最新美国发明专利第2012-05-01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
US08168512B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device To provide a thin semiconductor device having flexibility. A groove is formed in one surface of a substrate; an element layer including an element is formed, the element being disposed within the groove; the substrate is thinned from the other surface of the substrate until one surface of the element layer is exposed, to form a layer which is to be transposed, having the element; and the layer to be transposed is transposed onto the film.
US08168510B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor layer and semiconductor device An object is that a region separated from a semiconductor substrate when a supporting substrate is larger than the semiconductor substrate does not easily move. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor layer includes the steps of: irradiating a plurality of semiconductor substrates with ions to form embrittlement layers in the plurality of semiconductor substrates; forming bonding layers on respective surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor substrates; placing, over a supporting substrate, the surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor substrates on which the bonding layers are formed; placing a cover including depressed portions which house the plurality of semiconductor substrates over the plurality of semiconductor substrates; and heating the plurality of semiconductor substrates housed in the depressed portions of the cover, and thereby collecting semiconductor layers fixed to the supporting substrate, and regions separated from the plurality of semiconductor substrates along with the embrittlement layers.
US08168509B2	Etching methods and methods of manufacturing a CMOS image sensor using the same In an etching method, a thin layer is formed on a first surface of a first substrate doped with first impurities having a first doping concentration. The thin layer is doped with second impurities having a second doping concentration lower than the first doping concentration. A second substrate is formed on the thin layer. A second surface of the first substrate is polished. The polished first substrate is cleaned using a cleaning solution including ammonia and deionized water. The cleaned first substrate is etched to expose the thin layer.
US08168506B2	On/off ratio for non-volatile memory device and method This application describes a method of forming a switching device. The method includes forming a first dielectric material overlying a surface region of a substrate. A bottom wiring material is formed overlying the first dielectric material and a switching material is deposited overlying the bottom wiring material. The bottom wiring material and the switching material is subjected to a first patterning and etching process to form a first structure having a top surface region and a side region. The first structure includes at least a bottom wiring structure and a switching element having a top surface region including an exposed region of the switching element. A second dielectric material is formed overlying at least the first structure including the exposed region of the switching element. The method forms a first opening region in a portion of the second dielectric layer to expose a portion of the top surface region of the switching element. A dielectric side wall structure is formed overlying a side region of the first opening region. A top wiring material including a conductive material is formed overlying at lease the top surface region of the switching element such that the conductive material is in direct contact with the switching element. The side wall spacer reduces a contact area for the switching element and the conductive material and thus a reduced active device area for the switching device. In a specific embodiment, the reduced area provides for an increase in device ON/OFF current ratio.
US08168504B2	Integrated circuit comprising a gradually doped bipolar transistor and corresponding fabrication process An integrated circuit includes a bipolar transistor comprising a substrate and a collector formed in the substrate. The collector includes a highly doped lateral zone, a very lightly doped central zone and a lightly doped intermediate zone located between the central zone and the lateral zone 4a of the collector. The substrate includes a lightly doped lateral zone and a highly doped central zone. The dopant species in the zone of the substrate are electrically inactive.
US08168500B2	Double gate depletion mode MOSFET A metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) has a body layer that follows the contour of exposed surfaces of a semiconductor substrate and contains a bottom surface of a shallow trench and adjoined sidewalls. A bottom electrode layer vertically abuts the body layer and provides an electrical bias to the body layer. A top electrode and source and drain regions are formed on the body layer. The thickness of the body layer is selected to allow full depletion of the body layer by the top electrode and a bottom electrode layer. The portion of the body layer underneath the shallow trench extends the length of a channel to enable a high voltage operation. Further, the MOSFET provides a double gate configuration and a tight control of the channel to enable a complete pinch-off of the channel and a low off-current in a compact volume.
US08168498B2	Insulated gate type semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same In an insulated-gate type semiconductor device in which a gate-purpose conductive layer is embedded into a trench which is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a source-purpose conductive layer is provided on a major surface of the semiconductor substrate, a portion of a gate pillar which is constituted by both the gate-purpose conductive layer and a cap insulating film for capping an upper surface of the gate-purpose conductive layer is projected from the major surface of the semiconductor substrate; a side wall spacer is provided on a side wall of the projected portion of the gate pillar; and the source-purpose conductive layer is connected to a contact region of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, which is defined by the side wall spacer.
US08168496B2	Single die output power stage using trench-gate low-side and LDMOS high-side MOSFETS, structure and method A voltage converter includes an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The high-side device can include a lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) while the low-side device can include a trench-gate vertical diffused metal oxide semiconductor (VDMOS). The voltage converter can further include a controller circuit on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with the output circuit.
US08168495B1	Carbon nanotube high frequency transistor technology A technique of the invention reduces significantly the distance between the gate and single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance and efficiency of a carbon nanotube transistor device. Without using a porous template structure, single-walled carbon nanotubes are grown perpendicularly to a substrate between a base metal layer and a middle mesh layer. The nanotubes are insulated with a thin insulator and then gate regions are formed.
US08168491B2	Method for fabricating dual poly gate in semiconductor device A method for fabricating a dual poly gate in a semiconductor device, comprising: forming a gate insulation layer and a polysilicon layer on a semiconductor substrate that defines a first region and a second region; implanting first and second conductive type impurity ions into the first region and the second region of the polysilicon layer, respectively; forming first and second conductive type polysilicon layer in the first and second regions, respectively, by annealing the semiconductor substrate; forming a barrier metal layer on the first and second conductive type polysilicon layers; forming an oxide layer that lowers resistance of a metal by an oxidation process; forming a metal layer and a hard mask layer on the oxide layer; and forming a first conductive type poly gate on the first region and a second conductive type poly gate on the second region by a patterning process.
US08168490B2	Co-packaging approach for power converters based on planar devices, structure and method A voltage converter includes an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The high-side device can include a lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) while the low-side device can include a planar vertical diffused metal oxide semiconductor (VDMOS). The voltage converter can further include a controller circuit on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the power die.
US08168489B2	High performance stress-enhanced MOSFETS using Si:C and SiGe epitaxial source/drain and method of manufacture A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes channels for a pFET and an nFET. A SiGe layer is selectively grown in the source and drain regions of the pFET channel and a Si:C layer is selectively grown in source and drain regions of the nFET channel. The SiGe and Si:C layer match a lattice network of the underlying Si layer to create a stress component. In one implementation, this causes a compressive component in the pFET channel and a tensile component in the nFET channel.
US08168488B2	Systems and methods for reducing contact to gate shorts A method for reducing contact to gate shorts in a semiconductor device and the resulting semiconductor device are described. In one embodiment, a gate is formed on a substrate, a contact is formed on the gate and the substrate, and an insulator is formed between the gate and the contact. The insulator may be formed by oxidizing the gate to form a dielectric between the contact and the gate after the contact is formed on the gate.
US08168482B2	Semiconductor device, an electronic device and an electronic apparatus A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises preparing a base; forming a silicon oxide film including hydrogen or deuterium on the base; diffusing nitrogen into the silicon oxide film to form a gate insulating film; forming a gate electrode on the gate insulating film; ion doping the base to form source and drain regions along side a channel region; and forming a source electrode connected to the source region and a drain electrode connected to the drain region, the gate insulating film having a region where B/A is in the range of 1.6 to 10, where A is a concentration of nitrogen, and B is a concentration of hydrogen or deuterium, and the region is Y/10 of the thickness of the gate insulating film from the interface between the gate insulating film and the base, where Y is an average thickness of the gate insulating film.
US08168480B2	Fabricating method for forming integrated structure of IGBT and diode An integrated structure of an IGBT and a diode includes a plurality of doped cathode regions, and a method of forming the same is provided. The doped cathode regions are stacked in a semiconductor substrate, overlapping and contacting with each other. As compared with other doped cathode regions, the higher a doped cathode region is disposed, the larger implantation area the doped cathode region has. The doped cathode regions and the semiconductor substrate have different conductive types, and are applied as a cathode of the diode and a collector of the IGBT. The stacked doped cathode regions can increase the thinness of the cathode, and prevent the wafer from being overly thinned and broken.
US08168477B2	Packaging configurations for vertical electronic devices using conductive traces disposed on laminated board layers This invention discloses an electronic package for containing a vertical semiconductor chip that includes a laminated board having a via connector and conductive traces distributed on multiple layers of the laminated board connected to the via connector. The semiconductor chip having at least one electrode connected to the conductive traces for electrically connected to the conductive traces at a different layer on the laminated board and the via connector dissipating heat generated from the vertical semiconductor. A ball grid array (BGA) connected to the via connector functioning as contact at a bottom surface of the package for mounting on electrical terminals disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein the laminated board having a thermal expansion coefficient in substantially a same range the PCB whereby the BGA having a reliable electrical contact with the electrical terminals.
US08168474B1	Self-dicing chips using through silicon vias Systems and methods simultaneously form first openings and second openings in a substrate. The first openings are formed smaller than the second openings. The method also simultaneously forms a first material in the first openings and the second openings. The first material fills the first openings, and the first material lines the second openings. The method forms a second material different than the first material in the second openings. The second material fills the second openings. The method forms a plurality of integrated circuit structures over the first material and the second material within the second openings. The method applies mechanical stress to the substrate to cause the substrate to split along the first openings.
US08168473B2	Molded ultra thin semiconductor die packages, systems using the same, and methods of making the same Disclosed are molded ultra-thin semiconductor die packages, systems that incorporate such packages, and methods of making such packages. An exemplary package comprises a leadframe having an aperture formed between the leadframe's first and second surfaces, and a plurality of leads disposed adjacent to the aperture. The package further comprises a semiconductor disposed in the aperture of the leadframe with its top surface substantially flush with the leadframe's first surface, and at least one gap between at least one side surface of the semiconductor die and at least one lead of the leadframe. A body of electrically insulating material is disposed in the at least one gap. A plurality of conductive members interconnect leads of the leadframe with conductive regions on the die's top surface, with at least one conductive member having a portion disposed over at least a portion of the body of insulating material.
US08168471B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a multi-layer substrate and a semiconductor element mounted on the multi-layer substrate. The multi-layer substrate contains a plurality of circuit-formation layers joined by a first resin material. The semiconductor element is mounted on the multi-layer substrate by being joined to the multi-layer substrate by a second resin material. The first resin material and the second resin material are curable in the same heating condition.
US08168470B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming vertical interconnect structure in substrate for IPD and baseband circuit separated by high-resistivity molding compound A semiconductor device is made with a conductive via formed through a top-side of the substrate. The conductive via extends vertically through less than a thickness of the substrate. An integrated passive device (IPD) is formed over the substrate. A plurality of first conductive pillars is formed over the first IPD. A first semiconductor die is mounted over the substrate. An encapsulant is formed around the first conductive pillars and first semiconductor die. A second IPD is formed over the encapsulant. An interconnect structure is formed over the second IPD. The interconnect structure operates as a heat sink. A portion of a back-side of the substrate is removed to expose the first conductive via. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the back-side of the substrate. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the first IPD and first semiconductor die through the conductive via.
US08168467B2	Solar cell method of fabrication via float glass process The present invention provides improved solar cells. This patent teaches a particularly efficient method of device manufacture based on incorporating the solar cell fabrication into the widely used, high temperature, Float Glass manufacture process.
US08168463B2	Zinc oxide film method and structure for CIGS cell A method for fabricating a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a substrate comprising an absorber layer and an overlying window layer. The substrate is loaded into a chamber and subjected to a vacuum environment. The vacuum environment is at a pressure ranging from 0.1 Torr to about 0.02 Torr. In a specific embodiment, a mixture of reactant species derived from diethylzinc species, water species and a carrier gas is introduced into the chamber. The method further introduces a diborane species using a selected flow rate into the mixture of reactant species. A zinc oxide film is formed overlying the window layer to define a transparent conductive oxide using the selected flow rate to provide a resistivity of about 2.5 milliohm-cm and less and an average grain size of about 3000 to 5000 Angstroms.
US08168459B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device A method for manufacturing a resin-embedded semiconductor light-emitting device that is capable of preventing a semiconductor film from being damaged when a growth substrate is delaminated using a laser lift-off method, and that is capable of preventing foreign matter from adhering to the semiconductor film when a resin material is applied. A laser exposure step to delaminate the growth substrate from the semiconductor film comprises a first laser exposure step for performing laser exposure at an energy density at which the resin is broken down but the semiconductor film is not broken down, in a range including a portion adjacent to at least one section of the semiconductor film divided by dividing grooves and at least one section of resin, and a second exposure step for performing laser exposure at an energy density at which the semiconductor film can be broken down in a range including at least one section.
US08168456B2	Vertical cavity surface emitting laser with undoped top mirror A VCSEL with undoped top mirror. The VCSEL is formed from an epitaxial structure deposited on a substrate. A doped bottom mirror is formed on the substrate. An active layer that includes quantum wells is formed on the bottom mirror. A periodically doped conduction layer is formed on the active layer. The periodically doped conduction layer is heavily doped at locations where the optical energy is at a minimum when the VCSEL is in operation. A current aperture is used between the conduction layer and the active region. An undoped top mirror is formed on the heavily doped conduction layer.
US08168454B2	Vertical light emitting diode and method of manufacturing the same Provided is a vertical LED including an n-electrode; an n-type GaN layer formed under the n-electrode, the n-type GaN layer having a surface coming in contact with the n-electrode, the surface having a Ga+N layer containing a larger amount of Ga than that of N; an active layer formed under the n-type GaN layer; a p-type GaN layer formed under the active layer; a p-electrode formed under the p-type GaN layer; and a structure support layer formed under the p-electrode.
US08168452B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including an integrated circuit having plural connection terminals arranged on a predetermined local region of the integrated circuit, plural metal bumps, and a wiring layer connected to at least a portion of the connection terminals via the plural metal bumps, the method includes the steps of a) measuring an impedance value of the predetermined local region of the integrated circuit, b) determining whether the measured impedance value matches a predetermined impedance value, c) determining positions of the plural metal bumps in accordance with the determination result of step b), d) forming the plural metal bumps on the positions determined in step c), and e) forming the wiring layer on the plural metal bumps.
US08168449B2	Template-registered diblock copolymer mask for MRAM device formation A method for fabricating a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) includes forming a mask over a magnetic layer; forming a template on the mask; applying a diblock copolymer to the template; curing the diblock copolymer to form a first plurality of uniform shapes registered to the template; etching the mask to form a second plurality of uniform shapes; and etching the magnetic layer to form a third plurality of uniform shapes, the third plurality of uniform shapes comprising a plurality of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). A diblock copolymer mask for fabricating a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) includes a magnetic layer; a mask formed on the magnetic layer; a template formed on the mask; and a diblock copolymer mask comprising a plurality of uniform shapes formed on and registered to the template.
US08168446B2	Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to equine albumin and hemoglobin and apparatus and methods using the antibodies in the identification and localization of ulcers and other digestive tract bleeding in equines A diagnostic and testing apparatus and related methods for the use of the same are disclosed which derive and use antibodies to equine albumin and equine hemoglobin in testing apparatus, kits, and methods for detecting and localizing gastric and colonic ulcers or bleeding in horses. Fecal droppings from a horse to be tested are placed in a container together with a buffered liquid solution and mixed thoroughly, following which several drops of liquid from the container are placed into a test kit. Visual markers in the test kits signify the detection of the indicators equine hemoglobin and equine albumin, which are respectively indicative of the presence of gastric and/or colonic ulcers or bleeding.
US08168442B2	Cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.
US08168436B2	Method for determining quantity of peptide compound having phenylalanine residue at N-terminus The present invention provides a method for quantifying a peptide compound having a phenylalanine residue at the N-terminal, comprising measuring the content of heat generated by mixing 1) a peptide compound having a phenylalanine residue at the N-terminal, 2) cucurbit[7]uril, and 3) a metal ion in a solution.
US08168433B2	Cell culture article and screening A method for producing a cell culture article having a synthetic polymer layer for incubating with cells includes diluting one or more (meth)acrylate monomers in a solvent and dispersing the diluted monomers on a surface of the cell culture article. Some or substantially all of the solvent is removed and the monomers are then polymerized on the surface of the article to form the synthetic polymer layer attached to the surface of the article.
US08168431B2	Tissue engineering scaffold comprising polyurethane material having voids interconnected by pores A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.
US08168426B2	Multiple inducible gene regulation system The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple inducible gene regulation system that functions within cells to simultaneously control the quantitative expression of multiple genes.
US08168424B2	Differentiation and identification of analogous chemical and biological substances with biosensors A biosensor for detecting particular substances biosensor comprises a piezoelectric material, an input transducer supported by the piezoelectric material to receive an input signal and propagate a corresponding acoustic wave within the piezoelectric material and an output transducer supported by the piezoelectric material to receive the acoustic wave. At least two chemically orthogonal or semi-orthogonal biolayers are supported by the piezoelectric material to receive substances to be tested and cause corresponding changes in the acoustic wave. The output transducer can transmit a corresponding output signal embodying separate channel data indicative of the substances received.
US08168410B2	Anti-IGF-IR antibodies and uses thereof The present invention relates to novel antibodies capable of binding specifically to the human insulin-like growth factor I receptor IGF-IR and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said IGF-IR receptor, especially monoclonal antibodies of murine, chimeric and humanized origin, as well as the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences coding for these antibodies. The invention likewise comprises the use of these antibodies as a medicament for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of cancers overexpressing IGF-IR or any pathology connected with the overexpression of said receptor as well as in processes or kits for diagnosis of illnesses connected with the overexpression of the IGF-IR receptor. The invention finally comprises products and/or compositions comprising such antibodies in combination with anti-EGFR antibodies and/or compounds and/or anti-cancer agents or agents conjugated with toxins and their use for the prevention and/or the treatment of certain cancers.
US08168408B2	Cytolethal distending toxins and detection of Campylobacter bacteria using the same as a target The present inventors succeeded in cloning the CDT genes of C. coli and C. fetus, which were previously unknown, and in determining their sequences. In addition, the inventors also developed specific primers and primers common to the two species by comparing the CDTs of C. jejuni and C. fetus. Furthermore, the inventors demonstrated that these primers were applicable to multiplex PCR that simultaneously allows for the rapid and convenient determination of the presence of Campylobacter CDT and identification of species, and that they can also be used in PCR-RFLP-based typing.
US08168406B2	Dry analytical element for lipase measurement The present invention provides a method for producing a dry analytical element for measurement of pancreatic lipase contained in a body fluid which contains triglyceride of long chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerine measurement reagent, and comprises a water-impermeable support and at least one spreading or reagent layer, said method comprising the step of coating an emulsion/dispersion solution of triglyceride with an average particle size of 1 μm or less.
US08168404B2	Methods to treat cancer with 10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin and methods for assessing cancer for increased sensitivity to 10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin The present invention relates to a method for assessing the sensitivity of a patient's cancer to treatment with 10-propargyl-10-deazaminopterin and a method for selecting a patient for treatment of cancer with 10-propargyl-10-deazaminopterin, by determining the amount of a selected polypeptide expressed by the cancer and comparing the amount with the amount of the selected polypeptide expressed by a reference cancer, wherein the polypeptide includes a member of folate pathways within cells and may include at least one of reduced folate carrier-1 enzyme (RFC-1), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase (FPGS), thymidylate synthase (TS), γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT). The present invention also relates to the use of 10-propargyl-10-deazaminopterin in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
US08168399B2	Supports for assaying analytes and methods of making and using thereof Described herein are supports for assaying an analyte and methods of making and using thereof.
US08168394B2	Method for simultaneously detecting an antigen of, and an antibody against, an infectious microorganism The invention relates to a method for detecting, in vitro, an infection with a microorganism, such as the hepatitis C virus, in a biological sample, by simultaneously detecting an antigen of this microorganism and the antibodies against this same antigen, and also to the reagents and kits implementing this method.
US08168393B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing tumors using LEDGF/p75 The invention provides methods for diagnosing tumors in mammals using a reagent that bind to LEDGF/p75 or to a nucleic acid encoding LEDGF/p75. For example, the tumor may be located in the CNS, the prostate, the skin, the bone marrow, or the gut of the mammal. Also provided are methods for diagnosing brain tumors such as medulloblastomas, meningiomas, astrocytomas, glioblastomas multiforme, and ependymomas by examining LEDGF/p75 or a nucleic acid encoding LEDGF/p75 localization. The invention also involves methods for diagnosing cancers involving cancerous epithelial cells such as colon cancer. The instant invention also provides methods for isolating stem cells from a heterogeneous population of cells, as well as methods for identifying neuroepithelial stem cells, newly differentiated neurons, and astrocytes in a subject. Also provided are methods for inducing the differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells into astrocytes or neurons and methods for screening candidate compounds that regulate the differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells.
US08168391B2	Method for modulating insulin production The present invention provides screening methods for the detection of agents that affect various aspects of β-cell biology, particularly insulin gene expression. Screening methods are also provided for detection of agents that affect β-cell differentiation from progenitor cells. Additionally, agents identified using such methods are provided and are useful for increasing insulin gene expression and reducing lipotoxicity.
US08168390B2	Method and apparatus for diagnosing age-related macular degeneration Disclosed is a method for identifying an individual who has an altered risk for developing age-related macular degeneration comprising detecting an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the ARMS2 gene.
US08168385B2	Methods and compositions for tagging and identifying polynucleotides The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g. by specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide tag to its tag complement on an addressable array; or such analysis can be carried out serially by successive specific hybridizations of labeled word complements, or the like.
US08168374B2	Method of forming a contact hole A method of forming a contact hole is provided. A pattern is formed in a photo resist layer. The pattern is exchanged into a silicon photo resist layer to form a first opening. Another pattern is formed in another photo resist layer. The pattern is exchanged into a silicon photo resist layer to form a second opening. The pattern having the first, and second openings is exchanged into the interlayer dielectric layer, and etching stop layer to form the contact hole. The present invention has twice exposure processes and twice etching processes to form the contact hole having small distance.
US08168371B2	Positive photosensitive resin composition It is an object of the present invention to provide a positive photosensitive resin composition capable of easily forming an image having high water repellency and high oil repellency on a surface of a cured film thereof even after a treatment with oxygen plasma or the like, and also having an insulating property with high precision and high throughput; and a cured film suitable for a film material of various displays obtained using the positive photosensitive resin composition.
US08168369B2	Photoactive compound and photosensitive resin composition containing the same The present invention relates to a photoactive compound of a novel structure represented by Chemical Formula 1 below In Chemical Formula 1, R1 and R2, R3, and A are as defined in the specification, and a photosensitive resin composition comprising the same. The photoactive compound of the present invention comprises a nitro group and a phosphonate structure and thus exhibits excellent sensitivity through efficient absorption for UV light, excellent compatibility between the photoactive compound and the alkali-soluble binder resin, and an improved solubility of the photosensitive resin composition. Furthermore, the photosensitive resin composition of the present invention has excellent residual film thickness and mechanical strength characteristics and heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and development-resistant properties. Accordingly, the photosensitive resin composition of the present invention is advantageous in hardening the column spacers of liquid crystal displays, an overcoat, and passivation materials and also advantageous in a high-temperature process characteristic.
US08168365B2	Method for manufacturing electrophotographic photosensitive member The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a step of forming a first surface layer and a second surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by supplying a source gas into a reaction vessel so that C2/S2, which are respectively flow rates of CH4 and SiH4 flowing when the second surface layer is formed, can be 3 or more and 25 or less, and C1/S1, which are respectively flow rates of CH4 and SiH4 flowing when the first surface layer is formed, can be C2/S2 or more but 60 or less. The method includes an additional step of adjusting the high-frequency power so that P2>P1 can be satisfied, which are high-frequency powers respectively when the second surface layer is formed and when the first surface layer is formed, and C/(Si+C) of the first surface layer and C/(Si+C) of the second surface layer can be 0.50 or more and 0.80 or less.
US08168361B2	Curable toner compositions and processes An emulsion aggregation toner composition includes toner particles including: an amorphous polyester resin; an optional crystalline resin; an optional colorant; an optional wax; an optional coagulant; and a polymeric or oligomeric hydroxy ketone photo initiator capable of initiating crosslinking of said polyester resin, wherein at least one of the amorphous polyester resin and the optional crystalline resin when present is unsaturated.
US08168360B2	External additive, toner, and image forming apparatus To a toner used in an image forming apparatus is added an external additive whose main components are oxide fine particles in which dimethylsilyl groups are introduced to surfaces thereof, and whose volatilizing amount of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane in a first volatilizing test is 0.2 μg or less. Consequently, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from attaching to a discharging electrode included in the image forming apparatus. The first volatilizing test is performed in such a manner that 2 g of the external additive is put in a sealing container and the inside of the sealing container is kept at 120° C. for 10 minutes so that octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane volatilizes from the external additive.
US08168357B2	Polyfluorinated core shell photoconductors A photoconductor that includes a photogenerating layer and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport component, a fluorinated polymer, and a core shell component, and wherein the core is comprised of a metal oxide and the shell is comprised of silica.
US08168354B2	Photosensitive composition, partition walls, color filter and organic EL device It is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive composition capable of forming partition walls having an upper surface with good ink repellency and open areas which have good ink affinity within which an ink will easily spread. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide partition walls formed by curing the photosensitive composition, and a color filter and an organic EL device having the partition walls.The photosensitive composition is a photosensitive composition, which comprises a polymer (A) having a side chain containing a group represented by the formula: —CFXRf (1) or a group represented by the formula: and a side chain containing an ethylenic double bond, a black colorant (B), a photopolymerization initiator (C), and a photosensitive resin (D) containing an acidic group and an ethylenic double bond, wherein the polymer (A) has a number average molecular weight of at least 2×104 and at most 7×104 and a weight average molecular weight of at least 5×104 and at most 25×104.
US08168350B1	Fuel cell structures and assemblies with channeled current collectors, and method of making the same A channeled metal clad fiber comprises one or more surface channels that extend along directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of such fiber. Metal clad fibers may include multiple protective layers, and one or more protective layers may contain multiple conductors therein. A microfibrous fuel cell structure includes a hollow microfibrous membrane separator having an electrolyte medium therein and defining a bore side and a shell side. An inner current collector formed of a channeled metal clad or unclad metal fiber, and an inner electrocatalyst layer are positioned at the bore side of such fuel cell, and an outer current collector and an outer electrocatalyst layer are positioned at the shell side thereof. Surface channels on the inner current collector provide inner fluid passages for passing a fuel-containing or an oxidant-containing fluid through the microfibrous fuel cell.
US08168346B2	Fuel cell stack structure Solid oxide fuel cells each include a circular cell plate holding single cells as a solid oxide fuel cells and having a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. A circular separator plate has a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. Sealing members allow the gas intruding openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other and allow the gas exhausting openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other.
US08168341B2	Fuel cell and fuel cell stack A fuel cell includes a plurality of electrolyte electrode assemblies and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assemblies. A fuel gas supply channel formed by a channel member fixed to the separator is connected to a fuel gas inlet formed in an inner end of a trapezoidal section. Unburned hydrogen in an exhaust fuel gas consumed in the reaction at the anode, and discharged from the fuel gas channel to an oxygen -containing gas supply unit, is mixed with an oxygen-containing gas before consumption, burned, and then supplied to an oxygen-containing gas channel.
US08168339B2	Reducing loss of liquid electrolyte from a high temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cell A method for controlling an amount of a liquid electrolyte in a polymer-electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is provided. The method comprises enriching one or more of a fuel flow and an air flow with a vapor of the liquid electrolyte, the liquid electrolyte being unreplenishable via an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell. The method further comprises delivering the vapor of the liquid electrolyte to the fuel cell including the polymer-electrolyte membrane via one or more of the gas-permeable anode and or the gas-permeable cathode. In this manner, loss of liquid electrolyte from the PEM membrane of the fuel cell can be reduced, leading to improved fuel-cell endurance.
US08168335B2	Electrolytic diffusion fuel cell The invention is a new and improved method of generating an electric current in an Electrolytic Fuel Cell. An electric current is produced by the rupture of hydrogen bonds to oxygen atoms of water molecules by hydrolyzation of alkaline metals from the surface of a tape passing through a turbulent moving stream of a diffuse mixture of air and water. The electrons produced by the chemical reaction of dissociation are subsequently attracted to the finned surfaces of an ionic capacitor which is connected in series with an electrolytic capacitor which delivers the current to the load.
US08168334B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and a solute dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte further contains a chain phosphoric acid ester and at least one imide salt represented by the formula (1): where R1 and R2 each independently represent CnX2n+1, X represents a hydrogen atom or halogen atom, and n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, and the amount of the chain phosphoric acid ester is 50 to 20000 ppm relative to the total weight of the non-aqueous electrolyte.
US08168331B2	Electrochemical element for use at high temperatures An electrochemical element for use at a high temperature has an anode, a cathode comprising an intercalation material having an upper reversible potential-limit of at most 4 V versus Li/Li+ as active material, and an electrolyte arranged between the cathode and anode, which electrolyte comprises an ionic liquid with an anion and a cation a pyrrolidinium ring structure having four Carbon atoms and one Nitrogen atom. Experiments revealed that rechargeable batteries comprising such an intercalation material and N—R1—N—R2-pyrrolidinium, wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl groups and R1 may be methyl and R2 may be butyl or hexyl, are particularly suitable for use at a temperature of up to about 150 degrees Celsius and may be used in oil and/or gas production wells.
US08168329B2	Electrochemical composition and associated technology A composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is described. The composition may comprise a material represented by a general formula MyXO4 or AxMyXO4, where each of A (where present), M, and X independently represents at least one element, O represents oxygen, and each of x (where present) and y represent a number, and an oxide of at least one of various elements, wherein the material and the oxide are cocrystailine, and/or wherein a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the composition may be different than a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the material alone. An electrode comprising such a composition is also described, as is an electrochemical cell comprising such an electrode. A process of preparing a composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is also described.
US08168328B2	Silicon thin film anode for lithium secondary battery and preparation method thereof Disclosed are a silicon thin film anode for a lithium secondary battery having enhanced cycle characteristics and capacity and a preparation method thereof. A preparation method for a silicon thin film anode for a lithium secondary battery, comprises: preparing a collector including a metal; forming an anode active material layer including a silicon on the collector; forming one or more interface stabilizing layer, by annealing the collector and the anode active material layer under one of an inert atmosphere, a reduced atmosphere, and a vacuum atmosphere to react a metallic component of at least one of the collector and the anode active material layer with a silicon component of the anode active material layer at an interface therebetween; and forming a carbon coating layer on the anode active material layer by performing an annealing process in a hydrocarbon atmosphere.
US08168327B2	Imide derivative, material for organic electroluminescent device and organic electroluminescent device using the same An imide derivative represented by the following formula (A): wherein Ra and Rb are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, a fluoroalkyl group or an aryl group; at least one of Ra and Rb is a fluoroalkyl group; and Rc and Rd are each a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, an aryl group, a heterocycle, a fluoroalkyl group or an imide group.
