最新美国发明专利第2012-06-12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
US08197863B2	Hop acids as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed A method of using hop acids for increasing food and energy uptake from feed by livestock is described which includes delivering the hop acids for oral ingestion to the animals by mixing the acids with livestock feed. The acids are mixed with the feed in an amount to inhibit certain types of undesirable bacteria in the livestock's digestive system, thereby increasing the production of propionate and lactate and decreasing the production of methane gas.
US08197860B2	Method for enhancing nutrient absorption with astragalosides The present application relates to a method for enhancing absorption of a nutrient in a subject in need thereof with an effective amount of an isolated astragaloside compound.
US08197857B2	Method for eliminating carbon dioxide from waste gases A method for the elimination of carbon dioxide from waste gases includes the following steps. First, waste gases, which include carbon dioxide, are provided from a source for waste gases. Next, the waste gases are contacted with an absorbent composition that includes perfluorodecalin solution. The waste gases, especially the carbon dioxide, are then absorbed by the absorbent composition. The absorbent composition thereby absorbs the waste gases to eliminate the carbon dioxide.
US08197855B2	Compositions and methods for nutrition supplementation The present invention relates to compositions that may be swallowable, chewable or dissolvable, comprising various vitamins and minerals, and in a specific embodiment comprising vitamin A, beta carotene, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, iron, magnesium and zinc, and methods for using these compositions for nutritional supplementation in subjects undergoing physiologically stressful events, such as, for example and without limitation, pregnancy, lactation or any disease state.
US08197853B2	Process for solubilizing protein from a proteinaceous material and compositions thereof The process for solubilizing proteinaceous material of the present invention includes subjecting the proteinaceous material to a sufficient amount of a basic solution to obtain a supernatant that has a basic pH and exposing the supernatant to the basic solution for a sufficient length of time and temperature for hydrolysis to occur. The process also includes cooling the mixture of the supernatant and proteinaceous material and optionally acidifying the mixture. This process may also include recovering the solubilized protein from the supernatant for use in various applications. Also provided herein is a composition of solubilized proteins from eggshell membrane obtained using processes of the present invention.
US08197852B2	Process for solubilizing protein from a proteinaceous material and compositions thereof The process for solubilizing proteinaceous material of the present invention includes subjecting the proteinaceous material to a sufficient amount of a basic solution to obtain a supernatant that has a basic pH and exposing the supernatant to the basic solution for a sufficient length of time and temperature for hydrolysis to occur. The process also includes cooling the mixture of the supernatant and proteinaceous material and optionally acidifying the mixture. This process may also include recovering the solubilized protein from the supernatant for use in various applications. Also provided herein is a composition of solubilized proteins from eggshell membrane obtained using processes of the present invention.
US08197851B2	Carotenoid composition and method for preparation thereof This invention relates to a carotenoid composition comprising the carotenoid as particles of size smaller than 100 nanometers in an oil medium, a method of preparing the composition by milling the carotenoid in an oil medium, and therapeutic compositions containing the carotenoid.
US08197846B2	Sustained release pharmaceutical composition The present invention provides a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition, characterized in that, there are contained tamsulosin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a carrier for a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition and, when a dissolution test is carried out according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia Dissolution Test Method 2, the tamsulosin release after 7 hours from the start of the dissolution is about 20 to about 85%.
US08197843B2	Device for the administration of an active agent to the human skin An article having an adhesive surface for adhering to human skin that includes a first component constituting a continuous layer and at least a second component which is located in indentations in the adhesive surface of the first component without being in direct contact with the first component. The second component is separated from the first component by a cup shaped barrier layer having a rim which extends into a flange.
US08197840B2	Whole blood-derived coagulum device for treating bone defects Whole blood-derived coagulum devices are described for use in treating bone defects.
US08197835B2	Biomedical foam articles The present invention relates to biomedical foam articles for the wound sector which are formed by spraying a polymeric dispersion onto a wound. The polymeric dispersion being sprayed onto a wound surface forms a three-dimensional body which conforms to the spatial shape of the wound and which, as well as covering the wound surface, ensures a complete and accurately fitted packing of the wound in the depth dimension as well as the other dimensions. The biomedical foam articles of the present invention are particularly useful for treating chronic wounds.
US08197832B2	Methods and compositions for inhibiting mycotoxin contamination in cereals We search for a cultivation method for reducing the amount of mycotoxin contamination in wheat which has been an important pending question for the quality in actual producing field of wheat and the health hazard risk for customers.The present invention discloses a method of reducing the contamination amount of mycotoxin in cereals characterized in that one or more compounds A selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, primary to quaternary ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and polyvalent metal salts of phosphorous acid and phosphite ester are given to the cereals.
US08197829B2	Self-emulsifying active substance formulation and use of this formulation The present invention relates to self-emulsifying formulations based on an active ingredient component and a formulation base with a lipid component and with a binder component and to the use of this formulation as dosage form in the life science sector. The invention also describes a process for producing self-emulsifying formulations by mixing the formulation components to form a plastic mixture and, where appropriate, to manufacture the formulations as dosage form advantageously by use of melt extrusion. The formulations spontaneously form emulsions in water or aqueous media.
US08197826B2	Immunomodulatory product obtained from a bifidobacterium culture and compositions containing the same The invention relates to an immunomodulatory product obtained from a Bifidobacterium culture, to the use thereof, especially as a medicament or a food ingredient, and to pharmaceutical or food compositions containing the same.
US08197820B2	HIV-1 Tat, or derivatives thereof for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination The present invention refers to Tat as the active principle for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine against HIV infection, the progression towards AIDS and the development of tumors and other syndromes and symptoms in subjects infected by HIV. Tat is in biologically active form either as recombinant protein or peptide or as DNA. More particularly, the invention refers to a vaccine based on HIV-1 Tat as immunogen, inoculated as DNA and/or recombinant protein or as peptides, alone or in combination with other genes or viral gene products (Nef, Rev, Gag) or parts thereof, or in combination with various immuno-modulant cytokines (IL-12, IL-15) or with the gene coding for an immuno-modulant cytokine or part thereof. Tat, Nef, Rev, Gag and the immuno-modulant cytokines are administrated both as a mixture of recombinant proteins, peptides or fusion proteins (Tat/Nef, Tat/Rev, Tat/Gag, Tat/IL-12, Tat/IL-15) or as plasmid DNA.
US08197817B2	Regulation of mink in thymocytes and T lymphocytes The invention relates to compositions and methods used to assess and alter the expression and activity of MINK in cells of the immune system, particularly thymocytes and T lymphocytes. The methods and compositions are used in a variety of clinical applications including vaccination, treatment of cancer, infectious disease, allergy, and transplantation. Screening methods are provided to identify inhibitors of MINK and susceptibility to effects of under- or over-expression of MINK.
US08197815B2	Anti-EphrinB2 antibodies and methods using same The invention provides anti-EphrinB2 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies.
US08197810B2	Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins The invention relates to novel binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins that feature a binding domain for a cognate structure such as an antigen, a counterreceptor or the like, a hinge region polypeptide having either zero or one cysteine residue, and immunoglobulin CH2 and CH3 domains, and that are capable of ADCC and/or CDC while occurring predominantly as monomeric polypeptides. The fusion proteins can be recombinantly produced at high expression levels. Also provided are related compositions and methods, including immunotherapeutic applications.
US08197807B2	Nicotinamide riboside kinase compositions and methods for using the same The present invention relates to isolated nicotinamide riboside kinase (Nrk) nucleic acid sequences, vectors and cultured cells containing the same, and Nrk polypeptides encoded thereby. Methods for identifying individuals or tumors susceptible to nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug treatment and methods for treating cancer by administering an Nrk nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide in combination with a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug are also provided. The present invention further provides screening methods for isolating a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug and identifying a natural source of nicotinamide riboside.
US08197805B2	Methods of treating autoimmune diseases caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth Disclosed is a method of diagnosing autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, which involves detecting the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in a human subject having at least one symptom associated with a suspected diagnosis an autoimmune disease. Also disclosed is a method of treating these autoimmune diseases, which involves at least partially eradicating a SIBO condition in the human subject. The method includes administration of antimicrobial or probiotic agents, or normalizing intestinal motility by employing a prokinetic agent. Also disclosed is a kit for the diagnosis or treatment of autoimmune diseases.
US08197804B2	Methods for treating nervous system injury and disease The invention is directed to methods for treating nervous system injury and disease, in particular traumatic brain injury and degenerative nervous system disease. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to trophic factor-secreting extraembryonic cells (herein referred to as TSE cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.
US08197802B2	Method for treating or inhibiting the formation of adhesions following surgery or injury Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents. Also disclosed are methods for using the crosslinked polymer compositions to effect adhesion between a first surface and a second surface; to effect tissue augmentation; to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions; and to coat a surface of a synthetic implant.
US08197800B2	Hair treating agent The present invention relates to a hair treating agent containing (a) an organic acid represented by the formula (1), an organic acid represented by the formula (2) or their salts and (b) a quaternary ammonium salt, a tertiary amine or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or —R8—COOH, R3, R4 and R8 independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R5 represent an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or —R9—COOH and R6, R7 and R9 independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
US08197794B2	Core 2 GlcNAc-T inhibitors Treatments for conditions involving detrimental activity of the enzyme core 2 GlcNAc-T are provided using compounds of the formula I wherein R1 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy, —NR5R6, or Sac 1; R2 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy or Sac 2; R3 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy or Sac 3; R4 is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl or C1-6-alkoxy-C1-6-alkyl; R5 is H, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 acyl; R6 is H, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 acyl; Sac 1 Sac 2 and Sac 3 are independently selected saccharide moieties; and Z is a steroid moiety; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ether or ester form thereof.
US08197788B2	Raw coke for electricity storage carbon material and needle coke The present invention provides a raw coke having such a structure that the graphitized product resulting from graphitization of the raw coke at a temperature of 2800° C. under an inactive gas atmosphere will have ratios of the crystallite size to the lattice constant of 360 or less in the (002) plane and 1500 or less in the (110) plane, as a raw coke providing active carbon produced by alkali-activating the raw coke, which is reduced in remaining alkali content and can simplify washing operation because washing liquid can easily pass through the activated carbon, or as a raw coke for the production of needle coke.
US08197787B2	Method and apparatus for producing fine carbon particles A method includes producing an isolation atmosphere in a phase changing area above a reactant liquid and then injecting a feed material into the reactant liquid. The feed material includes a carbon-bearing material. The method further includes maintaining the molecules of the injected carbon-bearing material and any reaction products in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to liberate carbon atoms from the carbon-bearing material or reaction products from that material, and place the liberated carbon atoms in an excited state. Liberated carbon atoms in the excited state are then allowed to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and flow along a particle formation path through the phase changing area so that the liberated carbon atoms may phase change to the ground state while suspended in the phase changing area.
US08197786B2	Porous carbon material and method of manufacturing the same Porous carbon materials and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. One method includes forming a carbon-metal oxide composite by heating a coordination polymer to form a carbon-metal oxide composite, and then removing the metal oxide from the carbon-metal oxide composite. The porous carbon material has an average pore diameter ranging from about 10 nm to about 100 nm, and a d002 ranging from about 3.35 to 3.50 Å.
US08197782B2	Method for making high purity metal oxide particles and materials made thereof The present invention is directed to a method of making metal oxide and mixed metal oxide particles. The method includes treating a mixture formed from a metal source, such as metal alkoxide, a surfactant, and a first alcohol in an aqueous media at a very high metal oxide yield. The mixture is reacted using a catalyst to form metal oxide particles having a desired particle size in said mixture. The method is particularly suitable for forming silica particles. The metal oxide particles can then be heat treated to form synthetic fused metal oxides such as, for example, synthetic fused silica.
US08197775B2	Detection article having fluid control film The present invention provides a detection article including at least one fluid control film layer having at least one microstructured major surface with a plurality of microchannels therein. The microchannels are configured for uninterrupted fluid flow of a fluid sample throughout the article. The film layer includes an acquisition zone for drawing the fluid sample into the plurality of microchannels at least by spontaneous fluid transport. The film layer also includes a detection zone having at least one detection element that facilitates detection of a characteristic of the fluid sample within at least one microchannel of the detection zone. The detection article may be formed from a plurality of film layers that are stacked to form a three-dimensional article.
US08197773B2	Micro fluid device The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a micro-pump system in which the production process is simplified and the device is further downsized. A microfluidic device 1 has a gas generation portion 3. The gas generation portion 3 has a substrate 10 and a gas generation layer 20. The substrate 10 has a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b. The substrate 10 has a micro-channel 14 with an opening at least on the first main surface 10a. The gas generation layer 20 is disposed on the first main surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover an opening 14a. The gas generation layer 20 generates gas by receiving an external stimulus.
US08197771B2	Two bottle filter connector system with removeable ring A portable water filtration system that interconnects two, otherwise separate, water bottles arranged vertically such that water flows under gravitational pressure from a first water bottle through a filter configured to capture small particle impurities to a second water bottle and removes small particle impurities before they enter the second water bottle. The filtration system is implemented within a cap that can attach to a variety of standard water bottles, such as NALGENE™ water bottles. A removable connector ring attaches to the cap to connect a second water bottle to the system. When vertically aligned, water flows from a first water bottle through the filter element in the cap to the second water bottle to remove small and large particles.
US08197770B2	Fluid handling cassette having a spectroscopic sample cell A fluid handling module is configured for removable engagement with a reusable main fluid handling instrument. The module includes a module housing and a first fluid passageway extending from the module housing. The first fluid passageway has a patient end remote from the housing. The first fluid passageway is configured to provide fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient. A fluid component separator is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway. The fluid component separator is configured to separate at least one component from a portion of the bodily fluid drawn from the patient. A spectroscopic sample cell is configured to hold at least a portion of the first component.
US08197763B2	Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization of diesel fuel using quaternary ammonium fluoride and portable unit for ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization The desulfurization of fossil fuels is effected by the combination of fossil fuels with an aqueous mixture of hydroperoxide and quaternary ammonium fluoride phase transfer catalyst, the mixture then subjected to ultrasound to oxidize sulfur compounds present in the fuels. The polar oxidized species are removed via extraction. Another aspect is a portable, continuous ultrasound assisted desulfurization device having a sonoreactor for subjecting mixtures of fossil fuels to sonication to effect removal of sulfur containing compounds.
US08197761B1	Vehicle air freshener A vehicle air freshener includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical housing having an angled upper end, a lower end and an interior chamber. Within the interior chamber is an electric heater and a removable cartridge containing a fragrant or deodorizing material. The heater is powered by a conventional adapter on the lower end of the housing that mates with the vehicle's cigarette lighter. At the upper end of the housing is an adjustable fan assembly for dispersing the fragrant material into the vehicle passenger compartment. Accordingly, the adapter is properly inserted into the vehicle's cigarette lighter and a switch is engaged to activate the fan and heater; the fragrant material within the cartridge is slowly vaporized and dispersed to the atmosphere.
US08197757B2	Electrical insulation of devices with thin layers A novel, economical electrical insulation method for the production of ultra-thin insulation layers using a solution coating method. Thin hydrophobic self-assembled bi-functional layers of less than 10 nm thick were deposited by a simple solution method and demonstrated to electrically insulate micro-/nano-devices for in-water detection applications. The insulation layer includes a hydrophobic group which repels water and permits superb insulation properties of the ultra-thin layers. The insulation layer has the additional advantages that it binds to a metal or metal oxide surface and to sensing receptors by covalent bonding using standard silane chemistry.
US08197756B2	Diagnostic-nanosensor and its use in medicine This invention relates generally to biosensor technology, and pertains more particularly to novel multifunctional biosensors based on ordered arrays of metallic, semiconductors and magnetic nano-islands for medical, biological, biochemical, chemical and environmental applications.
US08197755B2	Indicator strip and a device for automatic testing of liquids A continuous indicator strip having a multiplicity of separate individual sequential test sections along the surface thereof, wherein a plurality of test sections are impregnated with the same indicator enabling the utilization of the strip for sequential repetitive testing of samples, the strip being provided with at least 20 such test sections.
US08197752B2	Managing system and method for emissions of environmental pollutants Managing system for emissions environmental pollutants comprising: a measuring device for measuring a flow rate of a fuel supplied to a customer; an unit emission quantity storage device of environmentally influential substance for storing a unit emission quantity of an environmentally influential substance emitted when an unit flow rate of fuel is manufactured or processed; and an emission quantity computing device of environmentally influential substance for calculating, based on the fuel flow rate measured by the measuring device, and the unit emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance stored by the unit emission quantity storage device, an environmental emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance emitted when the fuel supplied to the customer is manufactured or processed.
US08197748B2	Corrosion resistant structural alloy for electrolytic reduction equipment for spent nuclear fuel Disclosed is a structural alloy with oxidation resistance for electrolytic reduction equipment for treatment of spent nuclear fuel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structural alloy with oxidation resistance for electrolytic reduction equipment for treatment of spent nuclear fuel wherein Cr, Si, Al, Nb and Ti are added to a Ni-based substrate so as to form an oxide coating film which is stable in a LiCl—Li2O molten salt and, in addition, a process thereof and use of the same.
US08197747B2	Low-melting boron-free braze alloy compositions Nickel-based low-melting boron-free braze alloy compositions include varying amounts of the alloying elements cobalt, chromium, hafnium, zirconium together with optionally titanium and aluminum. The braze alloys can be used as a stand alone braze alloy or in combination with other filler alloys to create braze joints with desirable joint geometries and properties. The braze alloy compositions can be used to join and repair different superalloy articles such as gas turbine components for high temperature applications.
US08197746B2	Method of arranging and setting spray cooling nozzles and hot steel plate cooling apparatus The present invention relates to a method of arranging and setting spray nozzles in a cooling apparatus comprising a plurality of pairs of constraining rolls for constraining and conveying a hot steel plate and one or more lines of spray nozzles between the pair of constraining rolls, each line having a plurality of spray nozzles and is disposed in a direction perpendicular to processing, and to the cooling apparatus and the method of cooling. The invention is characterized in that the spray nozzles are arranged such that a distribution of values ∫Pn between two edges of the steel plate in the direction perpendicular to processing is not less than 80% of its highest value, with P being cooling water impact pressure on the cooling surface, ∫Pn being the value of n power of P integrated in the processing direction between the pairs of constraining rolls, and 0.05≦n≦0.2.
US08197739B2	Method for manufacturing cageless lavatory dispensing devices The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a lavatory dispensing device useful for the delivery of at least one treatment composition, preferably a cleaning composition and/or a sanitizing composition to a sanitary appliance.
US08197735B2	Methods for forming fibers The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.
US08197731B2	Granules and friction material, and manufacturing method thereof Granules for a friction material is produced by: granulating a mixture including a friction modifying granular material and a resin binder in a fluidized bed under a presence of a liquid including a water-soluble or water-dispersible binder. The granules have a particle size of from 100 to 2000 μm, an angle of repose of 40° or less, and a compression breakage strength of 10 MPa or less. The friction material is obtained by using the granules.
US08197730B2	Molding method for forming in-mold metallized polymer components A method is provided for forming a feedstock material for use in net shape molded component that includes an integral metallized coating or layer on the exterior surface thereof. The feedstock includes a carefully matched mixture of polymer resin and a metallic alloy that is suitable for use in a molding method that includes melting and injecting the material into a mold cavity under pressure. Due to the differential in material viscosities, the metal tends to migrate to the outer surface of the molded part when placed under pressure, ultimately creating a net shape molded part having a polymer core with a metallic layer at the exterior surfaces thereof.
US08197729B2	Method of granulation with a fluidized bed granulator A granulator, having a granulation unit having a bottom floor with a perforated plate as its bottom part; an upper air-supplying pipe for supplying a fluidizing air to the bottom floor of the granulation unit; a lower air-supplying pipe; air-spouting pipes, each of which is branched from the lower air-supplying pipe, and has an opening in the bottom floor of the perforated plate, for jetting the air into the granulation unit; and spray nozzles for spraying a granulation raw material liquid, which each are provided in the center of an air outlet of the air-spouting pipe, or a granulator, having: the bottom floor; the air-supplying pipe; and spray nozzles for spraying a granulation raw material liquid each of which are provided in an opening in the bottom floor of the perforated plate, and use a high-pressure atomizing air as an auxiliary gas, wherein, in each granulator, the spray nozzles are provided in a triangular arrangement.
US08197728B2	Molded articles with antimicrobial property and manufacturing method thereof The present invention discloses a molded article with an antimicrobial property, and a manufacturing method thereof. The molded article can prevent contact of bacteria or viruses by combining the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid having antibacterial and antivirus effects with a raw material. The molded article needing the antimicrobial effect is provided with the antimicrobial property, by incorporating the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid with a wide antibacterial spectrum singly or in combination with nano metal particles. The Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture fluid is combined in the molding step of the article, for reducing the manufacturing time and simplifying the manufacturing process.
US08197727B2	Method of manufacturing formed article, covering member, and forming apparatus comprising the same The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed article forming an upper surface of a forming material comprised of a thermosoftening substance into a desired shape by positioning the forming material on a forming surface of a mold and heating the forming material to a temperature permitting deformation to bring a lower surface of the forming material into tight contact with the forming surface. The forming is conducted while an exposed portion on the forming surface side of the mold upon which the forming material has been positioned is covered with a covering member. The present invention further relates to a covering member and a forming apparatus. According to the present invention, formed articles with a desired shape can be formed with high accuracy by preventing the contamination of upper surface of forming materials by foreign matter during forming.
US08197726B2	Cellulose acylate film and method for producing same A cellulose acylate film in which the number of V-shaped thickness-uneven portions having a variation width in the thickness direction of 0.1 to 10% of a film thickness and a width in the in-plane direction of 1 to 20 mm is in the range of 0 to 10 per 100 m in the length direction of the film. A display unevenness is solved in a liquid crystal display device having the cellulose acylate film.
US08197719B2	Electroactive agglomerated particles Provided herein are electroactive agglomerated particles, which comprise nanoparticles of a first electroactive material and nanoparticles of a second electroactive materials, and processes of preparation thereof.
US08197710B2	Polymerizable compound and polymerizable composition A polymerizable compound represented by general formula (1): wherein Z1 and Z2 each represent a (meth)acryloyloxy group; X1 and X2 each independently represent a single bond, an optionally branched alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an ether linkage, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, a 6-membered ring optionally having a substituent, or a combination thereof; R1 represents —R′, —OR′, —CO—R′, or —OCO—R′; R′ represents a halogen atom, an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a 6-membered ring optionally having a substituent, L1 and L2 each independently represent a member selected from a single bond, —CH2CH2—, —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —CH2O—, —OCH2—, —COO—, and —OCO—; m represents an integer of 1 to 4; and the R1's may be the same or different.
US08197708B2	Dichroic dye for polarization film, composition comprising the same for polarization film, method for forming polarization plate and polarization plate prepared thereby Disclosed are a new dichroic dye having liquid crystal properties and dichroic properties and capable of being used for forming a polarization film with excellent heat resistance, durability, and polarizing properties, a composition including the same for a polarization film, a method for forming a polarization plate with excellent durability using the composition, and a polarization plate prepared thereby. The new dichroic dye has a structure of R1-L1-(M,L,D) (where, D is a dichroic structure, M is a structure with liquid crystal properties, R1 is a reactive end functional group, and L and L1 are linking structures). The composition for a polarization film includes the dichroic dye. In the method for forming the polarization plate, the composition for a polarization film is applied to a substrate and cured to prepare the polarization plate. The polarization plate has excellent dichroic ratio, heat resistance, durability, and polarizing properties.
US08197706B2	Refrigerant with lubricating oil for replacement of R22 refrigerant An apparatus and method wherein potential ozone layer-damaging chlorodifluoromethane (Refrigerant R-22) is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants pentafluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in chlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems mainly in residential cooling. While less environmentally damaging than chlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of chlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with chlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. In this event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a lubricating oil which is compatible with both the unit refrigerant and typical R-22 system design.
US08197705B2	Method of processing silicon substrate and method of manufacturing liquid discharge head A method of manufacturing a substrate for a liquid discharge head having a silicon substrate in which a liquid supply port is provided includes providing the silicon substrate, an etching mask layer having an aperture being formed on one surface of the silicon substrate, forming a region comprising an amorphous silicon in the interior of the silicon substrate by irradiating the silicon substrate with laser light, forming a recess, which has an opening at a part of a portion exposed from the aperture on the one surface, from the one surface of the silicon substrate toward the region, and forming the supply port by performing etching on the silicon substrate in which the recess and the region have been formed from the one surface through the aperture of the etching mask layer.
US08197703B2	Method and apparatus for affecting surface composition of CIGS absorbers formed by two-stage process A method and system to modify a surface composition of thin film Group IBIIIA VIA solar cell absorbers having non-uniformly distributed Group IIIA materials or graded materials, such as Indium (In), gallium (Ga) and aluminum (Al). The graded materials distribution varies between the surface and the bottom of the absorber layer such that a molar ratio of (Ga+Al)/(Ga+Al+In) is the highest at the bottom of the absorber layer and the lowest at the surface of the absorber. Within the bulk of the absorber, the molar ratio gradually changes between the bottom and the surface of the absorber. In one embodiment, the surface composition of a graded absorber layer may be modified by removing a top portion or slice of the absorber layer, where the molar ratio is low so as to expose the inner portions of the absorber layer having a higher molar ratio of graded materials.
US08197701B2	Diamond film deposition and probes Diamond SPM and AFM probes which are durable, particularly for scanning hard surfaces such as diamond surfaces. Interlayers and seeding can be used to improve diamond deposition, and the diamond can be ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD). Tip sharpening improves resolution.
US08197700B2	Computational method for sizing three-phase separators A method and software for sizing three-phase separators utilizing an iterative approach is provided. The proposed computational method for sizing three-phase separators uses an iterative technique that calculates the optimum vessel dimensions for each service over a range of length to diameter ratios. The method starts with the smallest vessel dimension depending on the service and the selected vessel type and then tries to satisfy all the requirements for vapor/liquid and liquid/liquid separation. The vessel dimensions, i.e., length and diameter, are incrementally changed until all the requirements are met. The method and software are not restricted to any fixed value for the length to diameter ratio. The method and software select the smallest sized three-phase separator required for each service.
US08197693B2	Apparatus and process for producing electricity using pressure retarded osmosis during desalination of sea water Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide an economical means for producing electricity.
US08197691B2	Methods of selective removal of products from an algal biomass Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
US08197681B2	Submersible filter system for stock tanks and ornamental ponds The invention is directed to a filter system for ornamental ponds and stock tanks that has a housing defining an internal chamber. A number of feet are located on a lower flat surface of the housing, which hold the housing off of the bottom of the pond. A filter slot in the lower surface holds a filter. A pump is inside the internal chamber of the housing and has an inlet inside the internal chamber and an outlet outside the internal chamber of the housing. When the filter system is submerged, the pump draws water in along the bottom of the body of water through the filter. As a result, the debris on the bottom of the body of water is drawn into the filter. Once the debris is drawn into the filter, microbes in the filter are able to break down the debris.
US08197680B2	Apparatus for waste-water filtration Sludge dewatering apparatus includes an inflatable membrane to press solids against a screen and thereby separate liquid therefrom, and nozzles to wash the screen of the separated solids.
US08197675B2	Process for removing contaminants from hydrocarbon obtained from recycled materials A process for removing a contaminant from a hydrocarbon containing a first quantity of the at least one contaminant, including contacting the hydrocarbon with a clay packed in a column, at least a portion of the contaminant bing sorbed by the clay and forming a clay-contaminant adduct; removing the hydrocarbon from the column, the removed hydrocarbon having a second, reduced quantity of the at least one contaminant; heating the clay and the clay-contaminant adduct in the column to regenerate the clay material, the heating being carried out without removing the clay from the column; and re-using the regenerated clay material in further iterations of the process.
US08197674B2	Thioetherification processes for the removal of mercaptans from gas streams This invention relates to thioetherification processes for the removal of mercaptans in charge gas streams. In particular, the invention relates to thioetherification processes for the removal of mercaptans using a catalyst comprising palladium and silver.
US08197672B2	Hydroprocessing of naphtha streams at moderate conditions The invention is drawn to a catalyst having a substantially bimodal support phase and an active metal phase that is suitable and stable for desulfurization of high-olefin content naphtha streams with minimal octane-loss running at low hydrogen pressure. The active metal phase preferably includes cobalt, molybdenum and at least one additional metal selected from the alkali-metals group.
US08197669B2	Additives for metal contaminant removal The present invention is directed to catalytic cracking additives comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The present invention is directed to processes for the catalytic cracking of feedstock comprising contacting said feedstock under catalytic cracking conditions with a composition comprising a bulk catalyst and a catalytic cracking additive, wherein the catalytic cracking additive comprises a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The invention is also directed to processes for increasing the performance of a bulk catalyst in the presence of at least one metal comprising contacting a feedstock with a catalytic cracking additive comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst.
US08197665B2	Aqueous composition containing a salt, manufacturing process and use Aqueous composition containing at least one salt in an amount of at least 30 g/kg of composition, of which the total organic carbon content is at least 1 μg of C/l and at most 5 g of C/l of composition and which contains at least one carboxylic acid.
US08197664B2	Onsite integrated production factory Using electric power obtained by marine wind force and a tide, sea water is electrolyzed to produce fresh water, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, caustic soda, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen, oxygen or the like, at the same time, unloaded malts, saw dust and the like are fermented to brew ethanol, carbon dioxide generated here is used for photosynthesis to culture vegetables and oxygen generated here is supplied to a fish preserve and an under reef where fish live to culture fishes and also returned to sea water dropped in the concentration of oxygen to suppress the generation of a red tide.
US08197661B1	Method for fabricating sputter targets A method for fabricating sputter targets is based on electrolytic deposition of metals or metal alloys onto the planar surface of a target backing plate. The target material can be electrolytically deposited onto the backing plate directly, or first electrolytically deposited onto the surface of a thin metal starting sheet which, after plating is complete, is then subsequently solder bonded to a substantially thicker metal backing plate. The disclosed technology includes steps for protecting regions of a target backing plate or starting sheet from deposition, said regions being other than the surface to be coated with target material by means of electrolytic deposition.
US08197660B2	Electro chemical deposition systems and methods of manufacturing using the same An electro chemical deposition system is described for forming a feature on a semiconductor wafer. The electro chemical deposition is performed by powering electrodes that includes a cathode, an anode and a plurality of electrically independent auxiliary electrodes.
