through aromatics saturation. The deep desulfurization is accomplished by contacting the heavy pyrolysis gasoline feedstock, partially in liquid and partially in gaseous phase, with a hydrogen treat gas containing a minimum H2S level in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst in a one or two reactor system operated in trickle flow, using a low temperature, moderate pressure operating condition.
US08163165B2	Gas sensor with a microporous electrolyte layer The present invention relates to electrochemical sensors for determining gaseous analytes in an aqueous measuring medium, to a process for producing such sensors, and to a process for determining gaseous analytes dissolved in an aqueous measuring medium using the electrochemical sensors. The electrolyte layer of the sensors comprises at least one particulate material and at least one binder which together form a porous, non-swellable framework structure, wherein the pores in this framework structure are configured to absorb a liquid electrolyte or contain the liquid electrolyte.
US08163162B2	Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample in the presence of interferents Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for determining analyte concentration in a rapid and accurate manner. The methods include depositing a physiological sample in an electrochemical cell and finding a first and second current transient. Peak current values are obtained from the first and second peak current values and used to reduce the influence of interferents in a current value. Based on this “corrected” current value, an accurate analyte concentration can be determined.
US08163160B2	Biosensor having improved hematocrit and oxygen biases The present invention provides reagent compositions, and analyte measuring devices and methods that utilize the reagent compositions.
US08163157B2	Method of producing a hydrogen production filter In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer of a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.
US08163155B2	Sulfo or sulfamyl group-containing cathodic electrocoat resin A coating layer prepared from an aqueous electrodeposition coating composition comprising an electrodepositable binder, the binder comprising a sulfo or sulfamyl group-containing resin, provides corrosion protection to a metallic substrate.
US08163152B1	Method and apparatus for high speed carbohydrate analysis A cost-effective multi-channel capillary gel-electrophoresis system for highly efficient, high speed, high throughput, carbohydrate analysis. In one aspect of the present invention, a high-performance capillary electrophoresis analyzer system has been optimized for carbohydrate analysis application. The system uses a multiplexed/time-staggered fluorescence type detection mechanism, with an integrated fiber optic array-based technology and a novel disposable gel-cartridge. Twelve carbohydrate samples are automatically injected, electrophoretically separated, detected and analyzed simultaneously by using a multiple usage and disposable multi-capillary gel-cartridge. Using commercially available labeling agent such as APTS (representing 8-Aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt) as an indicator, the capillary electrophoresis-based carbohydrate system/analyzer provides high resolving power in 2-15 minutes of separations. The system can hold a total of 96 samples, which can be automatically analyzed within 30-60 minutes. This affordable fiber optic based fluorescence detection system can be used in laboratories for high speed carbohydrate sequencing & screening applications.
US08163151B2	Assays for detection of Von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers and for degradation of vWF by agents such as Adamts13 and related methods Methods of analyzing the electrophoretic mobility distribution of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers include providing a sample medium comprising a plurality vWF multimers. The vWF multimers are electrophoretically separated by electrohoretic mobility in the sample medium by subjecting said sample medium to an electric field to provide separated vWF multimers. The separated vWF multimers in the sample medium are exposed to a light source to produce scattered light. The scattered light is detected, and the electrophoretic mobility distribution of the separated vWF multimers is determined from the detected scattered light.
US08163149B2	Gas-monitoring assembly comprising one or more gas sensors and one or more getters, and method of using same The present invention relates to a gas-monitoring assembly (100) and method for selectively determining the presence of a target gas in a gaseous environment that potentially comprises one or more interfering gases. Such gas-monitoring assembly and method specifically employ one or more gas sensors (S1) one or more getters (G1) arranged and constructed to reduce cross-interference caused by potential presence of the interfering gases in such gaseous environment to be monitored. The gas-monitoring assembly and method of the present invention are capable of monitoring a gaseous environment with respect to potential presence of multiple target gases that may interfere with one another.
US08163146B2	Mediator stabilized reagent compositions for use in biosensor electrodes The claimed subject matter relates to the stabilization of 1,2-quinone mediators, especially those containing 1,10-phenanthroline quinone (PQ) and more especially transition metal complexes of PQ, in the presence of enzymes when contained in dry reagent layers for biosensor electrodes, through the use of various metal salts, particularly those of lithium.
US08163143B2	Al-Ni-La-Si system Al-based alloy sputtering target and process for producing the same The present invention relates to an Al—Ni—La—Si system Al-based alloy sputtering target including Ni, La and Si, in which, when a section from (¼)t to (¾)t (t: thickness) in a cross section vertical to a plane of the sputtering target is observed with a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 2000 times, (1) a total area of an Al—Ni system intermetallic compound having an average particle diameter of 0.3 μm to 3 μm with respect to a total area of the entire Al—Ni system intermetallic compound is 70% or more in terms of an area fraction, the Al—Ni system intermetallic compound being mainly composed of Al and Ni; and (2) a total area of an Al—Ni—La—Si system intermetallic compound having an average particle diameter of 0.2 μm to 2 μm with respect to a total area of the entire Al—Ni—La—Si system intermetallic compound is 70% or more in terms of an area fraction, the Al—Ni—La—Si system intermetallic compound being mainly composed of Al, Ni, La, and Si.
US08163142B1	Hydrogen system for internal combustion engine A hydrogen system for internal combustion engines, comprising a housing assembly having at least three internal chambers divided by at least two dividing plates. The two dividing plates include a lower dividing plate and an upper dividing plate. Each comprises a plurality of through holes to allow aqueous solution to flow and circulate through the three internal chambers. A hydrogen generator is mounted onto the housing assembly at a predetermined angle. The hydrogen generator comprises a first predetermined number of negative charged plates, a second predetermined number of neutral plates, and a third predetermined number of positive charged plates. The hydrogen generator generates oxygen and hydrogen gas for use in an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to decrease emissions. The hydrogen generator serves as an electrolysis cell to generate the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electric current from a power source being passed through the aqueous solution.
US08163139B2	Process for the distillative separation of mixtures comprising monoethylene glycol and diethylentriamine Processes comprising: providing a mixture comprising monoethylene glycol and diethylenetriamine; and subjecting the mixture to extractive distillation with a diethylenetriamine-selective solvent comprising triethylene glycol to provide a first stream comprising monoethylene glycol and a second stream comprising diethylenetriamine; wherein the first stream is substantially free of diethylenetriamine, and wherein the second stream is substantially free of monoethylene glycol.
US08163138B2	Method for processing effluent from chloromethylation of vinyl aromatic polymers A method for processing effluent from a chloromethylation of a vinyl aromatic polymer wherein the effluent includes catalyst and volatile organics, and wherein the method includes the steps of: 1) deactivating at least a portion of the catalyst; 2) distilling the effluent; 3) adding caustic to the effluent; and 4) distilling the effluent.
US08163136B2	Energy saving papermaking forming apparatus system, and method for lowering consistency of fiber suspension The present invention is directed to an apparatus used in the formation of paper. More specifically the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for lowering the consistency or degree of density of fiber suspension on the forming table, and improving the quality and physical properties of the paper formed thereon.
US08163134B2	Copolymer blend compositions for use to increase paper filler content Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) adding a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined. Also claimed are methods for increasing the filler content of paper or paperboard, which methods comprises (a) combining the heterogeneous polymer blend with a precipitated calcium carbonate filler; (b) combining the resulting mixture with a pulp slurry; and (c) processing the resulting slurry mixture to form a sheet of paper or paperboard. Finally, also claimed are methods of increasing the filler content of paper or paperboard, which method comprises (1) combining either the heterogeneous blend or the precipitated calcium carbonate filler with a pulp slurry, (2) combining the remaining component with the pulp slurry; and (c) processing the resulting pulp slurry mixture to form a sheet of paper or paperboard.
US08163131B2	Process for producing heatsealable filter materials Processes for producing a filter material which contains heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers and is characterized in that it additionally contains a lubricant in an amount from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, based on the paper weight of the ready-produced filter material.
US08163125B2	Multi-layer laminate structure and manufacturing method The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer.
US08163123B2	Bifurcation catheter dual balloon bond and methods A catheter assembly includes a main catheter branch having a catheter shaft and a distal end portion. A main balloon and a side balloon are positioned at the distal end portion of the catheter shaft. The main balloon includes a distal waist portion at a distal end thereof and a proximal waist portion at a proximal end thereof. The side balloon includes an inflatable portion, a proximal waist portion, and a distal waist portion, wherein the proximal and distal waist portions define a side inflation lumen. The proximal waist portion of the side balloon and the proximal waist portion of the main balloon are secured to the distal end portion of the catheter shaft at a single bond or connection point to create a proximal balloon joint, wherein the main inflation lumen is in fluid communication with the main balloon and the side inflation lumen.
US08163121B2	Methods for affixing overlay sheets to concrete form A resin impregnated overlay sheet is laid atop a wood veneer to create a concrete form. At a pre-press station, pressure is applied to a veneer assembly having an overlay sheet laid atop it. Thereafter, the pressed overlaid assembly is transferred for final hot pressing. The pre-pressing of the overlay sheet onto the wood veneer ensures the static adherence of the overlay sheet to the veneer prior to final hot pressing.
US08163119B2	Composite articles and methods for making the same The present disclosure pertains to composite articles, and in particular a composite face plate for a golf club-head, and methods for making the same. In certain embodiments, a composite face plate for a club-head comprises a lay-up of multiple, composite prepreg plies. The face plate can be made by first forming an oversized lay-up of multiple prepreg plies having a central portion and a sacrificial portion surrounding the central portion. The lay-up is at least partially cured in a mold under elevated pressure and heat. The lay-up is then removed from the mold and the sacrificial portion is removed from the central portion to form a composite part that is substantially free of defects.
US08163117B2	Producing method of ball for ball game A producing method of ball for ball game including a ball cover and a bladder is disclosed. The method includes steps of (a) inflating a bladder and providing a web layer by coating at least a thread on an outer surface of the bladder thereafter, (b) fabricating a plurality of panels in a predetermined shape, (c) sewing the plurality of panels edge to edge together excluding a portion thereof by a sewing machine to form a ball cover including an inlet opening, (d) inserting the bladder obtained at step (a) into the ball cover obtained at step (c) through the inlet opening, (e) sewing the inlet opening of the ball cover, and (j) inflating the ball for ball game to a predetermined pressure within a shaping mold.
US08163116B2	Joints and a system and method of forming the joints Joints are formed for articles of manufacture such as transportation vehicles (e.g., automotive vehicles). The joints typically include a connector that is adhered to a first member and a second member with a structural adhesive, which may be a foam.
US08163113B2	Thermomechanical processing of aluminum alloys A cast aluminum alloy containing up to about 0.35% by weight chromium is heated to a first elevated temperature to homogenize the casting and dissolve the chromium content in an aluminum-based matrix phase. The alloy is then heated at a lower elevated temperature to cause the precipitation of a portion of the chromium as an aluminum-containing and chromium-containing intermetallic compound. A suitable amount of chromium is retained in solid solution in aluminum. Thus, the concentration of dissolved chromium in an aluminum alloy may be controlled to fall within specified ranges which result in improvements in both the strength and ductility of the alloy. Impurity amounts of iron may also be precipitated as intermetallic particles from the aluminum matrix to enhance the ductility of the aluminum-based alloy.
US08163111B2	Surface preparation of an implant A process of forming a prosthetic implant component, such as the femoral component of a knee replacement prosthesis. The process comprises the steps of: (i) forming a prosthetic component having a shape at least approximating the desired final shape of the component from a metal alloy; (ii) subjecting the component to a relatively elevated temperature and pressure followed by a cooling regime; (iii) machining the surface of the component; (iv) polishing the surface of the component.
US08163109B1	High-density hafnium-based metallic glass alloys that include six or more elements A class of high-density bulk metallic glass hafnium-based alloys, having copper, nickel, aluminum, tin, and titanium or niobium as alloying elements is disclosed. This class includes alloys having higher densities and a higher reduced glass-transition temperature than other known refractory metallic glass alloys.
US08163104B2	Fluxing agent A flux or a flux preparation, which contains complex alkali metal fluorides and additionally includes a water-soluble polymer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol derivative. The water-soluble polymer may be contained in the flux preparation as a granulate or powder or used as a water-soluble package for the flux or flux preparation.
US08163102B1	Composition for removing cementitious material from a surface and associated methods A composition is provided for use in cleaning a surface of a cementitious material. The composition includes HCI, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone. A method of using the composition includes applying the composition to a surface from which it is desired to clean a cementitious material and removing the composition and released cementitious material from the surface. Methods are also provided for performing hydraulic fracturing of an oil or a gas well; for adjusting a pH of a drilling fluid; for adjusting and maintaining a pH of a process fluid; for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate; for removing a foulant in a fluid-handling element; adjusting a pH and lowering a salt level of turf.
US08163098B2	Fryer filtration arrangement with boil-out bypass The disclosure features a method of performing a boil-out cleaning process in connection with a fryer. The fryer includes a vat, a vessel for receiving oil drained from the vat, the vessel movable from an under-unit position, an oil drain path leading from an outlet opening of the vat to the pan, and an oil return path from the vessel back to the vat. The oil return path includes a pump. A drain valve is located along the oil drain path. The drain valve is opened to drain oil from the vat into the vessel is opened. The drain valve is closed after draining the oil from the vat. A boil-out cleaning fluid is delivered to the vat and the boil-out cleaning fluid is heated. A boil-out drain path is provided with an inlet positioned for receiving boil-out fluid from the drain valve and an outlet positioned forward of a front of the fryer unit. A container is placed below the outlet of the boil-out drain path. The drain valve is opened so that boil-out fluid is delivered from the vat to the container without passing through the pump. The drain valve is closed, and The pump is activated to deliver oil from the vessel back to the vat.
US08163096B2	Rollover car wash for large vehicles A car wash system for large vehicles, such as trucks and busses, in which the arrival of a vehicle initiates a process of directing hot water from a supply tank through a relatively long supply line to a spray system. Water standing in the supply line is prevented for a time from going to the spray nozzles and, instead, is directed back to the source. This allows the temperature in the line to reach a predetermined desired value before washing is started. Water is recirculated at a faster rater than it is dispensed once the desired temperature has been reached.
US08163095B2	Composition for stripping and stripping method The present invention provides a stripping composition and a stripping method capable of easily stripping a color resist or an organic insulating film formed on a substrate to reuse the substrate when defects are found during a process of forming the color filter or organic insulating film on the substrate. In one embodiment, the stripping composition includes about 0.5 to about 45 wt % of hydroxide compound, about 10 to about 89 wt % of alkyleneglycolalkylether compound, about 5 to about 45 wt % of alkanolamine compound, and about 0.01 to about 5 wt % of inorganic salt compound. Advantageously, the stripping process can be performed without damaging a thin film transistor of a bottom substrate while removing the color resist or organic insulating film.
US08163094B1	Method to improve indium bump bonding via indium oxide removal using a multi-step plasma process A process for removing indium oxide from indium bumps in a flip-chip structure to reduce contact resistance, by a multi-step plasma treatment. A first plasma treatment of the indium bumps with an argon, methane and hydrogen plasma reduces indium oxide, and a second plasma treatment with an argon and hydrogen plasma removes residual organics. The multi-step plasma process for removing indium oxide from the indium bumps is more effective in reducing the oxide, and yet does not require the use of halogens, does not change the bump morphology, does not attack the bond pad material or under-bump metallization layers, and creates no new mechanisms for open circuits.
US08163092B2	Method of concentrating hydrochloric acid A method for producing concentrated HCl vapor from an aqueous solution of HCl, including: (a) introducing an aqueous feed liquor to an evaporation chamber containing a mother liquor, the feed liquor having an initial, super-azeotropic HCl concentration; (b) directly contacting a liquor of these liquors with a heat-laden heat transfer fluid, to transfer heat from the fluid; (c) utilizing the heat to evaporate HCl, within the chamber, to produce the concentrated HCl vapor and to produce the mother liquor, the mother liquor including an aqueous phase having a reduced concentration of HCl, with respect to the initial HCl concentration; (d) subjecting the mother liquor to a liquid-liquid separation to produce a liquid phase containing HCl, and another liquid phase containing the heat transfer fluid in a heat-depleted state, with respect to the heat transfer fluid in step (b); (e) heating the heat transfer fluid in the heat-depleted state, to regenerate the heat-laden heat transfer fluid, and (f) returning this heat transfer fluid to step (b).
US08163087B2	Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition system and method A plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) method and system, the system including a process chamber and a substrate holder provided within the processing chamber and configured to support a substrate on which a predetermined film will be formed. A first process material supply system is configured to supply a first process material to the process chamber, and a second process material supply system configured to supply a second process material to the process chamber in order to provide a reduction reaction with the first process material to form the predetermined film on the substrate. Also included is a power source configured to couple electromagnetic power to the process chamber to generate a plasma within the process chamber to facilitate the reduction reaction, and a chamber component exposed to the plasma and made from a film compatible material that is compatible with the predetermined film deposited on the substrate.
US08163086B2	Halogen assisted physical vapor transport method for silicon carbide growth A physical vapor transport growth technique for silicon carbide is disclosed. The method includes the steps of introducing a silicon carbide powder and a silicon carbide seed crystal into a physical vapor transport growth system, separately introducing a heated silicon-halogen gas composition into the system in an amount that is less than the stoichiometric amount of the silicon carbide source powder so that the silicon carbide source powder remains the stoichiometric dominant source for crystal growth, and heating the source powder, the gas composition, and the seed crystal in a manner that encourages physical vapor transport of both the powder species and the introduced silicon-halogen species to the seed crystal to promote bulk growth on the seed crystal.
US08163081B2	Composite materials using novel reinforcements The present invention relates to materials used for building products, construction projects, structural objects, mechanical devices and other materials applications. Specifically, the invention concerns composite materials made with reinforcing elements in a binder matrix material. A method of strengthening materials is described that uses high volumes of reinforcing elements, which can be easily dispersed and uniformly distributed, consisting of large diameter fibers, miniature rods or other similar geometric shapes with a diameter or thickness between 0.05 mm and 20 mm where the reinforcements are incorporated either as short, randomly distributed elements or long, continuous aligned arrays.
US08163075B2	Inks comprising modified pigments and methods for making and using the same An ink composition that includes a self-dispersing pigment that has about 0.02 to about 1.0 mMoles of S and about 0.2 to about 2.0 mMoles of active hydrogen per gram of pigment, water, and an organic solvent. A method of making an ink composition that includes sulfonating a pigment, subsequently oxidizing the pigment to produce a modified pigment, and incorporating the modified pigment into an ink.
US08163074B2	Phase change inks containing colorant compounds Phase change inks comprising a carrier and a colorant of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R′, R″, Y, CA+, and A− each, independently of the others are as defined herein.
US08163073B2	Alkalescent chemical silver plating solution An alkalescent chemical silver electroless plating solution, which comprises: 0.01˜20 g/L silver ion or silver complex ion, 0.1˜150 g/L amine complexing agent, 0.1˜150 g/L amino acids complexing agent, and 0.1˜150 g/L polyhydroxy acids complexing agent. The alkalescent chemical silver plating solution provided by the present invention is able to overcome problems existing in acidic chemical silver plating processes commonly used at present. These problems include gnawing and corrosion of copper wires, lateral corrosion and difficulty of plating silver in blind holes, presence of solder ball voids and low strength of soldering. The silver layer plated by said silver plating solution possesses characteristics of high corrosion resistance, low contact resistance, no electromigration, high welding strength, and avoidance of bubbles produced in the solder when the plating pieces are being welded.
US08163072B2	Filter washing system for gas turbine engines A filter system for an air inlet of a gas turbine engine. The filter system may include a number of filters positioned about the air inlet and a water spray system positioned to spray the filters. The filters may include a hydrophobic or an oleophobic filter media.
US08163071B2	Hollow fiber, dope composition for forming hollow fiber, and method of preparing hollow fiber using the same Disclosed is a hollow fiber that includes a hollow positioned at the center of the hollow fiber, macropores positioned at adjacent to the hollow, and mesopores and picopores positioned at adjacent to macropores, and the picopores are three dimensionally connected to each other to form a three dimensional network structure. The hollow fiber includes a polymer derived from polyamic acid, and the polyamic acid includes a repeating unit obtained from aromatic diamine including at least one ortho-positioned functional group with respect to an amine group and dianhydride.
US08163070B2	Method and system for extracting carbon dioxide by anti-sublimation at raised pressure A method for removal of CO2 from a gas stream by anti-sublimation, comprising the steps of: a) introducing a gas stream containing CO2 into a frosting vessel; b) reducing the temperature of at least a portion of the gas stream in said frosting vessel to a temperature at which solid CO2 is deposited by anti-sublimation; c) discharging the gas stream depleted of CO2 from the frosting vessel; and d) recovering the deposited solid CO2; wherein the pressure of the gas stream in step b) is higher than atmospheric pressure. An anti-sublimation system for removal of CO2 from a gas stream, comprising: a frosting vessel configured to receive the gas stream, said frosting vessel comprising a low temperature refrigeration device configured for reducing the temperature of at least a portion of a gas stream in said frosting vessel to a temperature at which solid CO2 is deposited by anti-sublimation; and a compressor configured to increase the gas pressure of the gas stream which is fed to the frosting vessel.
US08163069B2	Carboxylic acid salt articles and methods of making and using them An article comprising a substrate; and a carboxylic acid alkali salt disposed on the substrate, wherein the carboxylic acid alkali salt is derived from a carboxylic acid having at least one dissociation constant greater than or equal to 5. The article may be useful, for example, in the removal of an acid gas component from a gas.
US08163065B2	Carbon dioxide permeable membrane A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.