US08168324B2	Grip arrangement for a battery box A grip arrangement for a battery box is provided. The grip arrangement includes a grip element which extends along a longitudinal axis. A cord passage is provided in the grip element, the cord passage includes a tapered section and is oriented along a passage axis provided transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking chamber is provided in the grip element. An elongate slot provided offset from the cord passage is coupled to the locking chamber, the elongate slot is formed by an indent opened on one side of the locking chamber which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis toward the cord passage and transverse to the passage axis of the cord passage. A cord having an end piece is received by the cord passage and the elongate slot, wherein the end piece is received within the locking chamber and the cord is deflected twice from the cord passage through the elongate slot to the locking chamber.
US08168322B2	Thin film battery with protective packaging A battery comprises a substrate comprising a first surface comprising a first battery cell having a first non-contact surface, a pliable dielectric abutting the first non-contact surface, the pliable dielectric comprising a peripheral edge, and a first cap about the pliable dielectric.
US08168317B2	Battery module of improved safety and middle or large-sized battery pack containing the same Disclosed herein is a high-power, large-capacity battery module including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules connected in series to each other such that the battery cells or the unit modules are stacked while being in tight contact with each other or being adjacent to each other, wherein the battery module is fixed such that the stacked state of the battery cells or the unit modules is maintained even when the volume of the battery cells or the unit modules changes at the time of charging and discharging the battery cells or the unit modules, and a portion of an electrode terminal connection region between the battery cells or between the unit modules is weak with respect to the volume expansion of the battery cells or the unit modules such that an expansion stress caused by the swelling of the battery cells is concentrated on the electrode terminal connection region, whereby the electrode terminal connection region is broken, and therefore, an electrical cut-off occurs at the electrode terminal connection region, when the swelling exceeds a predetermined value.
US08168316B2	Frame structure for collecting a plurality of batteries A frame structure for collecting a plurality of batteries comprises a cover covers one end surface of the batteries with positive and negative terminals, and the positive and negative terminals of the batteries are protruded out of the cover. A base is provided for collecting the batteries. A plurality of jointing structures is inserted through both sides of the cover and the base. Such arrangements not only is portable and easy to disassemble, but also is environmental protection.
US08168313B2	Glass for information recording medium substrate, glass substrate for information recording medium and magnetic disk A glass for an information recording medium substrate, which comprises, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 61 to 72% of SiO2, from 3 to 11% of Al2O3, from 0 to 14.3% of Li2O, from 0 to 22% of Na2O, from 0 to 22% of K2O, from 4 to 13% of MgO, from 0 to 6% of TiO2 and from 0 to 5% of ZrO2, provided that the total content of Li2O, Na2O and K2O (R2O) is from 10 to 22%, and (a) the ratio of the content of Li2O to R2O (Li2O/R2O) is at most 0.52, (b) the ratio of the content of Na2O to R2O (Na2O/R2O) is at least 0.35, or (c) the ratio of the content of K2O to R2O (K2O/R2O) is at least 0.45.
US08168311B2	Magnetic recording disk having pre-patterned surface features and planarized surface A magnetic recording disk with pre-patterned surface features of elevated lands and recessed grooves or trenches, like a discrete-track media (DTM) or bit-patterned media (BPM) disk, has a planarized surface. A multilayered disk overcoat is used to protect the recording layer, and at least one of the overcoat layers functions as a stop layer for terminating a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) process that substantially planarizes the disk. All of the layers of the multilayered overcoat are located above the lands, but none of the overcoat layers, or a number of layers less than the number of layers over the lands, is located above the recesses.
US08168307B2	Organic compound, charge transport material and organic electroluminescent device An organic compound is represented by following Formula (I): wherein Cz1 and Cz2 may be the same as or different from each other and each represent a carbazolyl group; Q1 and Q2 may be the same as or different from each other and each represent a direct bond or an arbitrary linkage group; and Cz1, Cz2, Q1, Q2, Ring B1 and Ring B2 may each be substituted. The organic compound and charge transporting material show both excellent hole transporting ability and excellent electron transporting ability and have satisfactory durability against electric oxidation/reduction and a high triplet excitation level. An organic electroluminescent device using the organic compound emits light with a high efficiency and is highly stably driven.
US08168305B1	Turkey tail fan display device A display device for spreading a turkey's tail feathers in a fan-like display is provided. The device consists of an elongated shank having two opposing ends, and two quill clips located one at each of the two opposing ends of said shank having grooves that snap onto the quills near the base of two or more of the turkey's outer tail feathers located to either opposite side of the huh. When installed, the device is invisible to view. An adjustable joint may be provided to enable adjusting a version of the shank having two arms to a certain angle to optimize the turkey fan display. A mounting mechanism may further be provided for mounting an object to the turkey fan display such as the heard, or a pole for use of the fan as a decoy in the field.
US08168293B2	Formulations for cellular, foamed-polymer products based on polyvinyl chloride, improved cellular, foamed-polymer products based on polyvinyl chloride and a process for producing said improved cellular foamed-polymer products Formulation for cellular, foamed-polymer product based on polyvinyl chloride, comprising: a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer having a K-value of from 60 to 85 and a pH value of the aqueous extract ranging of from 8 to 12; at least one isocyanate selected from isomers and homologues of diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate and modified diphenylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate s and mixtures thereof; at least one anhydride selected from the group of succinic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, 4-methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, methyl-endomethylene tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride and mixtures thereof; at least a surfactant; at least a foaming agent.
US08168292B2	Composite materials including amorphous thermoplastic fibers Disclosed are composites that can exhibit low transmission energy loss and can also be temperature resistant. The composites include reinforcement fibers held in a polymeric matrix. The reinforcement fibers can include an amorphous polymer component. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric. The composites can include other fibers as well, such as fiberglass. The composites can be multi-layer structures and can include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates.
US08168290B2	Fluoropolymer containing laminates The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
US08168289B2	Component having wear coating applied by cold spray process A component (10) including a substrate material (12) and a wear alloy coating (14) applied to the substrate by a cold spray process. Particles of the wear alloy coating material (16) are directed toward a target surface (18) of the substrate at a velocity sufficiently high for the particles to deform and to adhere to the target surface. The size and/or composition of the particles may be varied during the cold spray process to produce a coating with a varying property across the depth of the coating. Particles of the wear alloy material may be applied by cold spraying along with particles of a second material such as a lubricant or a ceramic material. For Group 5 hard facing materials, the size and distribution of the embedded carbide nodules may be controlled by controlling the selection of the carbide particles being sprayed. The cold spray process permits a wear alloy coating to be applied proximate a brazed joint or over a directionally stabilized or single crystal material without degrading the underlying material.
US08168288B2	Multilayer ceramic substrate and method for manufacturing the same In a multilayer ceramic substrate manufactured by a non-shrinking process, a bonding strength of an external conductive film formed on a primary surface of the multilayer ceramic substrate is increased. After a laminate of a multilayer ceramic substrate is formed from first ceramic layers and second shrinkage suppressing ceramic layers, and an underlayer is formed along one primary surface of the multilayer ceramic substrate, an external conductive film is formed on the underlayer. A non-sintering ceramic material powder in a non-sintered state is included in both the external conductive film and the underlayer, and this non-sintering ceramic material powder is fixed due to diffusion of a glass component from the first ceramic layers.
US08168284B2	Fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures based on directed assembly of self-assembling materials on activated two-dimensional templates Methods of fabricating complex three-dimensional structures on patterned substrates and related compositions are provided. The methods involve depositing on the substrate a block copolymer material that is “mismatched” to the substrate pattern, and then ordering the material to form a complex three-dimensional structure. According to various embodiments, the copolymer material mismatches the substrate pattern in that the symmetry and/or length scale of its bulk morphology differs from that of the pattern. When ordered, a balance between the physics that determines the bulk block copolymer morphology and the physics that determines the substrate surface interfacial interactions results in a thermodynamically stable complex three-dimensional film that varies in a direction perpendicular to the substrate and has a morphology that differs from its bulk morphology.
US08168278B2	Plastic tube for use in automotive air brake systems The invention relates to a multilayered plastic tube for use in automotive airbrake systems comprising an outer layer and an inner layer, and optionally at least one intermediate layer positioned between the inner and outer layer, wherein at least one layer of the inner layer and the optional intermediate layer or layers consists of a thermoplastic polymer composition having a flexural modulus in the range of 1000-2300 MPa and comprising a semicrystalline polyamide and/or polyester polymer having a melting temperature of at least 1800 C., and wherein the outer layer and any other remaining layer consist of a copolyester elastomer composition and/or copolyamide elastomer composition.
US08168277B2	High barrier laminated body A laminated body having a thermoplastic resin layer (I) and a polyamide resin layer (II) which is made of nylon 11 and/or nylon 12. The thermoplastic resin layer (I) includes 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin composition (A) and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a carbodiimide compound (B) having two or more carbodiimide groups. The polyamide resin composition (A) contains a polyamide resin (a-1) having diamine units 70 mol % or more of which are derived from m-xylylenediamine and dicarboxylic acid units 70 mol % or more of which are derived from a C4 to C20 α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and a nylon 12 and/or nylon 11 component (a-2) in an amount of 5 to 95% by weight of the component (a-1) and 95 to 5% by weight of the component (a-2) each based on a total weight of the components (a-1) and (a-2). The laminated body is excellent in the barrier property, peeling resistance and mechanical properties such as strength, impact resistance and elongation, particularly in the barrier property to alcohol-containing fuels.
US08168268B2	Thin film deposition via a spatially-coordinated and time-synchronized process A deposition system and process for the formation of thin film materials. In one embodiment, the process includes forming an initial plasma from a first material stream and allowing the plasma to evolve in space and/or time to extinguish species that are detrimental to the quality of the thin film material. After the initial plasma evolves to an optimum state, a second material stream is injected into the deposition chamber to form a composite plasma that contains a distribution of species more conducive to formation of a high quality thin film material. The deposition system includes a deposition chamber having a plurality of delivery points for injecting two or more streams (source materials or carrier gases) into a plasma region. The delivery points are staggered in space to permit an upstream plasma formed from a first material stream deposition source material to evolve before combining a downstream material stream with the plasma. Injection of different material streams is also synchronized in time. The net effect of spatial coordination and time synchronization of material streams is a plasma whose distribution of species is optimized for the deposition of a thin film photovoltaic material at high deposition rates. Delivery devices include nozzles and remote plasma sources.
US08168267B2	Method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibres by means of a vapour deposition process A method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers by a vapor deposition process wherein an intermediate step is carried out between one deposition phase and the next deposition phase(s), wherein the intermediate step includes supplying an etching gas to the supply side of the hollow substrate tube.
US08168266B2	Method for changing the color of a substrate coating by application of a stimulus A method for changing the color of a substrate includes applying a color enhancing composition to the substrate to provide a first color; and applying a stimulus to the color enhancing composition to provide a second color; where the color enhancing composition includes a carrier fluid; chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to 1.1; and an absorber of visible light.
US08168265B2	Method for manufacturing electrochromic devices This invention contemplates the use of laser patterning/scribing in electrochromic device manufacture, anywhere during the manufacturing process as deemed appropriate and necessary for electrochromic device manufacturability, yield and functionality, while integrating the laser scribing so as to ensure the active layers of the device are protected to ensure long term reliability. It is envisaged that the laser is used to pattern the component layers of electrochromic devices by directly removing (ablating) the material of the component layers. The invention includes a manufacturing method for an electrochromic device comprising one or more focused laser patterning steps. To minimize redeposition of laser ablated material and particulate formation on device surfaces a number of approaches may be used: (1) ablated material generated by the focused laser patterning may be removed by vacuum suction and/or application of an inert gas jet in the vicinity of the laser ablation of device material; (2) spatial separation of the edges of layers and patterning of lower layers prior to deposition of upper layers; and (3) the laser patterning step may be performed by a laser beam focused directly on the deposited layers from above, by a laser beam directed through the transparent substrate, or by a combination of both.
US08168264B2	Hydrophobic coating compositions, articles coated with said compositions, and processes for manufacturing same Methods of forming a surface coating are provided. A first component can be applied to a surface and can include at least one adhesion promoter compound. The adhesion promoter compound can include (i) a furfuryl ring structure, (ii) a polymerizable reactive group, and (iii) an alkyloxy moiety linking the furfuryl ring structure to the polymerizable reactive group. A second component can be applied to the surface after the first component is applied to the surface, and the second component can include at least one fluorinated component including from about one to about 100 carbon atoms. The polymerizable reactive group can be polymerized to form a coating on the surface and the first component can improve adhesion of the second component to the surface.
US08168262B2	Flocked elastomeric articles In one embodiment, a flocked article is provided that includes an elastomeric film and a plurality of flock fibers on a flocked surface of the film. The flock fibers are embedded in the film.
US08168261B2	Process for applying a heat shielding coating system on a metallic substrate The invention provides a process for applying a heat shielding coating system on a metallic substrate. The coating system comprises at least three individual layers selected from the group of barrier layer, hot gas corrosion protection layer, protection layer, heat barrier layer, and smoothing layer. The coating system is applied to the metallic substrate by low pressure plasma spraying in a single operation cycle. This process enables the layers to be applied in an arbitrary sequence. The process is preferably used in applying a coating system to a turbine blade, particularly a stator or a rotor blade of a stationary gas turbine or of an aircraft engine, or to another component in a stationary or aircraft turbine that is subjected to hot gas.
US08168257B2	System and method for printing a pattern on footwear The invention provides a method for applying a pattern onto the upper of a shoe or other footwear. The footwear is preferably made by injection molding where raw materials are injected into a mold to form the shape of a footwear.
US08168254B2	Method and arrangement for synchronized positioning of at least one essentially continuous material web based on a virtual master function A method for synchronized positioning of a web for manufacturing products. The method includes feeding the web into a production apparatus at a first speed; processing in the production apparatus, with the web being fed forward at a second speed; and detection of each synchronization mark for positioning the respective motif in a predetermined position on each product. The method includes the following steps: generation of a reading of the actual value of a virtual master function upon the detection, which includes a cyclic clock where the number of cycles per product includes an integer; comparison between the actual value and the expected value of the virtual master function; and stretching of the web in response to any deviation between the actual value and the expected value, with the aim of minimizing the deviation.
US08168250B2	Ejection rate measurement method, ejection rate adjustment method, liquid ejection method, method of manufacturing color filter, method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device, and method of manufacturing electro-optic device An ejection rate measurement method for a device having a plurality of droplet ejection head columns mounted on a plurality of carriages includes the steps of (a) measuring an ejection rate of a liquid ejected from a droplet ejection head included in one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, (b) sandwiching, after step (a), one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, which has not been sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns in step (a), between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, and (c) measuring an ejection rate of a liquid ejected from a droplet ejection head included in one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns in step (b).
US08168246B2	Method for instantisation of coconut milk powder The invention relates to a method for the instantization of powders for use in the food stuff and animal feed production, the particles of which comprise free surface fat, especially coconut milk powder, wherein lecithin and alginate in water or an aqueous liquid are sprayed onto the powder particles and are subsequently dried.
US08168245B2	Method for producing coral powder A coral is washed with purified water or tap water, and a crushed coral is heat-treated. Proteins and other organic matter are incorporated between calcium molecules in the coral skeleton, and the organic matter is decomposed and released as volatile components. In the skeleton from which organic matter is released, a calcium skeleton having a porous structure is formed, and the surface area of pores is increased. A hydrogen gas can be retained in the structure by adsorbing a hydrogen gas to the pores in such a calcium skeleton a porous structure (micropores). The resulting coral powder, with which ions dissolved in water are easily extracted, shows a low oxidation reduction potential when dissolved in water.
US08168228B2	Antibiotic clarithromycin micropellet compositions An oral suspension comprising (a) an antibiotic composition which comprises coated micropellets and optionally one or more excipients, (b) additional excipients, and (c) a solvent, wherein said coated micropellets comprise (i) a core comprising at least one antibiotic; (ii) an inner coating comprising at least one cellulose polymer which is not an enteric coating polymer; and (iii) an outer coating comprising at least one enteric coating polymer, wherein said coated micropellets have a mean particle size of about 100 μm to about 650 μm. The oral suspension of the invention is characterized by a lack of bitter taste.
US08168225B2	Continuous multi-microencapsulation process for improving the stability and storage life of biologically active ingredients The invention relates to microcapsules, and a continuous micro-encapsulation water-in-oil-in-water microencapsulation process through in situ and interfacial polymerization of the emulsion. The formulation comprises a continuous water phase having a dispersion of microcapsules which contain oil drops and wherein the inside of each oil phase drop—containing optionally oil-soluble materials—there is a dispersion of water, or aqueous extract or water dispersible material or water soluble material. The oil drops are encapsulated with a polymerisable material of natural origin. Such microcapsules are appropriated for spray-dry processes, to be used as dry powder, lyophilized, self-emulsifiable powder, gel, cream and any liquid form. The active compounds included in the microcapsules are beneficial to the health and other biological purposes. Such formulations are appropriate to be incorporated in any class of food, specially for the production of nutraceuticals, as well as cosmetic products (such as rejuvenescence creams, anti-wrinkle creams, gels, bath and shower consumable products and sprays). The preparations are adequate to stabilize compounds added to the food, media for cultivating microbes and nutraceuticals, specially those which are easily degradable or oxidizable.
US08168223B1	Engineered particles and methods of use Engineered particles are provided may be used for the delivery of a bioactive agent to the respiratory tract of a patient. The particles may be used in the form of dry powders or in the form of stabilized dispersions comprising a nonaqueous continuous phase. In particularly preferred embodiments the particles may be used in conjunction with an inhalation device such as a dry powder inhaler, metered dose inhaler or a nebulizer.
US08168222B2	Amphiphilic polymer-protein conjugates and methods of use thereof Compositions and methods for transporting biologically active proteins and polypeptides, particularly across the blood-brain barrier, are provided.
US08168218B2	Delayed release tablet with defined core geometry A press-coated tablet comprising a core containing an drug substance, and a coating, the core being disposed within the coating such that the coating has a first thickness about an axis A-B and a thickness about an orthogonal axis X-Y, such that the coating about the axis X-Y is thicker than the coating about the axis A-B, and is adapted to provide a lag time of between about 2 to 6 hours during which substantially no drug substance is released.
US08168209B2	Method and composition for administering an NMDA receptor antagonist to a subject The invention provides methods and compositions for administering an NMDA receptor antagonist (e.g., memantine) to a subject.
US08168198B2	Therapeutic agent for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) A therapeutic agent for treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which exhibits few, if any, side effects, is effective at inducing ovulation, and is safely available for not only females who desire to bear children, but also for unmarried or young females. A therapeutic agent for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in which an extract of mushrooms is contained as the active ingredient thereof is used.
US08168196B2	Grifola frondosa-derived substance having anti-influenza virus activity and method for producing the same This invention is intended to discover a fraction having strong anti-influenza virus activity via Mφ activation in the Grifola frondosa extract or an active substance distributed therein to develop a simple and effective production method and to use such fraction for food and beverage products, pharmaceutical products, feeds or feed additives, and the like. This is realized by treatment of maitake mushrooms with a molecular sieve apparatus, such as an ultrafiltration apparatus or gel filtration apparatus, to isolate glycoprotein-containing fractions or sugar-protein complex-containing fractions having molecular weights of 30,000 to 100,000, so as to minimize the influence on substances having strong anti-influenza virus activity and contaminants.
US08168194B2	Fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat scaffold polypeptides that are capable of binding to the HIV envelope and exposing cryptic neutralization epitopes Hybrid molecules comprising CD4 minimal modules or mimetics that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in combination with one or more HIV Tat polypeptides are described. Also described are complexes of these hybrid molecules with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US08168193B2	Molecules, compositions, methods and kits for applications associated with flaviviruses A method for controlling a flavivirus entry into a cell, kits for assaying the flavivirus entry into the cell, and methods of treating and preventing flaviviruses infections are disclosed, together with vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08168189B2	Protein A compositions and methods of use Methods and compositions for modulating an immune response in a subject are provided. Methods include administering to the subject a composition comprising an effective amount of a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), sufficient to modulate the immune response. Compositions include a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), in an amount less than 1 μg.
US08168174B2	Method of isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue A method for isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue by culturing the human fetal cells in fibroblast growth factor and chick embryo extract and immunodepleting from the cultured human fetal cells any cells expressing A2B5, NG2 and eNCAM is provided. In addition, methods for transplanting these cells into an animal are provided. Animals models transplanted with these human neuroepithelial precursor cells and methods for monitoring survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the cells in the animal model via detection of human specific markers are also provided.
US08168172B2	Process for the production of organic formulation of bio-pesticide Pseudomonas fluorescens This invention relates to a process for the production of organic formulation of bio pesticide containing Pseudomonas Fluorescens comprising preparation of Mother culture of P. fluorescens and inoculating in King's B broth, at 30±1° C. for 24-36 hours followed by liquid fermentation process in 5-10% pongamia cake aqueous extract, 5-10% neem cake aqueous extract, 0.3-0.5% sugarcane molasses and King's B broth followed by solid fermentation using sterile Pongamia deoiled cake, Neem deoiled cake, wheat Bran.
US08168171B2	Folic acid producing bifidobacterium bacterial strains, formulations and use thereof The present invention relates to folic acid-producing bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, pharmaceutical, veterinary or food formulations containing them and the use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to new bacterial strains of human origin belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, adolescentis species (2), the genus Bifidobacterium, breve species (1) and the genus Bifidobacterium, pseudocatenulatum species (2) deposited in the DSMZ collection center (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH; Braunsweig, Germany), in accordance with the Treaty of Budapest, on 21 Jul. 2004.
US08168167B2	Method for biologically combating the proliferation of Legionella pneumophila, and novel disinfecting agent containing amoebic protozoa of the Willaertia genus The invention relates to a method for biologically combating the proliferation of Legionella pneumophila, with the exception of the treatment methods applied to the human or animal body, characterized in that it uses amoebic protozoa of the species Willaerita magna, corresponding to the strain deposited with the ATCC under number PTA-7824 or the strain deposited with the ATCC under number PTA-7825.
US08168163B2	[(4E, 4Z)-5-methoxy-3-methyl-4-pentenyl]-benzene and its use in perfume compositions The present invention is directed to a novel compound, [(4E,4Z)-5-methoxy-3-methyl-4-pentenyl]-benzene, and a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of this novel compound.
US08168159B2	Compounds for tumor diagnosis and therapy The present invention discloses a method for the enzyme-mediated, site-specific, in-vivo precipitation of a water soluble molecule in an animal. The enzyme is either unique to tumor cells, or is produced within a specific site (e.g., tumor) at concentrations that are higher than that in normal tissues. Alternatively, the enzyme is conjugated to a targeting moiety such as an antibody or a receptor-binding molecule.
US08168154B2	Start-up method for producing chlorine A start-up method of a process for producing chlorine from hydrogen chloride has a mixed gas producing step of producing a mixed gas containing chlorine from hydrogen chloride, a compressed mixed gas producing step of introducing the mixed gas into an inlet of a compressor and compressing the mixed gas in compressor, a purifying step of introducing the compressed mixed gas into a purifying column and separating the compressed mixed gas into purified chlorine and impurities by distillation, and a recompressing step of introducing the purified chlorine into an inlet of the compressor and compressing the mixed gas and the purified chlorine.
US08168151B2	Organic/inorganic composite biomaterials and process for producing the same This invention provides organic/inorganic composite biomaterials constituted by composites of hydroxyapatite and collagen and having an average fiber length of 60 μm or longer, and a process for producing the same in which the calcium ion and phosphate ion concentrations in the reaction vessel are optimized through regulation of the concentration of a starting material and the flow rate. The organic/inorganic composite biomaterials have mechanical strength and a biodegradation rate suitable for artificial bones through the introduction of crosslinking therein.
US08168149B2	Promoter enhanced chilled ammonia based system and method for removal of CO2 from flue gas stream A method and system for CO2 capture from flue gas uses an absorber vessel in which a flue gas stream containing CO2 is contacted with an ammoniated solution to remove CO2 from the flue gas, and a regenerator vessel in which CO2 is released from the ammoniated solution. Parasitic energy consumption of the system can be reduced by adding to the ammoniated solution a promoter effective to enhance the formation of ammonium bicarbonate within the ammoniated solution. The amount of ammoniated solution recycled from the regenerator vessel to the absorber vessel is less than that which would be required using the ammoniated solution without the promoter for removal of the same amount of CO2 from the flue gas.
US08168148B2	Flue-gas purification and reclamation system and method thereof A flue-gas purification system includes a flue-gas cycling system, a reactor, an absorbent adding system having at least a catalytic absorbent, wherein the catalytic absorbent is being gasified for reacting with the flue-gas in the reactor in a homogenous gas-gas phase reacting manner. Therefore, the purification system has fast reaction rate between the pollutants of the flue-gas and the catalytic absorbent, which is preferably ammonia, to efficiently remove pollutants, so as to effectively purify the flue-gas.
US08168145B2	Porous titanium oxide and process for producing the same The present invention provides a porous titanium oxide having improved ultraviolet protection ability, usability, and transparency in the visible region and a process for producing thereof. The porous titanium oxide powder according to the present invention can be obtained by adding an alkali to a titanium salt solution containing a polyalcohol and then thermally hydrolyzing the solution. In addition, it is possible that after the addition of the alkali, an acid is further added to the solution and then the thermal hydrolysis is conducted, or that after thermal hydrolysis, further heat treatment with an acid is conducted. A porous titanium oxide has a mean particle size of 0.01 to 1.0 μm and a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more.
US08168142B2	Cassette for stacking specimen, spotting device, and specimen stacking device It is an object of this invention to provide a sample integration cassette, a spotting device and a sample integration device which enhance a sample integration density and reduce the size of a sample assembly and a probe. The sample integration cassette has the sample assembly and the sample support carrier so arranged therein that the sample support can be fed from the sample support carrier onto the sample assembly at a predetermined angle to the sample assembly at all times. The cassette is formed so as to be connectable with a drive unit that applies a drive force to the sample assembly and the sample support carrier interlockingly and synchronously. The spotting device has a delivery member mounting table which is vertically moved over the sample support carrier to apply samples to the sample support from the delivery member. The sample integration device rotatably supports the sample support carrier and includes a rotary drive unit for rotating the sample support carrier and the sample assembly and a biasing means connected to the rotary drive unit to pull the cassette in one direction. The sample assembly rotating device includes a rotating shaft to which the sample assembly is fitted at one end, a drive means to drive the rotating shaft, and a power supply for the drive means.
US08168141B2	Holder for holding a carrier for insertion into a cylindrical well The invention relates to a holder for holding a carrier, wherein the holder is inserted into a cylinder-shaped well, for example, of a multiwell plate. In addition the invention relates to a multiwell plate with such a holder. In order to provide a possibility for the reliable support of a carrier in a holder, wherein the holder ensures a secure and specified positioning of the carrier in a well and reliably prevents the carrier and the holder from falling out of the well, a holder is proposed for insertion into a cylindrical well and to support the carrier. The holder comprises a support, a holding piece and a connecting piece which connects the supporting piece with the holding piece, wherein the holder together with the lateral external surfaces of the supporting piece, the holding piece and/or connecting piece lies against at least one lateral internal surface of the well, and wherein the carrier is inserted on the support and under the holding piece.
US08168136B2	Fluid-conveying apparatus and method for conveying fluid by using the same A fluid-conveying apparatus conveys fluid using a channel for the fluid to flow. The apparatus includes a pressure-generating device for generating pressure for conveying the fluid, a plurality of processing areas for processing the fluid, a valve which is disposed between the processing areas and controls the fluid flow, and a pressure-relieving device for relieving the pressure in the channel.
US08168129B2	Apparatus and method for purification and disinfection of liquid, solid or gaseous substances An apparatus and method are for disinfection and purification of a liquid, gaseous or solid phase, or a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes: a central electrode, a dielectric layer adjacent to the electrode, a first area adjacent to the dielectric layer, and is configured to introduce a first medium into the first area, a second area adjacent to the first area. The apparatus is also configured to introduce a second medium into the second area, and for creating a plasma in the first medium, while the first medium is present in the first area, by applying a voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode. An injector injects the plasma into the second area, in order to be mixed with the second medium.
US08168127B2	Honeycomb structure, exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for manufacturing honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb block which includes at least one honeycomb fired body having a first end face side and a second end face side in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb fired body. The honeycomb fired body includes a plurality of cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction to define cells. Either one of first and second end portions in the longitudinal direction of each of the cells is sealed. The first end portion provided on the first end face side of the at least one honeycomb fired body is sealed with a first plug which is made from a plug material paste and fired. The second end portion provided on the second end face side of the at least one honeycomb fired body is sealed with a second plug which is made from a plug material paste and unfired.
US08168123B2	Fluidized bed reactor for production of high purity silicon Methods and apparatus for the production of high purity silicon including a fluidized bed reactor with one or more protective layers deposited on an inside surface of the fluidized bed reactor. The protective layer may be resistant to corrosion by fluidizing gases and silicon-bearing gases.
US08168120B1	Reliable switch that is triggered by the detection of a specific gas or substance A sensor, having a resonant frequency responsive to presence of an analyze, comprising a DC electrostatic excitation component, to produce a static force pulling a moveable element toward a backplate; an AC electrostatic excitation component, to produce an oscillation in the moveable element with respect to the backplate; and a sensor to detect contact between the moveable and the backplate.
US08168114B2	Methods for blow molding solid-state cellular thermoplastic articles A process for producing cellular thermoplastic articles. The process comprises the steps of treating a solid parison made from a thermoplastic material with a saturating gas at an elevated pressure for a period of time to provide a gas-saturated parison; heating the gas-saturated parison to prepare a cellular parison; placing the cellular parison in a mold; and blowing a molding gas into the cellular parison to expand the cellular parison into the shape of the mold to provide a shaped cellular article.
US08168113B2	Method for the production of a ceramic molded part A process for the preparation of a ceramic molded part from a suspension/dispersion with a solids content and a fluid content by depositing solids content at the periphery of a porous self-supporting support that is at least partially immersed in the suspension/dispersion and has the same shape as the molded part to be prepared, but with a reduced size, wherein: the solids content contains oxide-ceramic particles; the porous self-supporting support is detachably connected with a discharge in a zone that is not immersed in the suspension/dispersion; the suspension/dispersion is moved towards the porous self-supporting support by means of a positive pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the suspension/dispersion and a pressure prevailing in the discharge; wherein the fluid content of the suspension/dispersion enters in the porous self-supporting support with depositing solids content at the periphery of the porous self-supporting support.
US08168112B2	Blown films and processes of forming the same Blown films and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing a bimodal ethylene based polymer, blending the bimodal ethylene based polymer with at least about 30 ppm peroxide to form modified polyethylene and forming the modified polyethylene into a blown film.
US08168108B2	Molding apparatus and method of forming undercuts A molding apparatus can include a primary mold, a stripper, and a swinging member. The swinging member can comprise a molding surface defining an undercut portion of a molded item. The swinging member can directly contact or attached to the stripper and the primary mold. To facilitate removal of a molded item, the swinging member can withdraw through a hole in the primary mold as a direct result of a motion of the stripper to pull the molded item off the primary mold. The molded item can then be easily removed.