US08197658B2	Hollow electrode with film for electrodeposition coating In order to solve various problems such as a reduction in a paint resin with the progress of electrodeposition coating treatment and remelting of a coating film or the occurrence of pinholes caused by an increased concentration of an electrolyte as a result of the reduction, upsizing of a hollow electrode with a membrane for electrodeposition coating combined with a barrier membrane (e.g., an ion exchange membrane) and an increase in the number of components should be avoided. In order to realize this, a barrier membrane 20 such as an ion exchange membrane is attached to the exterior surface of an electrode main body 10, which is in a hollow state made of a conductive material and configured so as to allow a liquid to pass through freely between the inside and outside of the electrode serving as a support.
US08197657B2	Liquid transport using electrowetting supported by effective arrangement of electrodes An arrangement of electrodes is provided in which there is a plurality of electrodes located in two planes and offset from one another in the direction of movement, and which within each plane are arranged in at least two electrically interconnected and alternating groups. A method is also provided for the movement or transport of drops of liquid utilizing the electrowetting effect and utilizing the above arrangement.
US08197653B2	Electrolyte cartridge unit for an electrochemical sensor Cartridge unit for an electrochemical sensor includes a cartridge (2) prefilled with electrolyte and having a first end closed by a selectively permeable membrane (7), and a second end (6) having a fastening device (11) arranged for fastening the cartridge to the electrochemical sensor (24). The cartridge unit further has a supporting member (3) to which the cartridge (2) is detachably fastened, and closing devices (4, 20) for closing the second end (6) of the cartridge (2). These closing devices (4, 20) are able to be opened by a user to allow the cartridge (2) to be fastened to the electrochemical sensor (24) and then to be detached from the supporting element (3).
US08197647B2	Hard laminated film, method of manufacturing the same and film-forming device A hard laminated Mm wherein a layer A and a layer B having specific compositions are deposited alternately so that the compositions of layer A and layer B are different. The thickness of layer A per layer is twice or more the thickness of layer B per layer, the thickness of layer B per layer is 5 nm or more, and the thickness of layer A per layer is 200 nm or less.
US08197636B2	Systems for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and bevel edge etching Embodiments described herein relate to a substrate processing system that integrates substrate edge processing capabilities. Illustrated examples of the processing system include, without limitations, a factory interface, a loadlock chamber, a transfer chamber, and one or more twin process chambers having two or more processing regions that are isolatable from each other and share a common gas supply and a common exhaust pump. The processing regions in each twin process chamber include separate gas distribution assemblies and RF power sources to provide plasma at selective regions on a substrate surface in each processing region. Each twin process chamber is thereby configured to allow multiple, isolated processes to be performed concurrently on at least two substrates in the processing regions.
US08197634B2	Plasma processing apparatus An arrangement is provided for suppressing interference phenomenon on the surface of a sample that deteriorates the detection accuracy upon detecting the time variation of plasma conditions such as plasma space distribution or the processing status of the sample. For example, light scattering element for diffusing and transmitting incident light and a convex lens are arranged on a front stage of an optical fiber light receiving unit connected to a photodetector disposed on an opposite side from the sample for observing the emission of plasma. This serves to prevent the changes in light quantity accompanying the interference effect caused by the changes in thin film thickness on the surface of the sample from reaching the photodetector. An arrangement is also provided to prevent the light scattering element from being directly exposed to the plasma to prevent alteration of the light scattering element.
US08197628B2	Method for temporary protection of blank surfaces against corrosion, and component with temporary corrosion protection A method for temporary protection of blank surfaces of a component against corrosion includes a first step wherein a corrosion protection foil is applied to a blank surface to be protected and a second step wherein a self-sealing, semi-solid protection layer is applied in order to at least partly cover the corrosion protection foil. At a later time at least a part of the blank surface can be exposed by pulling off the corrosion protection foil inclusive of the protection layer disposed thereon. The self-sealing protection layer forms a closed film and the corrosion protection foil and/or the protection layer comprise hydrophobically acting components in order to prevent moisture from penetrating to the blank surface to be protected.
US08197626B2	Rigid-backed, membrane-based chip tooling An apparatus for use with multiple individual chips having a rigid plate, and a deformable membrane located on the plate, the deformable membrane having a thickness sufficient to allow the deformable membrane to peripherally conform to each of the individual multiple chips irrespective of any difference in height among the multiple individual chips and to prevent each of the multiple individual chips from moving in a lateral direction, the deformable membrane being configured to uniformly transfer a vertical force, applied to the rigid plate, to the chips so as to bring, under pressure, a bonding surface of each individual chip into contact with a bonding surface of an element to which the individual chips will be bonded during a connect and release cycle without causing damage to the individual chips or bonding surface.
US08197625B2	Process of manufacturing composite structures with embedded precured tools The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing composite structures formed by two subcomponents of the same material, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a first subcomponent (13), particularly a skin; providing a tool (15) made of a composite and precured for the manufacture of the second subcomponent (17), particularly a stiffener; positioning said tool (15) on said first subcomponent (13); applying preimpregnated composite (21) on said tool (15) so as to form the second subcomponent (17); consolidating the composite structure by means of a process of curing the assembly resulting from the previous steps under suitable pressure and/or temperature conditions.
US08197619B1	Host-guest complexes of solid energetic materials and metal-organic frameworks A process for making metal-organic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks having host-guest complexes of either liquid energetics, solid energetics, or solid oxidizers.
US08197615B2	Amorphous alloy hooks and methods of making such hooks Mechanical hooks made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, wherein the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys provide ruggedness, durability, higher service loads, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing are provided. In addition, methods of making such mechanical hooks from bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are also disclosed.
US08197614B2	Spring steel with improved hardenability and pitting resistance The present invention provides a spring steel that has superior hardenability, undergoes less pitting in a corrosive environment, and can achieve higher stress and toughness. More specifically, the present invention provides a high-strength and high-toughness spring steel with improved hardenability and pitting resistance, containing, in mass percent, 0.40 to 0.70% carbon, 0.05 to 0.50% silicon, 0.60 to 1.00% manganese, 1.00 to 2.00% chromium, 0.010 to 0.050% niobium, 0.005 to 0.050% aluminum, 0.0045 to 0.0100% nitrogen, 0.005 to 0.050% titanium, 0.0005 to 0.0060% boron, no more than 0.015% phosphorus and no more than 0.010% sulfur, the remainder being composed of iron and unavoidable impurities, the steel having a tensile strength of at least 1700 MPa in 400° C. tempering after quenching and a Charpy impact value of at least 40 J/cm2 for a 2 mm U-notched test piece of JIS Z 2202 and the parameter Fce being at least 1.70.
US08197612B2	Optimization of metallurgical properties of a solder joint Semiconductor packaging techniques are provided which optimize metallurgical properties of a joint using dissimilar solders. A solder composition for Controlled Collapse Chip Connection processing includes a combination of a tin based lead free solder component designed for a chip and a second solder component designed for a laminate. The total concentration of module Ag after reflow is less than 1.9% by weight. A method of manufacturing a solder component is also provided.
US08197611B2	Method, device and tool for cleaning, surveying, inspecting, etc. unpiggable pipelines The invention relates to a method for introducing a pig-like tool into an operating pipeline, such as a fluid pipe. According to the invention the pipeline is drilled during operation and the tool is injected into the pipeline through the drilled hole. During a corresponding tool removal from the pipeline a method is provided for prereconnaissance for the determination of a degree of contamination, cleaning, surveying, inspecting, repairing, etc. of pipelines by means of a corresponding, pig-like tool. The invention also relates to a device and a tool permitting the performance of the inventive method. Thus, otherwise unpiggable pipelines can be worked in a cost-efficient manner.
US08197604B2	Method and apparatus for controlling optimal operation of acoustic cleaning Methods and apparatuses for cleaning a surface of a substrate are presented. The method comprises positioning a substrate at a controllable distance from a piezoelectric transducer, supplying a cleaning liquid between the substrate and the transducer, applying an oscillating acoustic force to the cleaning liquid by actuating the transducer, and moving the transducer relative to the substrate. The method further comprises, while moving the transducer relative to the substrate, measuring a value that indicates a distance between a surface of the substrate and the transducer, comparing the measured value to a desired value, and adjusting the distance between the surface and the transducer so that the measured value is maintained substantially equal to the desired value. The measured value may be the distance between the surface of the substrate and the transducer or a phase shift between an alternating current and voltage applied to the transducer.
US08197603B2	Method and apparatus for treating a substrate with dense fluid and plasma The present invention is a method, process and apparatus for selective cleaning, drying, and modifying substrate surfaces and depositing thin films thereon using a dense phase gas solvent and admixtures within a first created supercritical fluid anti-solvent. Dense fluids are used in combination with sub-atmospheric, atmospheric and super-atmospheric plasma adjuncts (cold and thermal plasmas) to enhance substrate surface cleaning, modification, precision drying and deposition processes herein. Moreover, conventional wet cleaning agents such as hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride may be used with the present invention to perform substrate pre-treatments prior to precision drying and cleaning treatments described herein. Finally, dense fluid such as solid phase carbon dioxide and argon may be used as a follow-on treatment or in combination with plasmas to further treat a substrate surface.
US08197600B2	Vaporizer and semiconductor processing system A vaporizer for generating a process gas from a liquid material includes a heat-exchange lower block having a hollow internal space and disposed below the spray port of an injector inside the container. A run-up space for the atomized liquid material is defined between the spray port and the heat-exchange lower block, and an annular space continuous to the run-up space is defined between an inner surface of the container and the heat-exchange lower block. An internal heater is disposed in the internal space of the heat-exchange lower block and includes a carbon wire formed of woven bundles of carbon fibers and sealed in a ceramic envelope. The internal heater is configured to heat the atomized liquid material flowing through the annular space to generate the process gas.
US08197593B2	Low-temperature cure inorganic compositions A protective inorganic composition that includes: (a) a liquid composition portion that includes by weight percent of the liquid composition portion: from about 54% to about 58% by weight water, from about 22% to about 26% by weight of an alkali metal oxide component that includes potassium oxide, wherein up to about 30% by weight of the alkali metal oxide component includes sodium oxide, and from about 18% to about 22% by weight amorphous silica; and (b) a powder composition portion that includes by weight percent of the powder composition portion: up to about 65% by weight amorphous silica and one or more components selected from calcined clay, a Group II metal oxide powder, high-temperature resistant fillers, microfibers, and discrete fibers. Also provided are methods for coating a substrate and articles prepared therefrom.
US08197588B2	Use of amides and/or polyamides as auxiliary agents for asphalt and bitumen compositions Suggested is the use of amides and/or polyamides obtainable by condensation of (a) mono- and/or dicarboxylic acids and (b) amines and/or polyamines as auxiliary agents for aqueous asphalt and bitumen compositions.
US08197583B2	Electroless plating solution, method for electroless plating using the same and method for manufacturing circuit board Disclosed is an electroless plating solution exhibiting a good plating metal filling performance even for larger trenches or vias of several to one hundred and tens of μm, in a manner free from voids or seams, and allowing maintenance of stabilized performance for prolonged time. The electroless plating solution contains at least a water-soluble metal salt, a reducing agent for reducing metal ions derived from the water-soluble metal salt, and a chelating agent. In addition, the electroless plating solution contains a sulfur-based organic compound as a leveler having at least one aliphatic cyclic group or aromatic cyclic group to which may be linked at least one optional substituent. The aliphatic cyclic group or the aromatic cyclic group contains optional numbers of carbon atoms, oxygen atoms, phosphorus atoms, sulfur atoms and nitrogen atoms.
US08197582B1	Fluid dispensing system having vacuum unit A fluid dispensing system includes a dispensing pump for delivering the fluid material to a substrate. The fluid dispensing system further includes a vacuum unit that draws a vacuum on the feed tube for removing gas impurities from the fluid material.
US08197580B2	Gas purification by adsorption of hydrogen sulfide Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a hydrogen rich gas stream using adsorbents having a low loss of carbon dioxide adsorption capacity upon sulfur loading including high purity silica gels, titania or highly cross-linked, non-chemically reactive resins. The adsorbents may be used to adsorb both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, or may be used as a guard bed upstream of a separate carbon dioxide adsorbent.
US08197574B1	Dispersoid reinforced alloy powder and method of making A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles. Bodies made from the dispersion strengthened alloy particles, deposit thereof, exhibit enhanced fatigue and creep resistance and reduced wear as well as enhanced corrosion and/or oxidation resistance at high temperatures by virtue of the presence of the corrosion and/or oxidation resistance imparting alloying element in solid solution in the particle alloy matrix.
US08197572B2	Fertilizer suspension and method of preparation A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.
US08197568B2	Filter element for extractor hood A filter element for an extractor hood comprising a filter body including at least one covering layer, at least one intermediate filter layer and a coating layer applied to at least a portion of the at least one covering layer, wherein the at least one intermediate layer is free from this coating.
US08197567B2	Blow-off incorporating apparatus for evacuating water and dirt from a cooler box of a cooling system Apparatus for evacuating water and dirt from a cooler box of a cooling system, incorporated with a blow-off for an air screen of the system. The water and dirt will flow through an aperture in a lower region of the cooler box into a smaller box of the apparatus disposed therebelow. A fan operable for generating the air flow through the air screen and the cooler box, also blows a portion of the flow through a blow-off channel to the air screen for blowing debris away from the air screen. The channel and smaller box are cooperatively configured such that the air flow through the channel will generate a partial vacuum condition in the smaller box operable for evacuating the water and the dirt into the channel so as to be carried away with debris from the air screen.
US08197565B2	System of the chemical engineering processes generating energy and utilizing municipal solid waste or a carbon content material mixture A system of the interrelated chemical engineering processes that continuously and simultaneously gasify and utilize of an organic-inorganic raw material or municipal solid waste (MSW) and completely or entirely decompose and transform said raw material, synthesize synthetic gas (syngas) and water steam gas mixture, and melt inorganic materials that are made further treatment and correspondingly processed into following consumable and fully marketable materials or products: syngas fuel, electricity, methanol or gasoline, chemical materials, glassy slag and concrete/road filling materials, multi-metal alloy and cast metal goods, greenhouse made green mass, and hot water; said system of chemical engineering processes does not need or use fossil fuel and electric power supplied from external sources; and said system of processes excludes an emission of nitrogen oxide, carcinogenic, and hazardous gases, and air pollutant particles, excludes production of ash or secondhand waste, and makes unsubstantial a carbon dioxide emission.
US08197559B2	Process for the continuous hydrogenation of triglyceride containing raw materials Process for the continuous hydrogenation of triglyceride containing raw materials in a fixed bed reactor system having several catalyst beds arranged in series and comprising hydrogenation catalyst. The raw material feed, hydrogen containing gas and diluting agent are passed together through the catalyst beds at hydrogenation conditions. The raw material feed stream as well as the stream of hydrogen containing gas are divided into an equal number of different partial streams. These are each passed to one catalyst bed in such a manner that the weight ratio of diluting agent to raw material feed is essentially the same at the entrance of all catalyst beds and does not exceed 4:1. The claimed process is preferably conducted at low temperatures and allows the utilization of existing units due to the low recycle ratio. Further, a sufficient excess of hydrogen is used so that no valuable product is lost through decarb-reactions.
US08197557B2	Method for producing a secondary cell having flat wound electrode body A method for producing a secondary cell having a flat wound electrode body that inhibits the bending of the electrode board caused by charging and discharging and inhibits resulting swelling of the cell and deterioration of cycle characteristics is provided. The method has the steps of: winding, with a winding core, a positive electrode board, a negative electrode board, and a separator provided between the positive and negative electrode boards, and fixing the winding end, thereby preparing an approximately cylindrical electrode body; after the step of preparing the electrode body, deforming the electrode body into a shape with an approximately oval cross section by pressing the approximately cylindrical electrode body from a direction perpendicular to the winding axis, and rotating the deformed electrode body in the winding direction, thereby relaxing the winding state; and after the relaxation steps, pressing the electrode body into the flat wound electrode body.
US08197555B2	Valve integrated prosthetic expulsion pump An air expulsion pump for a prosthetic socket adapted to be worn on a residual limb of an amputee. The pump includes an elastomeric housing which fits snugly in a well defined in the lower end of the socket. The pump is easy to install by simply sliding it into the well. The pump has an upper surface commensurate with the inside surface of the socket in that both surface have the same radius of curvature. The pump includes an elastomeric spring member and two check valves that together with the elastomeric housing exert a continuous vacuum within the prosthetic socket. When donned by the user, the pump provides continuous total contact between the socket and the residual limb of the user as the user ambulates.
US08197547B2	Radiovisible hydrogel intervertebral disc nucleus A spinal implant for replacing the natural nucleus of the disc made from a polymer such as hydrogel having a radiopaque material located within the polymer. The material may be in the form of a powder dispersed throughout the polymer or may be in he form of a powder dispersed in layers or in other specific locations within the polymer. The radiopaque material is metal such as gold, tungsten, titanium, tantalum or platinum. The metal may also be in the form of a foil or wire located within the hydrogel such as polyurethane, thereby making the implant visible on x-rays. Other polymers besides hydrogel may be used with the radiopaque material being dispersed therein.
US08197545B2	Nucleus augmentation delivery device and technique The invention provides a device and technique to seal an annular defect of an intervertebral disc, determine the in-situ volume of nucleus pulposus material removed, for example from a discectomy of a herniated disc, and facilitate injection of nuclear replacement material.
US08197539B2	Intraocular camera for retinal prostheses An intraocular camera for retinal prostheses may include an optical imaging system comprising a set of optical elements for forming an image of the external world on an image sensor array, wherein the optical elements and the image sensor array may be enclosed in an implantable biocompatible housing that may employ haptic elements for stabilization within the eye. The set of optical elements may be designed to have a short focal length and to provide adequate resolution images that can be transformed into a set of stimulation signals applied to a pixellated microstimulator array. Transmission of the signals from the intraocular camera to a microstimulator driver circuit may be accomplished either by a wired or wireless communication device. Power and control signals may be provided to the intraocular camera by a wired or wireless communication device, or optically by means of ambient illumination or an optical beam.
US08197538B2	Annuloplasty prosthesis with in vivo shape identification and related methods of use An annuloplasty prosthesis including a sheath, an arcuate stiffening element, and an imaging element. The arcuate stiffening element is disposed within the sheath and defines discrete, first and second ends separated by a lateral spacing. The imaging element is disposed within the sheath along the lateral spacing. With this configuration, following implant to the valve annulus, the imaging element provides a mechanism for non-invasively evaluating a shape of the valve annulus, for example, via radiographic, echogenic and/or other image enhancing visualization techniques. In some embodiments, the annuloplasty prosthesis provides a radiographic, echogenic and/or other image enhanced image of a near entirety of the valve annulus.
US08197535B2	Low profile improved radiopacity intraluminal medical device A stent or other intraluminal medical device having markers formed from housings integral with the stent and marker inserts having a higher radiopacity than the stent provides for more precise placement and post-procedural visualization in a vessel, by increasing the radiopacity of the stent under X-ray fluoroscopy. The housings are formed integral to the stent and the marker inserts are made from a material close in the galvanic series to the stent material and sized to substantially minimize the effect of galvanic corrosion. The housings are also shaped to minimize their impact on the overall profile of the stent.
US08197534B2	Valve device with inflatable chamber Prosthetic valve devices for implantation in body vessels are provided. The prosthetic valve device includes at least one flexible member that permits fluid flow in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow in a second. The valve device also includes an inflatable chamber at least partially attached to the flexible member. The inflatable chamber is adapted to receive inflating media and is adapted to contact the body vessel. A delivery system is also provided that includes a valve device and a delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a member adapted for filling the chamber of the valve device with inflating media. A related method of making the valve device is also provided.
US08197533B2	Stent with segmented graft A stent-graft comprising an expandable stent and a plurality of graft segments, each graft segment having a first end attached to the stent and a second end not attached to the stent. In one embodiment, the plurality of overlapped graft segments form a continuous conduit wherein each overlap between axially adjacent graft segments comprises a fluid-tight seal when the stent in the radially expanded configuration sandwiches the graft segments against a wall of a body lumen. In another embodiment, there are one or more discontinuities in the plurality of graft segments. The discontinuities may be aligned with branch lumens. The graft segments may be cut perpendicular to the stent-graft axis, or on a bias. A delivery system for and method of deploying the stent-graft are also claimed.
US08197529B2	Removable stent-graft A removable device such as a stent-graft, intended for applications where it may be desirable to remove the device at some time following implantation. The stent-graft of the present invention includes a helically-wound stent component provided with a covering of graft material. It is removable by gripping an end of the helically-wound stent component with a retrieval device and applying tension to the stent component in the direction in which it is intended to be withdrawn from the site of implantation. The use of such a retrieval device allows the stent-graft to be removed remotely, such as via a catheter inserted into the body at a different location from the implantation site. The design of the stent-graft is such that the stent component is extended axially while the adjacent portion of the graft separates between windings of the stent component. The axial extension of the stent component, with portions of the graft still joined to the stent component, allows the device to be “unraveled” (or “unwound”) and removed through a catheter of diameter adequately small to be inserted into the body cavity that contained the stent-graft. It is removed atraumatically, without incurring significant trauma to the body conduit in which it had been deployed.
US08197522B2	Pedicle screw and operating device thereof Disclosed is a spine fixation apparatus, more particularly, a pedicle screw implanted into a spine and an operating device for the pedicle screw capable of easily inserting a rod to a head 5 section of the pedicle screw in order to securely fix the spine. The pedicle screw has a head section including a recess part defined by first and second sidewalls, a screw section, and a support unit formed at an upper portion of the recess part of the head section while connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall.
US08197521B2	Fracture fixation plate for the proximal radius A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of an elbow joint of a patient includes at least one bone plate, each bone plate having a plurality of holes and generally configured to fit an anatomical surface of the fractured bone. The at least one plate is adapted to be customized to the shape of a patient's bone. The system also includes a plurality of fasteners including at least one locking fastener for attaching the bone plate to the bone. At least one of the holes is a threaded hole. Guides for plate benders, drills, and/or K-wires can be pre-assembled to the threaded holes, and the locking fastener can lock into any of the threaded holes after the guides are removed.
US08197520B2	Bone loss plate A bone loss plate for the rigid fixation of a bone having a bone gap where portions of the bone are absent, the plate includes an elongated fixation plate having a first plate side, a second plate side, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion and a tubularly-shaped containment cage connected to the second plate side of the elongated fixation plate, the tubular containment cage having a length shorter than the elongated fixation plate.
US08197519B2	Bone support apparatus An apparatus for connecting a bone anchor to a support rod includes a connector body and a cap. The connector body has a channel to receive and locate the support rod relative to the bone anchor. The cap is moveable longitudinally into a partially installed position in the channel, and snaps into non-threaded engagement with the connector body by rotating from the partially installed position to an installed position without moving axially relative to the connector body. In some embodiments, a sleeve fits over a socket portion of the connector body in a temporary position in which the sleeve permits insertion of the bone anchor into the socket. The sleeve engages the connector body so as to be restrained from axial and rotational movement relative to the connector body when in the temporary position. Tools are provided for installing the connector body, sleeve, cap, and support rod.
US08197518B2	Thread-thru polyaxial pedicle screw system A thread-thru polyaxial pedicle screw fastening system. The fastening system consists of an anchoring bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the screw to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a U-shaped connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. The U-shaped connecting assembly, for receipt of a spinal connecting rod, has a biased retainer ring for maintaining a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for an improved manufacturing step wherein the threaded shank of a bone screws can be passed through a lower portion of the connecting assembly allowing a variety of bone screw sizes to be used with a common sized connector. A resilient component positioned between the upper retainer ring and the connecting assembly permits relative predetermined placement and retention of the spherical connector relative to the connector assembly due to the force generated by the resilient component and frictional engagement between the surfaces of spherical connector, the retainer ring and the connector assembly. The polyaxial ball and socket can be locked into a fixed position.
US08197516B2	Lateral fixation assembly for spinal column A lateral fixation assembly engages vertebrae in a spinal column. The lateral fixation assembly includes a housing having a first rod and a second rod supported thereon. The first rod is adapted to be secured to a first vertebra in the spinal column and is fixed in position relative to the housing. The second rod is adapted to be secured to a second vertebra in the spinal column and is movable relative to the housing. Respective pluralities of such first and second rods may be provided. Staples having varying thicknesses may be provided to facilitate the installation of the lateral fixation assembly on the vertebrae in the spinal column. A temporary blocking device can be used to prevent relative movement of the movable rod during the installation of the lateral fixation assembly.
US08197515B2	Cross-connector assembly An assembly including a connector element including a receptacle from which extends a neck, a lug element sized to fit in the receptacle of the connector element, ears pivotally connected to the lug element, and a mechanical fastener that fastens the connector element together with the lug element, thereby causing the ears to pivot and grip a connector rod placed between the ears.
US08197497B2	Method and apparatus for applying a knot to a suture A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.
US08197493B2	Method for providing progressive therapy for thrombus management Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can comprise a three-step progressive treatment process that includes immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis and maceration. The progressive, or modular, treatment can be provided by a system or kit of one or more treatment devices.
US08197492B2	Measuring instrument for version angle An instrument for measuring an angle about a cavity axis defined by a cavity extending into a head of a bone is provided, the bone having been resected on a plane that is inclined relative to the cavity axis. The instrument includes a stem arranged to be inserted into the cavity, a plane finder and a scale. The plane finder is coupled to the stem and arranged to contact the resection surface as the stem is inserted into the cavity and to move relative to the stem until the plane finder lies in a plane parallel to the resection surface. Movement of the plane finder relative to the stem is indicative of the angle about the cavity axis between a radial position indicated by part of the stem and a line extending perpendicularly from the resection surface. The scale is configured such that movement of the plane finder relative to the stem is indicated by the position of a portion of the plane finder relative to the scale.
US08197491B2	Injectable fastener system and method Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.
US08197489B2	Knee ligament balancer An orthopaedic surgical device comprises a first sensor component and a second sensor component. Each sensor component includes a paddle set to contact a proximal tibia and a distal femur of a patient. The first sensor component and the second sensor component being movable with respect to one another to extend one paddle set beyond the other paddle set, and each paddle set includes cutouts for the clearance of the patellar tendon to avoid the need to avert the patella during use.
US08197487B2	Reaming guide alignment instrument An alignment system for aligning a reaming guide during insertion into a cavity of a bone is provided. The bone has a resected surface and the cavity defines a cavity axis. The system includes a reaming guide that includes an elongate stem portion having a stem axis, a neck portion extending from the stem portion at an incline with respect to the stem axis, and an alignment instrument. The alignment instrument includes a handle defining a handle axis, the handle being releasably couplable to the reaming guide such that the handle axis is in a predetermined relationship with the stem axis. The alignment instrument further comprises a plane finder slidably coupled to the handle, the plane finder comprising a surface defined by a plane that intersects the axis of the handle at an angle having a predetermined relationship with the angle at which a resection surface of the bone intersects the cavity axis.
US08197482B2	Apparatus for forming a tunnel in a bone An apparatus and method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The apparatus is used to form a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.
US08197480B2	Bioabsorbable coatings of surgical devices Bioabsorbable coatings for bioabsorbable implantable medical devices having dragging or engagement surfaces. The coatings on a surface of the devices reduce device drag.
US08197476B2	Tissue ablation systems Tissue is treated using a radiofrequency power supply connected to an applicator having a chamber filled with an electrically non-conductive gas surrounded by a thin dielectric wall. A radiofrequency voltage is applied at a level sufficient to ionize the gas into a plasma and to capacitively couple the ionized plasma with the tissue to deliver radiofrequency current to ablate or otherwise treat the tissue.
US08197475B2	Method and structure for ameliorating side-effects of performing in situ fenestration using a plasma RF catheter When a main stent-graft is placed in a vessel of a patient and a branch vessel is blocked by the main stent-graft, a RF plasma catheter is used to cut out a portion of the graft cloth of the main-stent graft adjacent to an ostium of the branch vessel to be perfused. To ameliorate possible adverse effects associated with the use of the RF plasma catheter, e.g., creation of coagulum, (desiccated, coagulated blood) or perhaps a cut stent strut, a special process using saline flushing, a novel RF plasma catheter with an insulated tip, or a combination of the two is used.
US08197474B2	Volume maintaining osteoinductive/osteoconductive compositions An osteoinductive/osteoconductive composition prepared from a quantity, of demineralized fibrous bone elements possessing an average surface area to volume ratio of about 100:1 to about 20:1, a quantity of mostly shaped regular non-fibrous bone elements possessing an average surface area to volume ratio of about 10:1 or less and a sufficient quantity of biocompatible fluid carrier sufficient to provide the composition as a deformable mass is provided herein. Also provided is a method of using the composition to repair a bone defect site.
US08197471B1	Core-excited nanoparticles and methods of their use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease Core-excited nanoparticle thermotherapy (CENT), is an improved material for use in thermotherapy. The CENT method uses both core-exciting energy (including x-rays) and core-shell nanoparticles, specifically designed to absorb radiation in their core structure, then transfer energy from the core to the shell, to heat the outer shell of the nanoparticle. The heated nanoparticle then heats the surrounding region to a temperature sufficient to detect, affect, damage and/or destroy the targeted cell or material. CENT nanoparticles can be bound to targeting agents that deliver them to the region of the diseased cell.
US08197470B2	Uterine therapy device and method A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The method include the following steps: inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus; after inserting the access tool into the uterus, inserting a vapor delivery tool through an access tool lumen; delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system has an access tool, the access tool being adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of the access tool lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; and a vapor delivery mechanism, the vapor delivery mechanism having a vapor delivery tool and a vapor source, the vapor delivery tool being adapted to be inserted through the access tool to deliver condensable vapor from the vapor source to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.
US08197460B2	Multicompartment container containing a medical solution A flexible multicompartment container provided for storage and mixing together of a at least a first and a second single solution. Each single solution is stored in a separate compartment (1, 2) of the container. The compartments are separated by means of seals (5, 6) rupturable by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together in a mixing compartment for delivery. The first compartment (1) is filled to a first filling degree, FD1, and the second compartment is filled to a second filling degree, FD2. The first filling degree is larger than the second filling degree. The filling degree in the mixing compartment, FDMC, is larger than the filling degree in the second compartment.