US08163064B2	Leak-proof membrane element and method of manufacturing such an element A leak-proof membrane element (1) for the selective separation or cleaning of gas, wherein a metal foil (membrane) (3) is deposited onto a supporting stock (substrate) (2, 20) having connection means (4, 21, 34) on the ends/edges of the substrate allowing the membrane element to be installed in a housing. A metal foil (3), having a thickness of less that 10 micrometers and being selectively permeable for specific gases, is arranged in flakes or wound with overlapping joints (8) on the outside of the substrate (2, 20), any joints being welded together by diffusion bonding so that the foil forms a continuous, leak-proof metal membrane layer. The substrate being made of a material (metal, ceram, polymer, or combinations thereof) exhibiting a very high gas flux for the gas(es) that the membrane is to let through.
US08163062B2	Method for operating a hearth furnace A method for operating a hearth furnace encompassing a furnace chamber heated by at least one burner, including: a) introducing metal-containing material into the hearth furnace, b) melting the metal-containing material in a first melting phase until a melting bath surface has formed, c) melting the metal-containing material in a second melting phase after the melting bath surface has formed, d) removing and/or holding the melted metal, characterized in that the at least one burner is operated during the phase (b) such that a larger portion of burner capacity is emitted in convection rather than in radiant energy, and that respective portions of convection heat and of radiant heat emitted by the at least one burner are adjusted specifically via adjustment of brightness and/or size, in particular length of a flame of the at least one burner.
US08163057B2	Air filter housing for an air filter element In an air filter housing (100) for an air filter element (2) with at least one housing bottom part (10) into which the air filter element (2) can be inserted completely or with a substantial portion of its length and a cover element (20) to be connected to the housing bottom part (10), on the housing bottom part (10) and on the cover element (20) at least one connector socket (14, 15) for connection to a hose conduit is provided, respectively. The connector socket for the side of the air filter element facing the cover element (20) is designed as a deflecting connector socket (14) that extends at least partially outside of the cross-sectional area covered by the air filter element (2) and that is connected to the housing bottom part (10).
US08163053B2	Housing assembly with bagging ring Embodiments of the invention generally include a filter housing having a bagging ring coated to enhance a bag-to-bagging ring seal. In one embodiment, the housing assembly includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an access port. A bagging ring is disposed around the access port and includes a material having a property that enhances the bag-to-bagging ring seal. Examples of materials that have a property that enhance the bag-to-bagging ring seal include materials that are attracted to a plastic bag, materials that are tacky, materials that have a static attraction to a plastic bag.
US08163051B2	Dust collector of vacuum cleaner A dust collector of a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collector includes a dust separation part that separates dust from air, a dust collecting body having a dust storage part that stores the dust separated by the dust separation part, and a division part that closes an inner space of the dust separation part and includes an opening through which the dust is discharged into the dust storage part.
US08163049B2	Fluoride-modified silica sols for chemical mechanical planarization A chemical-mechanical planarization composition containing surface-modified abrasive particles such as silica where at least a portion of the surface of the particles has bound thereto a surface-modifying aluminum-containing stabilizer and fluoride that is used to polish semiconductor substrates. The use of a CMP slurry containing surface-modifying aluminum-containing stabilizer and fluoride bound to a silica abrasive provides high metal polishing rates relative to the removal rate of a dielectric.
US08163048B2	Catalyst-loaded coal compositions, methods of making and use The present invention relates to catalyst-loaded coal compositions having a moisture content of less than about 6 wt %, a process for the preparation of catalyst-loaded coal compositions, and an integrated process for the gasification of the catalyst-loaded coal compositions. The catalyst-loaded coal compositions can be prepared by a diffusive catalyst loading process that provides for a highly dispersed catalyst that is predominantly associated with the coal matrix, such as by ion-exchange.
US08163041B1	Bio-synthetic fuel and method A method for producing and using a duckweed bio-synthetic fuel suitable for co-firing with gaseous, liquid as well as solid carbon based fuels.
US08163040B2	Method for manufacturing cylindrical battery and groove-forming processing device of cylindrical battery A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery includes allowing a cylindrical battery case (5) with a bottom to contain an electrode plate group, carrying out a groove-forming processing on an outside periphery of an opening of the battery case, disposing a sealing plate in the opening of the battery case through a gasket, and crimping and sealing the end of the opening of the battery case. In a groove-forming processing process in which the battery case is rotated and a rotatable groove-forming roller (15) comes into contact with and is gradually pushed into the outside periphery of the opening of the battery case in a state where a core (12) corresponding to the diameter of the opening of the battery case is fitted into the opening of the battery case to support the battery case from the inner peripheral side, a rotational speed is increased in accordance with increase in the diameter of the battery case so that the push-in amount of the groove-forming roller per unit rotation perimeter and per unit of time approximately becomes a certain value even if the size of the diameter of the battery case varies. Thus, a common groove-forming processing device can carry out the groove-forming processing on battery cases of different battery sizes to manufacture cylindrical batteries.
US08163039B2	Fluoride drying method The invention relates to methods and apparatus for drying [18F]fluoride which comprises (i) passing a [18F]fluoride solution comprising water, a solvent, [18F]fluoride, and a cationic counterion through a narrow bore vessel at elevated temperature such that the water and solvent are vaporized forming a vaporized component, and (ii) collecting the resulting vaporized component by condensing into a collection vessel.
US08163031B2	Composites and methods for treating bone A system and method for treating bone abnormalities including vertebral compression fractures and the like. In one method, an elastomeric composite implant body is inserted into bone. A rigid insert can be inserted into the elastomeric composite implant body. The elastomeric composite implant body can be deformed with the rigid insert to thereby form an interference fit between the bone and the implant.
US08163019B2	Implant restraint device and methods An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In general, the implant retention device blocks or obstructs at least a portion of an opening in the annular wall, thereby keeping the implant from exiting the nuclear space through the annular opening. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member positioned adjacent the nuclear implant and configured to transition between a compressed position and an expanded position. In another form, the implant retention device may comprise a mounting portion to be positioned adjacent one of the vertebral bodies, a blocking portion for at least partially obstructing the annular opening, and an end projection at a terminal end of the blocking portion to resist expulsion of the implant through the annular opening. In yet another form, the implant retention device may include an elongate blocking member having annulus connector portions extending from each side of the blocking member for engaging with an annular wall.
US08163017B2	Facet arthroplasty devices and methods Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.
US08163014B2	Conformable prostheses for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis.
US08163011B2	Intra-annular mounting frame for aortic valve repair An intra-annular mounting frame for an aortic valve having native aortic cusps is provided which includes a frame body with native leaflet reorienting curvatures and interconnecting points; the curvatures shaped to be received inside the valve below the native aortic cusps and to reorient the native aortic cusps within the aortic valve, where each of the curvatures extends concavely upward from a reference latitudinal plane tangential to each curvature's base.
US08163006B2	Reduced profile AAA device An abdominal aortic aneurysm endoprosthesis having a reduced profile for percutaneous delivery of the endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis provides a cranial section supported by a stent, and a bifurcated caudal section having at least two legs each of which are supported by individual stents. The individual stents of each leg of the caudal section are staggered so as not to line up with one another. Altering the lengths of the legs permits nesting of the endoprosthesis. Optimizing the expansion ratio and radial strength of the endoprosthesis is achieved by altering the dimensions of the starting material from which the stent segments are fabricated, by altering the final austentite temperature of the starting materials, or by changing the structural configuration of the stent segments. A graft material is attached to at least a portion of the cranial section and to all of the caudal section of the endoprosthesis.
US08163005B2	Vascular band A vascular band (1) comprises a biocompatible flexible material (2) and a plurality of radiopaque bars (4) extending transversely across the width of the material and spaced apart along the length of the biocompatible material. The bars provide some rigidity to the flexible material in the width direction thereby preventing buckling of the band in use and the radiopaque nature of the bars enable visualization of a landing zone for a stent graft during deployment thereof. The bars can be crimped or woven into the material. The band can be stitched, stapled, or hooked around a vessel.
US08163003B2	Active blood vessel sleeve methods and systems Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that include accepting one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions based on blood vessel data from an individual; and making a rapid-prototyped blood vessel sleeve at least partly based on the one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions.
US08163001B2	Loading apparatus and method for expandable intraluminal medical devices An apparatus for loading an expandable intraluminal medical device into a delivery device has a flexible main body with first and second rolled ends that enable the main body to alternatively adopt a substantially flat configuration that exposes a portion of the inner surface and a helical configuration that defines an interior chamber adapted to receive said expandable intraluminal medical device. An expandable intraluminal medical device is prepared for loading into a delivery device by placing the device on the main body of the loading apparatus while in the substantially flat configuration and then transforming the main body into the helical configuration. The medical device can then be compressed and forced out of the loading apparatus—and into a delivery device—by applying rotational and translational force to one end of the loading apparatus. Related kits and methods are also described.
US08162993B2	Methods of anterior fixation and stabilization of a spinal segment Methods for spinal stabilization operative to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across two or more adjacent vertebrae are described. Broadly, the method includes placing two or more anchors at each vertebral level, passing one or more sutures through each anchor at each level, applying tension to the sutures and joining the sutures in a cross-braced arrangement over the disc space between two or more vertebrae to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation of the spinal segment. The sutures can be welded in any combination of diagonal and vertical patterns across the adjacent vertebrae. In some embodiments, two or more sutures can be threaded through some of the suture anchors such that multiple vertebral levels can be joined in a cross-braced arrangement. Two or more sutures can also be used in multiple anchors in two adjacent vertebrae to provide additional reinforcement or stabilization across different portions of the two vertebrae. The sutures reinforcing different portions of the vertebrae can have different breakage strength and different elastic properties. The invention may be used on the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spine.
US08162991B2	Multi-planar, taper lock screw Provided is a novel multi-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of multi-directional articulation while the connecting rod position can remain stable and aligned as needed. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be locked such that the screw and the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a system for fixing two or more bones or bone fragments and a kit for fixing bones or bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.
US08162988B2	Plate for osteosynthesis device and method of preassembling such device An osteosynthesis device is proposed, particularly for spinal support or correction, enabling easier and compact implantation, that can be particularly used in the case of implantation via the anterior approach, and a preassembly method for such a device. In various embodiments, the device comprises implants screwed into two vertebrae (0) and a plate (2) used to hold and displace the spine. In various embodiments, the plate (2) comprises on at least one of its ends at least one longitudinally elongated opening, the opening having firstly at least one part opening onto an edge of the plate, or one part of a sufficiently large size (s210b) to be able to be inserted without disassembly in the fixation means of an implant (1) already screwed into the spine when the fixation means are already assembled.
US08162987B2	Modular spine treatment kit for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation of the spine A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08162986B2	Vertebral column implant A vertebral column implant includes a connecting element, which is insertable in the vertebral bodies of a vertebral column via several bone screws. The screws are each provided with a head part for receiving the connecting element, by means of which a firm connection is achievable between bone screws and connecting element. The connecting element is composed of rigid sections and elastic sections. The rigid sections are connectable to the elastic sections via connecting devices. The connecting devices are designed such that the rigid sections and the elastic sections, in each case connected to one another, are aligned substantially coaxially, and their connection is form-fitting.
US08162984B2	Forced growth axial growing spine device A forced growth axial growing spine device includes a central body portion having opposing ends. At least one housing is disposed at one end of the central body portion. The at least one housing includes a locking mechanism. At least one rigid member is coupled to the central body portion. The locking mechanism allows the rigid member to translate in one direction and inhibits translation of the rigid member in an opposing direction. Additionally, the central body portion includes a cam and at least one port. One or more ball bearings may be inserted into the ports. Operation of the cam in conjunction with the ball bearing urges the rigid member away from the cam, thereby increasing an overall length of the forced growth axial growing spine device.
US08162982B2	Methods and systems for constraint of multiple spine segments Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone.
US08162980B2	Methods and apparatus for vascular protection in spinal surgery Methods and apparatus provide for: coupling an elongate guide substantially at a first end to at least one vertebral body of a spinal column of a patient; and extending a second end of the guide to a structure of the patient spaced in an anterior direction away from the at least one vertebral body towards an entry incision.
US08162972B2	Vein filter A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, the filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and includes a plurality of spaced apart filter struts. The struts each have a strut height defined as a distance between a first wall and a second wall. A plurality of hooks are at the second region, the hooks having a vessel penetrating tip and a width greater than the width of the strut from which it extends such that the penetrating tip portion of the hook extends beyond the first wall.
US08162970B2	Vascular filter An inferior vena cava filter (340) for use in the inferior vena cava (4) to capture thrombus (8) passing through the inferior vena cava (4) towards the heart and lungs to prevent pulmonary embolism comprises a proximal support hoop (302), a distal support hoop (312) and a plurality of support struts (303) extending between the proximal support hoop (302) and the distal support hoop (312). The filter (340) also comprises a plurality of capture arms (121) which are movable from a capturing configuration to an open configuration. The capture arms (121) are biased towards the open configuration. A biodegradable suture holds the capture arms (121) in the capturing configuration.
US08162967B1	Method and apparatus for coring and reaming of bone A method and apparatus for providing an implant of autogenous bone. Generally, the implant may be taken from a selected bone portion and implanted into another selected bone portion within during a procedure. The method may be used in conjunction with soft tissue reinsertion or attachment to the selected implant site.
US08162964B2	Split flexible tube biasing and directional atherectomy device and method The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method having a flexible, elongated, rotatable catheter tube that is split into two elements, a biasing element and a cutting element, distally and wherein the biasing element and cutting element are capable of forming a first and retracted position for insertion into a lumen and a second and expanded position for ablation. The biasing element is biased in the expanded position, thereby placing a biasing force against the lumen wall and pressing the cutting element against the opposite side of the lumen wall for directional cutting and/or grinding, either by rotation, axial translation, vibration or a combination thereof.
US08162959B2	Single stage hemostasis clipping device A tissue clipping apparatus comprises a clip including a proximal end received within a capsule. The clip includes a clip locking member biased to engage a first locking structure of the capsule to lock the clip in the capsule in a closed configuration. The apparatus also comprises a tension member releasably coupling the clip to a proximal end of the device which, during use, remains accessible to a user. The tension member is coupled to the clip by a joint designed to release when subject to a predetermined load to separate the clip from the device, release of the joint releasing the locking member to engage the first locking structure.
US08162953B2	Insertion system for corneal implants Provided therein are apparatuses, systems and methods for storing and retrieving a corneal implant and for delivering the corneal implant in or on the cornea. In an embodiment, a insertion system comprises an inserter for delivering a corneal implant to a desired location in or on the cornea. The inserter has a holding space at its distal end for holding a corneal implant therein. A solution may substantially fill the holding space with the corneal implant to keep the implant hydrated and to hold the implant in the holding space by the surface tension of the solution. The corneal implant may be preloaded in the holding space of the inserter and stored in a storage container filled with storage fluid, e.g., saline, until use. To deliver the corneal implant, the inserter is positioned at the desired location, and the corneal implant released from the holding space of the inserter.
US08162951B2	Femoral tibial spreader with tensor measurement A femoral tibial spreader (100) for spreading adjacent bones includes a radial measurement gauge (111) for providing incidia corresponding to an amount of force being applied to the forward ends (105,106) of the femoral tibial spreader (100). The femoral tibial spreader (100) may be used, for example, to separate the femur (301) and tibia (302) during knee surgery. The radial measurement gauge (111) may be used to determine an amount of force being applied to the femur (301) and tibia (302), for example, by the medial and arterial ligaments. Two handle members (104,109) are squeezed together, which causes the forward ends (105,106) to open. A biasing member (110) allows a measurement extension (108) to pivot towards a handle member under tension, thereby providing a measurement of force applied by the ligaments.
US08162945B2	Drill bit and method for producing a drill bit A drill bit including a shaft which has a pyramidal shaped end defining a drill tip with a plurality of edges defining the pyramidal shape.One or more recesses are provided for directing away debris produced while drilling, the at least one recess having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion which extends along the drill tip; wherein the. The second portion which extends along the drill tip. The second portion of the at least one recess extends along an edge of the drill tip.
US08162944B2	Completely resorbable connective tissue distraction devices and techniques One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
US08162940B2	Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue. During the cutting process, the cutting element is energized to a first potential and at least one electrically conductive tissue contacting surface is energized to a different potential to effect a tissue cut through the tissue held between the jaw members along the already formed tissue seal.
US08162938B2	Polypectomy snare having ability to actuate through tortuous path This invention relates broadly to surgical instruments. More particularly, this invention relates to a surgical snare instrument for excising polyps. Preferably, the instrument includes a coupling member that may increase ability to actuate the snare. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a surgical instrument for insertion through an endoscope having a handle and a working channel, said surgical instrument including an elongate flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends; a flexible shaft extending through and axially movable relative to the sheath, said shaft having proximal and distal ends; an end effector coupled to or formed at said distal end of said shaft; and a coupling member disposed at said distal end of said shaft.
US08162936B2	Controlling coagulum formation Some embodiments of a medical instrument can be configured to reduce the formation of coagulum by delivering a negative charge bias to conductive surfaces that interface with blood or bodily tissue during a medical procedure. The application of the negative charge at the instrument-blood interface can reduce the fibrinogen deposition and the formation of coagulum because fibrinogen molecules in general are negatively charged at neutral pH levels. In addition, some embodiments of the instrument may be configured to irrigate the instrument-blood interface with RGD/ClfA peptides, a bicarbonate solution (or other high pH solution), or both to further repel the fibrinogen and thereby inhibit the formation of coagulum. Accordingly, some embodiments of the medical instrument can substantially reduce the risks of thromboembolism during particular medical procedures.
US08162933B2	Vibration sensitive ablation device and method An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.
US08162929B2	Cryoablation segment for creating linear lesions An applicator for cryoablating tissue to form linear (i.e. straight line and curvilinear) lesions in targeted tissue includes a fluid refrigerant delivery system having a source of a fluid refrigerant and a tubular cryoablation segment. Structurally, the segment has an open proximal end and a distal end, and is formed with a lumen. Also, the segment is formed with at least one distal port and at least one proximal port, with each port connected in fluid communication with the segment's lumen. The proximal end of the tubular segment is operably connected in fluid communication with the source of fluid refrigerant. For the system, the ports can be selectively sized to outflow liquid refrigerant through the distal and proximal ports at a substantially same mass flow rate.
US08162926B2	Robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is pivotally coupled to one of the inboard links at the intermediate axis. The two outboard links are pivotally coupled together at an outboard axis. A constraint limits the rotation of a first one of the outboard links about the intermediate axis of the coupled inboard link such that a maximum angle between the links is substantially less than 180°. A second one of the outboard links and the coupled inboard link are constructed and assembled such that the two intermediate axes are on the same side of a plane including the outboard axis and one of the axes of rotation.
US08162923B2	Disposable infusion device with automatic unlocking mechanism A wearable infusion device delivers a liquid medicant to a patient. The infusion device comprises a base that contacts a patient's skin and a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin. The reservoir has an outlet through which the medicant flows. The infusion device further comprises a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir, a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit, an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device, and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant.
US08162919B2	Flow control system based on leakage An ophthalmic surgical system utilizes a needle through which fluid is aspirated from a surgical site, and a sleeve coaxially received over the needle to define a flow passage between the sleeve and needle through which fluid is communicated to the surgical site. The system further includes a container that provides an adjustable infusion pressure for urging the flow of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. An aspiration pump urges aspiration of fluid from the surgical site, and a sensor detects the rate of aspiration flow. A controller is configured to calculate an intraocular eye pressure based on the infusion pressure and a pressure drop due to a resistance to the flow rate, which flow includes the sensed flow rate and a predicted leakage selected from a look-up table based on a size of the needle, a size of a sleeve, and a size of an incision through which the needle and the sleeve are placed.
US08162916B2	Enteral feeding safety reservoir and system The present invention provides a system comprising: a reservoir body configured to hold a reservoir liner, wherein the reservoir liner is configured to hold an enteral feeding material; a reservoir connector configured to connect to the reservoir liner in a manner that permits flow of an enteral feeding material; a reservoir cap configured to connect to the reservoir body in a manner that connects the reservoir connector to the reservoir liner disposed within the reservoir body; and a syringe adapter enteral feeding assembly having a distal end configured to connect to the reservoir cap in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding material, and a proximal end configured to connect to an enteral feeding device in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding material.
US08162913B2	Folded absorbent article An absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis, a first ear and a first fastening member. The absorbent article can also include a plurality of folds. The plurality of folds can arrange the fastening member in an overlaid relationship with said inner surface on said absorbent chassis.
US08162909B2	Negative pressure wound treatment An apparatus for aspirating, irrigating and/or cleansing wounds (1) using cells or tissues to cleanse the circulating fluid to enhance wound healing by destroying or limiting the harmful substances in the circulating fluid from the wound (5) thus enhancing the beneficial substances.
US08162908B2	Devices for treatment of damaged tissue Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.
US08162906B2	Medical device for delivery of liquids An apparatus and method for delivering liquid within an orifice of an animal is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow syringe defining a vessel having an open end; a plunger, slidingly and sealingly disposed within the vessel; and a flexible delivery tube, having a first end sealingly coupled to the open end and a delivery end for dispensing the liquid proximate the orifice. A light source directing light to the delivery end of the flexible tube may also be included.
US08162901B2	Microneedle array patch Microneedle devices for transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue, are provided. The microneedle devices permit drug delivery or removal of body fluids at clinically relevant rates across skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. Microneedles can be formed of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymeric materials or metals. In a preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plugging element comprising a platform including a plurality of microneedle plugs for preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles. In another preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plurality of bioerodible elements for temporarily plugging the hollow microneedles, thereby preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles.
US08162900B2	Method for substantially non-delaminable smooth ventricular assist device conduit and product from same A method of non-delaminably bonding a non-porous thermoplastic elastomer to a substrate by heating a bilayer of the elastomer and the substrate for a predetermined time and a product obtained by the method. Methods for producing non-delaminable conduits and non-delaminable kink-resistant conduits constructed of biocompatible elastomers and substrates, and products produced by these methods are taught. Methods, products, and articles of manufacture relating to non-delaminable monofilament supported kink-resistive conduits that may be used as inflow conduits in left ventricular assist devices for treatment of heart failure are also provided.