US08168092B2	Uniaxial pressing and heating apparatus The present invention is directed towards an uniaxial pressing and heating apparatus for the production of ceramic materials comprising a heater (4), a mold (5) and a die (3), wherein a mold (5) is arranged inside a heater (4) and the mold (5) receives a die (3) at at least one opening and wherein the die (3) is actuated under pressure into the mold (5), wherein the ratio of the length of the heater (4) and the length of the mold (5) is from ≧1.5 to ≦4. The invention is further directed towards a process for the production of ceramics and towards a ceramic material.
US08168091B2	Polyvinyl alcohol film composition, and polarizing plate employing the same The invention provides a polyvinyl alcohol film composition including: (A) 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl alcohol; and (B) 0.001 to 30 parts by weight of a multi-hydroxyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). The POSS is soluble in polar solvents, but insoluble in water. The invention also provides a polarizing plate containing the polyvinyl alcohol film composition.
US08168088B2	Electrically conductive compositions/shaped articles comprising polyamide matrices Polyamide matrix-based compositions containing electrically conductive fillers are molded into plastic shaped articles, e.g., automotive body parts, which are improvedly painted by electrostatic deposition processing.
US08168087B2	Patterned photovoltaic cell Patterned photovoltaic cells, as well as related components and methods, are disclosed.
US08168083B2	Electro-optical light control element, electro-optical display and control medium The present invention relates to an electro-optical light-modulation element of the FFS type, and to electro-optical displays and display systems, such as, for example, television screens and computer monitors, which contain elements of this type. The light-modulation elements according to the invention contain a liquid-crystalline modulation medium which has optimised elastic constants and are distinguished, in particular, by high contrast and/or optimised transmission in addition to good contrast, a low viewing-angle dependence, short response times and low addressing voltages. The present invention likewise relates to the liquid-crystalline modulation media used in the electro-optical light-modulation elements.
US08168080B2	Identifying medium, identifying medium manufacturing method, article, and identifying medium identifying method An identifying medium comprises a nematic liquid crystal layer for forming a latent image with gradation, and the nematic liquid crystal layer has a thickness distribution corresponding to the gradation.
US08168064B2	Step flange catch basin adaptor and method of using A method of mounting a grate adapter unit beneath a stormwater collection grate includes steps of providing a grate adapter unit having a plurality of outwardly extending mounting flanges, each mounting flange being adapted to fit a different size commercially common stormwater collection grate. The grate adapter unit is trimmed, either at the factory, at the contractor's facilities or at the installation site, at the desired location to select a desired one of the mounting flanges that is appropriate for the collection grate to which the grate adapter is being fit. The grate adapter unit is then mounted beneath the stormwater collection grate using the selected mounting flange. A stormwater remediation unit may be pre-mounted to a lower end of the grate adapter unit or mounted to the lower end after installation.
US08168058B2	Method for manufacturing a lithium phosphate thin film An electrochemical method for manufacturing a lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) thin film includes preparing an electroplating solution and forming the lithium phosphate thin film on a conductive substrate under suitable conditions. The electroplating bath includes about 10−2 M to about 10−1 M lithium ion and about 10−2 M to about 1 M monohydrogen phosphate ion (HPO42−) or dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4−).
US08168057B2	Balancing pressure to improve a fluid seal A method of fluid sealing a workpiece is provided. The method includes providing a force to cause a ring to form a barrier to fluid entry with the workpiece and preventing fluid from crossing the barrier to fluid entry by forming a pressure differential across the barrier.
US08168054B2	Gas sensing element with increased response A gas sensing element is disclosed as having a measuring gas chamber to which measuring gases are admitted, a diffusion resistance portion for introducing measuring gases to the measuring gas chamber under diffusion resistance, a sensor cell for detecting a specified gas concentration of measuring gases, and an oxygen pump cell for adjusting an oxygen concentration in the measuring gases. The sensor cell includes a measuring electrode, placed facing the measuring gas chamber, and a reference electrode formed in pair with the measuring electrode. The oxygen pump cell includes an inner pump electrode placed facing the measuring gas chamber, and an outer pump electrode formed in pair with the inner pump electrode. The diffusion resistance portion is placed in an area inside of external end walls of the inner pump electrode to be exposed to the measuring gas chamber.
US08168053B2	Gas sensing member used for gas sensor and method of manufacturing the member A gas sensing member has a unit structure and a porous protective layer disposed on the unit structure. The unit structure has a solid electrolyte body, a gas measurement electrode disposed on a surface of the body and exposed to a measured gas entering at a gas inlet, a reference gas electrode disposed on another surface of the body and exposed to a reference gas, and a heater disposed close to the body. The heater has a heater substrate and heating elements disposed in the heater substrate. The heating elements heat the body. The heater substrate has side corner areas placed on side corners of the unit structure and being adjacent to the heating elements. The protective layer is disposed on the gas inlet such that the side corner areas are not covered with the protective layer and are directly exposed to the measured gas.
US08168051B2	Sensor for determination of glucose A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.
US08168047B1	HHO electrolysis cell for increased vehicle fuel mileage A HHO electrolysis cell mounted in a vehicle for creating hydrogen The hydrogen is mixed with a vehicle's fuel supply for increased fuel mileage. The electrolysis cell includes a cell housing for holding water. A plurality of positive electrode plates are mounted inside the cell housing and attached to a positive pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The positive pole is adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. A plurality of negative electrode plates are mounted inside the housing and indexed in a spaced relationship between each of the positive electrode plates. The negative electrode plates are attached to a negative pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The negative pole is also adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. The negative electrode plates are attached to a moveable plate rod mounted inside the cell housing. One end of the moveable rod is adapted for attachment to a linkage assembly connected to a vehicle's fuel system. As the vehicle accelerates in speed from idle, the plate rod moves the negative plates toward the positive plates, thus increasing the amount of electrolysis of the water in the cell housing and thus increasing the amount of hydrogen generated therein. The hydrogen is discharged out a hydrogen fuel port in the top of the cell housing to the fuel system.
US08168045B2	Apparatus for an enhanced magnetic plating method An apparatus for plating a magnetic film on a substrate includes: a track including a plurality of stopping points along the track; a permanent magnet placed on the track such that the permanent magnet can be moved along the track towards and away from the stopping points; at least one plating tank positioned on the stopping point; and a removable high permeability iron flux concentrator inserted into gaps between the substrate and inside walls of the plating tank, substantially surrounding the substrate and extending around and under the substrate.
US08168044B2	Thermochemical reactor for a self-propelled harvesting vehicle A thermochemical reactor includes a contact surface and a pressing device for pressing raw material to be pyrolyzed against the rotationally symmetrical contact surface which is rotatable relative to the raw material. A generating line of the contact surface is oriented at an angle to a radius that is perpendicular to the axis of the relative rotation.
US08168043B2	Retort apparatus and method for continuously processing liquid and solid mixtures and for recovering products therefrom A retort apparatus includes a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe (27). The interior area of the primary rotating pipe is bounded by a heated pipe. A first annulus is formed between the primary and second rotating pipes. A second annulus is formed between the second rotating pipe and the heated pipe. A third annulus is formed between the primary rotating pipe and the fixed pipe. A heater is positioned within the interior area of said primary rotating pipe. In one embodiment, an inlet gate is provided for introducing a liquid and solid mixture into the first annulus proximate the second end thereof. A first conveyor is provided to move the mixture toward the hot end of the primary rotating pipe. A second conveyance is provided for transferring the mixture from the first annulus to the second annulus within the interior of the primary rotating pipe, and a third conveyance is provided to move the mixture within the second annulus in a direction toward the cooler end of the primary rotating pipe. A method according to the invention includes introducing a liquid and solid mixture into an annulus formed between the two rotating pipes and causing the mixture to move within the annulus toward one end of the pipe. The method also includes transferring the mixture from the annulus to the interior area of the inner rotating pipe, and causing the mixture within the interior area to move in a direction toward the other end of the rotating pipe.
US08168039B2	Electroconductive aramid paper and tape made therefrom This invention relates to a tape made from an aramid paper, and a process for making the paper, the papers comprising 5 to 65 parts by weight aramid fiber, 30-90 parts by weight aramid fibrids, and 1-20 parts by weight of conductive filler, based on the total weight of the aramid fiber, fibrids, and filler; the paper having an apparent density of not more than 0.43 g/cm3 and a tensile index not less than 60 Nm/g.
US08168033B1	Methods and devices for printing and affixing an individual label onto an item having a machine readable code thereon Methods and systems are disclosed for printing and affixing an individual label onto an item having a machine readable code thereon. The method includes steps of scanning the machine readable code to obtain unique item information from the scanned machine readable code; supplying a label to a printer; sending the unique item information to the printer; printing information to the label using the unique item information; and affixing the printed label onto the item.
US08168029B2	System and method for the rapid, automated creation of advanced composite tailored blanks An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.
US08168028B2	Method and apparatus for making article having side seams A method for forming an undergarment comprises providing a web, cutting the web to form a pre-form, the pre-form comprising the first and the second transverse edges and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having two waist sections and a crotch section located intermediate the waist sections, a sealing area being located adjacent and inboard of each waist section, and transferring the pre-form to a processing wheel. The method further comprises gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with the grippers in four gripping areas, each gripping area being located near a respective sealing area, jointly rotating at least the grippers that hold the gripping areas in the region of one of the transverse edges around at least one hinging axis extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form to place the transverse edge generally parallel and opposite to the second transverse edge, superimposing the sealing areas in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas, thus forming the undergarment, and releasing the undergarment from the grippers.
US08168026B1	Elastomeric ball and method of manufacturing same The present invention is directed to a ball including an outer shell formed from a first thermoplastic material and having an inner surface defining a cavity, outer details formed from a second thermoplastic material and disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer shell, and a core formed from a foamable polymeric material and disposed within the cavity of the outer shell. The ball may be produced by forming a pair of half shells having inner surfaces defining corresponding portions of the cavity of the outer shell, forming the outer details on the outer surface of at least one of the half shells, and foaming a polymeric material to form the core.
US08168023B2	Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
US08168022B2	Process for producing laminates of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of -forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, -forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby -stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer -consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.
US08168021B2	Process for assembling a tire A process for assembling a tire, including producing a crown of said tire on a drum of variable diameter of a generally cylindrical form. The assembling process includes: positioning the drum at a first diameter D1; depositing a first crown belt ply N1 of reinforcement cables coated in a rubber mix forming a given angle α1 with a circumferential direction, by activating first and second holding devices to make an entire first crown belt ply N1 adhere to a surface of the drum; depositing a second crown belt ply N2 of reinforcement cables coated in a rubber mix forming a given angle α2 of an opposite sign to the angle α1 with the circumferential direction; making the second crown belt ply N2 adhere to the first crown belt ply N1; while keeping the first holding device in the preceding configuration, activating the second holding device so as to permit sliding of the first crown belt ply level with said second holding device; positioning the drum at a second diameter D2 greater than the first diameter D1; activating the second holding device so as to make the first and second crown belt plies adhere to the surface of the drum; depositing additional plies and profiled products to form the crown of the tire; and removing the crown from the drum.
US08168020B2	Pneumatic tire and its fabricating method Two kinds or more of resin films having different surface roughnesses are pasted to an outer surface of a side portion of an unvulcanized tire, the unvulcanized tire is vulcanized and molded in a state of pasting the resin films, thereby, a pneumatic tire provided with two kinds or more of the resin films at the outer surface of the tire side portion to be able to be exfoliated therefrom is fabricated.
US08168012B2	Binary titanium-zirconium alloy for surgical implants and a suitable manufacturing process The present invention relates to a binary single phase titanium-zirconium alloy suitable for the production of surgical implants. The alloy includes a zirconium content of less than 25% but more than 5% by weight, and 0.1% to 0.3% by weight of oxygen as a strength enhancing additive, and not more than 1% by weight of other strength enhancing additives and technical impurities.
US08168011B2	High-strength steel wire excellent in ductility and method of manufacturing the same The invention provides wire rod excellent in drawability and steel wire made from the wire rod as starting material with high productivity at good yield and low cost. A hard steel wire rod of a specified composition is heated in a specified temperature range to conduct post-reaustenization patenting and thereby obtain a high-carbon steel wire excellent in ductility that has a pearlite structure of an area ratio of 97% or greater and the balance of non-pearlite structures including bainite, degenerate-pearlite and pro-eutectoid ferrite and whose fracture reduction of area RA satisfies Expressions (1), (2) and (3) below: RA≧RAmin (1), where RAmin=a−b×pearlite block size (μm), a=−0.0001187×TS (MPa)2+0.31814×TS (MPa)−151.32 (2) b=0.0007445×TS (MPa)−0.3753 (3).
US08168005B2	Liquid detergent composition for improved grease cleaning comprising an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer A stable liquid detergent composition having a pH comprised between 7.5 and 8.4 and comprising an alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactant, an amine oxide surfactant and a polyethyleneimine polymer to provide improved grease cleaning and sudsing and to reduce solution slipperiness.
US08168003B2	Fiber comprising starch and a surfactant The present invention relates to a fiber having starch and a surfactant, and a web employing such a fiber.
US08168001B2	Film-forming apparatus and film-forming method Film-forming apparatus including a film-forming vacuum chamber having a stage for a substrate, a chamber for mixing gas comprising a raw gas and a reactive gas connected to the film-forming chamber, a chamber for vaporizing the raw material, and a gas head for introducing the mixed gas into the film-forming chamber, disposed on the upper face of the film-forming chamber and opposed to the stage. Particle traps with controllable temperatures are positioned between the vaporization chamber and the mixing chamber and on the downstream side of the mixing chamber. When forming a thin film with the apparatus, a reactive gas and/or a carrier gas are passed through the film-forming chamber while opening a valve in a by-pass line, connecting the primary side to the secondary side of the particle trap arranged at the downstream side of the mixing chamber. The valve is then closed and the film-forming operation is initiated.
US08168000B2	III-nitride semiconductor device fabrication A method of fabricating a III-nitride power semiconductor device which includes selective prevention of the growth of III-nitride semiconductor bodies to selected areas on a substrate in order to reduce stresses and prevent cracking.
US08167999B2	Three-dimensional printing material system with improved color, article performance, and ease of use A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The materials system includes particulate mixtures having a whitening agent and a solid particulate additive comprising an acid, the latter adapted for modifying a cure rate of an infiltrant. The materials system also includes aqueous fluids including optical brightening agents.
US08167996B2	Lightweight structural concrete provided with various wood properties A lightweight structural concrete with screw-ability and nail-ability similar to wood is composed of a non-structural and ultra lightweight aggregate such as expanded perlite or a combination of expanded perlite and polystyrene beads of a particular size distribution and volume amount, entrained air cells of another specific size distribution and volume amount, and dense cementitious composition of a cement binder, a fine grade structural filler no larger than concrete sand grade, a pozzolan, and optional micro-fibers for reinforcement. This structural concrete matrix is optimized to hold 13 gauge T-nails and bugle head wood screws with thread ranging from 8 to 11 threads per inch and diameter of 0.10″ to 0.137″. The resulting concrete will have consistent screw-ability and nail-ability similar to that of wood.
US08167994B2	Cellular cementitious composition A cementitious slurry and method of making the cementitious slurry comprising mixing a pozzolanic component, a foaming agent of hypochlorite, and a hydroxide solution of soluble hydroxide dissolved in water, whereby the slurry is foamed and hardened into a cellular cementitious composition.
US08167987B2	Methods and systems for cooling a chromatographic column Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.
US08167982B2	Dryer unit for compressed air and other gaseous media A vertically directed dryer unit for compressed air, comprising a dryer cartridge which, together with a housing, defines an inlet head area and an outlet head area. A plurality of hollow membrane fibers extend inside the cartridge between the two head areas, the wall material thereof being more permeable with respect to water vapor than air. An outlet valve is provided between the outlet head area and an outlet of the drier unit. Said valve only opens when the pressure in the outlet head area produces sufficient pressure for the provision of purging air. The purging air is fed to the outer surface of the membrane fibers via a throttle element.
US08167979B2	High efficiency, non-toxic scrubbing system and method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas Scrubbing systems and methods for removing carbon dioxide from a gas are provided. The scrubbing system can include a scrubber defining a vertically oriented tubing assembly, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The tubing assembly has a tank section, a reduced diameter section, and an expansion section such that the expansion section is positioned above the reduced diameter section and the reduced diameter section is positioned above the tank section. An aqueous liquid-phase scrubbing media is contained within the tank section. The scrubbing system can further include a water bath configured to receive the CO2-free gas exiting the scrubber.
US08167977B2	Purification of an H2/CO mixture with lead control of the regeneration heater A method of purifying a gaseous mixture rich in hydrogen and in carbon monoxide, commonly termed an H2/CO mixture or syngas, by adsorption prior to treating it cryogenically with a view to producing a CO-rich fraction, and/or one or more H2/CO mixtures of determined content, such as a mixture of 50 mol % H2/50 mol % CO and generally a hydrogen-rich fraction is provided.
US08167975B2	Exhaust gas purifying method and apparatus A system is provided that prevents inhibition of adsorption of Hg and other heavy metals by activated carbon or other heavy metal adsorbent due to prior adsorption of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in an exhaust gas containing SO3. As it has been found that while SO3 is adsorbed, the adsorption of SO3 precedes the adsorption of Hg and other heavy metals onto activated carbon, a basic substance injection system is disposed along an exhaust gas flow channel at an upstream side of an activated carbon injection system, thereby attaining effective removal of Hg and other heavy metals from the exhaust gas by adsorption thereof onto surface pores of the activated carbon. The SO3 concentration after removal by basic substance conversion is computed from the SO3 concentration before removal, and the activated carbon injection rate can be controlled based on the concentration after removal.
US08167974B2	Terephthalic acid purge filtration rate by controlling % water in filter feed slurry The process relates improving the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic acid, while utilizing pressure filtration.
US08167973B2	Microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon and carbon-metal composites from lignin, tannin and asphalt derivatives A process for synthesizing carbon-metal nanocomposites. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of preparing a metal derivative or a metal chelated derivative of a carbon-containing precursor in solid form, and subjecting the metal derivative or metal chelated derivative of a carbon-containing precursor in solid form to microwave radiation at a frequency in the range of 900 MHz to 5.8 GHz, for a period of time effective to generate a heat flow from inside of the metal derivative or metal chelated derivative of a carbon-containing precursor in solid form to the outside such that the temperature of the metal derivative or metal chelated derivative of a carbon-containing precursor in solid form reaches 1,000° C. in less than 6 minutes with a temperature (T) derivative over time (t), ΔT/Δt, no less than 2.5° C./second to form carbon-metal nanocomposites.
US08167968B2	Air cleaner housing and intake system for an engine, and vehicle incorporating same In a vehicle having an air cleaner for cleaning incoming intake air supplied to an engine, a stepped surface is formed on at least one of a plurality of walls of an air cleaner housing. The stepped surface is formed on an upper wall of the air cleaner housing, such that an outer step is arranged on a periphery of an inner step. The upper wall is formed into a stereoscopic shape by providing the stepped surface thereon, such that the rigidity of the upper wall is enhanced, and a sonic resonance of the upper wall can be suppressed during vehicle operation, thereby reducing intake noises. By providing the stepped surface to the upper wall of the air cleaner for reducing intake noises, and it is unnecessary to add one or more extra components to the air cleaner for reducing intake noises.
US08167960B2	Method of removing carbon dioxide emissions from in-situ recovery of bitumen and heavy oil The present invention, in one configuration, is directed to producing a methane-containing gas from a hydrocarbon fuel energy source extracted from an in-situ recovery operation, such as a SAGD or HAGD operation, and subsequently converting at least a portion of the gas into steam, electrical power and diluents for subsequent use in the aforementioned in-situ recovery operation while emitting only controlled amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment.
US08167957B2	Agents and methods for treating biodegradable synthetic yarns which are to be subjected to false twisting process An agent and method for treating biodegradable synthetic yarns fabricated from a polymer comprising lactic acid as a main component, which enable improved lubricity, cohesion, etc. to be so imparted to the biodegradable synthetic yarns that the yarns can be prevented from fuzzing and breaking at every step from spinning to down-stream step, especially at a false twisting step and improved in terms of bulkiness, providing yarns having improved mechanical properties in a stable manner. The agent of the invention comprises 0.1 to 30 weight % of a specific functional agent, and a lubricant and a surfactant in the total amount of 70 weight % or greater, and has a friction coefficient in the range of 0.04 to 0.35.
US08167951B2	Method and apparatus for reconstructing a ligament and/or repairing cartilage, and for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy A method for reconstructing a knee ligament and for performing a tibial osteotomy on the knee in a single procedure, the method comprising: forming a bone tunnel through the tibia at a location appropriate for the ligament reconstruction, disposing a graft ligament in the bone tunnel, and securing the graft ligament in the bone tunnel, and forming a wedge-like opening in the bone at a location appropriate for the tibial osteotomy, positioning an osteotomy implant in the wedge-like opening in the bone, and securing the osteotomy implant in the wedge-like opening in the bone; wherein the osteotomy implant is secured in the wedge-like opening in the bone with a fastener which extends through the implant and into the bone tunnel.
US08167950B2	Minimally invasive lateral intervertbral fixation system, device and method A system, device and method are disclosed for minimally invasive lateral intervertebral fixation. An intervertebral fixation device includes a weight-bearing shell configured to fit into a disk space between plural vertebrae, the weight-bearing shell including a keyway opening between and through plural sidewalls. A first plurality of anchors is rotatably disposed in a first orientation in relation to the weight-bearing shell. A second plurality of anchors is rotatably disposed in a second orientation in relation to the weight-bearing shell. A key is adapted to rotate the first plurality of anchors in divergent directions from the second plurality of anchors and to secure a first vertebra and a second vertebra, respectively. The key is further adapted to support the first plurality of anchors and the second plurality of anchors in divergent directions in relation to the weight-bearing shell, the first plurality of anchors and the second plurality of anchors secured to the first vertebra and the second vertebra.
US08167943B2	Materials and methods for improved bone tendon bone transplantation Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.
US08167941B2	Intraocular, accommodating lens and methods of use An intraocular lens comprises an optical element adapted to be implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye. The optical element includes one or more internal layers formed by one or more planes that are moveable relative to one another in order to effect the power of the optical element.
US08167938B1	Reading enhancement device for preventing and treating presbyopia of the eye A reading enhancement device for preventing and/or treating presbyopia of the eye. The enhancement device is sutured to an outer wall of the sclera for buckling and compressing a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body inwardly and perpendicular to the plane of the sclera and exerting a posterior compression force toward the vitreous humor in the rear of the eye. The enhancement device includes a compression body with a front of the body having semi-circular convex surface. The compression body made of a non-metallic, synthetic polymer. The convex surface is used for engaging, buckling and compressing both a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body of the eye. The compression body also includes an enlarged, rounded first and second end portions and an elongated center portion with the convex surface formed thereon. Also, the compression body includes a rear having an outwardly extending rib portion with a pair of grooves at opposite ends of the rib portion. The grooves and the enlarged, rounded first and second end portions are used to aid the eye surgeon in suturing and securing the enhancement device to the side of the eye.
US08167933B2	Annuloplasty apparatus and methods An annuloplasty system for repairing a valve in a patient's heart comprises a surgical implant including a member having first and second end portions. The implant member further is configured and/or adapted to form a partial ring along a portion of one of the valve annulae of a patient's heart such as the mitral or tricuspid valve annulus. The implant member is axially elastic such that it can axially expand and contract and includes first and second anchors extending from the end portions of the implant member. The anchors are adapted to anchor the implant in tissue such as the mitral or tricuspid valve annulus. The system can facilitate tissue plication (e.g., of the posterior annulus of the mitral valve or the annulus of the tricuspid valve) and reinforcement of a valve annulus.
US08167930B2	Stent graft for treatment of emergency rupture of a vessel A stent graft (2) for treatment of an emergency rupture of, for instance, the aorta adjacent the aortic bifurcation. The stent graft comprising a tubular body (8) with a bifurcation (10) in the tubular body defining a first long leg (12) and a second short leg (14). The second leg has a valve arrangement (18) to prevent fluid flow through the second leg from the stent graft. The valve can be opened from external of the stent graft for the placement of a leg extension stent graft (90) therethrough.
US08167928B2	MRT-compatible valve prosthesis for use in the human or animal body for replacement of an organ valve or a vessel valve The invention relates to a biological or artificial valve prosthesis (4, 5) for use in the human or animal body for replacement of an organ valve or a vessel valve, in particular a cardiac valve prosthesis or venous valve prosthesis, with a stent (8) or without a stent, with a supporting valve framework, with at least one valve (7) and with at least one conductor loop (2) that forms the inductance of an electrical resonance circuit. In order to provide a simple and inexpensive valve prosthesis that can be viewed in the MR imaging technique and is also easy to implant, the invention proposes that the at least one conductor loop (2) forms the valve framework and/or the valve (7) or supporting areas of the valve framework and/or supporting areas of the valve (7).
US08167925B2	Single puncture bifurcation graft deployment system The present invention relates to the endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the aortic and iliac bifurcation. In particular, a deployment system and graft are disclosed for deploying the bifurcated graft within both iliac branches, as well as the aortic trunk, from a single vascular access.
US08167924B2	Therapeutic garment A therapeutic garment includes a brassiere having opposed first and second shoulder straps formed with opposed first and second breast-receiving cups, respectively, each having an outer surface. A reusable gel pack for heat or cold therapy is suspended from the first and second shoulder straps, extends downwardly from the first and second shoulder straps to the first and second breast-receiving cups, and overlies and extends across the outer surfaces of the first and second breast-receiving cups to provide heat or cold therapy to the first and second breast-receiving cups at the outer surface of each of the first and second breast-receiving cups.
US08167923B2	Cooling of localized areas of the body for cerebral blood flow augmentation Methods are described for augmenting cerebral blood flow and altering sympathetic nerve firing and catecholamine release by cooling a part of the body. In particular localized cooling of the nose or mouth is used to augment cerebral blood flow and alter sympathetic nerve firing. By cooling a localized area such as nose or mouth, release of norepinephrine after an ischemic event is inhibited. The methods described may be applied to augment cerebral blood flow and alter catecholamine release, particularly in treatment of stroke, heart attack and transient ischemic event.
US08167922B2	Cooling and warming blanket A cooling and warming blanket includes a blanket, a first channel, and a plurality of air chambers. The blanket includes an upper layer and a lower layer, each of which further includes a cover layer and an inner layer. The inner layers of the upper and lower layers are melted and integrated into one piece by high-frequency sealing to define a liquid inputting area and a liquid outputting area. The first channel is formed between a portion of the liquid inputting and outputting areas for conveying a liquid from the liquid inputting area to the liquid outputting area. The air chambers are formed in the liquid inputting and outputting areas, and a second channel is formed between each two adjacent air chambers. Thus, the liquid in the liquid inputting and outputting areas can be conveyed throughout the liquid inputting and outputting areas via the second channels.
US08167919B2	System and method for securing a plate to the spinal column The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.
US08167916B2	Anchoring member with safety ring A method for osteosynthesis of a spinal column using an assembly including at least a bone anchor, a ring, a connecting member, and a connector, the method including assembling the bone anchor and ring in the connector; positioning an anchoring part of the bone anchor in bone; assembling the connecting member in the connector such that the bone anchor, ring and connecting member are arranged to be tightened against each other in the connector; and tightening of the assembly by applying a force on the connecting member such that the connecting member contacts the ring and a head of the bone anchor.
US08167915B2	Methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis. The methods comprising gaining access to an interspinous space, abrading a portion of the superior spinous process, inserting an implant into the interspinous process space, verifying the position of the implant by observing the position of three radio-opaque markers embedded in the implant, and coupling the implant to the superior spinous process.
US08167911B2	Apparatus for connecting a longitudinal member to a bone portion An apparatus includes a fastener engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member to the bone portion. A housing has a first passage configured to receive the longitudinal member and a second passage extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener extends through an opening in the housing into the second passage. The second passage includes a plurality of frustoconical surfaces for engagement with the fastener.
US08167908B2	Polyaxial transverse connector A polyaxial transverse connector for stabilizing a portion of the spine. Connector bodies are coupled to rods attached to either side of the spine. Heads of transverse members are positioned in the connector bodies such that they exhibit polyaxial motion. The transverse members may have curves or offsets to accommodate other components or patient anatomy. A connector connects the transverse members and male threaded inserts are advanced into the connector bodies to inhibit motion of the polyaxial transverse connector.
US08167906B2	Suture anchor with pulley Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
US08167899B2	Retractable stylet and cannula combination In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.
US08167891B2	System and method for fracture reduction A system for fracture reduction includes a reduction plate for reducing a fracture between a first bone segment and a second bone segment. The reduction plate includes, on a first side of the reduction plate, a travel slot and a screw hole. The travel slot is configured to slidably engage a first positioning element that extends into the first bone segment through the travel slot and the first screw hole is configured to affix the first side of the reduction plate to the first bone segment. The reduction plate includes, on a second side of the reduction plate, an adjustment hole and a second screw hole. The adjustment hole is configured to engage a second positioning element that extends into the second bone segment through the adjustment hole and the second screw hole is configured to affix the second side of the reduction plate to the second bone segment.
US08167886B2	Insertion tool for a vertebral defect device An insertion tool for a vertebral defect device having upper and lower openings includes a first finger sized and shaped to cooperatively engage the upper opening. A second finger is sized and shaped to cooperatively engage the lower opening. An outer surface of each finger is shaped to match a contoured shape of the vertebral defect device proximate to the respective finger to allow a smooth insertion of the vertebral defect device between a pair of adjacent vertebrae. A driving member is sized and shaped to engage a body of the vertebral defect device, such that during insertion the driving member is driven to push the vertebral defect device between the pair of adjacent vertebrae.
US08167883B2	Oscillating bone chipper Improved method for removing large amount of bone and articulate surface including cartilage comprising a bone chipper, which can be adapted for usage with any large articular surface or bony structure through a small incision using minimally invasive surgical approach. The inventive device includes an oscillating chipper tip having a series of metallic blades with sharp cutting edges vertically situated and attached to a metallic circular platform. Said platform is situated at the distal end of shank blade. The circular platform and cutting blade will oscillate horizontally driven by the reciprocating eccentric cam with his attached proximally to a reciprocating central shaft. Each of the vertical blades has two sharp vertical cutting edges. The blade shank contains a suction channel, which allows of the removal of bone particles and tissue debris generated by the cutting process. The electromagnetic driver comprises three or four electromagnetic coils placed in a collinear fashion and in series. The coils being separated by magnetic Neodymium wafers firmly attached to the reciprocating central shaft which actually move back and forth driven by the electromagnetic coils as they receive alternating current from a frequency modulator external power supply unit. A railing in the form of an inverted T located at the bottom of the electromagnet driver and used to guide the movement of the driver when said guide slides into corresponding T grooves located on the femoral and tibial templates which are positioned adjacent to the tibial and femoral bones and firmly secured by two or more large guide wires inserted through the templates and into the bone.