US08197456B2	Body adhering absorbent article A feminine care absorbent article has an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer, and a shell for supporting the absorbent structure at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The shell has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, an anterior region, a posterior region, and a central region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the anterior and posterior regions. The anterior region of the shell includes a longitudinal edge having a longitudinal extent from the transverse axis. The longitudinal extent increases as the longitudinal edge extends transversely outward from the longitudinal axis of the shell.
US08197450B2	Injection device An injection device for injection of set doses of medicine from a cartridge has a nut that is screwed up along a threaded piston rod during a dose setting operation. The nut is screwed along the piston rod by rotating a dose setting member. A rotational coupling mechanism includes an axially displaceable coupling member which is rotated as a function of axial displacement. During dose setting, the nut is allowed to rotate relative to the coupling member. During injection, the coupling member is rotationally locked to the nut. This provides a dose setting and injection mechanism wherein the nut member is both rotated during dose setting and during injection.
US08197447B2	Flexible IV site protector A venipuncture site protector that includes a securement and a cover mounted to said securement. The cover includes a proximal end having a front wall with a tube receiving slot. The cover also includes a distal end having an arch that forms an opening that lies on a vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to the securement.
US08197444B1	Monitoring the seating status of a fluid reservoir in a fluid infusion device A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
US08197442B2	Interventional medical device system having a slotted section and radiopaque marker and method of making the same A system is provided that includes an elongated introducer navigable through body vessels of a human subject and a pusher component for incorporation within the introducer. The pusher component includes a tubular portion with a slotted section. A radiopaque marker is secured to at least a portion of the slotted section such that an outer surface of the radiopaque marker is substantially flush with an outer surface of the tubular portion immediately proximal and/or immediately distal the radiopaque marker. According to a method of manufacturing such a component, the slotted section is formed by a laser cutting operation and a pre-assembly radiopaque marker member is crimped onto the slotted section.
US08197441B2	Catheter mounted automatic vessel occlusion and fluid dispersion devices Catheter or guidewire mounted automatic vessel occlusion and fluid dispersion devices that expand to occlude or partially occlude a vessel when a fluid is flowing in the catheter or guidewire, and that automatically collapse when fluid flow is stopped. Each occlusion device has an elastic skeleton covered with a flexible cover coupled thereto and may have a hole(s) or openings in its distal or proximal end thereof to allow controlled flow through the desired end of the occlusion device. The fluid may be a flush fluid for enabling or improving the performance of imaging devices and image enhancing fluids, of treatment fluids for localized treatment of a vessel or tissues in communication with the vessel and/or of the transmission of energy to the vessel wall and adjacent tissues. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08197440B2	Needleless injection device with double stopper with low pressure profiles The present invention relates to a needleless injection device (1) comprising a reservoir (3), obturated by an upstream stopper (4) and a downstream stopper (5) between which a liquid active principle (6) is accommodated, and a receptacle (7) comprising at least one injection conduit (8), said receptacle comprising a cavity (10) whose height is equal to the distance traveled by the downstream stopper before each injection conduit is opened, —the height of the cavity in millimeters being between a minimum height and a maximum height, respectively defined by the following relationships, •minimum height=3, •maximum height=15×exp. (−(V/9)2)+10, where V is the initial speed of ascent of the pressure profile expressed in bar per microsecond, —the ratio between the length of each injection conduit and the height of the cavity being between 1 and 2.
US08197439B2	Fluid volume determination for medical treatment system A volume of fluid moved by a pump, such as a pump in an APD system, may be determined without direct measurement of the fluid, such as by flow meter, weight, etc. For example, a volume of a pump chamber (181) (having a movable element that varies the volume of the pump chamber) may be determined by measuring pressure in the pump chamber and a reference chamber, both while the two chambers are isolated from each other, and after the two chambers are fluidly connected so that pressures in the chambers may equalize. Equalization of the pressures may be assumed to occur in an adiabatic way, e.g., a mathematical model of the system that is based on an adiabatic pressure equalization process may be used to determine the pump chamber volume. In one embodiment, pressures measured after the chambers are fluidly connected may be measured at a time before complete pressure equalization has occurred, and thus the pressures for the pump and reference chambers measured after the chambers are fluidly connected may be unequal, yet still be used to determine the pump chamber volume.
US08197438B2	Medicinal fluid delivery systems and methods for priming the same Medicinal fluid delivery systems and methods for priming the same are disclosed. The systems may be configured to measure an electro-transmissive quality of a medicinal fluid when: medicinal fluid is dispensed into a fluid delivery path, a proximal end of the fluid delivery path is in contact with a first electrode, and the distal end of the fluid delivery path is in contact with a second electrode. Methods for priming medicinal fluid delivery systems may include dispensing a medicinal fluid through a fluid delivery path, sensing an electro-transmissive quality of the medicinal fluid, and determining that the fluid delivery path is full based on the electro-transmissive quality.
US08197436B2	Micro-burst ultrasonic power delivery Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating said needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude. The control system provides a pulsed electrical power of less than 20 millisecond pulse duration.
US08197434B2	Tampon assembly having shaped pledget A tampon assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The plunger is slidably received in the barrel. The pledget is in the barrel between the insertion tip and the plunger so that a force applied on the plunger can expel the pledget from the barrel. The barrel has a plurality of petals defining an insertion tip, which has a first taper ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. The pledget has a shaped tip that is disposed in the insertion tip.
US08197432B2	User interface for blood treatment device A method for batch implementation of settings in a renal replacement therapy device including: displaying on a user interface control settings which may be manually selected by an operator; selecting an independent control setting of the plurality of control settings; adjusting the independent control setting to an independent control setting level selected by an operator; temporarily storing the adjusted independent control setting level; automatically adjusting a dependent control setting level based upon the independent control level; displaying the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting, and implementing both the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting to control the device, by actuating a batch setting acceptance operation.
US08197431B2	Acoustic access disconnect detection system An acoustic access disconnect detection system is useful for detecting when an access needle has become dislodged or when blood is leaking. The acoustic disconnect detection system includes an acoustic transmitter and one or more acoustic sensors placed upstream of an access site of a patient, the sensors suitable for generating and detecting an acoustic signal that is intended to pass unobstructed through the access site. The acoustic transmitter may be placed on a therapy machine for generating an acoustic signal. The acoustic sensor is mounted downstream of the transmitter, such as on the therapy machine where blood is pumped to or returned from the patient, on the patient, or on the therapy machine where blood is entering the therapy machine. The therapy machine, such as a dialysis machine, may be programmed not to start or continue operation unless the acoustic signal is within certain parameters.
US08197424B2	Guide wire A guide wire is comprised of a flexible elongate wire body. The wire body has a plurality of protruding portions n the external surface and recessed portions between the adjacent protruding portions. The protruding portions possess a friction coefficient smaller than that of the recessed portions.
US08197422B2	Stack magazine system A meter system for analyzing body fluids includes a supply magazine for storing a stack of test elements, a meter for analyzing fluid samples, and a transport system for transporting test elements from the supply magazine to the meter. The test element in one embodiment includes a lancet integrated test element that has a lancet coupled to a test strip. The transport system is configured to minimize damage to the test element. In one form, the transport system includes a shuttle that slides the top-most test element from the stack onto a connection portion of the meter. In another form, the transport system includes a drum that rotates to transport test elements from the supply magazine to a testing position and, once used, to a waste magazine for disposal. In a further form, the transport system includes a disc that rotates to transport the test elements.
US08197418B2	Microprobes Microprobes in various designs are provided including microprobes having a bulk base and a thin probe extending from the bulk base and a Wheatstone-bridge sensor circuit for measuring strain in the thin probe, and microprobes with two thin probes extending from the bulk base with their respective integrated Wheatstone-bridges to eliminate common mode forces experienced by the two thin probes.
US08197416B1	Pulsatile measurement of cardiac malfunction conditions Apparatus includes at least one of inflatable blood pressure cuffs for encircling a proximal, a distal, and an intermediate portion of a limb. Electrical signals from a pressure transducer on the cuff and from skin contact electrodes on the cuff are generated during pulses from the heart or from externally generated cuff pulses. A signal processing mechanism generates numerical values that are relevant to conditions that may contribute to cardiac malfunction.
US08197412B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which degradation in calculation accuracy and increase in calculation time can be prevented while an ultrasonic image with high resolving power is generated by using appropriate acoustic velocities for respective regions within an object. The apparatus includes: a transmitting and receiving unit for processing reception signals; a reception control unit for performing focusing processing based on acoustic velocity values to generate a sound ray signal; an image generating unit for generating an image signal based on the sound ray signal; a focusing determining unit for determining a degree of beam focusing in the focusing processing with respect to plural first regions; and an acoustic velocity value correcting unit for obtaining acoustic velocity values with respect to the plural first regions and further obtaining acoustic velocity values with respect to plural second regions segmented in smaller regions than the plural first regions.
US08197408B2	Sparse tissue property measurements in medical ultrasound imaging The shear modulus information is measured for sparse locations in a scanning field of view. For other locations, the shear modulus information is calculated as a function of the sparsely measured values and strain information. For example, shear modulus values are provided for every grid point in a field of view based on strain values for every grid point and on sparsely measured shear modulus values.
US08197407B2	Method and apparatus for sub-harmonic contrast imaging A non-linear response may be measured by transmitting a first pulse at an amplitude and transmit frequency, using an aperture having N elements. A first response is measured at a sub-harmonic frequency based on the transmit frequency. At least second and third pulses are transmitted at the amplitude and transmit frequency. At least second and third responses are measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The second and third pulses have the same phase with respect to each other and use first and second sub-apertures that have different ones of the N elements. A sum of the elements within the first and second sub-apertures is equal to N. Alternatively, at least two pulses having the same aperture and different amplitudes may be transmitted, and the responses measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The responses are combined to suppress linear echoes and determine a non-linear response.
US08197406B2	Device and method for measuring a property of living tissue A device for measuring the glucose level in living tissue has electrodes (5, 6) for being brought into contact with the specimen and a voltage-controlled oscillator (31) as a signal source for generating an AC voltage in a given frequency range. The AC voltage is applied to the electrodes (5, 6). A voltage over the electrodes is fed to a processing circuitry (37, 38), which converts it to the glucose level using calibration data. The voltage-controlled oscillator (31) has a symmetric design with adjustable gain for generating signals in a large frequency range with low distortions at a low supply voltage. The processing circuit comprises a simple rectifier network with software-based correction. The electrodes (5, 6) are of asymmetric design and optimized for biological compatibility.
US08197398B2	Endoscope An endoscope (1) has a handle (2) as well as a probe part (3) that can be connected thereto via a coupling (4), with an illumination device as well as an eye-piece (17) with an imaging optic being arranged in the handle (2) and image conductors and light conductors in the probe part (3). The coupling includes an image interface and a light interface. In the coupling area, at least one axially engaging guide (6, 8) as well as bayonet-like engaging coupling parts (6, 5) are provided, one of which is embodied as a rotational locking part (5). In the final locked position the locking part (5) is secured by a snap. Preferably, the coupling (4) is provided with an axially engaging guide and additionally axially engaging guides (13, 15; 14, 16) are provided of the illumination system and the image transmission system, which are particularly arranged side-by-side.
US08197394B2	Method for altering the storage capacity of a tubular mesh bag by altering the quantity of material per unit length It is disclosed a device (1) for altering the storage capacity of a tubular mesh bag of heat sealable material during the manufacture thereof and the bag (15) obtained from its using. The device comprises an expansion core (2) to which the tubular mesh is peripheral, which is essentially oblong and will be inserted vertically inside the tubular mesh, thus determining two from faces (21) and two side faces of said mesh as it passes over the expansion core. The device has a mechanism for inserting, in a variable way as the mesh passes over the expansion core, sections of the peripheral tubular mesh into it, thus accumulating a greater or smaller quantity of mesh in each longitudinal section of mesh corresponding with one bag unit.
US08197392B2	Suspendible exercise straps An exercise strap comprises an upper strap and a lower strap. A plurality of loop members are located on the lower strap to allow for handles to be easily removed and replaced on different locations on the lower strap. An adjustment member attached to both the upper strap and the lower strap allows for the overall length of the exercise strap to be adjusted. A strap attachment member attached to the upper strap connects the exercise strap to a suitable mounting mechanism.
US08197389B2	Exercising apparatus An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.
US08197386B2	Electrohydraulic torque transfer device and temperature control system A power transmission device includes a friction clutch operable to selectively transfer torque between an input member and an output member. An actuator is operable to provide an actuating force to the friction clutch. The actuator includes an electric motor having an output shaft drivingly coupled to a pump. The pump is operable to provide pressurized fluid to a piston acting on the friction clutch. A controller that is switched on and off in response to an ignition signal estimates the temperature of the friction clutch at the time of being switched on based on a time the controller has been off. A method of estimating a temperature of the friction clutch is also disclosed.
US08197385B2	Control device for vehicular power transmitting device This invention relates to a control device for a vehicular power transmitting device. The control device has shifting-point altering means 108 operative such that when a second electric motor M2 is operated with priority to obtain a charging efficiency and/or electric power generating efficiency, a shifting point for a vehicle to run under a decelerating state (during a coast running state) is altered to a point on a higher vehicle speed than that at which a shifting point for a running-performance-conscious state is set. Therefore, when the second electric motor M2 is operated with priority for generating electric power, a downshift is initiated at a high vehicle speed than that at which the downshift is initiated at a shifting point for a running-performance-conscious state. This increases a rotation speed NM2 of the second electric motor M2, resulting in an increase in regeneration amount (electric power generation amount) of the second electric motor M2.
US08197381B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set; a second planetary gear set; a third planetary gear set; an input shaft; an output shaft; and five friction elements. The five friction elements include a first friction element adapted to selectively connect a first ring gear with a second carrier, a second friction element adapted to selectively connect the first ring gear with the second rotating member, a third friction element adapted to selectively connect the second carrier with a third ring gear, a fourth friction element adapted to selectively stop a rotation of the third ring gear, and a fifth friction element adapted to selectively connect the first sun gear with the second carrier. Each of at least seven forward speed-ratios and one reverse speed-ratio is achieved by an engaged state of two friction elements selected from the five friction elements.
US08197380B2	Motor vehicle automated gearbox and method for the operation thereof The invention concerns an automated motor vehicle shift transmission (1) with an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, the input shaft (W1) being connected to a drive motor (M) via an engine clutch (K) that can be engaged and disengaged. To avoid an interruption of the traction force during a shift process, a controllable friction clutch is provided as a change-under-load clutch (K5) to connect the input shaft (W1) directly to the output shaft (W3, W4) when necessary.The invention also concerns a method for controlling the gearshifts of an automated motor vehicle shift transmission comprising an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, and in which the input shaft is connected to a drive motor via an engine clutch that can be engaged or disengaged, such that in a shift process between a loaded gear that is engaged and a target gear to be engaged, the engine clutch remains closed during the gear change. To avoid a traction force interruption it is provided that during a shift process between two gears containing at most one direct step (i>=1), before the loaded gear is disengaged a change-under-load clutch, positioned between the input shaft (W1) and the output shaft (W3, W4), is at least partially closed in order to take over the torque transfer, the loaded gear is then disengaged, the target gear is then synchronized and engaged, and finally the change-under-load clutch (K5) is fully opened again.
US08197374B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission comprises a multi-plate brake to brake a specified rotational element of a transmission mechanism, which includes a plurality of frictional plates, a piston, a piston cylinder member comprising cylinder in which the piston slides, and oil-pressure chambers which are formed between the piston and the cylinder and bias the piston toward the frictional plates with an oil pressure supplied thereto, and a valve body to supply the oil pressure to the oil-pressure chambers. Herein, the valve body is provided in the vicinity of an outer periphery of the piston cylinder member so as to be connected to the piston cylinder member via a connection portion, and there is provided an oil passage to supply the oil pressure from the valve body to the oil-pressure chambers via the connection portion.
US08197367B2	Expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades An improved expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades. The rear deploying blades deploy reliably upon impact of the blades with a target. The expandable broadhead resists deflection by the target regardless of the angle of entry. Consequently, the present expandable broadhead maximizes kinetic energy on impact and increases the probability of substantial penetration into the target.
US08197365B2	Baseball or softball bat, and a manufacturing method therefor An improvement is made effectively in the strength of a baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a ball-hitting member and a grip member formed of a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) material and a metal material, respectively.In the baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a metal ball-hitting member and an FRP grip member, a joining end region of the grip member has an adhering piece bonded to one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of a joined end region of the ball-hitting member, and a contact piece for contacting the other of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the joined end region of the ball-hitting member when the adhering piece is in a bonded state.
US08197362B1	Basketball free throw practice guide The Basketball free throw practice guide includes a flag that extends vertically from an assembly that attaches onto a basketball rim. The assembly includes a flag base, support, and main base that inter-connect via a bolt or screw. The main base has a groove that is sealed off via the flag base to enclose the cross-section of the basketball rim therein. The assembly is weighted and self-ballasts when installed upon said basketball rim such that the flag will return to a vertical position upon impact by an object such as a basketball. The flag acts as a guide to teach proper basketball trajectory into the basketball rim.
US08197357B1	Golf club head with composite weight port A golf club head having a face component, a crown, and a composite sole or a composite body patch with one or more weight ports for receiving one or more weight inserts is disclosed herein. At least part of each of the weight ports is integrally formed in the composite sole or composite body patch, and each of the weight ports include a weight receiving region for receiving a weight and a screw receiving region for receiving a screw that secures the weight in the weight port.
US08197356B2	Golf club head with improved performance A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
US08197353B2	Twisted waterslide flume The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising at least one twisted flume segment, wherein the twisted flume segment defines a first open end and a second opposing open end rotated and translated with respect to the first open end.The present disclosure further provides a twisted waterslide flume segment and method for assembling the twisted waterslide flume segment. The twisted waterslide flume segment includes a plurality of adjacently disposed twisted flume sections, the twisted flume sections defining a first open end and a second opposing open end rotated and translated with respect to the first open end.
US08197351B2	Playset system components Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.
US08197349B2	Shock absorbing propeller shaft apparatus for motor vehicle In a shock absorbing propeller shaft apparatus for a motor vehicle, a stop ring is fitted to an annular groove provided in an outer periphery of an inner shaft end close to a base end with respect to a portion to which an inner race of a constant velocity joint in the inner shaft end is fitted, a collar main body of a collar is inserted to an outer periphery between a portion to which the inner race of the constant velocity joint in the inner shaft end is fitted and a portion to which the stop ring is fitted, in the outer periphery of the inner shaft end, and a flange portion protruding out in an axial direction from an outer diameter side of one end of the collar main body is attached to cover an outer periphery of the stop ring.
US08197343B2	Game apparatus and storage medium storing game program A game apparatus includes two LCDs, a touch panel is provided in association with the one LCD. On the touch panel, an operation button corresponding to each player character is set. A setting of the operation button is changed according to an operation state (frequency of usage, operation coordinates position) by a player during playing the game. For example, a size of an operation effective area and a display position of the operation button are changed according to the frequency of usage. Furthermore, at least any one of the operation effective areas and the display position of the operation button is changed according to the operation coordinates position.
US08197341B2	Support for a video game controller A support means for a controller for controlling a game which simulates a human activity involving hand and foot movements, for example the driving of a vehicle, the controller comprising a hand-operated device and a foot-operated device operable by a player of the game to cause the game to simulate such movements. The support means comprises a base (1) adapted to be supported on the floor or ground and having a platform (2) for mounting the hand-operated device (C1) of the controller which is pivotally mounted on a first member (15) which is mounted for rectilinear sliding movement on a second member (18) pivotally mounted on the base to facilitate angular, height and rectilinear adjustment of the device, and a platform (3) for mounting the foot-operated device which is mounted on a member (5) which is mounted for rectilinear sliding movement on the base to facilitate angular and rectilinear adjustment of the device.
US08197337B2	Gaming system and method for providing multi-level personal progressive awards A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.
US08197334B2	Circulating data card apparatus and management system A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards is described.
US08197333B2	Method and management system for gaming management between a gaming management center and at least one gaming terminal, gaming management center and gaming terminal The invention relates to a method of game management between a game management center and at least one remote game terminal, comprising a step of request of at least one game ticket, from the game terminal, and a step of presentation of the game ticket, by the game terminal. It furthermore comprises, before the step of presentation, a step of generation, by the game management center, of a win indicator determining whether the game ticket presented is a winner or a loser; and a step of transmission by the game management center and to the game terminal, of a result containing said win indicator. During the presentation step, the game terminal generates at least one representation of the game ticket as a function of the result transmitted and presents said game ticket under this representation.
US08197331B2	Gaming system having graphical indicators of community bonus awards A gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming machines adapted to display at least one primary wagering game thereon. At least one community display displays a community event, such as a big event bonus game. A controller communications with the community display and the plurality of gaming machines. The controller selects one or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the community event. The controller provides a graphical indicator of a bonus game enhancement, such as a bonus-game multiplier, on the plurality of gaming machines for enhancing an outcome of the community event. The graphical indicator is representative of, and distinct from an actual award value.
US08197328B2	Special symbol remains in position until used in a winning combination A game involves emulating spinning and randomly stopping virtual reels. If a special symbol is displayed in the matrix, and the special symbol is not used in a winning combination of symbols, then, for the next game, the special symbol is held in its position in the array, and all the reels are spun to randomly display symbols in all positions in the matrix other than in the special symbol position. If the special symbol is used in a winning combination of symbols, the special symbol is not held. The machine may hold the special symbol for an unlimited number of games as long as the player makes a maximum bet or an extra bet. Under certain conditions, an award for a winning combination using the held special symbol is enhanced the longer the special symbol is held without being used, so the player desires to not utilize the special symbol right away.
US08197327B2	Method, apparatus, and program product for displaying gaming results through a variable prize wheel Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize enhancements for a player and varies the prize enhancements during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes, which may cause a change in the game prize distribution. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize.
US08197322B2	System, apparatus, and method for configuring gaming experiences Apparatuses and methods for facilitating access to a plurality of gaming activities via a processing arrangement involve facilitating player identification of a set of gaming activities selected from the plurality of gaming activities. A collection of references are assigned to the set of the gaming activities. Each of the references refers to at least one of gaming activities of the set of gaming activities identified by the player. The collection of references is stored in a computer-readable medium, and player access to the set of gaming activities is facilitated using the stored collection of references.
US08197318B2	Sports officiating simulator A method for simulating the experience of a sports official is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) displaying game content over a medium and (b) receiving a first input signal while the game content is being displayed which stops the content from being displayed.
US08197313B2	User to user game referrals A method is disclosed in a gaming and media system for quickly and easily creating and sending mail communications including pre-populated, or preformed, messages. Upon receipt of a communication, a recipient may also quickly and easily download a game discussed in the message.
US08197309B2	Grinding wheel assembly The present invention discloses a grinding wheel assembly including a coupling member, two clamping disks and a grinding wheel. There is a plurality of bulged anchor rims around the coupling member. On both sides of the coupling member, there are two hollow ducts which are linked through a first shaft duct in the center and surrounded by a plurality of laterally penetrated ventilation openings. Two clamping disks are symmetrically mounted onto the grinding wheel. On one side of each clamping disk are anchor troughs, ventilation holes, cylinders and shaft ducts, and on the other side is a polygonal trough. There are cogs around the grinding wheel and there are clamping troughs and a plurality of mounting troughs on each side of the grinding wheel. In the center of the grinding wheel is a coupling opening whose inner wall has a plurality of concaved anchor openings. From above interrelated mechanical design, it tends to make the coupling member, two clamping disks and the grinding wheel tightly anchor with each other, so that the object of being installed or uninstalled easily, being steadily structured and being used for longer life time can be achieved.
US08197308B2	Swing device for grinding machine A swing device for a grinding machine includes a motor located on a fixed table beside the sanding unit which includes a frame with two mandrels and a sanding belt is mounted to the two mandrels. A movable member is movably mounted to the shaft of the motor so as to move back and forth to activate two limit switches which are activated to stop the motor. The movable member is connected to a fixed plate connected to an end plate on the sanding unit and a link is connected between the fixed plate and an elongate slot of the movable member. The sanding unit together with the sanding belt swing when the movable member moves. The sanding belt swings and activates two micro switches to change the rotation direction of the shaft. The sanding belt swings to change the sanding portion contacting the objects to be polished.
US08197305B2	Dynamic pressure releasing method of grinding liquid in grinding operation, grinding method using the releasing method, and grinding stone for use in the grinding method A dynamic pressure in the coolant supplied between a rotating grinding wheel and a rotating workpiece is released by making at least one of oblique grooves on the grinding wheel pass vertically through a contact surface on which a grinding surface of the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece. Where one and the other side intersection points are defined as intersection points at which both ends of each oblique groove respectively cross extension lines of one and the other side edges parallel to a grinding wheel circumferential direction of the contact surface, the other side intersection point of each oblique groove overlaps the one side intersection point of an oblique groove next to each such oblique groove by a predetermined overlap amount in the grinding wheel circumferential direction, and the length in the grinding wheel circumferential direction of the contact surface is made to be shorter than the overlap amount.
US08197302B2	Abrasive for blast processing and blast processing method employing the same An abrasive has a plate shape with a flat surface, in which a maximum diameter of the flat surface thereof is in the range of 0.05 mm to 10 mm, and 1.5 to 100 times as the maximum diameter as thick of the abrasive, and the blast processing method is one in which this abrasive is ejected by being inclined at an incident angle with respect to a surface of a product to be treated. The ejected plate-shaped abrasive slides along the surface of the product to be treated while having the flat surface in slidable contact with the surface of the product to be treated which is an object surface to be treated, so that the surface of the product to be treated is flattened by removing the peaks only, without increasing the depth of the valleys of the roughness curve.
US08197301B2	Chemical mechanical polishing apparatus Disclosed herein is a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a carrier to hold a wafer and being capable of lifting, lowering and rotating, a polishing pad compressed onto the wafer through the lowering of the carrier to polish the wafer, a contact pressure sensor to detect contact pressure between the polishing pad and the wafer when the polishing pad is compressed onto the wafer, a support physical property controller to generate control signals corresponding to the contact pressure detected by the contact pressure sensor, a variable physical property support being adapted to come into close contact with the polishing pad and having physical properties varied in response to the control signals generated by the support physical property controller, and a rotational table to hold the variable physical property table.
US08197299B2	Machining of ceramic materials Milling strategies for machining dental ceramic materials are provided that reduce milling time while maintaining strength, accuracy and marginal integrity.
US08197297B2	Toy building block The disclosure discloses a toy building block that can create a cubic article by assembling a unit piece, the unit piece comprising: a plate body made of a flexible material in which an outer profile of the plate body is formed by a pair of upper and lower short sides curved inward and a pair of right and left long sides curved inward; projections provided at a corner portions located on one of diagonal lines of the plate body on a plate face of the plate body at a right angle; and through holes into which the projections can be fitted, the through holes being provided at the corner portions located on the other diagonal line of the plate body.
US08197296B1	Method for making electron emitter The present disclosure provides a method for making electron emitter includes the following steps. First, a linear support is provided. Second, at least one carbon nanotube film or at least one carbon nanotube wire is provided. Third, the at least one carbon nanotube film or wire is wrapped around the linear support. Fourth, the linear support is removed to obtain a carbon nanotube hollow cylinder. Fifth, the carbon nanotube hollow cylinder is fused.
US08197295B2	Production apparatus and method of producing a light-emitting device by using the same apparatus The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light-emitting device. At least one of a light-emitting film forming step, a conductive film forming step and an insulating film forming step is carried out while holding a substrate in a manner that an angle subtended by a surface of the substrate and the direction of gravity is within a range of from 0 to 30°.
US08197294B2	Organic EL light-emitting device and production method thereof There is provided a method of producing an organic EL light-emitting device which enables prevention of crosstalk between adjacent pixels of the same color. Provided is a method of producing an organic EL light-emitting device which has banks provided in a row direction and in a column direction, and a plurality of organic EL light-emitting portions isolated from each other by the banks. The method includes the steps of forming banks such that a height of a bank portion of a row direction and a height of a bank portion of a column direction are different from each other; and applying an organic EL material in a continuous manner along the bank portion which is higher of the bank portion of the row direction and the bank portion of the column direction, between the banks of the higher bank portion.
US08197293B2	Mooring assembly A mooring assembly for a vessel comprises a receiving vessel part, a geostationary part received rotatably in said receiving vessel part and a main bearing assembly connecting the geostationary part to the receiving vessel part. The main bearing assembly comprises at least two separate bearings which are manipulable such that the one or the other or both bearings are in an operative position, thus allowing the non-operative bearing to be replaced, overhauled, repaired and alike in situ.
US08197285B2	Methods and apparatus for a grounding gasket A conductive gasket includes a deformable contact region configured to provide compressive contact between the mounting surface of a connector (e.g., a right-angle micro-D connector) and a grounded surface of the substrate (e.g., PCB). A fastener region extends from the deformable contact region and is configured to align with a mounting region of the connector. A keep-out zone is provided adjacent to the deformable contact region and the fastener region and is configured to allow the pins of the connector to pass therethrough.
US08197279B1	Electronic apparatus An electronic apparatus includes a housing and a retaining member. The housing includes a connecting hole and an engagement hole. A connector is detachably connected to the connecting hole. The engagement hole includes a passing zone and an engagement zone that are communicated to each other. The retaining member includes a fixing end, an engagement end, and a retaining portion. The fixing end is fixed to the housing. The engagement end is capable of passing into the housing through the passing zone and is adapted to be engaged with the engagement zone. The retaining portion is connected between the fixing end and the engagement end for trapping the connector.
US08197272B2	Connector A connector includes a housing that holds contacts, a cover that covers the housing, and an ejection member that is movably held by the housing and the cover and ejects a SIM card inserted between the housing and the cover. The cover is formed with a spring portion that pushes the ejection member toward the housing, and the ejection member is formed with a groove that receives the spring portion in a relatively movable manner.
US08197262B2	Electrical contact for an electrical connector mounted on a printed circuit An electrical contact is provided for an electrical connector that is mounted on a printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a mating segment having a mating interface configured to engage a mating contact of another connector. The electrical contact also includes a tail segment having a mounting interface configured to be mounted to the printed circuit. An intermediate segment extends between and interconnects the mating and tail segments. The intermediate segment includes a base wall extending a length from the tail segment to the mating segment. The intermediate segment further includes a side wall extending outwardly from the base wall along at least a portion of the length of the base wall. The side wall extends outwardly at a non-parallel angle relative to the base wall for affecting at least one of an impedance, an insertion loss, or a reflection of the electrical contact.