US08162899B2	Intravascular line and port cleaning methods, methods of administering an agent intravascularly, methods of obtaining/testing blood, and devices for performing such methods An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent. the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.
US08162895B2	Endoluminal access device A surgical access apparatus for providing access inside a body includes a housing having a first port, a tubular member extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis therealong, wherein the tubular member includes a lumen extending therethrough. a shaft insert disposed in the lumen of the tubular member, wherein the shaft insert forms first, second, and third passageways extending along the lumen of the tubular member, wherein each of the first, second, and third passageways is adapted to receive a surgical instrument; and a first seal assembly covering the first port of the housing and defining a first passage disposed in communication with the first passageway defined by the shaft insert in the tubular member, wherein the first seal assembly is adapted to form a seal around the surgical instrument inserted through the first passage of the first seal assembly.
US08162891B2	Delivery and exchange catheter for storing guidewire A support catheter for stowing and exchanging guidewires and other working elements comprises a catheter body having a proximal region and a distal region. A single, contiguous lumen is formed from the proximal region through the distal region and has a larger proximal cross-sectional area than distal cross-sectional area.
US08162887B2	Automatic injection devices An injection device comprises a syringe extendible against a spring bias from a retracted position in a housing to a projecting injecting position. A spring biased plunger has collapsible elbows which, when the plunger is released, initially engage the end of the syringe to drive it to the projecting position, whereupon arresting of the syringe movement causes the elbows to collapse inside the syringe to allow the plunger to engage and drive the bung.
US08162886B2	Intradermal injector An injection device that comprises a chamber configured for containing a substance to be injected and a needle operatively associated with the chamber and having a length sufficient to deliver the substance to an intradermal injection site. A collar surrounds the needle, defining a collar cavity. The collar also has a peripheral forward skin-contacting surface that surrounds and is radially spaced from the needle and injection site by an area that is sufficiently large to allow a patient's skin to move into the collar cavity to properly position the needle for intradermal delivery of the substance to the injection site to allow spread of the injected substance under the skin while inhibiting or preventing backpressure within the skin from forcing the substance out through the injection site.
US08162884B2	Apparatus for introducing catheters or needles into a body part A template, to be provided at some distance from the skin, provided with multiple guide holes for needles or catheters of which one or more can anchor in the prostate. The template is provided with a locking mechanism so that, after placement, the anchored needles keep all needles in their original places. The above-described method of fixedly positioning a treatment template prevents the needles from moving due to swelling of the tissue in the prostate, which causes the irradiation source, which is later provided in the needles, to improperly irradiate the area.
US08162881B2	Needle guard mechanism with angled strut wall A needle guard includes a clip with a canting wall to grip the needle shaft and a distal wall to block the tip thereof, wherein the canting and distal walls may be interconnected by an angled strut so as to allow the canting wall to be tilted over center in a ready state, a spring member, such as a leaf spring, may have a portion extending past an edge of the strut to bias the clip to grip the needle shaft.
US08162878B2	Exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system An exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system which is a cross stream thrombectomy catheter, such as, but not limited to, an Angiojet® catheter with a flexible and expandable balloon, wherein the balloon is formed from and is continuous with the catheter tube which, in part, forms the cross stream thrombectomy catheter, wherein the balloon is deployable and expandable about the distal region of the cross stream thrombectomy catheter to act as an occluder device, and wherein the balloon is located proximal to the fluid jet emanator and inflow and outflow orifices upstream of ablative cross stream flows. The balloon is expandably deployed by the exhaust or back pressure created by the operation of the cross stream flows as generated by the fluid jets of the operating exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system.
US08162876B2	Medication infusion set An infusion set is provided for use in delivering fluid through a cannula, which is housed on a cannula housing, to a selected subcutaneous infusion site on a patient. The fluid is generally a medication, for example, insulin. The cannula is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway surrounded by a projection on the cannula housing that includes one or more rail-like extensions acting as connection guides. A connector connects the cannula housing to a fluid delivery system, such as an infusion pump. The connector includes a connecting needle and one or more guide arms that slide over the rail-like extensions to guide the needle into the self-sealing septum. The connector includes one or more locking arms, with barbs at the end, to connect with one or more recesses that are provided in the cannula housing.
US08162875B2	Diluent/medication mixing syringe assembly A diluent/medication mixing syringe assembly is described which includes a cannula which extends through a syringe plunger assembly into a reservoir of the syringe assembly. The cannula facilitates injection of a diluent, medication or other fluid into the fluid reservoir of the syringe assembly immediately prior to use for mixing with a medication in the reservoir. In one embodiment, a mixing element is secured to a distal end of the cannula within the reservoir to improve mixing efficiency.
US08162872B2	Tampon applicator with ridges and multiple petals The present invention provides an improved tampon applicator having a grip area which provides the user better gripping ability. The grip area may be an area between two ridges on the outer tube of the applicator. In the alternative or in addition to the ridges, the grip area may be a raised pattern which is raised by a distance of between about 0.10 mm and about 0.75 mm. The present invention also provides an improved petal design for a tampon applicator. In this embodiment of the present invention, the petals are separated from each other on all sides by a non-linear gap and the gap is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tampon applicator.
US08162871B2	Bariatric sleeve Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve. When implanted within the intestine, the sleeve can limit the absorption of nutrients, delay the mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes, altering hormonal triggers, providing negative feedback, and combinations thereof. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
US08162863B2	Sole with anchor for compression foot cuff A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending outward from the sole. The anchor member is secured to or formed as one piece with the port to position the sole with respect to the inflatable member.
US08162861B2	Compression device with strategic weld construction A compression sleeve includes an inner layer, an outer cover and first and second bladder layers. The layers define adjacent, generally flexible sleeve sections, where each section includes an inflatable bladder. The inner layer, outer cover and first and second bladder layers are joined together at a plurality of discrete spot welds within an outer perimeter of the inflatable bladder to provide further structural integrity to the sleeve.
US08162852B2	Methods for medical device alignment A device and method for aligning medical devices is disclosed. A biopsy device having a handpiece, an elongated hollow needle with a lateral tissue receiving port, and an apparatus for providing a guide path, such as a light apparatus, is described. The light apparatus can provide visible light in a generally planar form, and the hollow needle can be aligned with the plane of light provided by the light apparatus. The light guide path provides a visible path along the skin of a patient, and the path can be used to align the needle of the biopsy device with a separate, hand held probe, such as an ultrasound probe used in ultrasound imaging.
US08162849B2	MRI biopsy targeting cube with gripping arms A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that selectively couples with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. To securely and removably fit the targeting cube within a grid plate aperture, the targeting cube also comprises a pair of gripping arms. The gripping arms extend from two opposing faces of the cube and snap fit around the walls of the grid plate to secure the targeting cube in position. The arms are resiliently biased to engage the grid plate.
US08162848B2	MRI biopsy targeting cube with eccentric lock A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. A probe and/or other associated components of the biopsy device are configured to selectively couple with the targeting cube, which is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate. The targeting cube may comprise an eccentric lock for securing the targeting cube within the grid plate. The targeting cube may further comprise an elastomeric insert positioned within guide holes of the targeting cube for securing the probe and/or other associated components within the guide hole of the targeting cube. The guide holes of the targeting cube may alternatively, or in addition, include an elastomeric retaining ring within the passageway of the guide hole.
US08162846B2	Head-stabilized, nystagmus-based repositioning apparatus, system and methodology Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.
US08162839B2	Protected passive resonating sensors A protected resonating sensor may include at least one resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members. The protected sensor includes a compliant member that forms part of one or more chambers. A first side of the compliant member may be exposed to a medium in a measurement environment. The sensor unit may be any resonating sensor unit having a resonance frequency that depends on the value of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The protected sensor includes a substantially non-compressible medium disposed within the chamber(s). The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or a gel. When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed. The medium is in contact the vibratable member(s) and with a second side of the compliant member. The medium may have a low vapor pressure. The protected sensor may also be attached to or included in or formed as part of any suitable device or sensor anchoring device and may also be implanted or inserted into a body or an organism. Methods are described for constructing the protected sensor.
US08162838B2	Doppler signal spectrum calculating method and apparatus A method and apparatus is disclosed for calculating a Doppler signal spectrum. The method includes a step of estimating parameters of a Doppler signal, and a step of resolving a predefined spectrum function using the parameters, the spectrum function being at least a function of the parameters characterizing the strength, frequency center, and frequency deviation of the Doppler signal. The apparatus includes an estimating module, a smoothing module, and a calculating module. According to the Doppler signal spectrum calculating method and apparatus of the present disclosure, the obtained spectrogram has very high time and frequency resolution without requiring any complicated operation. Thus, a higher quality spectrogram can be obtained at a very low cost.
US08162835B2	Ultrasonic image generating method An ultrasonic image generating method for generating an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic echo data obtained by transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from an inspection object, according to the present invention, includes reference position setting steps for determining the reference position on each image with respect to a plurality of consecutive two-dimensional tomograms; correction steps for obtaining regular and consecutive two-dimensional tomograms-by-correcting irregularity of the reference position of each of the two-dimensional tomograms determined by the reference position setting steps; and an ultrasonic image generating step for generating the ultrasonic images based on the regular and consecutive two-dimensional tomograms corrected by the correction steps.
US08162826B2	Laryngoscopes and rechargeable illumination units for use therewith Laryngoscope handles including a handle shell having a pair of opposite semi-cylindrical metal or plastic handgrip support members permanently joined together to form a tubular handgrip support and a non-metal sleeve-like handgrip encircling the handgrip support. Rechargeable illumination units for use with laryngoscopes and including a light transmissive end cap diffusely glowing on interior illumination by a least one user indication light source for providing at least one visual user indication regarding the operability of an illumination unit.
US08162825B2	Endoscope An endoscope which includes a flexible tube and a protective tube placed in the flexible tube, the protective tube containing a plurality of elongated built-in components including an optical fiber bundle, characterized in that a solid lubricant containing rice-bran ceramics is interposed at interstices between the optical fibers placed in the protective tube and between the protective tube and the flexible tube.
US08162819B2	Method and device to provide penis enlargement A penis tensioning device effecting penis tissue modeling and penis enlargement, the device comprising an elongate tensioning, biasing member having a first portion (14) and a second portion; first retaining means connected to the first portion (14) and Cooperable in tight-fitting engagement with a portion of the penis adjacent the head; second retaining means connected to the second portion and cooperable with a distal member selected from the group consisting of an article of clothing, a body part and an inanimate object.
US08162818B2	Adjustable surgical implant for pelvic anatomy A surgical system includes an implant for supporting pelvic anatomy. The implant includes a first suspending member, a second suspending member, and a support portion. The first and second suspending members are formed as flexible strips that extend from proximal to distal ends, the distal ends including first and second anchor portions, respectively, for anchoring to soft tissue in a space defined by a pelvis. The support portion is formed as a flexible strip that extends from a first end to a second end, the support portion having a first opening toward the first end of the support portion, the first opening slidably receiving the proximal end of the first suspending member such that a length of the first suspending member between the first anchor portion and the first end of the support portion is adjustable.
US08162816B2	System for implanting an implant and method thereof A system for implanting an implant and method thereof is disclosed. In general overview, the system includes an implant, an envelope enclosing the implant, a delivery assembly and an attachment piece for attaching the envelope or implant to the delivery assembly. The envelope may include a drug coating, positioning aids, and means to ease envelope removal. In one embodiment, the delivery assembly is employed for implant and/or envelope delivery inside the patient's body. In another embodiment, the delivery assembly and an attachment piece are employed to deliver the implant or the envelope inside the patient's body.
US08162814B2	Methods and apparatus for correction of urinary and gynecological pathologies, including treatment of male incontinence, and female cystocele The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.
US08162811B2	System for producing a cross-folded sheet material A cross-fold system for use in combination with a device for folding sheet material and includes a rigid guide structure having a stationary reaction surface for supporting and guiding folded sheet material along a feed path between a sheet feed mechanism and a tensioning mechanism. Furthermore, the cross-fold system includes a paper break assembly disposed between the sheet feed mechanism and the tensioning mechanism. The paper break assembly, furthermore, includes an abrasion bar disposed transversely of the feed path and in opposed relation to the rigid guide. Moreover, the paper break assembly is repositionable from an active position to an inactive position such that, in the active position, the abrasion bar pressingly engages the sheet material against the stationary reaction surface of the guide assembly, and, in the inactive position, the abrasion bar permits the sheet material to pass to the tensioning mechanism without engaging the sheet material. When the paper break assembly is in the active position, the tensioning mechanism is operative to pull the folded sheet material across the abrading bar to yield the adhesive bond between the reinforcing fibers of the sheet material. As such, a subsequent cross-fold of the folded sheet material is facilitated.
US08162807B1	Exercise machine with multi-function user engagement device An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one multi-function user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. The user engagement device has two different modes of operation selectable by a user for performing different exercises which exercise distinct muscles or muscle groups. A load provides resistance for both exercises.
US08162803B2	Magnetic resistance trainer power measurement A magnetic resistance trainer includes an electrically conductive disk configured to rotate in response to power provided by a user of the trainer. The trainer further includes a magnet creating a magnetic field. The magnet is configured to be positioned proximate the disk such that the magnetic field induces eddy currents in the disk when the disk is rotating. Also, the trainer includes a sensor system configured to detect the change in the magnetic field caused by the eddy currents induced within the disk. The trainer additionally includes a processor configured to receive input from the sensor system reflecting the detected change in the magnetic field. The processor determines the power provided by a user of the trainer based on the input from the sensor system.
US08162800B2	Method for controlling disengagement of an automated clutch in a vehicle A method is provided for controlling disengagement of an automated clutch in a vehicle. A decrease of a first engine rotational speed limit, at which the clutch is disengaged, is initiated upon sensing travel of the vehicle in a down slope, and zero displacement of the throttle control. The first engine rotational speed limit is decreased to a speed where an, in the vehicle arranged, engine idle speed regulator injects an amount of fuel corresponding to a positive engine torque which equals current retarding negative engine torque so that total output torque from the engine is approximately zero. The vehicle accelerating effect due to engine braking torque drop out when the clutch is disengaged will be eliminated.
US08162793B2	Planetary gearset A planetary gearset (2) consisting of a planetary gear carrier (4) that holds planetary gears (5) with a first and a second carrier plate (4b, 7), each having respective bores (4d, 7a) to receive planetary gear bolts (6) that can be fixed axially. It is proposed that the planetary gear carrier is connected in a rotationally fixed manner by the second carrier plate to a torque-transmitting component (8) of an adjacent shift element (3).
US08162786B2	Assembly means for a tensioning system The invention relates to a traction mechanism drive (1) of an internal combustion engine, which comprises an output member (2) and also a drive member (3) in which the associated belt pulleys (5, 7) are connected via a traction mechanism (6). In this case, the pivotably arranged drive member (3) is supported via a spring means (9) which can pivot, in conjunction with a deflection lever (13), between an assembly position (17) and an operating position (18).
US08162781B2	Training apparatus, glove and method for promoting basketball shooting skills A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.
US08162773B1	Golf putting accessory An invertible golf putting accessory having a body with an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of sides. Two of the sides converge towards each other to form an apex and one of the sides is removably connectable to a face of a putter by magnetic and/or adhesive material. The body includes an aperture that is configured to receive a golf ball positioned therein. The accessory is attached to the face of a putter so that a portion of the golf ball can extend above the upper surface and another portion can extend below the lower surface. In use, a golf ball is pulled back and automatically released in a desired direction as the user extends the foreswing beyond the constraints of the aperture. The body also includes indicia on one or more of the surfaces. The indicia may be used to assist in sighting the putter.
US08162762B2	Generator flexible drive coupling A generator assembly (6) includes a crankshaft (10), an accessory pulley drive shaft (36) operatively coupled to the crankshaft (10), and a flexible drive coupling member (40) operatively coupling the accessory pulley drive shaft (36) and the crank shaft (10). The flexible drive coupling member (40) includes a plurality of flex drive rings (64-66) that are configured to transmit torque from the crankshaft (10) to the accessory pulley drive shaft (36) with substantially no torsional deflection while allowing the accessory pulley drive shaft (36) to deflect radially under radial load and deflect axially under axial load in order to accommodate misalignment of the accessory pulley drive shaft (36).
US08162760B1	Gaming system and method A method and apparatus for providing gaming services to remote game players. In one embodiment, a method of providing gaming services comprises providing one or more player game values to a first remote game player and a second remote game player, and receiving one or more mechanically-generated contingent game values by a processor, the one or more mechanically-generated contingent game values representing a number of game values needed to ensure game completion for each of the two or more remote game players. The method further comprises revealing one or more of the one or more mechanically-generated contingent game values to the first remote game player and the second remote game player over a communication network, and determining a final game result for the first and second remote game players based on at least the one or more mechanically-generated contingent game values revealed to the players and the player game values.
US08162759B2	Network game system, network game program, network game apparatus, and network game control method A player can be prevented from successively using an object that affects the outcome of a match in a network competition game executed among a plurality of clients via a network. An object is selected at the end of a match event of competition game by a client on the basis of action frequency of an object that has participated in a match event. Next, a notification about the object selected at this point is sent to a server and the object is managed in the server as an object that can not appear in a new match event. A notification about the object being managed in the server is sent to the client if a new match event is to be executed in the client. At this point, the client executes a process for selecting an object from among a plurality of objects excluding the notified object.
US08162757B2	Multiplayer platform for mobile applications A wireless terminal comprising a transmitter configured to support a wireless connection with a server and a processor configured to enable a user to play an interactive game through the server with a plurality of other users on wireless terminals across a plurality of platforms.
US08162755B2	Open architecture communications in a gaming network Open architecture communication systems and methods are provided that allow flexible data transmission between gaming machines and other devices and nodes within a gaming machine network. The gaming machine and other devices employ a communication interface that sends and receives data via a common communication protocol and via common communication hardware. The communication interface and common communication protocol allow data transfer between gaming machines and other network nodes such as gaming service servers, despite the presence of different proprietary gaming machine functions and proprietary communication protocols and despite the presence of various proprietary hardware and proprietary communication protocols relied on by the servers.
US08162750B2	Gaming device multilateration location Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to enable determining the location of a wagering game machine in relation to a plurality of transmission or reception apparatus using a multilateration process. In some embodiments, the orientation of the machine may also be determined.
US08162741B2	Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for transferring symbols between linked reels in multiple reel sets A gaming device including at least a first reel in a first reel set linked to at least a first reel in a second reel set and at least a second reel in the first reel set not linked to any reel in any second reel set. In a play of the game, symbols are independently generated for each reel set. After an award evaluation, the gaming device removes zero, one, or more symbols from the reels in the reel sets. If any empty symbol positions are formed on the first reel in the second reel set, the gaming device transfers one or more symbols from the first reel of the first reel set to the linked first reel of the second reel set to occupy the empty symbol positions. The gaming device generates symbols to fill the empty symbol positions and provides any awards for any winning symbol combinations.
US08162739B2	Gaming device having multiple pay slots The gaming device provides a number of selections. When the player chooses a selection, the gaming device randomly generates a value and randomly places the value into one of a number of adjacent slots. When the bottom of each slot is covered with values, the game removes the values and provides an award to the player. In one embodiment, the award includes a value from each slot and in a preferred embodiment the award includes the smallest value from the slots. The gaming device subtracts the lowest value from the remaining values and the player chooses another selection. The process continues until one of a plurality of possible endings occurs.
US08162736B2	Progressive jackpot system A method for playing a game of chance includes distributing game cards from a set of game cards to a plurality of players, each of the game cards in the set displaying at least one game face which includes a set of indicia selected from a pool of indicia. A game of chance is played in which the players match indicia randomly called from the pool of indicia with the indicia in the respective game face. A game face is identified in which a set of the called indicia form a first configuration on a game card from the plurality of distributed game cards. A jackpot level is determined from a plurality of possible jackpot levels based at least in part on a comparison of at least one of the indicia displayed on the identified game face with at least one jackpot number. A game face with a winning game configuration is identified and a determination made as to whether the game face with the winning game configuration qualifies for a jackpot award at the determined level, based at least in part on one of the indicia of the winning game face.
US08162733B2	Slot machine When a free game is finished, a chance game that determines whether or not the free game is executed again is executed. In the chance game, if the number of re-trigger symbols in a symbol display frame 111 of a liquid crystal panel 5B is a predetermined number or more, it is determined that the free game is executed again. In this determination, the number of execution times of a unit game of the free game that is executed again is determined according to the number of the re-trigger symbols.
US08162731B2	Game device, game system and game program [Problems] Unfair operation of “hand-push” is effectively handled.[Means for Solving Problems]It is judged whether a pressure continues for not less than a predetermined time or not, that is, it is judged whether there is possibility of hand-push or not. When the pressure continues for not less than a predetermined time, it is decided that there is a possibility of hand-push.
US08162730B2	Ventilator for freight container A ventilator device for a freight container configured to prevent the ingress of water into the cargo tank interior. The ventilator device comprises a floatation-based valve configured to shuttle backwards and forwards in response to contact with water. The valve acts to open and close the air flow passageway through the device and is mounted over the air flow vents of the container. A manual override actuator may be provided to manually open and close the valves.
US08162729B2	Method and apparatus for producing sausages A process and an apparatus for producing sausages (28) in which sausage meat is introduced into a tubular case (20) by means of a filling machine (2) and the filled case (20) is divided into portions by means of a twisting-off device (40) for producing twist-off locations (22) so that the result is a sausage chain. The sausage chain is further transported by means of at least two transport devices (6, 8) connected in succession in the sausage chain transport direction (30), and the transport devices (6, 8) can be controlled by means of a control device (38) so that the transport speed of the second transport device (8) in the transport direction is at least at times greater than the transport speed of the first transport device (6).