US08167878B2	Bipolar electrosurgical probe for use with conductive irrigation fluids An electrosurgical probe configured for cutting or coagulating tissue, and an electrosurgical procedure that employs the electrosurgical probe. The probe includes first and second conductors disposed in a sheath, and first and second electrodes electrically insulated from the sheath and protruding from its distal end. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first conductor to define an active pole of a radio frequency circuit, and configured to perform cutting or coagulation of tissue when the radio frequency current flows to the first electrode. The second electrode is electrically connected to the second conductor, and configured to define a focused ground point in close proximity to the active pole defined by the first electrode so as to complete the radio frequency circuit with the first electrode when a conductive fluid surrounds the first and second electrodes and the radio frequency current flows to the first electrode.
US08167877B2	Endoscopic mucosal resection device with overtube and method of use A medical apparatus and method useful for resecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The apparatus can include an RF tissue cutting device disposed inward of a side opening in the device. A tissue stop can be used to control the depth of tissue resected, and the tissue stop can include holes for communicating vacuum for drawing tissue into the side opening. The tissue stop can be electrically grounded with respect to the RF tissue cutting device, and the tissue stop can provide one pole of an RF electrical circuit.
US08167869B2	Wound therapy system with proportional valve mechanism A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a wound includes a wound dressing adapted for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject to apply a subatmospheric pressure to the wound and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism may be portable and adapted to be carried or worn by the subject.
US08167868B1	VASER assisted high definition liposculpture A surgical procedure for performing liposculpture on the human body comprising defining a surgical site where the liposculpture is to be performed including substantially 360 about at least the torso portion of the body. The surgical site is infiltrated with a predetermined quantity of solution and subsequently performing multi-layer emulsification of fat deposits about the surgical site utilizing technology comprising “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance” or (VASER), wherein the multi-layer emulsification includes at least a superficial layer emulsification of fat deposits and a deep layer emulsification of fat deposits. Subsequently, a multi-layer liposuction extraction of the emulsified fat deposits is performed, wherein the multi-layer liposuction extraction comprises a deep layer liposuction; a superficial layer liposuction and an intermediate layer liposuction.
US08167867B2	Oval-shaped cardiac cannula A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.
US08167866B2	Drug delivery system for accelerated subcutaneous absorption A method for accelerating subcutaneous absorption of a fluid or drug into the systemic circulation of a specific targeted tissue. A first drug operative to produce local capillary vasodilatation and/or increase the rate of bulk flow of solution through the interstitial space is mixed with a fluid. The fluid may contain a crystalloid solution or a dilute solution of a pharmacologic drug required for a routine or emergency therapeutic treatment for a patient. The first drug is substantially non-toxic to the patient. The fluid mixed with the first drug is then delivered subcutaneously or into deeper tissues of the patient, by use of a hyperdermic needle or infiltration cannula. As the capillaries are dilated, the fluid is efficiently absorbed and circulated systemically.
US08167865B2	Avoiding unintentional withdrawal of access device from a vessel The present invention relates to a method and a device for avoiding that any of at least one first or at least one second access device (20, 30) is unintentionally withdrawn from a vessel (11). According to the present invention this is achieved by inserting the first access device in a first direction in the vessel, inserting the second access device in a second direction in the vessel, the second direction being different from the first direction and interconnecting the first and the second access device by providing a fixed length of an interconnecting device (50).
US08167864B2	Spike-accommodating container holder A holding device for a container having a closure system to be pierced by a spike includes a base, a shield, and a mounting unit supporting the base. The base includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and an elongate body extending therebetween. The base body defines an elongate open spike cavity extending between opposing ends thereof. The channel receives an elongate spike therein so that a free end of the spike extends beyond the base body from the channel. The shield includes first and second opposed open ends and an elongate cylindrical wall extending therebetween. The shield is telescopically mounted over the base so as to be movable between a first position wherein an inserted spike is clear of inserted container cap and a second position wherein the spike pierces through the septum of the container cap at the intended location.
US08167863B2	Vented vial adapter with filter for aerosol retention A vented vial adapter has a filter attached to a vent arm that includes at least two filter media for suppressing aerosolized medicaments from leaving the vial and suppressing bacteria and other contaminants from entering the vial during reconstitution activities of the medication in the vial. The filter media allows the passage of air to the atmosphere outside the vial for pressure equalization. In another aspect, a third filter medium is used in the vent of the adapter to allow gas to pass in either direction through it, but prevents bacteria and particulate matter in the atmosphere from reaching the second filter device. A first filter is hydrophobic and prevents non-dispersed liquid from reaching the second filter, while conducting liquid dispersed in gas. The second filter absorbs the liquid dispersed in gas.
US08167860B1	Panty liner/pad system A body portion has opposed ends spaced centrally by a length. The body portion has opposed concave sides. The concave sides are spaced by a minimum width when measured at the midpoint of the length. The body portion has planar upper and lower surfaces. A vertically oriented projection extends upwardly from the upper surface of the body portion. The body portion has a lower edge centrally positioned on the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The projection has an upper edge centrally positioned above the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The projection has a forward end in a generally triangular configuration. The projection has a rearward end in a generally triangular configuration. The forward end has a thickness greater than the thickness of the rearward end.
US08167851B2	Safety transfusion catheter A safety transfusion catheter includes a flexible retention tube fitted over a metal guiding needle. The flexible retention tube is provided with a needle handle connected with it. The angle between the end of the flexible retention tube and its longitudinal axis or longitudinal tube wall is less than 90.degree. The cross section of the needle handle has an outer contour line of a closed curve formed with a curve intersecting a beeline. A further safety transfusion catheter includes a flexible retention tube fitted over a metal guiding needle, a transfusion connecting tube in fluid communication with flexible retention tube and a rubber casing cap at the end of the flexible retention tube. The transfusion connecting tube and flexible retention tube form a T-shaped or an oblique Y-shaped structure.
US08167849B2	Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.
US08167843B2	Trocar with retention cannula A trocar comprises a retention cannula comprising an inverted or incised retention pattern disposed thereon. Embodiments of the incised cannula exhibit reduced tissue trauma compared with screw-threaded cannula, improved fixation and/or retention compared with an unthreaded cannula, and good sealing between the cannula and the incision.
US08167841B2	Transcutaneous device assembly A medical device is provided comprising a cannula having a distal portion adapted to be arranged through the skin of the subject, and an outer needle arranged coaxially with and being axially moveable relative to the cannula, the needle comprising a pointed distal end, wherein the device is adapted for advancing the cannula with the distal end of the needle projecting there from through the dermis of the subject, and subsequently retract the needle.
US08167833B2	Breast pump The present disclosed subject matter provides a breast pump in which, by the use of an operation performed by a user, the negative pressure (suctioning pressure) can be adjusted in accordance with the amount of the operation in a linear fashion without the occurrence of a steep gradient, and the negative pressure can be readily adjusted even during the expression of milk.
US08167832B2	Ambulatory infusion devices and methods including occlusion monitoring Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices. High resolution pressure sensing and/or the sensing of a reflected pressure event may be used to detect a blockage.
US08167831B2	Catheter with multiple ultrasound radiating members A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The method comprises providing a catheter with a plurality of ultrasound radiating members, wherein the plurality of ultrasound radiating members are allocated into electrical groups comprising more than one ultrasound radiating member. The method further comprises independently driving each group of ultrasonic radiating members, and delivering the therapeutic compound through the catheter to the treatment site.
US08167830B2	Methods and systems for low frequency mechanical treatment of the prostate Methods and apparatus for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia rely on imparting a low frequency vibration to the prostate. A treatment catheter is introduced through the urethra, and the vibrating element on the catheter energized within the prostate. The low frequency vibration reduces pressure from the prostate on the urethra, possibly by inducing apoptosis of smooth muscle cells.
US08167829B2	Orthotic apparatus In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure having an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion. The orthotic apparatus further includes at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure. The at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure.
US08167826B2	Vibration generating apparatus and method introducing hypersonic effect to activate fundamental brain network and heighten aesthetic sensibility A means is provided for generating a vibration or a vibration signal, which contains audible range components that are vibration components in the audible frequency range and super-high-frequency components within a range exceeding the audible frequency range up to a predetermined maximum frequency, and which has an autocorrelation order represented by at least either one of a first property and a second property. By applying the vibration or an actual vibration generated from the vibration signal to a human being, a fundamental brain activation effect activating the fundamental brain network system constituted of a fundamental brain including the brain stem, thalamus and hypothalamus that are regions to bear the fundamental function of the human being and the fundamental brain network of neuronal projection from the fundamental brain to various brain regions is introduced.
US08167825B2	Elastic hysteretic palpatory training method A method of hysteretic palpatory training includes providing a wire or a computer controlled actuator having a plunger that hysteretically resists the application of a palpatory force. An increasing palpatory force is applied in a first direction to the wire or the plunger, whereupon the wire or plunger hysteretically resist displacement from a first position to a second position. The palpatory force is then withdrawn whereupon the elasticity of wire or the elasticity emulated by the plunger causes it to return to a position intermediate the first and second positions. The applied palpatory force versus displacement in response to applying and withdrawing the palpatory force to the wire or the plunger is then detected.
US08167824B2	Sensation detection presentation apparatus and walking rehabilitation supporting apparatus It is intended to feed back any somatic sensation information on given body surface portion in easily understandable form without the use of special sensations, such as visual and auditory sensations. Walking rehabilitation supporting apparatus (10) comprises sensation detection unit (11) for detecting the sole pressure of patient (H); sensation presentation unit (13) for imparting given stimuli to the patient (H); and control unit (15) for controlling the behavior of the sensation presentation unit (13) so as to impart stimuli corresponding to the sole pressure detected by the sensation detection unit (11). The sensation detection unit (11) is disposed so as to be capable of detecting the sole pressure on a paralyzed side, and the sensation presentation unit (13) is fitted to a body surface portion of sensation superior to that of the sole.
US08167822B2	Splittable wire guide A splittable wire guide having a plurality of separable elongate components that may be separated or otherwise re-positioned relative to each other so as to alter the physical properties of the wire guide or to form a plurality of separate wire guide members.
US08167820B2	Retractable needle-safety blood sampling device A safety device is presented for securely stowing a double sharp-ended needle. The device comprises a tubular adapter with a longitudinally-elongated channel. A needle holder is located in the channel to move from a distal orientation, in which one needle end projects from a distal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which both needle ends are enclosed within the adapter body. A top plate transitions from a distal orientation, in which the plate is distal from a proximal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which the top plate obstructs the proximal adapter opening. An actuator plate is attached to the adapter body to transition from a first position where the actuator plate retains the needle holder and top plate in distal orientations, and a second position where the needle holder and top plate move to proximal orientations.
US08167819B2	Biopsy needle with integrated guide pin A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.
US08167817B2	Methods and devices for removing tissue from a patient and placing a marker in the patient The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue, which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker, which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.
US08167805B2	Systems and methods for ultrasound applicator station keeping Systems and methods for maintaining the alignment of a therapeutic ultrasound applicator to a target site are described. Overlapping ultrasound signals are sent to a target tissue site and the echo detected. An algorithm is described for detecting tissue movement relative to the applicator based on comparison of the echo with a previously stored echo.
US08167804B2	Measurement of tissue elastic modulus An optimized elastic modulus reconstruction procedure can estimate the nonlinear elastic properties of vascular wall from intramural strain and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements. A noninvasive free-hand ultrasound scanning procedure is used to apply external force, comparable to the force in measuring a subject's blood pressure, to achieve higher strains by equalizing the internal arterial baseline pressure. PWV is estimated at the same location where intramural strain is measured. The reconstructed elastic modulus is optimized and the arterial elastic modulus can be determined and monitored using a simple dual elastic modulus reconstruction procedure.
US08167802B2	Biological tissue motion trace method and image diagnosis device using the trace method A one frame image of a moving image formed by producing tomographic images of an object to be examined is displayed (S2), a mark is superposed on a designated portion of a tissue the movement of which is tracked in the displayed one frame image (S3), a cutout image of a size including the designated portion is set in the one frame image (S4), local images are searched in another frame images of the moving image and a local image of the identical size which is most coincided with the cutout image is extracted (S5,6), and a coordinate of the designated portion after movement is calculated based on a coordinate difference between the most coincided local image and the cutout image (S7), thereby the movement of tissue is quantitatively measured.
US08167799B2	Apparatus and method for monitoring strain and/or load applied to a mammal Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring strain and/or load applied to the body of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes means (10, 11) for measuring position of the body relative to an inertial frame of reference and for providing first data indicative of the position, wherein the means for measuring position includes at least one inertial sensor such as an accelerometer. The apparatus includes means (12, 15-19) for measuring muscle activity and for providing second data indicative of the muscle activity. The apparatus also includes means for storing the data and means for processing the data to provide a measure of strain and/or load to the body. The strain and/or load is typically applied to the back of the mammal. A method of monitoring strain and/or load applied to the body of the vertebral mammal is also disclosed.
US08167794B2	Endoscope system for fluorescent observation An endoscope system is disclosed for detecting fluorescent light emitted in the near-infrared region by a plurality of fluorescent labeling materials introduced into a living tissue.An illumination system generates illumination light in the wavelength range 600 nm-2000 nm which serves as excitation light for the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials, and a detection system that can separately detect different ones of the plurality of fluorescent light emissions that are emitted at different wavelengths from among the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials is provided. The endoscope system may include a conventional-type endoscope having an insertion section, or a capsule endoscope that wirelessly transmits image data. By superimposing the image data obtained using reflected light in the visible region and fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescent labeling materials, improved diagnostic capabilities are provided.
US08167792B2	Endoscope system having passage position setting section and passage position correction section An endoscope system includes an endoscope provided with an image pickup section that picks up an image of an object in a body cavity, a position setting section that sets information on a predetermined position in the object based on information obtained from the image of the object picked up by the image pickup section and a position correction section that corrects the information on the predetermined position set by the position setting section based on information on a boundary line extracted in the image of the object picked up by the image pickup section and outputs information on the corrected position.
US08167790B2	Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. The atraumatic sheath further comprises a ridge to prevent the sheath from being easily removed from a surgical site.
US08167789B2	Image processing system and method for body-insertable apparatus An image processing system includes an orientation specifying unit that specifies orientation of the body-insertable apparatus at the time of capturing the image data with respect to a reference direction, a rotation correcting unit that performs rotation correction on image data based on the specified orientation, a screen generating unit that generates a screen displaying the image data, an average color bar generating unit that calculates an average color of the image data, generates an image of the calculated average color, and generates an average color bar in which images of the generated average colors are connected in accordance with order of the image data, and an organ image generating unit that generates an organ image obtained by superimposing the images of the average colors generated by the average color bar generating unit. The screen generating incorporates the average color bar and the organ image into the screen.
US08167788B2	Pump with one-touch release A pump that comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump bulb, a plurality of tubing, and at least one inflatable penile cylinder. The pump comprises a pump body, an inlet valve within the pump body, an exhaust valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and a deflate valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the exhaust valve. The deflate valve enables one-touch release by (i) providing a voluntarily-activated fluid bypass so that fluid from the at least one inflatable penile cylinder can return to the fluid reservoir through at least one of the plurality of tubing without sustained activation of the deflate valve, and (ii) closing upon subsequent inflation of the at least one inflatable penile cylinder when such inflation is initiated by squeezing the pump bulb so that fluid does not flow back to the fluid reservoir.
US08167786B2	Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.
US08167781B2	Multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool A multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool is provided with a plurality of multi spindle heads movably mounted on an annular rail. When a workpiece is machined by driving a rotary tool by a machining unit, multi spindle heads of the plurality of multi spindle heads being out of use can be separated from the machining unit. Further, a connecting device is provided with an inner slider, ball bearings fitted to an outer periphery of the inner slider, an outer slider, and a coil spring to press the outer slider toward a stopper member.
US08167777B2	Balance and exercise dynamic support block A support block for supporting the weight of a user above a support surface during exercise includes a support body having a first side, a second side and a support edge. In one embodiment, the first side and/or the second side can be substantially planar and/or can have a substantially similar configuration as one another. The support edge can be substantially orthogonal at least one of the first side and the second side. The support edge includes a curved first section that rollingly contacts the support surface while the support body supports part of the weight of the user above the support surface. The support edge can form at least approximately a 30 degree arc of a circle. In another embodiment, the support body includes a beveled edge positioned between the first side and the support edge. In one embodiment, the support body can be formed substantially from an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.
US08167775B2	Method for clutch protection Method for protecting a clutch of a vehicle, said vehicle being provided with an engine, drive wheels and an automated manual transmission for transmitting drive power from said engine to said drive wheels. A controller can execute the steps of: sensing a power demand from the driver which results in a clutch control where the clutch is partly engaged and clutch slip occurs, measuring travelling distance(s) of the vehicle during a predetermined first time interval, initiating a first warning measure, in order to alert the driver of excessive clutch slip, if the vehicle has traveled less than a predetermined distance during said predetermined first time interval.
US08167772B2	Systems and methods for converting a gasoline-fueled vehicle to a dual-mode powered vehicle A system and method for powering of a vehicle is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a powering assembly may include an axle, a wheel coupled to the axle, and at least one secondary coil winding affixed to the wheel. The wheel may be configured to rotate about the axle in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the axle. The at least one secondary coil may be configured such that when the wheel is proximate to an embedded conductor embedded in a roadway and carrying a first electrical current, a magnetic field induced by the first electrical current induces a second electrical current in the at least one secondary coil winding.
US08167769B2	Gear and clutch arrangement for multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and one brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08167768B2	Eight speed chainless drive for a pedal powered utility tricycle An improved eight speed chainless drive includes a gear case housed within the hub of the driving wheel of a utility tricycle with a drive shaft on the axis of the wheel. Three counter shafts rotatably mounted on ball bearings in the gear case are equally spaced around the drive shaft with six gears fixed on each counter shaft. The two gears on one end of each counter shaft are in constant mesh with two drive gears which can be selectively locked to the drive shaft, and the four gears on the other end are in constant mesh with four gears rotating freely on a driven gear carrier rotatably mounted on a ball bearing on the drive shaft, with provisions for selectively locking any one of the four to the driven gear carrier. Spring-loaded pawls mounted on steel pins in the end of the driven gear carrier engage a ratchet ring fixed in the wheel hub for driving the wheel.
US08167765B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08167763B2	Block mounted lock-out mechanism A differential is provided that includes a first and second side gear and a reaction block disposed between the first and second side gear. The differential further includes an engagement mechanism configured to have at least a portion of the engagement mechanism that is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position and a lock-out mechanism that is configured to engage the portion of the engagement mechanism. The lock-out mechanism is mounted to the reaction block. A reaction block for a differential in which a lock-out mechanism is mounted on the reaction block is also provided.
US08167760B2	Toroidal continuously variable transmission unit and continuously variable transmission In this toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a carrier 100 and a disc 2 is brought into direct friction contact with each other, and power transmission between the carrier 100 and the disc 2 is implemented by friction force. Because of this, the necessity of machining a gear or claw on the disc or carrier, which has conventionally be done, is obviated, whereby a manufacturing process can be shortened and manufacturing costs can largely be reduced.
US08167758B2	Drive axle assembly with gear mesh lubrication systems for lubricating gear mesh and/or differential bearings An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.
US08167756B2	Lubricating oil supply device for automatic transmission A lubricating oil supply device for an automatic transmission that includes a washer arranged inside the automatic transmission and regulating a movement of an input shaft in the automatic transmission in a shaft direction, wherein the washer includes: an oil reception section that receives lubricating oil scattered by a centrifugal force in a radial direction of the input shaft of the automatic transmission, and a guide path that guides the lubricating oil received by the oil reception section to a thrust surface at an end surface of the washer in the shaft direction.
US08167752B2	Hybrid transmission for hybrid vehicles A hybrid transmission described herein comprises a planetary gear arrangement and a clutch including two electromagnetic clutch portions used to interconnect an internal combustion engine, an electric traction motor, an electric motor/generator and driving wheels of a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid transmission described herein allows various modes of operation.
US08167744B2	Swing assist and training device A rubber or synthetic texture sleeve that fits loosely over the existing grip. It is made from typical grip material for the application with the exception of having a smooth or textured interior and being oversized for the handle. The sleeve may be used with an interior liner between the handle and the grip for additional cushioning. The length of the sleeve will vary, but can be cut to fit the specific application. The sleeve fits loosely around the bat grip and does not replace or modify the existing grip or bat handle. The degree of twist is determined by the give in the material used allowing for a stronger grip because the friction normally generated from rotating hands around a stationary grip is reduced dramatically. The sleeve reduces vibration because of the increased padding and ability to have a stronger grip.
US08167743B1	Football training system A football training system which allows for the quick and easy movement of the target unit, i.e., a blocking dummy. The training system comprises one or more combinations of a base, a flexible support member mountable at one of three locations on the base, and a padded target mounted on the flexible support member.
US08167733B2	Training device for reading a putting green A training device assisting golfers in reading putting greens includes a housing having a central cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving the golf ball therein. The housing includes a closed first end and an open second end. A force producing mechanism is positioned at the closed first end of the housing and extends toward the open second end within the housing. The force producing mechanism is positioned within the housing for selective actuation thereof so as to contact and push forward a golf ball positioned within the housing. Upon actuation, the force producing mechanism launches the golf ball smoothly onto the golf putting green surface at a pre-determined speed.
US08167731B2	Artificial ski slope assembly The present invention relates to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly (10) and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly which can be moved between deployed and storage positions.
US08167727B2	High speed gear coupler The coupling apparatus includes a gear shaft, including a sun gear at one shaft end for connecting to a reduction gear box. The sun gear drives a planetary gear train inside the gearbox. The coupling apparatus has outer splines on the gear shaft other end that mesh with inner splines of a ring gear connected to a coupling flange member by bolts and nuts. The flange member transmits high torque from a high speed turbine shaft to the gear shaft through the intermeshed splines. The teeth of the inner and outer splines are kept lubricated from a stationary spray source on the turbine side via an oil catcher mounted on the flange member opposed to the ring gear. The flow of lubricating oil during operation is from the oil catcher, through holes in the flange member, and to the intermeshed splines. Both oil catcher and ring gear are centered by a rim positioned on the flange member.
US08167723B1	Reconfigurable gaming display and system A gaming system having a reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. The gaming system comprises one or more gaming machines including one or more reconfigurable video displays where at least one display presents video content for a game of chance and one display presents game information. The gaming machines are capable of receiving and presenting downloadable information on the reconfigurable video displays. The gaming system also includes a configurable display sign associated with the gaming machines. The configurable display sign includes one or more video displays, and the configurable display sign is capable of receiving and presenting downloadable information on the video displays. The gaming system also includes a processor that is in communication with the gaming machines and the configurable display sign. The processor is capable of altering the content displayed on one or more of the reconfigurable video displays and the configurable display sign.
US08167719B2	Method for providing audio game, apparatus and computer-readable recording medium with program therefor A method for providing an audio game, apparatus and computer-readable recording medium with program therefor are provided. The game apparatus is disclosed having a touch screen for generating player selected music and its music related tracks on which a number of index marks are arranged in a predetermined pattern in relation to the music and a timeline is moved in a predetermined direction until it overlaps with the arranged index marks, and when a positional value is received corresponding to the index marks from the touch screen by the player's performance a preset performance sound that corresponds to its index mark is produced.
US08167718B2	Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus, and game control method A game apparatus includes an LCD, and displayed on the LCD is a game screen including a display portion that displays a planar positional relationship between a player object and enemy objects present in a three-dimensional game space. The player object and enemy objects are flight objects, for example. Each time a player presses an X button, a selection state of an enemy object as a target of the player object is switched by turns according to priorities of the enemy objects. When the player continuously presses the X button over a certain period of time, regardless of the priorities of the enemy objects, the selection state is switched to that of a highest priority enemy object.
US08167711B2	Gaming device having odds of winning which increase as a player's wager increases A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the player's bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability.
US08167710B2	Controlling and configuring responsible gaming data A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account that is logged in to a wagering game session and presenting a wagering game during the wagering game session. The operations can further include determining accounting transaction data that relates to an amount of money that the player account has spent on gambling during a time period. The operations can further include presenting the accounting transaction data during the wagering game session so that the accounting transaction data and the wagering game are both perceptible to the player account. The operations can also include indicating the amount of money that the player account has spent on gambling in the time period.
US08167706B2	Bingo gaming system with player selected daub modes Players participate in bingo games through player stations each having a suitable player interface. The player may manually select between multiple modes in which the player's bingo card representations are daubed. In one daub mode, once a player is assigned a bingo card representation and a game designation set is associated with the bingo card representation, daubing the bingo card representation must be performed manually by the player at the player's respective player station using a suitable interface at the player station. In a card daub mode, one or more of the player's bingo card representations is automatically daubed in response to a card daub input made by the player at the player station using a suitable input device. In a game daub mode, one or more of the player's bingo card representations are daubed without any action by the player other than the player's selection of the game daub mode and the player's submission of a request to enter a bingo game offered by the system.
US08167704B2	Slot machine and associated methodology of linking symbols to provide a variable display function having feature in linking display contents of symbols with one another and variable display operations of symbols with one another A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter rearranges the symbols on the respective defied areas. In a case where a trigger symbol is rearranged on a defined area, the slot machine links display contents of symbols with one another and variable display operations of symbols with one another on a prescribed range of the defined areas.
US08167700B2	Gaming device A gaming device includes a plurality of stations which can be played by respective ones of a plurality of player. A detection section detects a motion of the player at the respective one of the stations. A controller communicates with the plurality of stations. This gaming device includes processes of: (i) receiving acceptance information of a game from the plurality of stations; (ii) causing the display section to display the BET image corresponding to the respective one of the stations; (iii) causing the detection section to detect a motion of the player when a gaming medium is BET-operated on the BET image displayed at the display section; (iv) causing the image acquisition section to acquire an image of the player who is present at the respective one of the stations and to image-process the acquired image information; (v) judging whether or not the notification section performs notification based upon a result of the detection of the motion of the player and a result of the image processing of the image acquisition; and (vi) causing the notification section to perform notification in accordance to a result of the judging result.
US08167699B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An event game consists of a plural number of unit event games. When executing unit event games, the processor collects a game charge from a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted.
US08167697B2	Rummy-type game for electronic casino gaming A method of playing a wagering rummy-type card game on an electronic device wherein the object of the game is to create sets or melds of cards that each comprise exactly a straight, flush, straight flush, royal flush, and/or like ranks. The game begins with a total wager from each player, the total comprising at least one separate wager, and is played with a predetermined number of initially-dealt cards to each player. The initially-dealt cards are placed into and completely fill at least two melds. Preferably the cards are automatically placed into the melds by an Optimum Expected Value function. Each player then has the option of folding, or alternately forfeiting one wager or placing an additional wager to receive each of a predetermined number of community cards that are then sequentially dealt. The player has the option to replace any card in any meld with a community card, and the cards in the melds may be rearranged after any replacement. The game result may be determined before or after the final community card is dealt and/or replaced, with the winning wagers being determined by a predetermined paytable.
US08167690B2	Polishing pad A polishing pad of excellent durability has a polishing layer is arranged on a base material layer, and the polishing layer comprises a thermosetting polyurethane foam having roughly spherical interconnected cells with an average cell diameter of 35 to 300 μm.
US08167687B2	Method of thinning wafer and support plate A wafer can be thinned without occurrences of dimples. A support plate 1 has a number of through holes 10. A circuit forming surface of a wafer 2 is adhered to one surface of the support plate by an adhesive member 4, and a dimple prevention member 3 having a thickness of 100 μm or more and having an adhesive layer 30 on one face is adhered to the other surface, thus the openings at both ends of the through holes 10 are blocked. The support plate is vacuum adsorbed to a support table through the dimple prevention member, and a non circuit-forming face of the wafer is ground/polished to thin the wafer. The dimple prevention member is stripped off, and a solvent is penetrated into the adhesive member through the through holes to detach the wafer from the support plate.
US08167682B2	Automatic constant pressure polishing apparatus for improving surface accuracy of lens Disclosed is an automatic constant pressure polishing apparatus. The automatic constant pressure polishing apparatus comprises a housing having a hollow section therein, a rubber pad installed in the housing and having superior expansion and contraction characteristics, a pressure fixture having a male screw section, which is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof in order to press and fix the rubber pad, and a central hole formed at a central portion thereof, a slider screw-coupled into the housing to adjust pressure in the housing according to a rotational degree of the rotating shaft, and a polishing pad installed at a front end portion of the housing.
US08167681B2	Slicing method The present invention provides a slicing method comprising winding a wire around a plurality of grooved rollers and pressing the wire against an ingot to be sliced into wafers while supplying a slurry for slicing to the grooved rollers and causing the wire to travel, wherein a supply temperature of the slurry for slicing is controlled, and slicing is performed in such a manner that the supply temperature of the slurry for slicing and a temperature of the ingot become at least 30° C. or above at end of slicing the ingot. As a result, there is provided the slicing method that can alleviate precipitous cooling of an ingot in the time close to end of slicing the ingot and thereby suppress production of a nano-topography when slicing the ingot by using a wire saw.
US08167679B2	Breast supporter Disclosed herein is a breast supporter for properly and comfortable supporting breasts.
US08167677B2	Method of assembling an airtight LED light bulb A method of assembling an airtight LED light bulb has the steps of: connecting a stem device with an LED device, drying the LED device, connecting the stem device with a bulb envelope, extracting air in the bulb envelope via a pipe, filling the bulb envelope with nitrogen or inert gas via the pipe, sealing an opening of the pipe which is located outside the bulb envelope to make the bulb envelope completely airtight and connecting a cap with the bulb envelope. Because the bulb envelope is airtight, moisture in the environment can not damage the LED device, and the steps of extracting air in the bulb envelope via the pipe and filling the bulb envelope with nitrogen or inert gas via the pipe are feasible. Consequently, the LED device will not easily be oxidized or dampened, so the lifespan of the airtight LED light bulb can be prolonged.
US08167674B2	Phosphor distribution in LED lamps using centrifugal force A method of manufacturing an LED lamp is disclosed. The method includes admixing an uncured curable liquid resin and a phosphor, dispensing the uncured admixture on an LED chip, centrifuging the chip and the admixture to disperse the phosphor particles in the uncured resin, and curing the resin while the phosphor particles remain distributed.
US08167672B2	Buoyant cushion Buoyant cushions or the like are used and are adaptable for varied other uses, such cushions having physical properties that include buoyancy, weather-resistance, malleability, strength, and comfort to the user, and allows the cushion to be used dually as lounging floatations in bodies of water and as cushions adapted to compliment outdoor furniture or used as furniture. The chamber of each cushion is partially filled with polystyrene beads and the outer surface is defined primarily by a comfortable flexible fabric material to support a user and a flexible mesh fabric material to permit ingress and egress of water to the chamber, such materials being sewn together to form the cushion.
US08167671B2	Locator device for water-skis or water boards A water-ski or water board locating device comprised of a buoyant body detachably secured to the top of the ski or board, behind the boot, by means of a base plate and the boot's binding screws. In this position, the device effectively uprights the water-ski or water board when floating unattended. By uprighting the water-ski or water board, the device increases its visibility, aiding in the recovery of the ski or board and increasing its safety as a floating obstacle.