US08197253B2	Medical or dental handpiece head Described herein is a medical or dental handpiece head having a head sleeve detachably connected by a screw or threaded connection to a closing cap, and a locking device for locking the closing cap with the head sleeve. The locking device between the closing cap and the head sleeve is formed by at least one spring element. The locking device is designed and arranged so that unintentional release of the screw connection between the closing cap and the head sleeve caused by vibrations during operation of the handpiece can be suppressed.
US08197246B1	Plastic injection mold Disclosed is a plastic injection mold, comprising a female mold, a male mold corresponding to the female, an inclined pushing mechanism, a parting lock and a puller. The female mold comprises an accepting space. The inclined pushing mechanism comprises an inclined pusher and an inclined pushing seat, which a parting lock hole and a guide rail are formed therein. The inclined pusher is installed on the guide rail. The parting lock is fixed on the male mold. The puller is fixed on female mold. As the plastic injection mold is utilized to form a product with barb, a present slide mechanism can be replaced by the inclined pushing mechanism with the parting lock and the puller. The plastic injection mold has a simple structure and can be easily designed and manufactured. Accordingly, the plastic injection mold can be utilized to manufacture the product with barb with small size.
US08197243B2	Head assembly for use in a rotary head extruder for extruding a food product A head assembly (10) is provided for use in a rotary head extruder (12) for extruding a food product. The head assembly (10) includes an annular-shaped stator plate (20) and a rotating blade plate (22). The blade plate (22) preferably includes at least six blades, each with a wedge shaped profile, and the stator plate (20) includes extrusion channels that extend at an angle in the range of 20°-50° from tangent to a circle defined by an inner surface (30) of the plate (20).
US08197240B2	Compressor having improved valve plate A compressor may include a compressor body defining a compression cylinder, a compressor head coupled to the compressor body, and a valve plate assembly disposed between the compressor head and the compressor body. The valve plate assembly may include a first valve plate formed as a unitary casting and defining a suction chamber exposed to a suction pressure region of the compressor.
US08197237B2	Metering pump and drive device thereof A drive device, comprising a housing, a rod, a limiting device, a sliding block, a rotating block, a pair of springs, a pair of first grooves, and a second groove. The rod passes through the sliding block, an axis is disposed on the sliding block, the rotating block is disposed on the axis, the springs are disposed on both sides of the rotating block, the top of the spring is contacted with one side of the rotating block, the first grooves are disposed on one side of the rod opposite to the housing, the second groove is disposed on inner side of the housing opposite to the first groove, a middle part of the second groove is lower than other parts thereof, one end of the rotating block slides in the second groove, and the other end of the rotating block slides in and between the first grooves.
US08197236B2	Adjustable roller pump rotor A pump rotor for a roller pump, is disclosed. The rotor comprises: a first roller support comprising a first roller; a second roller support comprising a second roller; an element in the center connected to the first and second roller supports, wherein the first and second roller supports may move angularly with respect to the center element causing distance between the first and second rollers to be varied; first and second positioning elements that connect the first and second roller supports, respectively, to the center element; and first and second spring biased components surrounding first and second positioning elements, respectively, to allow the first and second roller supports to move to allow for automatic adjustment of the rotor.
US08197230B2	Torsional damper for a fluid pump A damper assembly including an input member, an output member, and a transfer assembly is disclosed. The input member is configured to receive a torsional input. The output member is configured to provide a torsional output. The transfer assembly is coupled between the input member and the output member and includes a ring, a first guide, a second guide, a first spring, and a second spring. The ring defines a first linear slide path that has a first end and a second end, and a second linear slide path that has a third end and a fourth end. The first guide is slideable within the first linear slide path and coupled to the input member. The second guide is slideable within the second linear slide path and coupled to the input member. The first spring is positioned between the first guide and the second end of the first linear slide path. The second spring is positioned between the second guide and the fourth end of the second linear slide path. Movement of the input member relative to the output member causes the first guide to slide along the first linear slide path and the second guide to slide along the second linear slide path.
US08197229B2	Double-headed piston type compressor A double-headed piston type compressor includes front and rear housings, a cylinder block defining therein a crank chamber and a plurality of cylinder bores and having a shaft hole therethrough, a double-headed piston accommodated in the cylinder bores for reciprocating therein, a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the shaft hole, compression chambers defined by the cylinder bores, a suction chamber defined by the front housing and an introduction passage having a rotary valve for introducing refrigerant from the suction chamber into the compression chambers. The introduction passage includes a communication passage formed in the cylinder block for connecting the suction chamber to the shaft hole, suction passages connecting the shaft hole and the compression chambers and a recessed passage formed in the outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft for connecting intermittently between the communication passage and the respective suction passages in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft.
US08197227B2	Multi-stage compressor system An improved multi-stage compressor device for compressing gas, which compressor device (1) mainly consists of at least two compressor elements (2-5-28) placed in series one after the other, at least one of which (5-28) is driven by a motor (9), characterized in that at least one other compressor element (2) is driven separately, in other words without any mechanical link with said motor (9), by means of an expander (18) of a closed power cycle (12) with a circulating medium inside which is heated by the compressed gas.
US08197220B2	Driving control apparatus and method for linear compressor An apparatus for controlling an operation of a reciprocating compressor, includes: a control unit for detecting a current pushed amount of a piston when a TDC is detected as an inflection point of a phase difference between stroke and current, comparing the current pushed amount with a pushed amount reference value, and applying a DC voltage applied to a linear motor based on the comparison result. An AC voltage and a DC voltage are applied to the linear motor to increase the stroke, and when the TDC is detected, the current pushed amount is calculated and compared with the pushed amount reference value, and then, the DC voltage or a DC current applied to the linear motor is varied based on the comparison result, thereby obtaining a maximum compression volume without collision of the piston.
US08197219B2	Estimation and control of a resonant plant prone to stick-slip behavior An apparatus is provided for estimating and/or precluding stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, through use of a virtual transducer, which precludes the need for having sensors located adjacent to a driven element of the system, or adjacent contact surfaces at which the stick-slip relative motion may occur. Parameters measurable at a drive mechanism are utilized for controlling a system in a manner which precludes stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, of a driven element of the system. Relative motion between contacting surfaces in the driven element, prone to stick-slip behavior, is controlled after sufficient force is applied by the drive element to overcome static friction forces between the contacting surfaces and break them free from one another, relative motion between the surfaces is maintained at a high enough relative speed that the surfaces are precluded from contacting one another, so that stick-slip behavior is precluded.
US08197218B2	Quiet airfoils for small and large wind turbines Thick airfoil families with desirable aerodynamic performance with minimal airfoil induced noise. The airfoil families are suitable for a variety of wind turbine designs and are particularly well-suited for use with horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) with constant or variable speed using pitch and/or stall control. In exemplary embodiments, a first family of three thick airfoils is provided for use with small wind turbines and second family of three thick airfoils is provided for use with very large machines, e.g., an airfoil defined for each of three blade radial stations or blade portions defined along the length of a blade. Each of the families is designed to provide a high maximum lift coefficient or high lift, to exhibit docile stalls, to be relatively insensitive to roughness, and to achieve a low profile drag.
US08197217B2	Axial flow fan An axial flow fan is configured to allow leakage flows in regions near rear edges of bent portions formed by bending outer peripheries of blades towards negative pressure surfaces to smoothly flow out to reduce the vortex scale of the leakage flows themselves and to be able to effectively control turbulence of the flows. The axial flow fan includes a bellmouth and blades, with outer peripheries of the blades being bent towards negative pressure surfaces, wherein in regions near rear edges of bent portions that are bent towards the negative pressure surfaces, there are disposed second bent portions formed by bending part of the bent portions further towards the negative pressure surfaces.
US08197216B2	Quick assembly blades for a ceiling fan Quick assembly blades for a ceiling fan at least include a blade bracket, a blade and a clamping member. The clamping member is composed of a base plate and a top plate. A rear portion of the base plate has an elastic supporting plate corresponding to a locking plate provided in a rear portion of the top plate, so that the base plate and the top plate can axially move closer to each other to keep a leaning portion of the supporting plate blocked by a locking portion formed inside the locking plate, thus enabling the blade quickly assembled and firmly clamped on the blade bracket by the clamping member.
US08197214B2	Compact variable pitch fan A compact variable pitch fan has a hydraulic pitch change mechanism. A pitch change piston is constrained to follow reciprocating motion under hydraulic control within a peripheral hub from which fan blades extend outward. An additional feature is the use of separated guiding and seal surfaces. A still further feature is the use of a pitch sensor, particularly on the hydraulic line leading to the variable pitch fan.
US08197213B2	Turboprop including a set of adjustable-pitch blades A turboprop including a rotary casing fitted with adjustable-pitch blades enabling thrust to be managed. Each blade is coupled, for the purpose of adjusting its pitch, to a control member of an annular actuator carried by the rotary casing.
US08197211B1	Composite air cooled turbine rotor blade A composite turbine rotor blade that uses the high heat resistance capability of a ceramic material along with the high strength capability of a high strength metallic material. The blade includes a metallic piece with the blade root and platform with a leading edge spar and a trailing edge spar extending from the platform. The two spars form radial cooling channels for the edges of the blade. A ceramic mid-chord piece is secured between the two spars by a T-shape tip rail piece that includes a tip rail cooling channel extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The tip rail piece includes a hollow radial pin that extends through the root to secure to the tip rail piece to the rest of the blade and supply cooling air to the tip rail cooling channel.
US08197209B2	Systems and methods involving variable throat area vanes Systems and methods involving variable throat area vanes are provided. In this regard, a representative gas turbine engine includes: a vane extending into a gas flow path and having: an interior operative to receive pressurized air; a pressure surface portion; and a first port communicating between the interior and pressure surface portion, the first port being operative to receive the pressurized air from the interior and emit the pressurized air, wherein the emitted pressurized air displaces the gas flow path such that a throat area defined, at least in part, by the vane is modified.
US08197206B2	Apparatus for generating electricity from a flow of water such as a tide, river or the like An apparatus for generating electrical power from a flow of water, including a housing having a water inlet and water outlet, a first turbine (12) mounted in the housing for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having a turbine shaft, a set of vertical blades (22), and a blade angle control mechanism, a second turbine (14) mounted in the housing adjacent to the first turbine, for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, the second turbine having a turbine shaft, a set of vertical blades (22) and a blade angle control mechanism, the housing being adapted to be mounted within the body of water and being so configured that an incoming water flow enters the housing via the inlet, and is principally directed into two driving flows (34, 36), one for each turbine, and is then directed for discharge via the outlet, the angle of each blade with respect to the driving water flow is controlled by the blade angle control mechanism such that a large blade surface area is presented to the incoming water flow for driving the turbine in a predetermined direction of rotation and a low blade surface area is presented to the incoming water flow in a direction opposite to the driving direction.
US08197205B2	Swashplateless helicopter blade actuation system A blade actuation system comprises at least one motor coupled to a rotor blade for changing the pitch angle of the rotor blade. The motor is configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one flight control computer to modulate the pitch angle. At least one generator may be mounted on a rotor shaft to generate power during rotation of the rotor shaft. The generator may provide power to the motor. The flight control computer is operative to provide control signals to at least one of the generators and motors for regulation thereof. The flight control computer, motor and generator may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one another.
US08197201B2	Decentralized source separation sewage system An apparatus and method for treating sewage The apparatus receives sewage at a receiving compartment and separates solids from liquids at the receiving compartment. The solids can be extracted from the receiving compartment by an auger. The liquid sewage flows through a series of treatment compartment containing rotating biological contactor discs for treatment by these rotating biological contactor discs. The rotating biological contactor discs are secured to a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the auger are powered by a quasi-submerged turbine displaced by a flow of air.
US08197198B2	Fan system A fan system with enhanced air flow-static pressure characteristics and reduced fan noise compared to the related art is provided. The number of duct blades of a duct is the same as the number of stationary blades of an axial flow fan located in front of the duct, and the duct blades correspond to the stationary blades respectively. An end surface of a rear end portion of each stationary blade and an end surface of a front portion of a duct blade corresponding to the stationary blade have the same shape, and they align together and contact each other to form one composite stationary blade, with a discharge port of each axial flow fan communicating with an inlet port of a duct housing located behind the axial flow fan.
US08197194B2	Turbine of a turbocharger A turbine of a turbocharger having a floating insert which defines a nozzle for passing a fluid and that is supported axially slidable with respect to a housing by a sliding support. The turbine includes a gas shielding for preventing a flow of fluid from impinging on the sliding support.
US08197193B2	Air distribution blower housing with adjustable restriction An air distribution blower housing has an adjustable restriction in the interior of the blower housing. The adjustable restriction has the configuration of a rectangular plate. One edge of the plate is connected by a pivoting connection to an interior wall of the blower housing in the air flow path from the blower housing. The plate can be pivoted about the pivot connection through a plurality of adjusted angular positions of the plate in the air flow path. In each adjusted position of the plate, the length of the plate extends from the pivot connection in the air flow direction. A sliding connection is provided between the plate and at least one side wall of the blower housing. The sliding connection selectively holds the plate in its adjusted angular position and also provides a visual indication on the exterior of the blower housing of the adjusted angular position of the plate inside the blower housing.
US08197188B2	Compressor A compressor for compressing a gas comprises an impeller wheel mounted within a housing (2) defining an inlet (8) and an outlet (6). The inlet (8) has a plurality of apertures (20) in the form of bores or grooves defined in its surface that serve as an integral silencer. The inlet (8) may comprise a map-width enhanced structure (4) with the bores provided on one to a number of surfaces. The design provides for a compact and efficient compressor with noise reduction such that higher pressure ratio designs may be adopted. The apertures (20) may be provided in the housing (2) that defines the inlet (8) or in a separate insert.
US08197179B2	Stationary co-axial multi-rotor wind turbine supported by continuous central driveshaft Co-axial, multi-rotor wind turbines, producing more power than a single rotor of the same diameter, are made even more powerful by increasing driveshaft length and supporting the driveshaft from more than one point. Sacrificing the ability to aim, for the extra length to support additional rotors, results in a more powerful co-axial multi-rotor turbine, especially useful for areas with a predominantly unidirectional wind resource. Ideally the turbine is placed at an offset angle α (alpha) from the wind direction, which, in combination with proper spacing between rotors, allows fresh wind to reach each rotor, so that all rotors contribute toward rotation of the driveshaft. Placing the driveshaft under tension can raise critical speeds and reduce the number of intermediate supports required. This places the Earth or underlying substrate in compression, making it effectively part of the structure of the turbine, saving cost. Cross-axis and reversible blades may also be incorporated.
US08197178B1	Wind cone windmills and application to energy harvesting factory ships Large wind cones are used to collect and discharge wind energy to small low cost wind turbines. Large straight or gradually bending windcones are installed as sails on top of ships, on anchored floating platforms and on anchored land platforms. Special ship design features to harvest and store harvested wind energy at sea as described.Also presented is a simple low cost design of a small self-azimuth-adjusting wind cone windmill, where the electric generator is located closed to the ground for easy installation and service.
US08197172B2	Automated material handling system for semiconductor manufacturing based on a combination of vertical carousels and overhead hoists A highly efficient Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) that allows an overhead hoist transport vehicle to load and unload Work-In-Process (WIP) parts directly to/from one or more WIP storage units included in the system. The AMHS includes an overhead hoist transport subsystem and at least one vertical carousel stocker having a plurality of storage bins. The overhead hoist transport subsystem includes an overhead hoist transport vehicle traveling along a suspended track defining a predetermined route, which runs adjacent to the carousel stocker, thereby allowing the overhead hoist transport vehicle to access a WIP part directly from one of the storage bins. At least one of the storage bins includes a movable shelf operative to move laterally from a first position along the carousel path to a second position near the overhead hoist transport vehicle. The storage unit is at least partially open to allow the movable shelf to move to the second position, thereby allowing the overhead hoist to access a material unit directly from the movable shelf for subsequent transport along the track between various locations within a product manufacturing facility.
US08197164B2	Machining head for machine tool A machining head has a support head component, which includes first and second support segments and a base segment supporting both the first and second support segments, the support segments being disposed opposite to each other across the spindle unit to hold the spindle unit therebetween such that a center of axle thereof is aligned with a rotary axis line thereof, the first and second support segments respectively including support shafts whose opposing end surfaces have the spindle unit secured thereto. The support segments respectively include housings as main bodies that are independent of the base segment. The housings accommodate the support shafts. Each housing is attached to the base segment by means of a plurality of first screw members that are screwed to the base segment and are manipulatable from the outside. The spindle unit is attached to the support shafts by means of a plurality of second screw members that are screwed to the support shafts and are manipulatable from the outside.
US08197162B2	Method and system for making holes in composite materials A method of making a hole in a composite material comprising the steps of providing an elongate cutting tool having a cutting portion in the form of a tubular cylinder; and advancing the cutting tool in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cutting tool whilst rotating the cutting tool about said axis and vibrating the cutting tool along said axis.
US08197160B2	Mine roof and rib support with reinforced channel A mine roof and rib support can be a support member having a roof support arm and a rib support arm, wherein the roof support arm is provided at an angle to the rib support arm. An aperture for a roof bolt is provided through the support member adjacent an intersection of the roof support arm and the rib support arm. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween, can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively, to simultaneously apply force to each arm when a roof bolt is installed through each of the bearing plate and the support member. A flange can be provided at a distal end of one or both of the roof and rib support arms, each flange projecting toward the mine roof or rib.
US08197158B2	Device and method for the plugging of services in conduits A plug for a tubular service entrance of a conduit, wherein the plug includes a core body having a central hollow channel extending from a first end to second end of the core body; at least one flexible fin extending radially outwardly from the core body and having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the tubular service entrance so that the plug is adapted to fit tightly into the tubular service entrance, and wherein the at least one flexible fin is deformable to adapt to the shape of the service entrance and apply a lateral force against the inner diameter of the service entrance. A plug dispensing magazine for storing and dispensing service entrance plugs to be service entrances of a conduit prior to installation of a liner in the conduit and a method of sealing the service entrances.
US08197155B2	Connecting device of parking cable for electric parking brake Disclosed is a connecting device of a parking cable for an electric parking brake, which connects an actuator for the electric parking brake with a parking cable. The connecting device includes a connector and a reaction force member. The connector includes a small diameter section having one side into which an outer peripheral surface of the parking brake is inserted, a large diameter section that extends from the small diameter section to have a diameter larger than that of the small diameter section, an axial cutout slit axially formed through upper and lower surfaces of an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter section such that protrusions circumferentially protruding from the actuator are inserted into the axial cutout slit through the large diameter section, a circumferential cutout slit that extends from an inner end of the axial cutout slit in a circumferential direction, and a cutout groove that axially extends from the circumferential cutout slit. The reaction force member is inserted into the large diameter section to press the protrusions such that the protrusions are seated in the cutout groove through the axial cutout slit and the circumferential cutout slit. According to the connecting device, the assembly work is facilitated, so the assembly efficiency can be improved and connection work using the connector can be easily performed.
US08197154B2	Articulating joint for dental or medical lights An articulating joint for supporting a medical or dental light having a first mounting post rotatably couples the light to a support structure having a second mounting post. The articulating joint includes a joint body having first and second terminal ends. A first bearing and a first brake are located proximate the first end for receiving and frictionally engaging the first mounting post. The joint body may further include a second bearing and a second brake proximate the second end for receiving and frictionally engaging the second mounting post. The articulating joint further includes a cover that is removably coupled to the joint body over at least the first bearing and the first brake.
US08197153B2	Self-retaining anti-rotation clip A self-retaining anti-rotation clip for a spherical-bearing rod end has two opposing spacer plates, each spacer plate having a curved edge portion for surrounding at least a portion of a ball of the rod end. A connector plate connects the spacer plates, such that the spacer plates are spaced from each other and generally parallel to each other. A retainer is carried on the clip and adapted for retaining each spacer plate in a position generally adjacent one side of a body of the rod end, such that the spacer plates are free from interference with the ball of the rod end.
US08197151B2	Cosmetic container with color insert A container for holding cosmetics which has a colored insert configured to indicate the color of a cosmetic product contained in the container. A method of replacing a lipstick cartridge comprising replacing a lipstick cartridge with a replacement lipstick cartridge and inserting a replacement colored insert in the cap of the lipstick container.
US08197150B2	Focal plane shutter for digital cameras A first driving member for front blade that connects a front blade and a second driving member for front blade are rotatably mounted to a shaft 1g, a rear blade driving member that connects a rear blade is rotatably mounted to a shaft, the first driving member follows the second driving member and is rotated by a biasing force of a set spring in a setting operation, and is pressed by the second driving member and rotated in photography. The restraining means has a restraining member that can go in and out of an operation path of the restrained portion of the first driving member. When the present invention is adopted in a single-lens reflex camera, the restraining member can be within the operation path of the restrained portion in the setting operation for photography using an optical finder, and the restraining member can be outside the operation path of the restrained portion in the setting operation for photography using an electronic finder.
US08197149B2	Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment are disclosed herein. An apparatus for supporting a camera can include one or more bendable support members extending from a camera holding portion. Each of the bendable support members can include a plurality of shaped outer portions arranged on an elongate, bendable core. The bendable core can include a plastically deformable material that retains its shape after being bent with little or no spring-back, and each of the shaped outer portions can include spherical portions formed from a resilient, elastomeric material.
US08197147B2	Optical connection component The present invention provides an optical connection component which comprises a solid state laser component for emitting a modulated beam of light in response to an applied electrical signal. The optical connection component also comprises an optical lens positioned relative to the solid state laser component at a predetermined position in which the optical lens reduces divergence of the emitted beam of light. The optical lens is formed at the predetermined position in a manner such that the optical lens is immobile relative to the solid state laser component. The optical connection component further comprises an optical waveguide having a core for guiding the light. The optical waveguide has first and second end-portions. The first end-portion is positioned for coupling the modulated light from the optical lens into the core. In addition, the optical connection component comprises a receiver for receiving the modulated light from the second end-portion of the optical waveguide and arranged for converting the modulated light into a corresponding electrical signal.
US08197146B2	Rolling bearing At least on a surface of a rolling element of a rolling bearing, innumerable minute concave recesses are randomly formed. An area percentage of the recesses on the surface having the recesses formed thereon is in a range from 5 to 20%, and a surface roughness parameter Rymax of the surface having the recesses formed thereon is in a range of 0.4 to 1.0.
US08197144B2	Apparatus for supporting a rotating shaft An apparatus for supporting a rotating shaft comprising: a housing surrounding the shaft; interposed between the housing and the shaft a plurality of tilting pads which extend in contiguous manner circumferentially around the shaft, each tilting pad being able to rock in the rotation of the shaft; and interposed between each pair of adjacent tilting pads retaining means for preventing circumferential movement of the pads around the housing due to rotation of the shaft, wherein the physical relationship between at least one tilting pad and its adjacent retaining means is such that said rocking of the pad takes place without circumferential slippage of the pad around the housing.
US08197138B2	Evacuable container and evacuation strip therefor An evacuable container includes a first side wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The first side wall includes an aperture between the interior surface and the exterior surface. A second side wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The second side wall is connected to the first sidewall such that the interior surfaces of the first and second side walls form an interior of the container. A sheet has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the exterior surface of the first side wall. The sheet is sealingly attached to the exterior surface of the first side wall so as to form a flow chamber between the first side wall and the sheet. The sheet includes (i) a plurality of flow channels disposed on the first surface, and (ii) an aperture between the first surface and the second surface. A check valve is disposed in fluid communication with the aperture in the sheet. An evacuation path can be formed from the interior of the container to an exterior of the container through the aperture in the first side wall, the flow chamber, the aperture in the sheet, and the check valve.
US08197137B2	X-ray imaging apparatus and control method therefor An X-ray imaging apparatus suppresses X-ray irradiation outside an X-ray detection unit. An X-ray imaging apparatus according to this invention includes an X-ray irradiation unit which irradiates an object with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit movably provided with an imaging unit, a first irradiation field prediction unit which calculates an irradiation field by using the relative positional relationship between generation unit and imaging unit and aperture value of a collimator, a second irradiation field prediction unit which calculates an irradiation field based on the dose of X-rays generated by the generation unit and the X-ray dose distribution detected by the imaging unit, and a predicted irradiation field decision unit which decides, as a predicted irradiation field, a region including one or both of irradiation fields respectively calculated by the first and second irradiation field prediction units.
US08197133B2	System and method for sensor thermal drift offset compensation A system and method for compensating for thermal drift. A temperature is measured in a meter as a temperature voltage. The temperature voltage is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is processed to generate an offset voltage in response to the digital signal. The offset voltage is applied as an input to an amplifier. The amplifier receives as a second input a gauge voltage. An output is generated from the meter that corrects the gauge voltage using the offset voltage to compensate for thermal drift.
US08197132B2	Electronic thermometer with selectable modes An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.
US08197125B2	Enhanced photoprotective compositions and methods for the evaluation thereof A method of analyzing metal oxides. In this method, metal oxide is provided, heated with microwaves, and a conductivity parameter of the metal oxide is determined. From the conductivity parameter, a determination is made regarding a pyroelectric effect of the metal oxide.
US08197122B2	Dynamic mixing applicator An applicator assembly for mixing, homogenizing and/or emulsifying two or more components is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a housing configured to receive a motor and a power source, a fluid supply source operably connected to the housing, the fluid supply sources including at least a first and a second source of solution, and a nozzle assembly extending from the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply source, the nozzle assembly including a smooth impeller for mixing the at least first and second solutions.
US08197114B2	Chassis for an illuminating unit, and an illuminating unit, a display device and a television receiver incorporating the chassis A chassis for an illuminating unit, and an illuminating unit, a display device and a television receiver incorporating the chassis are provided, in which optical sheets are supported in a state where their own weight and an external force are not concentrated at a certain portion thereof, preventing occurrence of wrinkles or deformed portions and falling-off of the optical sheets. A backlight chassis includes stand walls on the sides thereof on which optical sheets are to be placed, and locking pieces protruding from the stand wall on at least one of the sides, the side being a lower side in a normal state in use, and the locking pieces being arranged to lock a lower side of the optical sheets.
US08197112B2	Backlight assembly having color level sensor A backlight assembly includes: a light guide plate having a light entering surface, a light facing surface that is substantially parallel to the light entering surface, a light emitting surface connecting first edges of the light entering surface and the light facing surface, and a bottom surface connecting second edges of the light entering surface and the light facing surface. A light source unit provides light to the light entering surface. At least one color sensor is disposed to receive light from the light guide plate, and at least one light amplifying member is disposed between the light guide plate and the color sensor to collect and concentrate the light from the light guide plate on the color sensor.
US08197111B2	Light emitting device A light emitting device includes an excitation light source that emits excitation light, a wavelength conversion member, a light guide, and a light guide distal end member. The wavelength conversion member absorbs the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, converts its wavelength, and releases light of a predetermined wavelength band. The light guide in which the center part (core) of its cross section has a refractive index that is higher than the refractive index of the peripheral portion (cladding) guides the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source to the wavelength conversion member. The light guide distal end member supports a distal end of the light guide on the wavelength conversion member side. The light guide distal end member is formed from a material that reflects the excitation light and/or the light that has undergone wavelength conversion.
US08197110B2	Light assembly incorporating reflective features A light assembly is disclosed which can include one or more light emitting diodes and a reflector. The reflector includes a reflective surface and is positioned to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light emitting diode. The reflector further includes a pair of flanking planar reflective surfaces. The flanking planar reflective surfaces can be positioned at a distance one half the predetermined distance between two light emitting diodes, and can simulate an extended length of the reflector.
US08197105B2	LED-based lamps An LED-lamp (lighting bar) comprises a plurality of solid state light emitters (LEDs) configured as an elongate (linear) array and a generally concave cylindrical light reflective surface disposed along the length of the array of LEDs. The concave light reflective surface is configured to direct light over an illumination plane located to a side of the lamp. The LEDs can be configured such that their emission axes are oriented to the illumination plane at an angle of between 0° and 90. The lamp can further comprise a second generally concave cylindrical light reflective surface in which the concave light reflective surfaces are configured to direct light over illumination planes located on respective sides of the lamp. There is also disclosed a panel lamp and sign incorporating the lamp(s) of the invention.
US08197104B2	Secondary optical lamp guard A secondary optical lamp guard includes an upper half portion, two clamp portions and a lower half portion, and the upper half portion has a plurality of optical refractive angles formed on an internal side of the upper half portion for improving the effect of the optical refractive angles, and the upper half portion and the lower half portion are processed by a plasma treatment to produce nanoscale holes for facilitating the dissipation of heat generated by a light source.
US08197102B2	Foldable LED light recycling cavity LEDs are mounted onto a flat, thermally conductive, substrate, which is folded to form a light recycling cavity. A planar substrate is first coated with a metal layer, which is patterned to electrically connect the LEDs and to form bonding pads for wirebonds to connect the LEDs to external circuitry. The LEDs are mounted on the substrate. The substrate is then scribed on the backside to form the folds. The LED dies are then attached onto the metal islands (pads) defined on the substrate and wirebonds are used to connect the top side of the LED to adjacent patterned metal islands (pads) on the substrate. The substrate is then folded into a light recycling cavity where the LEDs are facing the inside of the cavity.
US08197100B2	LED lighting device A LED lighting device enables the assembly of one or more LED products in a variety of structures for a broad range of applications. In particular, one or more prefabricated individual water-resistant LED products are assembled in an attachable/detachable fixing frame in a variety of structures for use in a broad range of applications which include street lights, security lighting, tunnel lights, floodlights, etc. A further advantage of a LED lighting device is that it can be conveniently used with AC power, without the use of an AC/DC adapter or a stabilizer.
US08197099B2	Electronic component mounting module and electrical apparatus The invention provides an electronic component mounting module capable of increasing the adhesion between the board and the heat radiating member, improving the thermal conductivity, and effectively radiating heat generated from the LEDs being an electronic component. The LEDs are mounted on the surface of the ceramics board, and the rear surface 1b side of the board is disposed at the heat radiating member. A metallic fine particle layer having high thermal conductivity and flexibility is made to intervene between the board and the heat radiating member.
US08197093B2	System providing automatic and manual control of an illumination level in a space A method of controlling a light level in a space of a building, the method comprising the steps of measuring the light level in the space; automatically adjusting the light level in the space towards a control setpoint; receiving an input to manually override the light level in the space to an override light level; adjusting the light level in the space to the override light level; temporarily adjusting the control setpoint from a default setpoint to a temporary setpoint in response to the manual override of the light level, the temporary setpoint representative of the override light level; subsequently adjusting the control setpoint from the temporary setpoint back to the default setpoint; and adjusting the default setpoint in response to repeated manual overrides of the light level that result in repeated adjustments of the control setpoint.