US08162727B2	Motor-driven machine tool A motor-driven machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool (1) includes a rotatably driveable tool (6), a drive shaft (4) which is driven by a drive unit (2), and an output shaft (5) on which the tool (6) is mounted. It is possible to transfer the rotational motion of the drive shaft (4) via an eccentric coupling device (7) to the output shaft (5). A mass-balancing device (10) provides for oscillation compensation and is operatively connected to at least one of the shafts (4, 5) and implements a compensation motion counter to the eccentric coupling motion.
US08162725B2	Abrasive, method of polishing target member and process for producing semiconductor device To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor device which make use of this abrasive.
US08162716B2	Vehicle track set A toy vehicle track set. The track set includes toy roads sized for toy vehicles. The track set allows a toy vehicle to be raised and lowered to different elevations using one or more different mechanisms.
US08162713B2	Leg member for transformable toy The invention provides a leg member for a transformable toy which prevents impairment of the aesthetic appearance even if the range of motion of a shin section relative to a foot section is increased. A first link member 29 is shaped and configured to cover a circular plate portion 31b constituting the main portion of a second link member 31. When the second link member 31 is rotated about the rotation center (axial center of a shaft portion 29i) of the second turning pair, portions (31c and 31d) forming a third turning pair in the second link member 31 are exposed to the outside of the first link member 29. The structure of the shin section and the structures of a third link member 33 and a fourth link member 35 are defined so that the rotation range (a second angular range θ4) of the shin section in a state where the shin section is spaced farthest from the foot section is larger than the rotation range (a first angular range θ3) of the shin section in a state where the shin section is brought closest to the foot section.
US08162712B1	Personalized doll kit with computer generated photograph face A personalized doll kit with computer generated photograph face which comprises a transfer paper having the computer generated photograph face printed in a mirror image thereon which is transferred to a piece of fabric by ironing. An interface sheet has a large circle and a concentric inner small circle. The transfer paper, fabric, and a padding member are stacked to form a face assembly. The face assembly is secured together at the large circle of the interface sheet. Excess material of the face assembly is cut away from a stitch line at the large circle, while the inner small circle is removed to form a circular aperture to expose the photograph face. By manually urging the bottom of the padding member upwardly the photograph face on the transfer paper on the piece of fabric will go through the circular aperture on the interface sheet to reverse the interface sheet.
US08162706B2	Watercraft steering system, and watercraft A watercraft can have an electric motor mounted on a screw bar extending in a right/left direction. The electric motor can move along the screw bar in the right/left direction to steer an outboard motor, or another part of a different marine propulsion system. One or more springs can be provided at the ends of the screw bar. When the outboard motor whose steered angle exists in a predetermined angle range including the maximum steered angle is steered back to a neutral position, either one of the springs presses the electric motor toward the center of the screw bar to assist the steering torque of the electric motor.
US08162704B2	Amphibious vehicle and engine power control Amphibious vehicles, control modules, and methods are disclosed in which engine output power is adjusted based upon whether an amphibious vehicle is traversing land or is not traversing land. Some embodiments determine whether the amphibious vehicle is traversing land based upon a speed differential between an engine speed of the vehicle and a turbine speed of the torque converter contained within the power transfer module/transmission assembly.
US08162701B2	Socket structure and electronic device having the same A socket structure, which can be applied to an electronic device, is disclosed. The socket structure comprises a socket body and a holder unit. The socket body further comprises two opposite ends to transport power, a first connecting device and a second connecting device; the holder unit further comprises a third connecting device and a fourth connecting device. The first connecting device is engaged with the third connecting device and the second connecting device is engaged with the fourth connecting device so that the socket structure is formed and the socket body can be secured to the electronic device.
US08162700B2	Connection block mounting frame A connection block mounting frame and method of use are disclosed. In one example, a connection block mounting frame includes a block mounting interface on a front end of the connection block mounting frame, the block mounting interface including a plurality of block mounting locations each configured to receive a connection block. The connection block mounting frame includes a mounting surface on a back side of the connection block mounting frame and including a plurality of mounting locations and a plurality of cable routing openings. The connection block mounting frame further includes a second surface on a back side of the connection block mounting frame offset from the mounting surface and forming a cable routing path along the back side and external to the connection block mounting frame.
US08162697B1	Tip-sleeve silent plug with 360° sliding ring contact A silent plug includes a switch adapted to be automatically opened when the connector is inserted into the jack and closed when the connector is not inserted into the jack to eliminate electronically generated noise that would otherwise occur when the plug is inserted. The switch has a sliding ring contact for providing the electrical connection between the tip contact and the ground sleeve and providing 360° contact with the ground sleeve via a bridging contact. A spring applies a force in the mating direction to urge the sliding ring contact into the closed position. An actuator facing the jack contacts the front face of the jack when the connector is inserted into the jack in order to urge the sliding ring contact in a direction opposite to the mating direction and against the force applied by the spring.
US08162696B2	Dongle which is intended to be connected to a port of a telecommunications device A dongle is formed by a module having an integrated circuit chip which is connected to contact pads which are flush with the surface of the module. The dongle is intended to be connected to a port of a telecommunications device, having electric connecting pins. The contact pads correspond to the electric connecting pins in such a way that the pads can be directly connected to the pins.
US08162694B2	Connector A connector includes a shell provided as a cylindrical shape having an opened front side; a first insulator arranged in the shell; a second insulator arranged in the shell to be parallel to the first insulator; a first contact provided to be arranged in the first insulator; a second contact provided to be arranged in the second insulator; and a partition section arranged in the shell in a state of projecting from an outside of the shell to an inside of the shell so as to partition a hollow in the shell to a first region in which the first insulator exists and a second region in which the second insulator exists as viewed from the front side of the shell, the partition section being provided to be movable to the outside of the shell.
US08162686B2	Centralized electrical distribution system Implementations of the present invention comprise systems, methods, and apparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of access points within a plurality of spaces. In particular, implementations of the present invention allow for the distribution of electric power from a centralized panel manager, to one or more access points without the use of zone boxes. For example, a panel manager for distributing electric power in accordance with an implementation of the present invention can include a housing configured to allow at least one main input therein. The panel manager can also include a plurality of planar connection interfaces secured within the housing. The planar connection interface can be configured to mate with planar electrical connectors for the distribution of electric power to the plurality of access points.
US08162684B1	Implantable connector with contact-containing feedthrough pins An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are adapted to directly connect, confine, protect, and precisely position respective resilient compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired. In one method of connector assembly an iso-diametric lead proximal terminal is first inserted into a seal without significant interference, and the resulting lead-seal assembly is subsequently installed in a clamping cover. Connector pressurization means include space-efficient latching clips and cam actuated clamping covers which support contact forces and the seal compression by engaging undercuts on the feedthrough housing side walls.
US08162681B2	Electronic device using earphone jack assembly An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing latching to the first housing, a resilient component assembled to the second housing, and an earphone jack assembly. The second housing includes a first plate comprising a latching portion; and a resilient component assembled on the second housing. The earphone jack assembly includes a base latching to the latching portion, compressing the resilient component and rotatably assembled to the first housing and the second housing.
US08162680B2	Board-mounted electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals secured in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a front face and a rear face opposite to the front face. The housing further includes at least one tongue portion extending forwardly from the front face. At least one receiving space is recessed in the rear face and corresponding to the at least one tongue portion. Each terminal includes a retention portion secured in the insulative housing, a contact portion extending forwardly from one end of the retention portion and a tail portion extending from the other end of the retention portion. The contact portion is located on the at least tongue portion. The tail portions bend toward the front face and are received in the receiving space.
US08162679B2	Insulation displacement contact and electric connector using the same An electric connector for mating with a complementary connector includes an insulation housing, at least an insulation displacement contact, and at least an insulated wire. The insulation housing includes two rows of contact holding portions which are respectively arranged on an upper and lower side of the insulation housing, and two rows of cable holding portions. The cable holding portions are arranged in correspondence with the contacting holding portions and each connected to its corresponding contacting holding portion for forming a passageway along a mating direction. The insulation displacement contact is holed in one of the contact holding portion. The insulated wire extends along the mating direction. And the wire includes a front portion inserted into one of the insulation displacement contact along a vertical direction and a sub-front portion received in one of the cable holding portions along the vertical direction.
US08162678B2	Electrical connector having board eschewing cavity An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second circuit board mounted with a second electrical connector which is intended to mate the first connector, the first electrical connector further includes a recessed cavity to receive a board edge of the second circuit board when the first electrical connector is mated with the second electrical connector.
US08162674B2	Backlight assembly and display device having the same A backlight assembly includes a first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a connector. The connector is disposed on the second substrate and includes a second electrode connected to the first electrode, and an elastic member which applies a force to the second electrode. The connector increases a contact force between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying the force to the second electrode.
US08162673B2	Electromagnetic interference spring contact for shielding electromagnetic interference and electronic device using same An EMI spring contact for shielding EMI comprises a first section having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second section connected to the first section and extending up and angularly from the first end of the first section, a third section connected to the second section and extending down from the second section, and a fourth section connected to the third section. An acute angle is formed between the first and second sections, and a first through hole is defined in the second section. The fourth section extends up and angularly from the third section through the first through hole of the second section and is movably received in the first through hole.
US08162662B2	Buccal device for isolating the operating field The invention relates to dental devices for isolating a working area, comprising a substantially concave main piece having two upper ends and a substantially round edge on a lower area of the main piece, the round edge being adaptable to a patient's mouth; a substantially concave lower cover attached to the lower area of the main piece; two removable pieces each attached to each of the two upper ends of the main piece; and two upper covers each attached to each of the two removable pieces, the upper covers each having a protuberance to allow attachment of a rubber dam. Also provided are methods for providing isolation of a working area in a patient's mouth.
US08162661B2	Ultrasonic crown and bridge remover A dental tool having a pair of releasably and pivotably connected opposing jaw members. A biasing mechanism connected to at least one of the jaw members biases the jaw members toward a proximate rest position. A separating mechanism is connected to at least one jaw member for separating the jaw members. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the jaw members for vibrating them. A fastening device may be used to connect the pair of opposing jaw members.
US08162659B2	Method for introducing waste and/or alternative fuels into a clinker production method and device for carrying out said method In a method for introducing waste substances and/or alternative fuels into a clinker production process, the raw materials, in the form of slurries or suspensions, are subjected to mechanical deagglomeration as a pumpable mass. The pumpable mass is ejected into risers, precalciners and/or the rotary tubular kiln. The device for carrying out the method is characterized by a tubular housing (1) including a rotor (2) mounted to be rotational substantially concentrically with the tube axis and driveable for rotation with blades (3) sweeping over the space between the rotor shaft and the housing wall, wherein a plurality of ducts and openings (6, 7, 11, 14) are connected to the shell of the tubular housing (1), and at least one duct (6) is arranged with the slurry supply and at least one duct is offset in the peripheral direction.
US08162655B2	System and method for forming a container having a grip region A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling.
US08162649B2	Device for eliminating oversize pellets from balling disks Device for eliminating oversize pellets from balling disks, includes a plow-like tool defined by a series of cylindrical rods that are coplanar and parallel to each other and incorporated into a horizontal plate, whose medial portion incorporates a vertical tubular arm that protrudes vertically and upwards to pass axially through and be selectively and adjustably attached to a vertical sleeve that is incorporated in a distal portion of an extensible arm, which composes a trussed structure that is adjacently attached to a balling disk and protrudes over its area of operation.
US08162647B2	Blowing agent introduction systems and methods The present invention provides blowing agent introduction systems and methods for introducing blowing agent into polymeric foam processing systems. The methods may involve introducing one or more doses of blowing agent into polymeric material in an extruder during a plastication period of a molding cycle. Prior to introduction, a dose is confined in an accumulator which, for example, has a volume defined between an inlet valve and an outlet valve. A control system may receive inputs related to system parameters (e.g., pressure of polymeric material in extruder, axial position of screw in barrel, whether screw is rotating, and the like) and based on the inputs coordinates operation of the valves to confine and introduce the blowing agent dose(s). The introduction systems may be used in discontinuous plasticating processes, such as injection molding and blow molding, and can be particularly useful in processes that use precise quantities of blowing agent.
US08162644B2	Die for extrusion forming head The invention is made to accelerate extrusion forming by reducing a friction between a forming rubber formed to cover a cord or formed to extrude and an inner wall face of a path at inside of a die as the die used for an extrusion forming head, a portion of an upstream portion of a rubber forming path (2) reaching a front end outlet (4) from a rubber storing portion (3) at inside of a die main body 1 is provided with a fluid sending inlet (8) for sending a fluid between an outer peripheral face of a forming rubber (R1) at inside of the rubber forming path (2) and an inner wall face of the path and a resistance of passing the forming rubber (R1) on a downstream side is reduced by the fluid.
US08162642B2	Molding blade for pneumatic tire tread A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.
US08162638B2	Method and system for forming vertical pre-cast concrete structures The apparatus may include moveable partitions that may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The partitions may be moveable with respect to each other to facilitate installation of liners and reinforcing material and the removal of the concrete structures from the apparatus after the concrete has hardened. Cavities may be defined between the partitions for receiving concrete to form panels for use in barriers, walls and other structures. Removable liners may be temporarily secured to the partitions in a manner that does not comprise the integrity of the liners. Further, the liners may be secured to the partitions utilizing a combination of mechanical and magnetic coupling. The liners may also include a molded portion for forming surface treatments in the panels. Removable bulkheads placed into the cavities allow the dimensions of the cavities to be variable to thereby permit the formation of panels of different dimensions using the same partitions.
US08162637B2	Rotary machine having frusto-conical elements A system for enabling fluid flow is provided which includes a plurality of frusto-conical elements and central and outer spherical shells which enclose the frusto-conical elements. The elements are constrained between the central and outer spherical shells, and an input and an output allow fluid flow into and out of the system. The geometry of the frusto-conical elements and their alignment within the system allows the formation of chambers between adjacent elements and their central and outer shells. The elements are free to roll about one another within the system in a synchronized manner. This synchronized rolling is results in a cyclical change in volume of those chambers.
US08162616B2	Turbomachine fan A turbomachine fan including blades and inter-blade platforms having radial flanges fastened to flanges of a rotor disk by threaded rods inserted into bushes mounted in orifices in the flanges of the platforms is disclosed. Each bush includes at least one deformable part interposed transversely between the threaded rod and an edge of the orifice in which the bush is mounted. The deformable part is intended to allow the platform to pivot in the event of an impact of a blade against the platform and to absorb some of the energy of the impact.
US08162612B2	Stamped stator assemblies and methods for assemblying stamped stator assemblies A stator for a torque converter, including a pump side blade plate with a first outer circumferential portion and a turbine side blade plate with a second outer circumferential portion in contact with the first outer circumferential portion. One of the first or second outer circumferential portions includes an axially extending lip with a plurality of notches and the other of the first or second outer circumferential portions includes a plurality of radially outward protrusions disposed in the plurality of notches and the lip includes a plurality of at least partially radially inward protrusions in contact with other of the first or second outer circumferential portions and exerting force on the other of the first or second outer circumferential portions to urge the pump and turbine side plates together.
US08162611B2	Controllable pitch propeller with electrical power generation A propeller system includes a rotor hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. An electrical generator is mounted between a gearbox and the rotor hub to generate electrical power to drive a pitch change system within the rotor hub.
US08162602B2	Turbomachine casing including a device for preventing instability during contact between the casing and the rotor A cylindrical casing for a turbomachine that is suitable for receiving a rotor fitted with at least one bladed wheel is disclosed. The casing includes a device for preventing instability during contact between the casing and the bladed wheel. The device includes a succession of elements disposed around the circumference of the casing, and presenting different stiffnesses between two adjacent elements. The number of elements having the same stiffness not being equal to a multiple of the wave number of the vibratory mode of the bladed wheel that is to be inhibited. The invention is applicable to a compressor, a turbine, or a fan.
US08162598B2	Gas turbine sealing apparatus A gas turbine comprises forward and aft rows of rotatable blades coupled to a disc/rotor assembly, a row of stationary vanes positioned between the forward and aft rows of rotatable blades, and rotatable sealing apparatus. Each of the stationary vanes comprises an inner diameter platform having first sealing structure. The rotatable sealing apparatus comprises seal housing apparatus coupled to the disc/rotor assembly and has second sealing structure adapted to engage with the first sealing structure.
US08162593B2	Inter-turbine casing with cooling circuit, and turbofan comprising it An inter-turbine casing for a turbofan is disclosed. The casing includes an outer ring, an inner ring, and an intermediate ring between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner and intermediate rings have respective openings for the passage of cooling air. The casing includes at least one sealing device, arranged between the outer ring and the intermediate ring, with a base, provided with at least one orifice for the passage of cooling air, and a peripheral skirt which is able to be compressed and expanded elastically. The base bears against the outer ring and the peripheral skirt bears against the intermediate ring.
US08162591B2	Multistage compressor for a gas turbine, comprising discharge ports and injection ports to stabilize the compressor flow A multistage compressor for a gas turbine, having a compressor housing, guide vanes, impeller vanes, a hub area, discharge ports, and injection ports for stabilizing the compressor flow, wherein the discharge ports are situated at least one stage downstream from the injection ports, the injection ports being fashioned as nozzles, and the geometry of these nozzles is designed such that the flow speed of the injected air stream is significantly greater than the speed of the flow in a critical cross-section.
US08162589B2	Moving fluid energy recovery system A moving fluid energy recovery system for generating electricity through rotational motion produced by positioning the present invention in a fluid flow produced by nature or a moving vehicle. The moving fluid energy recovery system has first and second end plates, a plurality of elongated inner vanes, a plurality of elongated outer vanes, and shaft to drive an electricity generating device. The inner and outer vanes each have a substantially curved profile featuring a curve side and an open side. The first and second end plates each has a central bore defined therethrough, a plurality of inner vane slots each shaped to receive a corresponding inner vane, and a plurality of outer vane slots each shaped to receive a corresponding outer vane. The inner vane slots are orientated with the curve side toward the central bore, and the outer vane slots are orientated with the open side toward the central bore with the free ends of adjacent inner vanes positioned in the open side of the outer vane slots.
US08162586B2	Parking stand A loader parking stand includes a support leg pivoted to a loader arm which is movable between an extended and a retracted position. A retaining latch can releasably secure or lock the stand in the extended position and the retaining latch can be unlocked or released to unlock the support leg by motion of or engagement with a movable portion of the loader.
US08162584B2	Method and apparatus for semiconductor wafer alignment The invention provides, in some aspects, a wafer alignment system comprising an image acquisition device, an illumination source, a rotatable wafer platform, and an image processor that includes functionality for mapping coordinates in an image of an article (such as a wafer) on the platform to a “world” frame of reference at each of a plurality of angles of rotation of the platform.
US08162583B2	Pole positioning devices and methods Methods and devices for positioning a group, array, series or arrangement of plumb poles in a specific relationship relative to each other, whereby a first pole is inserted in a horizontal clamshell attached to a moveable platform, retained and raised to a vertical position and plumbed. The moveable platform is positioned over the pole insertion location and the pole is released. The process is repeated at as many holes as needed. Other embodiments are used to set the poles at specific heights, or angles.
US08162579B2	Undetachable plastic anchor A plastic, undetachable anchor (10) to affix a component (52) to a support (54), comprising a rectangular affixing aperture (56), the anchor comprising a resilient, flange-like head (12), a hollow shank (16) subtending an axis and connected at one end to the head (12) and receiving an affixation screw (20), further resilient detent arms (40,42) connected to the shank end away from the head (14), where the detent arms (40,42) running obliquely outward toward the head (14) are fitted at their free ends with a detent shoulder (44) engaging {in the assembled state—an edge of an affixation aperture (56) facing them in order to secure the anchor (10) against being pulled out of the affixation aperture (56).
US08162576B1	Cargo bar with quick release The cargo bar includes a toothed rod and a ratchet actuator. The ratchet actuator is composed of a carriage, a wrench bar with a handle, a main pawl, an auxiliary pawl and an elastic member. When the handle is reciprocated, the wrench bar drives the pawls to push teeth on the toothed rod, and then the toothed rod is elongated outwards. The carriage is disposed with a rotatable release key. When the release key is rotated in a specific direction, the auxiliary pawl and the main pawl will be pushed directly and indirectly by the release key, respectively, and then the two pawls withdraw from the toothed rod to make the toothed rod bidirectionally slidable.
US08162575B2	Transport and assembly vehicle for a component module A transport and assembly vehicle for a component module such as an aircraft engine includes a mobile platform which includes support arm structures on which the component module is situated during conveyance and while maintenance work is performed, and which are movable relative to the platform in such a manner that they may assume at least two positions, namely an active position in which they hold the component module, and an inactive position in which they release the component module; the support arm structures of the movable platform include receiving adapters, and the receiving adapters are situated in such a manner that their position is changeable in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the movable platform, so that the transport and assembly vehicle may be used to transport component modules of highly diverse sizes.
US08162573B2	Self-reversing tapping system This invention generally pertains to a self-reversing tapping apparatus system, and more particularly, embodiments of this system include an improved coolant system, a reduction of the components which reverse rotational direction, and provides a modular tapping apparatus system.
US08162572B2	Cutting insert for high feed face milling A cutting insert for milling operations, such as, face milling, slot milling, plunge milling, and ramping operations. The cutting insert exhibits a combination of favorable cutting edge strength, and unique cutting edge geometry, thus, allowing milling operations at relatively high feed rates. The cutting insert includes at least four cutting edges, wherein at least one of the cutting edges is a convex cutting edge. Certain embodiments of square cutting inserts will have four convex cutting edges which may be connected by nose corners. The convex cutting edge may comprise at least one of a circular arc, a portion of an ellipse, a portion of a parabola, a multi-segment spline curve, a straight line, or combinations of these. Wherein the convex cutting edge comprises a circular arc, the circular arc may have a radius greater than or equal to two times a radius of the largest circle that may be inscribed on the top surface.