US08167670B1	Blow-off float vehicle recovery apparatus The invention in one variation is a modular recovery apparatus for dispensing a tether spool having a tow line with a float, where the tow line can be used to retrieve an unmanned underwater vehicle and other underwater platforms. The modular recovery apparatus can be triggered underwater or on the surface, and being modular in configuration it is suitable to be fitted to a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The apparatus has a tether spool that is spring loaded, such that when the tether spool is deployed, the spring expels the tether spool with sufficient force to clearly separate it from the UUV. One end of the tow line is typically fastened to a tow point on the UUV, and an opposing end is attached to the float. When the tether spool is deployed, the tow line unwinds from the float, providing a securable length.
US08167664B2	Receptacle connector A receptacle connector includes a body; a conductive member received in the body and having a bottom, in which a soldering portion extends from the bottom, the bottom is bent upwards to form a base, an angle is formed between the planes of the base and the bottom, two opposing sides of the base are bent to form a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms are on the same side and are in the same direction as a bending direction of the base, the first arm has a first contact portion, and the second arm has a second contact portion; and a third arm extending from one end of the base away from the bottom, inclined towards the first and second arms, in which the inclination of the third arm does not exceed initial contact positions of the first and second arms with a pin, the third arm has a third contact portion, and the first, second and third contact portions are used for jointly retaining and contacting the pin.
US08167661B2	Method and system for improving crosstalk attenuation within a plug/jack connection and between nearby plug/jack combinations This application describes a jack for improving crosstalk attenuation. The jack has a housing, a foil at least partially surrounding the housing, a printed circuit board, and at least one pair of insulation displacement contacts and vias. Each pair of insulation contacts and vias are associated with a differential signal. A conductive trace stub is routed on the printed circuit board near the edge of the board proximate to the foil in order to at least partially balance the coupling from one of the insulation displacement contacts and vias of a pair to the foil with the other insulation displacement contact and via of the pair by electrically connecting the trace stub to the via that is further from the foil.
US08167658B1	Combined structure of a USB plug with a built-in card-reading slot A combined structure of a USB plug with a built-in card-reading slot, and more particular, a combined structure for the patent application U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,481 that permit a convenient manufacturing and meets different needs. An isolation base is provided in cooperation with two or three different isolation pieces which are joined by a hooked connection to create a module. The isolation pieces are each provided with an engaging slot. It is possible to choose the desired terminal set of certain type to achieve the predetermined functions of a certain USB specification. A metal housing meeting the specification of USB A-type plug dimensions encloses the compound connection module, thereby creating a first slot for the electric connection with the female connector of USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. Meanwhile, a second slot is provided for the insertion of the thin-type Micro SD/T-Flash memory card. Accordingly, a USB plug with a built-in card-reading slot is created. Moreover, the USB plug is an independent connection element that allows for a convenient connection with circuit boards or electronic products having different functions. As a result, the requirements of different electronic products are fulfilled.
US08167655B2	Portable multi-functional data storage transmitting and connecting device A multi-functional data storage and transmitting and connecting device for an electronic device, includes a data transfer cable having a predetermined length, at least a first and a second connector provided at two ends of the data transfer cable respectively and a coupling element. The coupling element includes a plurality of connector sockets adapted for fittedly and detachably receiving the connectors so as to detachably couple the connectors into a handy structure, a control circuitry received in the coupling element, and a hanging device. The control circuitry includes an integrated circuit chipset, a rechargeable battery provided within the coupling element for recharging the electronic device, a call receiving circuitry electrically connected with the integrated circuit chipset, a speakerphone electrically connected with said call receiving circuitry, an amplifier adapted for amplifying audio signal, and a wireless transceiver electrically connected with the integrated circuit chipset for wirelessly receiving and transmitting signal.
US08167653B2	Shield shell A shield shell is composed of a tubular shell body made of a conductive resin and a metallic conductive body mounted in the shell body. The conductive body is capable of, in the base end part, connecting with a shielding member by being exposed on the surface of the shell body, while in the tip part, connecting with a shield case by being exposed on the surface of the shell body. The shielding member and the shield case are connected via the metallic conductive body of a low electric resistance, and thereby achieving excellent shielding performance in a low-frequency region in the shield shell.
US08167650B2	Formed gasket for an electronic connector Described is an electronic connector. The electronic connector has a substrate body for housing electronic pins and a cable. The substrate body is fabricated from a first material, such as hard plastic and has at least one passage from its exterior to its interior. The overmold is fabricated from a resilient material having a lower melting point than the first material. The resilient material is overmolded onto the substrate body and flows through the at least one passage in the substrate body and forms a gasket on the connecting surface of the substrate body.
US08167637B1	Shock free bulb insert The inventive concept is directed to shock free bulb socket that is inserted in an existing light bulb socket to forego any possible electric shock when there is no light bulb in the existing bulb socket and the electric switch happens to be in an “on” status. The insert socket is a housing that is placed over the existing socket and fastened thereto. The insert socket consists of a lower threaded segment that is threaded into the existing socket. There is an upper threaded segment that will receive the light bulb. When the light bulb is threaded into the upper segment it will encounter a plate there below and will cause the upper threaded segment to slide upwardly together with a bracket to which it is attached. There is a sliding hot prong and a sliding neutral prong which will make contact when the bracket moves upwardly and will convey electric current to the light bulb. When the light bulb is removed, springs return the bracket to its original position and the contact between the prongs is discontinued and no shock can be experience when a finger is placed into the light socket.
US08167633B1	Multifunctional transmission and charging device with a power conversion module An intelligent multifunctional transmission and charging device includes a casing, a power conversion module, a reel device, at least one cable, and a plurality of openings and connectors to provide functions of charging mobile devices and extending service lives thereof.
US08167631B2	Card edge connector The present invention provides a card edge connector as a high-speed differential signal connector configured to equalize electric potentials of ground contacts adjacent to signal line contacts, and thus to reduce crosstalk between adjacent signal line contacts. The card edge connector serves as a female connector in which multiple signal line contacts and multiple ground contacts are arranged in parallel in at least one row. In the card edge connector, the signal line contacts and the ground contacts are arranged in a way that every two signal line contacts for high-speed signals to send and return respectively therethrough are interposed between two ground contacts, and all of the multiple ground contacts arranged in the one row are electrically connected to one another by use of a common contact.
US08167627B1	Positionable lighting systems and methods A lighting assembly includes a lighting unit having a housing defining an internal cavity and an opening. A light source is assembled within the internal cavity of the housing. An electrical wire is electrically connected to the light source at a first end and is configured to be contained at least in part within the housing. The opening is configured to permit withdrawal of a user selected amount of the electrical wire from within the internal cavity and/or to permit a user selected amount of the electrical wire to be inserted into the internal cavity.
US08167623B2	Multi contact brush for slip rings A sliding-contact arrangement or slipring includes a slide-track having a V-shaped groove and also a brush having at least two slide-wires which simultaneously make sliding contact with the V-shaped groove of the slide-track. Furthermore, the two slide-wires have different diameters and contact the slide-track at different angular positions. Thereby an increased tolerance to mechanical vibrations and shocks as well as a reduced contact resistance results.
US08167619B2	Expandable dental implants of high surface area and methods of expanding the same A dental implant system for placement within a jaw of a patient includes an envelope including an outer surface and an inner surface defining a barrel. At least one barrier is located in the barrel. The barrel having a first region on one side of the barrier and a second region on an opposing side of the barrier. An expander member is movable within the barrel along a longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first region to the second region. The barrier prohibits the expander member from moving from the second region to the first region.
US08167615B2	Manufacturing method for a guiding template for dental implantology The present invention relates to a method for making a guiding template for dental implantation. The method provides for associating a base template to a reference device, subjecting the patient to CAT, loading the data to a computer program, making an implant planning, generating the volume model, coupling the volume model to the reference device model, projecting the elements of the implant planning on the volume model, making a volume suitably drilled on the basis of the projection, coupling the volume to the reference device and making the holes of the planning on the base template. The present invention also relates to the guiding template thus obtained and the reference device for carrying out the method.
US08167614B2	Apparatus and method of irregular bone defect detection of dental implant A non-contact apparatus and method detect irregular bone defects around a dental implant. Structural resonance frequency is produced and received to recognize a quality, a direction and a depth of an irregular bone defect. Thus, an interfacial osseointegration can be evaluated, and the present invention is of great help to assess osseointegration and diagnosis interfacial bone defects after the dental surgery.
US08167609B2	Mold-tool system having a melt-splitting device including uninterrupted melt channels extending from a melt inlet to a plurality of melt outlets A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a melt splitting device (102) being configured to interact with a melt distribution device (105), the melt splitting device (102) having: a single inlet (106); multiple outlets (108) being set apart from the single inlet (106), the multiple outlets (108) being configured for fluid communication with the melt distribution device (105); and uninterrupted melt channels (110) extending from the single inlet (106) and the multiple outlets (108).
US08167603B2	Device for the production of corrugated pipes The invention under consideration concerns a device for the production of corrugated pipes made of thermoplastic, in which mold jaws, which complement each other in pairs, are conducted jointly in a cycle along a mold section that leads away from an extruder head; they are moved apart at the end of the mold section and are returned to its beginning separately from one another with a mold section device for the movement of the mold jaws along the mold section, which has a supporting table with drive means for the mold jaws on the mold section, and with a return conveying device for the return conveyance of the mold jaws from the end of the mold section to its beginning, which has an outlet assembly to move apart the mold jaws at the end of the mold section and/or an inlet assembly to move in the mold jaws at the beginning of the mold section. In accordance with the invention, the outlet assembly and/or the inlet assembly have drive means, which can be moved perpendicularly with reference to the plane of the supporting table.
US08167601B2	Blow molding machine with air conditioning A blow molding machine with air conditioning that while minimizing the introduction rate of outside air maintains constant temperature in a plant building and the interior of a blow molding machine and production of a bottle as a final configuration with stability in its measurement value. The machine is constructed so that air for biaxially stretching blow molding together with hot air of heating zone and internal air of a plant building is suctioned by suction chamber, filtered by primary filter and secondary filter into clean air, brought into heat exchange with primary cooling coil, fed under pressure by air blower and released through low-temperature duct into the interior of the plant building. Further, a housing on its side face is provided with vent to allow reflux of the clean air released into the interior of the plant building and flow into the heating zone and blow zone.
US08167599B2	Polyhedral tool and method of using the tool for producing an orthodontic appliance A polyhedral tool for producing an orthodontic appliance has a main body with one upper and one lower surface that are parallel to each other and at least one other pair of nonparallel, opposite lateral surfaces. One of the two nonparallel surfaces of the body extends at an angle of 5°-45° and the other at angle of 45°-85° to the upper and lower surfaces of the body. Each of the nonparallel lateral surfaces is formed with a dovetail groove. Respective thin plates each have a dovetail tongue fittable into a respective one of the grooves.
US08167594B2	Scroll compressor with materials to allow run-in A scroll compressor comprises a non-orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base, and an orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The wraps of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A drive shaft causes the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member. At least one of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll operate to move in an axial direction toward the other of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. The scroll compressor supplies a bias force to bias the at least one scroll member toward the other. A first of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members have at least a portion of its surface formed of a material that is harder than the material that it will contact on a second of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members, such that upon start-up there will be run-in and removal of the material.
US08167592B2	Peristaltic pumping apparatus and method The present disclosure relates to a rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump. The pump includes a first rotor having a plurality of rollers and a second rotor, coupled to the first rotor, having a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the first and second rotors are located at an angle of about 45° relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor are circular. In another embodiment, the rollers of the first rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. In yet another embodiment, the rollers of the second rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. A peristaltic pump and a method of supplying fluid to a surgical area are also disclosed.
US08167590B1	Pedestal fan device A pedestal fan device having a base; a first support extending upwardly from the base; a fan housing mounted to the first support component, wherein an open hole is disposed in the front surface of the fan housing and a plurality of fan blades is disposed in the inner cavity of the fan housing, the plurality of fan blades is operatively connected to a motor; the base is fluidly connected to the first support component and the first support component is fluidly connected to the fan housing so as to allow air from an air source to circulate; a first door component disposed in the back surface of the fan housing; a second door component disposed in a side portion of the base; and a third door component disposed in a bottom surface of the base.
US08167589B2	Artificial heart pump with adjustable magnetic thrust bearing In order to optimize the clearances between both end surfaces of a sleeve 5 and each of the end surfaces of the fixed bodies 3 and 5, respectively, magnetic forces of repulsion being caused by each of the permanent magnets 3a, 5b, 5c and 8a is adjusted. At this time, by adjusting each of the distances between the permanent magnets 3a, 5b, 5c, 8a, respectively, by adjusting the quantity of the adjustment rings 9, the magnetic force of repulsion being caused by each of the permanent magnets 3a, 5b, 5c and 8a is adjusted.
US08167583B2	Pump support coupler system A pump support coupler assembly for connecting a large displacement hydraulic pump to a tractor power take off device is provided. The pump support coupler assembly includes a coupler housing with front and back walls, and sidewalls. The high displacement hydraulic pump attaches directly or indirectly to the coupler housing back wall. A shaft extends longitudinally through the coupler housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump at its first end and a power take off output shaft at its second end. A torque restraint strap extends between the coupler housing and a tractor drawbar, and prevents the coupler housing from rotating about its longitudinal axis. In this configuration, the power take off output shaft supports the pump support coupler assembly and the hydraulic pump, and since the pump is attached to the coupler housing, the pump input shaft is not subjected to bending-type loads.
US08167577B2	Fuel pump device A fuel pump device includes a fuel pump in which pressure-generating components in the form of a movable piston movable through a cylinder in the fuel pump together are operable to pressurize the fuel in a chamber exposed to the components to high pressure. To prevent the clearance between the pressure-generating components from increasing with increased heating of the fuel pump and to maintain a predetermined clearance between the piston and the surrounding cylinder, a temperature-regulator maintains a temperature within a predetermined temperature range in a region of the fuel pump which includes the clearance and at least portions of the pressure-generating components.
US08167576B2	Method for manufacturing the rotor assembly of a rotating vacuum pump A rotor assembly for rotary vacuum pumps has improved mechanical characteristics and low manufacturing cost due to a one-step thermal coupling of a rotor having a male axial projection and its supporting shaft having an end portion comprising a female cavity with a shape and size for receiving the male projection with interference at an ambient temperature. The rotor and the shaft are made of different materials. Heating of the end portion of the shaft provides expansion of the female cavity and allows for inserting the mail projection of the rotor into the female cavity of the shaft. By cooling the end portion to the ambient temperature the contraction of the cavity is obtained forming fixed interference coupling between the shaft and the rotor, where the end portion of the shaft contracts and compresses about the male axis projection of the rotor.
US08167573B2	Gas turbine airfoil A gas turbine airfoil (20) having a load-bearing core (30). A honeycomb structure (40A, 42A) is attached to pressure and/or suction sides (22, 24) of the core and is filled with ceramic insulation (50). A ceramic matrix composite boot (60A, 60B, 60C) may cover the leading edge (26) of the core. Edges (61, 62) of the boot may be attached to the core by rows of pins (63A, 63B) or by flanges (65) inserted in slots (69) in the core. The pins may be formed in place by forming pin holes (64) in the boot, clamping the boot onto the core, filling the pin holes with metal or ceramic and metal particles, and heating the particles for internal cohesion and solid-state diffusion bonding (66) with the core. The boot may have a central portion (71) that is not bonded to the core to allow differential thermal expansion.
US08167572B2	Dynamically tuned turbine blade growth pocket A turbine blade growth pocket provides a feature to measure blade growth due to engine operation while maintaining dynamic characteristics of the turbine blade within acceptable limits by providing a variable radius fillet between the pocket and a side rail of the pocket.
US08167571B2	Horizontal axis wind turbine rotor assembly with lifting body rotor blades A horizontal axis wind turbine rotor assembly utilizes rotor blades having the aerodynamic characteristics of low aspect ratio lifting bodies. The aerodynamic characteristics of low aspect ratio lifting bodies at typical operating wind velocities permits high energy conversion efficiencies throughout a wide range of wind speeds.
US08167570B2	Fluid turbine blade and method of providing the same A fluid turbine blade is provided. The fluid turbine blade includes a centrally disposed longitudinal spar having a substantially circumferential cross section. The fluid turbine blade also includes at least one rib assembly affixed to said longitudinal spar. The fluid turbine blade further includes a skin attached to the at least one rib.
US08167569B2	Structure and method for self-aligning rotor blade joints An inventive self-aligning blade joint structure is provided to facilitate assembly and clamping of wind turbine blade sections carried on a transporter. The blade joint structure includes alignment pins on one end bulkhead of a blade body section at the joint and complimentary female bushings on a bulkhead of an adjacent blade body section to permit fine alignment of the joint. The blade joint structure also includes through holes in the end bulkheads for the adjacent blade body sections to permit clamping of the sections in preparation for application of adhesive bonding to the joint. A pair of male scarfed surfaces of spar caps extend from one blade section into the second blade section and engage female scarfed surfaces of spar caps formed in the second blade section and recessed from the joint. An inventive method is provided to utilize the self-aligning blade joint structure for assembly of the blade sections.
US08167567B2	Gas turbine engine airfoil A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil that extends in span between a root and a tip region. A leading edge and a trailing edge of the airfoil section extend between a chord line of the airfoil. A sweep angle is defined at the leading edge of the airfoil section, and a dihedral angle is defined relative to the chord line of the airfoil section. The sweep angle and the dihedral angle are localized at the tip region of the airfoil section.
US08167557B2	Gas turbine engine assemblies with vortex suppression and cooling film replenishment A gas turbine engine assembly has combustion gases flowing through a gas flow path. The gas turbine engine assembly includes a stator assembly comprising a stator vane that extends into the gas flow path; and a turbine rotor assembly downstream of the stator assembly and comprising a turbine platform and a turbine rotor blade extending from the turbine platform into the mainstream combustion gases flow path. The turbine rotor blade includes a pressure side and a suction side opposing the pressure side that extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge. The combustion gases form horseshoe vortices at a formation area adjacent the leading edge of the turbine rotor blade, and the turbine rotor assembly further includes a first set of holes in the turbine platform for directing first jets into the formation area of the horseshoe vortices.
US08167555B2	Horizontal axis wind turbine Disclosed a horizontal axis wind turbine including: a rotor; a nacelle; a tower; an independent pitch control device; and a yaw control device, wherein the horizontal axis wind turbine is an up-wind type one including a waiting mode, wherein (1) the independent pitch control device performs a first step of changing all the blades to be in feathering states when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, a second step of changing the blades to be in reverse feathering states one by one sequentially, and a third step of holding all the blades in the reverse feathering states, and (2) the yaw control device controls a yaw brake to take a braking value allowing the yaw rotation when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, wherein the rotor is allowed to swing a leeward of the tower by executing the control operations (1) and (2) as the waiting mode.
US08167552B2	Asymmetrical member for locking ring sectors to a turbine engine casing A locking member for a device for fastening ring sectors to an aircraft turbine engine casing is disclosed. The member has first and second clamping branches, which are connected together by curving joining portions, via a connecting branch. The joining portion of center thickness E1 has an inside surface of mean radius Rm1, and the joining portion of center thickness E2 has an inside surface of mean radius Rm2. Thickness E1 is strictly smaller than thickness E2, and mean radius Rm1 is strictly smaller than mean radius Rm2.
US08167542B1	Centrifugal fan with 360 degree continuous rotation This patent discloses a fan capable of 360 degree continuous rotation. The fan may include an impeller positioned within the impeller housing, an impeller motor fixed to the impeller housing, where a control knob may control the impeller motor. The fan further may include an impeller shaft connected between the impeller and the impeller motor to rotate the impeller and the impeller housing may reside on a base. A contact ring may be positioned within the base. The impeller motor and the impeller housing may rotate relative to the contact ring, which may provide power to the impeller motor through brushes. A housing motor may be positioned within the base and be connected to the impeller motor to rotate the impeller motor. A housing motor switch may control the housing motor.
US08167541B2	Vibration-absorbing device for blower motors Disclosed herein is a vibration-absorbing device for blower motors, which is provided between a blower motor and a motor housing surrounding the blower motor. The vibration-absorbing device includes a vibration-absorbing body, which may be spherical, and an engaging depression. The vibration-absorbing body is provided in the blower motor. The engaging depression is formed in the inner surface of the motor housing such that a vibration-absorbing body can be contained therein.
US08167538B2	Torque monitoring apparatus A torque monitoring apparatus is disclosed herein. The torque monitoring apparatus includes a hub extending along an axis of rotation between first and second opposite ends. The torque monitoring apparatus also includes a plurality of spokes positioned on the hub and extending radially outward from the hub to respective distal ends. The torque monitoring apparatus also includes a plurality of projections spaced from the plurality of spokes along the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of projections extends radially outward from the hub to respective distal ends. The plurality of projections are thinner along the axis than the plurality of spokes.
US08167537B1	Air cooled turbine airfoil with sequential impingement cooling An air cooled turbine airfoil such as a stator vane in which the airfoil is hollowed out and an insert is secured within the hollowed out section that produces sequential impingement cooling of the airfoil. The insert is formed from a plurality of plates bonded together outside of or inside of the airfoil to form a single piece insert with the cooling circuit. The plates are bonded together using TLP bonding process with sheets of boron placed between adjacent plates so that no excess material seeps out and into the cooling features formed with the plates. The cooling features of the plates are formed by photo-etching.
US08167534B2	Seal for a turbine engine In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a turbine engine. The engine may include a main housing defining a compressor compartment and an air intake housing mounted to the main housing. The engine may also include a rotor including a compressor portion disposed within the compressor compartment, and a hub portion extending from the compressor compartment through an opening in the air intake housing into a bearing compartment defined by the air intake housing. The engine may further include a seal mounted in the opening in the air intake housing in an annular gap between the hub portion of the rotor and the air intake housing and configured to form a seal between the bearing compartment and the compressor compartment. The seal may be configured to be removed from the opening in the air intake housing while the air intake housing is mounted to the main housing.
US08167531B2	Method and apparatus for supporting rotor assemblies during unbalances A method and apparatus for reducing dynamic loading of a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a rotor shaft assembly including a rotor shaft, a bearing assembly, a mounting race, and a support frame, the mounting race including a spherical surface. The method includes supporting the rotor shaft on the gas turbine engine support frame with the bearing assembly, the rotor shaft including a yield portion configured to permit bending of the rotor shaft during an imbalance operation.
US08167529B2	Work vehicle A tractor includes a mounting plate, a protruding tube, a boom supporter, and a boom. The mounting plate is attachable to a frame on a side surface of a vehicle. The protruding tube is connected to the mounting plate, and shaped to protrude from a portion in which the protruding tube is connected to the mounting plate, toward the outside of the vehicle. The boom supporter is connected to a distal end portion of the protruding tube, and shaped to protrude upward from a portion in which the boom supporter is connected to the distal end portion of the protruding tube. The boom is coupled to the boom supporter via a boom coupler, and formed to extend from the boom coupler toward the front side of the vehicle. In a side view, an imaginary straight line extending vertically downward from the boom coupler is located rearward of the protruding tube.
US08167525B2	Method and apparatus for unloading material from a container An unloader for unloading material from a container. In some embodiments, the unloader can include an unloader arm movable within the container, a first chain coupled to the unloader arm and movable to unload material from the container, and a second chain coupled to the unloader arm and positioned to engage material within the container upon movement of the unloader arm. The unloader can have a sensor adapted to transmit signals indicative of a force applied to the unloader arm, the first chain, and/or the second chain. A controller can receive the signal from the sensor, and can alter an operation of the unloader arm, the first chain, and/or the second chain based upon the signal received from the sensor.
US08167524B2	Handling system for inspecting and sorting electronic components A semiconductor package handling system is provided comprising a package holder for receiving and holding singulated semiconductor packages, and a first inspection device which is arranged and configured to inspect a first surface of the packages while they are being held by the package holder. An offloading device receives the packages from the package holder and conveys them packages to an offloader, and a second inspection device is arranged and configured to inspect a second surface of the packages which is opposite from the first surface while they are being held by the offloading device.
US08167522B2	Substrate transport apparatus with active edge gripper A substrate transport apparatus comprising a drive mechanism, a movable arm assembly, and an end effector with an active edge gripper. The apparatus is configured to avoid the need to provide cables to the end effector for power or communication. In one aspect, the gripper is actuated when a motion sensor senses motion of the end effector. In another aspect, communication signals are wirelessly transferred to the end effector to control the active gripper. In another aspect, power is wirelessly transferred to the end effector to power actuation of the gripper.
US08167517B2	Pump with suction and pressure control for dry particulate material A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.
US08167511B2	Coupling apparatus for passage blocks A passage block coupling apparatus is provided with a bolt insertion hole 13 and a pin insertion hole 14 formed in an upper-stage passage block 3, a screw hole 15 and a non-screw hole 16 that are formed in a lower-stage passage block 4, a bolt 11 that is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 13, and threaded with the screw hole 15, and a positioning pin 12 that is inserted to the pin insertion hole 14, with its lower end portion being fitted to the non-screw hole 16. A cut-out section 17 is formed near the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12, and a protruding portion 18 to be fitted to the cut-out section 17 is formed on the opening portion of the non-screw hole 16. A tightening force exerted by the bolt 11 and a force exerted by the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12 to press the protruding portion 18 of the non-screw hole 16 upward are balanced with each other so that an evenly fastened state is achieved so that the passage blocks 3 and 4 are coupled with each other.
US08167510B2	Surface scrubber with rotating pad A cleaning device includes an integral fluid dispenser therein that serves to dispense a fluid into the scrubbing pad of the device to improve the cleaning effectiveness of the device. The device includes a main body with a cleaning pad attached to one side thereof, an internal motorized assembly for rotating the cleaning pad upon depressing a button provided on a side of the main body and a fluid storage region that contains a cleaning fluid. A metered dosing pump is used to dispense a measured amount of fluid from the fluid storage region to cleaning pad upon actuation by the user. Further, the dispensing action and the rotation of the pad may be controlled by the same button or by separate buttons.
US08167508B2	Light amount adjusting device and image capture apparatus A light amount adjusting device includes: a cover plate having a light-passing hole; a first separator being sheet-shaped and having a hole; a second separator being elastically deformable and sheet-shaped, positioned on a side opposite to the cover plate with the first separator therebetween, and having a hole; a first light amount adjusting blade movable between the cover plate and the first separator; a second light amount adjusting blade being movable between the first separator and the second separator; a base body to which the cover plate, the first separator, and the second separator are mounted, having a throughhole and mounting grooves, the throughhole being formed to have a diameter larger than a diameter of the hole of the second separator, the mounting grooves allowing the second separator to be mounted therein and being opened toward the throughhole.
US08167504B2	Fiber optic multi dwelling unit deployment apparatus including a seamed protection jacket An optical fiber terminal apparatus includes an optical fiber protection jacket including a pre-defined, longitudinally extending seam that can be opened at a selected location along the jacket to define an opening into the optical fiber protection jacket at the selected location. The apparatus further includes an adapter terminal configured to mate with an outer profile of the optical fiber protection jacket. The adapter terminal includes a body portion that is configured to support a coupling between an optical fiber extending from the opening in the optical fiber protection jacket to a customer optical fiber. The seam may be repeatably and selectively closable.
US08167500B2	Bearing apparatus for axle An inner ring, an outer ring, a circular cone roller constituting a rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, a first seal member arranged at an opening portion between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a second seal member arranged on an outer side in an axial direction of the first seal member are provided, the second seal member includes a core fixed to the outer ring, an elastic ring-like member fixedly attached to the core and having at least one lip, and an outward attached slinger having a section in a channel-like shape fixed to the inner ring to cover the core and the elastic ring-like member and having a portion of a section in an L-like shape and a circular cylinder shape portion.
US08167499B2	Rolling bearing device with sensor A first spacer, a second tubular member, and a second spacer are externally fitted and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a nut. The second tubular member is formed by stacking a plurality of silicon steel plates without any gap, and is arranged between the first spacer and the second spacer axially. The outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the second tubular member is made larger than the outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the first spacer and the outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the second spacer. A detection surface of a first displacement detector is made to radially face a contact portion between the second spacer and the second tubular member, while a detection surface of a second displacement detector is made to radially face a contact portion between the first spacer and the second tubular member.
US08167498B2	Bearing apparatus for axle and method of manufacturing the same A body part of a rotation detecting sensor of a rotation number detector which is provided on a bearing apparatus for an axle has a large diameter part formed in its upper part and a small diameter part formed in its lower part, and at the same time, a sensor fitting hole part which is formed in an outer ring of a bearing part and into which the body part of the rotation detecting sensor is inserted is so formed that an radially outer part thereof has an inner diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the large diameter part of the body part, and a lower part thereof has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the small diameter part of the body part.
US08167496B2	Slide bearing A slide bearing has at least one bearing shell for accommodating a component to be supported. The at least one bearing shell has two grooves that run in the circumference direction on its slide surface, into which grooves guide elements for lubricant are laid. The grooves and/or the guide elements have at least one holding element.
US08167493B2	Ball spline a ball spline enabling easy machining of a spline shaft by drawing and manufacturable at low cost. The ball spline includes a spline shaft in which multiple lines of ball rolling faces are formed along the longitudinal direction; and a spline nut having a hollow hole for inserting the spline shaft therein, having load rolling faces opposed to the ball rolling faces of the spline shaft. Multiple lines of torque transmission grooves along the longitudinal direction are formed at equal intervals around the spline shaft, and the ball rolling faces are formed on the lateral both sides of these torque transmission grooves. Further, a distance between a pair of ball rows rolling on both sides of the land parts of the spline shaft is set larger than a distance between a pair of ball rows rolling on both sides of the torque transmission grooves.
US08167488B2	Bag for packaging food products Bag for packaging food products, particularly fruit and vegetable products, which comprises a flexible tubular body, the central portion of which is designed to house the products contained in the bag and the longitudinal ends of which are closed, a flexible oblong element, such as a strip, which is considerably shorter than the tubular body of the bag, being solidly joined to both closed ends, which acts as a handle whereby to suspend said bag, the tubular body being overdimensioned in relation to the volume of the products housed therein, so that when the bag is suspended from the strip that acts as a handle, it is U-shaped, with its end portions empty and in a vertical position and with its central portion filled with products.
US08167487B2	Secure access easy opening tamper evident feature for sealable bags This disclosure describes a secure access, easy opening tamper evident feature for sealable bags. The tamper evident feature provides dual zones for tamper-detection and may be sealed within a bag to form a package in such a manner that allows for the filling of product into the package and the handling of the package to be safely made, as the tamper evident feature may be positioned away from deleterious contact with the product. The package may be a combination of the tamper evident feature and a flexible bag. The package may include an easy opening end configuration for secure access inside the bag when the tamper evident feature is exposed and subsequently torn open by an end-user along the dual zones for tamper detection. The package may be formed with bags having side gussets or, alternatively, with folded-closed end. Methods for making and filling such packages are also provided.