US08197089B2	LED lamp An LED lamp at least includes an LED lamp set and an adjustment assembly. The LED lamp set includes an LED set and a cooling set. The LED set includes at least one LED lamp element which is replaceable individually and a holder to hold the LED lamp element. The cooling set is fastened to the holder. The adjustment assembly includes an adjustment member and an adjustment holder that contain mating engaging portions engageable with each other. The adjustment member is coupled with the adjustment holder and the LED lamp set to provide adjustment function of light illumination angle. The invention further includes an assembly dock coupled with a plurality of LED lamp sets and adjustment assemblies according to requirements to enhance expandability and usability. The structure thus formed can be assembled and disassembled easily, and also provides greater expandability, replacement capability and practicality.
US08197080B2	Illumination device for multineedle sewing machine and the multineedle sewing machine An illumination device for a multineedle sewing machine is disclosed. The sewing machine includes a plurality of needle bars having lower ends to which needles are attached respectively and a needle bar case supporting the needle bars so that the needle bars are movable upward and downward. The illumination device includes an illuminating member having a light source, and a support unit located in the needle bar case for supporting the illuminating member so that the illuminating member is switchable between an illuminating position where the illuminating member is located in front of the needle bars or the needles to illuminate a periphery of a needle point of the needle location point of the needle by the light source and a storage position where the illuminating member opens a front side of the needle bar or the needle and is located laterally with respect to the needle bar case.
US08197077B2	Drive system, drive module and rearview mirror unit for a motor vehicle A modular drive system, in particular for a driven angular adjustment of a rearview mirror support of a motor vehicle, comprising at least two drive modules, each provided with a housing with an electric motor and a drive portion driven by the electric motor, and a drivable portion for cooperation with a drive portion of another drive module, further comprising coupling means for attaching two drive modules to each other with one rotational degree of freedom by cooperation of a drive portion and a drivable portion, respectively.
US08197064B2	Method and system for improving accuracy in autorefraction measurements by including measurement distance between the photoreceptors and the scattering location in an eye A method and associated system improve accuracy in objective refraction measurements by including the measured distance between the photoreceptors of a subject's eye and the scattering location of light during the objective refraction measurements. Chromatic aberrations in the objective measurements are also compensated. The distance between the photoreceptors and the scattering location may be determined by adjusting a distance between a rotating speckled light pattern and an eye until the speckled light pattern appears to be stationary, or by employing a Scheiner disk.
US08197053B2	Active energy beam-curable ink and ink-jet recording method using active energy beam-curable ink An active energy beam-curable ink contains an active energy beam-curable resin and a photocation polymerization initiator; wherein, as the active energy beam-curable resin, a multifunctional epoxy compound, an oxetane compound and 33 to 55% by weight of a monofunctional alicyclic epoxy compound are contained. Accordingly, it is possible to stably discharge the active energy beam-curable ink from an ink jet head, and the ink having a high hardness and high adhesion after curing is provided.
US08197051B2	Ink jet recording ink set and ink jet image recording method Disclosed are an ink jet recording ink set which is suppressed in bleeding and shot droplet interference and can form a high quality image and an ink jet image recording method. The ink jet recording ink set has plural liquids including at least a first liquid and a second liquid. The second liquid contains a polymerizable compound and the first liquid contains a high-boiling point organic solvent and the high-boiling organic solvent meets any one of the following requirements (A) to (C) and an ink jet image recording method includes supplying a first and a second liquid simultaneously or sequentially to a recording medium such that both liquids are in contact with each other, to form an image: (A) it has a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less at 25° C. and a viscosity of 30 mPa·s or less at 60° C. and has a boiling point of 100° C. or higher, (B) it is represented by the following formula (I), and (C) it is represented by the following formula (II):
US08197050B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method Provided are an inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method in which a high-quality image free of peeling of an image face can be printed, while an amount of a treatment liquid consumed is reduced. For that purpose, a group of pigment-based inks excellent in wettability with respect to the treatment liquid (small in contact angle with respect to the treatment liquid) are made relatively small in a proportion of the treatment liquid applied to a position to which the pigment-based ink concerned is applied. In contrast, a group of pigment-based inks poor in wettability (great in contact angle with respect to the treatment liquid) are made relatively great in a proportion of the treatment liquid applied to a position to which the pigment-based ink concerned is applied.
US08197048B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a liquid discharger including a liquid discharge head configured to discharge a droplet of liquid so as to form an image. The liquid discharge head includes multiple individual channels communicating with corresponding nozzles from which the liquid is discharged; a common channel configured to supply the liquid to the individual channels; a deformable member configured to form at least one wall face of the common channel; and a vibration damping member formed of a viscoelastic material, the vibration member being provided in contact with the deformable member.
US08197040B2	Liquid supply device and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid supply device includes: a supply pump which is provided in a liquid supply passage; a first unidirectional valve which is provided on an upstream side of the supply pump; a second unidirectional valve which is provided on a downstream side of the supply pump; a first member; a second member; and a flexible member. The supply pump and the first and second unidirectional valves are formed such that the flexible member is interposed between the first and second members and held by locking a locking unit in the state where the flexible member is interposed between the first and second members.
US08197034B2	Method for producing liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting device A liquid ejecting head has a piezoelectric element with a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode. The liquid ejecting head causes pressure changes in a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening. The piezoelectric layer has a perovskite structure and is preferentially orientated in a (100) plane. A method for producing the liquid ejecting head includes polarizing the piezoelectric layer by applying an electric field having energy higher than energy required for converting the polarization direction in the <111> direction to the <110> direction and lower than energy required for converting the polarization direction in the <111> direction to the <001> direction when the electric field to be applied to the piezoelectric layer is in the <001> direction vertical to a plane on which the second electrode is provided.
US08197028B2	Liquid discharging apparatus A liquid discharging apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention includes a liquid discharging head configured to discharge liquid from nozzles in a discharged material transported in a first direction; a carriage configured to mount the liquid discharging head and reciprocate in a second direction which intersects the first direction; and a carriage moving unit configured to reciprocate the carriage, and the carriage moving unit includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit operating independently from each other, and a first supporting portion of the first drive unit with respect to the carriage and a second supporting portion of the second driving unit with respect to the carriage are located at positions displaced in the first direction.
US08197026B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and recording head An inkjet recording apparatus is provided. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head including a nozzle formation surface, the nozzle formation surface including a plurality of nozzles formed thereon for discharging ink to record an image on a recording medium conveyed to a position opposing the nozzle formation surface; a wiper blade configured to contact the nozzle formation surface to wipe the nozzle formation surface; and an introducing portion formed on a side surface of the recording head intersecting the nozzle formation surface, the introducing portion configured to introduce ink attached to the wiper blade or the nozzle formation surface to the side surface to hold the introduced ink at the side surface.
US08197023B2	Liquid jet recording apparatus and liquid jet recording method A liquid jet recording apparatus includes a liquid container that contains liquid, a jetting portion disposed at a lower level than the surface of the liquid contained in the liquid container for jetting the liquid, and a conduit for communicating the jetting portion with the liquid container. An on-off valve opens or closes the conduit to permit or block the flow of the liquid in the conduit. A liquid storing portion damps pressure fluctuations of the liquid which flows in the conduit and is disposed in the conduit between the on-off valve and the jetting portion. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the liquid in the conduit, and a control portion controls the on-off valve to be opened or closed based on a pressure value measured by the pressure sensor.
US08197016B2	Brake fill effect minimization function A brake fill effect minimization function for preventing or reducing brake controller windup during a brake fill condition or the like that may commonly occur in hydraulic or electromechanical brake systems, particularly during initial application of the brakes or during anti-skid conditions. The function temporarily reduces error input to the brake controller during a perceived brake fill condition (hydraulic brakes) or running clearance condition (electromechanical brakes) thereby facilitating smooth application of the brakes during initial braking and/or under anti-skid conditions.
US08197015B2	Cargo carrying vehicle with safety system for shore power connection A cargo carrying vehicle has a towing unit and a storage unit defining a cargo space. The towing unit is operable to: a) advance the storage unit; and b) generate electrical power for operating at least one component on the vehicle. An input is provided for external power to be supplied to at least one of: a) charge; and b) operate the at least one component. A safety system has first and second states. With the safety system in the first state, with no external power supplied to the external power input, the towing unit can be operated to advance the storage unit. With the safety system in the second state, with external power supplied to the eternal power input, the towing unit cannot be operated to advance the storage unit.
US08197014B2	Brake system for a vehicle A brake system for a vehicle includes a parking brake with an air-quantity-boosting-valve device for aerating and deaerating at least one spring brake cylinder of the parking brake, at least one electrically actuatable control valve for controlling the air-quantity-boosting-valve device, an electrical control device electrically coupled to the electrically actuatable control valve for controlling the electrically actuatable control valve, and an electrical actuating device coupled to the control device for actuating the parking brake. In order to be able to resort to available series-produced components, the air-quantity-boosting-valve device, the control valve, the electrical control device and the actuating device are, in each case, embodied as autonomous components arranged spatially separate from one another.
US08197011B2	Mining and demolition tool Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a mining and demolition tool are described herein. In an embodiment, a mining bit tool includes a mining and demolition bit tool base and a mining bit tool tip coupled to the mining bit tool base. The base includes a tapered portion and a stem. The tapered portion includes a first end and a second end, with a surface tapering from the first end to the second end. There are at least two flutes positioned along the tapered surface, where a first flute is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the mining bit tool and a second flute is positioned to cross a path of the first flute. The stem extends from the first end of the tapered portion, and the tip is coupled to the second end of the tapered portion.
US08197003B2	Convertible seating device A seating device includes a pair of side supports. Each side support includes a first arm rest that functions as a rocker runner in a rocker configuration and a second arm rest that functions as a stationary runner in a stationary configuration. A seat is fastened to the side supports. A rocker lateral support is fastened to the side supports above the seat. A stationary lateral support is fastened to the side supports below the seat. A back rest pivots inside the seat to an upright position against the rocker lateral support when the side supports are configured in the rocker configuration and to an upright position against the stationary lateral support when the side supports are configured in the stationary configuration.
US08196997B2	Sting trailer A sting trailer has a front end-wall located at a first standard trailer length from a rear end of the sting trailer, a false end-wall located at a second standard trailer length from the rear end of the sting trailer, and a hidden compartment located between the front end-wall and the false end-wall.
US08196993B2	Drag reducing deflector One or more drag reducing deflector systems provide aerodynamic drag reduction during crosswind flow (CF) conditions including zero crosswind flow conditions. Embodiments of the drag reducing deflector system may also be utilized to assist braking of a vehicle.
US08196991B2	Pad for use under a covering layer The present invention discloses a pad for use under a covering layer. The pad can include a mat with at least one off-all portion, the at least one off-all portion having a puzzle-piece shape. The mat has a bounding portion that is complementary shaped with at least part of the at least one off-all portion, and the bounding portion and the off-all portion have an interference fit therebetween. The interference fit between the bounding portion and the at least one off-all portion provides for the off-all portion to be removably attached to the mat. In addition, removal of the at least one off-all portion from the mat provides an opening for a component to be nested therewithin, while not removing the at least one off-all portion provides structural support to the covering layer that is located over the mat.
US08196986B2	Rapid deployment module carrier A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.
US08196985B2	Console assembly A console assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The console assembly includes a housing having first end wall, a pair of side walls spaced apart from each other, and an open end spaced apart from the first end wall. Each of the pair of side walls has a free end. The free end extends from the first end wall so as to define a first storage compartment. Each of the pair of side walls also includes a slot extending longitudinally from the free end towards the first end wall. The console assembly further includes a storage box slidably engaged within the housing. The storage box has a second end wall and a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms is configured to engage respective slots of the housing. The storage box is operable to move between a first position and a second position.
US08196983B2	Substrate attracting device and substrate transfer apparatus A substrate attracting device includes an attracting body for attracting and holding a substrate to transfer the substrate. The attracting body includes a first attracting unit for attracting and holding a top surface of the substrate according to Bernoulli principle and a second attracting unit for vacuum-attracting and holding a bottom surface of the substrate.
US08196981B1	Compact disc retrieving device A compact disc retrieving device which allows for the quick, easy, and efficient removal of a CD or DVD from a CD or DVD player without damaging the CD or DVD player and without marring, scratching, deforming or otherwise causing damage to the CD or DVD. The device includes a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm. The device further includes a third arm coupled to the first arm. The third arm includes a suction cup attached thereto.
US08196980B1	Pet waste clean-up device A clean-up device for picking-up, containing, and disposing of pet waste. The device includes a handbag for housing a liner feeding mechanism, motor-vacuum, and suction hose. The liner feeding mechanism positions a liner over an opening of the handbag. The suction hose is actuated by the motor-vacuum and inwardly pulls the liner with waste into the suction hose. The motor-vacuum sanitarily shrink wraps the liner around the waste. Once wrapped, the waste is disposed of directly into a trash receptacle. The handbag includes a telescoping handle including buttons which electronically communicate with a control panel to actuate the motor-vacuum, suction hose, and liner feeding mechanism. While in use, a user simply places the opening of the handbag directly over waste and presses the buttons to pick-up, wrap, and dispose of waste in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner.
US08196977B2	Door handle structure found on the outside of vehicle A door handle structure found on the outside of a vehicle may include a door handle including a handle base member installed to the inside of a door panel and a handle grip member coupled to the outside of the door panel, wherein a portion of the handle grip member is pivotally coupled to the handle base member, and a lighting device installed to the door panel, having at least a light emitting diode (LED) lamp which is installed at the handle base member and configured to emit a light source through a recess formed on the door panel, and a band member configured to receive the light source through the recess from the LED lamp and emit the light source towards the outside of the vehicle.
US08196969B2	Pre-machined window weld for breached tubing An example apparatus for replacement of a breached pipe section includes a first cylindrical pipe fitting having a first surface defining a first aperture, a middle pipe member, and a second cylindrical pipe fitting having a second surface defining a second aperture, and first and second aperture caps. A first end of each of the first and second pipe fittings is welded to opposite ends of the middle section, and a second end opposite of each of the first and second pipe fittings is welded through the respective first and second apertures to opposite ends of pipe surrounding the breached pipe section. The first and second aperture caps are welded to the apertures of the first and second pipe fittings to close the respective first and second apertures.
US08196966B2	Security laminates and documents A laminate 40 for a tamper-resistant identity document, the laminate comprising: a carrier film (10, FIG. 1) having a first adhesive layer 11 on a surface thereof, the first adhesive layer 11 comprising one or more visible registration features 13; and a cover film (20, FIG. 2b) having a first surface (20a, FIG. 2b) removably bonded to the first adhesive layer 11 and a second surface (20b, FIG. 2b) having a printed security feature 41, 42, 43 and a second adhesive layer (32, FIG. 3b) thereon. The cover film may have a thickness of no greater than 12 microns. The printed security feature may be in predetermined registration with the one or more visible registration features of the first adhesive layer.
US08196956B1	Pressure vessel for a gas generating system A pressure vessel for a gas generating system is provided. The vessel is formed from a material and has a first portion and a second portion. A property of the material along the first portion has a value within a first range, and the same property of the material along the second portion has a value within a second range different from the first range.
US08196954B2	Passenger seat air-bag module A passenger seat air-bag module, may include a cushion plate on which an air-bag cushion is provided, the cushion plate mounted to a vehicle body, an inflator unit secured to the cushion plate and providing gas pressure to the air-bag cushion, and a seat cover secured at a first side thereof to the inflator unit and the cushion plate and secured at a second side thereof to the cushion plate to cover an outer portion of the air-bag cushion.
US08196952B2	Integrated airbag closing and inflator mounting members for inflatable airbag assemblies Inflatable airbag cushions are filled with inflation gas by inflators. The inflators can be coupled in fluid communication with the airbag and are typically mounted within a vehicle structure by a coupling and closing member. The coupling and closing member can be an elongated piece of a flexible material that wraps around an inflator attachment feature on the airbag. The coupling and closing member can also have structures for fixedly attaching the member to a vehicle structure.
US08196950B2	Convertible wheelchair having removable side frames A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.
US08196946B2	Suspension structure A suspension structure includes a pair of right and left cushion units. The right cushion unit is constituted of a compression coil spring and a right damper, and the left cushion unit is constituted of only a left damper having an outer diameter smaller than a diameter of the compression coil spring and larger than a diameter of the right damper. The left cushion unit is constituted of only the left damper and does not include the compression coil spring and hence, the suspension structure can be simplified. Further, in the left cushion unit, the left damper does not slide relative to the compression coil spring in performing a stroke and hence, no friction is generated.
US08196944B1	Maneuvering wheel for a wheel chair or similar apparatus Wheeled carts, such as a wheel chair and similar devices have a steering wheel, with the steering wheel having a housing to receive the globular wheel, with a seal movably holding the globular wheel in the housing; and a series of friction-reducing bearings being positioned between the globular wheel and the interior of the housing, and held within the housing by the seal in combination with the globular wheel.
US08196942B2	Positioning feature and method for precise vehicle heights A corner assembly includes a suspension module and a wheel assembly. In order to compensate for tolerance stack up in relation to a specified height of the corner assembly, the attachment between a damper of the suspension module and a knuckle of the wheel assembly is adjusted. The amount of adjustment is determined by measuring the assembled length of the suspension module, comparing the measured length to a standard length and determining an amount of adjustment necessary.
US08196941B2	Strut assembly having multi-piece spring seat A strut assembly includes a top mount assembly, a shock absorber, a multi-piece lower spring seat and a spring extending between the top mount assembly and the multi-piece lower spring seat. The multi-piece lower spring seat includes a spring seat belt holding the spring and a plurality of seating supports that are attached to the shock absorber and which support the spring seat belt.
US08196932B2	Sealing device for universal joint To prevent damage and malfunction, a sealing device for a universal joint has a metal ring (11) fitted on the outer peripheral surface of a shaft portion (111) of a cruciform spider (110) of the universal joint, and inner seal lips (12, 13) and an outer seal lip (14) made of a rubber-like elastic material and provided integrally with the metal ring (11), the inner seal lips (12, 13) slidably contact with the inner peripheral surface of an end of an outer ring (121) of a bearing (120) relatively rotatably supporting the shaft portion (111), the outer seal lip (14) slidably contact with a rising surface (112a) of a boss portion (112) of the cruciform spider (110), and the rising surface (112a) is a surface rising, outside the position where the metal ring (11) is fitted, in an outward radial direction from the shaft portion (111).
US08196931B2	Gap molding and method A gap molding and associated methods reduce accumulation of undesirable material in a gap. A gap molding comprises a top portion configured to at least partially bridge a gap, and a retention portion configured to frictionally engage with at least one side of the gap. The gap molding may be configured with a taper in order to smoothly transition from the surfaces on either side of the gap. The gap molding may comprise silicone or other suitable material. The gap molding may desirably be placed between appliances, countertops, and/or the like in order to provide improved aesthetics and/or reduce accumulation of food waste and other debris.
US08196929B2	Video cribbage game The present invention provides a gaming machine game for providing an electronic game for play by a player using a plurality of cards. The game includes a wager placed by the player and a player hand including at least four cards. A player score is calculated for the player hand according to a set of cribbage rules. The player receives a payout based on the wager if the player score exceeds a predetermined total. The payout preferably increases as the player score increases based on the odds of achieving a given player score. The game may include an initial player hand, with the player replacing between none and all of the cards from the initial player hand to create the player hand. The game may be played using a video display or live.
US08196928B2	Football game A game is provided that simulates American style football. Action cards include offensive plays and defensive outcomes. Skill is introduced by the offensive play chosen by an offensive player. Chance is introduced by the defensive outcome corresponding to the offensive play selected by the offensive player. The game lacks dice, spinners, or other random number generators. The game includes one set of action cards, which are selected consecutively by the offensive player. As preferably listing only offensive plays, only the defensive outcomes, thus the results of the offensive plays, vary from card to card. The game includes a field with markers that may be used to track the progress of the game.
US08196925B2	Sheet transport system with modular NIP release system A sheet transport system and method including a first drive module including a frame. A first drive wheel is rotatably disposed on the frame. A first drive motor is operably connected to the first drive wheel and disposed on the frame. The first drive module is pivotally secured to a structure. A first idler wheel corresponds to the first drive wheel. An actuator is operably engagable with the first drive module. The actuator is configured to move the first drive module to cause the first drive wheel to move between an open position and a closed position. The first drive wheel is configured to propel a sheet in the closed position and to not propel a sheet in the open position.
US08196923B2	Skew-correcting device and sheet-processing apparatus A sheet skew-correcting device includes a sheet-conveying rotation body for conveying a sheet, a skew-correcting member that contacts an end of the sheet conveyed by the sheet-conveying rotation body for correcting skew of the sheet, and a driving unit for moving the skew-correcting member. The skew-correcting member moved in a sheet-conveying direction by the driving unit contacts the end of the sheet conveyed in the sheet-conveying direction by the sheet-conveying rotation body, so as to correct the skew of the sheet.
US08196921B1	Sheet handling device In one example, a sheet handling device includes: a first mechanism configured to receive a flexible sheet moving in a first direction in a first orientation and turn the sheet to a second direction; a second mechanism configured to receive the sheet moving in the second direction, turn the sheet to a third direction and simultaneously reorient the sheet to a second orientation; and a third mechanism configured to receive the reoriented sheet moving in the third direction and turn the sheet to a fourth direction. The second mechanism may include, for example, a trio of elongated rollers and an endless loop belt wrapping the trio of rollers to form a nip between the belt and one of the rollers for receiving a first leading edge of the sheet in the second direction and expelling a second leading edge of the sheet in the third direction.
US08196919B2	Lock mechanism A lock mechanism is disclosed for a sheet store adapted for the dispensing or accepting of sheets. The sheet store comprises a container having a lid operable for access to the interior of the container and a shutter operable for the passage of sheets therethrough. The lock mechanism comprises: a locking plate movable relative to the container, the locking plate being operable to control a lid lock element and a shutter lock element; and an actuator arranged to control movement of the locking plate. The locking plate is movable between three positions, including: a closed position, in which the shutter lock element prevents opening of the shutter; a primed position, in which the shutter can be opened; and an open position which controls the lid lock element to permit opening of the lid.
US08196918B2	Feed assembly and image forming apparatus incorporating feed assembly A feed assembly including: feed roller; support element for supporting feed roller; separating mechanism for facilitating separation of first and second sheets; and base with guide surface for guiding sheets and positioning wall for positioning separating mechanism; wherein engaging portion for engaging with separating mechanism is formed in positioning wall; separating mechanism includes: separator for separating sheets; first biasing element including first and second ends; seat including first and second walls; positioning element installed on first wall to be moved between first and second positions; and shifter for shifting positioning element; first biasing element biases separator; shifter holds positioning element in first position; and when feed roller is removed from support element, shifter moves positioning element to second position.
US08196915B2	Sheet returning unit for post processing apparatus A sheet processing apparatus includes: a staple tray on which sheets are stacked temporarily and stapled after being aligned together and from which the stapled sheets are discharged to a discharge tray; a discharger to discharge the sheets to the staple tray; a rear end reference against which rear ends of the sheets are abutted to be aligned together; a returner to return the sheets discharged by the discharger and to align the sheets together in a conveying direction based on the rear end reference fence; a lifter to lift and lower the returner with respect to a sheet; and a guide configured to guide the sheets toward the rear end reference fence when the sheets are returned and to be lifted and lowered in synchronization with the lifting and lowering by the lifter.
US08196912B2	Railcar elastomeric spring A cold formed railcar spring including a spring pad formed from a perform of thermoplastic polyester elastomer having a durometer hardness ranging between about 40 and about 45 on the Shore D scale and sandwiched between a pair of metal plates. Each metal plate has a generally centralized bore extending therethrough and includes a plurality of radially spaced mechanical fasteners formed as an integral part of each plate. Each fastener has first and second generally parallel surfaces and a barb extending from a side of the fastener such that, upon axial compression of the preform, the fastener is pressed axially inward of one end of the perform such that the barb on the fastener mechanically interlocks with the spring pad whereby securing the plate to the spring pad.
US08196904B2	Device for discharging liquid from a tank and method for emptying the residue from a line section The invention relates to a device for discharging liquid from a tank, having a line section which is formed on a tank-side end region for a fluid connection with the tank and which line section comprises a discharge opening on a discharge-side end region lying opposite the tank-side end region, a feed unit for gas which is provided on the line section and via which gas can be introduced into the line section, a line shut-off valve for shutting off the line section and which is provided on the line section between the tank-side end region and the discharge-side end region, and a residue removal line which branches off at a branch-off from the line section and runs at a run-in back into the line section, whereby the branch-off is arranged between the tank-side end region and the line shut-off valve on the line section, and whereby the run-in is arranged between the line shut-off valve and the discharge-side end region. It is provided according to the invention that the feed unit for gas is designed to feed pressure gas into the line section. The invention further relates to a method for emptying the residue of a line section which can be carried out with the device according to the invention.
US08196900B2	Zero fleet winch for stage use A zero fleet winch with guides that move while a cable is wound on a drum. The guides hold the cable always at 90 degrees to the drum. A tensioning turnaround sheave keeps the cable tight.
US08196899B2	Boat lift motor having spline shaft A boat lift motor, comprised of a motor, such motor driving worm gear reducer which, in turn, rotates a tubular drive shaft, such shaft having radial splines running its full length, both outside and inside; wherein the opposite end of the splined tubular drive shaft overlays a spline shaft mounted on the center axle/bolt of a boat winch; wherein the winch is rotated to wind and unwind a cable, rope, cord or chain; and wherein the engagement or disengagement of the power supply to the boat lift is initiated by an electronic controller, which opens and closes a relay upon the user's command, communicated via a handheld remote control or otherwise.
US08196896B2	Combination flow through injection and isolation valve for high pressure fluids A flow through injection valve having a stationary member, a movable member, a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve having a flow through internal conduit and movably positioned so that the internal conduit can interface with at least one flow through conduit in the movable member. The pin isolation valves are movably positioned so that the internal conduit is also capable of fluidically communicating with another flow through internal conduit in the movable member. The flow through injection valve can be combined with a similar flow through isolation valve to serve as a multiple valve and typically for replacing a conventional face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. The multiple valve allows flow to be transferred through without need for switching or rotating under high pressure. Movement is by rotation or translation.
US08196894B2	Check valves for fuel cartridges In accordance with different embodiments of the present invention, duckbill check valve 10, having an orifice 11, and conical check valve 12, having an orifice 13, are responsive to the differential pressure of fluid F as it flows between inlet 14 and outlet 16. In an innovative aspect of the invention, orifice 11 and orifice 13 each have a variable effective diameter. In one embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 and conical check valve 12 have a conical end that is aligned with the direction of fluid flow. In another embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 can have a conical end that faces the direction of fluid flow. A pin may traverse orifice 11 or 13.
US08196893B2	Isolation valve with corrosion protected and heat transfer enhanced valve actuator and closure apparatus and method An isolation valve includes a shield that surrounds and protects the valve closure actuator components from exposure to corrosive fluids that flow through the valve when the valve is open.
US08196891B2	Instrumented platform for vibration sensitive equipment A platform that includes a vibration sensor located within an inner core of a table. The table may have a first plate that supports a vibration-sensitive payload. The first plate may be separated from a second plate by the inner core. The sensor can be located within the core directly below the device. The sensor can be connected to an electrical connector attached to an external surface of the table. A monitor can be readily plugged into the electrical connector to obtain vibration data from the sensor. The platform may also include a damper located within the inner core to reduce vibration of the table. The damper may be an active device that is connected to control circuits located within, or outside, the inner core.
US08196889B2	Introduced disposition in support for plasma television sets and its similar Introduced Disposition In Support For Plasma Television Sets And Its Similar, idealized in the form of a practical and functional support kit for holding plasma or LCD (‘liquid crystal display’) television sets, belonging to the field of mechanics, and to which was given an original manufacturing disposition, by consisting of a set of television set (1) fixing elements, formed by two or more hinged disks (2), two or more supports (3) and two or more catches or wedges (4), besides the standard screws M4, M5, M6 or M8 (P), screws with corresponding sleeves and washers, that promote the installation in independent fixing points, thus making the model universal, easily adaptable, and not needing the previous determination of the perforations contained on the television set, in the VESA standards, at the time of acquisition of the support kit.
US08196884B2	Dual-purpose fixing stand for a computer screen and a keyboard holder A dual-purpose fixing stand for a computer screen and a keyboard holder includes: a main body, having an axial pivoting hole disposed at the middle of a distal surface at an end of an axle pivotal disk and a plurality of positioning grooves coaxially disposed around the external periphery of the axial pivoting hole; a universal connector, pivotally and axially coupled to another end of the axle pivotal disk, and a support plate coupled to the universal connector for selectively mounting the computer screen or the keyboard holder; a fixing base, having a support bottom selectively connected to the top or the bottom of a table, and two stand plates convexly disposed with an interval apart and at the top of a distal surface to accommodate and axially and pivotally couple the axle pivotal disk of the main body, and a positioning pin installed individually at positions on the lateral side corresponding to the positions of a plurality of positioning grooves of the axle pivotal disk for providing an elastic extension or retraction and elastically embedded into the positioning grooves to achieve the effect of limiting the position of an axial angle of the main body. Therefore, the fixing stand can be used for fixing a computer screen or a keyboard holder, and users can make an angular adjustment for its operation to enhance the users' operating comfort.
US08196883B2	Dual-pivoting adjustable support arm An adjustable arm supports a device housing with respect to a base and allows the position of the device housing to be adjusted as desired. The adjustable arm has rigid segments joined by pivot joints, with passages therethrough to allow wires to be strung through the arm segments and joints so as to be shielded by the arm. At least one joint is a dual-pivot joint having two joint elements that rotate with respect to each other about a joint pivot axis, each joint element in turn being pivotably attached to an adjacent arm segment.
US08196880B2	Support stand for electronic device A support stand includes a stand neck and a stand base. The stand neck includes a base part that is formed at a lower end portion of the stand neck and a plurality of hook tabs that is formed on a side face of the base part and extends downward relative to a top face of the base part. Each of the hook tabs has an engagement prong. The stand base includes a receiving portion that receives the base part of the stand neck within the receiving portion and a plurality of engagement tabs that is formed on a side face of the receiving portion and extends downward relative to a top face of the stand base. Each of the engagement prongs of the hook tabs of the stand neck is engaged from below with respective one of the engagement tabs of the stand base.