US08162571B2	Bulk component feeder A bulk component feeder includes a conveying channel 42 through which the electronic components P are conveyed, a ventilation channel 43 that is formed along the conveying channel 42, and a partition 44 by which postures of the electronic components P conveyed through the conveying channel 42 are maintained and by which the conveying channel 42 is separated from the ventilation channel 43. The conveying channel 42 communicates with the ventilation channel 43 through an upper part 45 of the partition 44. It is possible to increase a size of an air channel A which acts as a flow channel for airflow and through which the electronic components P are conveyed with no respect to sizes of the electronic components P, thus, a desirable conveying speed is assured even though the conveyed electronic components P are micro-components.
US08162569B2	High-strength anchor system, safe room bulkhead, and method of anchoring a support to mine strata A high-strength anchor system for anchoring a support to mine strata is disclosed. The system includes an anchor plate and a connecting member on the anchor plate for connection of the support to the anchor plate. Anchor bolts extend through bolt holes in the anchor plate into bore holes in the mine strata. Load-spreading devices extend from respective bolt holes in the anchor plate into the bore holes. The load-spreading devices have outside diameters larger than outside diameters of the anchor bolts for spreading shear loads exerted on the anchor bolts over larger areas of the mine strata. A method of installing such a system and a safe room bulkhead using such a system are also disclosed.
US08162562B2	Method of constructing a filtering pavement surface A sorptive-filtration system for removing at least one of negatively or positively charged ions, complexes or particulates from an aqueous stream. The system includes a) flow formed substantially from at least one of rainfall-runoff or snowmelt-runoff; b) a filter containment communicating with the runoff stream such that at least part of the stream passes through the filter containment; and c) a granular filter media disposed within the filter containment, the filter media having an amphoteric material applied thereto, wherein the amphoteric material comprises a metal selected from at least one of Fe, Al, Mn, or Si.
US08162560B2	Quick-fixing element A quick-fixing element mounted on a guide rail and configured to receive at least one horizontally running rod of a grid side part. The rod includes an angled end region. The quick-fixing element includes a first clip retaining section constructed to partially engage around the rod at a predetermined position along a length of the rod. The quick-fixing element also includes a second clip retaining section configured to partially engage around the rod at the angled end region.
US08162557B2	Multi-axis coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members A multi-axis coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members. The multi-axis coupling apparatus provides a first coupling member connectable to a substantially cylindrical boom for providing linear and rotational adjustment along and about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom. A second coupling member is connected to the first coupling member and is connectable to a modular tooling member for providing adjustment to the modular tooling member about and along an axis extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom.
US08162556B2	Actuator for a ring binder mechanism A ring binder mechanism includes an elongate housing and a ring support supported by the housing for movement relative to the housing. The ring support has an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of rings is provided for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on the ring support for movement with the ring support relative to the housing between a closed position and an opened position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing for moving the rings from their closed position to their opened position. The actuator has a snap-lock connection with the housing.
US08162551B2	Keyboard using kinetic energy of keystroke to generate electricity A keyboard is configured for using the kinetic energy of the keystroke to generate electricity, the keyboard includes a key, a base, a resilient element connecting to the key and the base to restore the key after the key is pressed, a transmission device slidablely connected to the base, and a generator engaged with the transmission device. When the key is pressed, the transmission device is forced to slide on the base by the key and drive the generator to generate electricity.
US08162549B2	Optical assembly and photographing apparatus including the same An optical assembly and/or a photographing apparatus including a lens mounting member on which at least one lens is mounted; a transfer portion for moving the lens mounting member; a guide member for guiding a movement of the lens mounting member; a base member on which the transfer portion and the guide member are arranged; and a lens cap apparatus having at least one barrier for opening and closing an optical path passing through the at least one lens, wherein the lens cap apparatus is configured to open and close the barrier by contact with the guide member when the lens cap apparatus is moved closer to or farther from the base member.
US08162548B2	Image pick-up apparatus An image pick-up apparatus that enables to be taken out from a pocket and the like quickly, to be held certainly, and to be operated easily by a user. An image pick-up unit takes a picture of a subject. An operation unit is operated to instruct about an image-pickup operation by the image pick-up unit. A strap mount is tightly connected to a strap, which is provided with a strap body that is an elastic string and a rigid fitting part fixed to at least one end of the strap body, and arranged at one or more positions of the image pick-up apparatus. The connected strap serves as a gripping part when operating the operation unit.
US08162540B2	DRAM temperature measurement system A converter comprising a comparator having a first input operable to receive a first signal, a second input operable to receive a second signal, and an output, a switch for sinking a portion of the first signal, wherein the switch is responsive to the output, and an integrator connected to the first input, wherein the first signal is a voltage developed by the integrator when a current proportional to the absolute temperature is applied thereto. A method for measuring temperature of a device using a comparator and converting the bitstream of the comparator to a digital output is also given. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US08162537B2	Thermometer quick linkage apparatus and method A thermometer quick linkage apparatus comprises an elastic member, a button, a probe, and a chamber having one end provided with an opening for receiving the end portion of the probe, and the other end also provided with an opening for receiving the button. Within the chamber, one end of the elastic member connects with the button, and the other end thereof connects with the probe. The elastic member is configured such that, when the button is pressed to compress the elastic member to a certain degree, the end portion of the button comes into contact with the end portion of the probe, and when the button is pressed further down, the probe is pushed away from the chamber. The apparatus is simplified in structure, and allows quick replacement of the probe jacket, and therefore is cost-efficient.
US08162530B2	Handheld electric mixer A handheld electric mixer has a variable speed motor and a two-speed gearbox for transmitting driving torque of the motor to a pair of work pieces that mix, blend, beat or otherwise act upon a food item or recipe constituents. The gear box has a first gear ratio for providing a first range of output speeds and a second gear ratio for providing a second range of output speeds. The first ratio transmits at least twice as much torque to the rotational work pieces as does the second ratio. There is an electronic speed controller for controlling rotational speed the motor and a separate ratio selector for selecting between the first and second ratios of the gearbox.
US08162526B2	Light-emitting devices for liquid crystal displays Light emitting devices, and related components, processes, systems and methods are disclosed.
US08162519B2	Concealed interior lighting for automobiles A lighting arrangement for the interior of an automotive vehicle in which the light source, such as an LED, is recessed into the interior structure of the vehicle and covered with a layer of fabric. The light source is invisible when not in use, but shines through the fabric/foam layer when illuminated, and can be associated with a light transmitting member, such as a light bar and a light pipe. Such lighting arrangements can be disposed within the headliner to direct light where desired and for different functions, such as a map light or for area lighting. The lighting arrangement can be mounted in non-traditional locations, such as on vertically oriented pillars, visors, door panels, seat backs, seat fronts, and console sides. The light source is preferably one or more LEDs associated with a light transmitting medium to direct the discharge of light as desired within the automotive interior.
US08162518B2	Adaptive forward lighting system for vehicle An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor includes a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements, and monitors a scene forward of the direction of travel of the vehicle. The control processes image data from the imaging sensor. Adjustment between a first beam pattern and a second beam pattern of a headlamp of the vehicle is responsive, at least in part, to the processing of the image data. The control may receive vehicle data via a vehicle communication bus, and may adjust between a first beam pattern and a second beam pattern of a headlamp of the vehicle responsive, at least in part, to the vehicle data. The control may process image data to determine, at least in part, a presence, location or characteristic of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor.
US08162516B2	LED reading lamp An LED reading lamp includes a base, a supporting bracket fixed on the base, a heat sink mounted on the supporting bracket and an LED module mounted on a bottom surface of the heat sink. The supporting bracket has a vertical part vertically fixed on the base and a horizontal part extending horizontally from an upper end of the vertical part. The horizontal part defines an opening therein. The heat sink is placed on a top surface of the supporting bracket and located over the opening. The LED module is received in the opening of the horizontal part.
US08162515B2	Lighting device A lighting device (10) for use within a light box or light panel and comprising a housing with generally parallel upper and lower walls (11, 12) and diverging side walls (13, 14) with one or more LEDs (18) disposed within the housing on a back wall (15) thus to project light outwardly from the housing. Several such devices may be disposed within a light box or light panel to project light across the latter which light is then diffused before exiting from a front display panel or the like. The diffused light conceals the lighting devices within the light box or light panel. Such devices are intended to replace conventional fluorescent or neon lighting tubes or tungsten lights to produce substantially uniform light distribution by diffusion within the light box or light panel and incorporating low voltage and low power consuming light sources.
US08162513B2	Illumination device with anti-glare plate An exemplary illumination device includes a solid-state light source and an anti-glare plate. The solid-state light source is configured for generating light, and the solid-state light source defines a central axis. The anti-glare plate is arranged correspondingly generally adjacent to the solid-state light source. The plate includes an incident surface and an output surface at opposite sides thereof. The output surface has parallel micro-structures each have a length parallel to a first reference axis, and the micro-structures is arranged in two groups at opposite sides of the central axis. The micro-structures are configured for contracting a radiating range of the light entering the plate. Such contraction is along respective opposite directions of a second reference axis, and the second reference axis is substantially perpendicular to the first reference axis.
US08162512B2	Optical sheet, manufacturing method thereof, and backlight assembly using the same An optical sheet receiving an incident light from a light source is provided. The optical sheet includes a body, a plurality of reflective structures, and a plurality of Fresnel lens units. The body includes an incident surface and an emergent surface. The incident surface receives the incident light with an incident angle. The refractive index of the body is ni and i is a positive integer. The reflective structures are placed on the body. There is a spacing W between two neighboring reflective structures. In the direction of the incident light, the thickness of the reflective structure is t. The Fresnel lens units, having a width P, are disposed on the emergent surface. Each Fresnel lens is corresponded to the spacing. When the equation, tan - 1 ⁡ [ P 2 6 ⁢ t ] > sin - 1 ⁢ ∑ i = 1 j ⁢ 1 n i , j ≥ 1 , is satisfied, the incident light passes through the spacing, the incident angle is adjusted by the thickness t and converged by the Fresnel lens units.
US08162511B1	Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture A wide area lighting fixture including a relatively large visor extending from a bowl shaped fixture reflector. The distal portion of the visor extends relatively far outwardly and downwardly and around the fixture opening. In operating position, the visor blocks most or all off-field direct view of the light source in the fixture. Optionally a light absorbing surface or insert can be placed at the very bottom of the bowl shaped reflector to absorb or otherwise stop light that otherwise might go off field to further control spill light, glare, and sky glow or uplight.
US08162509B2	High intensity light fixture for use in hazardous locations An industrial lamp fixture employing a high intensity lamp and suitable for use in a hazardous location or atmosphere includes a system for replacing the lamp without having to disassemble the front framework which protects the glass lens and prevents it from breaking or cracking. The fixture includes a shell having a boss extending from the shell along the direction of an elongated lampholder when placed in the operating position. The lampholder is easily removed through the boss, by hand, thereby permitting and facilitating lamp replacement without disassembly of the protective grid or lens. A tongue-in-groove arrangement both aligns the lampholder to insure proper forward orientation of the lamp in use, and fixes the position of the lamp laterally relative to the shell.
US08162507B2	Lamp unit having a parabola optical system reflector A lamp unit includes a first light source; a projection lens that forms a light distribution pattern using light radiated from the first light source; a second light source; and a parabola optical system reflector that reflects light radiated from the second light source. The projection lens has a paraxial outer peripheral portion that is closer to a first optical axis than at least part of another outer peripheral portion as seen in the direction of the first optical axis. The parabola optical system reflector reflects light radiated from the second light source such that the reflected light passes through a space adjacent to the paraxial outer peripheral portion.
US08162501B2	Display device having high brightness uniformity at positions close to light source A display device including a plurality of light sources spaced apart from one another, a refracting plate disposed over the plurality of light sources, and first and second refracting surfaces formed at both surfaces of the refracting plate to allow light emitted from the light sources to be scattered plural times by passing through the refracting plate, the first and second refracting surfaces having different shapes from each other. With the display device, light emitted from the light sources can be uniformly diffused, whereby high brightness uniformity can be accomplished even at positions relatively close to the light source, resulting in a reduction in a thickness of the display device.
US08162496B2	Apparatus for photodynamic diagnosis of skin diseases with improved uniformity of illumination The present invention provides an apparatus for white light observation and fluorescence diagnosis of skin diseases. More particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus for photodynamic diagnosis in which a plurality of excitation light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided in an image pick-up head, the excitation LEDs being arranged to illuminate the entire examination region in the form of a mosaic by setting respective illumination light axes of the excitation LEDs to illuminate preassigned individual areas of the examination region, thus uniformly illuminating the examination region in a wide field of view with excitation light. In the apparatus for photodynamic diagnosis, the respective excitation LEDs are provided at the same or different angles based on the light axis of the object lens, and thereby it is possible that the beams of the light sources composed of the LEDs illuminate the field of view of the examination region uniformly, thus improving the uniformity of illumination. Moreover, the present invention provides an apparatus for photodynamic diagnosis in which warm white LEDs and cold white LEDs as white light sources are appropriately arranged so as to deliver natural colors and thereby to reproduce natural color images.
US08162491B2	Plastic glass mirror for vehicles The invention related to a rear view mirror using a plastic glass material to combine several functions as fixing and heating.
US08162488B2	Projection display apparatus A projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for producing light directed to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed in an optical path extending from the light source to the light valve and including a first lens array and a second lens array, and a light amount adjustment mechanism disposed in the optical path between the first lens array and the second lens array. The light amount adjusting mechanism includes a pair of light shielding elements pivoting in the form of a pair of double doors. The pair of light shielding elements have an opening formed in a region of tip portions thereof which corresponds to lens cells in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array. A region of the opening corresponding to one lens cell in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array is of a triangular configuration.
US08162484B2	Adjustable convergence mechanism for projection displays A light engine for use in a projector, comprising an adjustable convergence mechanism for fine adjusting the relative positions of red, green and blue channel sub-assemblies. In one embodiment, motors are mounted on fixed elements of the sub-assemblies for driving movable elements thereof, including imaging devices thereof such as digital micromirror devices. In another embodiment, manual adjustment screws are provided in place of the motors, and wedge locking mechanisms are provided for driving and locking the position of the movable elements imaging devices mounted thereon.
US08162483B2	Hierarchical light intensity control in light projector In a light projection system, potentially hierarchical levels of light intensity control ensure proper laser-light output intensity, color channel intensity, white point, left/right image intensity balancing, or combinations thereof. The light projection system can include a light intensity sensor in an image path, in a light-source subsystem light-dump path, in a light-modulation subsystem light-dump path, in a position to measure light leaked from optical components, or combinations thereof.
US08162479B2	Saccadic motion detection system A saccadic motion detection system comprised of an optical system that focuses light reflected or emitted from the subject's eye onto an optical navigation chip, which connects to circuitry configured to convert analog light from the eye to digital representations motion of the eye, including saccadic eye movement and processes the information received thereby.
US08162477B2	Progressive ophthalmic lens for myopia correction and method for making such a lens A progressive ophthalmic lens for the correction of myopia, that comprises an upper area in which the correction is adapted for peripheral vision of the wearer. Such a lens reduces the risk of long term worsening of myopia for the lens wearer by reducing the defocalisation of an image formed on the retina outside the foveolar area. Also disclosed is a method for making such a lens. According to one improvement, the correction of myopia for the peripheral vision in the upper area of the lens is further adjusted based on a tendency of the wearer to turn the eyes or the head for watching an eccentric object.
US08162474B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a circulating transfer path for transferring a sheet. The image forming apparatus is capable of forming images on both surfaces of the sheet by: transferring the sheet having an image formed on a first surface thereof along the circulating transfer path; and forming another image on a second surface of the sheet after the transfer. The circulating transfer path is utilized for securing time taken for the sheet having an image formed thereon to dry.
US08162473B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes a recording head, first and second rollers, an endless conveyor belt wound around the first and second rollers to convey a recording medium from the first to the second roller, a first adsorber giving adsorptivity for the recording medium toward an outer surface of the conveyor belt at least in a region thereof opposed to the recording head, a third roller disposed at a position opposite to the first roller across the second roller, and an endless separation belt wound around the second and third rollers. An outer surface of the endless separation belt has adsorptivity lower than the adsorptivity given by the first adsorber. The endless separation belt receives the recording medium from the conveyor belt and conveys the recording medium from the second roller to the third roller while supporting the recording medium on the surface thereof.
US08162465B2	Waste phase change ink recycling A system for recycling waste phase change ink in a phase change ink imaging device includes a waste ink collector positioned within a phase change ink imaging device to collect waste phase change ink produced by a printhead in the phase change ink imaging device. The waste ink collector includes a heater for heating the waste phase change ink in the collector to at least a phase change ink melting temperature. A waste phase change ink conveyor is configured to convey melted waste phase change ink from the waste ink collector to an ink reservoir for the printhead.
US08162459B2	Ink cartridge and residual amount display method An ink cartridge has an ink bag which changes in thickness in accordance with a change in an amount of ink. The bag is accommodated in a housing having a guide groove and a window portion. A plate is mounted on the bag for movement therewith and has a pin undergoing movement in the guide groove during movement of the plate. A reflecting plate with a first reflectivity is displayed by the window when bag contains ink. A slide member has a reflecting portion with a second reflectivity different from the first reflectivity and engages the plate pin for sliding movement relative to the housing during movement of plate pin. In a first position relative to the housing, the slide member does not cover the window portion and the reflecting plate is displayed from the window portion which corresponds to a state in which the bag contains ink. In a second position relative to the housing, the slide member covers the window portion and the reflecting portion of the slide member is displayed from the window portion which corresponds to a state in which the bag does not contain ink.
US08162448B2	Liquid ejection head and manufacturing method thereof A liquid ejection head includes a flow channel-forming substrate having a plurality of pressure-generating chambers communicated with nozzles for ejecting droplets, the pressure-generating chambers being arranged in parallel with each other; a plurality of pressure-applying units for applying pressure to interiors of the pressure-generating chambers; and a joining substrate joined onto one surface of the flow channel-forming substrate. The flow channel-forming substrate includes a silicon single crystal substrate having a (110) plane orientation and has a side surface extending in a longitudinal direction of the pressure-generating chambers, the side surface being composed of a first (111) plane perpendicular to a (110) plane. The joining substrate includes a silicon single crystal substrate having a (110) plane orientation and is joined onto the flow channel-forming substrate so that a first (111) plane of the joining substrate perpendicular to the (110) plane intersects the first (111) plane of the flow channel-forming substrate.
US08162447B2	Liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes liquid cartridges, each of which includes a liquid container and a pressure chamber, the liquid container having a flexible portion and storing liquid therein, and the pressure chamber applying pressure to the flexible portion of the liquid container; a liquid ejection head, which ejects the liquid; liquid flow paths, which communicate the liquid containers with the liquid ejection head; and an air supply member, which supplies pressurized air to the pressure chambers for compressing the flexible portions so as to supply the liquid from the liquid containers to the liquid flow paths. The air supply member includes: a distribution member, which has an air intake portion for introducing the pressurized air, and air outlet portions for distributing the pressurized air to the liquid cartridges, and branch flow paths, which respectively communicate the air outlet portions with the pressure chambers of the liquid cartridges.
US08162443B2	Paired drop ejector method of operation A method of ejecting droplets of liquid from a paired drop ejector, the method includes the steps of providing a chamber having a dividing wall that forms a first and second portion and the first portion includes a first nozzle mated with a first heater and the second portion includes a second nozzle mated with a second heater; providing liquid to the first portion and second portions of the chamber through an open end of the enclosure; providing a first electrical pulse to the first heater to provide thermal energy for ejecting a droplet of liquid from the first nozzle; and providing a second electrical pulse to the second heater to provide thermal energy for ejecting a droplet of liquid from the second nozzle; wherein the second electrical pulse is delayed relative to the first electrical pulse by a first predetermined delay time.
US08162434B2	Cap and ink-jet head protection assembly A head cap for protecting an ink ejecting face of an ink-jet head may be provided with a plate member. The plate member may be opposed to the ink ejecting face. The head cap may include a flexible, continuous lip, which projects from one surface of the plate member. Recesses may be formed in the one surface of the plate member. Through-holes may be formed through the bottom walls of the recesses, respectively. Films may further be used where each covers the associated through-hole and is joined partially to a circumferential edge portion of the associated recess.
US08162431B2	System and method for detecting weak and missing ink jets in an ink jet printer A method detects weak or missing ink jets in an ink jet image generating system. The method includes generating a digital image of a test pattern of line segments in a process direction on an image receiving member with each line segment corresponding to one ink jet in a printhead, generating a response profile for a portion of the image receiving member on which the test pattern was generated, measuring the response profile, comparing the measurement of the response profile to a predetermined threshold, identifying missing and weak ink jets in response to the measurement of the response profile being less than the predetermined threshold, and moving the support member transversely across the process direction to a second position that enables each light sensor to image another portion of the image receiving member.
US08162429B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a formation unit that forms an image on a recording medium by inkjetting, a suction conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium to the formation unit while adhering the recording medium by suction onto a guide surface which is a conveyance path, and a conditioning unit that conditions one surface of the recording medium before feeding the recording medium to the suction conveyance unit, wherein the conditioning unit controls a rate of moisture absorption of the one surface of the recording medium and causes the recording medium to bend such that the center portion of the recording medium separate from the guide surface of the suction conveyance unit.
US08162428B2	System and method for compensating runout errors in a moving web printing system A method compensates for runout errors in a web printing system. The method includes identifying runout error at a first roller driving a web of printable media, generating a runout compensation value corresponding to the identified runout error, identifying a velocity of the moving web with reference to encoder output corresponding to an angular velocity of the first roller and the generated runout compensation value, and delivering a firing signal to a print head proximate the first roller to energize the inkjet nozzles in the print head and eject ink onto the web at a position corresponding to the computed web velocity.