US08167486B2	Imaging system and driving method thereof When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
US08167480B2	Processing unit A device for cutting/shearing in a process vessel (1) product clusters and/or materials (3) into smaller particles and dispersing them in a liquid product bulk (4) or for mixing in the process vessel liquid products with each other that are difficult to mix. The device has an electric motor (13) arranged out-side the process vessel and, driven by the same by magneto drive, a processing unit (12) positioned inside the process vessel. The processing unit comprises a stationary inner part (14) and, rotatable about this, an outer part (15), the inner and outer parts having the shape of substantially concentric rings (16, 17) arranged with a close fit to each other and having a plurality of through slotshaped shearing recesses (18) opposing each other. The products that are to be cut/shorn and/or mixed are suppliable to the area of the common center axis (20) of the rings and are thrown out through the shearing recesses while being shorn into pieces in order to leave the processing unit through the ring of the outer part, which ring also contributes to rotating the products in the process vessel around the processing unit.
US08167478B2	Kneading screw and extruder A kneading screw is disclosed which comprises a screw body, the screw body comprising a feed section and a kneading section, the feed section comprising screw segments for feeding a to-be-kneaded material to a downstream side and the kneading section comprising kneading segments for kneading the material. The screw body is provided within the kneading section with a multi-stage portion which gradually changes axially in rotating outside diameter. It is preferable that the multi-stage portion be constituted by kneading segments of plural kneading discs different in rotating outside diameter. With such a construction, it is possible to avoid stress concentration on an axial part of the kneading screw and thereby prevent breaking of a spline shaft and abnormal wear of kneading flights.
US08167475B2	Linear lighting apparatus and image reader using the same Conventional methods using two optical waveguide members are disadvantageous in cost because they require two optical waveguide members and pairs of their associated components. A linear lighting apparatus includes a rod-like optical waveguide member (100) formed by a transparent material, a light source placed near an end face of the optical waveguide member (100) in the longitudinal direction, and a light exit surface (101) formed on at least part of the optical waveguide member (100) in the longitudinal direction. A cross section of the optical waveguide member in the widthwise direction has a plurality of reflecting areas (102, 103) at positions to face a light exit surface (101) and a barrier (106) at a boundary portion between the reflecting areas (102, 103).
US08167474B2	Surface light source device A light guide plate is formed of a light introducing part positioned to face a point light source for confining light and a light guide plate body having a thickness smaller than the thickness of an end of the light introducing part on a point light source side and causing the confined light to be output from a light exit surface to outside. The light introducing part has an inclined surface, and a directivity conversion pattern formed on the inclined surface. The directivity conversion pattern is configured by arranging V grooves in parallel to each other, each having a vertical angle of 120°, and each extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to a light incidence end face of the light guide plate. The length of the inclined surface in a inclination direction where part of light incident to the light introducing part enters the inclined surface at least twice.
US08167469B2	Surface light emitting apparatus emitting laser light A surface light emitting apparatus capable of providing uniform illumination while efficiently using a laser light. The apparatus comprises a light source section that includes at least one light source which emits laser beam; an optical element section that includes at least one diffractive optical element section that modifies a wavefront of the laser beam emitted from the light source section by diffraction action; and an optical guiding section that guides from an incidence surface of the optical guiding section the laser beam emitted from the diffraction optical section and emits the laser beam from a radiation surface of the optical guiding section.
US08167464B2	Backlight module and light emitting diode thereof A light emitting diode contains a light emitting diode chip and a light directing structure disposed thereon. The light directing structure has a pair of connected hemi-ellipsoids and an interface interposed therebetween. Each hemi-ellipsoid comprises a bottom surface in a shape of an incomplete ellipse and an ellipsoidal surface connected to the bottom surface and the interface, wherein the largest vertical distance from the ellipsoidal surface to the bottom surface is longer than a height of the interface. The bottom surface has a major axis and a minor axis intersected to define a center, wherein the interface is connected to the minor axis.
US08167462B2	Illumination lens and illumination unit including the same An illumination lens including a first part being free of prismatic patterns, a second part including prismatic patterns on both sides of the first part and configured to increase light distribution in the both sides of the first part, and a lens cover covering the first and second parts with the first and second parts being disposed on a substantially same plane under the lens cover.
US08167461B2	Method of manufacturing a light emitting device A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes separating a plurality of regions in a film with a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters to form a plurality of legs continuous with a body of film, folding the plurality of legs such that each leg terminates in a stack of bounding edges, disposing the stack of bounding edges proximate at least one light source such that light from the at least one light source propagates through the legs and the body by total internal reflection, and treating the film to form a plurality of light scattering features therein such that frustrated totally internally reflected light exits the light emitting device at a visible light emitting area and the light emitting area is at most barely visible when not illuminated by the at least one light source.
US08167459B2	LED lighting fixture An LED lighting fixture compatible with existing incandescent lamp lighting fixtures. The heat produced by the LED light source is dissipated through a heat pipe into a ground hole to maintain an optimum operation temperature of the LED light source.
US08167457B1	Lighting system for use in motion picture and video production An illumination system suitable for lighting in connection with the production of film or video includes one or more lighting modules, wherein each module contains a light engine, a heat sink to which the light engine is affixed, and a control system electrically connected to the light engine, the control system capable of adjusting both the color and intensity of light engine by means of one or more rotary concentric control knobs and pushbuttons affixed to the control system, and wherein the control systems of each module are interconnected by a wireless data network, so that all of the modules may be controlled by using the rotary control unit on any individual module.
US08167455B2	LED lamp having a larger lighting angle An LED lamp includes a lamp shade, an optical lens mounted in the lamp shade, and an LED module mounted in the lamp shade. Thus, the optical lens has a curved surface with different curvatures to reflect and refract the light beams of the LED module in different angles and directions so that after the light beams of the LED module pass through and emerge from the optical lens, the light beams of the LED module are scattered and diverged in different angles and directions from the optical lens and are distributed on the optical lens evenly and smoothly such that the LED module has a larger lighting angle so as to enhance the lighting effect and the aesthetic quality of the LED lamp.
US08167454B2	Protective sheath for a LED band The protective sheath has a basis for attaching the LED band and an at least partially light-transmissive covering attachable thereto, wherein the basis and the covering form an accommodation space for the LED band in the attached state.
US08167453B2	Illumination device including interchangeable sensor and decoration members An illumination device includes an illumination lamp installed to a device housing, a sensor for use in controlling the lighting operation of the illumination lamp, and a sensor attachment unit through which the sensor is detachably attached to the device housing such that a sensing unit of the sensor is exposed to the outside. The illumination device further includes a decoration member for attachment to the sensor attachment unit when the sensor is not attached to the sensor attachment unit, the decoration member having substantially the same outward appearance as that of the sensor. The sensor and the decoration member are interchangeably attached to the sensor attachment unit.
US08167452B2	Lighting apparatus A lighting apparatus includes a housing, a light source disposed in the housing and at least one adjustable assembly disposed at an end of the housing. The adjustable assembly includes a connection element fixed to the end of the housing, a cap capping the connection element, at least one electrical terminal and an adjusting mechanism. A part of the connection element is located in the cap. The electrical terminal is disposed at the cap and electrically connected to the light source. The adjusting mechanism includes a gear, a positioning element, a clasp and a track. The gear and the positioning element are respectively disposed at the connection element and the cap. Positions of the gear and the positioning element can be exchanged. The clasp and the track are respectively disposed at the connection element and the cap. Positions of the clasp and the track can be exchanged.
US08167447B2	Adjustable desk lamp An adjustable desk lamp includes at least two buttons, a lamp panel, a stand, and a support arm assembly. The stand includes at least two button housings. Each of the button housings is filled with liquid and receives one of the buttons. The arm assembly is attached to the stand. The arm assembly includes at least two channels and at least two support posts. Each of the channels communicates with one of the button housings and is filled with liquid. One end of each of the posts is received in one of the channels, and another end support the lamp pane. When one of the buttons is operated, the liquid in the button hole receiving the operated button and the channel communicating with the button hole is displaced, and the post received in the channel moves downwardly or upwardly, thus the lamp panel can cast light at a different angle.
US08167436B2	Display shelf with placing tables and transmission-type screens having projecting parts and laterally-facing displays A display shelf system includes a display shelf, which includes a plurality of placing tables which are adapted to have an article placed thereon. A plurality of transmission-type screens are arranged with the placing tables, respectively. A projector projects a projector image, and a light guide of the display shelf leads the projector image onto the rear sides of the transmission-type screens. The transmission-type screens have curved surfaces which are inclined to face toward a lateral direction with respect to a front of the display shelf, so that the transmission-type screens are easily viewable by viewers who are in the lateral directions of the display shelf.
US08167431B2	Universal stereographic trigger peripheral for electronic equipment A peripheral device is coupled to a system bus of an apparatus via a system bus compatible cable, and transmits to an operating system a request to transmit to the output multiple image stream 3D video data and a request to access a video subsystem for monitoring a status of page flip signals. The peripheral device transmits sync signals to at least one output of the peripheral device representing the page flip signals detected in response to monitoring page flip signal status. The apparatus transmits the multiple image stream 3D video data to the output. The multiple image stream 3D video data is received at a stereographic projection apparatus input. Each stream data contains a plurality of frames. The stereographic projection apparatus comprises an alternating polarizing filter, synced with the alternately projecting images, for separately filtering images from each of the image stream 3D video data at different polarization angles.
US08167430B2	Unsupervised learning of temporal anomalies for a video surveillance system Techniques are described for analyzing a stream of video frames to identify temporal anomalies. A video surveillance system configured to identify when agents depicted in the video stream engage in anomalous behavior, relative to the time-of-day (TOD) or day-of-week (DOW) at which the behavior occurs. A machine-learning engine may establish the normalcy of a scene by observing the scene over a specified period of time. Once the observations of the scene have matured, the actions of agents in the scene may be evaluated and classified as normal or abnormal temporal behavior, relative to the past observations.
US08167428B2	Applicator for an ophthalmologic treatment device An applicator for an ophthalmologic treatment or diagnostic device, wherein a laser beam and an illumination beam are directed at the eye and light reflected from the eye is fed to an examining beam path. A reflective surface is provided for the reflection of the illumination beam and comprises an optical aperture for the laser beam.
US08167423B2	Ink jet apparatus An ink jet textile printing apparatus includes a printing section having a recording head and performing printing on a recording medium by ejecting ink from the recording head, a transporting belt having an adhesive surface, and a lifting preventer disposed on an upstream side with respect to the printing section in a transporting direction in which the transporting belt is rotated. The lifting preventer includes a free roller that is provided over the recording medium adhered to and supported by the transporting belt and is movable in the transporting direction and in a direction opposite to the transporting direction.
US08167422B2	Hybrid printing method using movable pallet A hybrid printing method using a movable pallet is provided. The movable pallet is used to apply various desired inks on the surface of fabric products and the like. A printing process, a digital printing process, a multicolor foiling process and a multi-color flocking process provides a variety of designs and colors, dissimilar to the conventional method enabling a simple design and a single color work. The method is not an integral (fixed) type and thus is carried out as a selective work for each individual process, thereby improving productivity by more 100-150% as compared to the conventional facility. The movable pallet is formed of a thin aluminum plate of 3-4 mm thickness to minimize the time required for heating and cooling and to provide for easy attachment and detachment due to its light weight. The pallet is supported on a pallet bracket to avoid bending or distortion.
US08167413B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and method for agitating ink In order to recover unevenness in concentration of ink ejected from a print head, an agitation operation of agitating ink by causing the print head to reciprocate is carried out. This agitation operation sets a number of times of moving the print head for agitation according to a condition, such as a printing mode, for a reciprocating motion in a main scanning direction of the print head in printing.
US08167412B2	Dot position measurement method, dot position measurement apparatus, and computer readable medium Dot positions are measured by recording dots on a recording medium in a measurement line pattern including a plurality of lines of rows of the dots respectively corresponding to a plurality of recording elements. The measurement line pattern is read where a longitudinal direction of the plurality of lines is directed to a sub-scanning direction of an image reading apparatus. A plurality of averaging regions is allocated to different positions of line blocks, the lines arranged in a main scanning direction. The image signal is averaged in the allocated averaging regions, and average profile images are created for positions in terms of the main scanning direction. Positions of both edges of each line are determined according to the average profile images. Line positions in the averaging regions are determined according to the edge positions. Line positions in the line blocks are determined according to the line positions in the averaging regions.
US08167410B2	Image forming apparatus The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, which is able to prevent the adherence of toner on the surface of toner controlling means and around a toner passage hole, and to stably carry out toner passage ON/OFF control when forming an image using the direct recording method. This image forming apparatus includes: a toner carrier; recording medium means; toner controlling means, disposed between the toner carrier and recording medium means, and having a plurality of toner passage holes; and cloud electrode means disposed between the toner carrier and toner controlling means, a toner cloud being formed by applying an AC bias between the toner carrier and cloud electrode means. A control electrode and a common electrode are disposed in toner controlling means, and when the toner of the toner carrier is able to pass through the toner controlling means toward recording medium means, a loop-shaped line of electric force is formed between the recording medium means side and the toner controlling means common electrode, the loop-shaped line by-passing the control electrode.
US08167409B2	Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head unit including liquid ejecting head bodies for ejecting liquid by the drive of a pressure generating device; wiring members for feeding drive signals to the pressure generating device of the liquid ejecting head bodies; and connector members provided at an end of the wiring members, being connected by the wiring members, and having second connector sections detachable from first connectors of the liquid ejecting head bodies; wherein the connector members respectively include a base member equipped with a wiring member connector for inserting the connecting end of the wiring member for connection, and a retaining member fixed to the base member covering the wiring member connector section; wherein the wiring members inserted into the wiring member connector are retained in a folded state by the retaining members.
US08167408B2	Ink jet recording head, and method for manufacturing ink jet recording head An ink jet recording head includes a recording element substrate; an electric wiring member including an array of leads connected to the recording element substrate at an electrical connecting portion; a supporting portion including a surface supporting the electric wiring member and a recessed bottom surface for supporting the recording element substrate; sealing material covering a part of an upper surface of the electric wiring member, the electrical connecting portion, a part of an upper surface of the recording element substrate, and the array of leads; and a projection provided between the electric wiring member and the recording element substrate at an end of the array. A level difference between upper surfaces of the projection and the recording element substrate is smaller than a level difference between the upper surfaces of the recording element substrate and the electric wiring member.
US08167402B2	Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method In a structure in which a printing medium is subjected to a maintenance ejection in order to maintain a favorable ink ejection performance of a printing head, dots formed on the printing medium by the maintenance ejection have a reduced visibility. Specifically, an area of dots formed by landing ink droplets ejected from the printing head for the maintenance ejection onto the printing medium is smaller than an area of similar dots formed by a normal printing. Specifically, by flowing currents having different waveforms into an ejection heater of the printing head depending on the ejection for printing an image and the maintenance ejection, an area of dots formed by the maintenance ejection can be smaller than an area of dots formed by the normal ejection for printing an image.
US08167400B2	Droplet ejecting device capable of recovering ejection performance efficiently A droplet ejecting head is formed with at least one nozzle and is configured to eject a liquid droplet through the at least one nozzle in a nozzle axis direction. A carriage supports the droplet ejecting head. A guide member extends in a predetermined direction and is configured to guide the carriage so that the carriage is movable in the predetermined direction. A moving section moves the carriage along the guide member. The droplet ejecting head is configured to eject a liquid droplet through the at least one nozzle onto an ejection object while the moving section moves the carriage. A vibration generating section vibrates the droplet ejecting head in such a manner that vibration of liquid held in the at least one nozzle includes a component in the nozzle axis direction.
US08167397B2	Recording apparatus and recording method In the present invention, a conveying operation of a recording medium is controlled on the basis of a first correction value and a second correction value. The first correction value is used for correcting a conveying amount when the recording medium disengages from a first conveying roller, and the second correction value is used for correcting the phase of the first conveying roller and a second conveying roller when the recording medium disengages from the first conveying roller before the recording medium is nipped by the first conveying roller.
US08167396B2	Liquid discharging apparatus and control method of liquid discharging apparatus A contraction portion of a vibration pulse includes a first contraction element which occurs subsequent to an expansion portion, a contraction maintaining element which follows the first contraction element, and a second contraction element which follows the contraction maintaining element, and when a time from a start point time of the expansion portion to an end point time of the expansion portion is set as t1, a time from the end point time of the expansion portion to a start point time of the contraction portion is set as t2, and a natural vibration period of ink in an ink flow path including a pressure chamber is set as Tc, the start point time (t1+t2) of the contraction portion is set to be in the range of any one of the following expressions (1) and (2). (t1+t2)t1/2+5Tc/8 (2)
US08167394B2	Image recording apparatus and calculation method An image recording apparatus, including: a platen which supports a sheet; a movable carriage disposed so as to face to the platen; a head mounted on the carriage to record an image on the sheet; an optical sensor mounted on the carriage and constituted by an emitting element which emits light and a receiving element which receives light reflected from the sheet and output an electric signal according to intensity of the reflected light; a changing mechanism which changes the optical sensor between first and second positions; and a calculation section which calculates at least one of a distance between the optical sensor and the sheet and a reflectivity of the sheet on the basis of (a) a first electric signal outputted from the receiving element with the optical sensor disposed at the first position and (b) a second electric signal outputted from the receiving element with the optical sensor disposed at the second position.
US08167392B2	Ink jet recording apparatus and control method therefor A user-friendly ink jet recording apparatus is capable of preventing a sudden ink exhaustion and a resulting unclear print that may result from canceling a no-ink error signal without an ink tank replacement. In the ink jet recording apparatus, in a case of a no-ink error signal, a no-ink timer is activated and time information of a no-ink state is stored in a non-volatile memory, a period from such time is measured and compared, and after the lapse of predetermined time, a no-ink error signal is generated even before a threshold value for the no-ink error signal is reached, thereby issuing a request for ink tank replacement to the user.
US08167391B2	Image registration on edible substrates A method of making edible substrates that have an image registered on them in a consistent manner. The method comprises the steps of providing an edible substrate sheet, and an image source, wherein the image source has at least one image. Further, a trigger pulse signal is provided, which relays the frequency of a process element that is communicated to an image disposal device. The image disposal device uses the trigger pulse signal to determine when to dispose an image from the image source. Then an image is disposed on the edible substrate sheet with the image disposal device to form an image-disposed edible substrate sheet. And then a portion of the edible substrate sheet that comprises an image is separated into an individual piece.
US08167389B2	Refrigerator mullion with protection unit A refrigerator, which prevents a filler unit from being worn away or broken. The refrigerator includes a main body, storage chambers divisionally provided in the main body, a pair of doors opening and closing one of the storage chambers, a filler unit rotatably connected to at least one of the pair of doors to seal a separation space between the doors, a guide member provided on the main body to guide rotation of the filler unit, and a protection unit mounted on the filler unit to rotate the filler unit according to insertion and separation of the protection unit into and from the guide member and to prevent the breakage of the filler unit due to collision with the guide member.
US08167387B1	Collapsible storage container A portable and collapsible storage container formed of rigid, interconnected panels which, when fully assembled, form a self-standing, integrally strong unit and, when collapsed, fold together to occupy a minimal volumetric space. Opposed side walls are hingedly connected to a front frame, and opposed end walls are hingedly connected to a rear wall panel, both to fold inwardly in interlocking fashion such that the side walls overlie the rear panel and the end walls overlie the side walls within the region bounded by the front frame. The storage container may optionally include a door or lid for closure which may be fitted with a lock if desirable. The side walls include means for supporting a removable interior panel to prevent the side walls from folding inwardly which, in turn, prevent the end walls from folding inwardly.
US08167385B2	Washing machine Provided is a washing machine. The washing machine includes a front portion that forms the front of the washing machine and a deco panel. The deco panel is installed around the perimeter of the front portion to cover the front portion.
US08167380B2	Adjustable weighted wheel assembly The application discloses a wheel assembly comprising a wheel comprising a main body, a substantially cylindrical wall, a front hub face comprising a central portion connecting a hub to an outer rim, wherein the front hub face comprises a socket for receiving a removable weight, wherein the socket or the weight is configured with a stop for preventing the weight from dislodging from the socket; a back face comprising a back central portion connecting the hub to the back outer rim; and the wheel assembly comprising at least one fastener for securing the weigh in the socket on the main body of the wheel.
US08167377B2	Knock-down chair with intermediate support and compound leg An intermediate support structure provides a device whereby individual members of a furniture item can be assembled into an optimized configuration. The use of the intermediate structure allows the individual members of the furniture item to be assembled to achieve maximum structural benefit from their arrangement.
US08167374B2	Portable folding chair A swivel chair including a swivel-mounting assembly having a lower plate, and an upper plate, and bearings for rotatably mounting the upper plate to the lower plate. The lower plate and the upper plate defining an annular gap therebetween cooperating with the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly. The improvement includes an annular gasket having a first portion that receives the bearings is positioned in-between the plates. The annular gasket further having a second portion depending from the first. The second portion includes upper and lower sections extending from the first portion and have an inside facing section being in partial surface-to-surface contact with the lower and upper plates. Thus, the annular gasket prevents foreign particles from entering into the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly.
US08167363B2	Prestressed structural members and methods of making same Methods of prestressing a vehicle structural member include forming a support structure, applying a preformed reinforcing component to the support structure, the preformed reinforcing component having a size changing material that changes in dimension upon application of a stimulus and transforming the preformed reinforcing component from a first configuration to a second configuration.
US08167362B2	Vehicular hood hinge arrangement structure In a vehicular hood hinge arrangement structure in which the rear end part of a front hood is pivotally supported on a vehicle body via a hood hinge attached to the top end surface of a dash side front member at the side of a cowl box adopting a hollow structure the upper side of which is open, the hood hinge is arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction of a vertical surface extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction of a cowl side panel closing the side end of the cowl box and in front of a front surface of a side body outer panel (front pillar) erected almost vertically in the side part of a vehicle body.
US08167361B2	Motor vehicle front face with a cross member level with the main longitudinal members A motor vehicle front face (1) can be fixed rigidly to the front ends (2) of the main longitudinal members (14) of the motor vehicle. The front face (1) includes: at least one cross member (8), at least one lock (76) for fastening the bonnet of the motor vehicle, the or each lock (76) being rigidly fixed to the cross member (8). The cross member (8) is vertically located substantially level with the front ends (2) of the main longitudinal members (4).
US08167356B1	Automated vehicle sunshade An automated vehicle sunshade includes a compartment mountable to a roof of a vehicle, a flexible shade, a plurality of rods coupled to the flexible shade and a drive device coupled to the plurality of rods. The plurality of rods are retractable and extendable so that the sunshade repeatably alternates between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the flexible shade, plurality of rods and drive device are enclosed within the compartment. The sunshade also includes guide wires and support wires for properly guiding and supporting the flexible shade during retracting and extending.
US08167350B1	Liner apparatus and method of making a liner A liner for a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, trailer, or the like, includes at least three layers, a base layer, an intermediate patterned layer, and a clear or transparent top layer so that the patterned layer may be viewed. The patterned layer may be monochromatic, where only a single color is used, or it may be polychromatic, where several colors are used. The patterned layer may be a color scape, a design or logo, a message, or any decorative item. Three embodiments of methods for making a liner are shown. The methods include the use of a female mold, a male mold, or a combination of male and female molds where the male mold is a ram applying pressure and heat to the several layers on the female mold.
US08167341B2	Swing gate latch system In one embodiment, the present invention is a latch device having a latch and a base portion, where the latch is selectively connected to the base portion, and pivotable about the base portion along a first axis. The present invention also includes a cam mechanism for securing the latch such that the latch is secured for rotation and support of a door for a vehicle along a second axis when the door is rotated about a first axis but allows free movement of the latch when the door is actuated for rotation about a second axis.
US08167337B2	Elastic coupling for universal vacuum extension kit A quick-release, fluid impervious elastic coupling with hook and loop strips conforms to the shape of conduit ends to join, seal and secure together conduits that can have different diameters. The elastic sheet can be a single or multiple layers and can be reinforced with strengthening ribs or cords and/or provided with gripping ridges to assist securing and sealing the conduits against leakage.
US08167336B2	Identification labels and methods of using the same Labels and methods for removing a portion of a release liner from a label are disclosed. An example labels includes a substrate, a layer of adhesive on the substrate, a layer of release coating in contact with the layer of adhesive, and a release line in contact with the release coating. The release liner includes a first edge, a second edge, and a first line of weakness. The first line of weakness includes a tapered or curved portion and extends from the first edge of the release liner to between the first edge and the second edge of the release liner.
US08167334B2	Gas generator for an airbag module The invention relates to a gas generator for an airbag module, comprising a housing, and a filter fastened in the housing for filtering a gas that can be generated with the gas generator. According to the invention, it is provided that a part of the gas generator is inserted into a recess of the filter for fastening the filter in the housing.
US08167330B2	Folding, support and security trailer tongue The invention provides space saving, locking and support features for most single pole trailer tongue, having: a support leg, which has the coupler hitch on the opposite end, pivots on the tongue into a vertical position where it acts as a support for the tongue. This leg is secured vertically, using aligned brackets on both sections, by a hitch pin or locking device, so that it can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. When in the horizontal position, the support leg is secured to the tongue by a hitch pin and may be connected to a towing vehicle. A flip-down leg, pivotally mounted on the tongue, which drops down when the securing hitch pin is removed part way, to provide temporary support for the tongue while the support leg is being moved to the vertical position.
US08167329B2	Fifth-wheel trailer with an adjustable floor and a method for its use A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main frame including its pin box.
US08167327B2	Bicycle frame A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a head tube, a top tube and a down tube. The top tube and down tube can be attached to the head tube. The head tube can include at least one ledge configured to fit inside either of the top and down tubes. The top of the top tube and/or the bottom of the down tube can be substantially flush with the top of the head tube or bottom of the head tube, respectively.
US08167325B2	Control arm of multilink suspension system for vehicle A control arm may be formed by assembling front and rear members respectively having upper and lower flanges so as to have a tubular cross-section, and a bending portion may be formed by bending the lower flange of the front member downwardly such that a drain hole is formed by the bending portion protruded downwardly when the front and rear members are assembled.
US08167323B1	Handcart The handcart has various embodiments, each embodiment having a pair of larger wheels at the back of the load-carrying platform and a rear axle located above the plane of at least the forward portion of the platform. Smaller caster wheels are mounted on arms extending forward and outward from the forward corners of the platform. The outward ends of the arms are displaced upwardly to place the platform bottom only very slightly higher than the bottoms of the forward casters, thus increasing stability by lowering the center of gravity of the cart and contents, and facilitating loading and unloading of the cart due to the very low platform. The cart need not be tilted rearward to lift the platform from the floor, but may be pushed over the underlying surface with the load-carrying platform remaining level and with all four wheels rolling over the underlying surface.
US08167320B2	Vehicle with carriage anti-tilting structure A vehicle with carriage anti-tilting structure, which comprises a frame and, a carriage of a cylindrical shape, with its central axis in parallel along the length of the vehicle and is connected with the frame in a free rotation state. The rotating axis of the carriage is the central axis of the carriage, and the gravity center of the carriage is lower than the rotating axis. An electrical locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of carriage is arranged between the carriage and frame, and is connected with a vehicle tilting angle detector which installed on the frame. The locking mechanism acts as an actuator of the vehicle tilting angle detector. In the event of tilting of the vehicle, the vehicle tilting angle detector detects the tilting condition, and then output signal to the electrical locking mechanism, which releases the locking of the carriage and enables it to stay leveled.
US08167316B2	Clamping head provided with floating clamping jaws A clamping device for fixing a machined part to a processing axis in a machine tool including the processing axis, a clamping head which is rotatable thereabout and with clamping elements floatably arranged thereon.
US08167311B1	Game machine A game machine includes a cabinet-type main frame. A rack and a movement assembly respectively mounted in the main frame. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein for receiving prizes. An operational unit is mounted on a front panel of the main frame for user to operate the movement assembly. A drive device is mounted on the movement assembly and reciprocally moved relative to the rack. Multiple driven devices are mounted on the rack. Each driven device aligns with a corresponding one of the rooms. Each driven device has a shaft extending into the corresponding room and reciprocally moved to push a prized received in the room when the drive device is engaged to and pushes the shaft.
US08167309B1	System and method for personal wagering A method and a system to provide a medium for personal wagering for sporting or non-sporting events. Users wager against each other, for any event. Users can make their own odds and handicaps. Users pre-select events and price-range for wagering. Alerts are automatically distributed to users informing them of available wager offers. Funds are received and distributed to the winners.
US08167308B2	Image forming apparatus and method for selecting discharge destination for sheet of image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is composed of a main body, an image forming portion provided in the main body to form an image on a sheet, a top receiving tray provided on a top of the main body to load the sheet on which the image is formed in the image forming portion so as to be visible from the top of the main body, a side receiving tray provided at a side of the main body and under the top receiving tray to load the sheet on which the image is formed in the image forming portion with a maximum sheet loading amount more than the top receiving tray, and a control unit to control to select one of the top receiving tray and the side receiving tray as a discharge destination for the sheet according to whether or not a number of the output sheets outputted from the image forming portion exceeds a prescribed threshold value.
US08167305B2	Transporting device and transporting method A transport device and a transporting method. The transporting device includes a transporting unit, a plurality of medium sensing units, an encoder, a paper management module, a determining unit, and a transport controller. When the determining unit determines that a transport error has occurred in a succession transport medium based on a count value for an encoder signal, the paper management module stops counting, and the transport controller controls the transporting unit such that the transporting unit continues transporting a previous transport medium.
US08167302B2	Paper inverting device A sheet of paper is reliably held by suction at the front and rear of a turn guide on the transport path of the sheet according to paper transport conditions.
US08167301B2	Paper sheet handling device A paper sheet processing apparatus including a housing part capable of stacking a paper sheet in a stable condition. A bill processing apparatus includes: a bill housing part capable of stacking the bill having been inserted into a bill insertion slot. The bill housing part includes a regulatory member having an opening through which a bill to be received; and a contact face which regulates a movement of the bill by contacting. The regulatory member is configured to make a coefficient of friction on the contact face contacting the bill greater than a coefficient of friction caused between stacked and housed bills.
US08167299B2	Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus provided with the sheet feeder A sheet feeder is provided with a storing section for storing transfer sheets, a feed roller for feeding the transfer sheets stored in the storing section one by one from the uppermost one; a separation roller arranged to face the feed roller; a transport roller arranged downstream of the feed roller in a transport direction; and a transfer sheet guide for guiding the transfer sheet to the transport roller, wherein the transfer sheet guide includes a guide face formed to extend from the storing section along the transport direction of the transfer sheet on or in a vicinity of an extension of a line tangent to the feed roller and the transport roller on the side of transporting the transfer sheet, the guide face being formed in an area between the storing section and the separation roller.
US08167295B2	Printer and method for controlling the same A printer is provided that includes a printing unit printing an image on a sheet being conveyed on a printing path, a first feeder unit configured such that a sheet placed thereon is fed to the printing path via a first feeding path, a second feeder unit configured such that a sheet placed thereon is fed to the printing path via a second feeding path even while the first feeder unit is being replenished with sheets, and a controller configured to, in response to a first requirement being satisfied while the first feeder unit is forbidden to be replenished with sheets during a continuous printing operation, switch an actually-working feeder unit that works for actual sheet feeding in the continuous printing operation, to the second feeder unit, the first requirement including a condition that one or more sheets are placed on the second feeder unit.