US08196878B1	Multiuse device mounting system and method A multiuse platform and system having a flexible shape-retaining shaft for engaging, holding and pointing devices (e.g., imaging devices like cameras or video recorders). It includes a respositionable mounting system having a flexible assembly having a first end and a second end, the assembly adapted to be repetitively positioned into a plurality of orientations by moving the assembly into a first particular orientation wherein the assembly retains the particular orientation until the assembly is moved into a second particular orientation; and a first mounting head, coupled to the first end, for engaging a first mating structure.
US08196877B2	Flexpole support apparatus Disclosed is an improved apparatus for holding a construction item in a desired position while the construction item is being secured to a support structure. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a pressure-plate configured with a pole-ball-socket, a pole-ball, and a flexible pole section. A plurality of pole sections may be used in a telescoping arrangement so that the apparatus may be used to lift a construction item to an elevated position. The pressure-plate defines a pressure-plate-surface configured for being associated with a surface of a construction item. The flexible pole section is then extended to move the construction item to a desired location (such as at ceiling height). Typically the pole section is held at an angle relative to a supporting surface (such as a floor) and then extended to a length about four inches longer than the distance from the supporting surface and said desired location. A side pressure is then applied to the pole section causing the pole section to flex and slide into position to support the construction item.
US08196875B2	Support stand with intermediate connecting assembly An exemplary support stand includes a base, a connecting assembly, a support bracket, two first hinge assemblies, and two second hinge assemblies. The connecting assembly is arranged between the base and the support bracket. The first hinge assemblies rotatably connect the connecting assembly to the base. The second hinge assemblies rotatably connect the connecting assembly to the support bracket. The connecting assembly comprises a connecting bracket and a connecting plate partially received in the connecting bracket. The connecting plate, the connecting bracket, one first hinge assembly, and one second hinge assembly form a quadrangle.
US08196870B2	Robotic satellite refueling tool A tool for fuelling an unprepared or partially prepared client satellite required for accessing, opening and closing a fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The tool includes interchangeable socket modules, a support frame, a socket module holder mechanism, a socket drive mechanism, a clamping mechanism to secure the tool to a reaction area on the fuel fill valve and oxidizer fill valve, and a valve actuation mechanism. The interchangeable socket modules include a first module for removing and replacing the access valve cap, a second module for coupling the fuel fill line to the fuel tank, a third module for engaging the access valve cap on the oxidizer fill valve, and a fourth module for coupling the oxidizer fill line to the oxidizer tank.
US08196869B2	Cryogenic propellant depot and deployable sunshield A cryogenic propellant depot and sunshield are provided for operation in earth orbit to fuel or refuel other space vehicles. The sunshield is deployed to effectively mitigate solar radiation emanating from the earth and the sun thereby providing a long term storage solution for cryogenic fluids prone to boil-off. The depot has supporting subsystems to include station keeping equipment and communication equipment so that the depot can be independently controlled. Inflatable booms are used to deploy the sunshield in a desired pattern around the depot.
US08196868B2	Cryogenic propellant depot and integral sunshield A cryogenic propellant depot and sunshield are provided for operation in earth orbit to fuel or refuel other space vehicles. The sunshield is deployed to effectively mitigate solar radiation emanating from the earth and the sun thereby providing a long term storage solution for cryogenic fluids prone to boil-off. The depot has supporting subsystems to include station keeping equipment and communication equipment so that the depot can be independently controlled. Inflatable booms are used to deploy the sunshield in a desired pattern around the depot.
US08196867B1	Space elevator propulsion system using mechanical waves A system and method for propelling a carriage on a cable of a space elevator. The space elevator system includes a cable anchored to a terrestrial body on a first end and a counterweight on an opposing second end and a carriage riding along the cable. The system also includes an oscillator for generating a mechanical wave upon the cable. Mechanical energy created by the generated mechanical wave is converted into power to propel the carriage upon the cable. The oscillator may include a pair of opposing pistons contacting the cable on opposite sides of the cable or an electromagnetic driver powered by electromagnets located on opposite sides of the cable.
US08196858B1	Aircraft configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density An aircraft is configured for flight in an atmosphere having a low density. The aircraft includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, and a rear stabilizer. The pair of wings extends from the fuselage in opposition to one another. The rear stabilizer extends from the fuselage in spaced relationship to the pair of wings. The fuselage, the wings, and the rear stabilizer each present an upper surface opposing a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces have X, Y, and Z coordinates that are configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density.
US08196857B2	Variable ratio crank for a manual flight control linkage of a rotary wing aircraft The present invention relates to a bellcrank (40) for a flight-attitude-changing linkage (27, 25A, 28A) of the variable gain type. The linkage (27, 25A, 28A) connects a manual flight control device of a rotary wing aircraft (1), e.g. a hybrid helicopter, to at least one airfoil of said aircraft (1) suitable for causing a change in flight attitude. Said bellcrank (40) includes first and second sliders (50, 52). Said first slider (50) is connected to a movable portion (57, 61) of a setpoint flight-attitude-changing linkage (24) that delivers a setpoint, with movements of said linkage causing the gain of said variable-gain linkage (27, 25A, 28A) to be adjusted, which gain is proportional to the position of said movable portion (57, 61).
US08196854B2	Tilt rotor aircraft with tilting tail rotor—TT A vertical take-off aircraft comprising a main power plant 1 at the top of the aircraft which consists of an assembly of blades 2, 3, a rotor 4 and a main engine assembly 5. The main power plant is connected to the main body 6 of the aircraft by a tilt enabling joint 7. The tilt enabling joint is connected to the main body by a telescopic tube assembly comprising tubes 12 and 13. To counter the rotational force exerted on the main body 6 of the aircraft by the rotation of the blades 2, 3, an additional power plant 15 is attached to the main power plant. Tilting the main power plant causes tilting of the additional power plant.
US08196852B2	Triangular crank A crank assembly for a hose reel is provided. The crank includes an axle rod and a triangular frame assembly. The axle rod extends perpendicular to the triangular frame assembly. The axle rod extends from the medial portion of on of the three tubular members. In this configuration, and when the crank is in use, force is distributed to opposing sides of the axle rod. Further, the triangular shape provides a support for a flat plate upon which an indicia may be displayed.
US08196848B2	Gasifier injector A gasifier injection module includes a two-stage slurry splitter and an injector face plate with a coolant system incorporated therein. The two-stage slurry splitter includes a main cavity into which a main slurry flow is provided. The main cavity includes a plurality of first stage flow dividers that divide the main slurry flow into a plurality of secondary slurry flows that flow into a plurality of secondary cavities that extend from the main cavity. Each secondary cavity includes a plurality of second stage flow dividers that divide each secondary slurry flow into a plurality of tertiary slurry flows that flow into a plurality of slurry injection tubes extending from the secondary cavities. The tertiary flows are injected as high pressure slurry streams into the gasification chamber via the slurry injection tubes. A reactant is impinged at high pressure, as an annular shaped spray, on each high pressure slurry stream via a plurality of annular impinging orifices incorporated into the injector face plate. The coolant system incorporated within the injector face plate maintains the injector face plate at a temperature sufficient to substantially reduce or prevent damage to the injector face plate by high temperatures and/or abrasive matter created by the resulting gasification reaction.
US08196842B2	System and method to automatically discriminate between different data types There is described a system and method for automatically discriminating between different types of data with an image reader. In brief overview of one embodiment, the automatic discrimination feature of the present image reader allows a human operator to aim a hand-held image reader at a target that can contain a dataform and actuate the image reader. An autodiscrimination module in the image reader in one embodiment analyzes image data representative of the target and determines a type of data represented in the image data.
US08196841B2	Method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code, method of identifying a package, and package with identification code In a method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code the packaging laminate is subjected to a magnetic field, thus magnetising a matrix of magnetic domains in the packaging laminate. Each magnetic domain is made up of a number of the magnetisable particles. A method of identifying a package is also disclosed. The package has walls of a packaging laminate comprising magnetisable particles. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the packaging laminate to a magnetising magnetic field, thus magnetising a matrix of magnetic domains in the packaging laminate, and detecting an emitted magnetic field emitted by the magnetic domains in the matrix. A package having an identification code is also described.
US08196839B2	Optical reader having reduced specular reflection read failures There is provided in one embodiment an optical reader having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels. The first subset of pixels can be devoid of light polarizing filter elements, and the second subset of pixels can be light polarizing pixels including light polarizing filter elements. An optical reader can be configured to selectively read out image data from an image sensor array's light polarizing pixels.
US08196837B2	Optical reader having image sensor for reading decodable indicia An optical reader for reading decodable indicia is provided. In one embodiment, the optical reader can include an image sensor. In one aspect, the optical reader can be configured to read bar codes such as 1D bar codes. Particular methods and apparatus for reading decodable indicia are described.
US08196827B1	Case labeling for field-packed produce Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll's range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.
US08196824B2	Detecting components of a medical diagnostic system related documents A method for detecting installed or associated components that are each identified by at least one unique identifier is provided. The identifiers may be read out by at least one reader device. The identifiers, for detecting the respective components, are read out automatically by the reader device. All the serialized components of the system are identified and detected.
US08196821B2	System and method for improved quality management in a product logistic chain A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of product unit specific indicators, each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedence of at least one threshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, an indicator reader operative to read the product unit specific indicators and to provide output indications and a product type specific indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.
US08196815B2	Secure card terminal using keypad scanning sequence determined by card To provide alphanumeric data, such as a PIN code, to a smart card (2) a terminal (1) is used which is capable of communicating with the smart card. The terminal comprises a keypad (4) for entering the alphanumeric data and an associated keypad matrix (5) for producing key signals, which the keypad matrix (5) is scanned for any pressed keys using a scanning sequence so as to produce key signals. To securely enter the data without the risk of the terminal intercepting them it is proposed that said scanning sequence is determined by the smart card (2). In this way, the terminal has no knowledge of the actual keys pressed and the secrecy of the alphanumeric data is ensured.
US08196813B2	System and method to allow access to a value holding account This document discusses, among other things, a system and method of allowing access to a value holding account. In various example embodiments, the value holding account is associated with a first account code that allows access to the value holding account. Some example embodiments include receiving a request for a second account code that is based on the first account code, and providing the second account code based on receiving the request for the second account code. The first account code may to allow access to the value holding account for a first determinable period and the second account code may allow access to the value holding account for a second determinable period that is different from the first determinable period.
US08196807B2	Method of identifying a container and/or a finished article obtained from the said container, in particular for medical use Method of identifying a container (1) obtained by a process comprising the following steps: (A) starting from a blank (2) of the container (1), at least part of the said container (1) is formed; (B) a two-dimensional or three-dimensional marking zone (4), the temperature of which is maintained at a value below the glass transformation temperature of the constituent substrate, is provided in or on the substrate of the blank (2) and, in the said marking zone (4), an identification code (5) is reproduced by illumination (6) of the said marking zone (4) with at least one beam (7) of coherent monochromatic localized electromagnetic radiation to which the substrate is at least partially transparent, the said beam (7) being operated and controlled in order to remove or modify the constituent substrate of the wall (3) and to leave the identification code (5), in positive or negative form, in the said wall so that the said code is readable; and (C) at least the said marking zone (4) is annealed so as at least to reduce the differences in internal tension in the substrate between the said marking zone (4) and the rest of the said wall (3).
US08196806B2	Foldable packing box A foldable packing box of the present invention comprises a base board, a pair of side boards, and a pair of fixing boards. The base board includes a first end board, a bottom board connected to the first end board, and a second end board connected to the bottom board opposite to the first end board. The pair of side boards are respectively fixed to the opposite two sides of the bottom board. The fixing boards are respectively fixed to the sides of the first end board and the second end board apart from the bottom board. The base board, the side boards, and the fixing boards are foldable to locate at a same plane. While assembling the packing box, the side boards are fixed to the base board by the fixing boards. The foldable packing box of the present invention can locate in a plane to save the occupied space thereof during storage and transportation, so as to facilitate to reduce the storage and transportation cost. Furthermore, the foldable packing box of the present invention separately makes the base board, side boards, and fixing boards for make full use of the material thereby reducing the production cost.
US08196804B2	Method for soldering components The invention relates to a method for soldering components, in particular heat exchanger, in particular made of aluminum materials, aluminum alloys or wrought alloys, in a soldering furnace, in particular a continuous soldering furnace or a batch-type soldering furnace, which comprises a muffle, which is flushed with protective gas in order to create a protective atmosphere. In order to make the production of soldered components easier, during the soldering of the components the muffle is supplied with such a greatly increased amount of gas, in particular protective gas or reaction gas, that a low-oxygen protective atmosphere is created.
US08196801B1	Method of brazing of a special gas delivery system using fittings having purge orifices Copper purge fittings for brazing components of a special gas delivery line together are provided. An orifice is located on the top or end portion of each fitting to create a continuous flow of inert purging gas through the delivery line under construction while brazing. Each fitting will reach temperatures exceeding 1500 degrees. By having a continuous flow of inert gas while brazing, the protection of the interior portion of the system remains intact. Without a purge in place, the intense heat would create a rapid immediate buildup of carbon and other contaminates. Brazing is only commenced after the elimination of harmful oxygen and proper flow of purging gas is measured. The purging gas pressure is lowered if it becomes high enough to potentially cause separation of tubular sections from the purge fittings and is raised if a low flow rate is detected indicating potential insufficient flow of purging gas.
US08196800B2	Friction weld vibration quality monitoring system and methods Friction welding systems and methods including a welding arrangement configured to impart kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece and at least one surface of a second workpiece to form a weld, a force providing mechanism arranged and disposed for applying a force to one or both of the first workpiece and the second workpiece, and a sensor arranged and disposed to measure a parameter of the welding arrangement, wherein an amount of vibration is determinable from the measured parameter.
US08196797B2	Powder metal ultrasonic welding tool and method of manufacture thereof An ultrasonic welding tool fabricated of powder metal material includes a body and a welding tip extending axially from the body to a working end. The powder metal material can be ferrous-based and admixed with additives, such as alumina, carbide, ferro-molybdenum, ferro-nickel, chrome or tribaloy. An exposed surface of the welding tip can comprise Fe3O4 oxides. The tool is compacted to the desired shape and sintered. The body can include a different second material compacted separately from the welding tip and then joined to the tip and sintered.
US08196796B2	Shaft based rotary drive system for surgical instruments A surgical instrument including a drive mechanism configured to advance a staple driver and/or cutting member at a first rate and retract the staple driver and/or cutting member at a different rate. In at least one embodiment, the rate at which the driver and cutting member is advanced and/or retracted is the distance that the driver and/or cutting member is translated per actuation of a trigger, for example. In various embodiments, the cutting member can be retracted at a faster rate as compared to the rate in which it is advanced. In such embodiments, the surgical instrument can, owing to the slower advancing rate, provide a greater torque or advancing force to the cutting member while, owing to the faster retracting rate, reduce the time required for the surgeon to retract the cutting member.
US08196795B2	Disposable motor-driven loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position.
US08196793B2	Optical fiber cutting apparatus and optical fiber cutting method There are provided an optical fiber cutting method and a cutting apparatus which can easily cut a coated optical fiber without a step of removing a coating from the optical fiber. It includes a clamp which holds the coated optical fiber, having a glass fiber and the coating, on both sides of a portion-to-be-cut, a disk-shaped blade member which moves at the portion-to-be-cut in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the optical fiber to cut the coating and to provide a slit into the glass fiber, and a support which presses, with a predetermined pressing force, the portion-to-be-cut from an opposite side of the blade member with respect to the portion-to-be-cut when cutting the coating and providing the slit into the glass fiber. A head of the support is formed with a groove along a sliding direction of the blade member.
US08196791B2	Cylinder loading and retaining device for a harness A cylinder back plate includes a frame member 11 and a cylinder clamp 12 connected to the frame member 11 by means of a pivot 13. The cylinder clamp 12 comprises a band of rigid or semi-rigid material. The cylinder clamp 12 has a retaining position with respect to the frame member 11, wherein the cylinder clamp extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the frame member. The frame member 11 lies parallel to a back plate of the harness or is constituted by the back plate of the harness. Thus, when the cylinder clamp 12 is in the retaining position a cylinder can be retained securely to the frame member and sliding of the cylinder relative to the frame member or back plate can be prevented. When it is desired to attach a new cylinder to the harness, the cylinder clamp 12 can be pivoted into a loading position.
US08196789B2	Skewer assembly for bicycle fork mount A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft.
US08196787B2	Hand mount An apparatus comprises a print device and a strap that wraps about one or more proximal phalanges such that the print device is pivotable with the proximal phalanges relative to metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deck configured to be releasably connected to a unit having a housing and a strap that wraps about one or more proximal phalanges. In another embodiment, a gel pad includes a main portion that overlies metacarpophalangeal joints and extensions that overlie proximal phalanges.
US08196786B2	Dispensing closure comprising a safety system A dispensing closure for a container that includes closure walls, at least one dispensing aperture, at least one closing element that is movable between a position where the aperture is closed, and a position where the aperture is open. This closure includes at least one actionable member that surrounds the closure walls and the closing element, and at least one connection element located between the actionable member and the closing element. The connection element is made of a material that is sufficiently rigid below a predetermined safety temperature, to connect the actionable member and closing element, thus allowing opening of the dispensing aperture by moving the actionable member and fluid above temperature so that the actionable member and closing element are disconnected. A temperature dependent connection material is filled into at least one cavity in the actionable member or in the closing element while the temperature dependent connection material is in its liquid state, and is subsequently cooled to form the connection element.
US08196784B2	Aerosol sprayer A pressurized aerosol sprayer and method of making, a pressurized aerosol sprayer are disclosed. In one embodiment the aerosol sprayer includes an aerosol sprayer actuator attached to an aerosol container, wherein the sprayer actuator includes an actuator housing, a trigger piece having a trigger and operatively associated with the actuator housing to activate the release of fluid from the container, a nozzle in fluid communication with the container, and a trigger loop encircling the trigger.
US08196783B2	Device and method of dispensing pressurized fluid Embodiments relate to a device and method for dispensing pressurized fluid from a container wherein the internal pressure of the container is not exposed to an external or ambient atmosphere.
US08196781B2	Disposable pump A disposable concentrate pump for use with a liquid reservoir, with the actuating solenoid mounted in the dispenser. The pump has a body with flexible walls, a top-cap, a seal-base and a nozzle, with a seal-rod extending from the top-cap to the nozzle, stretching the flexible walls of the body and creating a net restoring force on the seal-base. A seal-head on the seal-rod seals a central opening in the seal-head when pressed against a side of the seal-head by the net restoring force. Reciprocally moving the seal-head parallel to an axis of the pump body operates the pump.
US08196780B2	Rotary foam pump The present invention provides a positive displacement rotary vane mixing pump in combination with a positive displacement rotary vane fluid pump. The mixing pump having an air inlet, an inlet for foamable fluid from the fluid pump, and an outlet from a discharge sector of the pump for discharging a mixture of air and liquid to a foam generator.
US08196777B2	Connection mechanism between a beverage container and a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispenser using the same A connection mechanism between a beverage container and a beverage dispenser, the connection mechanism includes: a container mount having a notch configured for engagement with a beverage delivering port of a beverage delivering member arranged in a beverage container; a connection member having a cylindrical sharp tip portion at a top end thereof to be inserted into in the beverage delivering port and configured to be connected to a piping system; and an operating member serving for inserting the connection member into the beverage delivering port, wherein an end surface of the sharp tip portion opposing to the beverage delivering port defines a guide plane operable to guide the beverage delivering member to move in its allowable moving direction within the notch when the end surface is in contact with a perimeter edge of the beverage delivering port.
US08196771B1	Portable food organizer A portable organizer for a food product, such as hot dogs or sausages, related food items such as buns, and related utensil and condiments, that is compact and easily carried. The organizer comprises a base and a lid, the base having a plurality of rows of compartments for food products and condiments. The organizer also has drawers for storing utensils. The organizer is of an appropriate size and made of an appropriate material to be stored in a cooler and may also have wheels and be used as a rolling serving tray.
US08196767B2	Small diameter can end with large opening A can end having a small diameter center panel and an opening of particular aspect ratio to improve the pourability and drinkability characteristics of the opening, compared to can ends having conventional openings.
US08196763B2	Straw holder integrated with a beverage container A beverage container having a mouth includes a straw holder having a straw support portion dimensioned for placement across the mouth of the container and comprising an aperture designed to receive a straw therethrough and support the straw with respect to the straw support portion. A first retaining portion of the straw holder is connected to the straw support portion and connected or connectable to the container. The straw support portion being movably arranged on the first connecting portion for moving from a first position to a second position relative to the first retaining portion. The aperture for receiving the straw is aligned with the mouth of the container when the first connecting portion is in a connected position on the container.
US08196760B1	Adjustable display mount An adjustable mounting system for mounting a display on a fixture. First and second supports each include a bracket portion and a lateral arm portion. The bracket portion of the first support is operatively connectable to the fixture at a first location and the bracket portion of the second support is operatively connectable to the fixture at a second location. A cross support includes a first lateral adjustment arm, a second lateral adjustment arm, and an adapter arm. The first lateral adjustment arm is adjustably connected to the first lateral arm and the second lateral adjustment arm is adjustably connected to the second lateral arm. A display adapter is adjustably connected to the adapter arm and the display adapter includes an adapter support arm and an adapter bracket configured for operative connection to a display.
US08196759B2	Apparatus for laboratory ware A laboratory ware dispenser has a receptacle defining a space and at least one laboratory ware magazine for containing items of laboratory ware and including a plurality of apertures. The space defined by the receptacle is configured to receive the laboratory ware magazine. The receptacle has at least one aperture dimensioned such that at least one but not all of the apertures of the laboratory ware magazine are registerable with the aperture of the receptacle upon relative rotation of the receptacle and laboratory ware magazine. A laboratory ware magazine has an annular support member defining a space for containing a plurality of items of laboratory ware and a plurality of apertures arranged around a circumference of the annular support member. Each aperture is adapted to receive an item of laboratory ware, and each of the apertures is configured such that an item of laboratory ware placed in the aperture is directed radially inward of the annular support member into the space and is retained in the aperture. Laboratory ware magazines can be stacked to create a plurality of laboratory ware magazines.
US08196758B2	Frame assembly A frame assembly includes upper and lower frame units, four vertical frame rods, four pairs of top and bottom female connectors, eight male connectors, and first and second bolts. Each frame unit includes four rectangularly-arranged horizontal frame rods. Each female connector interconnects an adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods, and includes two horizontal tenons engaging respectively the adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods. The male connectors are connected respectively to opposite ends of the vertical frame rods. Each male connector includes a vertical tenon engaging a respective one of the opposite ends of the vertical frame rods, and an engaging block mating with a respective one of the female connectors. The first and second bolts are for securing releasably and respectively the female connectors to the male connectors.
US08196757B2	Unit for integrated waste water biological treatment Biological treatment with the small-bubble aeration (air artificial supply) for oxidizing waste water components in a unit for integrated waste water biological treatment includes a reservoir with a waste water receiving chamber, an aerotank chamber, a secondary settling tank and an activated sludge stabilizer. The receiving chamber is communicated through an air-lift to the aerotank chamber and includes a primary filter and a device for blowing off the filter, float-type level guages and an air-lift for transferring waste water, an air-lift for transferring a grease film into the aerotank chamber. The receiving chamber, the aerotank chamber and the activated sludge sterilizer are provided with aerators. The aerotank chamber and the secondary settling tank is supplied from at least two compressors, the chamber of the activated sludge stabilizer is provided with an intermediate partition forming an additional chamber for stabilizing sludge.
US08196755B2	Process for producing a composite membrane A process for the production of a composite membrane, one or more microporous separation layers comprising a zeolite of the MFI type being produced by hydrothermal synthesis on a porous substrate, wherein one or more additives from the group consisting of linear (C1-C4)-alcohols, ammonia, primary, secondary and tertiary amines having in each case (C1-C4)-alkyl radicals, (C1-C4)-aminoalcohols and (C3-C4)-ketones are added to the synthesis solution for the hydrothermal synthesis.
US08196754B2	Water permeable membranes and methods of making water permeable membranes Water permeable membranes and methods of forming water permeable membranes are provided. The water permeable membranes are comprised of a cross-linked polyamide containing at least one bifunctional additive that is hydrophilic and reactive. Additionally, in accordance with other embodiments of this invention, methods of forming water permeable membranes comprised of a cross-linked polyamide containing at least one bifunctional additive that is hydrophilic and reactive are provided. Specifically, the water permeable membranes may comprise a membrane formed from a cross-linked aromatic or aromatic/aliphatic polyamide interfacially polymerized on a porous support. The presence of the at least one hydrophilic and reactive additive improves the flux and salt retention properties of the membrane in comparison to a membrane formed without the at least one hydrophilic and reactive additive.
US08196753B2	Screening panel A screening panel is provided for screening particulate materials. The screening panel includes a peripheral frame and a plurality of ribs. The peripheral frame has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer peripheral surface interconnecting the upper surface and lower surface. Further, the peripheral frame defines an opening. The ribs extend across the opening and define a screening surface. Each of the plurality of ribs has a substantially flat upper surface. The screening panel further includes at least one generally arcuate raised member extending from the upper surface of each of the plurality of ribs. The raised members facilitate screening the particulate materials.
US08196752B2	Self-cleaning coal separator grids with multiple cleaning combs A lump coal size sorting grate comprising parallel bars is provided with three spaced apart, parallel cleaning combs which can be individually activated to clean the sizing grid of lodged coal lumps in a predetermined sequence so that the entire sizing grid is never closed during a coal sorting operation. The cleaning combs are made of spaced, parallel bars which can be pivoted upwardly, between and through the bars of the sizing grate. An adaptive system which senses and responds to a clogged condition in the grate can be provided by sensing crusher motor current or, in the alternative, sensing grate bar deflection using strain gage transducers.
US08196747B2	End cap packaging material, packaging and method for protecting products against damage An end cap which imparts fragility capability and which derives favorable characteristics by combining several cushioning effects. In particular, the end cap of this invention achieves cushioning by combining the effects of material compression, deformation of an arch, an expansion of contact area as cushioning occurs.
US08196746B2	Three part hygienic dispensing assembly This hygienic or aseptic multi-pouch package includes one or more inner pouches, finger, multi-finger and full hand sized capable of being carried by a card holder which is removably stored within an outer pouch. The inner pouch is suitable for use as a finger pouch which may be used to clean teeth or for similar purposes. When only one inner pouch is hygienically removed at a time, the remaining pouches can be conveniently resealed within the card holder in the outer pouch.
US08196745B2	Suppository delivery device A suppository delivery device that allows for the insertion of a suppository without having contact with the suppository or rectum. The suppository delivery device includes a stabilizing platform, a stabilizer to which the suppository is mounted, and a package, which protects the user's hands and fingers from the suppository and rectum and prevents germs from contacting the suppository before being inserted into the rectum.
US08196736B2	Roller arrangement for conveyor A roller conveyor includes a drive member whose path and the end of the overlying portions of the rollers sortation conveyor is configured to avoid substantial contact between certain rollers and the drive member. The roller conveyor is depicted in an embodiment as an accumulation conveyor with skewed roller sections.
US08196733B2	Article buffer The invention relates to a method for product changeover in a filling plant and to a bugger system for carrying out the method. A first product is passed through a primary buffer and then a second product is initially buffer-stored in a secondary buffer, and so a clear separation of the products is achieved and a product changeover can be carried out in upstream and downstream production machines without production coming to a standstill.
US08196729B2	Portable low profile drive-over truck dump conveyor system A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system and a portion of each ramp. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the ramp to be articulated towards the grate to move excess material off of the ramp and into the grate.
US08196725B2	Device for the rotationally fixed connection of a shaft to at least one component mounted to rotate on the shaft A device for connecting, in a rotationally fixed manner, a shaft to at least one component which is rotationally supported on the shaft, such as a gear wheel of a gear in a transmission. The device includes an actuating element that is rotationally fixed, but axially slides on the shaft, such that when the element is actuated by an actor, the element actively, frictionally communicates with the component to at least approximately equalize a rotational speed difference, between the component and the shaft. The actuating element can be actuated by the actor with a force to frictionally connect the component to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The device further includes a holding device, which retains the actuating element in a shift condition essentially equivalent to the rotationally fixed condition of the component without further actuation of the actor.
US08196717B2	Drum brakes A drum brake has a pair of brake shoes (40) moveable radially outwardly into contact with an associated brake drum to provide a handbrake function by a cross strut (100) which acts between the brake shoes or between pivoting brake operating levers (14) which actuate the brake shoes. A handbrake lever (18) is pivoted on one brake shoe or brake operating lever (14) and contacts one end of the strut to displace the other brake shoe or brake operating lever towards the drum to apply the associated shoe against the drum and by reaction through the strut to also force the other brake shoe or brake operating lever toward the drum to apply the other shoe against the drum. The strut (100) is in two parts (101,102), one part being connected for movement with each respective brake shoe or operating lever, the strut parts having inter-engageable formations in the form of teeth (103,104) which when engaged allow the strut (100) to transmit axial force between the shoes or operating levers. Bias means (105,106) are provided for biasing the strut parts apart to disengage the inter-engageable formations to disable the strut, the inter-engageable formations (103,104) being engaged when the handbrake lever (18) is operated to connect the strut parts (101,102) to allow the brake to be applied and being disengaged when the handbrake lever is released so that the strut parts can disengage and move apart with the brake shoes or brake operating levers to adjust the effective length of the strut as the brake shoes wear.
US08196712B2	Methods and devices for surveying elevator hoistways A device for surveying an enclosed structure (10) includes a platform (24) configured to longitudinally traverse the structure (10), at least one first distance) sensor (48) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a lateral distance between a point on the platform (24) and a wall of the structure (10), at least one second distance sensor (50) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a longitudinal distance between a point on the platform (24) and a first end of the structure (10), and a transport machine (22) configured to move the platform (24) substantially longitudinally within the structure (10).
US08196706B2	Device for the application of lubricant onto the running surface of rails for rail vehicles A device for the application of lubricant onto the running surface of rails for rail vehicles includes at least one dispensing nozzle for issuing out a lubricant, and an air nozzle provided above the dispensing nozzle and aligned to blow out air in a direction of an upper edge of the dispensing nozzle and a railhead. The dispensing nozzle extends upwardly on an outer railhead surface which is distal to a contact surface for a rim of a running wheel of the rail vehicle.