US08162424B2	Ink-jet recording method and ink-jet recording apparatus An ink-jet recording method includes: determining an aggregation degree G (AB) brought about when the ink A and the ink B are brought in contact with each other, at least one of the ink A and the ink B containing a pigment; judging, based on the aggregation degree G (AB), whether or not a boundary portion PC is to be formed at a boundary between a recording portion PA of the ink A and a recording portion PB of the ink B by using an ink C; forming the recording portion PA; forming the recording portion PB; and forming the boundary portion PC if it is judged that the boundary portion PC is to be formed. In the ink jet recording method, the cost is low, the recording quality of a recorded matter is excellent, and the bleeding can be effectively avoided.
US08162421B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator includes a body having a storage compartment, and a pair of pivotally rotatable doors provided at opposite sides of the body to open or close the storage compartment. Provided on an upper surface of the body are hinge covers to cover upper hinges of the respective doors and a top cover to prevent the swollen upper surface of the body from being exposed from the front side of the body. The hinge cover and the top cover are integrally formed with each other. In the refrigerator, a display to show the temperature of a storage compartment, the strength of cool air, and a door switch to detect whether the door is opened away from or closed towards the body are provided at a front plate of the top panel.
US08162420B2	Slide assembly having an adjustment mechanism A slide assembly having an adjustment mechanism includes an inner rail, an adjusting lever, and a guide block. The inner rail includes a first slot, a pivoting portion, and a second slot thereon. The adjusting lever includes a first hole, a middle section pivoted to the inner rail, and a second hole. The first hole corresponds in position to the first slot, and the second hole corresponds in position to the second slot. The guide block is pivoted to the second hole of the adjusting lever. A protruding portion is eccentrically disposed on the guide block. The protruding portion is moved to lean against a portion of the second slot by turning the guide block. The adjusting lever deflects and the first hole slides in relation to the first slot. A fastening member penetrates through the first hole to connect a drawer or similar object so that the drawer can be tuned fine for a higher or lower position.
US08162416B2	Anti-tip system for adjacent drawers An anti-tip system for a piece of furniture having adjacent drawers, including a center panel having an aperture extending therethrough, a left drawer, and a right drawer, wherein the drawers each have a control member attached thereto. The invention includes a shuttle pin extending through the aperture, wherein the shuttle pin has a left end extending from the left side of the center panel and a right end extending from the right side of the center panel. The invention also includes a left wedge and a right wedge associated, whereby the wedge associated with one drawer is adapted, when the drawer is opened, to move the shuttle pin within the aperture and into the path of the control member of the adjacent drawer, thereby blocking the travel of the adjacent drawer. The invention is also directed to a method of utilizing such an arrangement.
US08162412B2	Dispenser A dispenser (1) for hygienic products, has a main portion (2) attachable to a wall. The dispenser includes a door (7) pivotally mounted to a bottom portion (3) of the main portion (2). The door (7) is operable at a top portion (4) of the main portion (2) and swung out from the main portion (2) in a rotational movement upon opening. The door (7) is pivotally mounted to the main portion (2) via a pair of first and second link arms (10) describing a trapezoid arrangement when the door (7) is closed, and the trapezoid arrangement is arranged to balance the rotational movement of the door (7).
US08162411B2	Integrally forged link for endless track An endless track link that is able to reduce stress concentrations and to improve efficiency of an assembling process of the endless track link is detailed. A stress reinforcing part is formed in the region in which stress concentrations are generated in a window area. The reinforcing part extends in a direction apart from a track shoe and includes an extended part of a through-hole into which a track shoe connecting bolt is inserted. A female thread for engaging with the track shoe connecting bolt is formed at the extended part of the through-hole.
US08162410B2	Endless elongated member for crawler and crawler unit A crawler belt 20 includes first regions and second regions alternately arranged in a circumferential direction thereof. The first region has at least one first tread lug 25 and the second region has at least one second tread lug 26. The first tread lug 25 has high flexural rigidity and is not easily bent and the second tread lug 26 has low flexural rigidity and is easily bent. The first tread lug 25 catches on an upper end of a high step or bump S with the second tread lug 26 in a bent condition, thus allowing the crawler unit to move over the step or bump.
US08162409B2	Graduated train braking A system (10) and method for automatically controlling braking of a train (38). The method includes applying a first degree of braking to the train during a first period of time, and then applying a second degree of braking to the train during a second time period following the first time period so that the train is slowed in a manner effective to limit a peak deceleration rate experienced by the train. The system includes a sensor (36) providing a signal indicative of an operating condition of a locomotive of the train requiring braking of the train, a memory (22) storing a braking schedule, and a processor (18) comprising logic executable for accessing the braking schedule stored in the memory responsive to the signal to automatically control braking of the locomotive according to the schedule.
US08162405B2	Using tunnels for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more tunnels having an average diameter of at least 1 m. At least one tunnel is connected to the surface. Two or more wellbores extend from at least one of the tunnels into at least a portion of the subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation. At least two of the wellbores contain elongated heat sources configured to heat at least a portion of the subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation such that at least some hydrocarbons are mobilized.
US08162401B2	Bracket system adapted for use in a raising and lowering mechanism of an adjustable headrest of a vehicle seat The present invention relates to a bracket system (1) adapted for use in a raising and lowering mechanism of an adjustable headrest (4) of a vehicle seat. The inventive bracket system (1) adapted for use in a raising and lowering mechanism of an adjustable headrest (4) of a vehicle seat comprises a spring element (8) an actuation arm (7) a longitudinal carrier bar (2) carrying the head rest (4) and having on its surface at least one notch of a first kind (9) and at least one notch of a second kind (10).
US08162400B2	Connecting apparatuses for vehicular seats One aspect of the present invention can include a connecting apparatus for rotatably connecting a first and second object member of a vehicular seat relative to each other having a first and second connecting member and a holding member. The first and second connecting member are integrated in a direction of matching disks thereof to be able to rotate relative to each other. The first connecting member is integrally attached to the first object member. The second connecting member is integrally attached to the second object member. The holding member straddles outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second connecting member to hold the connecting members in a plate thickness direction. The holding member is provided with an opening portion. The first connecting member is provided with a protruding portion. The protruding portion extends through the opening portion in a radial direction, and the protruding portion is attached to the first object member.
US08162399B2	Lumbar support for a vehicle backrest A lumbar support for a vehicle backrest has a resting element with a front surface shaped for supporting an area of the back of a user; the resting element is connected to a frame of the backrest via elastic elements, which are bistable for allowing the resting element to click from an advanced position to a rearward position when a thrust against the front surface exceeds a given threshold.
US08162396B2	Modular, multiple-seat chair A modular, multiple-seat chair includes a main chair having a primary seat and a back. The main chair is adapted to support a single person thereon. Secondary seats are conveniently stowed beneath the primary seat and are removable therefrom to provide additional seating when desired. Each secondary seat incorporates a foldable leg and has structure for removably attaching each secondary seat to the primary seat.
US08162391B2	Automotive vehicle seat insert There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.
US08162388B2	Multiple tube body side construction for automobiles A body side construction for an automotive vehicle is formed from multiple tubular members arranged to maximize the strength of the body side members while minimizing the amount of material utilized in the manufacture of the body side members and, thus reducing the cost of manufacture of the automobile. The body side members are formed from tubular members preferably manufactured through a hydroforming process. The tubular members extend from the front pillar to the rear pillar and can vary in number and in size as appropriate for the load being carried by the body side members. The tubular members can also be used to transition from the body side portion of the automobile to the roof structure to provide an integrated frame assembly. The formation of the body side members from multiple tubular members also creates an internal reinforcement web to further enhance the strength of the section.
US08162387B1	Body panel support bracket Disclosed herein are embodiments of a body structure of a vehicle incorporating a body panel support bracket. In one embodiment, a body structure for a vehicle comprises a first body panel having a cantilevered portion and a second body panel adjacent the first body panel. A panel hinge has a hinge arm attached to the second body panel and a base portion. The cantilevered portion of the first body panel extends over a portion of the panel hinge. A body panel support bracket is attached to the base portion of the panel hinge and comprises a body panel support portion configured to support the cantilevered portion of the first body panel.
US08162383B2	Self-coiling dent guard A self-coiling dent guard for protecting vehicles and other objects from damage caused by unwanted collisions is disclosed. The guard is comprised of a main body adapted to absorb the impact of colliding objects. A bistable spring strip is integrated within the main body of the guard, thus giving the guard its self-coiling properties. When not in use, a user may cause the guard to coil so as to be easily stored. A magnetic strip is attached to the length of the main body such that the guard may be removably attached to a vehicle or other object. A layer of felt covering the bottom of the guard protects the vehicle from being scratched when the guard is applied or removed.
US08162380B2	Aerodynamic structure for vehicle An aerodynamic device for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is obtained. A fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 is formed at a vehicle body longitudinal direction rear side of a rotational axis of a front wheel 15 within a wheel house 16, as a step having an airflow collision groove wall that faces downward in a vehicle body vertical direction. This fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 suppresses flowing-in, into the wheel house 16, of airflow F that is generated accompanying the front wheel 15 rotating in a direction of arrow R.
US08162369B2	Console box An engagement member (29), which is activated by operation of an operating button (40), is configured to be protruded from and retracted into respective positioning recesses (15, 16), facilitating the positional adjustment of a lid (3) and securing a high position-retaining force for the lid (3) in normal use. In order to cope with an accidental external force, a base member (7) includes a cantilever member (51) formed of slits, and the cantilever member (51) has a positioning recess (16) formed in a leading portion such that the cantilever member (51) is flexed to bring the engagement member (29) out of engagement with the positioning recess (16) when a load having a certain value or more is applied through the engagement member (29).
US08162368B2	Vehicle console having molded end parts A reconfigurable vehicle console having two substantially rigid end panels, wherein at least one and optionally both of the two end panels consist of a molded material. A pair of substantially rigid side panels are interconnectable with the two end panels. A plurality of face plates are securable with the side panels.
US08162362B2	Gripper system for stacked unit loads There is provided a gripper system for stacked packaged goods. An exemplary gripper system comprises a first gripper unit for gripping a package by a front surface of the package. The exemplary gripper system further comprises a second gripper unit for gripping the package by a second surface that is at a right angle to the front surface, the second gripper unit having a drive device associated therewith, the second gripper unit being adapted to be moved out of a starting position in which the second gripper unit and the drive device as seen from the gripping side of the first gripper unit, are arranged behind the first gripper unit, into a gripping position in which the first gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its front surface and the second gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its second surface. In a gripper system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, outer dimensions of the gripper system, as seen from the gripping side of the first gripper unit, do not exceed dimensions of a front surface of a smallest package to be gripped.
US08162361B2	Fire poker A fire poker is provided which is comprised of an elongate shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft and a longitudinal hook member near the second end of the shaft. The shaft has a bend located at a position between the handle and the hook member. Alternatively, the shaft may have a plurality of bends located at positions between the handle and the hook member. The plurality of bends divides the shaft into a plurality of sections, and the section of the shaft that contacts the hook member is preferably in the same plane as the section that contacts the handle. The at least one bend in the shaft of the fire poker provides for a device that is more comfortable to wield, is better from an ergonomic perspective and allows for considerably easier manipulation of the fuel of a fire.
US08162359B2	Pushbutton mechanism and image forming apparatus A pushbutton mechanism includes a case member having an operation surface with a button hole and a pushbutton having an upper surface to be pushed inside the case member in a pushing direction. The upper surface includes a first portion at a front side of the operation surface and a second portion at a rear side of the operation surface. The first portion is formed in a first shape, and the second portion is formed in a second shape different from the first shape along the pushing direction.
US08162356B2	Taper fitted conduits for molten polymer A system for conveying fluids, particularly molten polymer in an extrusion melt train. The system has a first element having a first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interface surface thereon, such that the first interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interlocking feature. The system also has a second element having a second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interface surface thereon, such that the second interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interlocking feature. In use, the first element and the second element are placed in a linking position adjacent each other such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage.
US08162354B2	Twistable hydraulic brake hose unit A twistable hydraulic hose joint basically has a hydraulic hose, an O-ring and a fixing bolt. The hydraulic hose includes a connectable end, a distal end, a center passageway extending between the connectable and distal ends, and an abutment part extending radially from an outer surface of the hydraulic hose adjacent the connectable end of the hydraulic hose. The O-ring is disposed on an outer surface of the hydraulic hose between an end face of the connectable end and the abutment part. The fixing bolt includes an external surface with an externally fixed portion and an internal bore. The internal bore has first and second bore sections disposed around the connectable end with the second bore section being smaller than the first bore section to form an abutment surface that faces in an axial direction of the internal bore to abut against the abutment part of the hydraulic hose.
US08162353B1	Game of chance using postage stamps Postage stamp assembly includes a backing substrate having a front face and indicia relating to a game of chance on the front face, a postage stamp having a printed postage value thereon, and adhesive for removably adhering the postage stamp to the front face of the backing substrate. The indicia relating to a game of chance is exposed only when the postage stamp is removed from the backing substrate. The postage stamps are sold at a price higher than the printed postage value and money from the difference between the printed postage value of the postage stamps and the price thereof forms a pool, at least a part of which is used for prizes for the game of chance. Part of the pool might also be used for a charitable purpose or societal benefit, and an indication to this effect printed on the postage stamps.
US08162351B2	Small mobile robot with built-in auxiliary wheel for overcoming topography Provided is a small mobile robot which moves back and forth and left and right while keeping its posture by two main wheels. The small mobile robot includes built-in auxiliary wheels to overcome topographical elevation differences. The auxiliary wheels of the small mobile robot are attached to a servomotor. The servomotor is driven by remote control, and the auxiliary wheel can be moved to the position required for operation. When the robot is in a normal state, the auxiliary wheels are retracted in the robot. When the robot meets a stepped topography, the auxiliary wheels are lowered out to contact a ground to support the main wheels going over the stepped topography. The small mobile robot includes a sensor for sensing obstacles and a control module to make a detour around obstacles while moving to a target point.
US08162348B2	Folding cart A folding cart (20) includes a frame (22) having a first extendable leg and a second extendable leg. A bag support (30) connects the first extendable leg with the second extendable leg and defines a first plate (44) adjacent the first extendable leg. A second plate (46) is defined on the bag support (30) adjacent the second extendable leg. A vertical hinge (48) rotatably connects the first plate (44) with the second plate (46) such that the first plate (44) can rotate relative to the second plate (46) about a bag support (30) axis of rotation such that the cart (20) is can be folded when not in use.
US08162343B2	Bicycle suspension system A mounting device is shown for mounting components to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket mountable to the handlebar about the handlebar axis. The mounting bracket includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion hingedly connected to the first clamp portion to interiorly receive the handlebar. An interior channel is defined by spaced sidewalls and formed in a portion of the circumferential length of one of the first and second clamp portions, and a hole is formed through the clamp portion and opens to the channel.
US08162341B2	Steering damper attachment structure Disclosed is an attachment structure of a steering damper for a vehicle. The steering damper is provided between a top bridge and a head pipe. The top bridge rotates about a steering stem in conjunction with the operation of a handlebar, while the head pipe does not rotate in conjunction with the operation of the handlebar. In the attachment structure, in a state where the steering angle of the handlebar is zero, the axis of the steering damper forms an obtuse angle with the axis of a bolt to which an upper portion of the steering damper is attached.
US08162330B2	Multi-purpose mobile cart A Multi-Purpose Mobile Cart including a tool chest adapted to hold tools, a computer system for executing computer executable programs, a plurality of electrical devices, and a plurality of speakers; a computer system for executing computer executable programs including a monitor for viewing images, a computer hard drive for storing data and programs, a keyboard adapted to input information into the computer system, and a mouse adapted to provide a user interface with the computer system; a plurality of electrical devices adapted to provide reception and amplification of radio or television signals and further adapted to provide playback of media; and a plurality of speakers, the plurality of speakers adapted to provide audio output from the computer system and the plurality of electrical devices.
US08162328B2	Vehicle By bending and stretching a link mechanism, both left and right wheels of a vehicle can be inclined toward inside of cornering to generate a camber thrust as a lateral force, i.e. an increase in cornering force. Further, by bending and stretching the link mechanism, the passenger compartment can be inclined in accordance with inclination of a connecting link, and thus the center of gravity of the vehicle can be moved toward its inner wheel during cornering. By preventing lifting of the inner wheel during cornering, cornering performance is improved. Because the passenger compartment is inclined toward the inner wheel during cornering, centrifugal force is less likely to be felt by the occupant.
US08162322B2	Hydrodynamic seal with circumferentially varying lift force A seal assembly which operates efficiently at high altitudes and low surface speeds includes a first seal ring, a second seal ring, and hydropads. The first seal ring is of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions. The second seal ring is positioned in facing relation to the first seal ring and rotatably mounted relative to the first seal ring about an axis of rotation. A plurality of hydropads formed on one of the first seal ring and second seal ring provides a lift force that varies about the circumference of the mating ring.
US08162319B2	Method for advancing and retracting a target An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.
US08162314B2	Image printing apparatus An image printing apparatus includes a printing unit and a supporting member opposing the printing unit and having a supporting surface for supporting the printing medium. The image printing apparatus further includes a first pair of rollers disposed upstream of the printing unit, a second pair of rollers and a third pair of rollers which are disposed downstream of the printing unit. The image printing apparatus further includes a guide member disposed between the second pair of rollers and the third pair of rollers. The guide member includes a guide portion which guides the printing medium transported by the second pair of rollers. The guide member is configured to pivot between a slanting position and a laying position.
US08162310B2	Medium feeding device and image forming device A medium feeding device includes: a sheet holding unit, which holds a sheet and is pivotally attached to a device main unit so that the sheet holding unit is pivotal between open and closed positions; a sheet feeding roller that is located close to the sheet holding unit and that feeds the sheet to the inside of the device main unit; and a driving shaft that is located on an axis that is different from a rotation shaft for the sheet feeding roller and that drives the rotation shaft.
US08162305B2	Sheet processing system, sheet-supply control method, and computer program product A sheet processing system includes a sheet processing device that includes a post-processing unit that performs a predetermined post-processing on a sheet member and a sheet supplying device that supplies the sheet member to the sheet processing device. The post-processing unit has two waiting positions including a first position that is a normal waiting position and a second position that is a position filling items to be used in the post-processing in the post-processing unit. When the post-processing unit moves from the second position to a post-processing position to perform the post-processing in response to a post-processing request, the sheet supplying device sets a supply time for supplying the sheet member to the sheet processing device longer than a time that is required for the sheet processing device to move from the first position to the post-processing position by a predetermined time.
US08162301B2	Construction kit for a manipulating system A construction kit for a manipulating system, includes at least one first and one second element that are located parallel or at an angle to one another and are connectable to one another, at least one centering element that is located between the first and second elements, and at least one securing element for connecting the first element to the second element. The construction kit has a centering element, which has an outer circumferential surface that is provided with at least one form-locking means.
US08162294B2	Water carbonation apparatus There is described a water carbonation apparatus in which two carbonation units (10, 11) are linked to a volumetric control unit (9) which stores a volume of carbonated water ready for use. When carbonated water is to be discharged, the stored carbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9) is discharged, while simultaneously carbonated water from one of the carbonation units (10, 11) is discharged into the other carbonation unit (11, 10) is filled with uncarbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9), and a volume of uncarbonated water is drawn from a water supply (2) into the volumetric control unit. The volumetric control unit (9) in one embodiment comprises a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies which together define four internal chambers (21, 22, 23, 24), the pistons being linked together such that the volumes of the four internal chambers vary at the same rate.
US08162292B2	Animal barrier device An animal barrier device comprising one or more rotating bodies and fixture structures, in which in use the fixture structures, rotatably support the one or more rotating bodies on a construction with which the animal barrier is used, in which each rotating body is an elongate body which rotates in use about a longitudinal axis, and in which the longitudinal axis is located at any point on a line between a center of the rotating body and a point below the rotating body.
US08162287B2	Valve assembly for modulating fuel flow to a gas turbine engine A valve assembly for modulating fuel flow is disclosed which includes a valve housing having an inlet section and an outlet section, at least one valve rotor disposed between the inlet section and the outlet section for modulating fuel flow through the valve housing, wherein the at least one valve rotor is formed from a ferritic magnetic flux permeable material and is mounted for rotational movement within the valve housing, under the influence of a torsion spring, between first and second magnetically latched positions, and a pair of electromagnets means for alternately latching the at least one valve rotor in the first and second magnetically latched positions.
US08162282B2	Electronic device with support An electronic device, comprising: a back cover, a first support, and a second support; wherein, the back cover forms a receiving groove; the first support comprises a support portion and a connection portion rotationally connected to the back cover; the second support comprises a support portion, at least one hook portion, and a connection portion rotationally connected to the back cover; when in a folded position, the first support and the second support are received in the receiving groove of the back cover; and when in an unfolded position, the support portion of the first support is engaged with the at least one hook portion of the second support; the second support cooperates with an edge of the electronic device to form a stable structure to support the electronic device.
US08162279B2	Mount structure A mount structure includes a base and a bearer. The base has a slot, and at least one combining block is disposed protruding from the slot. The bearer has a bearing portion and a combining portion. The bearing portion is connected to a display, and the combining portion is installed in the slot through hooks, buckles, latches, screws, or other combining methods, such that the bearer is fixed on the base. Moreover, the combining portion is provided with reinforcing ribs for enhancing the structural strength of the bearer.
US08162272B2	Window maintenance apparatus for a tilt-in sash A window maintenance apparatus for a tilt-in sash includes a base leg for extending generally upwards from a floor towards a window. The base leg includes a first foot for resting on the floor. A hinged leg is joined to the base leg proximate an end of the base leg for extending generally downwards towards the floor. The hinged leg includes a second foot for resting on the floor. An extension tube extends upwardly from the base leg where a length of the extension tube above the base leg is adjustable. A locking mechanism locks the extension tube at an adjusted length above the base leg. A first sash support is rotatably joined at a first position on the extension tube for rotating about the extension tube from a first position to a second position for supporting the tilt-in sash in a generally horizontal position.