US08167293B2	System and method for inline cutting and stacking of sheets for formation of books This invention provides a system and method for aligning, feeding, trimming, slitting, rotating, cross-slitting and stacking sheets, each containing one or more discrete page images thereon that allows for greater automation of the overall process so that reduced or no manual intervention is required to generate completed book stacks or “blocks” from a stream or stack of printed sheets. Sheets are fed downstream on a feed surface, trimmed at a first, upstream trimming station to remove margin edges and optionally separate the sheets relative to the discrete page images. The sheets are then rotated 90 degrees and fed to a second, downstream trimming station that trims the right-angle edges and optionally separates the sheets into a final group of full-bleed pages, removing margins and gutter strips. The sheets are feed to a stacking assembly to be tacked in page order and any rejected, defective sheets or stacks are removed from the order. Trimming stations can be automatically adjusted to accommodate different numbers and sizes of pages in sheets. The stacking assembly can include a right-angle merge assembly that can include a plurality of decks, served by divert gates to handle a large number of separated pages to-be-stacked.
US08167292B1	Vise jaw plates Jaw plates for removably attaching to the jaws of machine vises extend above the top of the jaw to hold taller workpieces. They are made from aluminum alloy for readily machining to conform to contours of a workpiece not easily held by flat jaw faces. They are sections cut from a special extrusion for enhanced physical properties and economy of production. Through holes are drilled for fastening to the jaw face. The plate has a planar vertical face for lying flat on the vertical jaw face. A second face engages the top horizontal face of the jaw. A groove between the two plate faces ensures the second face engages the horizontal face of the jaw away from the intersection of the faces. Alternatively, material on the plate may conform to the workpiece when hot and retain shape when cool.
US08167284B2	Hook structure for spiral spring A second spiral spring is smaller than a first spiral spring and is housed in an open space in the center of the first spiral spring. A folded portion that is formed in an inner end of the first spiral spring and a folded portion that is formed in an outer end of the second spiral spring are hooked in a latch plate, under tension, that is cut and raised from a side. A receiving space is formed between the latch plate and an initial winding portion that starts winding in a curved shape from the inner end of the first spiral spring so as to house a tip of the folded portion of the outer end of the second spiral spring that is hooked in the latch plate.
US08167282B2	Aerosol generator A method of fabricating a glass body that includes a multiplicity of constituents, at least one of which is a dopant (e.g., a rare-earth element) having a low vapor pressure (LVP) precursor includes the steps of: (a) generating an aerosol from the LVP precursor; (b) separately generating vapors of the other constituents; (c) convecting the aerosol and vapors to deposition system including a substrate; and (d) forming at least one doped layer on a surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method also includes filtering the aerosol so as to remove aerosol particles outside of a particular range of sizes. Also described is a unique aerosol generator that is particularly useful in generating aerosols of rare-earth dopants. Particular embodiments directed to the fabrication of Yb-doped optical fibers are described.
US08167278B2	Angled diffuser and steam injection heater assembly An improved configuration for an in-line direct contact diffuser-type steam injection heater provides for a diffuser whereby steam flow is controlled using an angled sonic diffuser and plug arrangement. The steam flow is controlled by means of a steam plug which selectively exposes holes through which the steam passes. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration provides for a diffuser that had been angled approximately 30° from vertical to facilitate better mixing of the steam with the fluid. The precise angle may be altered depending on the fluid characteristics. A more durable end seal is also used. The end seal is a piston ring which prevents problems associated with the use of elastomeric rings of existing art. A more uniform diameter plug with linear travel is also an improvement over the prior art.
US08167277B2	Fluid shear promotion in a carburetor booster A carburetor booster that produces a shear factor to maintain emulsification of fluid passing through, out of, and around the booster body. The booster includes ports between a groove at a bottom portion of the booster and a plenum in the booster, the plenum being a source of a fuel mixture.
US08167271B2	Staple extractor A staple extractor having a handle, a shank attached to the handle and having a conical pry tip, and a sliding member having a clamp head engageable with the pry tip and slidably attached to the shank so as to permit relative longitudinal movement between the shank and sliding member, wherein the clamp head has opposed wings that straddle the pry tip so as to releasably secure a staple bridge. The sliding member has a thumb knob located proximate the handle for moving the sliding member between a retracted position and a clamping position.
US08167269B2	Valve trim apparatus for use with valves A valve trim apparatus for use with valves is described. An example valve trim apparatus includes a cage having an upper portion removably coupled to a lower portion. A closure member is disposed within the cage and has a first seating surface and a second seating surface. A seal assembly is fixed between the upper and lower portions of the cage. The first sealing surface of the closure member sealingly engages the seal assembly when the closure member is in a closed position to prevent leakage between the closure member and the cage.
US08167264B2	Self-supporting interior wall for use in concrete casting equipment used in concrete casting machines Self-supporting intermediate walls (12) for cellular division of mould lower parts in a concrete casting machine of the kind typically used for making cast items in the form of concrete blocks for wall construction and elements, solid blocks or blocks with cavities or recesses in two or more rows. By the self-supporting design, the distance between rows of products may be reduced for better utilization of the production plate while at the same time maintaining the replaceability of wear parts. By the invention is indicated a self-supporting intermediate wall (12) consisting of two halves, an intermediate wall with lower pins (18) and an intermediate wall with upper pins (20) which, when the two halves are assembled with the pins engaging a partitioning plate (8), form a self-supporting intermediate wall (12). For moulds with core supports (28), intermediate wall parts (22 and 23) are used with a recess (25) in which the boss (29) on the core support iron (28) fits.
US08167255B2	Hinge with elastic element and tab adapted in cardboard display stands for assembly, flattening and automatic set-up systems “HINGE WITH ELASTIC ELEMENT AND TAB ADAPTED IN CARDBOARD DISPLAY STANDS FOR ASSEMBLY, FLATTENING AND AUTOMATIC SET-UP SYSTEMS”, formed from a cardboard plate (1) with creases (2), (3) and (4) which mark the swinging segments (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10), forming a hinge (14) to be applied to display stands (such as display shelf, display-box, totem and other similar objects obtained from the central cardboard cutting and creasing design), operating through tension imposed by the elastic loop (15) anchored into the cuts (17) of a beveled tab (16) internal or posterior, positioned in the junction points of the adjacent walls (P) of the display stand (D). The hinge (14) works in clamping system, closing itself strongly tensioned during the display stand (D) flattening, for piling, transportation and delivery to the client, secured in an envelope. After delivery, the hinge (14) is opened by pulling offered by the loop (15), pushing forcefully the flattened walls (P) of the display stand (D), for its automatic opening and set-up.
US08167254B2	Trash container emptying mechanism A trash container emptying mechanism provides an upstanding “U” shaped yoke with two horizontally spaced apart vertically extending arms each having a perpendicular base portion mounted to wheeled cart. A trash container carrier having a partially circumferentially extending rigid upper support, a vertically spaced apart bottom support and at least one vertical leg communicating between the rigid upper support and the bottom support is pivotally carried within the yoke on two offset pivot spacers and two horizontal axles extending therethrough and therebetween. A flexible length adjustable strap releasably secures the trash container to the carrier and a removable position locking pin extends through aligned axle holes defined in yoke vertical arm and carrier to positionally secure the carrier and trash container in a vertical orientation within the yoke.
US08167251B2	Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading Apparatus for suspending a device such as the end of a depending air brake hose from a railcar. A flexible strap of a synthetic resin such as moldable polyurethane is suspended from the railcar body, for example, by attachment to an apertured fitting on the railcar coupler. Elongated resilient wire clips are provided to attach the free end of the air hose. The wire clips are generally configured with a latching end including interlocking end portions for connection to the strap through a selected attachment aperture, a pair of flexibly resilient, elongated manually compressible elongated arms extending away from the latching end portions and a return portion joining the arms. The clip is further provided with a retainer operative when the arms are interlocked for maintaining the attachment aperture fitting within the confines of the return portion and out of position in which loading of the clip is exerted laterally of the clip arms. In a preferred embodiment, the clip is provided with a bend in its first arm operative to promote optimum point-loading of the clip, and this embodiment of the clip is particularly useful with a chain suspension strap.
US08167249B1	Controllable upper surface blown nozzle Apparatus and methods provide for a controllable upper surface blown (USB) nozzle aperture. Aspects of the disclosure provide a powered-lift aircraft that utilizes a controllable nozzle aperture to maximize the spreading of the engine exhaust flow over the wing and USB flap surfaces to increase lift when desirable and to minimize exhaust plume contact with the wing and USB flap surfaces when minimizing drag is desirable. The controllable USB nozzle aperture includes movable upper, lower, and side duct surfaces to dynamically vary the geometry of the nozzle exit aperture to minimize the height and maximize the width of the exit aperture for maximum spreading of the exhaust plume or to maximize the height and minimize the width of the exit aperture for minimizing the spreading of the exhaust plume and minimizing the associated drag.
US08167247B2	Space-based occulter A space-based occulter is selectively movable between stowed and deployed configurations. A base hub has a longitudinally oriented center axis. A plurality of petals are provided, each petal extending radially outward from, and spaced radially apart from, the base hub when in the deployed configuration. Each petal has a hypergaussian edge made up of a plurality of hypergaussian edge panels. Each hypergaussian edge panel defines a portion of the hypergaussian edge of the petal. Each hypergaussian edge panel is made substantially of a material having a near zero coefficient of thermal expansion. A circular central portion is located radially between the base hub and the plurality of petals. A covering skin extends laterally between the hypergaussian edges of each petal and over the circular central portion. The covering skin defines a substantially planar surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the center axis when the occulter is in the deployed configuration.
US08167242B2	Launch and recovery system for unmanned aerial vehicles A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).
US08167238B2	Pylon caisson attachment on a wing, gripping a lateral panel of the caisson An aircraft assembly including a wing element and an attachment pylon of a turboengine, including a rigid structure forming a caisson defined externally by a first longeron, a second longeron, and two lateral panels. The assembly also includes an attachment mechanism of the structure on the wing element, fitted with two front attachments, each including two first fittings solid with the associated lateral panel. For each front attachment, the two first fittings are arranged respectively on either side of their associated lateral panel.
US08167237B2	Mounting system for a gas turbine engine A mounting system for a gas turbine engine includes a mounting linkage assembly and a tangential link positioned generally transverse to the mounting linkage assembly. The mounting linkage assembly reacts at least a thrust load. The tangential link reacts at least a vertical load, a side load, and a torque load of the gas turbine engine.
US08167236B2	Hybrid lift air vehicle A hybrid lift air vehicle for lifting and transporting a payload to a delivery location, which comprises a helium or other lighter-than-air gas filled envelope mounted on an airframe. Variable and reversible vertical thrusters are positioned on the airframe, and at least two variable and reversible lateral thrusters are mounted on the envelope or mounted on truss arms attached and extending out from the airframe, wherein, when the vehicle is connected to the payload for transport, the helium or other lighter-than-air gas supports or substantially supports the weight of the vehicle and the vertical thrusters are then continuously engaged to support the weight of the payload and to provide lift to the payload, wherein the lateral thrusters are then engaged to effect lateral movement of the vehicle to the delivery location, whereby, once at the delivery location, the lift provided by the variable and reversible vertical thrusters is reduced or reversed so as to allow the air vehicle to descend and the payload to again engage the ground surface, and where necessary, the variable and reversible vertical thrusters may be reversed to facilitate the unloading of the payload from the vehicle, the vehicle continuing to be kept aloft, once unloaded, by the helium or other lighter than air gas. In this manner, the vehicle utilizes the helium or lighter than air gas to offset or substantially offset the weight of the vehicle, the vertical thrusters providing the power to lift the payload.
US08167235B2	Whirling wheel airborne vehicles A sliding-arm whirling wheel thruster includes first and second whirling wheels and a housing. The first whirling wheel is disposed about a first rotational axis, and the second whirling wheel about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis. The housing comprises an arc over an enclosed space into which the first and second whirling wheels fit. The air blown outward by each of the whirling wheels is amassed inside the housing so as to make a pressure difference between inside and outside of the housing. The relative position of the first rotational axis to the second rotational axis is configured to be controlled. The airborne vehicle is lifted by buoyant force caused by the pressure difference.
US08167234B1	Insect-like micro air vehicle having perching, energy scavenging, crawling, and offensive payload capabilities A micro air vehicle (MAV) comprises features that emulate insect-like topology and flight, including a dangling three part body (100a, 100b, 100c), wing-like dual side rotors (107, 107a) positioned to either side on rotor arms (103) providing tilt and teeter motions to vector thrust and allow crawling along improved surfaces, and elevators (101) that approximate the center of gravity and center of pressure control employed by insects via the inertial reaction and aerodynamic influence of a repositionable abdomen. Control, sensing, surveillance, and payload elements (114), (401), (402), (403), (404), (405), and (407) enable transmission of surveillance and engagement of an emerging target. Left and right perch hangers and grapples (112, 112a) allow perching on various structures, and energy storage (504) and (505) combined with power line (500) and solar (502) energy scavenging circuitry allow extended loiter and mission duration by replenishing onboard energy supplies.
US08167231B2	Shielding arrangement for lines, in particular electrical lines, in aircraft A shielding arrangement for the lightning protection of electrical lines and components in an aircraft includes a protected installation space for receiving the lines that is arranged in the region of a floor framework, at least one delimiting surface of the installation space being provided at least in certain regions with an electrically conductive shielding, the at least one delimiting surface of the installation space being formed with at least one floor panel and a further delimiting surface of the installation space being formed with at least one ceiling panel.
US08167227B2	Foot operated lever-lift vertical reel unroller assembly A lever lift assembly is provided for lifting a reel of cable, wire or other material off the floor. In one embodiment of the lever lift assembly, a lever assembly is actuated to retract a lifter assembly underneath the reel causing the reel to be lifted on a pair of drive wheels and a pair of flanged wheels. In one embodiment the lever lift assembly incorporates drive wheels to unroll material from the reel.
US08167226B2	Chipper knife and method of manufacturing a chipper knife A chipper knife 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 chipper knives are mounted has at least one cutting edge which is defined between two edge-forming surface portions of the knife at an acute angle to each other. At least one of the two edge-forming surface portions extends from the cutting edge inwardly to a shoulder extending parallel to and facing away from the cutting edge and defining a step surface on the knife behind the shoulder with respect to the rest of the adjacent knife surface and chipper knife.
US08167224B2	Delivery of agents to the cutting mechanism of paper shredders Lubrication substrates are disclosed that have been treated with or that carry a lubricant for maintaining a paper shredder. The lubrication substrate is fed through the shredding mechanism of a paper shredder. Rather than requiring disassembly of the paper shredder, maintenance and lubrication can be performed by passing the lubrication substrate through the shredding mechanism. The lubrication substrates can take any of a variety of forms, and can be substantially rigid and/or stiff. The lubrication substrates can also include scented lubricants and decomposing agents. Paper shredders are also disclosed for use with the lubrication substrates. The paper shredders can have various means for identifying when lubrication is needed and/or when the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder is lubricated by a lubrication sheet. Paper shredders having a reservoir of lubricant for delivery to the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder are also disclosed.
US08167221B2	Sprinkler housing having a side inlet to reduce stress concentrations thereat A sprinkler housing having a side inlet with improved strength and durability is disclosed. The housing includes an inlet opening having a shape configured to position regions of peak stress concentration on the housing side walls, upon the sprinkler housing being filled with a pressurized fluid, circumferentially spaced from the upper and lower central points of the inlet opening to provide a more robust sprinkler housing.
US08167219B2	Device for improving tire traction A tire traction device which may improve or provide tire traction for various vehicles is described. The tire traction device includes a board having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a curved edge and the second end has a slanted edge. The board may include more than one section. The board includes a rough top surface, and a plurality of spikes extend from the bottom surface of the board. The tire traction device may also include a flexible component attached to the board. The flexible component is designed so that it may be drawn underneath a spinning tire.
US08167214B2	Method and device for visual code transaction verification A method and device for visual code transaction verification enables more secure electronic transactions. The method includes generating a window having a first pattern of elongated segments. A second pattern of elongated segments is then generated, wherein a dynamic visual code is produced when the window and the first pattern of elongated segments are superimposed with the second pattern of elongated segments. A transaction with a user is then verified by matching the dynamic visual code with a code string entered by the user.
US08167212B2	Radio frequency identification system and data reading method A system and method for reading an RFID data tag comprising a plurality of diffractive elements being indicative of machine-readable data carried by the tag are provided. The diffractive elements have such shape that the dimension of the diffractive elements along one axis is substantially different than the dimension of the elements along the perpendicular axis. Each diffractive element is oriented in a direction other than the direction of its neighboring elements. The system comprises a transmitting antenna configured for emitting an RF radiation signal at a predetermined polarization towards the tag; and a receiving antenna configured for collecting re-radiated RF radiation produced by the tag in response to the RF radiation signal at a polarization orthogonal to the polarization of the transmitting antenna and generating electromagnetic signals indicative of the data carried by the tag. The system also includes an interrogator unit configured for generating the transmitted RF radiation signal and processing the electromagnetic signals produced by the receiving antenna for determining the data carried by the tag.
US08167211B2	Card carrying and pushing out device A card carrying device may include a stacker in which a plurality of cards is stacked, a card pushing-out member for engaging with the rear edge of a card at a lowest position of the cards to push the card at the lowest position outside from the stacker, a carrying-out roller for carrying the card outside from the stacker, and a card pushing-up member for pushing up other cards stacked on the card at the lowest position in an upper direction in a period after the carrying-out roller comes in contact with the card at the lowest position and before the card at the lowest position has been carried outside from the stacker.
US08167209B2	Increasing imaging quality of a bar code reader The exemplary system requires a 2D barcode be located on an object, a portion of which is to be captured in an image. The module size of the 2D barcode is chosen to match the smallest feature to be preserved on the output image. While the target is moving with respect to the imager the 2D bar code is also moving and the resulting image is degraded. The imager will properly decode the 2D barcode only if the bar code is stationary (or moving very slowly) and hence will provide an acceptable image in the region of the 2D bar code.
US08167208B2	Arrangement for and method of controlling monitor photodiode leakage current in lasers in electro-optical readers In an electro-optical reader, an aiming or a scanning laser has an internal laser chip and a monitor photodiode. A controller deenergizes the chip in a deenergized state, and energizes the chip to emit a laser beam with an output power in an energized state. A positive voltage power supply forward biases and maintains the photodiode at a substantially constant positive voltage below a threshold voltage, to support a substantially constant photodiode leakage current in both states. A signal processor supports a total current comprised of a main photodiode current indicative of the output power of the laser beam in the energized state and of the leakage current which flows opposite to the main current, and removes the leakage current from the total current to output only the main current in the energized state.
US08167207B2	Integrated optical exit window A device including a housing, an imaging engine and a transparent exit window. The imaging engine is located within the housing. The exit window is in the housing allowing light to pass from an exterior of the device to the imaging engine within the housing. The exit window has a plurality of segments. Each of the segments has a corresponding optical property.
US08167206B2	Reader for reading computer-generated lithograms A reader for reading computer-generated individualized holograms which are written into a storage medium, having a light source for generating a light beam, a recording means for acquiring image data generated by the light beam by illuminating the individualized hologram, and display means for displaying the display data generated from the image data, wherein all the components are combined in a portable handheld unit.
US08167199B1	Systems and methods for dynamically valuating a gift card A gift card that dynamically changes its value based on how it is used. For example, a gift card may have a different value in accordance with a merchant where the card is used, a merchant category, a product being purchased, a product manufacturer, etc. The gift card may operate within a traditional credit/debit card processing infrastructure, wherein the card processing infrastructure transmits the merchant details along with the authorization/approval request to a card processor and/or card issuer. The gift card may be authorized for a specific value for that merchant, the merchant category, product, etc. Thus, the gift card may have a value of $25 at a first store, but the same gift card may have a value of $50 at a second store in accordance with a predetermined value factors assigned to the stores.
US08167196B2	Expanded mass data sets for electronic check processing Accommodating the data needed to process checks for payment under the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act by using expanded fields of a financial data file. The financial data file can comprise the complete, original MICR data from an original or substitute paper check. The financial data file can comprise truncated data in conventional fields F1-F7 and untruncated data in expanded fields F10-F11. The financial data file further can comprise a result from an image quality analysis performed on an electronic image of the check. The untruncated MICR data and the electronic check image can be used to correct errors in the financial data file and to present the check for payment via a substitute check or an electronic image cash letter. The truncated MICR data can be used to electronically process the check via conventional means.
US08167195B2	Cluster box mail delivery unit having security features An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary.
US08167192B1	Manufacturing method for ceramic heater Disclosed herein is a manufacturing method for a ceramic heater. The manufacturing method includes the step of manufacturing a sintered ceramic substrate using a ceramic material and forming a conductive through hole in the ceramic substrate, the step of screen printing low temperature firing paste on the ceramic substrate, thus forming a heating wire, the step of screen printing Ag paste on the through hole, thus forming an electrode, the step of joining, using heat and pressure, a green sheet to a surface of the ceramic substrate on which the heating wire is formed, the step of firing the joined ceramic substrate and green sheet at low temperature, thus manufacturing a substrate body, and the step of brazing the lead wire to the electrode of the substrate body using filler metal while the lead wire is exposed to atmosphere.
US08167190B1	Electrically conductive polymer compositions containing metal particles and a graphene and methods for production and use thereof Polymer compositions containing a polymer matrix, a graphene that is covalently bonded to the polymer matrix and metal particles are described herein. A combined concentration of the metal particles and the graphene in the polymer matrix exceeds an electrical percolation threshold. In general, the graphene has a carbon:oxygen ratio of at least about 20:1 so as to impart a high electrical conductivity thereto. The polymer compositions can be used as a lead-free solder material, in which case they can allow multiple rework operations to take place at a connection. Methods for making and using such electrically conductive polymer compositions are also described.
US08167189B2	Methods for rework of a solder Methods for reworking a solder containing one or more joined members are described herein. Such methods can include applying a disintegrating agent to a solder containing a solder material, disintegrating the solder material to form a disintegrated solder material, and removing the disintegrated solder material from the solder. Such methods can also include applying a disintegrating agent containing bismuth to a solder containing a solder material, and heating the solder to liquefy the disintegrating agent. Such methods can also include applying a disintegrating agent containing a bismuth alloy to a solder having a solder material that contains metal nanoparticles, and heating the solder to liquefy the bismuth alloy.
US08167180B2	Lean support for elongate articles on a load carrier A method and arrangement for providing a load carrying apparatus for securing an elongate article, such as a canoe of kayak, to a vehicle generally includes a plurality of load bars, a guide pivotally secured to each of the load bars, an aperture disposed along a length of each guide, and at least one retaining strap threadably received by each aperture. The at least one retaining strap is disposed about the elongate article and is secured to the load bars such that the elongate article may be secured between the retaining strap and the guide. In a preferred aspect, the retaining strap is disposed through the aperture, about the elongate article, about the load bars, and is secured to itself under a tensioning force.
US08167176B2	Device for distributing a fluid of the multi-dose type A fluid dispenser device a body in which the direction in which an actuating element (5) moves is different from, and in particular perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves, the actuating element (5) having an end portion provided with the cam surface (6) which co-operates with the reservoir (3) or a fixing ring (8) adapted to fix the dispensing member to the reservoir (3) so that the actuating element (5) being moved substantially radially into its actuating position causes the reservoir (3) to be moved axially relative to the piston or to the valve member of the dispensing member so as to dispense a dose of fluid.
US08167171B2	Device for dispensing, by means of a pump, fluid substances contained under airtight conditions in a deformable bag housed in a rigid container A device for dispensing, by a manually operable pump, fluid substances contained in a deformable bag housed in a rigid container. The bag includes a mouth with a projecting flange with which the pump engages in coupling to the flange, and which causes the bag to be extracted from the container when the pump is separated from the container after the bag has been emptied.
US08167166B2	Container A container having a base with extending sidewalls therefrom and a lid hingedly connected thereto. The container may have an alignment mechanism having a lower alignment member and an upper alignment member locating surface on the base and lid, respectively, at the region where the base and the lid are hingedly connected. The container may have a plurality of locking mechanisms in which each locking mechanism includes an extending latching portion and a corresponding circular opening for engagement thereof. The locking mechanism is configured to securely lock the lid to the base wherein an appropriate amount of pulling force must be applied thereto in order to disengage the lid from the base.
US08167165B1	Thermal cover device for coffee press A thermal cover device for a coffee press featuring an elongated panel for wrapping around the coffee press, wherein a first attachment means is disposed on the panel for securing the panel around the coffee press and a first slot disposed in the side of the panel sized to accommodate a handle of the coffee press; and a circular top panel adapted to be attached to a top of the coffee press, wherein a second slot is disposed in the circular panel for accommodating a lid handle disposed the top of the coffee press; wherein the panel and top panel are constructed from a first batting layer and a second batting layer sandwiched between outer layers, wherein an insulation layer is sandwiched between the first batting layer and the second batting layer, the insulation layer is constructed from an EagleShield™ insulation component.
US08167150B2	Drawer partition kit A drawer partition kit is described. The drawer partition kit comprises at least one partition board and a partition rack. The partition rack, applied in a drawer having a space, has a U-shaped space for storing things. The U-shape space has a size. The partition rack has slots under the U-shaped space for positioning the partition board and for reducing the size of the U-shaped space. The partition board has a first side plate for being positioned and has a vertical plate capable of being moved to change the space of the drawer. A plurality of such partition racks may be connected with each other. The materials of the partition rack may alternatively be metals or other materials having excellent weather-resistance and supporting forces.
US08167146B2	Cable management apparatus A cable management apparatus includes a cable support, and a connecting member. The cable support includes a first support and a second support. A rail assembly includes an outer rail and an inner rail slidably attached to the outer rail. The first support is rotationally attached to the inner rail and the second support is rotationally attached to the outer rail. The connecting member connects the first and second supports and extends a blocking portion. The first support is capable of changing position relative to the second support while the inner rail and the outer rail stay relatively static. The blocking portion is supported by the supporting member and is capable of disengaging from the supporting member.
US08167145B2	Method of making a granular media water filter Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process. Therefore, while a mixture of active particles may be used and a mixture of binders may be use, each media granule preferably consists only of a matrix, clump, or plurality of connectors of binder coated with active particles, with preferably no support for the active component other than the binder material.
US08167141B2	Gravity flow filter A gravity-fed carbon block water filter in one embodiment includes a filter block comprising multiple sub-blocks each comprising filter media walls surrounding and defining a cavity for receiving fluid. Each of the sub-blocks is connected to at least one other of the sub-blocks by filter media of which the filter block is made. In one approach, the filter media includes about 20-90 wt % activated carbon, and about 5-50 wt % binder. In another approach, a lead concentration in a final liter of effluent water filtered by the filter is less than about 10 μg/liter after about 151 liters (40 gallons) of source water filtration, the source water having a pH of 8.5 and containing 135-165 ppb total lead with 30-60 ppb being colloidal lead greater than 0.1 μm in diameter. A gravity-fed water filter in other embodiments has no specified shape but achieves a FRAP factor of about 350 or less.
US08167140B2	Filter apparatus capable of releasing air A filter apparatus capable of releasing air from a filter body, comprising a filter body held by a holder. The filter body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter body is disposed in the holder so as to rotate around an axis of rotation that passes through the fluid inlet. The holder includes a front panel. The front panel comprises engaging portions, for temporarily engaging the fluid outlet at either an air releasing position or at a filtering position, and a fixing means for fixing the filter body at each position. The filter apparatus further includes means for rotating the filter body.
US08167138B2	Dry washing device A dry cleaning apparatus separates heavy objects from mixture of the heavy objects and light objects having specific gravities smaller than those of the heavy objects. The dry cleaning apparatus includes a casing having a tubular shape having a center axis, an internal cylinder provided in the casing, a recovery section for recovering the heavy objects, a loading section for loading the mixture to above the internal cylinder, a flow inlet for introducing air to between the casing and the internal cylinder, and an outlet for discharging the light objects and air from between the casing and the internal cylinder. The casing has an inner surface extending substantially in parallel to a center axis. The internal cylinder has an upper surface having a center portion projecting upwardly, and has an outer surface having a portion which extends in parallel to the inner surface of the casing and which faces the inner surface of the casing. The recovery section is located under the internal cylinder.
US08167136B2	Device for discarding trims formed during the cutting of paper logs Device for discarding trims formed by cutting machines during the cutting of paper logs, comprising an advancing plane on which paper rolls (R) and trims (RT, RC) advance along a given direction (A), wherein the trims can fall through a discontinuity provided on said advancing plane. The said advancing plane is formed by a first extendible conveyor (1) and a second extendible conveyor (2). Each of said conveyors (1, 2) is connected with extension and retraction means. The said discontinuity on the advancing plane is realized or eliminated depending on the extended or not extended configuration of said conveyors (1, 2).
US08167134B2	Sifting screen structure A mesh panel of the type having a plurality of spaced apart apertures includes an internal frame member substantially in the form of a perforated sheet, and having a plurality of openings therein larger than the apertures. The frame member has substantial internal rigidity. An elastomeric coating encapsulates at least a portion of said frame member. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding coating between the elastomeric coating and the frame member securely bonds to both the elastomeric coating and the frame member. The bonding coating is of the type that is liquid before application to the frame member and is curable by heat or time to a hard plastic. Preferably, the bonding coating is partially cured before the elastomeric coating is applied, after which both coatings are cured by heat. The panel is particularly well suited for use as a sorting screen.
US08167131B1	Carrying device for art and craft supplies A carrying device for storing and organizing art and craft supplies featuring a base tray having an enclosure, a cushion component disposed on the bottom of the base tray; a plurality of removable storage boxes or pouches; a base lid pivotally attached to the base tray; a picture holding component disposed in the top of the base lid for holding a photograph; a plurality of first fasteners and second fasteners disposed on an inner surface of the base lid, the first fasteners function to hold the removable storage boxes or pouches and the second fasteners function to hold items such as pens, markers, and the like; and a generally flat inner lid pivotally attached to the base tray positioned between the enclosure of the base tray and the base lid, the inner lid provides a flat working surface.
US08167128B2	Cupcake securement device An individual cupcake holder having prongs extending inwardly from the outside shell walls in order to secure a cupcake in place within the cupcake holder, either above the baking liner or anywhere below the lip edge of the cupcake baking liner so that the frosting of the cupcake remains unmarred during transport in lunch boxes and the like. It is also disclosed to include a plurality of prongs that secure a cupcake both above and through the baking liner. Of course, other pastries may be transported in this little container, as well as pieces of fruit and other assorted food items.
US08167127B2	Protective carrying case for a portable electronic device A casing for a portable electronic device, such as an MP3 player, a cell phone, a smart phone, or a PDA, is formed with two or more sleeves that may be placed onto the electronic device and together form a closed encasement for the electronic device. The encasement is formed to enable operative access to the electronic device while the sleeves are connected to form the closed encasement. A back panel of the encasement is removable so that it may be exchanged for an alternative panel. That is, a first back panel may simply be a planar panel that only forms an integral backwall part of the closed encasement and a second back panel may be provided with a belt clip or belt loop, or the like. The different removable back panels may thus be exchanged to provide the device for mutually different functions of the casing.