US08196705B2	Safety scaffolding The invention is directed to a suspended scaffolding apparatus mountable on wall for supporting a scaffold platform. The scaffolding apparatus includes at least attachment brackets, at least two vertical frame members, at least two support brackets, one or more braces and at least two detachable railing posts. The vertical frame members and associated support brackets may be selectively attached and detached from the attachment brackets which remain mounted on the top surface of the wall. The scaffolding apparatus can thus be conveniently installed at any time to permit work on the roof of the building.
US08196703B2	Exhaust component An exhaust component is provided including an inlet portion for accepting an exhaust stream entering therein from an exhaust system, two or more separator components fixed to the inlet portion for separating the exhaust stream into two or more streams at the point of egress from the inlet portion, two or more chambers fixed to the separator components, the chambers for muffling sound of the exhaust stream, two or more collector components fixed to the chambers opposite the separator components for collecting the separated exhaust streams upon egress from the chambers, and one or more outlet portions fixed to the collector components at the end opposite the chambers for carrying separated or merged exhaust streams out of the exhaust component.
US08196696B2	Vehicle frame structure and vehicle incorporating same A vehicle frame structure includes a central frame member, extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a central portion of a body frame. The central frame member includes a front end joined to a second front cross pipe, and a rear end joined to a second lower crossmember behind the second front cross pipe. When viewed from the side, the central frame member extends in a substantially straight line along with the left and right front reinforcing pipes. The front end portion of the central frame member is joined to the second front cross pipe at a position inwardly of a joint between the left front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe, and inwardly of a joint between the right front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe. Such frame structure lowers level of a center of gravity of the vehicle, and enhances rigidity.
US08196695B2	Brake pedal device with function of reducing collision injury A brake pedal device of reducing a collision injury in a vehicle, may include a brake pedal including a hitching slot at an end portion thereof, a brake switch bracket, a first portion of which is pivotally coupled to the brake pedal by a hinge shaft, a pedal mounting bracket mounted to a vehicle body, wherein a second portion of the brake switch bracket is pivotally coupled to the pedal mounting bracket by a stopper shaft, wherein the stopper shaft of the pedal mounting bracket and the hitching slot of the brake pedal are selectively coupled to hinder rotation of the brake pedal toward a driver with respect to the hinge shaft when a collision force equal to or greater than a predetermined load is applied to the vehicle, and coupling members coupling the pedal mounting bracket and the brake switch bracket and being decoupled when the collision force is applied to the vehicle.
US08196694B2	Vehicle immobilizer methods and apparatus based on driver impairment Embodiments include systems and methods for immobilizing a motor vehicle. A system comprises an impairment sensor system and a control subsystem. The impairment sensor system is adapted to perform an analysis of a sample provided by an operator of a motor vehicle, where the analysis includes determining an impairment-related metric based on the sample. The control subsystem is adapted to control at least one mobility-related apparatus and at least one non-mobility-related apparatus of the motor vehicle. When the result of the analysis indicates that the impairment-related metric does not meet a criteria, the control subsystem is adapted to control the at least one mobility-related apparatus in a manner that disables the motor vehicle from moving and to control the at least one non-mobility-related apparatus in a manner that allows the at least one non-mobility-related apparatus to operate.
US08196692B2	Two person RUV with ergonomic seating and feet placement A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
US08196687B2	Low content extended-range electric vehicle powertrain An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device.
US08196682B2	Earth boring bit with wear resistant bearing and seal A roller cone bit is provided that includes a wear resistant coating applied to a bearing shaft, which is attached to a roller cone. The wear resistant coating can be a tungsten/tungsten carbide composite applied by chemical vapor deposition.
US08196680B2	Perforating and jet drilling method and apparatus A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing in an oil or gas well. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing and enable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.
US08196677B2	Horizontal drilling system A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.
US08196676B2	Recoilless hammer A recoilless hammer comprising a moil supported for reciprocal movement along a hammer axis of a housing, a piston moveable within the chamber of an elongate tube extending from the rear of the housing such that it may strike the moil. In a rest position the piston is held forward against the moil by a low pressure air supply delivered from the aft end of the chamber, and the piston is retracted to a charged position at the aft end of the chamber by delivery of high pressure air to act on the fore portion of the piston. Upon actuation of a trigger mechanism, air is vented from the fore end of the chamber to atmosphere causing a pressure unbalance of low magnitude across the piston, such that it accelerates towards and strikes the moil. The chamber is of a length to enable a high energy blow with minimal piston acceleration recoil when the hammer is manually held and operated.
US08196672B2	Conservation tillage implement, system and method A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may have a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles. Advantageously, the implement can be operated in standing water, as found in the growing of rice.
US08196671B2	Opener disk blade scraper hinge geometry to maintain contact with deflected disk blade An agricultural machine includes a disk blade assembly having a hub and a disk blade mounted to the hub. The hub has a perimeter. The disk blade is deflectable by ground forces in an area outside of the hub. A scraper assembly includes a mount, a scraper blade, and a hinge pivotally interconnecting the scraper blade with the mount. The hinge has an axis of rotation which passes through a point generally at or near a bottom of the hub perimeter, and generally coincident with the disk blade.
US08196666B2	Flexible riser and method for pulling-in and hanging up thereof Flexible riser, comprising a length of a flexible pipe with an upper end, a bend restrictor and a termination for hanging up on a vessel, a floating installation or a platform, distinguished in that the bend restrictor in the upper end is connected to an adapter pipe extending from a lower end at the bend restrictor to an upper end, to an end coupling to which the upper ends of both the flexible pipe and the adapter pipe are fastened, the flexible riser extending through the bend restrictor and the adapter pipe and the end connection comprising a means for hanging up at deck level of the vessel, the installation or the platform. Method for pulling-in and hanging up of the flexible riser.
US08196663B2	Dead string completion assembly with injection system and methods In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing fluids or equipment into a subterranean well through a production tubing and associated dead string includes an injection system that is movable into and out of the well without removing the production tubing. The injection system includes a stopper that forms the seal that creates the dead string.
US08196661B2	Method for providing a preferential specific injection distribution from a horizontal injection well A method for distributing injection fluid in a horizontal well bore in fluid communication with hydrocarbon bearing formation begins by determining flow resistance characteristics of the formation along at least a portion of the length of the horizontal well bore. An injection tubing string having a sidewall defining a tubing bore is injected into the horizontal well bore. The tubing string is provided with ports having a selected distribution and geometry. The annulus geometry is selectively controlled along the length of the tubing string through at least one of axial distribution of eccentricity and flow area of the annulus, so as to provide selected flow restriction characteristics along the annulus, such that when injection fluid is pumped into the tubing, a resulting flow resistance network is formed by the tubing bore, the ports, the annulus and the formation, resulting in a desired distribution of the fluid into the formation.
US08196660B2	Method and apparatus to treat well stimulation fluids in-situ A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids.
US08196658B2	Irregular spacing of heat sources for treating hydrocarbon containing formations A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat input to a first section of the formation from one or more heat sources located in the first section. Fluids are produced from the first section through a production well located at or near the center of the first section. The heat sources are configured such that the average heat input per volume of formation in the first section increases with distance from the production well.
US08196657B2	Electrical submersible pump assembly In one embodiment, a pump assembly for pumping a wellbore fluid in a wellbore includes a pump, a fluid separator, a motor for driving the pump, and a shroud disposed around the fluid separator for guiding a gas stream leaving the fluid separator, wherein the gas stream is prevented from mixing with fluids in the wellbore.
US08196652B2	Radial expansion system A radial expansion system.
US08196651B2	Well bore fluid redistribution and fluid disposal in wellbore environments Well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses which can be inserted into a well bore to isolate fluids produced in well bores from different geologic sections on either side of the apparatuses. Operation of the well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses can redistribute fluids produced in well bores between different geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids.
US08196644B1	Arrangement in a tube heat exchanger A heat exchanger comprising a large number of flexible individual elements, has supply and discharge devices for the heat exchanger media and also has, for these elements, tension devices which expand during heating. The tensioning of the individual elements, which are adhesively bonded at each of their two ends into slots of end plates, takes place by the application of the required forces to the end plates. A heat exchanger of this type is illustrated in FIG. 1.
US08196636B2	3-dimensional curved substrate lamination A method of laminating a surface of a flexible material to a surface of a rigid, curved material. The method includes pressing an area of the surface of the flexible material into the surface of the rigid, curved material with a holder to create a contact area while the flexible material is conformed to the holder, which has a curvature greater than a curvature of the rigid, curved material surface; and changing the contact area between the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid, curved material while maintaining pressure on the contact area until the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid curved material are laminated.
US08196633B2	Correction tape applicator Disclosed herein is a correction tape applicator or a transfer tape dispenser which is adapted to be used to correct markings, for example, such as characters, numerals, and the like recorded on a sheet of paper, or adhere sheets of paper to each other. According to the correction tape applicator of the present invention, a tape cartridge directly applied to the application work is completely protectively accommodated within a casing so that it can be used more stably for a long time period to improve durability to thereby achieve economic efficiency. Also, the tape cartridge can be easily disengaged from and engaged with the casing to enhance convenience of use, and an opening/closing space of a cover can be minimized to achieve miniaturization of the casing.
US08196631B2	Fiber transfer apparatus for laminating fiber-reinforced sheet molding compound A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.
US08196628B2	Tire and wheel noise reducing device and system A system for dissipating sound shock waves within a vehicle tire includes a wheel upon which a tire is mounted to create an internal air chamber defined by the wheel and the tire. A flow-resistant barrier is coupled to the wheel or the tire and defines an air cavity within the internal air chamber. The barrier comprises a material that provides an acoustical resistance to sound shock waves passing therethrough. The air cavity defined by the barrier has a volume such that air within the cavity offers relatively small impedance to the passage of shock waves through the barrier and into the air cavity. The barrier also can produce frictional heat when displaced by a shock wave, thereby converting energy of the shock wave to heat to reduce noise associated therewith.
US08196626B2	Tire with asymmetric tread profile A tire includes a tread profile and a plurality of ribs extending across the tread profile. Each rib includes a first portion and a second portion on two sides of the center axis of the tread profile. The first portion includes a first section which has a constant height. The length of the first section is “L1”. A first shoulder is connected between the first section and the outer side of the tire by a first radius. “R1”. The second portion includes a second section which has the same constant height as the first section. The length of the second section is “L2”. A second shoulder is connected between the second section and the inner side of the tire by a second radius “R1”. A ratio of the “L1” to the “L2” is 1.1 to 1.4, and a ratio of the “R1” to “R2” is 0.5 to 0.9.
US08196622B1	Apparatus for receiving and dispensing granulated materials An apparatus for receiving and dispensing a granulated material incorporating a hopper; a coupling member having an upper end, a lower end, and a conduit extending from the upper end to the lower end; a snap channel and snap ridge combination for rotatably interconnecting the hopper and the coupling member, the snap channel and snap ridge combination positioning the coupling member for communication of the conduit with a lower output end of the hopper; an agitator having proximal and distal ends, the agitator's proximal end being fixedly attached to the coupling member, the agitator's distal end extending into the hopper's interior space; and a bottle mounting socket fixedly attached to the coupling member's lower end.
US08196621B2	Slider valve fitment and collar A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.
US08196615B1	Liquid/air pressure testing tool A device and method of using a liquid/air pressure testing tool to assist in testing and repairing liquid-filled agricultural tires is herein disclosed. The device provides a valving arrangement to allow alternating fluid transfer and air backfilling of a fluid-filled agricultural tire. The device utilizes quick-disconnect fittings providing quick in-line installation therebetween a fluid pump and a fluid filled tire. The device provides an inline ball valve and an isolation valve, thereby providing isolation of a pumping source and an air back-filling means, respectively. During fluid filling of a tire, the isolation valve allows monitoring of internal tire pressure using a common pressure gauge without removing the device or disconnecting any attached hoses. The device thus eliminates repeated steps when testing or repairing large fluid-filled tires as used on farm tractors and other agricultural machinery.
US08196613B2	Multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric with paired MD binding yarns A papermaker's fabric includes a series of repeat units. Each of the repeat units includes: a set of top machine direction (MD) yarns; a set of top cross-machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of bottom MD yarns; and a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer. Each bottom MD yarn passes over a top CMD yarn that its immediate neighboring top MD yarn passes under. The top MD yarns, the top CMD yarns, and the bottom MD yarns interweave to form a twill papermaking surface on the top fabric layer.
US08196611B2	Pipe A pipe comprising an outer rigid conduit and an inner tubular structure, the inner tubular structure comprising a flexible hose, wherein the hose comprises a tubular body disposed between inner and outer gripping members, the tubular body including a sealing layer, and being formed of a material capable of withstanding cryogenic temperatures, wherein the inner tubular structure has insulation properties sufficient to protect the outer conduit from the low temperature of cryogenic fluid flowing within the inner tubular structure.
US08196610B2	Controlling cooling fluid flow in a cooling system with a variable orifice In a cooling system, a variable orifice controls the flow of cooling fluid through a cooling fluid flow path. The variable orifice includes an adjustable diaphragm shutter through which the cooling fluid flows. Upon manipulation of the adjustable diaphragm shutter, a diameter of an opening of the adjustable diaphragm shutter is adjusted to control the flow of the cooling fluid.
US08196608B2	Valve assembly The present invention is directed to a pressure-responsive valve assembly which functions in the nature of a check valve to control fluid flow across the assembly. The assembly includes a valve body which defines first and second internal flow passages, and includes a valve seat through which at least one flow port extends for joining the first and second passages in fluid communication with each other. A flexible, resiliently deformable valve member is positioned in operative association with the valve seat, and can be deflected, in response to a sufficient pressure differential, to move out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, to thereby permit fluid flow through the valve assembly.
US08196606B2	Coupling member for pipe coupling A coupling member is disclosed which includes a valve device that is axially movable between an open position and a closed position where the valve device closes an annular valve opening defined an outer valve seat portion and an inner valve seat portion. The valve device includes an outer annular sealing member and an inner annular sealing member. The inner annular sealing member includes an annular extending portion configured such that, when the valve device approaches the closed position, the annular extending portion sealingly engages the inner valve seat portion and is elastically bent to allow the valve device advance further to the closed position so that the outer annular sealing member positively engages the outer valve seat portion.
US08196603B2	Valve block assembly A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.
US08196600B1	High-temperature jointed assemblies and wear-resistant coating systems therefor Wear-resistant coating systems suitable for protecting surfaces subjected to contact wear at high temperatures, such as surfaces of an assembly comprising high-temperature components of gas turbine engines. The components have surfaces in wear contact with each other. One of the surfaces has a wear-resistant coating system thereon so as to be in wear contact with the surface of the other component. The wear-resistant coating system contains alternating layers of TiAlN and CrN.
US08196595B2	Safety override circuit for pneumatic positioner and method of use thereof Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state.
US08196594B2	Apparatus for removing foreign material from substrate and method for removing foreign material from substrate Provided are an apparatus for and a method of removing foreign materials from a substrate which reliably remove the foreign materials, eliminate a chance of redeposition of the foreign materials, and are applicable even to large-size substrates. The apparatus for removing foreign materials includes electrostatic chucks (2, 3) forming a substrate chucking surface (4) to which the substrate (1) is attracted; a resin sheet supplying means (9) for supplying a resin sheet (5) to the substrate chucking surface (4); resin sheet collecting means (13) for collecting the supplied resin sheet (5); and a substrate transfer means for transferring the substrate (1). The substrate (1) supplied to the electrostatic chucks (2, 3) by the substrate transfer means is attracted to the substrate chucking surface (4) through the resin sheet (5), and a foreign material (22) deposited on a side of the substrate chucking surface (4) of the substrate (1) is transferred onto the resin sheet (5) and removed.
US08196591B2	Artificial eyelash and method for applying same An artificial eyelash assembly includes a base strand having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a plurality of hairs. A first loop is disposed proximate the first end of the base strand and a second loop is disposed proximate the second end of the base strand. A first flexible member is coupled to the first loop and a second flexible member is coupled to the second loop.
US08196587B2	Bruxism protective device A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.
US08196586B2	Medical procedure draping systems A draping system for use in medical procedures includes a drape portion adapted to cover a surface, such as medical equipment or a patient, and serves as a barrier to fluid and debris during medical procedures. The draping system may have a fastening portion affixed to the drape portion and adapted to secure the drape portion to medical equipment. The drape portion may form a pocket for collecting debris resulting from a medical procedure. The drape portion may have an opening therein spanned by a non-porous, elastic membrane.
US08196584B2	Endotracheal cuff and technique for using the same An inflatable grooved balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Configurations of these cuffs that include grooved regions may provide improved sealing of the trachea by complementing naturally grooved tracheal tissue.
US08196577B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a pressurizing gas via a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying pressurized gas to a respective one of the receptacles. A mechanism is provided for preventing a back stroke of the connecting element during supplying of the pressurizing gas and dispensing of the formulation.
US08196573B2	Methods and systems for operating an aerosol generator A system for intermittent delivery of an aerosolized medicament is disclosed. The system may include an aerosol generator, a controller and a conduit. The aerosol generator may be configured to aerosolize a medicament. The controller may be configured to receive physiological characteristic information about a patient, and control the aerosol generator based at least in part on the physiological characteristic information. The conduit may be configured to supply the aerosolized medicament to the patient's airway.
US08196571B2	Apparatus, system, and method for launching a granular substance An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for launching a granular substance. The method may include providing a granular substance, an air gun, a compressed air source, an insertion tube, a passage, a loading chamber, a recess, a cover, and a fastening assembly. The method may further include inserting the granular substance into the recess and dispensing the granular substance from the recess into the loading chamber. The method continues with releasing the stored, compressed air in the air gun. The compressed air moves into the insertion tube, through the passage, through the loading chamber disposed within the passage, and finally launches the granular substance from an outlet of the passage.
US08196570B2	Bow utilizing arcuate compression members to store energy According to one embodiment, a bow includes a handle portion and a bowstring. Compression members including primary compression elements and secondary compression elements are positioned on the ends of the handle portion. The compression elements are arcuate in shape and joined at the ends. As the bowstring is drawn, the compression members are compressed and energy is stored therein. The bow can include limbs that do not significantly deform or store energy as the bow is drawn. Upon release of the bowstring, the stored energy is rapidly returned to the bowstring.
US08196569B2	Method for operating an internal combustion engine having exhaust gas recirculation In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having exhaust gas recirculation, air is supplied to at least one combustion chamber via an intake manifold at least partially closable with the aid of a final control element, and a part of the exhaust gases flowing into an exhaust pipe is conducted via an EGR channel, which is at least partially closable with the aid of an EGR valve unit, into an area of the intake manifold, which lies between the final control element and the combustion chamber. A first variable, which characterizes the mass flow of the gas conducted through the EGR channel, is ascertained from a set of state variables of the internal combustion engine, which apply for an operating state in which the engine is in overrun operation and the final control element is essentially closed.
US08196568B2	Cold start gas component retention system in EGR circuit with recirculated gas control Methods and systems are provided for managing exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine are described. In one example system, hydrocarbons in engine exhaust gases may be stored during an engine cold start and later released into an intake manifold of the engine. The methods and systems may reduce engine hydrocarbon emissions.
US08196565B2	Fluid injector assembly A fluid injector assembly has a fluid injector (14) with a fluid inlet portion (16), a fluid injector cup (18) with an inner surface (30), an outer surface (28) and a heating device (32). The fluid inlet portion (16) of the fluid injector (14) has a sealing ring (26) being arranged and designed to sealingly engage the inner surface (30) of the fluid injector cup (18). The fluid injector cup (18) is designed to couple the heating device (32) thermally to the sealing ring (26) of the inlet portion (16) and to couple the fluid inlet portion (16) mechanically.
US08196563B2	Method and apparatus for controlling combustion phasing in an internal combustion engine Operating an engine includes monitoring engine crank position, a corresponding engine torque, and an engine operating point. A state of an engine control parameter is adjusted in response to a difference between an identified location of peak torque and a preferred location of peak torque.
US08196561B2	Multipoint ignition engine A bottom face of a cylinder head (3) defining a combustion chamber (1) is formed substantially in a shape of a spherical shell, and ignition points (21) are arranged in three or more on a concentric circle of 55 to 70% of a diameter of a cylinder block (30) or the vicinity thereof, and combustion is performed with an air excess ratio of the combustion chamber (1) of 1.5 or more.
US08196560B2	Internal combustion engine of spark-ignition direct-injection type and fuel injecting method thereof A multi-hole injector directly injects fuel into a combustion chamber. Intake air is introduced into the combustion chamber through intake ports to provide tumble flow in the combustion chamber. A cavity is formed in a part of the top surface of a piston which is eccentric to the exhaust side. In the intake stroke, fuel injection ends in a downstroke of a piston. When the crank angle is 100 degrees after the top dead center in the intake stroke at which the fuel injection ends, a most downward lower spray collides with a part of the top surface of the piston which ranges on the intake side from the edge on the exhaust side of the cavity. A most upward upper spray does not come into contact with a spark plug. Thus, the fuel injection can enhance the tumble flow to promote homogeneous dispersion of fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.
US08196558B2	System for restarting internal combustion engine when engine restart request occurs In a system, a starter includes a motor for rotatably driving an output shaft with a pinion and an actuator that shifts the pinion toward a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. A monitor unit monitors a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. The rotational speed of the internal combustion engine drops after an automatic control for stop of the engine. When an engine restart request occurs with the rotational speed being within a preset range during the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine dropping by the automatic control for stop of the engine, a drive unit drives the actuator to shift the pinion toward the ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. The drive unit rotatably drives the motor with the pinion being engaged with the ring gear to thereby crank the crankshaft.
US08196554B2	Sacrificial electrode mounting structure Mounting port, provided adjacent to a cooling water passageway, has a hole opening from the passageway for mounting an anode metal in the passageway. Lid member, which closes the outer end of the hole, has a head portion formed at its outer end and an externally threaded portion engageable with an internally threaded portion of the hole with a sealing member sandwiched therebetween. The lid member having the anode metal fixed thereto is inserted in and attached to the port with the threaded portions engaging with each other with a sealing tape sandwiched therebetween. Space is defined between an outer end portion of the port and an outer end portion of the lid member between the head portion and the externally threaded portion so that part of the sealing member protruding from between the threaded portions can be received in the space.
US08196552B2	System and method to reduce standby energy loss in a gas burning appliance A system to reduce standby losses in a hot water heater is presented. The system utilizes a safety relay valve between the combination gas controller and the burner. The safety relay valve bypasses gas to a damper actuator valve to position a flapper valve located over the flue pipe. Once the flapper valve has opened to ensure combustion, the gas is allowed to flow back to the safety relay valve. Some of the bypass gas may be diverted to boost the pilot or to supply a booster. The safety relay valve is then opened to allow the gas supply to the burner. Once the burner is turned off by the combination gas controller, the small amount of bypass gas bleeds out of the damper actuator valve to close the flapper valve to reduce standby losses through the flue pipe, and to allow the safety relay valve to close tightly.
US08196548B2	Apparatus and method for feeding chicks during the hatching process A method and a compartment within an incubator, capable of allowing chicks to feed during the hatching process without reducing hatchability or livability. Thanks to immediate post hatch nutrition, the development during the chicks first days is significantly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in their weight as well.Furthermore, the accessibility of feed for the chicks is enabled and improved immediately after their hatching thanks to suitable lighting and the use of feeding troughs with transparent walls.
US08196547B2	Animal potty chair An animal potty chair, particularly for a dog or cat, is to be used indoor and/or outdoor to aid civilization of domestic animals and to improve quality of life for millions of families with animals. The animal potty chair comprising: (1) a defined space with a surrounding wall-like structure with a one-way entry and one-way exit mean for an animal to release waste to a designated area without leakage to the outside of the top part of the potty chair; (2) a downwards operable mesh surface of the potty chair for an animal to stand on safely and to release waste within a protective space; (3) a fitting-sealing-fixing adaptor between the potty chair and a toilet, which is to fix the potty chair onto the toilet and to prevent leakage of the animal waste; (4) an easy cleaning container for holding animal waste, and (5) a signal system comprising a trigger mean to open the mesh and to flush the toilet by an animal with its body weight. The method on how to use the animal potty chair is also presented. The current invention helps to cause a revolutionary transformation of a pet from an accident-causing animal to a civilized non-human member of the family. The smell of the animal waste is reduced dramatically after the animal gets acquainted with using the current invention of an animal potty chair.
US08196546B1	Semiconductor structure made using improved multiple ion implantation process Methods and apparatus provide for: a first source of plasma, wherein the plasma includes a first species of ions; a second source of plasma, wherein the plasma includes a second species of ions; selection of the plasma from the first and second sources; and acceleration the first species of ions or the second species of ions toward a semiconductor wafer.
US08196544B2	System for depositing liquid material onto a substrate A machine controlled by a computer for depositing a liquefied electronically-interactive material on a sheet or support card, which includes: a base (1) to support the mobile bed (2) which is moved longitudinally (Y) by means of a worm screw (20) whose movement is controlled by a computer, and for the support and fixing of the said support sheet or card “S” on which the layer of electronically-interactive material is to be formed; a bridge above the said base with a transversal shaft (30) which also has a worm screw and whose movement is also controlled by the said computer, in which the transversal shaft (30) moves the said distribution unit for the electronically-interactive material to be deposited (3) in an orthogonal direction (X).
US08196542B2	Water sports foldable towing apparatus and method A towing apparatus comprises a structural assembly extending between opposing first and second bases for pivoting between operating and stored positions. A locking assembly includes a pin in each base and a hook carried at opposing ends of the structural assembly. A cam is pivotally connected to the hook for movement between locked and released positions. In the locked position, the hook is secured to the pin for preventing rotation of the structural assembly. In the released position, the hook is spaced from the pin to permit rotation of the structural assembly. The hook is rotatable with the cam from the released position to adjacent the pin by rotation of a shaft and slidable along the pin into the locking position by a continued shaft rotation. A cable is attached between the base and a spring within the structural assembly for biasing the structural assembly toward the operating position.
US08196539B2	Battered column offshore platform An offshore platform includes a buoyant hull comprising three or more interconnected pontoons and a plurality of support columns. The support columns support a deck or structure that supports equipment and/or payloads above a water surface. The support columns extend upwardly from respective ends of the pontoons to the deck or structure supported above the water surface. Anchoring members anchor the platform to the seabed.
US08196538B2	Mooring aid This invention relates to a mooring aid for use at marine installations, such as jetties and the like, wherein the mooring aid comprises a support (2), a member (18) which is mounted to the support (2) and to which a mooring rope can be detachably secured, wherein the member (18) is moveable reciprocally between a retracted position which corresponds to a storage position for the rope secured thereto and an extended position which renders a rope secured thereto accessible to a user. Wherein the mooring aid preferably further comprises biasing means (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) for urging the member (18) from its external position to its retracted position, wherein the biasing means may be housed in the support (2).
US08196537B2	Tandem/canard WIG boat with suspension systems This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.
US08196534B2	Volumetric metering system with clutch based sectional shut-off A volumetric meter for seed or fertilizer having a plurality of roller segments driven by a common drive shaft is provided with clutch mechanisms radially between each roller segment and the drive shaft to enable the roller segments to be individually shut-off to provide section or swath control to the machine.
US08196533B2	Methods for operating a fluidized-bed reactor A method for operating a fluidized-bed reactor includes introducing an alkali-containing material into a fluidized-bed reactor and introducing hydrous clay into the fluidized-bed reactor, the hydrous clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the alkali-containing material and hydrous clay, such that at least a portion of the hydrous clay is at least partially calcined and the at least partially calcined clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the fluidized-bed reactor. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the at least partially calcined clay and adsorbed alkali from the fluidized-bed reactor.
US08196530B1	Christmas tree supporting table The Christmas tree supporting table includes a box support, a circular tabletop that has a hole about the middle and is divided into two sections that are hingedly connected. The box support contains the Christmas tree stand and a power strip for powering the Christmas tree lights. The circular tabletop folds flat upon the box and the Christmas tree stand and base of the Christmas tree. The supporting table elevates the Christmas tree, hides the Christmas tree stand, and provides a hiding place for a power strip to supply electricity to the Christmas tree lights.
US08196527B2	Composite stackable pallet construction A structurally reinforcing and three dimensional article, such as a pallet, having a structural insert of specified shape and size. A composite plasticized material is over-molded or otherwise applied upon the structural insert according to a selected thickness to encapsulate the insert. The pallets are stackable when not in use and may also include built in straps for securing cargo thereupon.
US08196526B2	Dual height workstation configuration A worksurface arrangement comprising at least a first support member, a first worksurface forming member supported by the first support member at a first vertical height and extending to a first side from the first support member, a second worksurface forming member supported by the first support member at a second vertical height and extending to a second side opposite the first side of the first support member and a housing including, a front cover extending below the first worksurface forming member, a substantially vertical upper back cover extending downward from the first worksurface forming member substantially to the second vertical height proximate the second worksurface forming member and spaced from the front cover wherein the upper back cover and the front cover bound an upper housing cavity width and a lower back cover extending below the second worksurface forming member and spaced from the front cover wherein the lower back cover and the front cover bound a lower housing cavity width that is larger than the upper housing cavity width.
US08196519B2	Vehicle suspension control system and method Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift.
US08196518B2	Head end power system for passenger train sets A passenger locomotive is retrofitted with a hybrid energy head end power (HEP) system to generate head end power that is substantially continuously provided to a passenger railcar while the locomotive, which is operable in a motoring mode and a dynamic braking mode, is in use. The locomotive has a primary power source that provides primary electrical energy to a traction bus to power a traction motor when in the motoring mode. The traction motor generates excess electrical energy when in the dynamic braking mode. The HEP energy storage system generates head end power that is suitable for non-motoring use by a passenger railcar by converting the stored excess electrical energy and primary electrical energy into the head end power and providing the head end power to the HEP bus substantially continuously while the passenger locomotive is in use.
US08196513B1	Stand-off disrupter apparatus The invention in one variation is a stand-off disrupter apparatus that includes a delivery vessel having an enlarged rounded front end with an apex and an elongate cylindrical section that in part serves to fit the apparatus onto the barrel of a shotgun. The shotgun provides propulsion. The apparatus has fins, a sighting system, a firing pin system that fires on impact, a shell loaded with shot housed in a shell chamber, and a layer of disruption medium sealed in a dish forward of the shell and set-back from the apex. The disruption medium is energized on impact by the shot from the shell and a force of the impact. The energized disruption medium can neutralize an improvised explosive device.