US08162271B2	Support frame with an adjustable mechanism A support frame with an adjustable mechanism includes a fasten base, a displacement cylinder and an air pressure bar. The fasten base has a guiding cylinder. The displacement cylinder is sleeved with the guiding cylinder and has a relative motion relative to the guiding cylinder. One end of the air pressure bar is fastened with the fasten base and is located in the guiding cylinder. The displacement cylinder is fastened with another end of the air pressure bar and moves as the length of the air pressure bar changes.
US08162269B2	Cable drop support system A cable support system has a base that adhesively adheres to an attachment surface. Telescopic segments connect to the base and extend and retract in length. A cable receptacle attaches to an end portion of a final segment of the telescopic segments. A control system wirelessly receives instructions from a portable communication device, and at least one mechanical drive mechanism connects to the final segment of the telescopic segments and responds to the control system to extend and retract at least the final segment.
US08162268B1	Monitor support device A monitor support device includes a base, an upright rod that projects upwardly from the base, a first support arm that is pivotable about and movable along the upright rod and that is adapted for supporting a monitor thereon, and a second support arm that is pivotable about the upright rod, that is movable relative to the first support arm along the upright rod, and that is adapted for supporting another monitor thereon.
US08162267B2	Barb support The embodiments provide a barb assembly for use with a cable duct component to oppose removal of a cable duct section from the cable duct component. The barb assembly and/or cable duct component can comprise one or more barb arm supports, which can increase the ability of the barb assembly to oppose removal of the cable duct section from the cable duct component. The embodiments also provide methods of installing cable duct components and systems with the above-described features.
US08162263B2	Payload quick release for an aerial system A payload quick release mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. This mechanism is affixed to a structure on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and allows for quick attachment and removal of a payload from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The attachment device includes a body with a perimeter and a plurality of arms that extend from the body perimeter. Each arm includes an indented section, within which a tab extending from the payload top may be placed. When the payload tab rests within the indented section, the payload is prevented from translation and is attached to the mechanism.
US08162260B2	Monomolecular carbon-based film for forming lubricious surface on aircraft parts A monomolecular carbon-based film can be placed on an aircraft part, such as the leading edge designed to directly impinge against air during flight, ascent or descent, in order to form a smooth surface having increased lubricity and reduced air friction. The aircraft part may be in the form of a helicopter rotor, wing, propeller, fin, aileron, nose cone, and the like. The monomolecular carbon-based film can be deposited on the aircraft part, for example, using a reactor that includes a bed of silica and through which emissions from a diesel engine are passed. The monomolecular carbon-based film decreases air friction and increased lift of a modified aircraft that includes an aircraft part treated with the film. It also provides a structured shock absorber.
US08162258B2	Rest module with a first partial module with direct access to a possible second partial module The invention relates to a rest module for accommodating a least one crew member of an aircraft, wherein the module comprises a first partial module. Further on the first partial module comprises a first section and a second section; wherein the first section and the second section are spatially divided. The first section comprises a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the three openings are different from each other. The first opening is adapted for providing an access from an above located area of the aircraft, the second opening is adapted for providing an access from the first section to a second partial module and the third opening is adapted for providing a separate access from the first section to the second section.
US08162255B2	Aerodynamically-assisted landing gear Apparatus and methods provide for the use of a lift-producing body with a landing gear assembly in order to provide a lifting force during landing gear operations that reduces the load on the landing gear actuator. According to embodiments, the lift-producing body may be configured for attachment to the landing gear assembly. The lift-producing body may be reconfigured while the landing gear assembly is being retracted or deployed in order to maximize the aerodynamic lift created by the lift-producing body or to minimize the drag induced by the lift-producing body.
US08162251B2	Hybrid winder A winder for winding continuous webs or interleaved web segments into rolls is disclosed. The winder has first and second rollers, a pressure assist device, a winding spindle, and a continuous belt having first and second surfaces. The belt is disposed about the first and second rollers. The web material is disposed upon at least a portion of the first surface of the belt. The winding spindle receives the web material when the spindle is proximate to the web material disposed upon the first surface of the belt. At least one of the longitudinal axis of the first roller and the longitudinal axis of the second roller is adjustable relative to the winding spindle. The pressure assist device is disposed proximate to the second surface of the belt and is adjustable relative to at least one of the second surface of the belt and the winding spindle.
US08162249B2	Chipper knife and method of manufacturing a chipper knife A chipper knife that is adapted to be mounted in chippers which have a rotatable tool, in the form of a disc, drum or frustoconical member, on which a plurality of such chipper knives are mounted has at least a first side having a raw, unworked surface or working stripes extending in the longitudinal direction of the chipper knife, substantially parallel to the cutting edge which also has a cutting edge portion extending inwardly from the cutting edge and terminating in a shoulder extending parallel to the cutting edge to provide a clearance step on the knife behind the shoulder with respect to the adjacent knife surface, which edge portion also has working stripes formed therein transverse that cutting edge portion and at an angle to the cutting edge.
US08162241B2	Apparatus and method for collecting and crushing seashells on a beach A seashell collecting and crushing apparatus includes a collection device having a hollow body and an inlet for introducing seashells into the hollow body. A fan assembly is operable to provide a suction airstream for drawing seashells into the hollow body. A crusher is positioned to receive seashells from an outlet of the collection device and pulverize the seashells received from the collection device into a fine particulate matter releasable through an outlet of the crusher. The fan assembly and the crusher are driven by a common driving arrangement. A method includes using the apparatus for removing seashells from the beach using the suction airstream to introduce seashells through the inlet into the hollow body, separating the seashells entering the hollow body from the suction airstream, pulverizing the seashells into a fine particulate matter using the crusher and exhausting the fine particulate matter through the outlet of the crusher.
US08162232B2	Water storage device having a powered anode A dry-fire protection system and method. The dry-fire protection system includes a tank, a heating element, a powered electrode, a sensor, and a microcircuit. The heating element and the powered electrode are positioned in the tank, the powered electrode being positioned above the heating element. The powered electrode includes an electrode wire and a connector having an electrical connector coupled to the electrode wire, but electrically isolated from the tank, and a fastener for coupling the powered electrode to the tank. The sensor detects an electrical characteristic of a circuit formed by the tank, the powered electrode, and water in the tank. The microcircuit determines if a possible dry-fire condition exists based on a signal received from the sensor.
US08162231B2	Noncontact IC tag label and method of manufacturing the same This invention provides a thin type of noncontact IC tag label that allows materials costs to be reduced without using an antenna-supporting base film. The noncontact IC tag label includes an electroconductive layer of a required antenna pattern shape, an IC chip mounted on one face of the electroconductive layer, and a surface protection sheet supporting the electroconductive layer and the IC chip from a side of the one face of the electroconductive layer via a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. An adhesive resin layer having the same shape as the antenna pattern shape of the electroconductive layer is provided on the other face of the electroconductive layer. The adhesive resin layer is temporarily bonded in separable manner onto a release paper formed from paper or a plastic base material.
US08162230B2	Method and circuit for providing RF isolation of a power source from an antenna and an RFID device employing such a circuit An RFID device including: electronic circuitry suitable for an RFID device comprising a radio frequency section; an antenna; a battery which provides the device with power; and at least one quarter wavelength transmission line coupled between the battery and one or both of the electronic circuitry and the antenna.
US08162228B2	RFID tag printer and printer Data is transferred from an operating device to a printer for printing with a simple operation. It is determined whether or not a printer ID received by a RFID tag for a printer of a printer via radio communication from a mobile terminal matches a printer ID of the printer of itself, and when the printer ID matches, printing data received by the RFID tag for a printer via radio communication from the mobile terminal is stored in a memory part of the RFID tag for a printer and then, the printing data is transmitted to a printer main body through a reader from the RFID tag for a printer and printed by a print head of the printer main body.
US08162225B2	Data collection device having dynamic access to multiple wireless networks There is described a data collection device that can incorporate an encoded information reading unit that can operate within a system including an access point that is wireline connected to a server. The encoded information reading unit can include at least one of a bar code reading unit, an RFID tag reading unit and a credit/debit card reading unit. Further incorporated in the data collection device can be dynamic access module. The dynamic access communication module enables the data collection device to participate in a self organized network that supports multi-hop data packet transmissions between data collection devices and which further enables the device to transmit data received from a peer device to the system access point.
US08162221B2	Computer operation control and item selection and vending methods and systems A signal is transmitted into a computer in response to an image on a display screen of the computer such that the computer operates in response to the signal; this includes moving a scanner in optical communication with the display screen such that the scanner detects an image (for example, a bar code) displayed on the screen and generates the signal in response. One or more computers may be used, and this may be used for vending a product or other purposes. With or without such scanning, a portion of a store environment may be displayed on a screen of a computer, including showing images of actual products for sale at the store, in which images of actual products are accessed via the computer from a database containing in-store images recorded in the store during a period of non-existent or minimal customer presence in the store. A vending system is also disclosed.
US08162220B2	Product provided with a coding pattern and apparatus and method for reading the pattern A product and method for decoding information is provided. The product includes a sensor for detecting a plurality of marks on a surface to obtain associated mark location data, at least a first group of the plurality of marks being arranged on the surface so as to define an invisible raster with predetermined dimensions and marks in at least a second group of the plurality of marks are displaced from raster locations in a manner encoding information, and a processor for receiving from the sensor at least some of the mark location data, the processor determining, using the received mark location data, a position of the invisible raster on the surface, and decoding information based on positions of at least some of the marks in the second group of the plurality of marks relative to locations on the invisible raster.
US08162217B2	Magnetic card reader A magnetic head is held by a side wall through a head fixing fitting so as to freely advance into and retreat from a card sliding groove. First and second head urging levers are swingably supported through a pin. In a standby state, the magnetic head is away from the card travel groove, and card engaging sections of the first and second head urging levers are staying in the card travel groove. When a magnetic card slides in a card sliding direction, the magnetic card makes contact with a card contact section to push the card contact section away from the card travel groove. This causes the first head urging lever to push out the magnetic head into the card travel groove so that the magnetic head makes contact with the magnetic card.
US08162216B2	Card and host device A host device is configured to read and write information from and into a card and to supply a supply voltage that belongs to a first voltage range or a second voltage range which is lower than the first voltage range, and issues a voltage identification command to the card. The voltage identification command includes a voltage range identification section, an error detection section, and a check pattern section. The voltage range identification section includes information indicating which one of the first voltage range and the second voltage range the supply voltage belongs. The error detection section has a pattern configured to enable the card which has received the voltage identification command to detect errors in the voltage identification command. The check pattern section has a preset pattern.
US08162215B2	Scan-integrity election systems A paper-ballot voting system is disclosed in which voters can retain symbols printed adjacent to the particular candidates or ballot question positions that they mark. Including ballot serial numbers on the forms allows voters to check online the symbols recorded for their ballots while maintaining ballot secrecy. In case of dispute, a physical resolution procedure lets voters establish whether the recorded symbols are correct with respect to the actual physical ballots. Some examples allow forms to be obtained online and voted by physical or facsimile delivery. Voters who cannot read ballots or cannot mark ballots can nevertheless vote while maintaining ballot secrecy. The overall integrity of the outcome is provided transparently.
US08162212B2	Price tag system The price tag system of the present invention has the advantages of reliability, easy to install and low cost. Using the system of the invention, the prices can be easily updated even from a remote location. In addition, if there is one defective panel, the defective panel can be easily removed and replaced without any changes made to the base structure, which also greatly reduces the operation costs.
US08162210B2	Water and drink mix vending machine A liquid and drink mix vending machine can vend both potable water and as an additional purchase option drink mixes (e.g., flavored drink mixes). The vending machine can include a liquid vending system and a drink mix vending system. The liquid vending system can vend different amounts of water, which can be delivered to a container provided by a user. The drink mix vending system can vend a variety of drink mixes, including drink mixes of different concentrations for a given quantity of water.
US08162208B2	Systems and methods for user identification string generation for selection of a function Systems and methods for the generation of user identification strings (UIS) used with multi-function operation vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a system for activating a user operation vehicle can include an activation portal, a verifier and a UIS generator. The activation portal can request a base UIS and a vehicle code identifying a user operation vehicle be supplied by a user. Then, using an encryptor and a communications module, the activation portal can generate an encrypted base UIS and communicate the encrypted base UIS and the vehicle code to the verifier. The verifier can then authenticate the user and identify functions that are linked to the user operation vehicle. The UIS generator can include a decryptor and a UIS generation module to generate a unique account-specific UIS from the encrypted base UIS for each account linked to the user operation vehicle by modifying the base UIS.
US08162203B1	Spherical solder reflow method The present disclosure relates to methods of making solder balls having a uniform size. More particularly, the disclosure relates to improved solder ball formation processes that prevent or reduce bridging/merging of two or more solder balls during reflow. The processes of the instant disclosure are desirable because they do not require a sifting step to obtain uniformly-sized solder balls.
US08162201B2	Method for laying pipeline using motorized elements The present invention consists in a system and a method for installation of duct lines and/or pipelines comprising a pipe shop, supporting, rolling and guiding elements previously provided along a path of duct line/pipeline designed to be formed, the quantity of elements varying according to the length and the characteristics of the path, the said pipe shop comprising within the same a facility for welding, inspection and finishing of the pipes for forming the duct line/pipeline, the elements comprising a supporting base and a roller.
US08162200B2	Micro-fluidic injection molded solder (IMS) A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
US08162199B2	Mold shave apparatus and injection molded soldering process An apparatus for the removal of excess solder or contaminant, which are encountered on the surfaces of injection mold prior to the transfer of a solder on a silicon wafer. More particularly, there is provided an apparatus for the removal of excess solder, which may be present on a mold surface, without removing any solder, which is located in cavities formed in the mold, and wherein the solder is applied through an injection molded soldering process.
US08162193B2	Cargo carrier with vehicle attachment The present invention relates to cargo carrier. The cargo carrier attaches to a vehicle and includes a platform, an upper frame, a plurality of vertical supports, a support sleeve and a support beam. The platform itself is constructed from a plurality of longitudinal support members and a plurality of cross members that interfit with each other via a channel design and/or a shoulder and notch system. The platform is then mounted to a vehicle by attaching the support sleeve and support beam to an existing vehicle hitch. Once attached, the platform may be loaded with heavy items for transport.
US08162190B2	Ergonomic lift mechanism for a truck box A lifting mechanism for a toolbox contained in a truck box is provided. The lifting mechanism may include an outer truck box having a cover, an inner toolbox, and a tray that supports the inner box. A connecting link is coupled to the cover and to the tray for guiding the inner box between an elevated position and a lowered position. A lift assist, such as a gas spring, is coupled to the cover for lifting the inner box when the cover is opened and lowering the inner box when the cover is closed. In another embodiment, the lifting mechanism may comprise an L-shaped slotted link mounted to the cover and to the tray for guiding the inner box between the elevated position and the lowered position.
US08162185B2	Viscous material processing system A viscous material processing system has a chamber to hold containers shaped as drums and has a plunger that presses into the interior of the drum to press out its highly viscous contents. The chamber has a hinged enclosure that has a hydraulically activated clamp that connects the two sides of the hinged enclosure that is controlled by a controller in a methodical way. The hydraulically activated clamp can be arranged in series and also has a relief cartridge and pressure sensor to prevent the drum from over pressurized. The processing system also has viscous material compounding system that receives and uses the material provided by the drums.
US08162183B2	Dispensing device for media The invention relates to a dispensing device for a preferably liquid or pulverulent medium, preferably for a pharmaceutical medium, having a housing, a media store for accommodating the medium, a dispensing opening for discharging the medium, and an actuating handle which, by relative movement in relation to the housing, can bring about a dispensing operation. The housing has a removable protective covering by which the actuating handle or the dispensing opening is covered in a storage state, wherein, in the storage state, the protective covering is connected to the housing by a coupling device, and the coupling device can be uncoupled by engagement of at least one functional portion of the dispensing device, it being possible for the functional portion to be moved in relation to the housing and the protective covering.
US08162181B2	Beverage dispensing system The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.
US08162178B2	Expiration after first use timer for a dispenser A fluid dispensing device, in at least one embodiment containing medication typically have a shelf life and separately an expiration date after first being opened, as this exposure created by opening or sing the container for the first time raises the chance of contamination dramatically. A time indicator is situated so that as the container is opened for the first time, a timer displays the expiration date and time of the container. The time indicator can not be reset once it is triggered. In one embodiment, the indicator is triggered as the container is actuated by a rotational movement.
US08162172B2	Depression for feeding ball-shaped bodies and a device for the stacking and distribution of a defined number of ball-shaped bodies A method and device for the removal of balls from a supply is disclosed. The device has a horizontal plate having one or a plurality of circular orifices of identical size in the form of transcurrent orifices running vertically from the upper side to the lower side. The plate on its upper side exhibits a depression around each orifice, in conjunction with which the base of the depression are curved, the periphery of the depression exhibits an elliptical, oval or spindle-shaped form at the level of the surface of the plate, the mid-point of the orifice in each case lies on the mid-point of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the periphery of the depression, and the base of the depression is inclined towards the mid-point of the orifice along the longitudinal axis.
US08162171B2	Apple saver A device includes an upper portion, a lower portion including a flat bottom portion, and a retaining strap connected to the upper portion at a first connector and removably connected to a second connector. The upper portion is adapted to removably connect with a half of an apple.
US08162170B1	Tip resistant beverage container providing a tip lip A beverage container that includes at least a bottom portion with a side portion extending from the bottom portion, and a balance mass in pressing engagement with the bottom portion is disclosed. The balance mass is adjacent an inner surface of the bottom portion in a preferred embodiment, and adjacent an outer surface in an alternate preferred embodiment. In each embodiment, the balance mass includes at least a core portion encapsulated by an encapsulant, in which the density of the core is greater than the density of a beverage of the beverage container. In the alternate preferred embodiment, the balance mass further includes a tip lip portion with a condensate retention ridge, and a condensate aperture. The condensate retention ridge, in cooperation with a side portion of the balance mass, forms a condensate channel, and the condensate aperture drains condensate from the condensate channel.
US08162168B1	Motorcycle gas tank protecting system A motorcycle gas tank protecting system includes a fuel tank that has a fill opening surrounded by an outer wall. A flexible panel has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The panel has an aperture extending therethrough that has a size corresponding to a size of the fill opening. The panel is removably positioned on the outer wall and the aperture and aligned with the fill opening to protect the outer wall from fuel when a fuel nozzle is extended through the aperture and into the fill opening.
US08162165B2	Pail and closure A pail having a cylindrical sidewall with an upper margin defining an opening generally equal to the sidewall diameter, a thread projecting outwardly from the sidewall below the upper margin, and at least one flange projecting outwardly from the sidewall below the thread, each flange including one or more radial projections and portions on either side of the radial projections extending outward from the sidewall at least as far as the radial projections. A cover having a central portion received within the opening, a mating portion extending outward from the central potion to engage the sidewall upper margin, a downwardly projecting rim including at least one inwardly directed thread to engage the thread projecting outwardly from the pail sidewall, and at least one tab integrally coupled to the downwardly projecting rim including one or more apertures corresponding to the plurality of radial projections, each tab being biased for displacement from an outwardly displaced disengaged position toward a more inward position with the radial projections being received in the apertures to lock the cover onto the top of the pail to enclose any contents of the pail, each tab including a lower edge extending sufficiently below the apertures to provide a grip allowing a manual outward force to be applied to disengage the tab apertures from the flange radial projections.
US08162164B2	Bulk liquid transport system A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.
US08162163B2	Synthetic resin handle for use with a bottle This invention is aimed at material saving and cost reduction. A technical problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a light-weight Y-shaped handle without impairing injection moldability and the functions of the handle. The principal means of solving the above-described technical problem is an injection molded handle used by being fitted and secured firmly to a rear portion of a body of a synthetic resin bottle by an insert molding method. The handle comprises a pair of fitting bent beams disposed in parallel in an upright posture and fitted by an undercut engagement to a rear portion of a body of a bottle, a grip plate in a vertical and long rectangular shape disposed between the pair of the fitting bent beams, and a circular gate area disposed at a center of the grip plate, wherein the thickness of the grip plate is reduced on both sides thereof in a certain height range to form thin plate portions, while leaving, as thick portions, a near-gate area including and surrounding the gate area in a concentric manner and vertical slip portions extending up- and downward from the near-gate area.
US08162162B2	Resin-made storage container The object of this invention is to provide a container having a reduced area of vacuum-absorbing panels and thus acquiring improved appearance and having strength against a pressure drop, i.e., the strength enough to retain the shape of the container even when there is a pressure drop inside the container.A shoulder portion or a bottom portion of a resin-made storage container is molded by aligning one or two groups of three corners and one or two groups of three pillars vertically and in parallel to the central axis of the container. Each group of three corners is a part of the corners forming a cross-section of a regular enneagon and being connected to either the shoulder portion or the bottom portion, and the lines connecting these three corners form a regular triangle. Each group of three pillars is a part of the pillars belonging to the body and forming a cross-section of a hexagon, and the lines connecting these three pillars form a regular triangle.If there is a pressure drop inside the container due to a decrease in the temperature of the contents, stress builds up inside the body of the container in such a way that the body deforms into a regular triangular prism, with vertically aligned corners/pillars serving as the three angles. As a result, the container has an enhanced level of strength against the force coming from any direction. With the shape stabilized, the container has also high resistance to buckling.
US08162158B2	Slide through shelf A slide through shelf is provided. A slide through shelf is illustrated mounted to a vertical retail wall. A slide through shelf as disclosed allows a user to selectably position the slide through shelf's supports in an infinite number of configurations. The slide through shelf may be quickly assembled to accommodate different types of loading and may be adjusted to provide customized product partitioning.
US08162156B1	Implement holder and methods of use An implement holder adapted to hold implements having slender, elongate handles is described. Embodiments of the implement holder comprise resilient foam in which slots for holding slender implements reside. Various embodiments are adapted to hold dental instruments, percussion implements such as drumsticks, mallets, and brushes, and artist implements such as pens, pencils, and paint brushes.