US08167126B2	Button mechanisms for electronic device cases A case for electronic devices having buttons may include button mechanisms that allow the case slide over an electronic device without impacting the buttons. Each button mechanism may include a sheet spring that biases the button mechanism away from the buttons. When a user presses the button mechanism, the button mechanism may transmit force from the user to one of the buttons and actuate that button. One type of button mechanism may transmit force that actuates a single push-button. A second type of button mechanism may transmit forces that actuate a rocker switch with two actuation modes such as a volume rocker with a volume up mode and a volume down mode. The button mechanisms may be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user that is similar to the tactile feedback of the electronic device's buttons when the electronic device is not mounted in the case.
US08167125B2	Transparent box and arrangement of articles of clothing therein In one embodiment, a retail display includes a first box having walls that define a first interior compartment. The walls include a top wall that is formed of a transparent material to permit viewing of the first interior compartment. The display also includes an inner box that is open along a top thereof and is disposed within the first interior compartment. The inner box partitions the interior compartment into a first section and a second section where the inner box is disposed. The inner box has a second interior compartment. The retail display includes a first article of clothing disposed within the first section, wherein the degree of movement of the first article of clothing is limited by walls of the first box and the vertical side wall of the inner box. A second article of clothing is disposed within the second interior compartment of the inner box. An aperture is formed in the top wall of the first box and positioned so that it extends across the vertical side wall of the inner box and allows access to both the first and second interior compartments to permit contact with both the first and second articles of clothing.
US08167123B2	Barrel A barrel has an external metal cylinder and a plastic vessel. The external metal cylinder has a cylinder body, an open top and an open bottom. The plastic vessel has an inner space with a sealed bottom as well as a through top flange. The top flange of the plastic vessel is sleeved tightly into the external metal cylinder, and embedded into the internal curling portion formed by the open top of external metal cylinder. Moreover, the sealed bottom of the plastic vessel is extended into the open bottom of the external metal cylinder, and kept with a recessed spacing to the curling flange, while the bottom of the external metal cylinder is exposed. The barrel can be applied to toilet brush assemblies in order to reduce the manufacturing cost, prevent rust and facilitate the cleaning process with better economic benefits and applicability.
US08167121B2	Belt retention guide The invention relates to a belt retention guide for retaining the position of a belt having beads along its peripheral edge. The belt retention guide comprises a first roller, a movable portion, and a fixing portion. The first roller engages with the beads and retains the position of the beads. The movable portion supports the first roller and the fixing portion engages with the movable portion. The beads are pinched between the first roller and the fixing portion, thereby retaining the position of the belt. The movable portion is configured to be movable between a fixed position where the first roller engages with the beads to pinch them, and a released position where the first roller is separated from the beads to release them. The movable portion is secured in the fixed position by insertion of a stop member through or between the movable portion and the fixing portion.
US08167120B2	Lateral load building conveyor apparatus A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.
US08167119B2	Low-pressure accumulation system A low-pressure accumulation system and a conveyor belt in an accumulation conveyor for the use with the system. The belt, which is flanked on opposite sides by lines of gravity rollers, has a longitudinal lane of article-supporting belt rollers arranged in groups along the length of the conveyor belt. The groups are spaced apart from each at regular intervals. Trays sit atop the gravity rollers until they are lifted slightly higher by one of the slightly elevated groups of article-supporting belt rollers, which engage the bottom of the tray and convey it along toward a discharge end. Retractable stops selectively block the trays from advancing on the accumulation conveyor. The freely rotatable article-supporting belt rollers roll along the bottoms of any blocked and accumulated trays and provide low back pressure. The belt may also include low-friction rollers that ride on bearing surfaces below the belt to help lower friction between the belt and the conveyor structure while the belt is running.
US08167113B2	Method for grouping products of the vial type and other The method consists in collecting products (2) that are arriving spaced and in line on a conveyor (1). This collection is carried out by means of a collector device (40), in the form of a comb, arranged transversally, forming an angle between 60 and 120° in relation to the product advancement direction (2).The collector (40) deposits and drops the collected products at a take-up station which is located on the side of said supply conveyor (1); it is capable of a loop movement that can be divided, for the collecting of said products, into a transversal movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the vial queue.The installation for the implementation of the method comprises a table (3) arranged at the level of and along the conveyor (1), a collector (40) carried by an appropriate structure in order to be displaced longitudinally and transversally above said conveyor (1) and said table (3).The table (3) is comprised of two panels (31, 32) which extend on either side of the supply conveyor (1) in order to allow for the depositing and a dropping of the collected products on each side of said conveyor (1).
US08167112B2	Method and arrangement to turn print products conveyed in a flow along a conveying path An arrangement to turn print products transported in a conveyed flow along a conveying path in a conveying direction that includes a first conveyor having a traction device guided over a reversing wheel. First clamps are attached to the traction device to clamp the respective print products. A second conveyor is arranged downstream the first conveyor includes second clamps arranged to receive the print products from the first conveyor. A curved turning section connects the first conveyor with the second conveyor along which the print products are turned upside down. The transfer device assists to transfer the print products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor and to turn the print products in the turning section prior to being clamped by the second clamps. The transfer device includes transfer tongs to turn the respective print products around an axis transverse to the conveying direction.
US08167111B2	Sort gap control A sortation conveyor includes a method of calibrating the control system to provide a calibration value indicative of the spacial correlation between the sort induct sensor and the first shoe sensor.
US08167106B2	Clutch drive apparatus and vehicle equipped with the same A clutch drive apparatus includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a case body and a case cover that is closed on the case body and supports the clutch actuator and a worm shaft. An opening is formed in the case cover to expose a marker member that determines a reference position of an auxiliary elastic body. A maintenance lid for covering the opening is mounted in a vehicle head pipe.
US08167103B2	Four-passage multifunction torque converter A torque converter including: an impeller clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a first cover for the torque converter to a shell for an impeller; a lock-up clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a second cover for the torque converter to an output hub; a release chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a first channel; an apply chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a second channel; an apply chamber for the lock-up clutch, connected to a third channel; and a torus connected to a fourth channel. The second, third, and fourth channels open to a space including a longitudinal axis for the torque converter and the space is arranged to receive an input shaft for a transmission. The first channel is arranged to connect to a line in a pump housing for a transmission.
US08167087B2	Multimodal indicator safety device for ladder positioning A safety device for measuring and indicating the level of a ladder having rungs extending between a pair of elongated ladder rails, the safety device comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted into one of the rungs of the ladder, an electronic sensor disposed in the housing, a controller disposed in the housing, which is in electronical communication with the sensor, at least one indicator, and a power supply for supplying power to the device. The electronic sensor measures the inclination of the ladder to produce a measured inclination which the controller compares to a stored predetermined level value to produce a comparison signal. The at least one indicator receives the comparison signal and indicates to the user the comparison signal.
US08167086B1	Fast rope descent system A system for descending a rope regardless of the tension on the working end of the rope. The system comprises a frame having first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and third sides being relatively positioned at a first angle and the second and fourth sides being relatively positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the sum of the first angle and the second angle equals 180 degrees. The system also includes a plurality of friction nodes associated with the first side for: (1) receiving a rope, (2) enabling the frame to selectively move up or down relative to the rope, and (3) applying a select amount of friction to the rope according to the relative position of the frame to the rope.
US08167081B2	Dual mode hydrostatic steering system A hydrostatic steering system has a steering cylinder for coupling to steerable wheels, a gerotor pump, a steering valve and an actuator controlled mode select valve. The steering valve is mechanically and hydraulically coupled to the gerotor pump, and controls fluid communication between the gerotor pump and the steering cylinder. The steering valve has a center position wherein communication between the gerotor pump and the steering cylinder is closed. The actuator controlled mode select valve controls fluid communication between the gerotor pump and the steering cylinder independently of the steering valve.
US08167076B2	Motor vehicle A motor vehicle has an actuator device for raising a bonnet in an accident to minimize injury to a pedestrian. The actuator device has at least two actuators for raising the bonnet. A control unit activates actuators with a time delay. Alternatively, the actuators differ in power. The time delay between activating the actuators or the differing power of the actuators reduces vibration while raising the bonnet, thereby ensuring proper raising of the bonnet and enhancing protection to the pedestrian.
US08167068B2	Motor vehicle front face The motor vehicle front-end panel includes a structure (2) to be fixed to body elements (4, 5) of the vehicle, a cassette (6) and at least one cooling element (8) for cooling the engine which is connected to the cassette (6) and chosen from a radiator or a condenser, the structure (2) including: —an upper transverse crossmember (10), —a U-shaped element (12) fixed beneath the upper crossmember (10) and including a lower transverse beam (22) and two side struts (24) connecting the lower beam (22) to the upper crossmember (10), the U-shaped element (12) and the upper crossmember (10) forming a frame (27) to which the cassette (6) is attached. The cassette (6) is attached to the frame (27) by fitting the frame (27) around the cassette (6).
US08167058B2	Method and assembly for abrasive jet drilling A method for supplying a jet of abrasive fluid for the purpose of providing a borehole by removing earth formation material through abrasion comprises a drill string and a drilling assembly connected to the drill string. The drilling assembly comprises a jetting device with a mixing space, a drilling fluid, a particle inlet, an abrasive fluid outlet for discharging a mixture of drilling fluid and magnetic particles, and a magnetic particle circulation system comprising a supporting surface which is exposed to a return stream along the drilling assembly. The method includes fixing a magnetic device with respect to the supporting surface, selecting a magnetic field density that which increases along the sloping supporting surface, attracting magnetic particles onto the supporting surface, and making the magnetic particles move over the sloping supporting surface (under the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic device.
US08167056B2	Rechargeable electric tool A rechargeable electric tool includes a housing having a lower end, to which a battery is attached, and a fastener tool configured to be attached to a lower side surface of the housing. The fastener tool includes a plate-like base portion, and an engagement portion joined to the base portion. The engagement portion protrudes rearward of the housing when the fastener tool is attached to the housing.
US08167054B2	Power tool It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for a motor support structure of a power tool to reduce vibration. A representative reciprocating power tool may include a tool body, a tool bit, a grip, a motor, a tool bit side bearing, a grip side bearing, a tool bit side bearing housing, a grip and an elastic element. The tool bit side bearing housing houses the tool bit side bearing, while the grip side bearing housing houses the grip side bearing. The elastic element is disposed between the grip side bearing housing and the grip wherein the grip side bearing housing is elastically supported by the grip via the elastic element. According to the invention, because the grip is adapted to support the grip side bearing housing via the elastic element and the rigidity of the grip side bearing housing can be increased and vibration of the grip side bearing housing can be reduced. Further, the elastic element can absorb manufacturing errors caused between the tool body and the grip when the grip is mounted to the tool body.
US08167050B2	Method and apparatus for making up and breaking out threaded tubular connections An internally gripping tong to rotate tubular segments comprising a central cam body rotatably disposed within a housing having a plurality of windows. The cam body is surrounded by a plurality of angularly distributed gripping jaws slidably received within the windows. The tong is disposed within a bore of a tubular segment, and rotation of the housing relative to the cam body deploys the gripping jaws radially outwardly within the windows to engage the interior wall of the tubular segment. The tong may be self-energizing in both the make-up and the break-out modes of operation. The tong may be deployed to grip the tubular segment using a device to frictionally couple the housing to the tubular segment that cooperates with the top drive assembly, or by an internal actuator that imparts rotation to the housing relative to the cam body.
US08167049B2	Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US08167048B1	Frac gate and well completion methods Methods and apparatus are provided for oil and gas well completions without conventional perforations or jet cutting. One or more frac gate tool(s) are included in the production casing string or liner which is cemented in the hole. The frac gates have a sleeve that is openable by a shifting tool to allow fluids inside the casing or liner to exit through ports and breakdown and treat the adjacent formation. Casing flapper valves are placeable above a lower frac gate to isolate the treated formation from a higher producing zone during treatment of the higher zone through a higher frac gate. A single hydraulically actuated shifting tool is usable to open the frac gates and close the casing flapper valves.
US08167045B2	Methods and compositions for stabilizing formation fines and sand Methods comprising providing a polymerizable treatment fluid that comprises furfuryl alcohol monomer dispersed in an aqueous base fluid; introducing the polymerizable treatment fluid to a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the polymerizable treatment fluid to polymerize in the subterranean formation. The methods may include the use of contacting the furfuryl alcohol with an initiator to begin polymerization.
US08167040B2	In situ combustion in gas over bitumen formations The invention provides methods for natural gas and oil recovery, which include the use of air injection and in situ combustion in natural gas reservoirs to facilitate production of natural gas and heavy oil in gas over bitumen formations.
US08167035B2	Method of forming downhole apparatus, downhole apparatus and centralizer comprising the same The present invention relates to a method of forming downhole apparatus. The method comprises disposing a plastics material (26) on a reinforcing apparatus (24) to form a body (12) having a bore extending through the body. The reinforcing apparatus (24) provides reinforcement of the plastics material (26) and the thus formed body (12) is configured to provide, when in use, standoff between downhole components, with the reinforcing apparatus being configured to at least one of contract and expand.
US08167032B2	Annulus sealing assembly An assembly arranged in a well bore and run in conjunction with a perforated or a non perforated liner has an inflatable packer section prepared for being expanded by fluid and a valve device for opening and closing of fluid communication into the inflatable packer section. The assembly also has a fluid section connected to the inflatable packer section. The fluid section holds a fluid that is delivered into and used to inflate the inflatable packer section. An energy section in the assembly contains an energy source for delivering the fluid from the fluid section into the inflatable packer section. A triggering section includes a control for the energy source and/or the valve device. The triggering section can control the delivery of the fluid into the inflatable packer section. The triggering section also includes a communicator that signals a triggering device for initiating the expanding of the inflatable packer section.
US08167031B2	Blowout preventer with shearing blades The disclosure provides a blowout preventer (BOP) system with a ram having a shear blade with a shear blade profile to shear a tubular member disposed in the BOP. The shear blade profile can include a stress concentrator and centering shaped surface. The stress concentrator and the centering shaped surface can be laterally offset from a centerline of ram travel and on opposite sides of the centerline. An opposing second shear blade can have a mirror image of the shear blade profile with the stress concentrator and centering shaped surface reversed to the orientation of the first shear blade. Further, the ram can include a mandrel with a mandrel profile for the tubular member to deform around during the shearing process and to reduce an overall lateral width of the sheared tubular member in the BOP through-bore to allow retrieval of the deformed sheared tubular member from the BOP.
US08167029B2	Plate heat exchanger The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (1) having a package of heat transfer plates (2), which are provided with through inlet ports (10) forming an inlet channel (12) through the package, and between the heat transfer plates arranged sealing means, which together with the heat transfer plates in every other plate interspace delimit a first flow passage (14) for one fluid and in each of the remaining plate interspaces delimit a second flow passage (13) for a second fluid, wherein the inlet channel (12) communicates with each first flow passage (14) by way of a first inlet passage (15), and is sealed from communication with each second flow passage by the sealing means.
US08167028B2	Heat exchanger fin with planar crests and troughs having slits A heat exchanger has a pair of header tanks with a plurality of tubes and a plurality of fins extending between the pair of header tanks. Each fin forms a plurality of corrugations extending in a length direction between the pair of tanks. Each corrugation extends in a width direction and defines a plurality of sections which are offset from each other in the length direction of the fin. Each section is separated from an adjacent section by a slit.
US08167019B2	Shade apparatus for vehicle A shade apparatus for a vehicle includes a guide rail mechanism adapted to be arranged along a side portion of an inner periphery of an opening formed in an interior ceiling member of the vehicle, a shade panel mechanism slidably supported by the guide rail mechanism, configured to open and close the opening of the interior ceiling member, and including first and second shade panels, an engaging member arranged at one of the first and second shade panels, and an elastic member arranged at the other of the first and second shade panels and including a fixing portion and a deformable portion. The first and second shade panels move as a unit in the moving direction after one of the first and second shade panels moves relative to the other of the first and second shade panels in the moving direction and the engaging member engages with the elastic member.
US08167018B2	Device for separating labels stacked in a feeder A device for separating labels (4) or the like stacked in a feeder (2), includes a transport device (6) which draws the labels (4) individually from one end of a stack, and a cassette (1), which holds the extractable labels (4) and which can be removed from the feeder (2) or replaced.
US08167017B2	Multi-mode system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels A system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a housing assembly defining a first dispensing outlet, a system for conveying a supply of label material along a feed path and a peeler bar, positionable from a first position to a second position, to effect an abrupt directional change in the feed path thereof, and cause the face material to separate from the liner material. A processor is employed to control the bi-directional displacement of the conveyance system and position the peeler bar within the housing such that the label material is: (i) conveyed downstream of the peeler bar when the peeler bar is in the first position, and (ii) drawn back across the peeler bar to cause a trailing edge of the face material to separate form the liner material when the peeler bar is in the second position.
US08167013B2	Locking element for use with a knife clamping assembly A locking component for locking a clamping component to a movable base on a wood working machine is disclosed which includes a locking component body having an externally threaded portion to engage the clamping component, a head having a shoulder to engage the machine, a through bore for receiving a threaded fastener and driving features for driving the locking component into and out of threaded engagement with the clamping component.
US08166999B2	Gas block device and gas block method A use condition of gas equipment is monitored. An abnormality determination unit 26 determines whether or not a use flow volume obtained by detecting a flow velocity obtained by measuring a signal transfer time in a medium using a flow velocity detection unit 17 and converting the detected flow velocity into a flow volume using a flow volume calculation unit 25. When the shutoff unit 27 shuts off a fluid path 1 when it is determined that there is abnormality, a return signal is output from a return unit 28 to a shutoff unit 27 in order to use the gas again by opening the fluid path. Simultaneously, when a return time-counting unit 29 starts the time-counting operation, and then, a predetermined time period has been elapsed, the flow volume calculation unit 25 determines whether or not a predetermined flow volume of greater flows in order to identify whether or not all of the gas plugs of the gas equipment connected to the downstream of the gas shutoff apparatus 27 are closed. The leakage determination unit 30 determines that there is leakage when a predetermined flow volume or greater is detected, and a driving signal is output to the shutoff unit 27 to close the fluid path 1.
US08166992B2	Placement of fluids in ground by pulse-injection For use when injecting remediation liquid via an injection-well into contaminated groundwater, in the ground. The injection equipment includes a pulse-generator, which has an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, linked by a pulse-conduit and a bypass conduit. The pulse-conduit includes a pulse-port, which opens and closes cyclically. The pulse-port is formed by the interaction of two apertures, one in the motorised rotor, the other in the stator. The rotor and stator may be formed as two facing plates held slightly apart, or as two cylinders one inside the other. The pulse-generator is located at the ground surface and can be adjusted as to pulse frequency, pulse amplitude, pulse rise-time, and as the the differential pressure between the upstream-chamber and the downstream chamber.
US08166990B2	Crutch assembly An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.
US08166989B2	Nordic walking pole with rubber buffer A pole, in particular a Nordic walking pole, comprises a pole body (1), with a tip body (2) and a buffer (3) provided at its bottom end. The buffer (3) is displaceably mounted such that it can be arrested in an axial direction in relation to the pole body (1). The buffer (3) can be secured in at least two axially different positions in relation to the pole body (1) via a form-fitting connection.
US08166988B1	Medically equippable walker device The medically equippable walker device provides numerous important features to aid a patient in ambulation and in personal medical equipment carriage. The inverted U's may provide wheels in front and feet in the rear so that a user can easily walk as desired, by tilting the walker off of the feet, and also maintain stability when stopped by allowing the feet to be firmly planted. One side of the device provides two cross rails that are ideal for the sleeves to slideably adjust for desired positioning of a ring and a basket to hold an oxygen tank securely. The second side inverted U holds like upper and lower cross rails with an adjustably positioned rail between. Any number of right angled supports are provided for the carriage of various medical equipment such as IV bags and urine bags, for example.
US08166984B2	Dispenser of washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher A dispenser of washing agents for a dishwasher has a body with a reservoir configured for containing a total amount of a liquid substance sufficient for performing a number of cycles of operation of the dishwasher. The reservoir has a charging passage that can be engaged by a removable plug, and the dispenser has a system for dosage of the liquid substance contained in the reservoir. The plug is configured for co-operating with an adjustment element belonging to the dosage system when the plug itself is at least partially inserted in the charging passage, particularly in such a way that a movement of rotation manually imparted on the plug will bring about a movement of rotation of the adjustment element.
US08166981B2	Hair styling tool A hairstyling tool has a bowl having a plurality of bowl convex portions and bowl concave portions. The bowl concave portions form air channels. A plurality of openings is disposed on a bottom of the bowl. There are more than twenty openings. A handle is connected to the bowl. The handle has a handle connection with the bowl. A base extends from the bottom of the bowl. The base extends downward around the plurality of openings disposed on the bottom of the bowl. The base forms an air capture indent for directing airflow through the plurality of openings. The handle concave portions and handle convex portions may provide the handle a wavy shape. The handle may extend from a bowl convex portion between a pair of air channels. A palm rest can be at a free end of the handle.
US08166977B2	Pelvic surgery drape A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.
US08166974B2	Second-stage regulator for scuba divers A second-stage regulator for scuba divers is disclosed that reduces considerably the inhalation effort required by the user through reduction in friction between selected components of the regulator. A flexible sleeve is sealingly connected to the regulator poppet and the baffle, and coaxially with the poppet, so as to avoid blow-by of gaseous mixture through an opening in the baffle. A tail of the poppet extends through the opening, the tail being connected to a lever of the regulator projecting into an outlet chamber thereof. The head of the poppet is or includes a ferrule with an at least partially-circular profile and abuts a selected inner portion of the inlet's intermediate chamber to allow oscillation of the poppet. The lever end of the regulator contacts a diaphragm, the diaphragm separating the outlet chamber from the external environment. The lever end has a generally arched shape with a profile such that the length of the arch between two adjacent contact points measured along the lever is generally equal to the length of the segment between the same adjacent contact points measured along the diaphragm.
US08166972B2	Antiseptic mask and method of using antiseptic mask The invention is an antiseptic mask, comprising a canister configured to store an antiseptic agent, one or more filters adapted to receive the antiseptic agent and a housing comprising a passageway from an air intake through the one or more filters and to a nose/mouth port. Further, the present invention describes an antiseptic mask and method for treating breathable air contaminated with pathogens through a facial mask filter system using an antiseptic agent to be distributed to a filter through which the air may pass.
US08166967B2	Systems and methods for intubation An intubation device is provided. The intubation device comprises a movable guide having a guide extension, and a guide tip; at least one trachea condition sensor to detect a trachea condition wherein the at least one trachea condition sensor is disposed on the guide; and a guide control device operatively coupled to the guide, the guide control device to move the guide in response to the trachea condition.
US08166966B2	Dish reflector concentrator structure In a reflector dish, a small quantity of elongate mirror-surfaced reflector panels are structurally integrated with a support framework that is configured to enable convenient shipping and on-site assembly and erection of a reflector dish assembly with an effective reflecting surface that closely approximates a desired parabolic dish shape with short focal length, synthesized from combination of the reflector panels originally procured as flat rectangular sheet metal panels and formed to provide the desired dish curvature. The panels can be conveniently shipped to location along with a corresponding quantity of reinforced crescent-shaped support frames to which the panels are made to attach as structural elements, by novel attachment hardware, for erection at the operational site.
US08166964B2	Heater for use in an agricultural house A radiant heater is configured to be positioned above a floor at a predetermined distance and to produce a generally quadrangular zone of heat within a predetermined temperature range, preferably between approximately eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit and one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, on the floor. The heater includes an elongated burner assembly, an inner cone member, at least one emitter assembly and end plates which define a combustion chamber. The emitter assembly is configured to direct heat produced within the combustion chamber downwardly and outwardly to the floor to form the generally quadrangular zone of heat. A canopy is provided which directs heat heading upwardly and outwardly back downwardly toward the floor and toward the emitter assembly. A reflector pan is positioned below the burner and the emitter assembly and assists in directing the heat from the emitter assembly toward the floor. A blower assembly may be incorporated into the heater.
US08166963B2	Accessory platform for archery bows An accessory platform for archery bows is provided. The accessory platform includes a substantially disk-shaped portion provided with a hole in the center thereof, a plurality of holes are provided around a periphery of the disk-shaped portion and a base cushion is provided in the hole and includes means to couple the disk-shaped portion directly or indirectly to an archery bow. The accessory platform is utilized to absorb vibration when an arrow is shot from the archery bow and to balance the weight of the archery bow.
US08166960B2	Plastic bottle launcher A projectile launching system is provided. The system comprises: a projectile; a string for releasing the projectile; and a device for projecting a projectile. The device comprises: a base having a seat for placing the projectile; an air intake duct in fluid communication with the seat; and a pressure release element disposed between the base and the air intake duct.
US08166957B2	Exhaust treatment system for internal combustion engine Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.
US08166951B2	Engine An engine includes an angular velocity detecting means 10 for detecting a rotation angular velocity of a crankshaft 11 of the engine, a torque generated by the engine detecting means for detecting a variability of the angular velocity amplitude obtained by the angular velocity detecting means 10 as the variability of the torque generated by the engine. The engine compensates a fuel injection quantity by comparing the angular velocity amplitude detected by the angular velocity detecting means with the adequate angular velocity amplitude.
US08166947B2	Recoil starter According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recoil starter including: a case having a reel supporting shaft; a rope reel having: a tubular shaft portion; an engaging portion; a rope housing groove to house a recoil rope; and a spring housing portion to house a spiral spring; a ratchet axially-slidably arranged outside the tubular shaft portion; a ratchet guide attached to an end of the reel supporting shaft; and a return spring provided between the ratchet guide and the ratchet, wherein an inclined surface and a locking surface are formed on the engaging portion to be engageable with the ratchet, and wherein the inclined surface guides the ratchet toward to be engaged with the driving pulley, thereby rotating the driving pulley and starting the engine, when the rope reel is rotated.
US08166945B2	Starter and accessory drive system and method for hybrid drive vehicles A starter and accessory drive system and method for hybrid drive vehicles is provided. The invention isolates the accessory drive system from the transfer of torque between a starter motor and the crankshaft of the engine. In one embodiment, a dedicated flexible drive member transfers torque from the starter motor to the crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment, a torque transfer control is employed to selectively apply torque from the starter motor to the accessory drive, to drive the accessories when the engine is stopped, and/or to the engine crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment of the invention, the accessory drive is isolated from the engine crankshaft and is instead driven by a drive motor on the accessory drive while the engine crankshaft is connected to a starter motor and/or generator which can be energized to re-start the engine.
US08166942B2	Start-up control of internal combustion engines An electric power generation system (20) is disclosed, which includes an electric power generator (22) driven by a four-cycle internal combustion engine (30). The engine (30) includes a plurality of reciprocating cylinders (C1-C6) each rotatably coupled to a crankshaft (34), which drives the electric power generator (22). A controller (90) is included that is operable to control fueling to start the engine (30) as a function of engine temperature and determine initial engine start-up as a function of rotational engine speed. This controller (90) regulates engine acceleration until a target engine speed is reached from initial start-up. Once this target speed is reached, the controller (90) provides a speed governor function.
US08166940B2	Internal combustion engine with a camshaft bearing device A bearing device for supporting a camshaft in a cylinder head is disclosed. The bearing device comprising at least one locking contour, which is connected with at least one counter-locking contour configured at a cylinder head cover, such that the cylinder head cover is clamped tightly against the cylinder head by the bearing device.
US08166935B2	Control system of internal combustion engine A control system of an internal combustion engine changing an operating timing of a valve in an internal combustion engine where a valve drive cam (13) and a pump drive cam (150) are both provided on a valve camshaft (1) is provided. That control system has a device inhibiting the operating timing from being returned in a direction reverse to the direction of the target operating timing during change of the operating timing. Further, in the control system, the relative rotational phases of the valve drive cam and the pump drive cam are set considering utilization of the composite reaction torque of the valve operation drive reaction torque and the fuel pump drive reaction torque acting on the valve camshaft for changing the operating timing in the direction of the target operating timing.
US08166931B2	Carburetor and two-stroke engine with a carburetor A carburetor has a carburetor housing in which an air passage and a mixture passage are disposed. A barrel valve controls the air passage and the mixture passage. The barrel valve has a mixture passage section and an air passage section formed therein. The air passage in at least one position of the barrel valve is closed off at least partially by the barrel valve. The air passage in the at least one position of the barrel valve in which the air passage is at least partially closed off by the barrel valve is connected by a connection within the barrel valve with the mixture passage. An internal combustion engine equipped with such a carburetor exhibits excellent running behavior.
US08166929B2	Variable compression ratio engine To control the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder block is slidably fitted to the crankcase, projections from the crankcase extend into the cylinder head to support a control shaft bearing the cylinder head. The angular displacement of the control shaft varies the compression ratio by displacing the cylinder head relative to the crankcase.
US08166928B2	Pressurized air variable compression ratio engine system A system for controlling a variable compression ratio in an engine is provided. The system includes a cylinder, an outer piston located inside the cylinder, the cylinder and the outer piston collectively defining a combustion chamber, an inner piston, variably positioned inside the outer piston, the outer piston and the inner piston collectively defining an auxiliary chamber, a connecting rod including an air duct in fluid communication with the auxiliary chamber, and a crankshaft including an air passage in fluid communication with the air duct of the connecting rod during at least a portion of an engine cycle.
US08166927B2	Outboard motor An outboard motor that facilitates replacement of an impeller of a water pump includes a water pump arranged to pump coolant and a pump driving mechanism arranged to distribute power from a drive shaft to the water pump. At least a portion of the water pump in which an impeller is housed can be detached and attached from the outside of an upper case. The pump driving mechanism distributes power in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the water pump.
US08166925B2	Method and apparatus for steam generation A method, apparatus, and system and operation of surface equipment to generate steam while reducing the quantity of boiler blowdown and thereby increasing the amount of feedwater that is re-used or re-cycled in generating said steam. The present invention teaches that, on a sustained basis, the blowdown stream at the outlet of a once-through steam generator can be routed to the inlet of a second once-through steam generator that is in series with the first, that blowdown stream can be used to generate additional steam in the second once-through steam generator and further reduce the amount of blowdown, and that this can be accomplished without need of any treatment that reduces hardness or silica levels of the blowdown stream prior to its entering or during its entry into the inlet of the second once-through steam generator. The output of this second steam generator is a substantially dry saturated steam vapor stream and, complementarily, a blowdown stream whose mass rate has been reduced substantially from that of the blowdown stream exiting the first steam generator.
US08166911B2	Method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition for a solid oxide fuel cell A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600-800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.
US08166908B2	Powder spray coating device and powder feeding device therefor Powder spraycoating equipment and powder supply system for same. The powder supply system comprises a closed or closable powder receptacle which is fitted with a cleaning fixture to remove residual powder from a powder chamber of the powder receptacle using compressed cleaning air.
US08166906B2	Stimulus indicating device employing polymer gels The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention relates to a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.

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