US08196501B2	Apparatus for slabbing a roll of material An apparatus removes wound material from a roll in bulk. The apparatus comprises a transport element capable of engaging a roll of material and of transporting the roll to a slabbing position. The apparatus further comprises a cutter capable of separating the material of the roll in the slabbing position, an axial-traversing element capable of transporting the cutter along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the roll in the slabbing position, a radial-traversing element capable of transporting the cutter along a line substantially parallel to the radius of a roll in the slabbing position, and a controller capable of determining a maximum depth of cut for the cutter. The motion of the radial-traversing element is limited by the maximum depth of cut.
US08196500B2	Stitch flap cutting block A stitch flap cutting block is mountable to a cutting head of a board blank cutting machine, along with a slotting knife. A sheet of board passed between the cutting head and an anvil head is cut to form a blank for a box or the like. The cutting block comprises a steel body with a cylindrical barrel holding a cylindrical spring block, to which is mounted a blade holder carrying an elongate blade. The blade moves within a transverse slot across the body and is deflectable into the body and may rock about a midpoint of the slot. Impact forces are reduced, cleaner cuts are produced, and re-setting of the blade is required much less often. An alternative stitch flap cutting block is mountable to the cutting head by a separate side arm, facilitating mounting to cutting heads having different diameters.
US08196497B2	System and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of a continuous web of elastic material In a system and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of an elastic web, a wound off tension of the web is determined during unwinding from a wound roll. The unwound web is delivered to a processing station while being maintained in tension. A discrete segment of the web is transported away from the processing station for at least a time t wherein the discrete segment decreases in length to a recovered length. The recovered length is predicted based at least in part on the wound off tension and in response to the predicted recovered length, at least one of the following is controlled: 1) the speed at which the web is delivered to the processing station, 2) the tension in the continuous web as it is delivered to the processing station, and 3) the length of the discrete segment at the processing station.
US08196493B2	Methods for manufacturing combination wrenches without generating carbon scale A method for manufacturing a combination wrench includes pressing a wrench material piece in a sealed mold at a temperature without generating carbon scale to form a semifinished product including first and second driving ends and a handle interconnected between the first and second driving ends. The first and second driving ends of the wrench semifinished product are processed to form a combination wrench having a box end and an open end. The wrench material piece can be obtained by shearing a material plate.
US08196489B2	Lubricating device with lubricating pinion Described is a lubricating device with at least one lubricating pinion for applying a lubricant, in particular grease, which is for example fed through a lubricant line by a lubricant pump from a reservoir, to at least one gearwheel or the like, wherein the lubricating pinion has an outer toothing into which at least one lubricant outlet opens out. The teeth of the outer toothing of the lubricating pinion have a shortened tooth flank profile in relation to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the peripheral direction are reduced in a tooth flank section which is situated radially outside the reference circle.
US08196487B2	Progressive gearing A progressive gear assembly that is a vehicle steering gear, the assembly comprising at least one spur gear (1, 2) and a toothed structure (3, 4, 5, 7, 8) with which the spur gear (1, 2) meshes. The spur gear (1, 2) has teeth (11) arranged along a curve (10), the curve (10) comprising a radius of curvature (r) which monotonically rises over an angular range of more than 90° of the curve (10). Preferably the curve is a spiral, particularly a logarithmic spiral. This gear assembly is configured compact and simple, features smooth running and achieves a late end point.
US08196478B2	Fatigue test system and method of testing of tubular implant structures A fatigue test system for repetitively deforming a substantially tubular implant structure which is within a radial range and within an axial range expandable and contractable and which has at least a first and a second end, wherein the system comprises at least a first and second part which are controllably moveable relative to each other, and a first and a second fixture assembly for fixing the first end to the first part and the second end to the second part, so that the system controls in use the position of each of the first and second end of the tubular implant structure.
US08196473B2	Method for synchronization of ultrasonic transducers in a movement system In a device and method for non-destructive materials testing with at least one ultrasonic transducer, the transducer is able to be moved by a movement system in at least one direction to a workpiece surface. The emission of ultrasonic by the ultrasonic transducer is able to be synchronized with the activation of the movement system so that electrical interference caused by the movement system occurs at times at which no echo is expected for ultrasonic emitted by the transducer. The method and device can be applied to non-destructive materials testing with ultrasound.
US08196468B2	Vibration sensor A vibration sensor includes a base, a conducting ring, a number of cantilevers, a number of resistors, a number of helical springs, and a number of pairs of first and second pins. One end of each cantilever is connected to the base; the other end of each cantilever defines a guiding cutout. The resistors are correspondingly inserted in the guiding cutout. The helical springs are correspondingly deposited between the conducting ring and the holding block. The conducting ring slides in the guiding cutout due to a vibration and contacts with the resistor. The first and second pins formed in the base for correspondingly connecting to a pair of resistors in each cantilever. The vibration sensor senses the direction of the vibration by detecting a resistance that changes with a position of the conducting ring.
US08196465B2	Apparatus for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container An apparatus for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container by means of a travel-time measuring method. The apparatus includes: A coupling unit for coupling measurement signals onto/from at least one conductive, first element extending into the container; a first securement element provided in the region of the coupling unit for securing the apparatus at the container; and a control/evaluation unit for ascertaining a fill-level measurement signal. The apparatus has a high transfer quality, while, at the same time, being mechanically and chemically stable.
US08196461B2	Method and device for checking the referencing of measuring heads in a chassis measuring system A method for checking the referencing of at least two measuring heads of a contactless chassis measuring system includes: detecting at least one geometry detail of a vehicle using the measuring heads; determining an initial position of the geometry detail in the coordinate system associated with each measuring head; transforming the initial position into a shared coordinate system; executing a relative movement between the measuring heads and the vehicle; determining a final position of the at least one geometry detail in the coordinate system associated with each measuring head; transforming the final position of the geometry detail into the shared coordinate system; determining the movement vectors from the difference between the final position and the initial position of the at least one geometry detail; checking the movement vectors for coincidence.
US08196456B2	Autosampler for high-performance liquid chromatography An autosampler for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a high-pressure injection valve (1, 2) having improved life, particularly in high pressure operation. The geometry of the valve components and the connections of the high-pressure injection valve are provided such that the switching processes do not take place in a deleterious direction. The grooves in rotor (2) and/or the port opening cross sections (131, 151) in stator (1) and the rotational direction are selected such that fluid flows from grooves under high pressure in the direction of narrow, substantially pressure-free ports are avoided. This applies in particular to the switching process from INJECT to LOAD, since the sample loop contains a relatively large dead volume of compressed fluid. In addition, the valve can be controlled according to the invention in such a manner that an appropriate time is available for reducing harmful or undesired pressure differences.
US08196455B2	Sensor A sensor element carrier for use in a mass-sensitive chemical sensor instrument comprises a base component and a lid component, the base component being adapted to receive, in use, a sensor, the signal generated by which depends on the mass of material adsorbed at a sensing surface thereof, the base component or the lid component having formed therein, in a recessed area, at least one channel for the ingress of sample fluid, the recessed area forming, in use and in conjunction with the sensing surface of the sensor, a sample chamber, the sensor being held, in use, between the base component and the lid component and the approach of the base component and lid component being limited on assembly of the sensor element by means of substantially rigid portions of each which come into abutment, thereby limiting the minimum height of the sample chamber for a given set of sensor, base and lid components.
US08196445B2	Lead forming apparatus and method of fabricating semiconductor device A lead forming apparatus has a function of bending leads of a semiconductor device having leads into a gull wing shape. The lead forming apparatus includes: a lead bending die, as a lower die, allowing thereon placement of the semiconductor device and accepting the leads in the bending leads; a lead bending punch, as an upper die, descending towards the lead bending die so as to move the leads of the semiconductor device towards the lead bending die, to thereby bend the leads into a gull wing shape; and a first stopper specifying the bottom dead center of the lead bending punch, so as to ensure a distance not smaller than thickness of the leads between the bottom surface of the lead bending punch and the top surface of a portion, allowing thereon placement of the leads, of the lead bending die.
US08196439B2	Laundry machine including a support module with a drawer based detachable water supply A washing machine is disclosed. A laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet, a substance supply device to generate water based substance and to supply the water based substance to the drum, a water supply source to supply water to the substance supply device, a pump positioned between the substance supply device and the water supply source, a connection unit to connect the pump with the water supply source, and a supporting module to support the water supply source, the pump and the substance supply device. The connection unit is configured of a coupling member having both opposite ends connected with the water supply source and the pump, respectively, the connection unit formed at a predetermined portion of the supporting module.
US08196437B2	Increasing the cladding-to-core ratio (D/d) of low D/d core rods in optical fiber preforms Core rod sections useable for production of finished optical fiber preforms are fabricated by inserting one or more core body pieces axially end-to-end inside a glass cylinder, thereby defining joints between adjacent ones of the inserted pieces. The cylinder is mounted with the contained core body pieces in the region of a furnace. The glass cylinder and core body pieces are heated together in the furnace, thereby elongating the cylinder and the core body pieces contained in the cylinder, and the cylinder collapses to form a finished core rod. Core rod sections are cut from the finished core rod at positions that coincide with the joints between the core body pieces. One or more of the cut core rod sections are useable for the production of optical fiber preforms.
US08196436B2	Base material for optical fiber and method for production thereof Provided are a manufacturing method of an optical fiber base material and an optical fiber base material manufactured in the manufacturing method, the manufacturing method including: a process of combining at least two core base materials 70 by fusion-bonding to produce a single core base material; a process of fusion-bonding a pair of dummy glass rods 61 and 62 at both ends of the core base material 70 to produce a starting glass rod; a process of depositing, at an outer surface of the starting glass rod, glass particles generated by flame hydrolysis, to produce a porous base material 80; and a process of sintering and vitrifying, into transparent glass, the porous base material 80, to produce an optical fiber base material 310 that includes a core portion and a clad portion.
US08196433B2	Apparatus and method for making glass preform with nanofiber reinforcement There is provided an apparatus and method for making a glass preform with nanofiber reinforcement. The apparatus comprises a container for melting one or more glass components in a mixture comprising the glass components and one or more nanofibers. The container has an opening that allows escape of any gas released from the glass components when the glass components are melted in the container. The apparatus further comprises one or more heating elements for heating the container. The apparatus further comprises one or more electric field devices, positioned exterior to the glass components, that create an electric field in a volume of the mixture in order to orient the nanofibers within the glass components when the glass components are melted in the container.
US08196432B2	Furnace with series-arranged baths for producing glass compounds having a low degree of unmelted material The invention relates to a furnace for the continuous melting of a composition comprising silica, the said furnace comprising at least two tanks in series, said tanks each comprising at least one burner submerged in the melt. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing compositions comprising silica using the furnace, the silica and the fluxing agent for the silica being introduced into the first tank. The invention makes it possible to produce glass color frits, tile frits and enamel with a high productivity, low temperatures and short transition times.
US08196424B2	Apparatus for supercooling and method of making slush through supercooling The present invention discloses an apparatus for supercooling and a method of maMng slush thrαgh supercooling which generate a supercooled liquid by supplying cool air and energy, control the state of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooled liquid, generate slush by applying an external force to the supercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply the slush.
US08196421B2	System and method for controlled expansion valve adjustment A method for controlling temperature pulldown of an enclosure with a refrigeration system having a compressor, a heat rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an evaporator comprises circulating a refrigerant through the refrigeration system, sensing a parameter of the enclosure, determining a desired evaporator pressure based upon the parameter sensed, and adjusting the expansion valve as a function of the desired evaporator pressure.
US08196419B2	Refrigerator The present invention discloses a refrigerator which can precisely adjust and display not only an ice making and storing amount but also an ice dispensing amount. As an ice level sensing unit provided at an ice storage unit for storing ice senses the ice storage amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice storage amount. Moreover, as an ice sensing unit provided at an ice guide unit for dispensing ice senses the ice dispensing amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice dispensing amount.
US08196412B2	Gas turbine transition duct profile A transition duct having a panel assembly with an inlet end of generally circular cross section and an outlet end having a generally rectangular arc-like cross section is disclosed. The panel assembly has an uncoated internal profile substantially in accordance with coordinate values X, Y, and Z as set forth in Table 1. The coordinates are taken at a sweep angle Θ wherein Θ is an angle measured from the inlet end and X, Y, and Z are coordinates define the panel assembly profile at each angle Θ. An alternate embodiment of the invention defines an envelope for the uncoated internal profile of the panel assembly.
US08196409B2	Gas turbine engine fuel supply arrangement using plural distinct fuels A fuel supply arrangement for a gas turbine burner is provided. The fuel distribution arrangement includes a rear section external to the burner located between a turbine wall and a fuel distribution system interface directing fuel into fuel supply circuits. The fuel distribution system interface has four fuel connections. An intermediate section is located between the turbine wall and the backside wall of a distribution chamber; and a front section in front of the second section located between said backside wall of the distribution chamber and a burner central backside block. The fuel distribution arrangement includes pipes for gaseous fuel, liquid fuel, as well as pilot gas, and liquid pilot fuel. In the rear section the pipes for gaseous fuel and for liquid fuel are arranged concentrically, and in at least one portion of the intermediate section the pipe for gaseous fuel is arranged non-concentrically with the liquid fuel pipe.
US08196406B2	Conversion of heat into mechanical energy by means of a jet compressor A method for converting heat energy into mechanical, electrical and/or thermal energy, includes two circuits which are connected one common subsection. The first circuit has an expansion apparatus, and the common subsection is connected to the first and second circuit via a jet compressor. A working medium is routed in the first circuit and a propellant is routed in the second circuit and a mixture of working medium and propellant is routed in the common subsection. The mixture is separated into a working medium stream and a propellant stream in a separation apparatus. The working medium is recirculated into the first circuit and is supplied to an evaporator unit. The evaporated working medium is supplied to the expansion apparatus and subsequently to the jet compressor. The separated propellant is recirculated into the second circuit and is supplied to a collector and is then supplied to the jet compressor.
US08196405B2	Energy storage system and method for storing and supplying energy An energy storage system is provided which includes an electrolyser a hydrogen gas storage and a power plant. The electrolyser is connected to the hydrogen gas storage and the hydrogen gas storage is connected to the power plant. Furthermore, a method for storing and supplying energy is provided which includes delivering electrical energy to an electrolyser; decomposing water into oxygen and hydrogen gas by means of the electrolyser; storing the hydrogen gas; supplying the stored hydrogen gas to a power plant; and producing electrical energy via of the power plant.
US08196404B2	Exhaust gas recirculation system for internal combustion engine and method for controlling the same An exhaust gas recirculation system includes a high-pressure EGR unit; a low-pressure EGR unit; a high-pressure EGR valve; a low-pressure EGR valve; and an EGR control unit that adjusts the opening amount of the high-pressure EGR valve to a required value for achieving the target EGR rate based on the characteristics of the exhaust gas in the low-pressure EGR passage before the operation mode is changed, and that maintains the required value during a period from when the operation mode is changed until when the low-pressure EGR gas is changed to the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine in the post-change operation mode.
US08196403B2	Turbocharger having balance valve, wastegate, and common actuator A turbocharger for a use with a combustion engine is provided. The turbocharger may have a turbine housing with a first volute, a second volute, and a common outlet. The turbocharger may also have a turbine wheel disposed between the common outlet and the first and second volutes. The turbocharger may further have a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the first volute with the second volute upstream of the turbine wheel, a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the second volute with the common outlet to bypass the turbine wheel, and a common actuator configured to move the first and second valves.
US08196401B2	Hydraulic system for controlling a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission A hydraulic system for controlling a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. A pump draws a working medium from a working medium tank or through a cooler return valve from a cooler return line. The cooler return valve is a minimum pressure valve that holds closed a connection between the cooler return line and a pump inlet line through the cooler return valve, as long as the pressure in the cooler return line remains below a specified minimum pressure. The cooler return valve also opens the connection between the cooler return line and the pump inlet line through the cooler return valve as soon as the specified minimum pressure in the cooler return line is exceeded.
US08196399B1	Hydraulic pump and motor module for use in a vehicle A module for use in connection with a dual pump apparatus, where each pump is hydraulically connected to a separate hydraulic motor. The module may include motors and/or an engine for ease of installation in a vehicle, providing flexibility for different applications. Various brackets, stabilizers and other elements are provided to assist in securing the module to the vehicle.
US08196395B2	Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US08196394B2	Exhaust purification apparatus for engine An exhaust purification apparatus for an engine comprises an upstream casing that has a cylindrical shape and accommodates a particulate filter; an exhaust gas outlet that is formed in a side wall of the upstream casing and discharges the exhaust gas that has passed through the particulate filter; a urea-water injector that is fixed to the upstream casing located in a position opposite to the exhaust gas outlet and injects urea-water toward the exhaust gas outlet; and a downstream casing that accommodates an ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst into which the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas outlet flows.
US08196388B2	Heating device for exhaust gas in internal combustion engine The present invention relates to a heating device for exhaust gas in an internal-combustion engine, which is driven by using LPG, LNG, a volatile oil, a light oil, biodiesel or oxygenated hydrocarbon being DME, the device consisting of a catalyst reactor reformer, an exhaust gas suction section and the second fuel supply device. The exhaust gas suction section is mounted for using oxygen included in the exhaust gas. When the heating device is driven, air and fuels are supplied to the catalyst reactor and the second fuel supply device via a single tube when the heating device is heated. The present invention provides with a heating device for exhaust gas capable of securing the durability of a heating device for exhaust gas and minimizing the amount of air supplied from the outside to the combustion reforming device by excluding carbon depositions in a tube due to a prolysis of LPG, LNG, a volatile oil, a light oil, biodiesel or oxygenated hydrocarbon being DME, and a method for driving the device.
US08196385B2	Turbomachine control system A turbomachine control system comprising an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with an auxiliary hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic actuator, and at least one servo-valve, the auxiliary pump powering the actuator via the servo-valve. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is connected in parallel with the main fuel or lubricating oil circuit of the turbomachine. Said auxiliary pump is driven by an electric motor.
US08196384B2	Chain link having a multi-axis link joint A chain link for an energy drag chain that guides conduits, tubes or the like between a stationary point of connection and a mobile point of connection. The chain link includes a cross piece and two spaced-apart link plates. The cross piece is connected to at least one link plate in an articulated manner and the connection between the cross piece and link plate can be a multi-axis connection.
US08196383B2	Device for stripping the leaves from heading plants grown in rows The invention relates to a device for stripping leaves from heading plants grown in rows. The device, which is movable in a direction of movement, comprises at least two rotary shafts, on which leaf strippers extending substantially transversely to the shafts are provided. The shafts extend substantially in the direction of movement of the device, such that leaves that grow under a head are removable from a stalk of a plant, in particular broccoli and cauliflower, between the shafts by the leaf strippers. The shafts, which lie in a virtual plane, include an angle between each other, such that front ends of the shafts are spaced further apart than rear ends of the shafts. The leaf strippers are finger-like projections, and the finger-like projections located near the front ends of the shafts are longer than the finger-like projections located near the rear ends of the shafts.
US08196382B2	Polymer deck for pull type rotary mowing devices A mower deck for a rotary vegetation cutting mower device pulled by a motor vehicle includes a housing defining a main portion disposed generally horizontally when the mower deck is in a position for cutting the vegetation and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the main portion generally perpendicular thereto and forming in combination with the main portion a compartment of the housing wherein the blade rotates. At least one of at least one reinforcing rib and raised portion is disposed on the top surface of the main portion. A plate is releaseably secured to the top surface of the housing and carries a gearbox thereon. The housing and the plate are manufactured from a polypropylene material having a thickness of about one inch.
US08196381B2	Crop lifter pans A seed pan apparatus for attachment to a cutting header having a knife and cooperating knife guards mounted along a lower front edge thereof includes a seed pan adapted at a front portion thereof for attachment to a guard finger such that when attached, the seed pan extends upward and rearward from a front portion of the seed pan forward of the guard finger over the guard finger and knife to a rear end thereof located rearward of the knife. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the seed pan, and side edges of the seed pan diverge from a front end to the rear end. The seed pan is configured such that when the seed pan is attached to the guard finger, side edges of the seed pan are located between the attached guard finger and an adjacent guard finger on each side.
US08196377B1	Safety release for riding harness A safety release for emergency separation from an animal of an affixed harness includes a structural body having formed integral therewith a mechanism for securing the body to a first portion of a riding harness, such as, for example, a bull rope, and a selectively releasable shackle assembly. The shackle assembly is structurally adapted for affixation to a second portion of the riding harness. The mechanism for securing the body to the riding harness comprises a preferably arcuate channel formed in a first, channel end of the body, the channel end of the body being generally opposite a shackle end. The shackle end is adapted to selective receive and secure the shackle assembly to the body.
US08196375B2	Handheld tube capper/decapper A tube capper and decapper and method of using the same. The tube capper includes a handheld housing that supports a one-dimensional array of spindles. Each spindle is shaped to receive a cap. A drive mechanism rotates each spindle of the one-dimensional array in unison for capping or decapping a corresponding one-dimensional array of tubes.
US08196366B2	Floor panel and method for the manufacture thereof Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer (3) forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels (1), a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel (1) includes at least one sound-absorbing layer (4) which is integrated into the floor panel (1) and is located between other layers of this floor panel (1).
US08196365B2	Modular wall system and connection A construction of an upright panel unit adapted for use in a wall with the panel units abutting end to end in which a pair of spaced facing sheet members on either side of the panel unit have vertical edge portions joined at each end of the panel unit by being sandwiched between an inner bracket member and an outer bracket member, with the outer bracket member having male and female arms engageable and disengageable with an outer bracket member of the end of an adjacent panel unit merely by respective movement of the panel units longitudinally relative to each other.
US08196362B1	Apparatus for opening and closing a storage bin hatch Storage bin hatches typically have an opening surrounded by a rim and a cover having a flange that fits around the hatch opening rim. The apparatus, for opening and closing a storage bin hatch includes an elongated lift member fixed to a hatch cover and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is pivotably mounted to the storage bin roof adjacent to the storage bin hatch. The pivot assembly is moved by a first cable from the ground so that when the cable is pulled, the pivot assembly pivots and contacts the lift member and lifts the hatch cover to a raised position. By means of a second cable, an operator can pull the hatch cover to open the hatch. With a third cable, the operator can pull the hatch cover in the opposite direction to close the hatch.
US08196361B1	Stairway A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.
US08196359B1	Wind turbine system A wind turbine system for safe and reliable installation in a building. The Wind Turbine System generally includes of a tower pole having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower pole includes a wind turbine which extends through the roof through a hole. The lower end of the tower pole includes a tower base which is installed underground in the base of a building. The tower base may be anchored in the ground with a concrete footing. The tower pole is connected to a building support member by a clamp member. An anti-vibration ring surrounds the tower pole at its interface with the building support member to dampen vibrations. A tower-roof seal surrounds the interface between tower pole and roof at the hole. In this manner, wind power can be provided to a building without the use of guyed wires and without damaging the structure of the building.
US08196356B2	Vehicle window mounting assembly The invention concerns a window assembly in a vehicle having a window pane that is fixed in a window frame that is also used for movable windows, and a method for mounting the fixed window pane in the window assembly. The method may include: mounting a window mounting assembly to a vehicle structure adjacent to the window opening; sliding the window pane into run channels of the vehicle window frame; mounting a lower edge of the window pane onto a peripheral support surface of a window support cam of the window mounting assembly; rotating a cam lobe of the window support cam into contact with the lower edge of the window pane until the window pane slides upward into a fully closed position; and locking the window support cam, against rotation allowing the window pane to lower, as the window pane is lifted into the fully closed position.
US08196346B2	Delayed-activation, hydration maintenance, apparatus and method A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
US08196345B1	Delivery system for utilizing condensed water in air conditioning systems A delivery system for delivering condensed water obtained from a condensate disposal tube of an air conditioning system to a garden or lawn, the system features a main tube for fluidly connecting to the condensate disposal tube of the air conditioning system, the second end of the main tube is closed; a plurality of secondary tubes fluidly branching from the main tube; and a spike component fluidly attached on the second end of each secondary tube, the spike component has a pointed end for allowing a user to easily drive the spike component into the garden or lawn, the spike component comprises a valve system that can move between an open position and a closed, position to respectively allow and prevent the condensed water from exiting the spike component and flowing into the garden or lawn.
US08196343B1	Candlestick with annular live floral holder An annular live floral holder in combination with an elongated candlestick is provided. The candlestick in includes a base, an elongated support, a tubular candle holder and a flat-circular or dish-shaped member in coaxial alignment with the candle holder. The annular live floral holder is removably seated on the flat-circular of dish-shaped member. The floral holder has a central opening that permits a candle to pass through it. A circular water-retaining trough is formed on the floral holder. At least on water retaining foam member is arranged within the water retaining trough. Live cut floral members having stalks embedded in and supported by the at least one foam member. A foam member retaining apparatus is included for securing the at least one foam member within the water-retaining trough. Preferably, the floral holder also includes a wax dripping containment portion formed on the outside of the inner wall of the trough.
US08196342B2	Techniques for maintaining palatability of a bait material in a pest control device A termite control bait container includes an upper end portion opposite a lower end portion. The bait container includes a chamber containing a termite bait. The lower end portion includes an air-trapping pocket below at least a portion of the bait to reduce intrusion of water through the lower end portion when installed in a selected orientation at least partially below ground.
US08196341B2	Electrified bird repellent track An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.
US08196337B2	Fishing tackle with a motion inducing member An apparatus for attracting fish including a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends past the body. The fin member includes an attachment portion and a fin that has a non-planar configuration. The attachment portion is secured to a flat surface of the body. In one embodiment the fin extends forward and forms an obtuse angle relative to the attachment portion. In another embodiment the fin has two members disposed laterally on opposite sides of the body. The fins are blades that cause the body to spin or rotate when moved relative to the water. In yet another embodiment the fin extends forward and aft relative to the body, and the fin has openings for connecting lines and hooks, thereby replacing the eyelet of other embodiments.
US08196329B1	Weapon accessory mounting system A weapon accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory, such as a light or laser sight, directly to the front sight base of a host weapon without requiring modification of the weapon. The system includes a bracket with a clamp member and a plank member. The clamp member has a generally C-shaped cross-section defined by a base portion disposed between two clamp arms. The C-shaped cross-section defines a channel extending along a sight base axis. The plank member has a rail portion for slidably mounting a weapon accessory, and at least one accessory engagement slot for latchable engagement by the accessory. The aim axis is generally perpendicular to the sight base axis. The system typically includes two detent elements disposed in the base portion for actuatable protrusion of a portion of the detent elements into the channel for providing a clamping force and adjustment of the rail pitch angle.
US08196328B2	Compact foldable firearm with survival tools A compact and foldable survival tool includes a firearm including a trigger and safety lever with many unique features including a compact and folding survival tool with an easy-to-manufacture top strap, a rack and pinion hammer actuator, dual lasers for distress signaling and target and ranging sighting, reconfigurable multiple tools, contained child-safety lock system, folding trigger with safety lever, cam hammer lock, floating firing pin, and cylinder pin assembly positive cylinder lock, for example.
US08196326B2	Multi-frame groove-mount wall system A multi-frame groove-mount wall system comprises a multiplicity of closed frame sections and a panel element. Each closed frame section has a frame opening and a plurality of interconnected frame members, each with a groove segment. The closed frame sections can be releasably coupled to form a multi-frame structure having an outer perimeter. The panel element has a flexible substrate portion, a periphery and a multiplicity of edge gasket segments disposed about the periphery. The panel element can be removably and tensionally affixed to the multi-frame structure such that the substrate portion is simultaneously disposed across the frame opening of each closed frame section by interengagement between a plurality of the edge gasket segments and a plurality of the groove segments that are proximate the outer perimeter, and none of the edge gasket segments are shared between a groove segment of one closed frame sections and a groove segment of another closed frame section.
US08196325B2	Front loading frame display arrangement A thin, graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail and an elongated cover rail which come together around a board to form four sides of a frame. A spring mechanism is fully captured after the base rail and cover rail are assembled together, and the angle and position of the spring channel allows the hinge location to be at the top/outer edge of the frame. The elongated base rail and elongated cover rail can be oriented in a parallel relationship when closed for capturing a display panel or a perpendicular relationship when open for inserting or removing a display panel.
US08196324B2	Layered image assembly A layered assembly includes a first adhesive layer and a protective top layer affixed permanently on all sides to the first adhesive layer. The assembly also includes a first image layer onserted between the first adhesive layer and the protective top layer, wherein the protective top layer is provided over the first image layer and at least a portion of the protective top layer can be removed to reveal the first image layer.
US08196323B2	Wristband with folding liner A wristband assembly comprising a wristband strap, an adhesive positioned on the strap, and a liner assembly. The liner assembly includes a liner having a releasable portion in releasable contact with the adhesive, and an affixed portion secured to the wristband strap (e.g., by a bonding agent spaced from the adhesive). The releasable portion is spaced from the affixed portion. Preferably, the liner assembly further includes a release layer (e.g., comprising silicone) on the releasable portion and not on the affixed portion. In one embodiment, the release layer includes an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion, and bonding agent is spaced from the edge. In another embodiment, the liner includes a perforated portion between the affixed portion and the releasable portion (e.g., substantially at an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion).
US08196319B2	Shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a clamping device A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which includes a front body for accommodating phalanxes of a foot, a rear body for accommodating a heel of the foot, an internal lateral body and an external lateral body linking the front body and the rear body, and a sole. The shoe has a clamping device for exerting a pressure essentially laterally on the rear body and a clamping member and pinching members for cooperating with the clamping device and wherein the pinching members are positioned laterally on either side of a median strip of the rear body and whereby the pinching members place force against the median strip by tightening of the clamping device.
US08196314B2	Apparatus for drying a fibrous web Disclosed is an apparatus for drying a fibrous web, in particular a paper web, paperboard web or tissue web, by way of hot air, on which the fibrous web is charged with the supply air for the drying from a supply air chamber and on which exhaust air from the drying operation passes into an exhaust air chamber, whereby the exhaust air from the exhaust air chamber is supplied at least partly to the suction side of a pressure booster and at least a part of the supply air from the pressure side of the pressure booster is supplied to the supply air chamber.

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