US08162153B2	High loft spunbonded web Herein are disclosed high loft spunbonded webs that are substantially free of crimped fibers and gap-formed fibers. The webs exhibit a solidity of from less than 8.0% to about 4.0% and a ratio of Effective Fiber Diameter to Actual Fiber Diameter of at least 1.40. Also disclosed are methods of making such webs.
US08162149B1	Particle sorter comprising a fluid displacer in a closed-loop fluid circuit Disclosed herein are methods and devices utilizing a fluid displacer in a closed-loop fluid circuit.
US08162148B2	Weight filling device for small objects A weight filling device for filling small objects comprising a vibrating feed assembly, at least two bins in a side by side orientation, and a chute assembly. The feed assembly includes feed stations having a feed tray with a large feed portion and a small feed portion in a side by side orientation, either integrally formed along a part or all of the length thereof, and each extending to a distal end thereof and vibrating at a predetermined frequency. The bins are positioned so as to be placeable in communication with the distal end of the at least one feed tray. The chute assembly is positioned below the distal end of the at least one feed tray, and has at least one directing chute station having a large feed selector positioned below the large feed portion of the feed tray and a small feed selector positioned below the small feed portion of the feed tray. The large feed selector and the small feed selector are independently pivotable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to direct small objects into the proper bin. The frame for holding the containers to be filled is also vertically adjustable.
US08162140B2	Specimen retention container A container and method of using the container to maintain an excised tissue specimen in a fixed orientation during transport and imaging is described. The container includes a body, a flexible, soft retainer capable of holding various sized specimens, an adjustable soft retainer that interacts with the body to retain the specimen against the soft retainer without significant compression or distortion, and a lid that snaps tightly to the body reducing bodily fluid leakage when the container is placed in a horizontal position, and preventing contamination of the specimen.
US08162138B2	Universal surgical fastener sterilization caddy A universal surgical screw caddy. An enclosure includes a cover secured to a frame. A flexible sheet is located between an affixed to the cover and frame. A plurality of holes formed in the cover allow the surgical screws to be inserted into the caddy past a plurality of movable portions of the flexible sheet releasably holding the screws in the caddy.
US08162130B2	Method and device for forming batches of substantially parallelepiped objects moving on a conveyor belt The method of the invention comprises immobilizing the queue on its entire length using flaps (10, 11) for creating a gap between two consecutive objects and for isolating downstream from said gap a group of objects defining the batch; inserting into the gap thus created a first cleat (39) having a longitudinal advance speed Vt lower than the running speed Va of the conveyor belt (3); releasing said immobilized queue and making the cleat in charge of it; starting a new temporary immobilization of said queue; and so on. The device for implementing the method comprises: on the one hand, means in the form of flaps (10, 11) for immobilizing the queue on the length thereof by clamping in order to define a gap between two consecutive objects in said queue, and on the other hand, a means in the form of cleats (39) that can be inserted in and take in charge the immobilized queue. Each cleat (39) is associated with a roller-shaped member (38) for maneuvering the flap (10). The reactive flap (11) is submitted to the action of spring means (16) for automatically returning the flap (10) into place.
US08162129B2	Conveyance means A conveying means (1) is described having running rollers (7) which can be supported on a guide (2). At least one running roller (7) is mounted on a roller lever (12a) which can be pivoted between a first and a second position with the aid of a pivoting mechanism (13, 33) and can be locked in a position. In order to make a conveying means of this type simpler in structural terms and less susceptible to wear, it is proposed to equip the pivoting mechanism (13, 33) with a toggle lever (14) which is connected to an actuating element (21), wherein the toggle lever comprises a first and a second lever element (14a, 14b) which are connected to one another via a joint (15).
US08162125B1	Apparatus and system for imaging currency bills and financial documents and method for using the same An input receptacle receives currency bills and checks. A transport mechanism transports the bills and checks along a transport path to an output receptacle. An image scanner, adjacent the transport path, is configured to generate one or more electrical signals from which image data can be derived. The image data is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of each of the plurality of documents. A controller is configured to determine a denomination of each of the currency bills. In response to the controller not determining a denomination of one of the currency bills, the controller flags the currency bill as a no-call document by causing at least a portion of the image data to be displayed as a visually readable image of the flagged currency bill on the display.
US08162123B2	Friction plate for wet-type multiplate clutch A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch is provided with a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings is composed of plural segment pieces each have at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of its corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. The second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. Each segment piece is provided with at least one press-formed oil groove as one of the first and second oil grooves and at least one punched-out oil groove as the other one of the first and second oil grooves.
US08162117B2	Torque transmission device A torque transmission device in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque, which has a clutch, particularly a dual-clutch, and a support tube that extends in the axial direction towards a housing, essentially a gear mechanism housing, and is radially arranged within at least one actuator bearing, in particular two actuator bearings, as well as a bearing device for the clutch. Part of the clutch cover facing the housing is supported by the bearing device for the clutch.
US08162114B2	Roller-type one-way clutch A roller-type one-way clutch includes an outer race with a pocket with a cam surface, an inner race, and a plurality of rollers disposed on the pocket, engaged in the cam surface, and transmitting torque between the outer race and the inner race. The clutch further includes a cage provided with a cylindrical part and a window provided in the cylindrical part, holding the plurality of rollers, and a spring provided on the pocket, one end of which is latched to the outer race, and the other end of which is configured for preventing movement of the rollers in the axial direction. The spring energizes the rollers in the engagement direction with the cam surface, and the cage is configured so that it is prevented from dropping off in the axial direction.
US08162113B2	Clutch control system for vehicle A clutch control system for a vehicle includes an actuator which is configured to control a hydraulic pressure. A timer is configured to measure a time period from a timing at which a hydraulic pressure supply source starts supplying hydraulic oil to a hydraulic clutch to a timing at which the hydraulic pressure reaches a predetermined value. A clutch control compensator is configured to calculate a control compensation value of an amount of operation of the actuator based on the time period measured by the timer. A clutch controller is configured to control the actuator based on the control compensation value and the amount of operation of the actuator using a deviation between the hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure detector and a target hydraulic pressure set according to a condition of the vehicle.
US08162112B2	Methods and apparatus for protecting a shock absorber from bottoming Methods and apparatus for accommodating vehicle suspensions that may bottom out. Some embodiments of the present invention include the secondary shock absorber placed within a primary shock absorber. Yet clear embodiments describe a shock absorber having multiple fluid flowpaths during compression, with one of the flowpaths being active near the bottoming-out condition.
US08162111B2	Brake caliper with reduced brake squeal An exemplary embodiment of a brake caliper has a housing with a first chamber and a second chamber. The brake caliper also has a first piston that moves in response to fluid pressure in the first chamber and has a second piston that moves in response to fluid pressure in the second chamber. A brake pad has a leading end portion that is acted upon by the first piston and has a trailing end portion that is acted upon by the second piston. A fluid passage leads to the first chamber. The trailing end portion contacts an associated rotor before the leading end portion contacts the rotor.
US08162109B2	Elevator system which limits the number of destination call registrations to be allocated to the single car In an elevator system, a group supervisory control apparatus selects a car responding to a destination call registration performed on a landing destination operating panel. A limit value of the number of destination call registrations for stop floors existing in the same direction from the same stop floor is set in the group supervisory control apparatus in a manner corresponding to the stop floor. The group supervisory control apparatus counts the number of destination call registrations for the stop floors existing in the same direction from the same stop floor in response to the destination call registration performed on the landing destination operating panel, and limits the number of destination call registrations to be allocated to the single car according to a limit value corresponding to the stop floor.
US08162106B2	Ball screw lubricative sealing device The invention provides a ball screw lubricative sealing device having a simplified lubrication mechanism. It is attachable to an installed standard ball screw nut, capable of retaining larger amount of lubricant and long supply of lubricant to the contacting screw parts, and further includes a sealing function. It includes: generally cylindrical case members having attachment part to be attached to both ends of a screw nut, respectively; plural thin seal plates made of lubricating oil impregnated felt-like fiber material which is a three-dimensionally crosslinked plastic fiber and resilient rubber members, and having a hole each and fitted inside said case member in such a state that they circumferentially overlap with each other, the hole having a shape corresponding to a lateral cross-sectional shape of a screw groove of ball screw shaft; and a plastic wiper fitted with a space from the thin seal plates inside each of the case member.
US08162103B2	Silencer for motor vehicle exhaust line This silencer (10) for a motor vehicle exhaust line of the type comprising: a casing (12) internally delimiting an exhaust volume; an exhaust gas inlet (16) opening into the exhaust volume; and an exhaust gas outlet pipe (18) communicating with the exhaust volume and having an outlet orifice (30) to the outside of the silencer (10), is characterized in that the outlet pipe (18) comprises a section (32) pressed against the casing (12), the casing (12) having at least one perforation placing the pressed section (32) in communication with the exhaust volume.
US08162100B2	Firearm sound suppressor A suppressor for a firearm is provided, wherein the suppressor can be selectively oriented relative to the firearm. The suppressor has an elongate body, a piston assembly and a cam assembly. A piston of the piston assembly can be fixedly attached to the barrel of a firearm. An indexing ring is radially fixed relative to the piston. The cam lever is selectively movable between a second position, in which the indexing ring is fixed relative to the elongate body, and a first position, in which the indexing ring can rotate relative to the elongate body.
US08162098B2	Tunable acoustic reflector An acoustic reflector suitable for use as a reflective target for navigational aids and for location and re-location applications. The acoustic reflector comprises a shell arranged to surround a solid core. The shell is adapted to transmit acoustic waves incident thereon into the core. Within the core the acoustic waves are focused before being reflected from an opposing side of the shell to provide a reflected acoustic wave. The shell has at least two areas of transmissibility such that the waves incident on the shell follow separate paths within the core before being re-radiated and combining constructively to provide an enhanced reflected acoustic wave at one or more pre-determined frequencies.
US08162096B2	Vehicle having a variable assist power steering assembly A wheeled vehicle (10) has a power steering assembly. The vehicle can operate in an AWD mode and a 2WD mode. The degree of steering assist provided by the power steering assembly is determined from one of various steering maps (8A-8D; 114A-D). The steering map is selected based on whether the vehicle is operating in the AWD mode or the RWD mode and on a steering mode selected by a steering mode control switch (100) on the vehicle. A method of controlling a power steering assembly is also disclosed.
US08162093B2	Body for a motor vehicle A body for a motor vehicle comprises a frame, a bonnet connected on a first side to the frame by a hinge and on a second side by a bonnet lock, and at least one actuating element which can be extended in the event of an accident in order to raise the bonnet. The actuating element comprises a movable part acting on the first side of the bonnet. A catch of the bonnet lock is coupled to the movable part in order to release the bonnet lock (when said actuating element is extended.
US08162091B2	System for mounting a box or bag to a vehicle A vehicle comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. An engine is supported by the frame. At least two wheels are connected to the frame, and at least one of the at least two wheels is operatively connected to the engine to propel the vehicle. A steering assembly is supported by the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least two wheels to steer the vehicle. Intermediate brackets are connected to the rear portion of the frame. A rack has rack brackets. At least one of the rack brackets is removably connected to the intermediate brackets for removably connecting the rack to the rear portion of the frame. The rack is adapted to attach at least one of a cargo box and a bag to the vehicle. A kit for mounting a cargo box to a vehicle is also described.
US08162090B2	Powered foldable scooter A scooter has a platform on which a rider can stand, a front wheel attached to a steering system including an upstanding handle bar and rear wheel which is driven. The scooter can be folded at a hinge line across the platform so to allow it to collapse. A case for the scooter includes a front part and a rear part covering the front and rear wheels with the parts brought together by the collapsing of the platform. This folding action also uses a pivot link to move the front and rear wheels pivoted within the respective case parts to a folded position. The steering includes a headstock with the steering bar connected to the front fork by a drive coupling which converts the rotation of the steering bar about the generally vertical axis to the rotation of the fork about an inclined axis.
US08162085B2	Hydro-mechanical clutch for a hybrid transmission and method for operating the same A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.
US08162079B2	Impact excavation system and method with injection system A system and method for excavating a formation according to which at least one vessel that is selectively pressurized from a first pressure to second pressure to inject a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation.
US08162075B2	Vibration dampening mechanism for power tool A powered hammer includes a body in which is disposed a motor and a hammer mechanism driven by the motor when the motor is activated. A tool holder is coupled to a front portion of the body and which is capable of holding a cutting tool. The hammer mechanism, when driven by the motor, is capable of imparting impacts to a cutting tool, when held by the tool holder. A handle is moveably coupled to a rear portion of the body for movement toward and away from the body along a tool axis of the tool holder. The handle includes a grip portion and first and second end connection sections coupled to opposite end portions of the grip portion. The first and second end connection sections are slideably mounted on first and second arms that project rearward from the body. A movement control mechanism is mounted inside the handle and coupled to the first and second arms and the handle. The movement control mechanism is configured to ensure that the two end connection sections move toward and away from the body in unison to inhibit angular movement of the grip portion relative to the body. A damping element disposed between the handle and the body to reduce vibration transferred from the body to the rear handle.
US08162073B2	Nailer with brushless DC motor A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a drive mechanism configured to impact a fastener, a lever arm pivotable between a first position and a second position, and a motor including a plurality of permanent magnets mounted on a rotatable housing, the motor mounted on the lever arm such that when the lever arm is in the first position, the rotatable motor housing is isolated from the drive mechanism and when the lever arm is in the second position, the rotatable motor housing is positioned to transfer rotational energy to the drive mechanism.
US08162071B2	Soil aerator An implement that conditions the ground surface as it is moved there over aerating the soil and distributing fertilizer and/or seeds thereon. The implement has a pair of aerator rollers mounted on a frame that can be towed by a tractor or constructed so as to be self-propelled if so desired. The aerator rollers project below the frame for rolling engagement with the ground and are located one behind the other in tandem relation relative to the direction of travel of the implement during use thereof. Each aerator roller has a plurality of formations defining teeth that penetrate the ground surface. The formations on each aerator roller are spaced apart from one another circumferentially around and longitudinally along the roller associated therewith and such formations on one aerator roller are offset from those on the other roller permitting overlap of the same. The aerator rollers are interconnected in drive and driven relation to rotate in a predetermined ratio. A hopper mounted on the frame dispenses seeds, fertilizer or the like if so desired. A rear depth control roller assembly using one or more rollers or wheels is pivotally mounted on the frame and can be brought into rolling engagement with the ground to control the depth of penetration of the formations of the aerator rollers into the ground.
US08162070B2	Hydraulic shock dissipation for implement bounce To dissipate hydraulic shock created by the bouncing of an implement mounted on a wheeled vehicle, such as a towed tillage implement or the bucket of a vehicle, such as a wheel loader, an electronic control valve, which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator that raises and lowers the implement, is actively controlled by an electronic controller. As the vehicle with an implement is transported at higher speeds, the implement tends to bounce creating pressure spikes in the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the implement. The pressure spikes are dissipated by actively generating random or cancelling hydraulic pulses in the hydraulic system.
US08162063B2	Dual gradient drilling ship Dual gradient drilling may be performed by anchoring drilling tubulars from a drilling ship on the seabed. The drilling tubulars may include an inline pump for pumping mud through another set of tubulars that actually drill the well. Then dual gradient drilling may be instituted by controlling the pressure by controlling the operation of the pump.
US08162062B1	Offshore well intervention lift frame and method An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.
US08162059B2	Induction heaters used to heat subsurface formations A heating system for a subsurface formation includes an elongated electrical conductor located in the subsurface formation. The electrical conductor extends between at least a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A ferromagnetic conductor at least partially surrounds and at least partially extends lengthwise around the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor, when energized with time-varying electrical current, induces sufficient electrical current flow in the ferromagnetic conductor such that the ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats to a temperature of at least about 300° C.
US08162058B1	Slag compositions and methods of use Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cementing operations. Methods and compositions that include a latex strength enhancer for enhancing the compressive strength of slag compositions.
US08162057B2	Radiation-induced thickening for set-on-command sealant compositions and methods of use The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.
US08162056B2	Application of degradable fibers in invert emulsion fluids for kill pills A method of treating a subterranean formation includes pumping into a cased, perforated wellbore that intersects the formation an invert emulsion kill fluid, the invert emulsion kill fluid comprising: an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; at least one degradable material; and at least one bridging material; contacting the formation with the kill fluid; and allowing the degradable material to at least partially degrade.
US08162055B2	Methods of activating compositions in subterranean zones The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing cement in a subterranean zone. In some implementations, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation includes positioning a cement slurry including a plurality of activation devices in a wellbore. The activation devices configured to release an activator that increases a setting rate of the cement slurry. A signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the cement slurry to activate the activation devices. The activation device releases the activator in response to at least the signal.
US08162054B2	Methods and apparatuses for releasing a chemical into a well bore upon command One apparatus for releasing a chemical in a well bore includes a casing collar configured to couple to a casing string. A chemical container is disposed within the casing collar, and the casing collar is configured to release the chemical from the chemical reservoir.
US08162053B2	Gas lift plunger assembly arrangement A elongated plunger assembly for pressurized, conduit-enclosed travel utilized in recovery of hydrocarbon deposits in a ground penetrating oil or gas well. The plunger comprises an elongated mandrel, a plurality of radially movable curvilinear wear pads circumferentially disposed adjacent each end of the elongated mandrel, a pad-edge retaining housing extending on at least one end of the elongated mandrel to enclosably retain the longitudinally distal end of a circumferential array of wear pads onto the mandrel, and a centrally disposed wear pad securement ring arrangement to permit release of a worn wear pad, replacement of the worn wear pad at an inner longitudinal edge thereof, thus to permit simple field-accessable removal and replacement of any particular “conduit-worn” “wear” pad from the mandrel of the plunger.
US08162049B2	Injection-backflow technique for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore An injection backflow method for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore measures an initial temperature profile along the length of a wellbore. A tracer composition is injected into the wellbore at an initial concentration. The tracer composition includes a reactive tracer and a secondary tracer that is less reactive than the reactive tracer. The tracer composition diffuses within subterranean reservoir for a time. A secondary tracer concentration and a reactive tracer concentration are measured as a function of time. A reservoir fracture surface area is calculated using a reservoir fluid flow model.
US08162048B2	Method of delivering frac fluid and additives A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.
US08162047B2	Reverse-circulation cementing of surface casing An apparatus for reverse circulation cementing of surface casing in subterranean formations and associated methods are provided. One example of a method may involve a method of reverse circulation cementing a surface casing in a well bore with a conductor casing positioned therein comprising: providing a tool comprising at least one isolation device coupled to the surface casing; positioning the isolation device in the well bore to isolate an annulus between the surface casing and the conductor casing; flowing cement through a port in the conductor casing in a reverse circulation direction; and allowing the cement to set therein.
US08162044B2	Systems and methods for providing electrical transmission in downhole tools A downhole drilling tool includes a housing defining an axial passageway and a shaft mounted for rotation within the axial passageway such that the housing and shaft form an annular gap. An electrical connector provides a signal to the shaft. The electrical connector includes a first lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft, and a second lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft. Each lead assembly has an outer ring electrode fixed to the housing and an inner ring electrode fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith such that connector gaps are formed between the outer ring electrodes and the inner ring electrodes. Drilling fluid is pumped through the annular gap to flow through the connector gaps to complete electrical connections between the outer ring electrodes and inner ring electrodes.
US08162042B2	Energy recovery ventilator with condensate feedback Condensate accumulating in the incoming outside air flow passages of a heat exchanger is fed back into the exhaust flow passages of the heat exchanger to provide improved heat transfer in the heat exchanger, and to avoid the necessity for drainage of the condensate from the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plastic multi-tube panel core and a solid plastic housing, with opposed-flow heat exchange and inlet-outlet extensions from only one side of the core.
US08162039B2	Finned tube for condensation and evaporation A finned tube includes channels defined between adjacent fins on the tube body outer surface. Wings extend from side walls of the adjacent fins between the fin top and the fin base such that the wings form a barrier which splits the channel into an upper channel and a lower channel. A plurality of holes penetrate the barrier where the wings meet, so liquids and gases can pass into and out of the enclosed area defined by the lower channel. The wings can include alternating upper wings and lower wings, and there can be depressions formed in the fin top.
US08162037B2	Device for generating a pulsed magnetic field A pulsed magnetic field is generated by a device having a magnet to be operated in pulse operation which contains at least one superconductive refrigerant-free winding that is disk-shaped or saddle-shaped. Also included is a refrigerating unit which has at least one cold head. A line system, having a refrigerant circulating in it according to a thermosiphon effect, thermally couples the winding to the cold head. The line system has a plurality of separate pipes lying next to one another. The pipes, open onto a common refrigerant distributor and closed at the other end, are thermally coupled to the surface of the disk-shaped or saddle-shaped winding.
US08162035B2	High conductivity ceramic foam cold plate A cold plate and method for cooling using the cold plate are disclosed. The cold plate includes a housing having hyperporous, microchannel ceramic foam strips disposed therewithin. A plurality of plugs formed from a high thermal conductivity material are disposed into the ceramic foam strips. Heat is transferred in an extremely efficient manner by leveraging the high thermal conductivity of the plugs to transfer the energy deep into a high internal surface area ceramic foam, which in turn transfers the heat to a coolant via convection. Channels between the foam strips form coolant inlet and outlet plenums, which results in minimal coolant pressure drop through the cold plate. In one example, an exemplary cold plate may provide cooling to one or two printed circuit boards. In another example, a cold plate may be disposed within a heat exchanger housing to provide cooling to a fluid.
US08162034B2	Thermal inner tube An elongated structure (100) for the transmission of fluid-based compositions at non-ambient temperatures comprising a first conduit (130) for the transmission of a fluid-based composition, at least one flexible, elongated and inflatable temperature control conduit (110a, 110b) for the transmission of a temperature control fluid, the temperature control conduit (110a, 110b) having a relatively rigid elongated reinforcement member (116a, 116b); and elongated cover (140) holding said temperature control conduit (100a, 110b) in thermal communication with the first conduit (130).

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